From bulldozer action and tragic accidents to political activity, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh saw several major developments today. Catch the key reports from Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior and Guna to Raipur, Gariaband, Korea and Balrampur, all in one place.
Young Man Caught in Mahakal Temple's Bhasma Aarti Queue
Tensions flared at Ujjain's Mahakal temple when Bajrang Dal workers seized a young man standing in the bhasma aarti queue. The man was identified as Sarfaraz Taj Sheikh, who was in the line along with a Hindu girl. Both are said to be residents of Pune in Maharashtra. It is alleged that Sarfaraz was standing in the queue with a tilak on his forehead. The Bajrang Dal workers thrashed him badly and later handed him over to the Thana Mahakal police.
Encroachment Cleared From Hostel Land in Balrampur
In the Ramchandrapur development block of Chhattisgarh's Balrampur district, the administration ran a bulldozer over an illegal encroachment. A house had been built here after encroaching on land belonging to a hostel. A joint team of the revenue and police departments carried out the action together. So far the administration has bulldozed 9 houses. Preparations are on to raze a total of 17 illegal houses across three villages, including those on the hostel land.
Gariaband to Get Development Works Worth About 700 Crore
Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai will be on a visit to Gariaband district today, where the district is set to receive several major development projects. The CM will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development works worth around 700 crore rupees. During the same visit he will also inaugurate the Gondwana Bhavan. Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh will be present at the event. The administration has completed all preparations ahead of the Chief Minister's arrival.
Man Burnt to Ashes Inside a Car in Korea
A spine-chilling incident has come to light from Chhattisgarh's Korea district. In Naugai village, under the Sonhat police station area, a man was burnt to ashes inside a car, while the car itself was completely gutted. Signs of vandalism were also found on another vehicle parked nearby. Three people with serious burns have been referred for further treatment. A fire brigade team brought the blaze under control. Initial information suggests the incident followed a mutual dispute, though the police are still investigating how the fire started. The Surguja IG and a forensic expert reached the spot, and a large police force has been deployed in the village.
Marathon in Gwalior Against NEET and CBSE Scam
PCC chief Jeetu Patwari arrived in Gwalior early this morning, where he will take part in the OTF marathon. The marathon is being held in protest against the NEET and CBSE scam. It will run from Gwalior's Mela Ground to Phoolbagh. Several leaders, including Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib, will participate.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's Packed Day
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has a full schedule of programmes today. He will reach the Vidhan Sabha at 10:30 am, where he will take part in a floral tribute programme on the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister late Kailashnath Katju. After that, at 11 am, he will leave Bhopal for Nagda. At 12 noon he will attend a local programme in Nagda in Ujjain, and then at 12:55 pm he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development works at Mahidpur in Ujjain. At 3:40 pm he will return from Ujjain to Bhopal.
Massive Fire at a Plastic Factory in Guna
Panic gripped the Guna Industrial Area late at night when flames began shooting skyward from a plastic factory located behind the Vandana Convent School. The fire broke out at around 11:30 pm, with the flames rising to the height of three storeys. The unit, owned by factory owner Harish Ratda, manufactured plastic pipes and granules. Harish had already left the factory for home at 9 pm, and the fire suddenly erupted about two and a half hours later. Because of the plastic material, the fire spread very quickly and took on a fierce form. As soon as word spread, four fire brigade vehicles reached the spot, and firefighters battled the blaze for nearly three hours. The fire was so intense that, apart from the fire brigade, 20 tankers of water had to be used before it could finally be brought under control. The factory has suffered heavy damage. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be established. The administration and police inspected the site, and the work of assessing the damage is underway.
Dead Fly Found in a Sandwich in Bhopal, Restaurant Inspected
Shobha Ahirwar, a resident of Ashoka Garden in Bhopal, was in for a shock over a meal. She had gone to eat a sandwich at the Sharma Vishnu Chinese Fastfood Restaurant in Platinum Plaza, but as soon as she put a piece of the sandwich in her mouth, she spotted a dead fly in it. After her complaint, the matter reached the food and safety department. On receiving the information, a department team inspected the restaurant at Platinum Plaza and checked its kitchen, cleanliness and food quality. Samples were also collected from the spot. According to the food safety officer, action will be taken as per the rules once the report arrives, and the restaurant's licence could even be suspended if negligence is found.
