Jharkhand braces for heavy rainfall over next three days
RANCHI: In yet another weather alert issued by the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted in several parts of Jharkhand over the next three days, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. According to the Head of the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi, Abhishek Anand, It will continue to rain in Jharkhand till 23, 24 and 25 August; some districts will receive heavy to very heavy rain, while some districts will receive heavy rain. During this time, an alert has also been issued for thunderstorms and lightning along with rain. According to the forecast, north-western parts of the state are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on 23 August. Isolated heavy showers are also expected over south-western, north-eastern and adjoining central regions, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. On 24 August, heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places over southern, central and north-eastern parts of the state. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in several areas. Similarly, on 25 August, western and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand may experience heavy rainfall at isolated places, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected across the state. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon trough is currently passing through Jaisalmer, Kota, Datia, Sidhi, Ranchi, Bankura, Digha and extending southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal, up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. An upper air cyclonic circulation persists over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining regions, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, it said. Another circulation lies over north Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal at around 5.8 km above mean sea level. The Met office has advised citizens to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and take precautions against lightning strikes and gusty winds. There is a possibility of heavy rainfall at some places in Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Latehar, Ranchi, Bokaro, Gumla, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Ramgarh, Lohardaga, Koderma, Dhanbad, Giridih and Simdega districts on 24 August. IMD has issued a yellow alert for these districts. Meanwhile, in a tragic incident on Thursday, three innocent girls were killed in a lightning strike while returning from school near Ranchi. According to locals, Pari Oraon of Class 1 in Primary School Hondpidi and Anjalika Kujur of Class 3, along with Basmati Oraon of Class 6, were going home during which a lightning strike took place killing all the three on the spot. Jharkhand has so far received 25% excess rain than normal.
Jharkhand: House collapses, over a dozen others develop cracks in Dhanbad land subsidence
RANCHI: In a major land subsidence in Sabri Basti under Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad, a house caved in completely, while over a dozen other houses developed cracks. According to the local people, the incident took place around 3 am, when the house of one Arun Rajak completely caved in. Over a dozen other houses developed cracks on their walls and floors, they said. Fortunately, no human casualties were reported, though panic spread across the locality. Sensing the danger, people fled their houses taking with them essential items and rations. Even then they lost some commodities in the landslide. Arun Rajak informed that his family was asleep when they were jolted awake by a loud noise, followed by the collapse of their asbestos-roofed house. In another incident, a cow belonging to Govind Bhuiyan was trapped in the subsidence but was rescued safely by local residents. Another resident Kalyani Devi said that there was loud noise in the morning, in which, her house collapsed. Somehow, they succeeded in saving their lives. We left the thatched roof and ran out, she said. Everything kept in the house, rice, pulses, clothes and other items sunk into the ground. Now, we don't even have anything to eat or wear, she added. Another local Indradev Bhuiyan alleged both BCCL management and local administration are responsible for this incident. Even after complaining with the administration, they did not take any action, said Bhuiyan. Project Officer of Modidih Colliery, Gopaljee, said the affected family has been shifted to Modidih Community Hall temporarily. He assured that all residents whose homes were damaged would be rehabilitated at Tetulmari. Local MLA from Baghmara, Shatrugha Mahto, visited the site in the morning and directed BCCL management to arrange rehabilitation and ensure immediate compensation for victims. Residents recalled that they were forced to move to Sabri Basti in 197677 after a fire destroyed their earlier settlement. However, the area has remained vulnerable, with a similar subsidence reported in 2006. At that time, local MLA and then-minister Jaleswar Mahto had ordered the filling of subsidence holes to prevent gas emissions. Despite repeated warnings, residents alleged that neither BCCL officials nor Jogta police responded promptly to this latest incident. Action was reportedly taken only after the local MLA, who is the elder brother of Dhanbad MP Dhulu Mahto, reached the spot and urged the officials to intervene. The affected families have expressed reluctance to move into vacant BCCL quarters in Tetulmari, as offered by the authorities. Instead, they have demanded rehabilitation in Angarpathra, which they consider a safer location.
House Caves In, Several Other Structures Damaged In Dhanbad Land Sinking
A house caved in and a dozen others developed cracks after a land subsidence incident in a Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) area, about 19 km from Dhanbad district headquarters on Monday, a company official said.
Derailed wagons collide with another train in Jharkhand; no casualties reported
RANCHI: A goods train heading towards Purulia on the down line derailed near Pitaki gate, about 200 meters away from the station, and fell away over the up line. Another goods train, coming on the up line, collided with it; the collision was so intense that a total of 21 wagons derailed, out of which two fell on the roadside. According to local sources, the accident took place at 4:15 am near pole number 375/22 near Chandil railway station in Jharkhand on Saturday morning. Initial reports suggest that the crash was caused by a technical fault and a signal failure. As soon as the information about the accident reached the railway officials, they rushed to the spot and started investigating the matter. Work is going on war footing to restore the railway track. Railway administration said that efforts are being made to restore the operation as soon as possible. The intensity of the collision could be gauged from the fact that the wheels of the train broke and fell far away, and the railway tracks were damaged for about 200 meters in the accident. Due to the accident, train services have been disrupted on ChandilTatanagar, ChandilMuri, and ChandilPuruliaBokaro routes. Many passengers remain stranded at various stations, while the route of some trains has been changed. Alternative transport is being arranged for the passengers who are affected. Due to the accident, many trains leaving from Tatanagar railway station have been cancelled. These include important trains like Tata-Patna Vande Bharat Express, Tata-Buxar Superfast Express, and Tata-Dhanbad Swarnarekha Express. Apart from this, the routes of some long-distance trains like Purushottam Express and Anand Vihar Express have also been changed.
Derailed wagons collide with another train in Jharkhand
RANCHI: A goods train heading towards Purulia on the down line derailed near Pitaki gate, about 200 meters away from the station, and fell away over the up line. Another goods train, coming on the up line, collided with it; the collision was so intense that a total of 21 wagons derailed, out of which two fell on the roadside. According to local sources, the accident took place at 4:15 am near pole number 375/22 near Chandil railway station in Jharkhand on Saturday morning. Initial reports suggest that the crash was caused by a technical fault and a signal failure. Some crew members have suffered minor injuries and been admitted to the nearest hospital. As soon as the information about the accident reached the railway officials, they rushed to the spot and started investigating the matter. Work is going on war footing to restore the railway track. Railway administration said that efforts are being made to restore the operation as soon as possible. The intensity of the collision could be gauged from the fact that the wheels of the train broke and fell far away, and the railway tracks were damaged for about 200 meters in the accident. Due to the accident, train services have been disrupted on ChandilTatanagar, ChandilMuri, and ChandilPuruliaBokaro routes. Many passengers remain stranded at various stations, while the route of some trains has been changed. Alternative transport is being arranged for the passengers who are affected. Due to the accident, many trains leaving from Tatanagar railway station have been cancelled. These include important trains like Tata-Patna Vande Bharat Express, Tata-Buxar Superfast Express, and Tata-Dhanbad Swarnarekha Express. Apart from this, the routes of some long-distance trains like Purushottam Express and Anand Vihar Express have also been changed.
Wanted Jharkhand gangster neutralised by UP STF in Prayagraj
LUCKNOW: A dreaded gangster, Ashish Ranjan alias Chhotu Singh, was neutralised in an early morning operation by the UP Special Task Force in Prayagraj on Thursday. Hailing from Dhanbad in Jharkhand, the criminal was eliminated near Shivrajpur crossing under the Shankargarh police station area. The gangster, who carried a reward of Rs 4 lakh on his arrest, was killed when he opened fire with an AK-47 rifle and a 9 mm pistol at the STF sleuths, prompting a retaliation by them. In the action, the criminal was critically injured and later declared dead. According to ADG (law and order) Amitabh Yash, the STF rounded up the criminal following a tip-off that he was on his way to Prayagraj to execute a major criminal offence with an accomplice. Consequently, the STF team laid a trap near Shivrajpur. On being intercepted by the UP STF, the criminal fired at the police party comprising JP Rai, Prabhanjan and Rohit, who narrowly escaped his bullet shots, said the ADG. He added that the STF retaliated, injuring Ashish Ranjan who was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died during the treatment. From the spot of encounter, the STF recovered a loaded AK-47, a 9 mm pistol, huge cache of live cartridges, and a motorbike. As per the police authorities, Ashish Ranjan was wanted in at least four high-profile murder cases, including that of gangster Aman Singh. The police authorities said that Ashish, with a long criminal history, had been the prime accused in the murder of a police informer in Dhanbad, a coal trader Neeraj Tiwari in Katras and a land dealer Sarful Haan alias Lala Khan in Wasseypur, besides the murder of Ranjit Sahu in Jharia. Ashish had been on bail, with the Jharkhand police and CID both after him. Meanwhile, a case under multiple sections, including attempt to murder and under the Arms Act, has been lodged, and further probe is underway, said the officer.
The making of a legend: Shibu Soren's evolution from Shivcharan to Guruji
RANCHI: The founder patron of JMM, who dominated Jharkhand politics for over four decades, passed away during treatment at a hospital in New Delhi at the age of 81 on Monday. Though he became Chief Minister of Jharkhand thrice, his early life remained quite challenging and full of struggle. Born on January 11, 1944, at Nemra village under Gola Block of Ramgarh, Shibu Soren was fondly called Shivlal in his childhood, but he was enrolled in the primary school as Shivcharan Manjhi. After receiving his primary education at the village school, he moved to a state-sponsored high school in Gola block, where he continued his studies while staying in a tribal hostel. Despite belonging to the tribal community, his father, Sobaran Manjhi, was highly educated and worked as a teacher. Sobaran was involved in various activities for the upliftment of his community and raised his voice against the exploitation by moneylenders. As Sobaran gradually became a prominent voice among the tribals and continuously opposed the oppression by mahajans, he was allegedly killed by them on November 27, 1957. This incident became a turning point in the life of Shibu Soren, who was just 13 years old at the time. Shaken by his fathers murder, Shibu Soren left his studies and began opposing the moneylenders. This was no easy task, as many villagers were deeply indebted. He was disturbed to see tribal lands being seized over unpaid debts, with villagers tricked into giving thumb impressions on blank papers under the influence of alcohol. These incidents inspired Shibu Soren to launch a movement against the moneylenders. As he raised his voice, more people started joining him. At the same time, he began spreading awareness against the consumption of alcohol and hadia (rice beer). His social reform movement and resistance to the moneylenders gained traction across Gola and neighbouring areas like Bokaro and Dhanbad. Between 1972 and 1976, the movement gained momentum. He succeeded in reclaiming tribal land taken by moneylenders. His assertive approach won him admiration within the tribal community. Eventually, Soren became a widely popular figure at his call, thousands would gather with bows and arrows to harvest crops from seized lands. He also built an ashram at Pokhariya under Tundi block of Dhanbad, known as Shibu Ashram. People began calling him Guruji out of love and respect. However, his political identity took root in Santhal Pargana, where he earned the title Dishom Guru or Guru of the nation. In 1972, Soren and his colleagues decided to form a political party. This led to the formation of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Shibu Soren first contested elections in 1977 but faced defeat. Undeterred, he contested again in 1980 and began his political ascent. He went on to serve as Member of Parliament from Dumka Lok Sabha seat seven times. He played a pivotal role in the campaign for a separate Jharkhand state. Devoting his entire political career to the cause, he led a sustained movement that eventually led to the creation of Jharkhand from Bihar in 2000. Tribal titan Shibu Soren: A legacy of power, struggles and controversies
Tribal titan Shibu Soren: A legacy of power, struggles and controversies
RANCHI: Shibu Soren, the veteran tribal leader who played a key role in Jharkhand's creation and founded the JMM, leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the country's politics. The death of 81-year-old Soren marks the end of a political era that saw tribal movement rise to national prominence. Born on January 11, 1944, in Ramgarh district's Nemra village (then in Bihar, now in Jharkhand), Soren, who was popularly known as 'Dishom Guru' (leader of the land) and patriarch of JMM, is one of the most enduring political figures in the country's tribal and regional political landscape. His political life was defined by continuous advocacy for the rights for tribals. According to Soren's family, his early life was marked by personal tragedy and deep socio-economic struggles. Soren was 15 years old when his father, Shobaran Soren, was allegedly killed by moneylenders in Lukaiyatand forest, some 16 km from Gola block headquarters on November 27, 1957. This left a deep impact on him and became a catalyst for his future political activism. In 1973, Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) along with Bengali Marxist trade unionist AK Roy and Kurmi-Mahto leader Binod Bihari Mahto during a public meeting at Golf Ground Dhanbad. The JMM soon became the primary political voice for the demand for a separate tribal state and got support across the Chotanagpur and Santhal Pargana regions. Soren's grassroots mobilisation against feudal exploitation is said to have shaped him into a tribal icon. After decades of agitation, steered by him and others, the demand for a separate state was finally fulfilled with the formation of Jharkhand on November 15, 2000. Soren's influence was not confined to state politics. He was elected several times to the Lower House from Dumka , the eighth time between May 2014-2019 as member of the 16th Lok Sabha. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in June 2020. As a key figure in the UPA government, he served as Union Coal Minister from May 23 to July 24, 2004; November 27, 2004 to March 2, 2005; and January 29 to November 2006. However, his ministerial stints at the Centre were overshadowed by serious legal challenges. In July 2004, an arrest warrant was issued against him in connection with the 1975 Chirudih massacre case, in which he was named the main accused in the killing of 11 people. He went underground briefly before being arrested. After spending time in judicial custody, he was granted bail in September 2004 and re-inducted into the Union Cabinet in November. Later, a court in March 2008 absolved him of all charges. His legal woes didn't end there. On November 28, 2006, Soren, along with others, was convicted in the sensational 1994 kidnapping and murder case of his former personal secretary, Shashinath Jha. The CBI alleged that Jha was murdered in Ranchi because he possessed knowledge about a political payoff deal between the Congress and JMM during a no-confidence motion against the Narasimha Rao government in 1993. The case drew nationwide attention, though Soren later successfully appealed the conviction. The Supreme Court in April 2018 upheld Soren's acquittal in the case. Despite these controversies, Soren remained a towering figure in Jharkhand's political sphere. He served as Chief Minister of Jharkhand three times- in March 2005 (for just 10 days from March 2 to March 11), August 27, 2008 to January 12, 2009, and from December 30, 2009 to May 31, 2010. Each term was short-lived due to the fragile nature of coalition politics in the state. In June 2007, Soren survived an assassination attempt when bombs were hurled at his convoy near Dumaria village in Deoghar district while he was being escorted to jail in Dumka, after appearing in a court in Giridih, underlining the high stakes and volatile environment surrounding his political life. Yet, his political dominance in Jharkhand politics endured, both through his personal appeal and through his party, which he continues to lead as founding patron. Soren served as the JMM's chief for 38 years until April 2025, when he was made the party's founding patron. His son, Hemant Soren, who had served as executive president, was elected JMM president. The party is currently a member of the opposition INDIA bloc at the national level. Shibu Soren's personal life has also been closely tied to his political narrative. He is survived by wife Roopi Soren, three sons and daughter Anjani, who is the party's Odisha unit head. His elder son Durga Soren died in May 2009. The other son Hemant Soren, has carried forward the family's political legacy and currently serves as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, having held the position across multiple terms. His youngest son Basant Soren is a legislator. For many in Jharkhand, Shibu Soren remains a symbol of their long-fought struggle for identity and self-rulea legacy that continues through the next generation.
Loco pilots' union alleges manipulation of working hours to hide overutilisation
NEW DELHI: The loco pilots' union has alleged that various railway zones are manipulating the working hours of train drivers by falsely entering duty breaks during their 12 to 16-hour-long trips in the online Crew Management System (CMS) to hide their overutilisation. As per railway norms, a loco pilot cannot be asked to work more than 9 hours at a stretch and no more than 11 hours in total from sign-on to sign-off. Since 2021, the Safety Department of the Railway Board has instructed all zonal railways that 80 per cent of trips should be completed within the 9-hour limit. The Railway Ministry had earlier stated that it has not only initiated aggressive recruitment of loco pilots but also created several amenities for them, including urinal facilities in over 900 locomotives, air-conditioning systems in over 7,000 locomotives, and upgraded all 558 running rooms across the rail network. The All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) stated that safety regulations prohibit overburdening loco pilots with excessive duty hours. They alleged that rail administrations are regularly violating these rules to compensate for a 15 - 20 per cent staff shortage. Though this illegal practice is happening in many divisions and zones, we have started by raising the issue with the General Manager of East Central Railway (ECR). We have submitted a memorandum compiling several issues that affect loco pilots' working conditions, including the false trip break, said Ashok Kumar Raut, General Secretary of AILRSA. The ECR has not responded to the allegations. However, following Raut's representation, one of ECR's divisions, Dhanbad, issued a circular dated July 15, 2025, warning of strict action against the false insertion of duty breaks between sign-on and sign-off in the CMS. A direction is being issued to all to not break duty hours between the sign-on and sign-off of the crew while registering it in CMS (Crew Management System). If it is happening in any crew lobby, it must be stopped immediately. If such cases are found, strict disciplinary action will be taken, the circular stated. Raut explained that lobby officials record the sign-on and sign-off times of loco pilots in the CMS when their shift starts and ends, respectively. However, in cases where a loco pilot works for more than 12 hours, contractual staff at the lobby are allegedly inserting fake duty breaks -- ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours -- on verbal orders from senior officials to conceal overutilisation. Each railway division submits monthly crew working hours data to the Railway Board in a fixed format. These duty breaks are reportedly used to avoid detection of excessive working hours, which violates operational safety norms. This illegal and unsafe practice of inserting duty breaks in the system is being done on the verbal orders of some senior officials, such as the Chief Traction Loco Controller and Chief Crew Controller. Railways has outsourced CMS data entry work to private personnel, and these officials instruct them to insert such breaks, Raut alleged. I have gathered data from some divisions on illegal trip breaks by lobby staff. In May and June 2025, in the Dhanbad division alone, there were 2,719 such cases; 1,883 in the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar division; and 785 in the Danapur division. he added. He also claimed that the Samastipur and Sonpur divisions manipulated working hours in 304 and 83 cases, respectively. Earlier this year, in April, South Central Railway reviewed CMS data on loco pilots' working hours and found that, in 545 cases in the Secunderabad division, 42 in Vijayawada, 26 in Guntakal, three each in Guntur and Nanded, and one in the Hyderabad division, goods train loco pilots worked between 13:55 and 14:00 hours but were compelled to feed incorrect times to hide actual duty hours.
At IIT (ISM) convocation, President Murmu calls for innovation rooted in compassion
She advised graduating students not to limit their education to personal success alone, but to use their knowledge for public good; established in 1926, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad has played a significant role in the development of Indias mineral and energy sectors
Be clinical in diagnosis and surgery, not in practice: President to budding doctors
RANCHI: President Draupadi Murmu, during the first convocation of AIIMS-Deoghar, advised the budding doctors to be completely clinical in their diagnosis and surgery, but they should not be clinical in their behavior. President in her address, said that doctors are the living form of God on earth, and millions of people have expectations from them. The President arrived in Ranchi on Thursday afternoon as part of her two-day visit to Jharkhand, to attend the convocation programmes of AIIMS Deoghar and IIT Dhanbad. You should be completely clinical in diagnosis and surgery, but do not be clinical in practice, said the President. Becoming a good doctor is a big deal, but becoming a good human being is an even bigger deal, she added. Give advice with cordiality, she added. We believe in God, we believe in Baba Baidyanath, but it does not have hands and legs. You are a representative of God; therefore, you are a living God, said the President. The President also expressed hope that culture and excellence is being started with this convocation. She also congratulated the students who received degrees and who performed excellently. The President expressed happiness over the fact that there are more girls who received medals in the convocation. She said that the number of boys and girls in AIIMS Deoghar has become almost equal. The President told the students that an admission in AIIMS and getting education is a guarantee that they become a skilled doctor. You have to become a good doctor. A good doctor should also have the ability of sensitive communication, she said. We have also seen such doctors, the patients and their families start feeling better merely after meeting them, she added. You can bring light into the lives of countless people. You can also play a role in building the society by making good use of the place that nature and circumstances and your skill and hard work have given you in the society, said the President. She added that she would like them to contribute in primary medical treatment as well. The President, on the second day of her visit, will attend the 45th convocation ceremony of IIT- ISM (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad.
President Droupadi Murmu to visit Jharkhand on July 31; to attend AIIMS and IIT-ISM convocations
RANCHI: President Droupadi Murmu will be on a two-day visit to Jharkhand on 31 July and 1 August. On the first day, she will grace the maiden convocation ceremony of AIIMS Deoghar as the chief guest. On the second day, she is scheduled to attend the 45th convocation ceremony of IIT-ISM (Indian Institute of Technology Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. According to information received by the state government from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President will also offer prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar on 1 August before participating in the AIIMS convocation. Authorities are working closely to ensure smooth arrangements for her arrival and engagements. Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren are also expected to be present at the events. In anticipation of the Presidents visit, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan has declared the Dhanbad airstrip area a no-flying zone for 32 hours from 10 am on 31 July to 6 pm on 1 August. The flying of drones, hot air balloons, and paragliders will remain suspended during this period. President Murmu will be in Dhanbad for approximately an hour to attend the convocation of IIT-ISM. Meanwhile, all senior officers have been directed to remain on duty, with their leave cancelled for two days. Revised traffic regulations will be in effect in the city on Thursday and Friday. The entry of large vehicles will be prohibited between 8 am and 10 pm on Thursday, and between 6 am and 10 am on Friday. The President will attend the AIIMS Deoghar convocation on Thursday, then travel to Ranchi in the evening, where she will stay overnight at Raj Bhavan. She will depart for Dhanbad on Friday morning to attend the IIT-ISM convocation. Notably, President Murmu shares a close bond with Jharkhand, having previously served as the Governor of the state. Her visit has generated widespread enthusiasm among the people, who regard her as a symbol of pride and inspiration.
Drunk Man Threatens To Kill Union Minister Sanjay Seth Over Call, Held
A man was arrested in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district for allegedly sending a threat message to Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, police said on Monday.
RANCHI: The person who threatened to kill Union Minister of State for Defence and BJP MP Sanjay Seth has been arrested. The accused, identified as Nityanand Pal, has been arrested from Hirapur in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Police Headquarters has also confirmed his arrest. He was arrested on July 27 by a team formed based on the instructions of DIG cum Ranchi SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha. According to police sources, Pal was arrested based on evidence found with the help of the technical team of Jharkhand police. After the arrest, Pal is being taken to Ranchi. The accused had threatened to kill the Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, over the phone, supposedly in a drunken state. The caller, in his threat call, had told Sanjay Seth that he had killed many people, and now it is his turn. The Union Minister of State for Defence received the calls when he was in Kashmir on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He was called five times on his phone, threatening that he would be killed. After calling Seth over his mobile phone, the accused also sent a message, which read, You will be shot. Seth informed the police at Ranchi and Delhi immediately after receiving the call. As soon as the information was received, Ranchi Police initiated action and a team was formed under the leadership of DIG cum SSP Chandan Sinha. The team took swift action and arrested the accused who had threatened Seth that he would be killed. Senior officials in the Ranchi Police also asserted that the accused has been arrested. Why did he threaten the Minister of State for Defence on the phone. What was his intention? It will be known only after the interrogation, he said.
Three days after collapse, search begins for trapped workers in illegal mine in Jharkhands Dhanbad
RANCHI: After a delay of three days, a joint team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Mines Rescue Wing of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has finally launched a rescue operation to locate workers allegedly trapped inside a closed underground mine in Block-2, Baghmara, Dhanbad, since 22 July. The operation involves a 35-member NDRF team and 15 personnel from the BCCL rescue wing. While the NDRF conducted an initial survey of the area on Thursday morning, active rescue work commenced in the evening after receiving clearance from the district administration. The efforts continued until 11:30 PM and resumed again on Friday at 11:30 AM. Senior officials including Block-2 General Manager G.C. Saha, NDRF Assistant Commandant Santosh Kumar, Inspector Ravishankar, Circle Officer, and the Officer-in-Charge of Baghmara Police Station, Ajit Kumar, are overseeing the operation. According to Ajit Kumar, the operation was initiated following demands from local Member of Parliament Chandra Prakash Choudhary, who identified three suspected locations where individuals may be trapped. Rescue work has begun at the first site and will continue at the remaining two. Illegal mine collapse in Dhanbads Jamunia area; nine feared trapped, officials remain silent The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday, when the roof of a closed underground mine collapsed during illegal mining activity. Several workers, believed to be hired by a coal theft syndicate, are feared to be trapped under the debris. The collapse occurred near the Jamunia River at Kesargarha, under the jurisdiction of Baghmara Police Station, where at least nine people are suspected to be buried. Locals claimed that around 15 workers were inside the mine at the time of the collapse, which occurred when carbonaceous rocksupported only by weak pillarsgave way with a loud crash. Although BCCL authorities and the Dhanbad police initially dismissed the reports as rumours, Giridih MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary and Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy visited the site and insisted that multiple individuals were trapped. The MP staged a sit-in protest at Baghmara Police Station and submitted a formal complaint demanding immediate rescue efforts. The protest was called off only after Baghmara SDPO Purushotam Singh assured the leaders that a rescue operation would be launched without further delay.
RANCHI: Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) has finally declared the result of the much-awaited Civil Services Examination 2023. A total of 342 candidates have been selected for various administrative posts, out of which Ashish Akshat has secured the first position. Abhay Kumar stood second, and Ravi Ranjan Kumar stood third. Names like Gautam Gaurav, Shweta, Rahul Kumar Vishwakarma, Robin Kumar, Sandeep Prakash, Swati Keshari and Rajiv Ranjan are also included in the top-10 position. The result is available on the commission's website, jpsc.gov.in. The successful candidates will be posted various administrative, police, finance, labor, excise, planning and social security service departments of the state. According to the commission, the selection has been done completely in accordance with the merit, marks and reservation rules. This is not just the result of an exam, but a success achieved after delay, agitation and struggle, which has brought relief and satisfaction to thousands of competitors. The commission has described the selection process as per the merit and reservation rules. Notably, the candidates had to take to the streets several times demanding that JPSC declare the results. Questions were also raised on the functioning of the commission regarding the continuous delay and ambiguity in the process from the main examination to the interview and then the final result. Organized protest started during the main examination of JPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 itself. The candidates had clearly expressed displeasure over the transparency in evaluation, the process of checking the answer sheets, the correctness of the answer key and the time limit of the results. Agitation, siege, memorandum and social media campaigns were carried out in many districts including Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Garhwa in this regard. Only after constant pressure and intervention from public representatives, the commission slowly moved the process forward. A total of 864 candidates who passed the JPSC Mains exam had been called for interview, out of which, 342 candidates were named in the final list of successful candidates. The advertisement for JPSC Civil Services Examination was released on 27 January 2024. The preliminary examination was held on 17 March. 7011 candidates were successful in the result released on 22 April.
Dhanbad mine mishap: NDRF awaits location for rescue op
An NDRF team is deployed to rescue miners allegedly trapped in an abandoned coal mine in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, but operations are delayed as the exact location remains unidentified. Officials claim no signs of an incident have been found, while local residents and politicians allege a mine collapse during illegal mining activities.
Dhanbad mine 'collapse': NDRF rescue operation yet to begin as exact location remains unidentified
Local residents claimed that a closed underground mine in BCCL's Block-2 caved in, trapping around half-a-dozen hired workers linked to an illegal mining syndicate.
12 trapped in Dhanbad mine after cave-in, say locals, MP
Concerns are rising over a potential mine collapse in Jamunia, Dhanbad, where approximately 12 miners are feared trapped in an illegal coal mine. While officials claim no evidence of a collapse has been found, political parties are trading accusations regarding the prevalence of illegal mining in the region. The governing and opposition parties attacked each other over the illegal mining menace in the coal belt.
Illegal mine collapse in Dhanbads Jamunia area; nine feared trapped, officials remain silent
RANCHI: An illegal mine near the Jamunia River at Kesargarha under Baghmara Police Station in Dhanbad district collapsed, with at least nine people feared to be buried under the debris. According to local residents, 15 workers were present in the mine when carbonaceous rock gave way with a loud crash. The collapse is believed to have occurred due to weakly supported pillars within the illegal excavation site. As many as nine people are feared buried under the debris of the illegal mine, which was being operated by a local mining mafia, said a local resident on condition of anonymity. Despite the severity of the incident, there has been no official confirmation. Local police and administrative officials have claimed ignorance. Baghmara Police Station in-charge Ajit Kumar stated that he had not received any information, while Rajiv Ranjan, the nodal security officer of Block-2 area, also expressed unawareness of the situation. Locals alleged that access to the site is being restricted, with no rescue operations initiated until Wednesday morning. Journalists attempting to reach the location were reportedly stopped from entering the area. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Rai shared details of the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), alleging that nine workers had died and that mining mafia were disposing of the bodies to avoid detection. Rai named Chunchun Gupta as the alleged operator behind the illegal mining and accused him of working under the protection of influential individuals. Nine workers died tonight due to the collapse of an illegal mine at a place called Jamunia in Bagmara, Dhanbad. The illegal mining mafia is busy disposing of the bodies. I have informed the SSP Dhanbad, Rai posted. The situation remains tense, with growing concerns over official inaction and alleged attempts to suppress the incident.
Over 885 Kg of Adulterated Dairy Products Seized in Dhanbad
780 Kg paneer, other sweets found 60% adulterated during early morning raid on bus from Bihar
PM Modi to visit West Bengal on July 19, inaugurate development projects
KOLKATA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on Friday, where he will address a BJP rally in Durgapur, besides laying the foundation stone and inauguration of multiple development projects worth over Rs 5000 crore. With the Assembly elections in West Bengal due in April-May next year, Modis visit assumes political significance, especially because it coincides with Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjees Martyrs Day rally at Kolkata on July 21. According to political observers, since it is the last Martyrs Day rally of the Trinamool Congress before the Assembly polls, Banerjee is all set to use this platform to give a clear political message to her main political rival, the BJP and is also expected to announce some new schemes to lure voters. In this context, Modis speech in the public meeting at Durgapur will catch everyones attention. On Wednesday, Banerjee held a protest march in Kolkata against the alleged harassment and torture of Bengali-speaking people in several BJP-ruled states. Daring the BJP-led Centre to send her to the detention camp, she had said, The people of Bengal have elected me to serve them. Let me work here. If you create disturbance here, I will tour the entire country. You wont be able to stop me. I will see how many detention camps you can lodge me in. Even there I will speak in Bengali. If Bengalis are sent to detention camps, the people of Bengal through their votes will send BJP to the political detention camp. Bengal is under our control and will remain so. In the coming days, we will also take over Delhi, taking everyone along, she had claimed on Wednesday. On the same day, Leader of Opposition at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, went to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal on the infiltration issue. Meanwhile, for the occasion of Modi's meeting on Friday afternoon, two stages have been set up at Nehru Stadium in Durgapur. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several projects before addressing a public meeting on another stage nearby. After the meeting, the Prime Minister will leave for Delhi. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, worth around Rs 1,950 crore. It will provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments and industrial customers, and provide CNG at the retail outlets and also create employment opportunities in the region. Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 Km) of Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, which has been laid as a part of Jagdishpur-Haldia and Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline also known as Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project. The Durgapur to Kolkata section, worth over Rs 1,190 crore, is passing through the districts of East Burdwan, Hooghly and Nadia in West Bengal. The pipeline provided direct and indirect employment during its implementation phase and will now facilitate the supply of natural gas to lakhs of households in the region. Boosting rail infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the doubling of the Purulia Kotshila Rail Line (36 KM) in Purulia, worth over Rs 390 crore. It will improve rail connectivity between industries from Jamshedpur, Bokaro and Dhanbad with Ranchi and Kolkata and efficient movement of goods trains, reducing travel time and improving logistics for industries and businesses.
Water from DVC reservoirs released; three West Bengal districts along Damodar river flooded
KOLKATA: The release of water from DVCs Panchet and Maithan reservoirs has created flood-like situation in at least three districts in West Bengal - Howrah, Hooghly and East Burdwan. The process of evacuating the residents of low-lying areas of Howrah, Hooghly and East Burdwan to safer places has begun. The DVC reservoirs have reached full capacity due to continuous heavy rain in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, Bokaro and the upper Damodar catchment areas. With no other options left, DVC has started releasing water from its two reservoirs in West Bengal through the Damodar River towards Howrah, Hooghly and East Burdwan districts. As a result, the areas in the lower catchment of Damodar in West Bengal are under threat of flooding. According to sources, DVC started releasing 45,000 cusecs of water from Tuesday morning. Of this, about 36,000 cusecs of water is being released from Panchet and about 9,000 cusecs of water from Maithan. Areas like Khanakul, Arambagh in Hooghly and Amta, Udaynarayanpur in Howrah are already being flooded. The West Bengal irrigation department has asked the residents of the concerned areas to be alert. Executive engineers of the Irrigation Department said that if the water pressure in Durgapur Barrage increases, the amount of water released from there may also increase. As a result, the situation is feared to become more complicated. Villagers look at the inundated fields in Aushgram in East Burdwan district. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered the administration of ten districts to keep a close eye on the situation. The administration has already activated to carry out relief and rescue operations in the flooded areas. However, there has been a debate over the release of water by DVC for several days. It has been alleged that the water was released without prior consultation with the state government. Earlier, the Chief Minister had criticised the unilateral release of water by DVC. She called the flood caused by the release of water from the DVC a 'man-made flood'. In response, the DVC authorities said that they release as much water as they receive orders to release from a designated committee. The committee includes representatives of the West Bengal government, Jharkhand government and the DVC authorities along with the Central Water Commission. The committee decides how much water should be released after looking at the amount of water in the reservoirs and rainfall. Therefore, the accusation is unreasonable, DVC sources said.
Rats downed 802 bottles of liquor in Jharkhand
RANCHI: If liquor shop owners of two Jharkhand towns are to be believed, rats have polished off 802 bottles of expensive liquor. The opposition BJP wants the intoxicated rodents arrested immediately. The bizarre incident has been reported from Baliapur and Pradhankantha in Dhanbad district of the state. An inventory of the stock ahead of the states new liquor policy, coming into effect on September 1, ripped the lid off what sources claim is a scam. The stock check came 802 bottles of liquor short in the shop that catered to the two towns. Someone, probably rats, punched holes in the lids of the bottles. Many are empty, although some are still half-full of liquor. The agency operator had his story ready. According to him, rats were to blame. He explained at length how the rats must have chewed off the caps and consumed the liquor. The operators ploy didnt work. The traders were asked to compensate for the losses. According to Assistant Excise Commissioner Ramleela Rawani, a team was formed to inspect the liquor shop, in which 802 liquor bottles were found to be defective. The department provided fresh goods; therefore, the department wants fresh goods back. The agency will have to pay for it, said Rawani. The money will be recovered by sending a notice to the agency, he said, adding, I do not care if rats chew on the liquor bottles. When asked about rats gulping down the liquor, he dismissed it as nonsense. The state BJP is bristling with indignation that no action has been taken against the rats or those who ratted out the rodents. Rats drank 802 bottles of liquor in Dhanbad, but no FIR has been registered so far. All this is to hide the scam, said State BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo. He wanted an SIT formed and the rats arrested along with the key conspirators. Interestingly, this is not the first time that rats have been blamed for stealing intoxicants; previously, they had been accused of consuming 10 kg of bhang and 9 kg of marijuana, seized by the police. When the matter finally went to the court, it pulled up the officials concerned for their absurd claim about rats consuming the liquor. As per the new liquor policy, there will be a change in the management and allocation of liquor shops from state control to private licensees through an online lottery system. The move is aimed to enhance transparency in revenue collection and reduce the states administrative burden.
Four die in Himachal, five in Rajasthan's Kota as rain plays havoc
NEW DELHI: Four people died in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to wreak havoc in the state, while five were swept away in Rajasthan's Kota at a barrage after a heavy downpour caused the authorities to release water from a reservoir. In Himachal, more than 200 roads are out of bounds for vehicular traffic, a majority of them in Mandi, while a flash flood warning has been issued for 12 districts in Jharkhand. An individual each drowned in Kullu and Kangra districts, one died after being bitten by a snake in Bilaspur, while one was killed after falling from a height, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, 61 people have died in the state in rain-related incidents. In Rajasthan, Khatauli in Kota district recorded 198 mm of rain over 24 hours, the highest in the state. Five youths were swept away in the Chambal River Monday afternoon after the water level suddenly rose following the release of water from 12 gates of the Kota Barrage. The identity of the five missing youths is yet to be confirmed, as the rescued individual is not in a condition to provide detailed information at this stage, Digod Police Station SHO Purshottam Mehta said. Due to continuous rainfall in the region, the authorities opened all 12 gates of the Kota Barrage at 11.30 am on Monday, releasing approximately 2.2692 lakh cusecs of water downstream, said Nisha Sharma, Junior Engineer at Kota Barrage. A met department official said that a circulation system over Madhya Pradesh has intensified into a low-pressure area. Due to the system, parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur divisions have seen heavy rain since yesterday. Delhi got a decent drizzle towards the evening, lifting the heavy humid pall it had sweltered under during the day. According to IMD data, Lodhi Road recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 18.5 mm till 8.30 am on Monday. Pragati Maidan received 24.3 mm of rain, Ayanagar, 15.5 mm, Safdarjung, 15.8 mm, and Palam, 8.5 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, 208 roads, including 157 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, are closed for vehicular traffic, while 745 water supply schemes and 139 power distribution transformers were affected. The local Met office has issued an Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday, and Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on Tuesday. It issued a Yellow alert, meaning heavy rain, for at least three of the 12 districts till Friday. In Odisha, the weather department forecasted heavy rainfall in 19 of the 30 districts, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked system. The India Meteorological Department cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours in the north Bay of Bengal, as squally winds, blowing at 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, were likely to prevail along and off north Odisha. A red warning was issued for extremely heavy rain, above 20 centimetres, in Mayurbhanj, Keonhar and Sundargarh. Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore were predicted to receive 12 cm to 20 cm of rain. The remaining districts were forecasted to witness 7-11 cm of precipitation. Kolkata is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rain is likely across South Bengal districts, as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre here. In Jharkhand, a flash flood warning was issued for Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Garhwa, Gumla, Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu, Ranchi, Saraikela, Simdega, and West Singhbhum districts till 11.30 am on Tuesday. Surface runoff and inundation may occur in some low-lying areas, the IMD said. A Red alert was sounded for heavy to extremely heavy rain in Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum districts, and an Orange alert for Gumla, Khunti, and Simdega districts till 8.30 am on Tuesday. The weather office has issued a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Hazaribag, Giridih, Koderma, and Deoghar till 8.30 am tomorrow. Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said the state is likely to experience widespread rainfall till July 17 under the influence of a depression and monsoon trough.
Lightning strikes kill 12 in Jharkhand amid heavy rain; IMD issues alerts across state
RANCHI: As severe weather battered Jharkhand on Sunday, at least 12 people lost their lives and seven others sustained critical injuries due to lightning strikes across various districts. Many of the deceased were working in their fields when they were struck. Giridih and Dumka were the worst affected districts, each reporting three fatalities. In Chara, Gita Devi and Anita Devi were killed by lightning, while Savita Devi suffered serious burn injuries. In Giridih, 18-year-old Dastagir Alam of Madhwadih village and 50-year-old Jhari Yadav of Gora Dih village also died. Ashok Mahto and his wife Pramila Devi sustained injuries in the same district. In West Singhbhum, a 14-year-old student from Bharidha village was killed by lightning. Additional casualties included two deaths in Lohardaga, one in Gumla and another in Rajdhanwar. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy rainfall and lightning in the state until July 16. Continuous downpours have caused widespread disruption, with Jharkhand recording 510 mm of rainfall since 1 June 61% above normal levels. The excessive rain has significantly impacted daily life and agricultural activities. Paddy cultivation has taken a hit, as over 25% of seedlings have been adversely affected due to flooding in the fields. The IMD attributes the heavy rainfall to a cyclonic circulation and a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, forecasting continued rain through to 16 July. An orange alert has been issued for West Singhbhum, Simdega, Khunti and Gumla districts. A yellow alert has been sounded for Ranchi, Lohardaga, Giridih, Deoghar, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Saraikela and East Singhbhum.
Union Cabinet clears metro boost for Pune, major rehab push in Jharia, potato research hub in Agra
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved three major development projects, including an extension of the Pune Metro, a revised rehabilitation plan for families displaced by coal fires in Jharkhands Jharia coalfields, and the establishment of a regional centre of the International Potato Centre in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh. Among the approved projects is a Rs 3,626-crore extension of Pune Metro Line 2, which aims to improve urban mobility in one of Maharashtras fastest-growing cities, second largest in the state and ninth in the country, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 12.77-km elevated stretch will link Vanaz and Ramwadi areas of Pune and is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and support the citys green mobility goals, the Minister added. The (upcoming) metro lines will further strengthen the transportation model of Pune and bolster the city's infrastructure in the years to come, Vaishnaw asserted, adding that this would contribute to environmental benefits, reduce the cost of living, and make the Pune Metro one of the largest networks in the country, comparable to the likes of New Delhi. In another major decision, the Cabinet cleared a revised master plan worth Rs 5,940 crore for the rehabilitation of families displaced by underground fires and land subsidence in Jharkhands Jharia coalfields in Dhanbad district. According to the Minister, the plan aims to relocate over 200,000 people currently living in hazardous conditions, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and essential civic amenities. The original 2009 master plan could not be fully implemented due to legal, technical, and social challenges, he said. The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring of the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority by appointing a joint secretary-ranked chief executive and establishing implementation and monitoring committees, co-chaired by the Coal Secretary and Jharkhand Chief Secretary, to fast-track rehabilitation efforts, the Minister said. The revised master plan prioritises livelihood creation, skill development, and full infrastructure provisioning (roads, schools, hospitals, utilities) at the rehabilitation site, he added. The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a regional centre of the International Potato Centre (IPC) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with an outlay of Rs 11.5 crore. Twenty hectares of land for the purpose has already been provided by the UP government. The centre will promote research and innovation in potato cultivation, a key crop for Indian farmers and critical to food security. Research at the regional centre will focus on seed production, pest management, sustainable production, and training farmers, the Minister said, adding: This will help farmers adopt global best practices and improve yields. Additionally, Vaishnaw hailed the successful launch of an international space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the United States, calling it a moment of immense national pride. We welcome the successful launch of the space mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhranshu Shukla, is on the way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station, Vaishnaw said. He (Shubhranshu Shukla) carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. The Cabinet wishes him and the other astronauts all the success, he added. Pune Metro extension of Line 2: Estimated Cost: Rs 3,626 crore Additional Length: 12.75 km Stations: 13 Currently operational length: 33.3 km Under construction length: 33 km New project connectivity: Fast-growing suburbs in the east and west; connects IT hubs, academic institutions, and residential areas Jharia Coalfield revised masterplan for rehabilitation: Area affected by fire and subsidence due to unscientific pre-nationalisation mining Approved fund: Rs 5,940 crore Fire control: Active surface fire sites reduced from 77 to 27 Stabilisation: 39 out of 595 sites stabilised 2009 Master Plan expired; issues continue to persist
Jharkhand government transfers 48 IPS officers in major bureaucratic reshuffle
RANCHI: The Jharkhand government has effected a major bureaucratic reshuffle, transferring 48 IPS officers, including senior superintendents of police and SPs of 14 districts, an official notification said. According to the notification issued by the Home, Prison and Disaster Management Department on Tuesday evening, Amol V Homkar, who was IG Operations, was made IG Railways, while ADG Priya Dubey has been given additional charge of ADG Modernisation cum Training. Special Branch IG Prabhat Kumar has been given additional charge of IG JAP. ADG Railways Tadasha Mishra was made Special Secretary, Home Prison and Disaster Management Department, while ADG Operations Sanjay Anandrao Latkar has been given the charge of ADG Railways, it said. In addition, the state government changed SSPs and SPs of Jamshedpur and Dhanbad, besides Pakur, Garhwa, Lohardaga, Simdega, Hazaribagh, Jamtara, Godda, West Singhbhum, Chaibasa, Gumla, Khunti, Bokaro and Chatra districts. The Jharkhand government also transferred Ranchi's SP City, SP Rural and Dhanbad's SP City. On Monday, the government had appointed new deputy commissioners (DCs) in 20 districts of the state.
Bihar soldier Rambabu Singh laid to rest with honours, village pays tribute to fallen hero
PATNA: Residents of Basilpur village in Bihars Siwan district on Wednesday bid adieu to a soldier, Rambabu Singh who died early on Tuesday morning after receiving fatal injuries during an operation in Jammu and Kashmir late on May 12. They felt pride over the supreme sacrifice made by son of the soil for the sake of the nations sovereignty. We are proud of our son of the soil for his supreme sacrifice for the sake of the nations sovereignty. His sacrifice will never go in vain. He laid down his life for the sake of Bharat Mata. The entire village is proud of him, Ganesh Prasad Singh, a resident of Basilpur village, told this reporter over the phone soon after the body of Rambabu arrived on Wednesday afternoon. The shocking news, however, came barely five months after Rambabus marriage. Rambabu (28) married Kumari Anajali Singh, a resident of Dhanbad in neighbouring Jharkhand, on December 14, 2024. Anjali is now carrying a pregnancy of about four months. She rushed to her in-laws house in Siwan after hearing the shocking news. Anjali said that she had her last conversation with her husband over phone at around 10 am on May 12. He promised to call me again in the evening as he was getting late for his duty. Thereafter, I got engaged in routine work. In the evening, I was eagerly waiting for his call. I rushed to the mobile phone when it rang up, she said. But it was not her husbands call. A man on the other side wanted to get details about her husband. As I am educated, I suspected the man on the other side to be a cyber fraud trying to collect details about my husband. I disconnected the phone call before the man on the other side could know more about him, she recalled with tears rolling down her cheeks. It was, in fact, a call from the Indian Army headquarters that later informed Rambabus elder brother, Akhilesh Singh, a loco pilot in Dhanbad. Rambabus father-in-law, Subhash Chandra Singh, said he had visited his native village in Siwan in April. He was recently transferred to Jodhpur from Jammu and Kashmir, where he was posted as an operator in the S-400 air defence system. But he could not join his new place of posting due to heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror incident. I hope the government will take care of my daughters well-being and provide her a government job, apart from the compensation, he said, adding that he was proud of his son-in-laws sacrifice. Rambabus uncle Nishikant, said, Rambabu was eager to join the Indian Army from his childhood, and he worked hard to fulfil his dream. He had joined the Indian Army in 2018. His father Ram Vichar Prasad, a former panchayat up-pramukh, died about two years back. The mortal remains of the soldier were consigned to flames at the village ghat with full state honours. Slogans like Bharat Mata Ki Jai and Shaheed Rambabu Amar Rahe rent the air. A large number of people, including senior officials of the Siwan district administration, took part in the funeral procession. Earlier, the leader of the opposition in Bihar assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav visited Patna airport and paid floral tributes to the departed soldier. A BSF sub-inspector, Mohammad Imtiyaz, a native of Saran district, laid down his life during an operation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jharkhand: ATS arrest Former Indian Mujahideen operative Ammar Yashar
Ammar Yashar, a former Indian Mujahideen operative, was rearrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad in Dhanbad for his involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir after being released from jail on bail. His renewed connection to the banned organization was revealed during the interrogation of another HuT member, leading to the seizure of incriminating documents.
One more arrested in Jharkhand for links with terrorist group
The Jharkhand ATS arrested Ammar Yashar in Dhanbad for alleged links to the banned terror group Hizb ut-Tahrir. Previously jailed for ties to Indian Mujahideen, Yashar was released on bail in 2024. His arrest follows the earlier detention of four others. Authorities suspect attempts to recruit youth into HuT, AQIS, and ISIS were underway in the region.
Four persons 'linked' to terrorist organisations held in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Jharkhand Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended four individuals from Dhanbad, suspected of having connections to terrorist organizations such as HuT, AQIS, and ISIS. The arrests followed a tip-off about the individuals' involvement in connecting youths to terrorist networks and promoting religious extremism.
Anti-Terrorist Squad detains suspects linked to banned organisation in Jharkhand
RANCHI: In a major crackdown on a terrorist network in Jharkhand, the Anti-Terrorist Squad(ATS) has detained about half a dozen suspects associated with a banned organisation, including a couple from Dhanbad, on Saturday. During the raids conducted at Wasseypur, Bhuli and other areas of Dhanbad, the ATS team is said to have seized weapons, laptops, religious books and other items. Officials, however, are tight-lipped over the issue. According to local sources in Dhanbad, the suspects are being interrogated by the ATS team. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam , the central agencies are on alert, and raids are being conducted in different places to search for suspects, they said. The ATS team conducted raids in Shamsher Nagar in the Wasseypur area and detained Ayan and his wife, Shabnam. The team also detained other people, including Javed, Yusuf and Kaushar. As per the information, the ATS team reached Wasseypur near Noori Masjid at around 10 am on Saturday morning. Later, it went to the Aman Society at Gaffar Colony on Wasseypur Bypass Road, where it is currently engaged in investigation. Besides that, the ATS is also conducting raids at the locations under the Bank More and Bhuli police station areas of the city. Meanwhile, DSP Law and Order Naushad Alam is camping at Bhuli OP.
