A man was killed and two others sustained injuries when an oxygen cylinder exploded in Maharashtra's Buldhana district on Sunday, the police said, reported the PTI. The blast occurred in the Lakshmi Nagar area of Malkapur in the afternoon, a police official said. He said an oxygen cylinder was being loaded into an autorickshaw when it exploded, killing one person and injuring two others. The official said a preliminary probe suggested the explosion may have occurred due to a gas leak, according to the PTI. The injured persons are undergoing treatment at a hospital, he said, adding that a probe is underway. Four killed in blast at house in Haryana's Jhajjar, police suspect explosion in AC compressor Meanwhile, in an another incident, as many as four people including two children and a woman were killed while another was injured in an explosion at a house in Haryana's Jhajjar district on Saturday evening, as per the PTI. The police suspect that the blast occurred in an air conditioner compressor that could have caused injuries to the family present in house at the time of the incident. The cause of the explosion was being investigated by the police, a police official said, adding that a forensic team was also called to collect samples from the spot to assist the police officials in investigation, the police said. An official said that in the primary police investigations, the police suspect that the explosion occurred in the air conditioner compressor, they added. A police officer said the explosion occurred around 6.30 pm in in Bahadurgarh, following which the house caught fire. He said fire tenders put out the flames and four dead bodies were recovered from the spot. Two children, aged around 10 years, a woman and a man died in the incident, police said. Haripal Singh, who was injured in the incident, was taken to Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Rohtak, they added. They further said that the air conditioner was found to be damaged condition. Further investigation in the matter is underway, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 09:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwenty-two Naxalites, including six with a collective bounty of Rs 11 lakh, surrendered to authorities in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday, a police officer stated. Among those surrendered, Ayatu Punem, Pandu Kunjam, Kosi Tamo, Sona Kunjam, and Lingesh Padam carried rewards of Rs 2 lakh each, while Tibruram Madvi had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh, news agency PTI reported. According to the police, Ayatu Punem was a member of Platoon Number 1 under the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) division of the outlawed Maoist organisation while Pandu Kunjam and Kosi Tamo were part of Platoons Number 9 and 10, respectively. Sona Kunjam was associated with the Telangana State Committee of the Naxal outfit, while Madvi served as the Jantana Sarkar head. Lakhma Kadti was identified as the president of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangathan (DAKMS), and the remaining members held lower-level positions. According to PTI, the police officer revealed that this year alone, 107 Maoists have surrendered, 82 have been killed in encounters, and 143 have been apprehended in Bijapur. The surrendered Naxalites expressed disillusionment with the "inhuman and hollow" Maoist ideology and appreciated the Naxalism elimination policies of Chhattisgarh, along with the police's rehabilitation efforts. The surrendering members are expected to receive benefits under the government's rehabilitation policy. Two security personnel injured as Naxalites trigger IED blast in Chhattisgarh Two personnel of the Special Task Force (STF) sustained minor injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Sunday, police reported. The explosion occurred around 5.45 pm near the Gorla rivulet under the jurisdiction of Madded police station when an STF team was returning from an anti-Naxalite operation in a pick-up vehicle. According to officials, the Naxalites had intended to target the vehicle, but the IED detonated at a distance, minimising the impact. "There was no significant damage to the vehicle or serious injuries to personnel. The two STF members suffered minor injuries due to the shockwaves from the explosion," an official stated. The injured personnel received first aid at a primary health centre in Madded and were later shifted to the Bijapur District Hospital for further medical care. Their condition is reported to be stable, and they are out of danger. Following the blast, a combing operation was launched in the area to locate the Naxalites involved in the attack. Security forces remain vigilant, intensifying efforts to prevent such incidents in the region. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 08:57 PM IST | Bijapur | mid-day online correspondentA 50-year-old woman was killed in a tiger attack on Sunday morning in Maharashtra's Gondia district, according to a forest department official. The victim, identified as Anusaya Dhanu Kolhe, was a resident of Shivramtola village in the Gothangaon forest range, located in Arjuni Morgaon tehsil, news agency PTI reported. The incident occurred around 7 am while Kolhe was collecting mahua flowers, a common activity during this season. Range Forest Officer (RFO) Milind Pawar reported that a sub-adult tigress attacked Kolhe, dragging her body approximately 100 metres and remaining beside it for a considerable time. The forest department managed to scare away the big cat and later tranquilised it. The tigress will be transferred to the Wildlife Research and Training Centre in Gorewada, Nagpur, for further observation. RFO Pawar added that efforts to identify the tigress are ongoing since the area typically does not experience frequent wildlife movement. The authorities will provide compensation to the family of the deceased according to government norms, PTI reported. Maharashtra Govt to implement special plan to curb tiger attacks in Gadchiroli Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis has instructed officials to consult experts and promptly implement a special remedial plan aimed at preventing human casualties resulting from tiger attacks in Gadchiroli district, news agency ANI reported. The plan includes providing special compensation to the families of individuals who have died in tiger attacks over the past five years and relocating additional tigers, among other measures. Fadnavis, who also serves as the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, has directed officials to submit a detailed report on the matter within three months. The CM has expressed serious concern over the loss of human lives due to tiger attacks. As the Guardian Minister, he has urged authorities to promptly address citizens' concerns and propose an effective remedial strategy, ANI reported. A plan will be formulated under the guidance of Pravin Pardeshi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mitra Sanstha. In response, Pardeshi convened a meeting of senior forest officials in Nagpur, where potential remedial measures were discussed, and directives for their implementation were issued. Over the past five years, more than 50 people have lost their lives to tiger attacks in Gadchiroli district, particularly in the areas of Charmoshi, Armori, Vadsa, and Dhanora, ANI reported. Authorities have been instructed to assess the situation comprehensively and relocate additional tigers from the district within the next three months. 50-year-old killed in tiger attack in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh A 50-year-old man was killed after he was attacked by a tigress in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh's Umaria district on Sunday, an official said. The incident occurred in the Panpatha buffer area around noon when Daddi Kol was on his way to graze goats, Indwar Police Station In-charge SN Prajapati said. A tigress pounced on Kol, a resident of Chansura Mauhar village, killing him at the scene, the officer said. Following the incident, locals expressed anger, stating that such attacks by wild animals have become recurrent in the area, reported PTI. BS Uppal, Sub-divisional Officer (Forest), announced that Kol's family would receive a compensation of Rs 8 lakh, along with immediate financial assistance of Rs 10,000. (With PTI and ANI inputs)
23 March,2025 08:41 PM IST | Gondia | mid-day online correspondentPunjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann laid the foundation stone for the Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Government Medical College in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar on Sunday. According to news agency PTI, the college, which will cost Rs 300 crore to build, is expected to provide 50 MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) seats. Officials said this will be the third medical college in the Doaba region of Punjab, following those in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala, which also had their foundation stones laid by Mann. The new medical college will be linked to the District Civil Hospital in SBS Nagar, a facility currently lacking specialised medical services. The establishment of the college aims to address this gap by providing round-the-clock access to specialist and super-specialist doctors. Addressing a gathering at Khatkar Kalan, the birthplace of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, the Punjab CM paid tribute to the martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, PTI reported. The event marked the anniversary of their martyrdom on March 23, commemorating their sacrifice against British colonial rule. Mann stated that the decision to name the medical college after Bhagat Singh was a tribute to the legacy of these revolutionaries and their contribution to India's freedom struggle. Recalling the historic act of defiance by Bhagat Singh, who, alongside his comrades, threw a non-lethal bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly in April 1929, Mann emphasised the continued relevance of their ideals, PTI reported. The trio was hanged on March 23, 1931, while still in their twenties. The Punjab CM reflected on the current state of the nation, expressing disappointment that the dreams of Bhagat Singh remain unfulfilled. He criticised ongoing corruption, nepotism, and poverty, citing instances where large sums of cash were recovered from high-ranking officials. Without naming anyone, he suggested that such incidents would have pained the martyrs who had envisioned a just and corruption-free India. 90 per cent of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity: CM Bhagwant Mann Despite the challenges, Mann highlighted the efforts of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to uphold the vision of these martyrs. He noted that the Mohali airport has been named after Bhagat Singh, a move the current government prioritised soon after taking office. Mann added that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established, providing free medical treatment to over three crore patients. Additionally, more than 52,000 youths have secured government jobs purely on merit, and 90 per cent of households in Punjab are receiving free electricity. The CM also paid respects to BR Ambedkar, and reiterated the government's commitment to empowering marginalised communities through quality education, in line with Ambedkar's ideals. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 07:55 PM IST | Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar | mid-day online correspondentA roadmap is ready for Maharashtra to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2029, state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday, reported the PTI. Speaking at a programme of the CII Young Indians in Nashik district of Maharashtra, CM Fadnavis said efficient administration and effective implementation of decisions are accelerating development in Maharashtra. "India's economy is moving towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, in which Maharashtra will have a large share. A roadmap is ready for the state to become a USD1 trillion economy by 2029," he said, according to the PTI. CM Fadnavis said the speed of communication and infrastructure are crucial for economic development, and the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway was built for that purpose. The chief minister said Nashik has potential for the development of industries and tourism. "Considering the manpower and climate here, there is a lot of scope for tourism and industrial development. The defence ecosystem is here due to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Nashik will develop more rapidly due to the Samruddhi Expressway. The largest port in the country is now being built at Vadhavan in Palghar, and Nashik city will benefit from it, as a greenfield road will be built from Nashik to Vadhavan," he said, according to the PTI. CM Fadnavis highlighted the effective use of technology and artificial intelligence and said if communication facilities are developed, Nashik will benefit from it. The Maharashtra Chief Minister said that the work is underway on the Center of Excellence in partnership with Google, and the use of AI in the agriculture sector and field of law is creating new employment opportunities. He said 10 to 12 states are doing well in industry and economic development, and Maharashtra is at the forefront because it has a favourable environment for investment. "The highest foreign investment coming into the country is coming to Maharashtra. The government is trying to ensure that investments are not restricted to metropolitan areas. Besides Mumbai and Pune, districts including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and Gadchiroli have attracted investments," CM Fadnavis said, as per the PTI. He added that sustainable development has been prioritised in the state. The chief minister further said that the government is striving to develop the agricultural sector along with industry. Nashik is known for advanced agriculture, and the district is at the forefront in producing grapes, onions and vegetables. Work has been started to ensure that farmers get the benefit of the market system, he said. CM Fadnavis said 20 lakh houses are being built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and the scheme has also benefitted the rural areas. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 07:55 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentAmritsar Commissionerate Police have busted a cross-border drug cartel with the arrest of a woman kingpin and her three operatives after recovering 5.2 kg heroin from their possession, an official said on Sunday. The kingpin has been identified as Mandeep Kaur (27) from Amritsar's Ibban Kalan village, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said. The other arrested operatives have been identified as Alam Arora (23) and Manmeet alias Golu (21), both residents of Janta Colony in Amritsar's Chheharta; and an 18-year-old youth from Tarn Taran. DGP Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed that Mandeep was in a relationship with a person, who introduced her to Pakistan-based smugglers. Mandeep's ancestral house is located in border village of Khalra in Tarn Taran, which is approximately 2 km away from the fencing of the Indo-Pak border, he said in an official statement. The DGP said the probe has also uncovered evidence that Mandeep would occasionally don a police uniform to impersonate a police officer to carry out nefarious activities. Further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that following reliable inputs about woman drug smuggler running a drug cartel, police teams under the supervision of DCP investigation Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu, along with police party apprehended Mandeep, Alam and Manmeet from Amritsar's Chheharta. Later, on the revelations of Mandeep about the involvement of another individual, police teams also arrested the 18-year-old youth from the same area, he said. Bhullar said that further investigations are ongoing and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days. A case has been registered under various provisions of the of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar, he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2025 07:43 PM IST | Chandigarh | PTIMaharashtra has set a goal to become a $1 trillion economy by 2029 as part of India's aspiration to reach a $5 trillion economy, Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday. Speaking at a programme of the CII Young Indians in Nashik, Fadnavis said efficient administration and effective implementation of decisions are accelerating development in Maharashtra, PTI reported. "India's economy is moving towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, in which Maharashtra will have a large share. A roadmap is ready for the state to become a $1 trillion economy by 2029," he said. He noted that infrastructure and communication networks are essential for economic growth, citing the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway as a key project contributing to the state's progress. Fadnavis also identified Nashik as a significant hub for industrial growth and tourism due to its skilled workforce, favourable climate, and the presence of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). He added that Nashik's growth will be further boosted by the under-construction Vadhavan Port in Palghar, which will be connected to Nashik through a greenfield road. Highlighting the role of technology and artificial intelligence, Fadnavis shared that Maharashtra is working on a Center of Excellence in collaboration with Google. He noted that AI applications in agriculture and law are generating new job opportunities. The chief minister also pointed out that Maharashtra is leading in foreign investment and that efforts are underway to ensure that investments are not limited to metropolitan areas like Mumbai and Pune. Districts such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur, and Gadchiroli have emerged as promising investment destinations, PTI reported. Fadnavis also stressed the importance of sustainable development and the state's focus on strengthening the agricultural sector alongside industrial growth. Known for its advanced agriculture, Nashik is a major producer of grapes, onions, and vegetables. Efforts are underway to help farmers access better market systems and improve their income. On the housing front, the CM informed that 20 lakh houses are being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, benefiting both urban and rural regions of the state, PTI reported. Fadnavis expressed confidence that Maharashtra’s strategic infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and balanced regional development will help the state achieve its ambitious $1 trillion economic target by 2029. (With PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 07:38 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Police has arrested fugitive gangster and former national-level wrestler Manjeet Dalal, from the Singhu Border area here, an official said on Sunday. The accused, a sharpshooter associated with the Neeraj Bawana-Amit Bhura gang, had been absconding and was wanted in multiple cases, including firing on police teams, attempted murder and mafia extortion, an official statement said. "Dalal, a native of Bahadurgarh, Haryana, had once been a wrestler, securing a silver medal at the national level in 2007 in the 86 kg category," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam said in the statement. However, his life took a turn after his mother died of cancer in 2010 and his father left home, following which he joined notorious gangster Neeraj Bawana's gang, the officer said. Police was informed that the accused had stopped attending court hearings and abandoned his native residence, Gautam said. After a month-long operation, police received a tip-off regarding his movements near the Singhu Border. A trap was laid and Dalal was arrested without any gunfire, he added. There are at least 10 major cases registered against him, including -- 2018 Pishori restaurant shooting, in which he opened fire for extortion, injuring two people in Lajpat Nagar, the statement said. He was also involved in multiple attacks on police teams in Narela Industrial Area and Lado Sarai. In 2012, he was linked to a series of extortion demands from businessmen in Bawana, an extortion case in 2017 involving a doctor in Uttar Pradesh and carjacking, it added. Dalal was also closely associated with some of Delhi's most wanted criminals, including Neeraj Bawana, Naveen Bali, Amit Bhura and Rahul Kala. At the time of his arrest, he was in regular contact with Sahil Ritauli, another wanted gangster currently absconding abroad the officer said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2025 07:38 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIA group of people in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj on Sunday hurled stones at a vehicle, which forms a part of the cavalcade of a state minister, as they sought to know why officials did not visit areas affected by a recent hailstorm in the district and assess damages. A constable was injured in the attack, a police officer said. The incident took place after the cavalcade of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari was returning, after dropping him at a helipad in the district. A group of locals, who were staging protests, hurled stones at one of the vehicles, the officer said. The car’s windscreen was damaged in the attack, he said. The constable, who was present near the vehicle, was injured and taken to a nearby hospital, police said. Earlier in the day, Pujari visited the hailstorm-affected areas of Bisoi and Bangriposi blocks of Mayurbhanj district. “I was supposed to visit the areas on Saturday, but my helicopter could not take off due to bad weather. So, I went to those areas today. Compensation will be provided to the people affected by the hailstorm in Mayurbhanj district by Monday,” Pujari said. The minister also said the state government will provide houses to people, whose homes were completely damaged in the hailstorm on March 20. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sanjali Murmu condemned the attack and said “some people have done this to derive political benefits at a time when people are suffering”. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2025 07:28 PM IST | Baripada/Bhubaneswar | PTIAAP national convener and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kerjiwal on Sunday said his party entered politics to fulfil the dreams of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and social reformer Bhimrao Ambedkar, and not for power. Speaking at the AAP's 'Ek Shaam Shaheedon Ke Naam' event here, Kejriwal accused the ruling BJP of disregarding the legacy of the two icons after coming to power in the national capital. The event was organised to pay tributes to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev to commemorate Shaheedi Diwas. "Our role models are Babasaheb Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh used to say that merely removing the British was not enough, the structure of society had to change. Otherwise, brown rulers would replace the British. "This is exactly what has happened. Today's rulers are worse than the British," Kejriwal said. Within 48 hours of assuming power in Delhi, the BJP removed portraits of Bhagat Singh and Ambedkar from government offices. "I want to ask them if there is anyone who has sacrificed more for the country than Bhagat Singh," he said. Kejriwal also criticised the BJP government for allegedly restricting the free bus ride scheme for women in Delhi. Bus conductors are now denying free pink tickets to women unless they download an app, the former chief minister claimed. "Why are they doing this? Instead of improving facilities, they are withdrawing the existing ones. By now, they should have started giving Rs 2,500 to women but they have not," he said, accusing the BJP of failing to fulfil its poll promises. Senior party leader Gopal Rai said the AAP was born out of struggle and will continue its mission across the country. "Our defeat in Delhi happened due to tactics but our strength is our dedicated workers. They thought we would be finished but we will make a comeback across the country with double strength," the former minister said. Newly appointed AAP Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj said while the AAP's victory in the 2015 Delhi Assembly polls was met with celebrations across the city, the BJP's win did not evoke the same response. "Their MLAs are surprised by their victory," he said, accusing the BJP of using police, Election Commission and money power to win the polls. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2025 07:23 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that the situation now in Nagpur was completely peaceful and the curfew that had been imposed in some parts of the city was also lifted, reported the PTI. CM Fadnavis was speaking to the media in the Pimpri Chinchwad area of Pune in Maharashtra where he attended an event organised by the non-profit Paani Foundation. "The situation in Nagpur is completely peaceful. There is no tension anywhere. People of all religions are living together peacefully. Hence, the curfew has been lifted," said Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, who is a legislator from the city, according to the PTI. The officials earlier in the day said that curfew had been lifted from the remaining four areas of Nagpur, six days after violence rocked the city. Following the violence on March 17, curfew was imposed in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imambada, Yashodhara Nagar and Kapil Nagar police station areas. Violent mobs went on a rampage in central Nagpur on Monday night amid rumours that a 'chadar' with holy inscriptions was burnt during protests led by VHP and Bajrang Dal demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Curfew was lifted from localities within the jurisdictions of Nandanvan and Kapil Nagar police stations on March 20, and from Pachpaoli, Shanti Nagar, Lakadganj, Sakkardara and Imambada on March 22, as per the PTI. Meanwhile, the Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal on Sunday ordered the lifting of curfew in the remaining Kotwali, Tehsil, Ganeshpeth and Yashodhara Nagar police station areas from 3 pm, the news agency reported. Patrolling will continue in sensitive areas along with the deployment of local police, an official said. Large-scale stone pelting and arson were reported in several parts of Nagpur on March 17 after baseless rumours were spread mischievously claiming that a 'chadar' with holy inscriptions was burned during the VHP protests, according to the authorities. Thirty-three police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers, were injured in the violence. The police have arrested more than 100 persons in connection with the violence. CM Fadnavis had said on Saturday that the government would recover the cost of property damaged during the Nagpur violence from rioters and roll bulldozer 'if necessary', the news agency had earlier reported. CM Fadnavis said that if the perpetrators of violence failed to compensate, their properties would be seized and sold to recover the losses. The CM had stated that strict action would be taken against those who attacked police officers during the unrest. (with PTI inputs)
23 March,2025 07:00 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
