Karnataka cuts Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu by 57 pc amid rainfall dip

Shahdol (MP), Oct 22 In a harrowing incident that has jolted the tranquil village of Balbahra in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district, a vicious attack claimed the lives of two brothers and left a third fighting for survival.

The assault, executed by a gang of eight to ten perpetrators in the early hours of 21 October at an auto parts shop under the jurisdiction of Keshwahi Police Station.

The community is left grappling with shock and grief as authorities strive to unravel the circumstances behind this savage act. The victims, identified as the Tiwari brothers – Rakesh, Rahul, and Satish – were ambushed in a meticulously planned onslaught.

Rakesh met a tragic end at the scene, while Rahul, despite desperate attempts to save him, succumbed to his wounds during transit to medical care.

Satish, the youngest, clings to life at Shahdol Medical College Hospital, where his condition is described as precarious. Rahul’s dying declaration has emerged as a pivotal element in the police inquiry, providing critical leads.

Based on his testimony, a case has been lodged against the named culprits. Though the precise motive remains under wraps, whispers of a deep-rooted personal vendetta circulate among locals.

Vikas Pandey, SDOP (Dhanpuri), informed IANS, “We’ve apprehended several suspects, including the primary accused, Anurag Sharma, and investigations are proceeding apace.”

In response to the gravity of the incident, the Shahdol Superintendent of Police has taken decisive action, reassigning the Keshwahi Police Post in-charge amid suggestions of oversight failures.

Police units are scouring the region, conducting raids to apprehend the remaining fugitives. The villagers staged a ‘chakka jam’ on National Highway No. 43 till the superintendent of police took action against the police station in charge.

To avert further unrest, additional officers have been deployed, and patrols have been bolstered. Community leaders are pressing for swift justice and fortified security to safeguard against future tragedies. The police have registered a case of murder against all the accused and have started an investigation.

According to the police, there was a dispute between the Tiwari and the Sharma families over the land since 2021. Injured Rahul Tiwari recorded a video on his mobile phone before dying, in which he took the names of the accused.

–IANS

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Shillong, June 18 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday asserted that uplifting the education sector in the state has been a top priority of his government, and the administration has invested close to Rs 3,000 crore in the last few years for the betterment of education, sports and entrepreneurship.

The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to the overall growth of the youth, emphasising the importance of education, sports, music, and entrepreneurship.

“Our focus has been on holistic education, and in the last few years, we have ensured renovation, revamp and new building constructions for all government LP Schools, Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools,” he said.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government has remained committed to ensuring an overall upgrade in infrastructure for educational institutes and new college infrastructure, including the opening of new colleges were initiated by the government.

“Captain Williamson Sangma State University, the first state university, is testimony of our government’s commitment to accord priority in the education sector,” he added.

Informing that close to 3,000 crore has been invested in education, sports and entrepreneurship through different programmes, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of channelising the positive energy of the youth.

“We are building robust sports infrastructures across the state. In the run-up to the National Games to be held in our state, we are preparing a plan to promote our sportspersons. Next week, we are calling all sports associations to discuss interventions to support and finance our sportspersons preparing for national games,” he said.

Sangma asserted that Meghalaya was awarded to host the National Games because the IOA is aware of our state’s preparedness and capacity.

“Our youth are our asset and we are doing our best to showcase, groom our talents, be it music or sports,” he added.

The Chief Minister also outlined the government’s initiatives, including implementing smart classrooms and technology-enabled learning across schools in the state.

He further highlighted initiatives such as MGMP, CM Elevate, and PRIME, which provide opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs, emphasising that the government’s policies are designed to strategically work towards the growth of the youth.

Sangma also inaugurated the newly constructed school building of Dalu Govt HS School in West Garo Hills. The event was attended by Ministers A.T. Mondal and Marcuise Marak, and MLAs Sanjay Sangma, Brening A Sangma and Sengchim Sangma.

The two-storey school building was constructed under Mission Education Phase I, a state scheme launched in 2021.

During the visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Dalu Immigration Check Post and the newly constructed bridge at Dalu over the river Bakla, which was damaged in the 2023 flood. The bridge has been constructed at a cost of 11 crore.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS) The visit of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP), Rahul Gandhi, to families affected by the recent contaminated water incident in Indore, has triggered sharp political reactions, with senior BJP leaders accusing him of indulging in “politics over tragedy.”

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain led the criticism, asserting that the Madhya Pradesh government had already taken all necessary measures to address the situation.

Reacting to LoP Gandhi’s visit, Shahnawaz Hussain told IANS, “All possible measures in Indore have already been taken. Action has been taken against everyone responsible. Mohan Yadav’s government is fully aware of this. But Rahul Gandhi just wants an opportunity for politics. He is not acting as a constitutional leader, but as a politician. That is why he goes to every incident.”

Hussain maintained that the state administration had acted promptly and responsibly, and accused the Congress leader of attempting to gain political mileage from a sensitive issue.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MP Naresh Bansal said that while the incident was unfortunate, it should not be politicised.

“Certainly, strict action has been taken regarding the incident. Everyone feels pain and sorrow that such an event should not have occurred. However, I don’t think the people there will support Rahul Gandhi just because he is going there for political purposes,” Bansal stated.

He added that the government’s focus remained on relief, treatment, and accountability rather than political optics.

LoP Gandhi visited Indore on Saturday to meet patients and families impacted by the recent outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea attributed to water contamination in parts of the city that also led to over two dozen deaths.

During his visit, LoP Gandhi went to Bombay Hospital, a private medical facility, where he met four patients undergoing treatment. He enquired about their health, spoke to attending doctors, and offered reassurance to family members.

Accompanied by Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari and party leader Umang Singhar, LoP Gandhi said his visit was aimed at understanding the ground situation and expressing solidarity with those affected.

He later visited the Bhagirathpura area, identified as the epicentre of the outbreak reported last month, where he met bereaved families and expressed condolences.

While local residents have claimed that many people lost their lives due to the contaminated water, the state government has officially confirmed seven deaths.

–IANS

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