jharsuguda

jharsuguda police have busted a major illegal liquor manufacturing and smuggling ring along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. A large-scale operation led to the arrest of eight individuals from Baddhara village. Authorities discovered and destroyed multiple illicit distillation units, seizing hundreds of litres of liquor and raw materials. This crackdown targets organized criminal networks.

A high-level health team investigated a suspected food poisoning outbreak in Odisha's Sundargarh and jharsuguda districts after two deaths in Nuadihi village and two in nearby areas. Fifty-four people fell ill following a post-funeral feast. Samples were collected, and affected villagers are receiving treatment. Officials advised against using pond water and initiated disinfection efforts.

Brajrajnagar police busted an organized IPL betting racket, arresting eight individuals involved in illegal online cricket gambling. Raids uncovered a sophisticated syndicate operating through digital platforms, leading to the seizure of cash, electronic devices, and the freezing of Rs 3.7 lakh in bank accounts. Investigations are ongoing to identify interstate connections and financial beneficiaries.

Heatwave conditions are set to persist in Odisha until at least May 28, with several districts experiencing temperatures exceeding 40°C. jharsuguda recorded the highest at 45.2°C. An orange warning for heatwave has been issued for jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Bolangir for the next two days. Two more suspected heatstroke deaths were reported on Saturday.

Tragedy struck Sundargarh district as four individuals, including three women, succumbed to suspected food poisoning following a post-funeral feast in Nuadihi village. At least 22 others are hospitalized and receiving treatment. Health authorities have launched an inquiry, collecting food samples to determine the cause of the outbreak that affected 54 people.

Brajrajnagar police have dismantled an organized IPL betting racket, arresting eight individuals involved in illegal online cricket gambling. Operating from rented premises, the syndicate utilized digital platforms and mobile apps to monitor live match trends and public betting patterns.

Odisha braces for continued intense heatwave with red warnings issued for Sambalpur, Balangir, and Boudh districts. Several other areas face orange and yellow alerts until May 29. Coastal regions will experience hot and humid conditions. Thunderstorm activity is also anticipated. Relief is not expected until after May 29, with a slight temperature drop forecast thereafter.

A fatal road rage incident in jharsuguda's Belpahar saw a 22-year-old man, Rahul Mahato, murdered with a machete after his bike allegedly collided with a car. Another youth, Akash Sahu, sustained critical injuries. Police swiftly identified and apprehended three suspects, Chudamani Kalet, Pradeep Banchor, and Pushpalata Banchor, following an investigation aided by CCTV footage.

Police encounters in Odisha have surged significantly over the past two years, with statistics showing a sharp rise from four in 2024 to 19 in 2025. This year has already seen 10 incidents, with seven occurring in May alone, often resulting in injured suspects.

Two individuals were detained and injured in an early morning encounter with police in jharsuguda, following the murder of a 22-year-old in a road rage incident. The accused allegedly opened fire on police while attempting to flee, leading to retaliatory firing. Three others were also arrested in connection with the fatal attack.

Bhubaneswar sizzled under a scorching 42.2°C, with a 'real feel' of 52°C, making streets deserted. Evening thundershowers offered respite, lowering humidity. Over 25 locations in Odisha exceeded 40°C. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist until May 25, with orange and yellow warnings issued for several districts.

Bhubaneswar sweltered under a season's high of 42.2°C, with a real feel of 52°C, exacerbated by 76% humidity. An evening thundershower brought much-needed relief, lowering humidity and temperatures, allowing residents to gather at roadside tea stalls. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist across the state.

Odisha has officially confirmed three sunstroke deaths this summer, with 16 allegations under review. Temperatures soared above 44°C in western regions, while coastal areas experienced unbearable heat and humidity. No immediate relief is expected, with heatwave conditions predicted to persist until May 26. Lightning and whirlwind incidents also claimed lives.

Two primary suspects in the Belpahar murder case were injured in a police encounter after allegedly firing at officers while attempting to escape. The duo, identified as Sunil Mahanada and Chand Banchhor, sustained leg injuries and are hospitalized. They are accused of fatally attacking 22-year-old Rahul Mahato following a road-rage incident. Police apprehended them based on CCTV and technical surveillance.

Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy has appealed to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to extend the Bhubaneswar-Dhanbad express to Berhampur. This move would provide a direct link for Ganjam residents working in Bokaro and offer convenient travel for patients heading to Ranchi's CIP. The extension is also expected to boost tourism in Gopalpur and Chilika.

Odisha's top cop has issued a stark warning to criminals, hinting at encounters for those disrupting law and order, following recent crackdowns. This comes as the Chief Minister directed police to instill fear among offenders.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin's maiden two-day visit to Odisha begins Sunday, igniting enthusiasm among cadres ahead of upcoming local elections. He will preside over high-level meetings and training programs, aiming to strengthen the party's organizational base and chart a course for future electoral challenges.

A tragic case of mistaken identity led to a fatal attack in jharsuguda's Suldia Lalmunda village. A 25-year-old man, Pradeep Bhoi, was allegedly hacked to death by his neighbour, Nilamani Bhoi, who mistook him for his elder brother. The accused, holding a grudge, attacked Pradeep while he slept on the veranda, believing him to be his intended target.

jharsuguda police have dismantled an interstate arms syndicate by arresting two suppliers from Bihar. Adarsh Dubey and Md Rafique Ansari were apprehended in separate raids, leading to the seizure of multiple firearms, ammunition, and a motorcycle. Both are alleged to be habitual offenders involved in arms trafficking.

Star Air will resume flight services connecting jharsuguda with Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad from May 15, 2026, after a suspension due to rising fuel costs. The airline's revised morning schedule is expected to significantly improve connectivity for passengers, particularly benefiting business travellers and daily commuters in western Odisha.

Odisha is set to witness a significant boost in its road and infrastructure network with the Centre sanctioning over Rs 769 crore for 10 major projects. These initiatives, spanning tribal regions, urban centres, and coastal areas, aim to revolutionize connectivity, integrate remote communities, and enhance access to essential services, promising a transformative impact on the state's development.

India Meteorological Department forecasts rain and thunderstorms across many districts this week. An orange warning is in effect for 17 districts for the next three days. Yellow warnings are also issued for coastal and interior areas until May 9. Day temperatures are expected to drop by three to four degrees Celsius over the next four days.

jharsuguda, western Odisha, is experiencing an intense heatwave for six consecutive days, with temperatures soaring to 44°C and above. This extreme heat has severely disrupted daily life, forcing residents indoors and leading to deserted streets during peak afternoon hours. Contrary to expectations, local vendors report a decline in business as customers avoid going out due to the unbearable conditions.