kendrapada

An Assistant Sub-Inspector in kendrapada district was apprehended by vigilance sleuths for accepting a bribe of Rs 2,000. The officer, Prasanta Pradhan, allegedly demanded the money from a woman to submit a favourable report in a land dispute case he was investigating. The complainant approached vigilance after the ASI solicited the bribe.

Villages in kendrapada district are facing an acute drinking water crisis as a Rs 241-crore mega project remains incomplete, leaving residents to rely on contaminated sources. With mercury levels soaring, the situation is expected to worsen, raising fears of an epidemic due to faulty sewerage and damaged pipelines.

Farmers in kendrapada's Pattamundai block face irrigation crisis. The Gobari river is choked by dense weed growth and illegal encroachments. This obstructs water flow, impacting summer paddy and vegetable cultivation. River stretches are becoming biologically dead. Authorities have begun restoration work, including weed clearance and eviction of encroachers. The water resources department is renovating the river.

Thieves broke into the Dakhinakali temple in kendrapada, stealing gold and silver ornaments, a silver crown, utensils, and deity apparel worth approximately Rs 15 lakh, along with cash from donation boxes. The incident, discovered Saturday morning, has led to a police investigation, with authorities examining CCTV footage and considering insider involvement. A special team is working to apprehend the culprits.

Villagers in kendrapada's Rajkanika block are protesting for drinking water. Four tubewells in Abdulpur village are not working. Women trek long distances for water. Officials are repairing tubewells and will supply water via tankers. Salinity is a problem in seaside villages.

Three villagers were arrested for the brutal murder of a 78-year-old man and the serious injury of four family members during a property dispute. The accused allegedly attacked the victims with sharp weapons while they were demarcating land they had encroached upon. The elderly victim died, while others remain hospitalized. Police apprehended the suspects after they fled the scene.

A 35-year-old government schoolteacher was arrested in kendrapada for allegedly raping a 15-year-old student he had called for private tuition. The accused teacher also reportedly threatened the Class IX student and attempted to blackmail her with a compromising video. He was remanded to judicial custody after his bail plea was rejected.

A tragic road accident on NH-53 in Jajpur district claimed the lives of five wedding party members, including four women, and left nine others seriously injured. The Bolero they were traveling in collided with a stationary truck around 5 am.

A fisherman in Jajpur district's Kharasrota river caught a rare, non-native suckermouth catfish, locally known as Janitor fish. This invasive species, native to South America, poses a significant threat to Indian water bodies by consuming other fish and their eggs. Biologists emphasize that these hardy fish thrive even in polluted waters, highlighting their destructive impact.

The Orissa High Court has expressed serious concerns over a public sector company allegedly being permitted to establish a petroleum retail outlet directly beneath a high-tension electricity line. The court emphasized the significant risk to life and property posed by highly inflammable fuel in such a location and has ordered a spot inspection by the competent authority.

The Baladevjew Temple endowment trust has procured 1,200 cubic feet of sal wood for constructing the state's second-tallest wooden chariot, standing at 64 feet. This year, all 14 wheels will be newly crafted due to previous issues with old timber.

A 40-year-old tuition teacher in kendrapada has been arrested for allegedly molesting an 11-year-old student. The incident surfaced when the Class V girl refused to attend classes, later revealing the alleged molestation to her parents. Police have booked the accused under various sections of the BNS and the POCSO Act. A local court has denied him bail.

A week-long ban on street food sales has been imposed in Jajpur district after a woman died of gastroenteritis and over 100 others fell ill. A dahi bara vendor was arrested, accused of using contaminated water. The administration suspects unhygienic street food as the source of the outbreak.

The Orissa High Court has expressed serious concern over a public sector oil company allegedly being permitted to establish a petrol station directly under a high-tension electricity line. The court emphasized the severe risks to life and property posed by highly inflammable fuel near such power lines.

Bhitarkanika National Park authorities are implementing special measures to protect wildlife during the intense summer heat. Artificial water tanks and renovated ponds are being utilized to provide drinking water, while increased patrolling aims to deter poachers. Special attention is also being given to penned crocodiles and hatchlings, with fire lines and extinguishers in place to prevent forest fires.

The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to multiple authorities regarding alleged illegal tree felling and land clearing for a Rs 28-crore urban development project in Mayurbhanj district. An RTI activist filed a petition, claiming over 100 trees were cut without prior approval, impacting a bird habitat.

A 51-year-old autorickshaw driver in kendrapada has been sentenced to two decades behind bars for the rape of a minor two years ago. The court also levied a Rs 20,000 fine, with an additional six months for non-payment. The victim will receive Rs 5 lakh in compensation from the state legal services authority.

Odisha witnessed a shocking 18% surge in road accident deaths during January's road safety month, marking the steepest rise ever. Despite enforcement and awareness drives, fatalities climbed to 688, with Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Ganjam reporting significant increases. Experts criticize the department's effectiveness, questioning the impact of substantial spending on campaigns and consultants.

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by a special Pocso court in Jajpur for kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 15-year-old girl. The court also imposed a Rs 50,000 fine and directed Rs 8 lakh in compensation to the survivor.

Ghoda Nacha, a vibrant folk dance from kendrapada, is struggling to survive. Performers cite declining interest from the younger generation and low earnings as major challenges. This traditional dance, once popular during festivals, is now rarely sought after. The district administration offers some support through pensions and government functions. Efforts are underway to preserve this cultural heritage.

Ghoda Nacha, a traditional folk dance performed by fishermen in kendrapada during Chaitra Purnima, faces extinction due to declining interest from the younger generation and the rise of modern entertainment. Performers struggle financially, with many switching to other trades, despite efforts by the district administration to support the art form.

Forest officials demolished a statue of former minister Damodar Rout near Siali beach, citing violations of Coastal Regulation Zone and forest laws. The half-bust statue, erected illegally on forest land within 200 meters of the shoreline, was removed just before its scheduled unveiling. This action has sparked political criticism, with local leaders questioning the timing and alleging ulterior motives.

A young woman, recently engaged, was found dead in a field in kendrapada, a day after going missing. Her father alleges a neighbour, involved in a land dispute and opposed to her marriage, is responsible. Police are investigating, with an autopsy and forensic examination pending to determine the cause of death and rule out sexual assault.

A 31-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by a special Pocso court in Jajpur for kidnapping and raping a 14-year-old girl. The court also ordered a Rs 50,000 fine and directed Rs 8 lakh compensation for the survivor. The conviction followed extensive testimony and medical evidence.

A man was arrested for allegedly orchestrating the murder of his former girlfriend a day after her engagement. The accused, who was previously arrested for a complaint filed by the victim, reportedly hired a killer for Rs 2 lakh. The victim's body was found dumped in a field bearing injury marks.

A 31-year-old man, Pratik Mishra, was re-arrested for issuing fresh threats to bomb the Jagannath Temple and Shankaracharya’s mutt in Puri during the Rath Yatra. Previously bailed for similar threats, Mishra, a habitual offender with 16 criminal cases, allegedly extorted money using fake social media profiles.

Odisha government is proposing English spelling revisions for over 50 places to better reflect Odia pronunciation, including Cuttack to Kataka and Bargarh to Baragada. This initiative, following public feedback and expert review, aims to correct historical distortions and promote Odia identity, similar to the state's name change to Odisha. The revised list is now open for public suggestions.

Jharsuguda and Talcher sizzled at 44°C as Odisha grappled with an intense heatwave. Bhubaneswar recorded its highest April temperature in two years at 42.1°C, with the IMD issuing warnings for several districts. Residents are advised to stay indoors, and demand for cold drinks has surged.

Orissa High Court has modified a 1992 attempt-to-murder sentence after a 30-year delay. The convicted man, now 55, will serve no further jail time beyond the 1.7 years already spent, with his fine increased to Rs 20,000 for the victim's compensation. The court cited the extraordinary delay and the convict's settled life.