Meghalaya man gets 30-year rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting minor stepdaughter

Raipur/Narayanpur, Feb 26 (IANS) In a significant operation against Naxal activities, personnel from the Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, along with Narayanpur district police, recovered a substantial cache of explosives, weapons, and other materials from a Maoist hideout in the forested hills of Kumuradi village in Chhattisgarh.

The action took place on Wednesday (February 25) following credible intelligence received by the team at Camp Mandora, officials said.

A well-coordinated Area Dominance Patrolling party launched an intensive search in the dense terrain, leading to the discovery of a hidden Naxal dump. The joint force acted swiftly to secure the site and seize the items, preventing potential use by Maoist groups in the region.

Among the recoveries were approximately 100 meters of prima cord, 20 meters each of safety fuse and orange fuse, around 35 kilograms of “sutli bombs” (made of jute twine), 38 kilograms of brown fertiliser powder, and 18 kilograms of improvised explosives. Additional finds included 2.5 kilograms of charcoal, five AMN (Ammo) pouches, one improvised rocket launcher, 13 rocket launcher cells, 19 heavy mortar cells, 11 light mortar cells, one large improvised BGL launcher, one small improvised BGL (barrel grade launcher), along with various BGL cartridges in medium, small, and large sizes, totalling 35 pieces.

Security forces also recovered 70 long-range BGL rounds, 55 short-range BGL rounds, two improvised hand grenades, and sufficient quantities of medical supplies and medicines.

These items highlight the capability of Naxal groups to assemble modern and improvised weaponry, including components for rockets, mortars, and grenades, as well as support materials for sustenance and medical aid in remote areas.

The recovery represents a major setback to Maoist operational strength in this part of Chhattisgarh, where such dumps often serve as staging points for attacks or ambushes.

Security personnel ensured the safe handling and removal of the hazardous materials during the operation.

Officials emphasised that the success stemmed from precise information and effective teamwork between the ITBP unit and local police.

Efforts are on to dominate the area, continue with ongoing search operations aimed at dismantling the remaining Naxal infrastructure and curbing their influence. Authorities remain vigilant in the forested regions, working to restore normalcy and security for local communities long affected by the conflict.

This latest achievement adds to recent gains in anti-Naxal campaigns across the Narayanpur district.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, March 19 (IANS) The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab claimed on Wednesday that it has achieved a victory for residents of Nayagaon and Kansal, located on the outskirts of Chandigarh, by reducing the eco-sensitive zone around the area to 100 metres, down from the proposed three km, benefitting over 40,000 residents.

This decision has been approved by the Supreme Court, marking a major relief for thousands of families in the region.

Expressing her delight over the decision, Kharar legislator Anmol Gagan Maan said, “The long-standing demand of the people of Nayagaon and Kansal to limit the eco-sensitive zone to 100 metres has finally been fulfilled. “For years, residents were burdened by the fear of demolition and the inability to get building plans approved. Today, the Supreme Court’s approval of the 100-metre limit brings an end to these challenges, offering a much-needed respite to the people.”

Lawmaker Maan said the previous proposal to extend the eco-sensitive zone to 3 km would have rendered vast swathes of land unusable, severely impacting property values and creating hurdles for homeowners. The AAP government, staying true to its commitment to protect the interests of the people, worked tirelessly to ensure this issue was resolved in their favour.

MLA Anmol Gagan Maan extended her gratitude to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, saying, “This decision showcases the AAP government’s dedication to safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of the people of Punjab. Despite numerous challenges and opposition efforts to push the limit to three km, our government stood firm and secured this victory for the residents of Nayagaon and Kansal.” She said over 40,000-50,000 residents in the area would now benefit from this decision. The approval of building plans will now proceed without any legal or administrative hurdles, and the lingering fear of demolition has been permanently erased.

–IANS

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Patna, Oct 7 (IANS) A day after the Election Commission announced polling dates for Bihar Assembly elections, former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav took potshots at the Nitish government, suggesting that the double-engine government in the state was staring at a departure from power.

Lalu Prasad Yadav took to social media and posted cryptic lines from his X handle, writing, “Chhah and Gyarah, NDA – Nau do gyarah” (Six and eleven, NDA nine two eleven).

Though the cryptic tweet doesn’t reveal much, this marks an escalation in his attack on the NDA government in Bihar. This is not the first time Lalu Prasad Yadav has targeted the Bihar government. He often takes sarcastic jibes at the double-engine government through social media posts.

In another post, the RJD chief accused the Nitish government of rampant corruption and breakdown of law and order under his watch.

He also shared a video of Nitish Kumar, where the Bihar Chief Minister’s unusual gesture caught the attention of netizens and also elicited adverse remarks. The event was a virtual skill convocation ceremony for ITI toppers, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented certificates to the students under the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh 2025 initiative.

However, the attention shifted to Nitish Kumar as he was seen sitting with folded hands for nearly a minute, thereby giving rivals an opportunity to mock him.

The RJD supremo has also been rallying behind his son, Tejashwi Yadav, from various platforms. He has appealed to the public to elect him as the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

In one post, he wrote, “Under Tejashwi’s leadership, we will create a new Bihar.”

Notably, the polling for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections will be held on November 6 and for the second phase on November 11. The election results will be declared on November 14.

–IANS

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