Doctor among 2 held in Bihar for NEET-UG 25 exam fraud
PATNA: The Samastipur Police in Bihar arrested two individuals, including an MBBS doctor, for impersonation and fraud during the NEET-UG examination conducted on Sunday. Three mobile phones, a car and Rs 50,000 in cash were recovered from their possession. Investigating officers are ascertaining whether the arrested have links with NEET-UG 2024 examination paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya, currently lodged in the Beur central jail near Patna. Mukhiya, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 3 lakh, was arrested from Patna last month. Sanjay Kumar Pandey, ASP, Samastipur, said that a police team detained two individuals who were sitting in a car parked outside an examination centre in Mohanpur. Police officials noticed that their mobile phones contained the admit cards of various candidates. During interrogation, the duo admitted to having replaced weak candidates with scholars (impersonators) in various examination centres in Samastipur and other places to enable them to score well and get admission to medical colleges. They would charge anything between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. One of them introduced himself as Dr Ranjeet Kumar, a government doctor posted at Begusarai divisional jail, while his associate Rambabu Malik is a native of Darbhanga. ASP Pandey said, Their links with NEET-UG 2025 paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya are being ascertained. The Bihar polices economic offences unit alerted all DMs and SPs to keep vigil at examination centres. Deputy Inspector General, EOU, Manavjeet Singh Dhillon said that S K Faiz was arrested from Araria on Sunday after it was established that he was collecting money from candidates to provide them with question papers for the NEET-UG 2025 examination. Faiz, a resident of Islam Nagar in Araria district, had created a Telegram channel to connect with candidates and ask for money in lieu of question papers. One Arvind Kumar, a native of Aurangabad district, was arrested in Odisha for his links to the NEET exam racket. How it unfolded May 4 10.30 PM: A car was spotted moving from one exam centre to another 10.35 PM : District police control room alerts police stations in the urban areas 10.55 PM : Two people travelling in the car spotted near Mohanpur bridge 10.57 PM: A police team rushes to the spot where car is parked 11 PM: Individuals in the car brought to police station for questioning 11.20 PM: Members of SIT quiz the detainees in police lock-up 2 PM to 5 PM: Exam conducted May 5 11 AM :Both accused produced before court, sent in 14-day judicial custody
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and gram sabhas across the country today, from Bihars Madhubani district, marking National Panchayati Raj Day. The PMs address, to be held in Lohna Uttar Gram Panchayat under Jhanjharpur block, is expected to begin at 11.45 am. According to a press communique issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate a slew of development projects worth Rs 13,480 crore during his visit. In addition, PM Modi will flag off the Amrit Bharat Express and the Namo Bharat Rapid Rail on the occasion. He will also confer the Special Category National Panchayat Awards 2025. However, as a mark of respect following the recent terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, there will be no ceremonial felicitation of the Prime Minister or other dignitaries during the event. A native of Bihars Rohtas district, Manish Ranjanan Intelligence Bureau official posted in Hyderabadwas among those killed in the attack. This is PM Modis first visit to any state since the Pahalgam terror strike, and his second since February this year. His visit to Madhubani, located in the culturally significant Mithilanchal region, comes months ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, scheduled for October-November. Political observers view the visit as an attempt to consolidate voter support for the NDA, which secured 60 per cent of seats in north Bihar during the 2020 assembly elections. The Election Commission has already begun preparations, with a two-day training and capacity-building programme for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from Bihar commencing on Wednesday. Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in Madhubani and neighbouring districts. Personnel from the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been deployed in the region to monitor the activities of sleeper cell operatives. A senior police officer said, Security agencies are ready to deal with any exigency. Search operation has been launched in Madhubani and Darbhanga districts as part of the policing. The two neighbouring districts have a history of providing shelter to operatives of sleeper cells of various terror groups.
First creche in Darbhanga blends care with comfort
Mock drill at Darbhanga railway station
Bihar Teen, Presumed Dead And Cremated Over Month Ago, Returns Home Alive
A 17-year-old boy, who was presumed dead and cremated more than a month ago, has returned alive in Bihar's Darbhanga district, officials said on Friday.
At least 25 killed in lightning strikes, hailstorms in several districts of Bihar
The IMD has issued an orange alert for a number of districts, including Darbhanga, East Champaran, Nalanda and Patna; forecast heavy rainfall April 10 and April 11
Poster war between RJD, JD(U) erupts in Bihar ahead of assembly elections
PATNA: Poster war between the main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Lalu Prasad and ruling Janata Dal (United) led by chief minister Nitish Kumar has begun ahead of the Bihar assembly elections due later this year. On Wednesday, posters erupted at different locations in the state capital, including Beerchand Patel Marg, where the offices of many political parties are located, drawing a parallel between two stalwarts, Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar. The posters claimed that the Lalu era was marked by communal clashes. At least 12 major incidents of communal violence occurred in Bihar between 1090 and 2005 in which a number of people lost their lives, and their property was damaged. Communal clashes took place at frequent intervals and fear was writ large on the face of people during Lalu era. On the other hand, there is communal peace and the rule of law prevails in the state during Nitish Kumars regime, the posters read. The posters contained the list of major communal incidents reported during the Lalu era. These include Sasaram riots in Rohtas district on March 30, 1990, communal flare-up in Sitamarhi on October 7,1992, which left 44 dead and communal riots in Bhagalpur, Araria, Samastipur and Darbhanga May 29-30, 1996. Similar incidents took place in Patna on January 1, 1997, Nalanda and Munger on October 1, 1998, Sasaram (Rohtas) and Biharsharif (Nalanda) on January 1, 2000, Nalanda on March 9, 2001, Darbhanga on January 2, 2003, Munger on January 16, 2003 and Ara (Bhojpur) on October 5, 2003, respectively. On the other hand, posters claimed that there was peace and harmony among members of different communities during Nitishs regime. Those involved in riots were brought to book and also prosecuted by the court for their offences. There is sushashan (good governance in Bihar), the posters read. Reacting to the latest posters put up on the Beerchand Patel Marg, JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar said that he had no knowledge about the individual or groups that put up the posters in the state capital. But there is truth in these posters. Communal riots had become an order of the day during Lalus era, he added.
Clash between two communities in Bihar's Darbhanga, 6 arrested
According to police, the incident took place when people belonging to another community started pelting stones from rooftops at people returning from the Kalash Shobha Yatra.
Stones thrown at devotees of Kalash Shobha Yatra in Bihar's Darghanga; four arrested
PATNA: Tension gripped Bihars Darbhanga after a clash erupted during Shobha Kalash Yatra on the first day of Chaiti Ramnavami on March 30. Four people have been arrested. The trouble erupted after devotees were pelted with stones from the rooftops of nearby buildings when they were returning home after taking part in the Kalash Shobha Yatra. Several women received injuries in the stone pelting. The stone pelting on the devotees escalated tension at the village. Alok Kumar alias Vikas Kumar, former mukhiya of Kewatgama village, said that police personnel from adjoining police stations have been deployed at the village to prevent any untoward incident. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Darbhanga, J Jagunath Reddy said that the situation was well under control. Additional police forces have been deployed at the village as a precautionary measure, he added. The SSP said that the station house officer (SHO) of Kusheshwarsthan police station has been asked to keep a surveillance on the movement of outsiders at the village. The SHO Rakesh Kumar said, People have been asked to maintain restraint. We are alert and keeping a close surveillance on the situation. Rumour mongers will be dealt with sternly, he said. Locals said that a clash had broken out at the village during the Holi festival. However, the situation was brought under control due to timely intervention of the police. Last week, DGP Vijay Kumar held a high-level meeting at the police headquarters and issued instructions to maintain law and order situation during EID and Ramnavami.
Clash Erupts in Darbhanga During Chaiti Navratra Procession
Six arrested after violence breaks out over alleged stone-pelting incident; police maintain strict vigil
ED raid on Bihar chief engineers residence yields crores in cash
PATNA: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at the residential premises of Bihar Building Construction Departments chief engineer, Tarini Das, in connection with a money laundering case linked to a tender scam. The raids were carried out at multiple locations linked to Das, including his residence in Purnendu Nagar near Phulwarisharif. The operation, which began early in the morning, was still ongoing at the time of filing this report. Sources revealed that crores of rupees were recovered from Dass house, prompting officials to requisition four cash counting machines to the chief ministers residence to tally the seized money. Das, who retired from service in October last year, was reinstated to his previous post under unclear circumstances. He has been accused of facilitating tenders for contractors in exchange for substantial sums of money. The fresh searches are connected to the EDs ongoing investigation into a money laundering case involving IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, who was arrested last year and remains lodged in Beur Central Jail in Patna. Hans was charged under relevant sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Former RJD MLA Gulab Yadav was also arrested in connection with the same case from a resort in New Delhi. The Patna Police had seized a substantial amount of wealth belonging to Yadav, which was later handed over to the Special Vigilance Unit. The EDs action has sparked a political row, with Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav launching a scathing attack on the NDA government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The officials are plundering public money as the CM is mentally not stable, he told the media. There is no control over the officials in the Nitish Kumar government. Money is taken for transfers and postings. Everybody is aware of how government offices are functioning in Bihar these days. But these illegal practices will stop when RJD comes to power, he asserted. Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Darbhanga and State Revenue and Land Reforms Minister Sanjay Saraogi defended the governments stance, asserting that the crackdown demonstrated a commitment to good governance. Those found to be involved in corruption will not be spared, whosoever they may be, he said. He, however, added, No one is being framed or spared. The government is maintaining zero tolerance on corruption.
NCC Share Price Hits Nearly Two-Month High After Rs 1,480-Crore Order Win
NCC will redevelop the Darbhanga Medical College & Hospital and other buildings at Laheriasarai, Darbhanga.
Rajiv Ranjan is a computer engineer who hails from a small village in Darbhanga district, Bihar. He has worked in American companies with salary packages in lakhs. However, he is now leading an FPC of 853 farmers, which is generating a turnover of crores. His story is both inspiring and astonishing.
Severe groundwater contamination detected in over 30,000 rural wards in Bihar: Report
PATNA: Bihar is grappling with severe groundwater contamination, with 30,207 rural wards exposed to unsafe drinking water that poses serious health risks, according to a new report. The report, which was recently tabled in the assembly as part of the Bihar Economic Survey (2024-25), highlighted the presence of arsenic in groundwater in 4,709 such wards, fluoride in 3,789 wards and iron in 21,709 wards. Around 26 per cent of the rural wards in 31 districts, out of a total of 38, have groundwater sources affected by arsenic, fluoride and iron contamination beyond permissible limits, the state's Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) said in the study. The affected wards are located in Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagara, Munger, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria and Kishanganj districts. We are aware of the fact. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the state government has decided to make rural Bihar 'hand pump-free' and provide safe drinking water to people in the rural areas under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED Minister Niraj Kumar Singh told PTI. The government is also implementing multi-village schemes (MVS) to improve water quality in the state, he said. Under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED is providing safe drinking water to 83.76 lakh families in rural areas, he said, adding, potable water is also being made available to families in the 30,207 rural wards where the contamination is high. The state government is already working on a plan to use river water for drinking purposes. In September 2024, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of a Rs 1,347-crore project for the supply of water from Sone river for drinking purposes in Aurangabad, Dehri and Sasaram cities after necessary treatment, the minister said. The scheme will use the water of Son river, ending the dependence of these cities on groundwater, he said. The project is likely to be completed in two years. In 2023, the CM dedicated the ambitious Ganga Water Supply Scheme (GWSS) or the 'Ganga Jal Apoorti Yojana' to the people of Gaya, Rajgir and Nawada. Under the scheme, people in these districts are provided an uninterrupted supply of clean and safe drinking water, Singh said. Dr Manoj Kumar, a leading gastroenterologist in Bihar, told PTI, The high level of chemical contamination in groundwater is certainly a matter of concern. The authorities must identify the source of contamination and take appropriate steps. Besides, camps should also be organised in the affected wards on a regular basis to make people aware of the adverse effects of consumption of contaminated groundwater. The authorities should come out with standardisation and classification of the quality of water used for drinking purposes. Kumar said drinking water quality standards should describe the quality parameters. Water may contain many harmful constituents, yet there are no recognised and accepted standards for drinking water in the country. The type of contaminant and its health effects vary depending on the water source, he said. The health impacts of water contamination can vary from a bout of stomach infection to terminal illnesses like cancer, Kumar said. The methods of purification depend on specific contaminants in a person's water source. Therefore, detailed water quality standards must be introduced by the authorities concerned, he added.
What's The Need To Play Politics: Shashi Tharoor On Bihar Mayor's Holi Statement
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday weighed in on Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara's statement on Holi and Ramzan, emphasizing the importance of communal harmony.
Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row
The mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, has sparked a controversy by suggesting a two-hour break in Holi celebrations to accommodate Friday prayers during Ramzan. Her proposal has drawn criticism from a BJP MLA, who accused her of calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'. Meanwhile, other politicians have condemned the mayor's suggestion and emphasized the need for communal harmony.
Bihar mayor seeks two-hour break during Holi to facilitate Namaaz; BJP calls her terrorist
A fresh controversy over Holi and Friday namaaz during Ramzan erupted in Bihar with the mayor of Darbhanga town advocating a wo-hour break in celebration of the festival of colours to facilitate the Muslim prayers. The proposal was mooted by Anjum Ara at a meeting of the peace committee in the north Bihar town recently. Later, while interacting with reporters, she said, My plea was that the time of 'jumma namaaz' cannot be deferred. So, let there be a two-hour break, from noon to 2 pm, during which Hindus shall avoid places in the vicinity of mosques. This would enable people from both faiths to carry out their respective practices without any hassles. We understand that Holi comes only once in a year. But we also need to keep in mind that for Muslims, it is the holy month of Ramzan, the mayor added. Her remarks drew an angry response from HariBhushan Thakur Bachaul, a BJP MLA from the adjoining district of Madhubani, who was recently in news for asking Muslims to stay indoors if they had a problem with Holi. Talking to reporters on the state assembly premises, he said, Where are the self-proclaimed secularists who were attacking me? The mayor of Darbhanga is a woman of Ghazwa-e-Hind and a terrorist mentality; the family she belongs to has a long history of this. They are trying to ignite a fire, and that fire will not be ignited, and the strictest action will be taken against such people; the Holi celebration will not stop. There will not be a break for even a minute... Holi will be celebrated in a grand manner, he added. Thakur also warned of a pratikaar (retaliation) against those who first partitioned the country and are now intruding into the social life of Hindus. He also sought investigation into shady (sandigdh) record of Ara and her family, who are said to be supporters of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U), a BJP ally. However, senior JD(U) leader and minister Shravan Kumar said, The administration is not supposed to tell the people when and how to celebrate a festival. These decisions are best left to the society and the administration must always concentrate on maintaining rule of law. He also disapproved of the remarks by Bachaul, saying, Elected representatives must never use a language that hurts a section of the society. RJD MLA Bhai Virendra, whose party is considered the first choice of Muslims in Bihar, felt the mayor of Darbhanga had come up with a response to the polarising tactics of the likes of Bachaul, who are hell-bent upon destroying 'Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb' (communal harmony). Meanwhile, the Mayor has apologised, expressing regret over her statement. I regret my earlier statement, and since morning, I have received various kinds of responses. Some people called me Bangladeshi, some called me a traitor. I would like to request the media to investigate thoroughly about me, and if any convincing evidence is found, I welcome any strict action that should be taken against me, Ara said. People are free to think what they want, but my only intention was to ensure that Darbhanga remains peaceful. In this context, I made my statement, but if anyone's feelings were hurt, I apologise for that, she added. (With inputs from PTI and ANI) Uttar Pradesh minister suggests Muslim men cover themselves with tarpaulin on Holi
A Mayor In Bihar Urges 2-Hour Pause In Holi For Friday Prayers, Sparks Row
Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara has sparked controversy by requesting a two-hour pause in Holi celebrations on Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., citing respect for Jumme ki Namaz (Friday prayers).
Row erupts in Bihar over mayor's call for 'break' during Holi to facilitate namaaz
A fresh controversy has erupted in Bihar over Holi celebrations coinciding with Friday namaaz during Ramzan. Darbhanga mayor suggested a two-hour break in Holi festivities to facilitate Muslim prayers, drawing angry reactions and calls for retaliation from BJP MLA Hari Bhushan Thakur Bachaul.
'Jumma Time Cannot Be Extended': Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara Issues Controversial Appeal Ahead Of Holi
SpiceJet Flight from Hyderabad to Darbhanga Cancelled Due to Technical Issues
Flight SG 766 Delayed and Cancelled After Sunset Restrictions at Darbhanga Airport
Tension grips Patna University campus after bomb explosion ahead of students' union election
PATNA: Patna University witnessed heightened tension on Wednesday after a crude bomb explosion near Darbhanga House, damaging a professors car just weeks before the student union elections scheduled for March 29. The incident occurred amid a violent clash between two student groups, leaving students in shock. Locals reported that over 30 individuals were involved in the altercation, allegedly over campus supremacy. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Diksha Bhawre confirmed that a crude bomb was hurled at the car of Professor Laxmi Narayan, head of the culture department. Though Narayan was unharmed, his vehicle sustained damage. The professor was inside a classroom when the explosion occurred. CCTV footage from nearby houses is being reviewed to identify those responsible, and action will be taken based on evidence, said ASP Bhawre. VIDEO | Bihar: A clash erupted between two groups at Darbhanga House in Patna University earlier today. Heres what ASP Diksha Bhaware said. ... We received the information today that a sutli bomb was fired and a car has been damaged in that. We are analysing the camera pic.twitter.com/r2Y9XU9ZDr Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 5, 2025 Sources said the vehicle belonged to professor Laxmi Narayan, head of the culture department. However, Prof. Narayan stated that the explosion was unrelated to him, as he was delivering a lecture when the incident occurred. My vehicle was parked outside the building where I was teaching. The incident may be linked to tensions surrounding the upcoming student elections, he said, adding that he has filed a complaint regarding the damage. A police team from Pirbahore police station visited the scene, collected evidence, and launched an investigation. Patrolling has been intensified as a precaution. We are closely monitoring student activities following the explosion, a police officer from Pirbahore station said.
Nitish Kumar expands Cabinet, inducts seven new faces from BJP
PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday expanded his cabinet with the induction of seven new faces, all from the alliance partner BJP. The development comes three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhagalpur where he transferred the 19th instalment of PM Kishan Samman Nidhi to bank accounts of farmers and inaugurated several development projects. All the seven MLAs were sworn in as ministers at a simple function held at Raj Bhawan. Governor Arif Mohammad Khan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Speaker of Bihar assembly Nand Kishore Yadav, deputy chief ministersSamrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha besides other ministers of the Nitish Kumar cabinet. Those who were inducted as ministers in the much-awaited expansion includeSanjay Sagaogi (Darbhanga Town), Jibesh Mishra (Jale), Dr. Sunil Kumar (Biharsharif), Raju Kumar Singh (Sahebganj), Krishna Kumar Mantu (Amnour), Motilal Prasad (Riga) and Vijay Mandal (Sikti). The expansion assumed significance in the wake of assembly elections due in October-November this year. Hours before the expansion of cabinet, revenue and land reforms department minister Dilip Jaiswal resigned from the post of minister on the directive of the central leadership of the party. His resignation was accepted, paving the way for the induction of the seventh minister in the cabinet. With the induction of seven new ministers, the strength of the new cabinet has gone upto 36 in the 243-member Bihar legislative assembly. Earlier, there were only 30 ministers, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Several ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Nitish Mishra and Mandal Pandey were holding additional charge of two or more than two departments. Sources said that the departments would be allocated to the newly inducted ministers shortly. With Wednesdays cabinet expansion, the number of ministers from BJP quota in the 243-member Bihar assembly has gone upto 21 while its ally Janata Dal (United) has 13 ministers. Of the 21 ministers from BJP quota are two deputy chief ministersSamrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha. One Independent MLA is also a minister. Regional and caste factors played a crucial role in the selection of names of MLAs elevated to ministers in poll-bound Bihar. The ruling BJP has tried to woo voters of Mithilanchal and Simanchal region by giving prominence to its MLAs in the new cabinet expansion. Among the newly inducted ministers, two MLAs come from Upper castesRajput and Bhumihar. In addition, two are from the Vaishya community and the remaining three from Koeri-Kurmi (EBC). Since assembly elections are only eight months away, peoples representatives from Upper castes, Vaishya and EBC categories have been given representation in the new cabinet expansion, a political analyst said. He said that Wednesdays cabinet expansion is crucial in strengthening the BJP's influence in the state politics while ensuring smooth coordination with its major ally--JD(U), ahead of elections. The expansion took place a day after BJP president J P Nadda called on CM Nitish at his 1 Anne Marg residence. Dilip Jaiswal, however, will continue to serve as state chief of the BJP. In BJP there is a principle of one person, one post. I quit the post of minister under the partys policy, Jaiswal said, adding that he has been given the responsibility of the state partys affairs.
Tejashwi Yadav claims PM Modi's Bihar visit aimed at election management, Paswan hits back
PATNA: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar was primarily intended to issue instructions for effective management of assembly elections in the state, which are due later this year. The former deputy CM claimed he had predicted, soon after the Delhi assembly elections, that the PM would turn his focus to Bihar. The PM is not coming here with any solutions to the state's problems of unemployment and poverty. Bihar continues to be the most backward state in the country despite being under NDA rule for 20 years, alleged Yadav, who is now the leader of the opposition. I had said soon after the Delhi assembly results that now the PM and his top aides will make a beeline for Bihar since this is the only state where polls are scheduled this year. Modi is coming to Bhagalpur to issue instructions to some people for suitable management of the elections, said Yadav, without elaborating further. The RJD leader took pride in the fact that his party won the most seats in the last couple of elections. In 2020, when the RJD-helmed Mahagathbandhan missed getting a majority by a dozen seats, Yadav had alleged that the results were managed in favour of the NDA by the state's pliant bureaucracy. A poster put up near the RJD office reminded Modi of his earlier unfulfilled promises. Borrowing lyrics from a popular Bollywood song, the poster carried the slogan, Poochhti hai janata, kya hua tera vaada, vo kasam vo irada. However, Union minister Chirag Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), took exception to Yadav's charge that the PM's visit was linked to assembly elections. The Hajipur MP pointed out he PM had visited Jamui and Darbhanga last year when there were no elections. He comes to Bihar because he is concerned about the state, as was evident from the Union Budget presented recently. And why does the RJD leader blame NDA for the plight of the state? Does he not remember that his party had ruled Bihar for three back-to-back terms, which was known for lawlessness and economic stagnation, asked Paswan.
Makhana will take over the world of superfoods in future, says Shivraj Chouhan
Union Minister interacts with makhana producers in Darbhanga, promises that the Centre is preparing the framework of the Makhana Board by listening to them
Patna HC Raps Bihar Police Over Lax Probe In US-Based Minors Sexual Abuse Case
The case originates from a writ petition filed by Angela Lee Hicks, the mother of the victim, against a resident of Darbhanga, accusing him of stalking and sexually abusing her daughter. The girl was born in Mussoorie, India, and she was 13 years old at the time of the commission of the offence
PATNA: Shockingly, a village panchayat in Bihar's Saharsa district had asked the family members of a 14-year rape survivor belonging to the Scheduled Caste to settle the matter by receiving Rs 1.11 lakh as compensation from the accused. The issue came to light after the news reached the superintendent of police, Saharsa, Himanshu Kumar on Wednesday after the accused's family refused to pay the 'compensation' fixed by the panchayat for the girl's marriage. Taking serious note of the incident, SP asked the Station House Officer (SHO) of Mahishi police station to lodge a formal complaint and initiate action against the accused. The victim's mother told the police that the incident took place on the night of January 5 when her minor daughter had gone to a nearby field to attend nature's call. Taking advantage of the situation, the 21-year-old accused held her captive, took her to a house and raped her. When searched for, she was found in the house where the tormentor allegedly committed the crime. She was taken back to her home late in the night and the next morning the matter was brought to the notice of the panchayat. The accused is also a native of the same village to which the rape victim belongs to. The panchayat members held a meeting and decided to pay Rs.1.11 lakh as compensation to the victim's family. The accused confessed to the crime and agreed to pay the compensation fixed by the panchayat. A month passed by, but nothing happened on this front. In her complaint to the police, the girl's mother said that she and her relatives were abused and misbehaved when they visited the accused Ratan Mukhiya's house for compensation. The accused's family refused to abide by the panchayat's directives and also threatened to sue in a false case. Finding no help from the panchayat, she decided to report the matter to the SP, who took serious note of the incident. Yes, the victim's mother turned up to my office and submitted a written complaint, which has been forwarded to the SHO concerned for necessary action, he told this reporter over the phone on Wednesday. When contacted, the SHO of Mahishi police station Amarnath said that the girl's statement had been recorded and she would be sent for medical examination. He revealed that five persons have been named as accused in the complaint. The offender Ratan Mukhiya, who is a neighbour of the victim, absconded after the incident. We will also investigate whether the panchayat had issued any directive to the accused to settle the matter, the SHO added. In another incident, a 50-year-old man was arrested in Darbhanga district for raping a six-year-old girl in Darbhanga district. SP, Rural, Alok said that the accused Mahakant Paswan has been sent to jail. The victim has been admitted to the Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) as her condition is stated to be serious.
Bihar MPs raise key demands in Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI: Two MPs from Bihar raised demands for the state in particular and other demands in general in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. JDU MP Sanjay K Jha urged the Centre to consider a proposal to rename the Darbhanga airport after a renowned poet of the Mithila region, namely Vidyapati. He raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, informing the House that the Bihar government had written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2020, requesting the renaming of Darbhanga airport. He further said it had been proposed that Darbhanga airport should be renamed as 'Kavi Kokil Vidyapati Airport'. On 22 December 2020, the Nitish Kumar government had written a letter to the then Civil Aviation Minister, requesting the airport be renamed after Vidyapati, as the Bihar Assembly and Legislative Council had already passed resolutions in this regard. In Bihars Mithilanchal region, Vidyapati was a 15th-century poet, a scholar from north Bihar, and a polymath who wrote in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha, and Maithili. He is popularly known as 'Maithil Kavi Kokil' (the poet cuckoo of Maithili). Similarly, Manoj Jha, a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihars main opposition party, RJD, urged the Centre on Friday to take urgent steps to address rising income inequality. He said that the growing disparity in earnings was not just a challenge for the economy but also a threat to social stability. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, the RJD MP further said the middle- and lower-income groups were witnessing a decline in their earnings, while the income of the rich was rising. Income inequality is affecting several aspects of our lives. The income of the millionaires and the billionaires is rising... We have no complaint with that, but there is a parallel, sharp decline in the incomes of the middle- and lower-income groups, especially the unorganised sector, Jha said. He added, saying, Post-Covid, this trend has become faster. The elite class' income has increased, but in comparison, the marginalised group, the working class, is witnessing a decline in their earnings. He asserted that income disparity affected the economy as well as social stability. It also affects democracy. Because when capital becomes concentrated, it influences politics. And when capital starts dominating politics, it is our collective responsibility to get out of it, he said.
Bihar achieves 100 per cent railway electrification, major infrastructure boost underway
NEW DELHI: Bihar has completed the electrification of all its railway tracks, marking a significant milestone in its infrastructure development. Alongside this achievement, over 58 new railway projects worth 86,458 crore are currently being implemented across the state. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the extensive railway progress in Bihar, emphasising that in 2009-14, only 64 km of new rail lines were built, whereas from 2015-25, we have laid down 167 km of new rail lines in Bihar. The most notable achievement is that Bihar now has 100 per cent electrified rail routes. He further stated that since 2014, a total of 3,024 km of railway routes in Bihar have been electrified. Additionally, the installation of the anti-collision device Kavach has been completed on 1,783 km of railway tracks, with tenders in progress for an additional 924 km. The Union Budget for 2025-26 has allocated over Rs 10,000 crore to Bihar, which is set to hold elections for its 243-member legislative assembly later this year. The minister pointed out that while the UPA government allocated only Rs 1,132 crore for railway projects in Bihar between 2009-14, the current government has earmarked 10,066 crore for 2025-26. In Bihar, 12 Vande Bharat trains are now in operation, covering 15 districts with 22 unique stoppages. One Amrit Bharat Express also runs between Darbhanga and Anand Vihar Terminal, covering four districts with 11 unique stoppages, Vaishnaw announced. A total of 98 railway stations in Bihar are being redeveloped as Amrit stations, with work progressing on 85 of them. Key stations under redevelopment include Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga, with an estimated investment of Rs 1,555 crore. The minister also assured that Patna Junction, along with other major stations, will undergo redevelopment to enhance passenger services with modern amenities. He further noted that since 2014, Bihar has witnessed the construction of 1,832 km of new rail routescomparable to the entire railway network of Malaysia. Currently, 57 infrastructure and rail service projects are underway in the state, aimed at strengthening connectivity and improving rail services.
'Bihar achieves 100 percent electrification of railway tracks'
NEW DELHI: Bihar has achieved 100% electrification of its railway tracks, with over 58 new projects worth Rs 86,458 crore currently being implemented. In the Union Budget for 2025-26, Bihar, which is set to hold elections for its 243-member legislative assembly later this year, has been allocated over Rs 10,000 crore. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at a special press conference on Monday, stated that 57 infrastructure and rail service projects are underway in Bihar. He mentioned that 98 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped as Amrit stations, with work progressing on 85 of them. Highlighting the progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modis tenure since 2014, Vaishnaw noted that 1,832 km of new rail routes have been constructed in Biharcomparable to the entire railway network of Malaysia. Comparing this with the previous UPA governments allocation during 2009-14, he pointed out that while only Rs 1,132 crore was allotted then, the current government has allocated Rs 10,066 crore for 2025-26. In 2009-14, only 64 km of new rail lines were built, whereas from 2015-25, we have laid down 167 km of new rail lines in Bihar. The most notable achievement is that Bihar has now 100% electrified rail routes, he asserted. Since 2014, a total of 3,024 km of rail routes have been electrified in Bihar, with Rs 86,458 crore invested in 57 ongoing projects, including new rail lines and other infrastructural developments. Vaishnaw also announced the installation of the anti-collision device Kavach on 1,783 km of rail routes, with tenders in progress for 924 km. In Bihar, now 12 Vande Bharat trains are in operation, covering 15 districts with 22 unique stoppages. One Amrit Bharat Express also runs between Darbhanga and Anand Vihar Terminal, covering four districts with 11 unique stoppages, he added. Among the 98 stations being redeveloped as Amrit stations, key locations include Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bapudham Motihari, Sitamarhi, and Darbhanga, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,555 crore. Vaishnaw also assured that Patna Junction, along with other major stations, will undergo redevelopment to provide high-standard services with modern amenities.
Bihar college students expelled for making reels in examination hall
PATNA: A girl examinee filming a reel in the examination hall and that too during the examination, sounds interesting. The unusual incident took place at a college in Bihar's Samastipur district. The vice chancellor of Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga, initiated disciplinary action against the girl examinee Kalpana Kumari and expelled her from the examination. She has also been debarred from taking the examination for two consecutive terms. Not only that, another examinee Kundan Kumar has been punished for helping Kalpana in making the reels inside the examination hall. Both the examinees have been expelled from examination on the directive of the vice-chancellor, a senior teacher of Samastipur College said. The matter came to the notice of the vice chancellor when the reel made during the examination at Samastipur College went viral on social media. The vice chancellor reprimanded the college administration for lapses on its part and warned of action if such things happened again. During the investigation, it came to light that a female student, along with a boy student who had come to take a graduate part one examination at Samastipur College examination centre made the reel and made the video viral on social media. In the viral video, the girl can be seen dancing to a Bhojpuri song on the college campus with other examinees watching it. Samastipur college mein Samastipur video banane ke chakkar mein hamesha ke liye Pariksha se nishkarsh Kar Diya aur ghar per banaaiye rails yah video dekhte rahiye #Samastipur college Samastipur #viral trending reels pic.twitter.com/eGXZ6yF6na Harikant kumar Gupta (@HarikantG98077) January 26, 2025 The principal of the college wrote a letter to Nagendra Prasad Singh and Ramgati Sah, the parents of the girl and the boy, saying that their children violated the sanctity and confidentiality of the examination. Hence they have been expelled from the examination and debarred for taking the examination for two consecutive terms. This is not the first of its kind incident in the state. The social media madness to gain followers and likes has caused embarrassment to the college and school authorities.
SVU seizes Rs 1.87 crore assets from Bihar's Bettiah DEO in corruption probe
Patna: The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), the anti-corruption wing of the Bihar Police, on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids at various locations linked to education department official Rajnikant Praveen, currently serving as the District Education Officer (DEO) of Bettiah in West Champaran district. The searches were carried out in Darbhanga, Madhubani, West Champaran, and Samastipur districts as part of a disproportionate assets case. The SVU began its operation at the DEOs office before moving to his residential premises. During the raid, bundles of currency notes were discovered hidden under beds in different rooms of his house. A currency-counting machine was requisitioned from a local bank to ascertain the exact amount of cash seized. The exact amount of cash will be determined after counting the bundles of seized currency notes, said a member of the raiding team. In addition to cash, the SVU stumbled upon documents revealing movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 1.87 crore. The DEOs wife reportedly runs a private school in Bettiah. Sources revealed that various teacher associations had lodged complaints against Praveen, alleging that he had amassed wealth through illegal means. However, these allegations were allegedly ignored for years due to Praveens proximity to influential figures. Praveen has been serving as DEO in Bettiah for over three years, having joined the state education department in 2005. The raids, which began in the early hours of Thursday after obtaining the necessary permissions, were still ongoing at the time of reporting. The operation has sent shockwaves through the education department, with at least 10 other officials reportedly under SVU surveillance over similar allegations. At least 10 officers of the education department are under the surveillance of the SVU, a senior officer said. Earlier, DEOs in East Champaran and Kishanganj districts also faced action following allegations of corruption. Sources indicated widespread complaints regarding irregularities in the procurement of furniture for government schools across the state. The Additional Chief Secretary of the education department, S. Sidharth, has ordered an inquiry into the involvement of employees accused of engaging in corrupt practices.
35% Trains Run Late in SCR Secunderabad Unit
Hyderabad: One in every three trains in the Secunderabad division of South Central Railways, including the famed Vande Bharat Express, have been running behind schedule in the last four months. Balakrishna and Ramana Ashok, residents of Uppuguda in the Old City, experienced one such delay on Friday. They travelled on a special train from Tirupati to Hyderabad, which was supposed to arrive at 6 am but reached the Cherlapalli nearly three hours late. Private employees, they had chosen this train to make it to their 9 am jobs, but the delay forced them to apply leave for the day. Businessman Raju Ojha, who frequently travels on the Darbhanga-Secunderabad Express, also had similar complaints. He said that the train was often late by three to five hours. He urged the authorities to ensure trains run according to schedule. A railway expert noted that during the last quarter of the financial year extending until March freight trains are prioritised to meet targets, which can lead to delays for passenger services. Passengers, especially those using the Secunderabad division, have raised concerns about late arrivals. The Secunderabad station handles about 180 trains per day, with a footfall of around 1.5 lakh, while the Nampally station sees between 20 and 30 trains, serving approximately 50,000 passengers daily. Shiv Kumar, a railway analyst, explained that running more trains than the available tracks and platforms exacerbated the issue. Ongoing development at the Secunderabad station often forced trains to stop at a distance for a while. Additionally, the third line work on the Balharshah-Vijayawada and pit line projects were further disrupting schedules. Kumar emphasised that doubling the single-track Guntur route, a key line, would help reduce these delays. Responding to a query on the late running of trains, an SCR official pointed out that trains would be marked as delayed in the statistics even if they were late by three minutes. He said the railways never compromised on safety, and the focus was on ensuring that all the required norms were met to operate the trains. The official said that SCR had taken up various development and modernisation works, including the installation of a system called; automatic block signalling, which was contributing to the slow movement of trains on certain sections. When complete, the automatic block signalling equipment would enable the trains to run faster. He said that line tripling work was being carried out on the Kazipet-Balharshah-Kondapalli route, which involved several technical aspects including installing overhead electric lines. Work was also going on at several spots to build under and overbridges. Railway data show : 2024 September: 28% late November: 35% late December: 38% late 2025 Till Jan. 15: 33% late
Bihar: Nitish Kumar launches projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in Darbhanga
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched development projects worth nearly Rs 1,500 crore in Darbhanga district during his 'Pragati Yatra'. He inaugurated 89 projects costing Rs 935.28 crore and laid the foundation for 97 works involving Rs 561.75 crore. Kumar was accompanied by his deputy and cabinet colleagues. He also reviewed the implementation of government schemes.
Patna Diary | Right time to take right turn: Lalu
RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has often courted controversy with his statements; his latest poster is no exception. While inviting Nitish to rejoin the Mahagathabandhan, Lalu targeted him in a poster. He suggested that now is the right time to take the right turn, implying that Tejashwis leadership could lead to benefits such as the Mai, Behan Maan Yojana, free electricity for up to 200 units, and job opportunities. He warned that on the Nitish Path, there would only be unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and rising crime. Lalu had invited Nitish to return to the alliance camp, but Nitish declined. Tejashwi accuses retired babu of tax collection According to Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar is currently grappling with the DK Tax syndrome. The LoP in the state assembly sharpened his criticism of CM Nitish Kumar, alleging that a retired bureaucrat is effectively running the government and collecting funds, dubbed DK Tax, from officials in exchange for favourable postings. Tejashwi claimed that many competent officers have been sidelined due to their failure to pay this tax. Since 2018, the powers of the chief secretary and the DGP have also been diminished. Yadav argues that a group of retired bureaucrats is making key decisions. Darbhanga airport to go international Among positive developments, the state cabinet led by CM Nitish Kumar, has approved a proposal to acquire an additional 89.75 acres of land for the expansion and development of Darbhanga Airport into an international facility. Additionally, the cabinet has authorized the acquisition of 139 acres of land valued at `207 crore for the expansion of Raxaul Airport, which is located near the Indo-Nepal border in East Champaran district. Alongside Patna, Gaya is another international airport in the state. Furthermore, ongoing efforts are being made to develop and upgrade other airports, including those in Purnea, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur. Ramashankar Our correspondent in Bihar ramashankar@newindianexpress.com
Man arrested for selling Ganja laced chocolates
Hyderabad: The Drug Task Force (DTF) of Medchal district raided a house in Thumkunta village and arrested a migrant, seizing 85 packs of ganja-laced chocolates worth Rs 34,000. The accused, C. Upender Mandal (35), a native of Darbhanga, Bihar, confessed to having relocated to the city and opened a pan broker shop at his house a few months ago, according to excise officials. We, along with our head constables Sattar, Venkateshwar Rao, and constables Sanjay and Munaf, had been keeping Upender Mandal under surveillance for the past four months. When we learned he had arrived from Bihar with a baggage on Tuesday, our special team raided his house and found him selling ganja chocolates along with pan masala, said DTF SI Pawan Kumar Reddy. During the raid, 85 packets of ganja-laced chocolates were found at Upender's rented house. The accused admitted to procuring the contraband from Bihar and selling it to customers at a high price. He further disclosed that he purchased each packet, containing 40 chocolates, in Bihar for Rs 25 and sold each chocolate for Rs 10. The accused, along with the seized property, was handed over to the Medchal Excise Police for further investigation and was later produced in court for judicial remand.
