BHOPAL: An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Santosh Verma, having a controversial past, has kicked up a fresh row with an objectionable remark about Brahmin girls in Madhya Pradesh. Addressing the provincial meeting of the Anusuchit Jati Evam Janjati Adhikari Evam Karmachari Sangh (AJAKS), the associations newly elected provincial president Santosh Verma reportedly made an objectionable remark about Brahmin girls. Reservations will continue till a Brahmin donates his daughter to my son or allows her to have a relationship with him, Verma reportedly said at the event held in Bhopals Ambedkar Maidan on Sunday. As the video went viral across social media platforms on Monday, Brahmin organizations, while condemning the IAS officers remark as indecent, casteist and extremely insulting to Brahmin daughters, demanded strict action against the bureaucrat. We demand an immediate FIR against the officer for his highly indecent remarks about Brahmin daughters. If no FIR is registered against him, the entire Brahmin samaj will resort to state-wide protest, Pushpendra Mishra, the state president of All India Brahmin Samaj demanded. Mishra added that the remarks by the IAS officer violate the Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, due to which stern action against him becomes even more important. A leader of the MP Mantralaya Sewa Adhikari-Karamchari Sangh, Er Sudhir Nayak, while terming the remark by the IAS officer, as Highly objectionable and insulting for the general category people, demanded action against Verma under the Civil Service (Conduct) Rules. Controversies arent new to Verma, who was originally an MP State Administrative Service officer. He was in news in 2021-22, allegedly forging court orders and faking signatures of a special court judge, for falsely claiming relief in cases against him. He was arrested after the concerned judge filed a complaint against him for forging court orders, which pertained to alleged criminal intimidation of a woman. He had reportedly used the forged documents to secure promotion from the state administrative cadre to Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
CJI makes new rule on urgent hearing
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday administered the oath of office to Justice Surya Kant, who became the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others, attended the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It marked a personal milestone for the 62-year-old judge from Haryanas Hisar district, who took the oath in Hindi, invoking God. Moments later, he walked over to greet the prime minister. Justice Kant succeeds Justice B R Gavai and will serve until February 9, 2027, when he turns 65. His judicial career includes contributions to several landmark verdicts from the Presidential Reference on removing timelines for governors to the abrogation of Article 370, the Pegasus spyware matter, questions of free speech, citizenship rights, and the Special Intensive Revision of Bihars electoral rolls. He was also on the bench that put the sedition law on hold, directing that no new FIRs be filed until the Centre completes its review. After assuming office, CJI Kant introduced a new procedural norm for urgent mentions. From now on, he said, lawyers must submit written requests explaining the cause of urgency, and the registry will examine them. Oral mentions, he made clear, will be allowed only in rare situations. If you have any urgent mentioning, give your mentioning slip along with the cause of urgency; the registrar will examine Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, when somebodys liberty is involved, there is a question of death sentence, etc, then only I will list it, he said. His remark came after a counsel sought urgent listing in a case concerning the demolition of a canteen. On the bench, CJI Kant has repeatedly underlined the limits of free expression. He cautioned podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia for derogatory remarks, observing that free speech did not permit flouting societal norms. In another hearing, a bench he led pulled up Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for comments he made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi during Operation Sindoor, stressing that freedom of speech is not absolute and that ministers must speak responsibly.
Dec 14 rally against vote theft a pure Congress show
NEW DELHI: INDIA bloc constituents will not take part in the December 14 rally being organised by the Congress to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI)s alleged vote theft. Party leaders insist that it will be a purely Congress affair and the decision to go solo was firmed up at the AICC review meeting early last week. A senior Congress leader told this newspaper that the rally at Ramlila Maidan would be completely a Congress show aimed at conveying that the party has consistently been at the forefront of exposing irregularities in the electoral process. We have been campaigning on this issue for months and has collected five crore signatures from across the country against vote chori. The party has invested its organisational strength on the matter. This protest is specifically our initiative, the leader said, adding that the party is expecting a huge turnout driven by state units that have been asked to mobilise workers from constituencies where alleged irregularities have surfaced. According to sources, the decision was finalised during the AICC review meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with key office-bearers from 12 states and Union Territories (UT), where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls is underway. The meeting was attended by former party president Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries, state unit chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders and secretaries of 12 states and UTs where the SIR is underway. The states and UTs are Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will go to polls in 2026. Phase 2 of the SIR exercise began on November 4 and will continue till December 4. The party has alleged that the EC is now a blatantly partisan player that is completely destroying the very concept of a level-playing field for all political parties. After the EC rolled out the second phase of the SIR on October 27, opposition-ruled states Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala have escalated their objections to the ECs move by seeking legal options. Despite being a key constituent of the INDIA bloc and a primary opposition party, the Congress had not convened a joint meeting or crafted a coordinated strategy with its alliance partners on the SIR issue until now. On Sunday, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the EC, linking the ongoing SIR directly to the deaths of 16 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) over nearly three weeks. Gandhi alleged that the ECs rushed, paperwork-heavy process is a deliberate ploy to harass citizens and enable voter fraud. Decision finalised during AICC review meeting According to sources, the decision was finalised during the AICC review meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge with key office-bearers from 12 states and Union Territories (UT). The meeting was attended by former party president Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries, state unit chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders and secretaries of 12 states and UTs where the SIR is underway.
Halt ops, give us 3-mth window: Maoists to govt
RAIPUR: The Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) Special Zonal Committee of the banned CPI (Maoist) has sought time until February 15, 2026, to arrive at a collective decision on surrendering arms and accepting the governments rehabilitation package. The MMC committee operates in the dense tri-junction forest region of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh a strategically vital corridor used by Maoist cadres to move between different areas of the Dandakaranya Special Zone. In a signed press release issued in the name of Anant, spokesperson of the MMC Special Zonal Committee, the outfit addressed Chief Ministers of the three states Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh) and Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh) requesting a halt to anti-Maoist operations. Most wanted Maoist leader Madvi Hidma killed 12 days ahead of Amit Shah's deadline The letter released to the media claimed that the proposal has the approval of Politburo member Sonu Dada and Central Committee members Satish and Chandranna, all of whom have reportedly renounced armed struggle and surrendered. Acknowledging the lack of secure and rapid communication channels within the underground network, the statement said: Since we do not have a fast mechanism to contact one another, the requested period till February 15, 2026, is required. This is well within the March 31, 2026, deadline set by the government. 'Lay down arms...': Surrendered Maoist leader Bhupathi appeals to active members in police-released video Reacting to the development, Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj said, The remaining Maoist cadres and their depleted leadership now have no option except to shun violence and join the social mainstream. Such a press note has emerged when the organisation has crumbled... They are now leaderless, directionless and demoralised. As per directives of governments and desire of the native population, troops are committed to bring an end to the left-wing extremism as early as possible. Request to convey message on radio Maoist leader Anant requested that his message be run on radio to ensure it reaches cadres soon. Allow us to meet representatives and journalists, so that we can declare a date on laying down arms, he said.
Madhya Pradesh Farmers Hold 'Funeral' For Onions As Prices Crash
Farmers in Dhamnar village of Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district took out a funeral procession for onions after market prices crashed so low that they could not even recover their basic production and transportation costs
Seven girls rescued in MP as police raid two spa centres for alleged sex rackets
BHOPAL: A surprise police raid at two spa centres in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, revealed sex rackets that were pushing young girls from Delhi and from districts in the GwaliorChambal region into prostitution. The raid, led by additional SP (ASP) Vidita Dagar, was carried out on Sunday at two spa centres located in the upmarket City Centre area of Gwalior. The operation resulted in the busting of the rackets. Total seven young girls were found at the two Spa Centres. The girls were found in objectionable situations with men hailing from Gwalior only. Objectionable material too was seized from both the Spa Centres, Dagar told TNIE on Monday. According to the police, the preliminary investigation revealed that some of the girls hailed from Delhi, while others were from Bhind district in Madhya Pradeshs GwaliorChambal region. Four to five men, including those found with the girls in objectionable positions and the operators of the two centres, have been detained for questioning. There have been specific intelligence inputs with us about some Spa Centres in the city, indulging in immoral business, after which the surprise inspection was carried out by the police at the two Spa Centres in Tulsi Vihar Colony on Sunday, Dagar added. Were now working at how the girls from Delhi and Bhind were brought here and pushed into the immoral activities at the two Spa Centres, she informed.
MP: Hindutva workers take law into their hands, assault two men
Bhopal: Hindutva vigilantes in Madhya Pradesh assaulted two Muslim men in separate incidents on the same day for their alleged crimes. Several Bajrang Dal members stormed a flat in Tanishk Apartments in the Ayodhya Nagar area of Bhopal. After forcing open the doors, they spotted a man and a woman. They reportedly attacked the boy Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Madhya Pradesh: Wanted criminal arrested after police encounter in Gwalior
A wanted history-sheeter, Kapil Yadav, was arrested after a brief encounter in Gwaliors Mohanpur area, where he sustained a bullet injury before being overpowered by police
Mahindra Logistics, LOreal India launch all-women operated warehouse in Indore
MUMBAI, Nov 24: Mahindra Groups logistics arm MLL on Monday announced the launch of an all-women operated warehousing facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with the Indian subsidiary of French multinational firm LOreal. The facility supports distribution across central India, enabling movement of goods to key markets, including Jabalpur, Bhopal, Indore, Singrauli, Sagar, Ratlam, Bina, Satna, Rewa, Shahdol and Shivpuri, among others, Mahindra Logistics Ltd (MLL) said. MLL said the dedicated women-operated warehousing unit strengthens regional outreach through [] The post Mahindra Logistics, LOreal India launch all-women operated warehouse in Indore appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BHOPAL:After being on the run for more than three weeks, the suspended government doctor, the alleged mastermind of the recently busted inter-state fake Indian currency notes (FICN) racket, has been arrested in Madhya Pradesh's capital, Bhopal. Acting on specific inputs, cops from the special investigation team (SIT) of Khandwa district police, raided a house in Bhopals Bagmugaliya area and arrested Dr Prateek Navlakhe along with his two aides. While the suspended government doctor, 43-year-old Prateek Navlakhe, hails from southwestern MPs Burhanpur district, the two other men arrested from the rented house on Sunday evening have been identified as 35-year-old Gopal alias Rahul (resident of MPs Harda district) and 43-year-old Dinesh Gore (who hails from Amravati-Maharashtra). Suspended MP doctor emerges as mastermind in inter-state fake currency racket busted in Maharashtra Dinesh Gore is the acting principal of a government school in Maharashtra, while Rahul is a property broker. FICN totalling Rs 25,000, nine cell-phones, a laptop, 32 ATM cards, 15 bank cheque books, a dryer machine and other incriminating material have been seized from the arrested trio, Khandwa district police superintendent Manoj Rai said on Monday. With this recent action, FICNs totalling over Rs 30 lakh have so far been seized by the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh police teams from the possession of the seven arrested members of the inter-state racket and their whereabouts since October 30. Importantly, the alleged inter-state FICN racket was busted in Malegaon town of Maharashtras Nashik district on October 30 following the arrest of a Muslim cleric, Maulana Zuber and his key aide, Nazir. The Malegaon cops had seized from the duo, Rs 10 lakhs FICN, which they were to route to various parts of the western state. With Zubair being the Imam of a mosque located in Pethia village of southwestern MPs Khandwa district, the Khandwa district police raided the room where he stayed in the Imambara in Pethia village and recovered Rs 19.78 lakh FICN on November 2. An SIT was subsequently formed by the Khandwa district police superintendent into the entire case, and the two men, including Maulana Zubair, arrested in Malegaon town on October 30, were later brought to Khandwa (MP) for questioning. It was their questioning that confirmed the direction of the police investigation, about the suspended government doctor Pradeep Navlakhe being the mastermind of the inter-state racket. Navlakhes arrest from Bhopal is a breakthrough for us in the case, as he has emerged as the real mastermind of the racket. The laptop seized from the rented house in Bhopal contains details and designs of the FICNs, SP-Khandwa district Manoj Rai said. As per sources associated with the ongoing police probe, investigations strongly suggest many more Maharashtra links in the racket, including some major links in the Vidarbha region. Probe till now suggests that Dr Navlakhe was into FICNs for 4-5 months. Before that, he had also tried his hand at FICN, but failed to succeed completely. Importantly, back in 2022, Navlakhe (who was posted at the Burhanpur district hospital) was accused of opening an account in a private bank in the name of the hospital's peon and then parked around Rs 24 lakh. The account was closed after withdrawing the money. In 2022, Dr Navlakhe was suspended after he sold the hospitals equipment worth Rs 25 lakh as scrap. He was also suspected to be involved in hawala business, cricket betting and human trafficking. The suspended doctor met Mohd Zubair while being lodged in Khandwa jail. Zubair was lodged there in multiple cases of robbery and investment fraud. The Khandwa polices SIT suspect that it was at the Khandwa jail that Navlakhe convinced Zubair to become part of his network of FICN supply racket. Dr Navlakhe had tried his luck with FICN printing in the past and is accused of two to three cases of counterfeit Indian currency notes in Jalgaon and Bhusawal in Maharashtra. Barring Dr Navlakhe, the six others arrested in the case so far were possibly working as agents who searched prospective buyers of the fake currency notes and then supplied them to the customers. For every Rs one lakh, the racket got Rs 30,000 in authentic currency notes from the customers, then distributed to operatives. Ongoing investigations suggest that the finest quality wire used in the FICNs was sourced from China, while the paper was sourced from Maharashtras Vidarbha region. On October 30, when Maulana Zubair, along with an aide, was arrested with Rs 10 FICN in Malegaon (Maharashtra), Dr Navlakhe was present in Pune. With the help of his girlfriend, Dr Navlakhe first came to Bhopal via Burhanpur and later went into hiding in Haridwar (Uttarakhand), before returning and hiding in the rented flat with Dinesh Gores help. While investigations till now have revealed that the income generated from the FICN business was parked by Dr Navlakhe in his girlfriends bank account, the seizure of 32 ATM cards and 15 bank cheque books strongly suggests that the rackets mastermind was also parking alleged crime money in mule accounts.
JIH MP unit launches neighbours rights campaign
Bhopal: The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Madhya Pradesh Unit, has launched of a 10-day state-wide campaign on Neighbours Rights with the slogan Ideal Neighbour, Ideal Society. Addressing a joint Press conference Dr. Hamid Beg, president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Madhya Pradesh Unit, made the announcement about the above campaign. The campaign is being run across the state along Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
From small-town lawyer to pinnacle of judiciary, 53rd CJI Surya Kant delivered many key verdicts
NEW DELHI: Justice Surya Kant, who took oath as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, has been part of several key verdicts, including orders on Presidential Reference on removing timelines for governors, abrogation of Article 370, Bihar electoral roll revision , the Pegasus spyware case, free speech, and citizenship rights. Coming from a middle-class family in Haryana's Hisar district, CJI Kant started his professional journey as a small-town lawyer before reaching the pinnacle of the Indian judiciary. He took oath in Hindi in the name of God, and will remain in charge for nearly 15 months, till demitting office on February 9, 2027, on attaining the age of 65. Delineating his top two priorities as the head of the judiciary, CJI Kant recently told the media that dealing with a huge backlog of more than five crore cases across courts and promoting game changer mediation as an alternative mode of dispute resolution will be his two important goals. CJI Kant was recently part of a five-judge Constitution bench headed by his predecessor Justice B R Gavai, which ruled that the court cannot impose any timelines on governors or the president to grant assent to Bills passed by the state assemblies, but at the same time said governors do not have unfettered powers to sit on the Bills for perpetuity. CJI Kant also penned several notable judgments in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and was appointed the chief justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on October 5, 2018. His tenure as a Supreme Court judge is marked by verdicts on the abrogation of Article 370, free speech and citizenship rights. He was part of the bench that kept the colonial-era sedition law in abeyance, directing that no new FIRs be registered under it until a government review. CJI Kant also nudged the Election Commission to disclose the details of 65 lakh voters excluded from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the poll panel's decision to undertake a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter list in the poll-bound state. In an order that emphasised grassroots democracy and gender justice, he led a bench that reinstated a woman sarpanch unlawfully removed from office and called out the gender bias in the matter. He is also credited with directing that one-third of seats in bar associations, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, be reserved for women. CJI Kant was part of the bench that appointed a five-member committee headed by former top court judge Justice Indu Malhotra to probe the security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab in 2022, saying such matters required a judicially trained mind. He also upheld the 'One Rank-One Pension' scheme for defence forces, calling it constitutionally valid, and continues to hear petitions of women officers in the armed forces seeking parity in permanent commission. In another notable case, he upheld the Char Dham project in Uttarakhand, emphasising its strategic importance for national security, while balancing environmental concerns. His bench also observed that freedom of speech is not a licence to flout societal norms while cautioning podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia for his derogatory remarks. CJI Kant headed a bench which pulled up several stand-up comedians, including 'India's Got Latent' host Samay Raina, for ridiculing disabled people on their shows, and directed the Centre to come up with guidelines for regulating online content. Holding that freedom of speech is not absolute , CJI Kant led a bench which pulled up Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his remarks targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who gained nationwide prominence for media briefings on 'Operation Sindoor', saying every word uttered by a minister has to be with a sense of responsibility. He has repeatedly underscored that corruption undermines governance and public trust. In a 2023 verdict, he called it a serious societal threat and ordered the CBI to probe 28 cases exposing an unholy nexus between banks and developers that defrauded homebuyers. He also led a bench that granted bail to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in the CBI excise policy case, saying the agency must work to dispel the notion of being a caged parrot. His bench flagged the absence of a legal framework for domestic workers, directing the Centre to form an expert committee to propose protective measures for the vulnerable workforce. He has been part of more than 300 benches since his elevation to the Supreme Court. CJI Kant was also on the seven-judge bench that overruled the 1967 Aligarh Muslim University verdict, opening the way for reconsideration of its minority status. He was also part of the bench which in 2021 appointed a three-member panel of cyber experts to probe the alleged use of Israeli spyware Pegasus for surveillance of certain people in India, saying the state cannot get a free pass every time the spectre of national security is raised and it cannot be the ugbear that the judiciary shies away from. High Courts must respond quickly and accurately, just like emergency wards in hospitals: Justice Surya Kant
Illegal arms case: Gangs sourced weapons from MP village, says Pune Police
In a large-scale operation carried out jointly with the Madhya Pradesh Police, authorities raided Umarti village in Barwani district, about 500 kilometres from Pune. They detained 36 people and seized a substantial cache of weapons
How A Doctor Masterminded Fake Currency Racket With Aides He Met In Jail
What began as a routine raid at a maulana's rented room in a quiet village in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa has exploded into one of the state's biggest counterfeit currency scandals.
Four pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh killed in road accident
According to the police, the van in which they were travelling hit a stationary lorry, leading to the ghastly incident
Madhya Pradesh: Disabled Man Beaten, Urinated On By Relatives; 2 Arrested
Rajkumar Lovanshi and Govind Lovanshi assaulted and urinated on a disabled relative, sparking outrage.
Man With Disability Thrashed, Urinated Upon By Relatives In Madhya Pradesh
The deeply disturbing video surfaced on social media from Madhya Pradesh's Raisen, triggering outrage as bystanders continued filming the atrocity but made no attempt to intervene.
Srikakulam: Four Pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh Killed in Road Mishap
They were reportedly travelling to the Srisailam temple for darshan when the accident took place.
Pune police bust illegal arms units in Madhya Pradesh; 36 detained, weapons seized
Over the past three weeks, a total of 21 pistols were seized in Pune. During the interrogation of the accused held in the city, it came to light that the weapons brought to Pune were sourced from Madhya Pradesh. After that, this operation was planned and carried out, an official said.
2Teachers Working As BLOs DieIn Madhya Pradesh; Families Blame SIR Stress
The role of a booth-level officer involves rigorous door-to-door verification, distributing forms, collecting updated voter details, and managing online data digitisation
India a Hindu nation that follows unity in diversity: Uma Bharti
BHOPAL, Nov 22 : Senior BJP leader Uma Bharti on Saturday said that although India is a Hindu state, it does not follow or work on the basis of a single religion as it believes in unity in diversity. Indias identity as a Hindu nation is what ensures its secularism. Secularism here reflects acceptance of all faiths, rooted in the Hindu tradition of worshipping many gods and many rituals, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister told reporters here. Long before [] The post India a Hindu nation that follows unity in diversity: Uma Bharti appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jan Dhan accounts in Madhya Pradesh used to circulate cyber-fraud money; three held
BHOPAL: Once meant to bank the unbanked, zero balance bank accounts in Madhya Pradesh created under the PM Jan Dhan Scheme have now transformed into mule accounts for cyber fraudsters. Three individuals have been arrested so far. As many as seven bank accounts have been misused by fraudsters who have parked funds looted from crimes committed in other states. Five of these bank accounts are Jan Dhan accounts, including one account of a deceased person. How did the fraud surface? Recently, a daily wage labourer Bisram Ivne (40) approached the authorities, stating that transactions of around Rs 2 crore were carried out through his Jan Dhan account since June 2025. He came to know about it when he went to the bank to update his KYC details. We initiated a focussed investigation in the matter by the district polices cyber cell and the subsequent probe revealed transactions of around Rs 1.5 crore in the account since June, Betul district police superintendent Virendra Jain told TNIE on Saturday. Subsequent police probes, particularly based on some similar complaints, led the cops to six more accounts, four of which were Jan Dhan accounts in which transactions spanning between Rs 47.44 lakh and Rs 2.24 crore were detected, which brought the total sum to more than Rs 9.84 crore. Surprisingly, one of the Jan Dhan accounts in which suspicious monetary transactions were detected, was held by one Rajendra Varde, who is no longer alive. Another account with suspicious transactions was a student scholarship account held by 20-year-old college student Narmada Ivne. As the probe progressed it was found that the Rs 9.84 crore plus sum was parked in these accounts, which were being used as mule accounts. The sum actually represented the proceeds of cyber fraud cases done in other states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi and Haryana, SP Jain said. The money pertained to proceeds of cyber-crime, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, fake customer service centre related fraud and cyber phishing. Accused so far Further investigations took the Betul district polices multiple teams to two hideouts in Indore, from where three men have so far been arrested in the case. The arrested men include Raja alias Ayush Chauhan (28), who hails from Savligarh (Betul), his brother-in-law Ankit Rajput (32) and Narendra Singh Rajput (42). As many as 15 cell-phones, 21 ATM cards, Rs 28,000 cash and 11 bank passbooks of nationalized and private banks have been seized from the arrested men. The seizure has revealed that more than 20 more bank accounts were being used to park and circulate the cyber fraud money in different parts of Madhya Pradesh. Many of those accounts may well be Jan Dhan accounts, the SP-Betul said. Investigations have revealed the involvement of an ad hoc employee of one of the banks, who helped the inter-state gang in first getting access to the accounts, then changing the registered mobile phone number of each of the accounts, get new ATM cards issued and finally get access to internet-mobile banking for each account, particularly to get control of account whose holder had died. But the arrested trio is just one layer of the multi-layered racket, whose real players (backward and forward linkages of the racket) were operating from other states.
Pune cops bust arms-making units in MP village; 36 detained, huge cache of illegal weapons seized
PUNE: The Pune police on Saturday busted a major inter-state illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking racket being operated from Umarti village in Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh, leading to the detention of 36 persons and seizure of a huge cache of illegal weapons, officials said. The operation was conducted after several pistols were seized in Pune city over the last three weeks with the supply links found in Madhya Pradesh, they said. During the operation, carried out jointly with the MP police, 50 furnaces, where weapons were being manufactured illegally, were destroyed, they said. Addressing a press conference, Pune's Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma said, The Pune police conducted a combing operation in Madhya Pradesh. During the investigation of cases registered at the city's Vimantal and Kalepadal police stations, we received multiple inputs about the pistol making units located in MP. Police from Pune and Madhya Pradesh jointly carried out this action. Raids were conducted at several locations and arms-making units were demolished. A total of 36 people were taken into custody, he said. Over the past three weeks, a total of 21 pistols had been seized in Pune. During the interrogation of the accused held in the city, it came to light that the weapons brought to Pune were sourced from Madhya Pradesh. After that this operation was planned and carried out, the official added. This is a supply chain of weapons. Search is on for those who sent these weapons to Pune. Many more individuals are involved in this racket, and inquiry is still underway, the Joint CP said. A team of 105 police personnel from Pune, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Somay Munde, took part in the operation.
Two booth level officers engaged in SIR die in Madhya Pradesh, kin blame work pressure
BHOPAL: Two government teachers working as booth level officers under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls have died in two separate districts of Madhya Pradesh over the last 24 hours. The two have been identified as Ramakant Pandey and Sitaram Gond. While the authorities claimed that the two BLOs died due to health related issues, the bereaved families alleged that it was due to unbearable work pressure and fear of being suspended for not achieving the daily targets. Confirming the death of Ramakant Pandey, a teacher-cum-BLO from Satlapur area, who was assigned voter list revision task in Mandideep area, the sub divisional officer (SDO) and electoral registration officer of Raisens Bhojpur assembly segment Chandrashekhar Srivastava reportedly said that Pandey died on Friday night due to some illness. We are awaiting the autopsy, which will make the cause of death clear. Pandeys widow Rekha and other family members, however, alleged that excessive work pressure, including working late at nights, repeated orders to achieve unrealistic targets and fear of being suspended for dereliction of duty if the targets werent met, caused the death of the middle-aged teacher, who was posted at Tilakhedi primary school. Around 220 km away, in Damoh district, another middle-aged school teacher Sitaram Gond, who was tasked with enumeration duties in Ranjra and Kuda Kudan villages, suddenly fell ill on Thursday while getting the enumeration forms filled. He was first taken to the Damoh district hospital, but later referred by doctors to Jabalpur for advanced treatment in serious condition, where he breathed last during treatment on Friday night, an education department official said. The deceased teachers close relatives and friends claimed that he was under severe work pressure. He had only managed to complete 10-15% of work in the two villages assigned to him. Vadodara BLO assistant dies on duty amid rising SIR workload concerns; four deaths in four days across Gujarat Earlier, on Wednesday, another teacher-cum-BLO identified as Bhuwan Singh Chouhan, had died at his home in Alirajpur district, after slipping from the stairs in his house. He left behind his widow and eight children, only two of whom are married. While recounting his suspension for dereliction of duties on Tuesday, elder daughter Sangita and son Anil alleged that the stress after being suspended caused the death. His brother-in-law, who too is a teacher-cum-BLO, said, Unrealistic verbal targets have been set for us, completing enumeration of 100 voters in a single day. A large part of the population works as migrant labourers in the adjoining Gujarat, so its becoming difficult to track them and get the enumeration work done. Bhuwan Singh was suspended for not attending the training. How can he attend training while he was in the field to achieve the unwritten targets of completing enumeration tasks with 100 voters daily? He was under severe stress due to suspension and subsequent attachment to Ranapur tehsil in adjoining Jhabua district, which could have caused the killer mishap. According to SDM-Jhabua district Bhaskar Gachle, Bhuwan was suspended on the basis of a report by Nayab Tehsildar-Bori about the concerned BLO not doing the enumeration work properly. Prior to this, on November 11, a 50-year-old teacher-cum-BLO Udaybhan Sihare had allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a noose tied to a ventilator in the washroom of a primary school in Pandokhar of Datia district. My brother neither knew how to drive a motorcycle, nor did he know how to properly operate a mobile phone. He was unable to do the SIR related work properly and was under severe stress, owing to the fear of getting suspended. It perhaps provoked him to take the extreme step, the deceased teacher-cum-BLOs brother Dharmendra Sihare said. One more BLO dies by suicide in West Bengal, family alleges SIR-related stress
Court Temporarily Stays Action Against Al-Falah Group Chief's Ancestral Home
The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has temporarily stayed the Mhow Cantonment Board's notice to remove unauthorised construction at the ancestral house of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the chancellor of Al-Falah University.
Man, His 15-Year-Old Son Killed In Road Accident In UP's Shahjahanpur
A cleaner was sacked after a video showing stray dogs lying on beds for patients at a government community health centre in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district went viral, sparking outrage. The incident took place at Killaud Community Health Centre.
Dogs Seen Resting On Government Hospital Beds In Madhya Pradesh, Employee Fired
A cleaner was sacked after a video showing stray dogs lying on beds for patients at a government community health centre in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district went viral, sparking outrage.
MP HC grants interim stay on action against ancestral house of Al-Falah group chairperson
Indore: The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has temporarily stayed the Mhow Cantonment Boards notice to remove unauthorised construction at the ancestral house of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the chancellor of Al-Falah University, which is at the focus of the Delhi blast probe. The high court passed the interim order on Thursday and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Punjab police bust gangsterterror module; five held with foreign links
CHANDIGARH: A gangster-terror module was busted by the Punjab Police with the arrest of five suspects. Seven such modules have been unearthed in the last three weeks. The arrested men were allegedly assigned target killings by handlers operating from Pakistan, Canada, and Europe. Sources said the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, through its handlers, has been using YouTube videos to train recruits remotely on how to operate and detonate hand grenades. Police recovered these instructional videosdownloaded and shared via WhatsApp using virtual numbersfrom the mobile phones of the alleged suspects. The accused have been identified as Deepak, alias Deepu, and Ram Lal, who travelled from Rajasthan to coordinate and execute a terror attack in Ludhiana. The other three are Shamsher Singh from Ferozepur in Punjab, Harsh Ojha from Bihar, and Ajay from Haryana. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said the accused were specifically tasked by their Pakistan-based handler, Jasveer alias Choudhary, to carry out grenade attacks in the state. These Pakistan-based handlers are deliberately recruiting criminals from other states to commit terror acts in Punjab, as youths from Bihar, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are being recruited to orchestrate grenade attacks in the state. We are in touch with the National Investigation Agency to unearth their foreign links, he said. Police officials privy to the investigation said that after Operation Sindoor, there has been a sharp rise in assigned target killings, with gangster-terror modules receiving hit lists, weapons, and logistical support from handlers abroad. There is credible evidence that the ISI of Pakistan is trying its best to disturb peace in the state, as it is pressurising its contacts among gangsters through foreign handlers to carry out target killings, said one official. There has also been a five-fold increase in weapons smuggling across the border. A total of 375 weaponsincluding AK-47 rifles, grenades, and improvised explosive deviceswere seized till October 31 this year, surpassing the total number recovered from 2021 to 2024, according to state police data. On November 1, four operatives of gangsters Gurdev Jassal and Gurlala alias Gullu were arrested in Gurdaspur, and five pistols were recovered from them. On November 10, the State Special Operation Cell arrested four members of a terror module who were in touch with a Portugal-based wanted gangster and were working under his directions. A day later, SSOC-Amritsar, in a joint operation with the Counter-Intelligence Wing, Pathankot, arrested two individuals working on behalf of a UK-based handler and recovered a sophisticated 9mm Glock pistol and five live cartridges. On November 12, the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Mohali Police, arrested two operatives linked to foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who were planning to target a businessman. On November 13, police arrested two associates of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang and recovered two foreign-made .30-calibre pistols from Batala. The accused were tasked by gangster Amrit Dalaam, a member of the Bhagwanpuria gang, to carry out target killings, the police said. Then, on November 15, the Counter-Intelligence Wing in Amritsar busted an illegal weapons-smuggling module being operated from Madhya Pradesh, arresting one person and recovering nine pistols. Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the police have been able to bust most of the modules that had been assigned target killings. There have been desperate attempts from across the border to disturb peace in the state, but our agencies have been active and alert to meet any eventuality, he said.
Pune Police bust arms-making units in Madhya Pradesh village; 47 detained
The raid was conducted by a 105-member team comprising personnel from the crime branch and officials of wireless, drone, surveillance, and cyber sections
Delhi police arrest Congress worker over misleading social media post on vote-chori
BHOPAL: A Congress worker Manjeet Ghoshi was arrested by Delhi Police from his village in Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning after he posted an old video of a protest in Rajasthan claiming that it was from a vote-chori protest in Bihar. According to informed sources in the Narsinghpur district police, a Delhi police team and a team from Rajasthan Police had come in connection with a tweet made by Ghoshi. Ghoshi had posted on the X, a video of a torch light procession which was actually taken out in September in Rajasthans Jhalawar district, demanding justice for the victims of a school tragedy. Posting the video three days after the Bihar assembly polls result, Ghoshi had falsely claimed that the visuals pertained to a procession by people, after the BJP came to power through vote chori (vote theft) in Bihar, informed sources said. While the Narsinghpur districts additional SP Sandeep Bhuria, confirmed the arrest by Delhi Police team, he was unable to divulge much about the case. The Congress workers brother Laxmikant said that Manjeet was taken in custody at around 7 am in connection with his recent post on X. My brother is associated with the Congress and he has been taken in custody by the Delhi police team in connection with a recent tweet (post on X), Manjeets elder brother Laxmikant told journalists. Angered over the arrest, the Congress workers led by the Narsinghpur district Congress president and former MLA Sunita Patel demonstrated outside the Narsinghpur district police superintendents office for two hours. Our worker Manjeet Ghoshis arrest in Narsinghpur district, based on a tweet, is against democratic rights. In protest against this dictatorship, the District Congress staged a sit-in protest outside the Superintendent of Police's office, the state Congress said in its official statement.
BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday ordered a temoporary stay on the Mhow administration's order to demolish the ancestral house of the Al-Falah University founder-chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui. The Mhow Cantonment Board had pasted a notice on the three-storeyed house on Wednesday, asking the owners/legal heirs to remove the construction within three days, failing which it would be demolished. The authorities claimed that the house was constructed illegally. The present owner of the house, Abdul Majid, challenged the notice in the court, stating that three days was too little time to reply, and that no demolition action should be initiated till a proper reply is filed. Previous notices were served (by the Board) in 1996 and 1997, which is almost 30 years ago. Almost 30 years later another notice has been issued. If any action was to be taken against the petitioner after a period of almost 30 years, he ought to have been afforded an opportunity of hearing, the single-judge bench of Justice Pranay Verma observed on Friday. It is directed that the petitioner shall file his reply along with all relevant documents before the respondents/competent authority within a period of 15 days from today. Thereafter, the petitioner shall be afforded due opportunity of hearing and thereafter a reasoned and speaking order in the matter shall be passed. Till the said exercise is completed, and for a period of ten days thereafter in case the order is against the petitioner, no coercive action shall be taken against him, the HC stated while disposing of the petition. Importantly, the three-storeyed house in the Mukeri Mohalla locality of Mhow was originally owned by Shahar Qazi Maulavi Hammad Ahmad Siddiqui. After the Muslim clerics death, the entire family of around 16 children from Siddiquis three wives relinquished the house to his son and Al-Falah University head, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, who later gifted it to Abdul Majid. Majid, who was known to the family, has been in possession of the house for the last 45 years, his counsel Ajay Bagadiya told TNIE on Friday. Abdul Majid, the current owner, petitioned the MP High Courts Indore Bench challenging the Boards Wednesday order. A Supreme Court order pertaining to demolition of properties by various state governments, including the MP and UP governments, clearly stipulated last year that any demolition action against illegal constructions must only be undertaken by following the appropriate legal process, giving at least 15 days to the property occupant/owner to respond, Bagadiya noted. Our submission before the HC was that in the show-cause notice served to the petitioner, it was not specified what portion of the house was actually encroachment. Also, the show-cause notice was served almost three decades after the previous notices, and the time given for responding to the notice was too little, he said.
Congress alleges BJP bid to weaken tribal reservation over Madhya Pradesh Civil Judge exam
Allegations over MP Civil Judge exam, tribal reservation and electoral roll revision raised by Congress
Ruturaj Gaikwad To Lead Maharashtra In 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: India opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named Maharashtras captain for the 2025/26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy starting on November 26, said the Maharashtra Cricket Association announced on Friday. Gaikwad heads into the tournament on the back of strong form for India A in their 50-over series in Rajkot, where he amassed 210 runs, including a century. Maharashtra will play its groupstage fixtures at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and will start their campaign against Jammu and Kashmir on November 26. Apart from J&K, Maharashtra will also face off against Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Chandigarh in their Elite Group B league matches. Meanwhile, Shubham Khajuria has been named captain of the J&K team. The squad includes fast bowler Umran Malik and hardhitting batter Abdul Samad, both of whom bring valuable experience to the side whose fortunes in the Ranji Trophy have been on a high. For their white-ball games, they will have the services of their guest player leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin, who previously played for Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh. Previously, Jharkhand named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their captain for the tournament, where they are slotted in Elite Group D, alongside Delhi, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, and Tripura in Ahmedabad. Karnataka, meanwhile, have named Mayank Agarwal as their captain, with availability of Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna and KL Rahul depending on their selection for the ongoing multi-format series against South Africa. Previously, Jharkhand named wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their captain for the tournament, where they are slotted in Elite Group D, alongside Delhi, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Saurashtra, and Tripura in Ahmedabad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jammu & Kashmir squad: Qamran Iqbal, Shubham Khajuria (c), Vivrant Sharma, Musaif Aijaz, Abdul Samad, Yawer Hassan, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (vc), Abid Mushtaq, Vanshaj Sharma, Ashwin Murugan, Yudhvir Singh, Auqib Nabi, Umran Malik, Nasir Lone, and Sunil Kumar Article Source: IANS
The Congress accused the BJP of 'systematically' planning to terminate reservations and orchestrating a tribal crisis, following the demand for a high-level probe as to why 'no' tribal person was selected in the Madhya Pradesh Civil Judge Exam 2022 despite the prevailing quota. The party also strongly demanded the withdrawal of the 2022 Civil Judge exam. Chairman of Adivasi Congress, Vikrant Bhuria, said, In this exam, 121 seats were reserved for tribals, but not even one was selected. As per the existing rules, seats that remain vacant for several years are moved into the open category. In other words, this is a systematic way to end the reservation. He also asserted that there are over 2 crore tribals in Madhya Pradesh, yet the result of the Civil Judge Exam 2022 reflects that the BJP and its system couldn't find even a single tribal capable of holding the post. 2 , 2022 BJP 121 , 2021 pic.twitter.com/IhHkKL5hAP Congress (@INCIndia) November 21, 2025 He accused the BJP of creating a tribal crisis in the country, grabbing away their land and not providing them with justice. The BJP government is orchestrating the Great Indian Tribal Crisis across the country. Under BJP rule, tribal communities are being devastated. Tribal people are not receiving justice and are struggling even to preserve their identity. The lands of tribal communities are being seized, he alleged. Bhuria also said that Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh has been turned into a cantonment as trees are being continuously felled for the benefit of top corporate houses. He said that notices are being sent to thousands of tribals, and they are being sent out from the district. This is an open violation of the PESA law and the Forest Rights Act, he alleged. He also sought the creation of a migrant policy for tribals. The Congress leader also alleged that the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in haste has created the most harm to tribals.
Madhya Pradesh Class 11 Student Dies By Suicide, Alleges Teacher Harassed Her In Note
The student also accused the teacher of casually grabbing her hand while she sat on the bench, allegedly commenting on how his hand felt cold.
MP SET 2025 registration deadline extended till November 27: MPPSC issues updated schedule
Aspiring Assistant Professors in Madhya Pradesh have a new deadline for the MP SET 2025 exam. The MPPSC has extended the registration to November 27, 2025, allowing more candidates to apply for the state-level eligibility test. The exam, covering 31 subjects, is scheduled for January 11, 2026, with provisions for corrections and late submissions.
Private school student found dead in Madhya Pradesh, leaves behind note blaming teacher
Police are examining all aspects to determine the reason behind the death, says official
MP faux pas: 3 dead teachers get 3 days to explain zero attendance
BHOPAL: Three government school teachers in Madhya Pradesh were recently sent show-cause notices for missing e-attendance. Theyll never respondbecause the teachers are dead. This unusual set of notices was reported in the Mauganj district, Madhya Pradesh. The families of Devta Deen Kol, who passed away in April 2023; Ramgarib Dipankar, who died on February 13, 2025; and Chotelal Saket, who passed in May 2025, were surprised to receive official reminders demanding that the deceased justify their zero attendance for October 2025. The officer signing the notices appeared to be highly committed to procedural compliance: the notices included a warning that unsatisfactory replies could result in salary deductions. The teachers were allotted three days to respond. This was part of a wider effort by the school education department to tighten monitoring under its newly introduced e-attendance system. More than 1,500 teachers in Rewa and Mauganj districts reportedly received notices for failing to mark their attendance on the mobile app. But the inclusion of teachers who had been dead for monthsand in one case, yearsquickly exposed a deeper problem in the system. For many in the community, the letters became a symbol of how easily technology can misfire when basic upkeep falls through. The district education officer of Rewa, Ram Raj Mishra, admitted the lapse but placed responsibility on school authorities. The letters were issued based on the data of teachers secured from the special portal containing the details of teachers. The lapse occurred because the data on the concerned portal wasnt updated by the principals of the concerned schools through the BEOs. Such cases are very few, and the process has been initiated for updating the records on the concerned portal, he said. Meanwhile, the department continues to issue stern warnings to teachers, who fail to mark their attendance, giving them three days to explain themselves. The incident has made one thing clear: in its rush to enforce accountability, administration forgot to put its own house in order. Dept yet to get its own house in order The department continues to issue stern warnings to teachers who fail to mark their attendance, giving them three days to explain themselves. The incident has made one thing clear: in its rush to enforce accountability, administration forgot to put its own houseand its digital recordsin order
5 Suspects Arrested, Publicly Paraded Day After Bhopal Cafe Vandalism
A day after a group of masked men armed with swords, rods, and sticks barged into a cafe in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, smashing furniture and glass, police arrested five suspects involved in the attack and later took them out in a public procession.
Historic Milestone: Indian-Born Cheetah Gives Birth To 5 Cubs At Kuno National Park
Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.
Heatwave-linked surge in power demand may deepen India's fossil-fuel dependence: Report
India is facing a growing heat-power trap as record heatwaves boost electricity demand. This surge fuels dependence on fossil fuels, worsening emissions. A new study urges investment in renewable energy storage and smart grids. Regions like Madhya Pradesh and Delhi are severely impacted.
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Madhya Pradesh issues notices to deceased teachers over e-attendance lapse
BHOPAL: In an outlandish development, the Madhya Pradesh school education department has issued notices even to dead teachers in Mauganj district, seeking an explanation for not marking their daily attendance through the e-attendance system. As part of efforts to ensure proper attendance of teachers through the e-attendance system at schools, the department recently issued notices to reportedly over 1,500 teachers in Rewa and Mauganj districts for not marking their e-attendance. Surprisingly, those who were issued notices included three teachers in Mauganj who had already died, Devta Deen Kol, who died in April 2023; Ramgarib Dipaknkar, who breathed his last on 13 February 2025; and Chotelal Saket, who passed away in May 2025. In the notices issued to the deceased teachers, the department sought their explanation for zero attendance, despite October 2025 having 17 working days. The teachers were given three days to file their replies, with the department cautioning that unsatisfactory responses could also lead to pay cuts. Blaming the principals of the concerned schools in Mauganj district for the lapse, Rewa district education officer Ram Raj Mishra said, The letters were issued based on the data of teachers secured from the special portal containing the details of teachers. The lapse happened as the data on the concerned portal wasnt updated by the concerned schools principals through the block education officers (BEOs). Such cases are very few and the process has been initiated for updating the records on the concerned portal. Importantly, the department has intensified monitoring under the newly implemented e-attendance system by sending stern cautions to teachers who are not regular at schools. Defaulter teachers are being given three days to explain why they were not marking their attendance on the mobile app. While the school education department has moved ahead with sternly implementing e-attendance to ensure accountability and improve the quality of education in schools, administrators appear to have overlooked the need to update teachers records digitally before issuing notices to alleged defaulters.
GREW Solar Wins 'Solar Energy Manufacturer of the Year 2025' at the Go Global Awards
GREW Solar , one of India’s fastest-growing solar PV manufacturers, has been honored the ‘ Solar Energy Manufacturer of the Year 2025 ’ at the Go Global Awards ceremony held by The International Trade Council at the House of Lords, London, United Kingdom. This recognition highlights the company's rapid ascension and innovation in the solar energy industry, marking a significant milestone in its journey. L to R: Dr. Sachin Verma & Jonathan Marland The award was presented by His Excellency Jonathan Marland and Baroness Sandip Verma, distinguished members of the House of Lords, in the presence of diplomats, senior government officials, and representatives from 76 countries. Vinay Thadani, CEO and Director, GREW Solar , said, “ Being recognised on a global platform like this means a lot to us. It reflects the steady work we have put into building dependable solar solutions and growing our footprint. This award is not just an honor but a reminder of the responsibility we carry as we expand into new markets. Our teams have worked with a clear goal of making clean energy accessible, and this recognition encourages us to keep moving forward with the same focus. ” Dr. Sachin Verma, Vice President – HR & Business Transformation, Director’s Office, GREW Solar , said, “ At GREW Solar, we focus on creating an environment where people feel supported and have the space to grow. This milestone encourages us to keep building a strong and committed team. Being named the Solar Energy Manufacturer of the Year 2025 also shows how our work is being recognised globally, and we are grateful for that .” Founded in 2022, GREW Solar is one of India’s youngest and fastest-growing solar PV module manufacturers, ranking among the top 10 in the country. Backed by the Chiripal Group, the company has built a strong foundation rooted in technological advancement, quality-led manufacturing, and responsible growth. In just three years, it has emerged as a key player in India’s clean energy landscape and is steadily expanding its footprint in international markets. With new innovations in the pipeline and an expanding international outlook, the award underscores GREW Solar’s pivotal role in advancing solar energy solutions and its commitment to a greener future. About GREW Solar Backed by the Chiripal Group’s 52-year legacy of manufacturing excellence, GREW Solar has quickly risen to prominence since its inception in 2022. In its first year, the company launched M10 modules of up to 550 Wp and commissioned 1.2 GW of PV module manufacturing at Dudu, Rajasthan. By 2025, GREW Solar scaled its operational capacity to 3.0 GW delivering high-efficiency M10 TOPCon modules of up to 590 Wp. The company is currently expanding its Dudu plant to 11.0 GW, making it one of India’s largest AI powered, integrated solar PV module manufacturing plants equipped with its own state-of-the-art R&D laboratory. Looking ahead, GREW will initially establish a 3.0 GW solar PV cell plant at Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh, followed by a capacity expansion to 8.0 GW by end of 2026 at the same location, enabling backward integration. www.thegrewsolar.com . About the Go Global Awards A keystone annual program of the International Trade Council, the Go Global Awards recognizes excellence in global trade, innovation, and market expansion. Each year, the Council reviews thousands of nominations from across the globe, celebrating businesses, governments, and trade organizations that demonstrate outstanding achievement across diverse categories including Trade Leadership, Innovation & Technology, Supply Chain Excellence, E-commerce, Sustainability, and more. The awards highlight companies making significant impacts in international commerce. About the International Trade Council The International Trade Council is a global, multilateral chamber of commerce dedicated to expanding global trade through strategic partnerships and innovative programs. The Council provides practical tools and resources to help companies navigate international markets, reduce risk, and accelerate growth.
Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park
SHEOPUR (MP), Nov 20: India-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Thursday, calling it a historic milestone in Project Cheetah. A historic milestone has been achieved as Indian-born cheetah Mukhi has given birth to five cubs in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The mother and cubs are doing well, Yadav said in a post on X. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction [] The post Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bhopal: In a major breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction programme, the first Indian-born female cheetah has given birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park (KNP), marking a historic milestone in the countrys conservation efforts. Sharing the historic development on X on Thursday, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav posted visuals of 33-months-old female cheetah Mukhi and her newborn cubs. In a delightful breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiative, Mukhi the first Indian-born female cheetah, aged 33 months has given birth to five cubs. This is the first time in recent history that an Indian-born cheetah has reproduced, making it a landmark achievement for Project Cheetah, Yadav mentioned in the post. Successful reproduction by an India-born cheetah is a strong indicator of the species adaptation, health, and long-term prospects in Indian habitats. The mother and cubs are doing fine. This significant development reinforces optimism about establishing a self-sustaining and genetically diverse cheetah population in India, further advancing the nations conservation goals. Sharing the visuals, the MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, wrote on the same micro-blogging site, A historic milestone has been achieved in the Kuno National Park. The mother and cubs are doing well. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiative. Importantly, Mukhi is the lone surviving first-Indian born cub of Namibian cheetah Siyaya. She was born in March 2023 to Siyaya, just two days after the death of another Namibian female, Sasha, due to renal failure, was reported from the KNP -- which had become the first home to African cheetahs in India, following the successful introduction of eight Namibian cheetahs on September 17, 2022. Though Mukhi was the lone survivor among the first four Indian born cubs of the Namibian cheetah Siyaya, the female cub at nine months of age had sustained serious limb injury. Her subsequent recovery and growth into an independent, healthy adult cheetah, who learnt to hunt on her own, exemplifies the continuous efforts of the team of veterinary experts at the KNP. Importantly, both Mukhi and Siyaya became mothers at nearly the same age in the national park located in Sheopur district of MPs Gwalior-Chambal region. Thursdays landmark development in Indias ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme, more than seven decades after the species went extinct from the wild due to rampant hunting, gains further significance as Kuno National Park is now preparing to receive eight cheetahs from Botswana by the end of this year or early next year. Currently, Kuno National Park houses eight adult Namibian and South African cheetahs and 21 cubs. The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in western Madhya Pradesh, which became the second home for African cheetahs in India in April 2025, now holds a South African male coalition and a female, all translocated from Kuno.
Al Falah University chairmans ancestoral home given demolition notice
Mhow: The Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh has issued a notice to the occupants and legal heirs of a residential property, belonging to Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiquis family, citing unauthorised construction. The cantonment board authorities have directed that the structure be razed within three days, an official said on Wednesday. Faridabad-based Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Three killed, four injured as speeding car crashes into truck in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district
GUNA: Three persons were killed and four others injured when their speeding car rammed into a truck in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, a police official said. The incident took place around 3 am near village Bajranggarh on Guna-Aron road, the official said. The victims were coming to Guna from Aron to attend a wedding when their car hit a truck moving ahead of it, the official said. The crash was so severe that three occupants of the car died on the spot, the official said. Police had to use a gas cutter to pull out those trapped inside, the official said. Of the four injured persons, two are in serious condition. They have been referred to Bhopal for treatment, he said. More details about the accident are awaited.
Indian-born cheetah Mukhi gives birth to five cubs at Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park
The mother and cubs are doing well, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in a post on X
Project Cheetah Success: India-born Mukhi welcomes five cubs at Kuno National Park
India-born cheetah Mukhi has delivered five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. This is a historic milestone for Project Cheetah. The mother and cubs are doing well. This successful reproduction indicates the cheetahs' adaptation and health in Indian habitats. It strengthens optimism for a self-sustaining cheetah population in India.
Al-Falah University Chairman's Ancestral Property Gets Demolition Notice
In fresh trouble for the family of Al-Falah University chairman Mohammad Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh has issued a final demolition notice for the illegal construction at the family's ancestral home.
Aspiring Assistant Professors in Madhya Pradesh have until midnight today to submit their MP SET 2025 applications. The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission is closing the regular window, with a substantial late fee applicable for delayed submissions. The exam, covering 31 subjects, is scheduled for January 11, 2026. Eligibility requires a postgraduate degree with specific marks.
Brave cop killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist encounter
BHOPAL: A young inspector of Madhya Pradeshs elite anti-Naxal Hawk Force died after being hit by multiple bullets during a gun battle with armed Naxal cadres in the Kanghurra jungles of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday morning. Ashish Sharma, a decorated officer who had received two gallantry medals from the central government and formed the core of many critical Hawk Force operations, was struck by bullets fired by Naxal cadres near the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh around 8.30 am. Even after taking heavy fire, Sharma continued to lead his team. Bleeding from multiple wounds, he kept firing at the cadres hiding behind thick forest cover until he collapsed. His injuries were severe, with bullet wounds to his shoulder, abdomen, thigh and hands. He was rushed to the Dongargarh community health centre in Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon district, but he died despite doctors efforts to save him. We also had the helicopter ambulance ready to airlift him for life-saving treatment at a specialised centre, but he couldnt survive. Weve lost a brave inspector, who formed the core of our most crucial operations and had been awarded an out-of-turn promotion from sub-inspector to inspector this year only due to his key role in the February 19 encounter in the Raunda forests of Balaghat district, which had resulted in the elimination of four hardcore women naxal cadres, special DG (anti-naxal operations) Pankaj Srivastava told TNIE. At the time of the encounter, multiple joint combing and search operations were underway in the dense forests along the three-state border. The teams were acting on specific inputs about the movement of 1315 armed Naxal cadres in the area. The gun battle broke out early Wednesday, and combing operations are still in progress. Search operations after the incident led the cops to massive blood stains, backpacks and other materials, based on which massive damage (including possibly casualty) to the outlaws cannot be ruled out, Srivastava added. Sharma was a native of Gadarwara in Narsinghpur district and had joined the Madhya Pradesh Police as a sub-inspector nine years ago. He was promoted earlier this year in recognition of his outstanding service. According to reports from Narsinghpur, he was to be married in January 2026. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav condoled the death, saying, He displayed unprecedented valour and courage during the joint operation by the police forces of the three states in the jungles of Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon district. His supreme sacrifice in the national campaign to wipe out Naxalism will remain unforgettable. Struck by Naxals bullets, he fought till the end Ashish Sharma, a decorated officer who had received two gallantry medals from the central government and formed the core of many critical Hawk Force operations, was struck by bullets fired by Naxal cadres near the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh around 8.30 am. Even after taking heavy fire, Sharma continued to lead his team. Bleeding from multiple wounds, he kept firing at the cadres hiding behind thick forest cover until he collapsed.
Congress dilemma in Upper House
NEW DELHI: Still reeling from its devastating performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Congress now faces a critical test of biannual Rajya Sabha elections, scheduled for early next year. With the partys Assembly seats shrinking in several key states and alliance leverage weakening, it may struggle to retain its influence in the Upper House. Elections for 75 seats in the Rajya Sabha are scheduled across April, June, and November 2026. While the BJP-led NDA is expected to make net gains, the elections may present an uphill task for the Congress with its weakened MLA base and rising internal dissent. The elections will see seats vacated across multiple states, including Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh, among others. Although Congress may lose some seats, it is likely to retain as many as nine seatsthree from Karnataka, two from Telangana, one each from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. With some seasoned leaders set to exit, the elections are viewed as crucial by many. Some of the leaders who complete their term in the Upper House include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, veteran leaders Digvijaya Singh and Shakti Singh Gohil. Another leader who completes his term is senior advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Telangana in April 2026. While Kharge, whose term from Karnataka ends on June 25, 2026, is expected to be renominated for another term, says party sources. Kharge is the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (LoP) as well. While veteran leaders may push for renomination, arguing that experienced voices are needed in the Upper House, a section of leaders also root for fielding fresh faces to revive the partys prospects in Parliament and state units. Although the official candidate selection process is months away, the sources say that some names are already doing the rounds. While Congress is expected to hold ground in Karnataka and Telangana, it risks losing seats in states where its footprint has shrunk. The partys hopes also hinge on coalition arithmetic in Maharashtra, where shifting alliances and fragmented mandates could influence the outcome Meanwhile, regional allies within the INDIA bloc will also play a critical role in negotiating seat-sharing arrangements, making strategic alliances more crucial than ever. Maharashtra will see seven seats vacant in April 2026, with Sharad Pawar (NCP-SP), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT), and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale completing their terms. Congress is entering these elections with limited leverage. The Bihar election has reduced its bargaining power among the allies, said a senior party leader. Success will depend not just on numbers, but on negotiation skills and candidate selection. On the other hand, the BJP-led NDA, buoyed by strong Assembly numbers in key states, is expected to leverage its dominance to gain additional Rajya Sabha seats, further squeezing Congress. Kharge, Singhvi among those completing terms this year Some of the leaders who complete their term in the Upper House include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, veteran leaders Digvijaya Singh and Shakti Singh Gohil. Another leader who completes his term is senior advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi from Telangana in April 2026.
Police inspector from Madhya Pradesh killed in encounter with Naxalites on Chhattisgarh-MP border
RAJNANDGAON (Chhattisgarh), Nov 19: A police inspector from Madhya Pradesh was killed in an encounter with Naxalites along the Chhattisgarh-MP border on Wednesday morning, a senior official said. The exchange of fire took place in the forest of Kanghurra, adjoining the Bortalav area of Chhattisgarh, when a joint team of security personnel from the two states was out on an anti-Naxal operation, Inspector General of Police, Rajnandgaon Range Abhishek Shandilya said. The operation was launched based on intelligence inputs about [] The post Police inspector from Madhya Pradesh killed in encounter with Naxalites on Chhattisgarh-MP border appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MP CM inaugurates The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho
NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday inaugurated The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho. The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace reflects the rich heritage of Madhya Pradesh while providing world-class hospitality. It is a remarkable addition to the states tourism landscape, Yadav said while inaugurating the hotel. Vikram Oberoi, Chief Executive Officer of The Oberoi Group, said: We are confident that The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace will encourage a new set of travellers to visit Khajuraho and experience its [] The post MP CM inaugurates The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Al Falah Group chairman's family property in MP's Mhow gets notice for unauthorised construction
MHOW: The Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh has issued a notice to the occupants and legal heirs of a residential property, belonging to Al Falah Group chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui's family , in which it directed that unauthorised constructions there be razed within three days, an official said. Faridabad-based Al Falah University, run by the Al Falah Group, is emerging as an epicentre of investigation in the November 10 Delhi blast case that killed 12 persons and injured several others. Cantonment Engineer H S Kaloya said, We have issued a notice to the house of the late Moulana Hammad, who is the father of Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui. As per the notice, the department had previously issued multiple communications dating back to 1996 and 1997 under relevant sections of the Cantonments Act, 1924, directing the removal of the unauthorised construction. However, despite repeated notifications, the construction in question was reportedly not removed. The latest notice instructs the current occupant or legal heirs of the property to remove the unauthorised structure within three days, he said. If the direction is not complied with, the cantonment board will undertake removal action, and the cost incurred will be recovered from the concerned party as per the provisions of the Cantonments Act, the official said. This property - house number 1371 - is located on survey number 245/1245 located in the Mukeri Mohalla area of Mhow. The Madhya Pradesh police have earlier arrested Hamood Ahmed Siddiqui, the brother of Jawad Siddiqui, from Hyderabad in connection with a 25-year old case. Hamood, who is accused of orchestrating a large-scale financial fraud in MP's Mhow 25 years ago, was arrested on Sunday, an official said. Notably, the Delhi blast prime accused, Dr Umar Un Nabi, was a student of Al Falah University. Several suspects linked to the Delhi blast are believed to have had associations with the university, prompting investigators to examine institutional records, financial transactions and administrative approvals. Madhya Pradesh police arrests Al-Falah University founder's brother in 25-year-old investment fraud case
MPs Elite Anti-Naxal Force Commando Killed in Maoist Attack in Chhattisgarh
It was a coordinated operation by security forces of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra at Boritalab in Rajnandgaon district against Maoists, police said
MP chief minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurates The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho
The Oberoi Group has launched The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho, inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. This historic palace, dating back over 350 years, aims to showcase the region's rich heritage and cultural tapestry. The new property is expected to boost tourism, drawing visitors to Khajuraho's temples and the Panna Tiger Reserve.
Ranji Trophy: Kartikyeya and Aryan hang in to thwart Kerala
The duo rescues Madhya Pradesh after the visitors attack reduces the home team to 126 for eight while in pursuit of a target of 404; Baby andAparajithhelp themselves to centuries
Oberoi expands footprint in Madhya Pradesh with opening of Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho
India will start clinical trial for treating sickle cell disease among central India tribal
On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) has transferred indigenous technology for developing a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SII). India has the second-highest number of children born with SCD globally, with an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 new cases each year, particularly among tribal communities in Central India. SII will now conduct clinical trials to develop a more cost-effective treatment for this genetic disorder. At present, CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy for SCD costs around USD 3 million (approximately Rs 26 crore), mainly due to high licensing fees. The newly developed indigenous technology, however, is expected to bring the cost down to around Rs 50 lakh. Meanwhile, IGIB has already begun the first phase of clinical trials in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and CSIR. We have created a pool of around 150 potential participants from cities such as Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Ranchi in Jharkhand to begin the clinical trial, said Dr Souvik Maiti, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-IGIB. We will finalise three participants from this pool for our first trial after obtaining the necessary approvals, added Maiti, the lead investigator for this flagship project. Extraction of the affected gene from bone marrow will be carried out at AIIMS Delhi, while the gene editing will take place at IGIBs dedicated centre. The extraction process is expected to take 120 days. Following the transfer of technology, SII will collaborate with IGIB to conduct the second and third phases of clinical trials, involving a larger pool of participants. IGIB noted that a similar treatment was successfully administered to three African individuals in the United States. Encouraged by this progress, Indian scientists decided to replicate the process domestically using indigenous technology. It has taken nearly six years for India to develop its own CRISPR platform. Experts believe that similar indigenisation of CRISPR technology can also be achieved in the agriculture sector. Currently, ICAR has been negotiating licensing fees with foreign agencies rather than developing its own indigenous CRISPR systems.
Madhya Pradeshs Hawk Force Inspector killed in encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh
Ashish Sharma, 40, was leading a Hawk Force platoon in an inter-State joint operation when he sustained bullet injuries in his thigh and abdomen
MPMSU result 2025: Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University (MPMSU), Jabalpur has declared the B.Sc Nursing Final Year Examination (May 2025) results along with MBBS Final Part-I (Supplementary & Ex.) results (June 2025). Students can check their results online via the official MPMSU portals using their enrollment number and date of birth. The university has also provided detailed instructions for online re-verification of marks. Students are advised to download and print their results for future reference.
IMD reports significant November temperature drop across India
An early-season cold snap is gripping much of India, with minimum temperatures significantly below normal across the northern plains, central India, and Maharashtra. Cold wave conditions are affecting several states, including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, with Delhi experiencing its earliest single-digit minimum in over a decade. Persistent northwesterly winds are driving this unusual chill.
Tiger returns to Gujarat after decades, marks historic nine-month stay in Ratanmahal sanctuary
AHMEDABAD: A wild tiger has made a return to Gujarat after several decades, establishing a permanent presence in Dahods Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary for nine consecutive months, the longest tiger stay recorded in the states modern history. The Forest Department has called the development a breakthrough for Gujarats ecosystem, while Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia hailed it as a historic moment that places Gujarat among the rare Indian states hosting lions, leopards and tigers together. The four-year-old male tiger, first sighted in February 2025, has been captured repeatedly on camera traps, each instance confirming what was once unthinkable: the apex predator has claimed a home in Gujarats rugged border landscape. Ratanmahal, which straddles the GujaratMadhya Pradesh boundary with nearly 70% lying within Gujarat, has now become the centre of one of Indias most significant wildlife developments in recent years. Officials clarified that the tiger was not brought under any translocation programme; instead, it wandered naturally from Madhya Pradesh, driven by the expanding tiger population there and attracted by suitable habitat across the border. The landscape linkage proved vital. Unlike the tiger that reached Mahisagar district in 2019 only to die within 20 days due to inadequate prey availability, this big cat has found sufficient food, water and habitat conditions to survive, and settle. Forest officers say the tigers stability indicates a deeper ecological transformation. Ratanmahals prey base, water sources and vegetation have improved to the extent that a tiger, the ultimate indicator of a healthy forest, now considers it viable long-term territory. Continuous monitoring teams are tracking its movement, prey interactions and territorial behaviour using advanced surveillance tools. Environment and Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia, celebrating the development as a landmark in Gujarats conservation journey, offered a detailed assessment. The tiger has now made Gujarat, the land of the Asiatic lion, its home, he said. For nine months it has lived in the Ratanmahal Sanctuary of Dahod, and this is a proud moment for the state. Gujarat has now become the only place in India where all three big cats, the Asiatic lion, the Indian leopard and now the tiger, live together in the same natural landscape, he added. Explaining the behaviour and ecology of the newcomer, Modhwadia said, A tiger usually travels alone, while the lion moves in families. Earlier, such tigers would come and go, but this one seems to have settled. We have made arrangements for food and water. It is under continuous surveillance, and we are working on the technical aspects required for its long-term conservation. His comments reflected both triumph and caution, triumph because Gujarat has regained a species once thought lost, and caution because managing lions, leopards and tigers within overlapping corridors poses unprecedented challenges. With a recent video of the tiger going viral on social media, the Forest Department now faces the delicate task of protecting an apex predator while ensuring safety and balance around human settlements near the sanctuary. But one message is unmistakable: the tiger has returned to Gujarat, and this time, it seems determined to stay.
Hawk Force Inspector Killed During Encounter With Maoists In Chhattisgarh
In a major setback to Madhya Pradesh's elite anti-Maoist unit, Hawk Force, one of its brightest and most decorated officers, Inspector Ashish Sharma, was killed during a fierce early morning encounter with armed Maoists.
Hindustan Copper's contractual employee dies due to accident at mining project in MP
A contractual employee has died in an accident at Hindustan Copper's Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred on November 19, 2025. Hindustan Copper Ltd, a state-owned company, expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate death. The company is a key player in India's copper mining sector and aims to significantly increase its ore production capacity by 2030-31.
Hawk Force inspector killed in encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarh forests
BHOPAL: Inspector Ashish Sharma of the Madhya Pradesh Polices elite anti-Naxal unit, the Hawk Force, was killed in action during an early-morning encounter with armed Naxal cadres in the dense forests near the MPChhattisgarhMaharashtra tri-junction on Wednesday. Sharma, around 40 and a decorated officer with two gallantry medals, sustained fatal bullet injuries in the thigh and abdomen while leading the Hawk Force team in a coordinated operation with Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra police. The gunfight broke out around 8.30 am after the combined forces, acting on specific intelligence, moved into a heavily forested area in Chhattisgarh territory where a large Naxal group had been sighted. A senior MP police officer told TNIE that Sharma was rushed to the Community Health Centre in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon district. Despite all efforts by doctors, he succumbed to excessive bleeding, the officer said. An air ambulance had been arranged to shift him to a specialised facility, but he died before evacuation. Sharma, posted in Balaghat district, was known for his valour and operational leadership. He had received an out-of-turn promotion earlier this year after spearheading a successful anti-Naxal operation that led to the elimination of three hardcore women Naxal cadres in the Raunda forests of Balaghat in February 2025.
National-level shooter molested in Pune-bound bus, conductor on run
BHOPAL: High drama unfolded on board a private bus in Madhya Pradeshs commercial capital Indore on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, after a national-level woman shooter accused the conductor of touching her inappropriately. According to Indore police sources, the shooter, who hails from Pune, was in Bhopal recently for a national level shooting competition. She boarded the private bus from the MP capital on Monday to return to Pune via Indore. The shooter, aged around 30 years, alleged that the conductor touched her inappropriately under the pretext of enquiring about her ticket. When the bus was stopped by the routine night police patrolling party in Indores Rajendra Nagar, the shooter created a ruckus, accusing the conductor of misconduct. Fearing police action, the bus driver and the conductor fled from the vehicle leaving all the passengers stranded on the road. The bus had reached Indore at around 1.30 am and after the issue cropped up, the Rajendra Nagar police found an alternative driver and conductor, who finally drove the bus for the onward journey. When the police asked for a written complaint, she said she would consult family and get back, Additional DCP-Indore Crime Branch Rajesh Dandotiya told this newspaper. The shooter, however, was yet to report the matter to police, till the filing of this news report on Tuesday evening. The bus left for its further journey after around an hour and halfs delay at around 3.15 am. The incident took place 25 days after two players of the Australia women cricket team present in the city for ICC Women ODI World Cup matches, were allegedly stalked and molested in broad daylight by a notorious man Aqeel, while they were walking to a popular cafe from the Radisson Blu hotel. The duo was previously involved in many other criminal cases. They were arrested a day later by the Indore Police.
A 28-year-old man allegedly stabbed a 25-year-old woman to death in Jabalpur after she ended their friendship four months prior. The accused, identified as Kuldeep alias Golu Yadav, reportedly accosted Muskaan Yadav as she left for work, inflicting multiple stab wounds before fleeing the scene.
Madhya Pradesh govt scraps two Ujjain Simhastha related projects following public agitation
BHOPAL: Two Ujjain Simhastha-2028 (Kumbh Mela) related projects have been scrapped due to massive protests by farmers and local residents in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain and Omkareshwar. Buckling under sustained pressure by farmers led by RSS-affiliated outfit Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), the government decided on Monday evening to repeal the land pooling scheme for building a permanent spiritual city in Ujjain. The project required permanent acquisition of 2,378 hectares of farmers' land falling in the Simhastha area, for building a full-fledged spiritual city to house the 13 Akharas, contrary to the existing practice of temporarily acquiring the land of farmers for five to six months in the Simastha area once every 12 years. Ujjain is also the home city of the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. Less than 24 hours later, the Khandwa district administration scrapped the Rs 120-crore Mamaleshwar Lok Project, following two-days massive shutdown by residents of Omkareshwar town in Khandwa district on Tuesday. The project reportedly proposed building a temple circuit linking the famous Omkareshwar and Mamaleshwar Shiva Temples. Both the ambitious projects were related to the Ujjain Simhastha 2028. The Simhastha in Ujjain is the Kumbh Mela which is organised once every 12 years. Ujjain and Omkareshwar, house two of the 12 jyotirlingas of the country, including the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and Omkareshwar Temple in Omkareshwar-Khandwa. The decision to scrap the Ujjain Simhastha land pooling scheme on Monday evening was taken at a meeting chaired by CM Dr Mohan Yadav and attended among others, by the state BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal and RSS-affiliate BKSs state president Kamal Singh Anjana and the outfits Malwa Prant general secretary Bharat Singh Bains. The decision was taken just a few hours before farmers from 18 districts of western and south-western MP under the BKS banner, were to launch a massive Ghera Dalo-Dera Dalo indefinite protest in Ujjain. With Omkareshwar town remaining shut on Monday and Tuesday, the Omkareshwar Temple-bound devotees had to face major difficulties, particularly due to non-operation of shops, taxis and other vehicular conveyance, besides provision of accommodation. Basic facilities, like water, tea and snacks werent available adequately and the devotees had to depend largely on the Omkareshwar Temples prasad. Owing to the shutdown, the devotees had to travel seven kms away in Kothi and adjoining villages for finding accommodation, that too at high prices. Not just the angry residents, but even the local Hindu seers had opposed the project in its present form. Mahant Mangaldas of Jod Ganpati Temple reportedly warned that saints from outside Omkareshwar would join the protest if ashrams were demolished to make way for the project.
ED arrests Al Falah University founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in PMLA case amid Red Fort blast probe
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the Al Falah Group, after a day-long raid at the premises of the trust. The Al-Falah University based in Haryana has come under the scanner after three doctors working there were accused in the Red Fort blast , that killed 12 people. They were allegedly part of what the investigative agencies have described as the white-collar terror module. According to ED, Jawad Ahmed has been arrested in a different case, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the Al-Falah University. He has been produced before the court for the purpose of seeking ED custody. Sources said entities tied to the Al-Falah Trust were also being examined for suspected fund diversion and layering. Siddiqui was arrested hours after multiple teams of the agency conducted searches at 25 locations across Delhi and Faridabad linked to the Al-Falah Group in connection with alleged fraudulent accreditation claims and financial irregularities by the groups flagship institutions. Officials said he was arrested after a detailed investigation and analysis of evidence gathered during search operations at premises related to the Al-Falah Group. Siddiqui has been the managing trustee of the Al-Falah Charitable Trust since 1995, exercising complete control over the trust and its network of educational institutions. Exhaustive evidence, including cash recovered from trustees, diversion of funds to family concerns, layering of funds, etc., clearly establishes the pattern of generation and layering of proceeds of crime. After establishing his culpability, he was arrested following due legal procedure, an official said. The Al-Falah Charitable Trust, the official added, was constituted through a public charitable trust deed dated September 8, 1995, with Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui named as one of the first trustees and designated as the managing trustee. All the educational institutions (university and colleges) are ultimately owned and financially consolidated under this trust, which is effectively controlled by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui. The entire Al-Falah Group has seen a meteoric rise since the 1990s, metamorphosing into a large educational body. However, the rise is not backed by adequate financials, he said. Last week, the government asked the ED to review the financial trail of the institution following a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Madhya Pradesh police arrests Al-Falah University founder's brother in 25-year-old investment fraud case In a coordinated enforcement operation at 5:15 a.m. today, officials executed search actions at 25 premises of the Al-Falah Group in connection with the ongoing investigation into financial irregularities, use of shell companies, accommodation entities and money laundering, an ED official said. The role of the Al-Falah Trust and related entities is under investigation. Key personnel overseeing finance and administration have also been covered, he said. According to officials, nine shell companies linked to the Al-Falah Group, all registered at a single address, are under examination. Early findings point to multiple risk indicators consistent with shell-company behaviour, including no physical presence or meaningful utility consumption at declared places of business, common mobile numbers and email addresses across various companies and accounts, the official said. Other indicators include the absence of EPFO/ESIC filings inconsistent with the reported scale of operations, overlapping directors/signatories and weak KYC trails across entities, minimal salary disbursal through banking channels, absence of HR records, synchronised incorporation patterns and common contact coordinates across firms, he added. Delhi Police has also registered two FIRs on a complaint from the University Grants Commission (UGC). One FIR alleges cheating, while the second invokes charges of forgery. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has revoked Al-Falah Universitys membership amid accusations of its linkage with the error module. Earlier, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) issued a show-cause notice seeking the university's response on alleged irregularities. According to the notice, the university had claimed on its now-inaccessible website that its Al-Falah School of Engineering and Technology and Al-Falah School of Education and Training had been awarded A grades by the NAAC. However, the engineering school and the education-and-training school were accredited in 2013 and 2011, respectively, for five years each, and the validity of those accreditations expired long ago. The university did not seek fresh accreditation after the expiry, making its continued claim about the A grades misleading, the notice said. Delhi court remands Jasir Bilal Wani, accused in Red Fort blast, to 10-day NIA custody
Four including two Madhya Pradesh cops arrested in hawala case
BHOPAL: Four including a deputy police superintendent and a constable have been arrested in connection with the infamous Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money loot case by cops in Seoni district. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to 15, including 13 Madhya Pradesh police personnel. Taking the ongoing probe into the high-profile case ahead, the special investigation team (SIT) made four arrests on Tuesday, including Pankaj Mishra who is a deputy SP posted in Hawk Force-Balaghat, Jabalpur crime branch constable Pramod Soni and two private persons, Panju Giri Goswami (Katni district) and Virendra Dixit (Jabalpur district). The arrested men were produced before a local court in Seoni later, after which the court sent them into two days police remand. While confirming the development, the inspector general of police (IG-Jabalpur Zone) Pramod Verma said, the four fresh arrests have been made in the case, based on sustained probe by the SIT. If need arises, well seek extension of remand of the arrested men. Among the four arrested on Monday, Virendra Dixit is the close relative of sub divisional officer of police (SDOP) Pooja Pandey, who was among the 11 cops arrested and suspended in the case last month, while Goswami is a Katni-based businessman. Panju Puri Goswami is a small-time businessman from Katni, who is suspected to have been involved in hawala business. The ongoing probe suggests an organised collusion between all the cops posted in Seoni, Balaghat and Jabalpur along with the private players. It was the anti-naxal Hawk Force deputy SP Pankaj Mishra only, who informed his batchmate SDOP Pooja Pandey about the car carrying the hawala money on October 8-9 night, after which the vehicle was intercepted. The collusion between the two batchmate cops doesnt end at mere information about the car carrying the hawala money, but is much more than that, a police officer forming part of the SIT probe told TNIE on Tuesday. On the intervening night of October 8-9, a team of Seoni district police had intercepted a car, carrying Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money belonging to a trader, from Katni to Maharashtra. The police team led by SDOP-Bandol circle Pooja Pandey and Bandol police station in-charge Arpit Bhairam, detained the occupant of the car, Nagpur resident Sohan Parmar. But instead of following the due procedure of seizure, the vehicle was released on October 9 morning, without the requisite action. Out of the unduly seized Rs 2.96 crore, the police team pocketed over Rs 1.5 crore .
100-plus minors, held as bonded labourers, rescued from Raipur factory
NHRC member says that the children mostly tribals from Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha were exposed to formaldehyde, a chemical known to cause cancer
Viral Video Shows Madhya Pradesh Youth Exposing Work-Fixing
The mayor was heard in the clip demanding evidence from him to prove his allegation against any official: Reports
Supreme Court expresses concern over cases of missing children, terms it 'serious'
NEW DELHI: Voicing serious concern over a news report that claimed that in every eight minutes, a child goes missing in the country, the Supreme Court -- while hearing a petition filed by an NGO -- on Tuesday termed it as serious issue. I have read in a newspaper that every eight minutes, a child goes missing in the country. I don't know if this is true or not. But this is a serious issue, Justice B V Nagarathna, who was heading the two-judge bench, observed orally on Tuesday. The apex court comprising Justice R Mahadevan -- besides Justice Nagarathna --made it clear during the hearing that the adoption process in the country is complicated and thereby it asked the Centre to make it simpler and to streamline the mechanism for an effective one. The adoption process is rigorous, it is bound to be flouted and people go for illegal means to have children, observed the top court. It passed these observations, after hearing a plea filed by the NGO Guria Swayam Sevi Sansthan, which had moved the SC and highlighted that unresolved cases of kidnapping or missing children besides the actions required to be taken on the basis of information available with the Khoya/Paya portal monitored by the government of India. The petition filed in the apex court stressed that five cases were registered in Uttar Pradesh last year in which minor boys and girls were kidnapped and trafficked through a network of middlemen to states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. During the course of the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, senior law officer appearing for the Centre, sought six weeks time for appointing a nodal officer to handle cases of missing children. Hearing this, the Apex Court, however, refused to grant six weeks and asked the ASG to complete the process by December 9. Earlier on October 14, the bench had directed the Union government to instruct all States and Union territories to depute a nodal officer to handle cases of missing children and to provide their names and contact details for publication on the Mission Vatsalya portal operated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It had directed that whenever a complaint regarding a missing child is received on the portal, the information should be simultaneously shared with the respective nodal officers. The Apex Court had earlier asked the Centre to create a dedicated online portal under the aegis of the home ministry to trace missing children and investigate such cases.
ECI working on 'sinister design' to 'destroy' democracy, Opposition parties through SIR: Congress
The SIR is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep
Two women naxals surrender in five days in MP, Chhattisgarh
BHOPAL: The surrender of two wanted female naxal cadres in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh within five days earlier this month may prove crucial to the ongoing operations aimed at eliminating left-wing extremism (LWE) from Madhya Pradesh by March 2026. On 1 November, a 22-year-old naxal cadre identified as Sunita, who carried a bounty of Rs 14 lakh on her head and was armed with an INSAS rifle, surrendered before the police in Balaghat district of MP. Five days later, on 6 November, another wanted female naxal, identified as Kamla Sodi alias Taruna, who carried a bounty of Rs 17 lakh on her head, surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarhs Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district. Both women, who hail from Chhattisgarh, had been active in the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the tri-junction of Balaghat (MP), Gondia (Maharashtra) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), which forms the core of the CPI (Maoist) Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone. According to sources, the two surrendered cadres possess vital information about 40-50 armed naxals, around half of them women, currently operating across three to four dalams (armed groups) of the CPI (Maoist) in MPs Balaghat and Mandla districts. Credible sources connected to MP Polices anti-naxal operations said information given by Sunita has put a stamp of approval on intelligence regarding the presence of a highly dangerous group of 11-12 armed cadres led by central committee member (CCM) Ramder in MP and neighbouring jungles since early 2015. Aged around 58 years, Ramder was actually assigned the responsibility of heading the MMC zone by 2024-end and has been active since early 2025 in the region. It has now been revealed that the same group had killed the 25-year-old youth Devendra Yadav, on the suspicion of being a police informer in Balaghat district in September, sources claimed. Following Sunitas surrender, the group headed by Ramder had at least four female cadres left. Sunita was one of the two bodyguards of the groups head. A few months back, we had got evidence about the presence of Ramder in the jungles of Balaghat, but it has been fully confirmed after Sunitas surrender. Her questioning has revealed that the group led by Ramderwhose other bodyguard has been identified as Sagar, is equipped with INSAS and AK-47 assault rifles, besides an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL). The Madhya Pradesh Police are now preparing to question the other surrendered cadre, Taruna, in Chhattisgarh. Sources in the police forces of both states said they are in constant touch with each other regarding Tarunas questioning in connection with the three to four armed naxal groups active in the jungles of Balaghat and Mandla. Taruna was part of that group which had lost three female cadres and one male cadre in the gun-battle with police in June this year in the Pachama Dadar forests of Balaghat district. All those four naxals carried bounties of Rs 14 lakh each. Taruna had managed to escape from that gun-battle and her questioning will be crucial for gathering credible and latest inputs about the movement of the outlaws forming part of Darrekhasa Area Committee, Malajkhand Area Committee and Tanda Area Committee, which have long been active in Balaghat and Mandla districts, sources claimed. Importantly, the June 2025 encounter not only resulted in the elimination of the four wanted cadres but also led to the recovery of a truck full of arms and ammunition. It further helped MPs anti-naxal security apparatus penetrate the groups stronghold in Pachama Dadar, considered unbreachable for nearly three-and-a-half decades. Sunitas questioning has also brought to light possible unrest among women cadres within the three to four dalams operating in the region, stemming from growing sexual exploitation by senior members. They are being forced to work as coolies and cooks and very often subjected to sexual exploitation. Earlier, they had no option but to remain in the group, as they feared being killed by the group in case of breaking away. But the series of encounters of big naxal commanders in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and MP, are believed to have encouraged them to surrender and join the mainstream. Even Sunita, whose naxal cadre father made her join the outlaws in Chhattisgarh in 2022, has been subjected to sexual exploitation and also insulted by group leader Ramder, while alleging her of being in sexual relationship with a fellow male cadre, sources said.
Madhya Pradesh: With Eye on 2028 Assembly Polls, BJP Unveils Cluster Development Plan
The ambitious project will be carried out by the tribal civil society without taking help of the government, a senior BJP functionary told Deccan Chronicle
Maternal Uncles Kill Nephew In Madhya Pradesh After Argument Over Bihar Poll Result
Rajesh and Toofani allegedly dragged Shankar to a nearby muddy area and pinned him down, resulting in his death.
INTERVIEW | 'Freebies a worry, but welfare policy needed
Chhattisgarh is celebrating the silver jubilee of its formation this year. The BJP has governed the tribal state for most of this period. In an interview with TNIE , Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai discusses his governments achievements and the developmental challenges that persist. Excerpts: Looking at the next 25 years, what is your boldest vision for Chhattisgarh in 2050? Earlier, our people faced the dire issue of hunger. People relied solely on traditional sources for their livelihoods, such as kodo, kutki, and mahua. Later, we developed one of the best Public Distribution Systems (PDS), providing affordable rice and salt to tribal and rural communities. Also, we implemented fair pricing for forest produce, built roads and hospitals, and laid electricity lines. For the next 25 years, weve created a blueprint and vision documents to transform Chhattisgarh into a developed state. We aim to double our current Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) within the next five years, with a target of reaching Rs 75 lakh crore over the next 25 years. Which sectors will you prioritise to generate jobs and promote inclusive development? We are rich in minerals, ores, and forest resources, and we have a strong agricultural base. So far, we have received investment proposals totalling Rs 7.5 lakh crore in energy, AI data centers, semiconductors, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. These sectors are expected to generate jobs. Our new industrial policy states that any industry engaging 1,000 local people will receive incentives. We will also focus on agriculture in the state known as the Paddy Bowl of India by expanding irrigation facilities and promoting organic farming, livestock, and fisheries, especially in the Bastar region. We also designated tourism as Industry and promoting Homestays helps local people earn a living. What is the single biggest challenge for Chhattisgarh, and how do you plan to meet it in the coming 5-10 years? Our largest tribal region is Bastar, which has been deeply impacted by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) or Naxalite terrorism. Developmental works didnt reach that area as expected. Our double-engine governments led by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and our state government, reaffirmed our approach to wipe out the Naxal movement from the Bastar region by March 31, 2026. They have a target to wipe out Naxals from the country. That will lead to a restart and provide momentum for developmental works through various schemes, such as Niyad Nellanar, meaning aapka achcha gaon (your good village). According to the latest Status of Adivasi Livelihoods 2022 report, the average annual income of ST households is lower than that of the parent Madhya Pradesh, despite a better literacy rate. Moreover, among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), incomes are much lower. Why is this so? In tribal regions like Bastar and Sarguja, LWE has disrupted our developmental programmes, affecting their incomes. With support from the Central governments scheme, Dharti Aba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, we are intervening there to increase the income of tribal communities. The mega scheme aims to cover over 6,600 tribal villages across states through various developmental and infrastructural initiatives. For PVTGs, our Prime Minister initiated the Janjati Adivasi NyayMaha Abhiyan to promote the social and economic development of these groups, including approximately 32,000 housing facilities and 2,500 km of roads under construction. Besides, we have set up a regional development authority for Bastar and Sarguja to bring development to their doorstep. Why does Chhattisgarh top the list of the highest number of rejections of claims under Community Forest Rights? This issue stems from the poor implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) by the previous Congress government, which incorrectly distributed land pattas, leading to these rejections. While we excel in providing Individual Forest Rights, the Community Forest Rights were misused under the Congress rule. We are currently conducting a verification process to address it. Both the BJP and Congress now offer free debt and cash cards, which may provide short-term political gains. However, this approach is not sustainable in the long run and places significant pressure on state finances, potentially challenging economic growth. Your comment. We are all concerned about the freebies issue, but a welfare policy is needed. Farmers support us, and we are committed to improving their lives. We are purchasing crops at Rs 3,100 per quintal and will continue to do so. Our state is rich in resources, particularly in minerals and forestry. I believe that the intentions and policies of the rulers should be positive, as this will pave the way for future development. Irrigated land has expanded the slowest in Chhattisgarh. Moreover, around 71 percent of the arable land is rainfall-dependent. Why is this so? When we compare our irrigation potential before November 2000 and now, you will find a huge difference. We are working on it to further increase this potential.
Cough Syrups To Be Made Prescription-Only After Series Of Contamination Deaths
This comes a month after the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh, linked to contaminated cough syrups found to contain higher than permissible levels of diethylene glycol
Precedence ignored, SC tells HCs judicial discipline must
The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of High Courts disregarding its rulings and judicial precedent. Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan questioned how the Madhya Pradesh High Court could condone a nearly five-year delay by the state government in filing an appeal, emphasizing the need for judicial discipline and adherence to established legal principles.
Madhya Pradesh HC grants relief to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in defamation case
BHOPAL: TMC MP and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been granted relief by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in a defamation case filed against him in 2021 by former Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. A single-judge bench of the MP High Court in Jabalpur has stayed the arrest warrant issued against Banerjee by the Bhopal MP/MLA cases Court for non-appearance in during the trial of the defamation case. While staying the arrest warrant on Monday, Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal of HCs principal bench in Jabalpur, also issued notices to all parties in the case, including the complainant in the defamation case, former Indore-III MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. Akash Vijayvargiya is the son of Kailash Vijayvargiya, the former BJP national general secretary and senior most cabinet minister in Dr Mohan Yadav-led MP government. The matter will next be heard by the MP High Court on December 8. Back in November 2020, while addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee, the TMC MP from Diamond Harbour seat, had allegedly referred to then MP BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, as a goon. Taking objection, Akash had lodged a defamation complaint in April 2021. The MP/MLA Court in Bhopal began hearing the case from May 1, 2021. But owing to Banerjees continued non-appearance before the court in the case, the Bhopal special court had issued the arrest warrant against him for the August 11 and August 26 hearings in the case. The TMC MP subsequently moved the MP High Court against the arrest warrants issued against him by the special Bhopal courts judge, Judicial Magistrate Tathagat Yagnik. While hearing Banerjees petition, the HC reserved the order on November 12 and granted him relief on Monday, by staying the execution of the arrest warrant issued by the Bhopal court. The HC also issued notice to the respondents, including the complainant in the defamation case Akash Vijayvargiya and posted the matter for next hearing on December 8. In the High Court, Banerjees counsel argued that the statement made by the TMC MP at the public rally in Kolkata in November 2020, was misinterpreted and sensationalised for filing the defamation case. While seeking stay on the arrest warrant, the petitioners counsel argued that he was a sitting MP and there was no possibility of him absconding. He had filed an application with the MP-MLA Court seeking exemption from personal appearance, but the Bhopal court did not consider the application and issued an arrest warrant.
Youth murdered following verbal spat over Bihar poll results in Madhya Pradesh
BHOPAL: A youth from Bihar, working as a labourer in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district, was allegedly murdered by two men following a verbal spat over the assembly polls results of their home state. Acting in the matter, the Guna district police arrested both the accused, identified as the youth's uncle Toofani (35), and coworker Rajesh (29) within an hour. All the three men, including the deceased and two accused, hail from Sheohar district of Bihar. The duo allegedly murdered 22-year-old Shankar Manjhi near under-construction buildings on Sunday late night. Primary investigations based on the questioning of the arrested duo have revealed that all three men, Shankar, Toofani and Rajesh worked together at the construction site of governments under-construction quarters in Gunas Cantt police station area. They lived there with other labourers and had a late night party on Sunday. All three of them consumed liquor and later indulged in verbal spat over the recent assembly polls results of Bihar. While Toofani and Rajesh were JD(U) supporters, Shankar was an RJD backer. The verbal altercation reportedly turned violent after Toofani and Rajesh made some unsavoury comment about Bihars former deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav. Shankar was assaulted by Rajesh and Toofani. The duo put his face in mud, which resulted in the youngster getting choked to death. We got the information about an unidentified body lying near the under construction residential quarters. The police team rushed to the spot and recovered the body. Subsequent investigations led us to the accused duo within an hour only, Guna district police superintendent Ankit Soni. Ongoing probe based on the quizzing of the arrested duo has revealed that it was a verbal spat between them over the recent assembly poll results in Bihar, which turned violent, resulting in the murder, Soni added.
SC refuses to entertain plea against allotment of vacant MBBS seats to lower-merit students
NEW DELHI: In a dramatic turn in the NEET-UG fake-certificate scandal in the Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Monday confronted the State with a pointed question, Wouldnt a higher-merit student get heartburn seeing a lower-merit candidate get a better seat?, but it refused to entertain a plea, citing risk of 'creating chaos.' The query came from a Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice N.V. Anjaria, which heard the urgent plea of 18-year-old Jiya Jain, who challenged the diversion of fraud-vacated MBBS seats to lower-ranked candidates. The petitioner argued that forged freedom fighter, government seat and PWD (Public Works Dept) certificates had enabled ineligible students to take high-value MBBS seats, which later became vacant once FIRs were filed and admissions were cancelled. The petitioner, Jiya Jain, was represented by Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, along with Advocates Abhay Anturkar, Rajesh G. Inamdar and Shashwat Anand. Responding to the Courts sharp question on merit being compromised, the counsel for the State and the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) submitted that Jain was not the only one affected. There may be numerous higher-ranked candidates similarly situated who had already opted for other colleges and are equally barred, the State argued. They relied heavily on Rule 13 of the MP Medical Education Admission Rules, which prohibits candidates from re-entering counselling or shifting seats once allotted, contending that relaxing it now would create complete chaos. The SLP, filed through Advocates Rajesh G. Inamdar and Shashwat Anand, also challenged the constitutional validity of Rule 13, arguing that it unfairly penalises meritorious candidates for fraud committed by others, and insulates administrative incompetence from judicial scrutiny. While the Bench appeared sympathetic to the inherent unfairness of lower-merit candidates walking away with premium seats, it ultimately agreed with the State and DME that modifying Rule 13 mid-cycle would lead to a breakdown of counselling discipline, as it held that any relaxation at this stage would create chaos and refused to entertain the petition. The order effectively means that the seats vacated due to fake certificates and FIR-triggered cancellations may now be allotted to lower-merit candidates, reinforcing concerns raised by students and experts about the integrity of the NEET-UG counselling framework. The fallout of the MP NEET fraud may, therefore, end with no remedy for higher-rank candidates displaced by forged documents, despite top MBBS seats lying vacant because of those very frauds. The top court eventually declined to entertain the plea.
The decision to repeat the scheme comes amid protests from various farmer organisations and before a major agitation in Ujjain on Tuesday (November 18, 2025); the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has called back the agitation
Vacancies in Information Commissioner posts undermining RTI Act: Supreme Court
Observing that the vacancies in the Information Commissioner posts undermine the functioning of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Supreme Court on Monday directed Himachal Pradesh to fill all vacant posts in its State Information Commission (SIC) within two months. It also instructed Jharkhand to complete its long-pending appointment process within one month. A two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Surya Kant and including Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing a petition filed by Anjali Bhardwaj, Commodore Lokesh Batra (Retd.) and Amrita Johri. The plea was on the prolonged failure of the Union government and several states to appoint Information Commissioners. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, pointed out that the Central Information Commission (CIC) has been without a chief for more than two months and that eight of the ten sanctioned Information Commissioner posts are vacant. He submitted that the CIC currently faces a backlog of nearly 30,000 cases. Bhushan contended that several SICs are also functioning with serious shortages. Bhushan further noted that the situation in several State Information Commissions was also alarming. In Jharkhand, the SIC has been defunct for more than five years and now the commission has even stopped registering new cases. In Himachal Pradesh, the SIC has been defunct for more than four months. He highlighted that in Chhattisgarh, the SIC is functioning with a single commissioner despite pendency of nearly 35,000 appeals and complaints. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the SIC is functioning with eight commissioners. while three posts are lying vacant and the backlog of cases is nearly 1 lakh, Bhushan pointed out. In Tamil Nadu, the government has sanctioned only seven posts of commissioners even though the SIC has among the largest backlogs in the country at 41,000, he said. In Madhya Pradesh, the SIC is functioning with four commissioners. while 20,000 matters are pending, he added. In several other states also, despite large backlogs, several posts of commissioners are lying vacant. It was highlighted that governments are completely undermining peoples Right to Information by not appointing information commissioners in a timely and transparent manner, leading to buildup of large backlogs and long delays of more than one year in the disposal of appeals and complaints. The issue of ensuring transparency in the appointment process as laid down in the Anjali Bhardwaj judgment of 2019 was also highlighted. The lawyer added that since the last hearing on October 27, 2025, the Karnataka government has filled all the vacancies in the commission and the SIC is now functioning at its full strength of 11 commissioners. The counsel for the Union of India stated that the selection committee meeting will be held at the earliest and the appointment process will be completed.
Madhya Pradesh Court Stays Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee's Arrest In Defamation Case
In a relief for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew and Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed the arrest warrant issued against him in a defamation case.
