Bilaspur: An arrest by Chhattisgarh police has been challenged in the Bilaspur High Court. It is alleged that Nischint Vats, who was taken into custody from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh on June 29th, was not taken on transit remand and was taken directly to Ambikapur.

The petition claims that he was produced before a magistrate in Ambikapur on June 30 and remanded. The High Court has now issued a notice to the state government, seeking a response within two week

The petitioner has challenged his arrest and subsequent judicial custody and sought his immediate release. The picture of the case will become clearer only after the court's response.

Raipur. Twenty-three years later, the alleged irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) recruitment exam of 2003 are back in the headlines. This recruitment, conducted during the Yogi Adityanath government, raised questions about the selection for key positions such as deputy collector and DSP. The Economic Offences Investigation Bureau (EOW) is now preparing to complete the investigation and file a charge sheet in court. It has emerged that more than 15 administrative officials are under investigation in this case.

Allegations are that irregularities were committed in the evaluation of key answer sheets and the marks awarded to candidates. Furthermore, the scaling system was allegedly manipulated to favor certain candidates, impacting their merit and paving the way for selection to important positions.

Claims of 55 marks for writing one page

According to documents related to the case, one candidate allegedly wrote only one page of answers but was awarded 55 out of 60. Meanwhile, some candidates who wrote the entire answer sheet received only 10 to 15 marks. This alleged discrepancy in marks raises questions about the fairness of the evaluation process.

After RTI, the matter reached the High Court

The case gained momentum after 2005. Candidates Ravindra Singh, Varsha Dongre, and others obtained information regarding the examination and evaluation through an RTI. A petition was subsequently filed in the High Court. Nearly 11 years later, in 2016, the Bilaspur High Court ruled in favor of the petitioners, ordering the re-scaling of all optional subjects and the re-examination of the anthropology answer sheets.

This decision threatened the appointments of 147 selected officers. Several officials, including the then Deputy Collector, Padmini Bhoi, and Sanjay Chandan Tripathi, approached the Supreme Court against this decision. The Supreme Court has currently stayed the High Court's re-scaling order. The matter is pending. Meanwhile, the potential EOW investigation has brought the irregularities in the 2003 PSC recruitment into the spotlight again.

Kondagaon. Four workers from Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district were among the 10 workers who lost their lives in the tragic tunnel accident that occurred on August 13th in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. Upon learning of the accident, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased workers and announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each. Instructions have been given to provide Rs 50,000 each for the treatment of two workers from the district injured in the accident.

Two workers from Dhansuli village in Kondagaon, one from Madnar, and one from Dahikonga were killed in the accident. Two workers from the district were injured. The bodies of the deceased workers were brought to Kondagaon, where they were cremated in the presence of family members and villagers. An atmosphere of mourning has gripped the villages following the incident.

Chief Minister Sai stated that the state government stands with the bereaved families with all sensitivity in this hour of grief. He assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the affected families.

22 workers were trapped due to massive landslide and water leakage.

Twenty-two workers were trapped inside the under-construction Mayapur-Pipalkoti Tunnel in Chamoli district on August 13th due to a massive landslide and water seeping from a hillside around 6:30 pm. A rescue and relief operation was launched immediately after receiving the information. Rescue teams safely evacuated 12 workers and transported them to the hospital.

The bodies of four workers were recovered on the first day. Three more bodies were found the next day. One body was recovered on August 15th, and two on August 16th. This brings the total number of confirmed deaths in the accident to 10 workers.

The rescue operation lasted 117 hours.

NDRF and SDRF teams conducted a continuous operation for approximately 117 hours to rescue the workers. Despite difficult conditions, the personnel continued the rescue operation amidst debris and water. Machinery trapped in the tunnel was also removed during the operation. Ultimately, the bodies of all 10 deceased workers were recovered.

Ambikapur: The district-level Excise Department team has taken major action against a long-running illegal mahua liquor distillery in the Khairbar area of ​​the city. The team raided the site and recovered approximately 4,700 kg of mahua liquor and 135 liters of prepared mahua liquor.

The estimated value of the seized liquor and lahan is estimated to be around 2.5 lakh rupees. During the operation, a woman was arrested and a case was registered against her under the Excise Act.

The Excise Department team received information about illegal mahua liquor being manufactured in Khairbar. The team then arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area. During the investigation, they found a complete liquor-making setup inside a room. Five furnaces were installed there to produce mahua liquor.

A large quantity of mahua liquor was found in 34 drums around the furnaces. After inspecting all the drums, the team recovered approximately 4,700 kg of the liquor. In addition, 135 liters of prepared mahua liquor was confiscated from the scene. The department also seized other equipment and materials used in the production of the liquor.

female accused arrested

During the operation, the excise team arrested Amrita Kerketta from the spot. According to the department, a case has been registered against the accused under various sections of the Excise Act. Officials stated that the case falls under the category of non-bailable offense.

The furnace had been running for a long time

According to the Excise Department, the discovery of large quantities of raw material and liquor-making materials at the site suggests that large-scale illicit liquor production had been taking place there for a long time. Notably, the location of the distillery is said to be some distance from the police station. This also raises questions about the local surveillance system.

The department is currently investigating the matter. According to officials, if the role of other individuals involved in the illegal liquor trade becomes known, action will be taken against them as well.

Raipur. The monsoon is once again active in Chhattisgarh. Rain was recorded in most districts of the state during the last 24 hours, while some areas experienced heavy to very heavy rainfall. The Meteorological Department has predicted continued rain in many parts of the state for the next three days. Rain activity, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, may increase, especially in southern Chhattisgarh.

According to the Meteorological Department, heavy rain is expected in several districts, including Sukma, Bijapur, South Bastar, Dantewada, Bastar, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Surajpur, Korea, and Balrampur, on August 21st. Thunderstorms and strong winds are expected during this period. Wind speeds could reach 30 to 40 kilometers per hour in some places.

14 cm of rain in Lormi

In the last 24 hours, many areas of the state received good rainfall. Lormi recorded the highest rainfall of 14 cm. Janakpur and Kundur also received 13 cm each, and Tatapani received 8 cm. Several areas, including Latabodha, Kotadol, Ratanpur, and Pendra Road, also received good rainfall.

On August 22, it will rain in many districts.

Rain is also expected in many districts of the state on August 22nd. The sky will remain cloudy, and light to moderate rain is possible in most areas. Heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms are also expected in some areas.

Rain may increase from 23 to 25 August

According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall activity may increase further between August 23rd and 25th. During this period, heavy rain is expected in many districts of the state. Southern Chhattisgarh is likely to experience the most severe rainfall.

The capital city of Raipur is also expected to experience cloudy skies and intermittent rain or thundershowers for the next few days. The rain is expected to keep temperatures low and the weather pleasant.

Raipur.  Chhattisgarh no longer seeks to remain confined to a mineral-rich state, but is rapidly progressing toward becoming a developed state through industrial expansion, technological investment, and job creation. Government initiatives to create a favorable environment for industry have begun to establish the state as an attractive destination for investors.

The economic progress of any state depends on how easy it is to establish an industry there. Simplifying the process of starting an industry, scheduling government approvals, reducing unnecessary formalities, and conducting business digitally are considered fundamental to ease of doing business.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and Industry Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan, the state is promoting an investment-led development model. The government's focus is not limited to large industries, but also on employment for local youth, promotion of new technologies, and industrial expansion with regional balance.

Modern single window system implemented

To simplify industrial processes, a modern single-window system has been implemented in the state. More than 150 services have been integrated through this platform. Setting up an industry now eliminates the need to visit various departments. Most approvals are being provided to investors online.

Additionally, the artificial intelligence-based "Vani" system has been launched, providing technical assistance to investors. Administrative reforms have simplified over 500 procedures, expediting the establishment of industries.

2024-30 is being considered as the base for new investment.

The state's Industrial Development Policy 2024-30 is being considered the foundation for new investment. Under this policy, special financial incentives are being provided to the manufacturing and service sectors. For the first time, emerging sectors such as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), textiles, logistics, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence have been prioritized.

Approval has been given for the development of 23 new industrial areas in the state and 26 new industrial projects in 15 districts. The plastic park being developed in Sarora and the textile, pharmaceutical, and ready-made garment parks being developed in Nava Raipur are presenting a new picture of industrial expansion.

The textile unit, to be established in Nava Raipur at a cost of ₹235 crore, is expected to provide direct employment to 4,650 people. Meanwhile, the state has received investment proposals worth ₹8.22 lakh crore in the last two and a half years. This is expected to create over 1.72 lakh jobs. During the same period, 3,009 new industrial units have been established, employing over 50,000 people.

The state is also making its mark in the digital and technological sector

The state is now moving beyond the coal and steel based economy and making its mark in the digital and technological sector as well.

The AI ​​Data Center Park being built in Naya Raipur at a cost of ₹1,000 crore exemplifies this change. The government's goal is to make Chhattisgarh a state where young people emerge as job creators, not job seekers, by 2047.

ED RAID: Dhamtari. Congress leader Ram Gopal Agarwal, accused in the ₹3,000 crore liquor scam, is once again in the news. This time, an eight-member Enforcement Directorate (ED) team raided his premises in Dhamtari. While forces are deployed outside his home, team members are examining documents inside.

Let us tell you that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Congress leader Ram Gopal Agarwal from Raipur Central Jail last Tuesday, after which the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court of Raipur sent him to ED custody for seven days on Tuesday.

The investigating agency alleges that Ram Gopal Agarwal was involved in laundering funds related to the liquor scam, coal levy, and custom milling. It is alleged that he transferred large amounts of the scam money. The ED is now investigating the whereabouts of the money.

CG HIGH COURT: Bilaspur. The High Court has issued posting orders for 56 new civil judges selected through the PSC, and transfer and posting orders for 15 judicial officers. Several judges of the Higher Judicial Service and Lower Judicial Service have been transferred under various orders and notifications issued by the High Court's Registrar General, Rajneesh Shrivastava.

In addition, the state government has given its first postings to 56 newly appointed probationary civil judges (Junior Division). All these newly appointed officers have been instructed to assume charge at their respective places by August 29th.

Apart from this, 5 judges of Higher Judicial Service have been transferred. Dantewada Family Court Judge Harish Kumar Awasthi has been made the First Additional District and Sessions Judge, Raipur. Mamta Patel has been posted as Second Additional and Sessions Judge, Bilaspur from Ambikapur, Jyoti Agarwal has been posted as Judge, Rajnandgaon from Pendra Road, Namita Minj Bhaskar has been posted as Judge, Dhamtari and N Singh Sahu has been posted as Additional District and Sessions Judge (FTC), Dantewada from Rajnandgaon.

In addition, Raipur's First Additional District and Sessions Judge, Neeraj Sharma, has been appointed as the Special Judge of the Raipur Special Court under the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In Ambikapur, Kamlesh Jagdalla has been appointed as the Additional District and Sessions Judge, and Smita Ratnawat has been appointed as the Additional District and Sessions Judge (POCSO).

In the Civil Judge Senior Division, Satish Kumar Khakha has been appointed as Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) from Pratappur and First Civil Judge Senior Division Mungeli. Meanwhile, Bhagwan Das Panika has been posted in Pratappur, Shweta Patel in Chhuikhadan, Ishan Vyas in Durg and Nilesh Jagdalla in Rajnandgaon. Durg's Second Additional Judge Ravi Kumar Kashyap has been made OSD in the High Court on deputation. 7 judges of the Civil Judge Junior Division cadre have also been transferred.

CHHATTIAGARH: Jagdalpur. The Food Safety Department in Bastar has taken a major step regarding the colorful ice candy popular among children. An investigation by the State Food Testing Laboratory found Bhim's Mango packet of green colored mango ice candy unsafe. Following the report, the Food Safety Department has banned its sale, distribution, and storage in the entire Bastar district with immediate effect.

The Food Department has instructed all wholesale and retail traders to stop selling this product. They have also ordered the recall of existing stocks and their destruction as per regulations. The department states that if any sale or storage of this product is found despite the ban, legal action will be taken against those involved.l

Citizens are urged not to sell these food items and to inform the department if they become aware of their storage. Food-related complaints can also be lodged on the department's tol.

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai will leave for Delhi today. According to the schedule, CM Sai will depart for Delhi from Raipur at 5:40 pm. He will stay in Delhi tonight. During his stay in Delhi, CM Sai is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President Nitin Navin, and several Union Ministers tomorrow.

Kharge ‘hurt’ over purification row; expresses displeasure at Congress leaders’ silence during CWC meeting.

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is upset with the silence of party leaders on the purification controversy. He expressed his displeasure at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Delhi on Wednesday.

According to media reports, the Congress president told party leaders present at the meeting that he was saddened that several CWC members had not openly supported him by condemning the purification issue. Kharge was referring to an incident in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where some Hindutva organizations had purified the site after his rally.

Kharge did not name any leader.

Although Kharge did not name any particular leader, according to sources, his body language suggested that he was upset over not getting support from some senior leaders on the issue.

What is the matter?

Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the Vijay Shankhnaad rally at Haldwani's Ramlila Maidan on August 8. Two days later, on August 10, a right-wing group, the Shri Ram Sena, performed a purification havan at the rally site.

The Congress alleged that those performing the purification ritual had links to the BJP and RSS and claimed it exposed their anti-Dalit mindset. The BJP, on the other hand, distanced itself from the right-wing organization's actions and condemned the purification ritual. The Congress chief also raised the issue in Parliament on the last day of the monsoon session.

Raipur. The Central GST Department raided a plant in the Jorapali area of ​​Raigarh. The team spent several hours reviewing billing, payment, and tax records. The action is initially being linked to suspected tax evasion and input tax credit (ITC) irregularities.

Officials examined the plant's billing system, online transactions, and business documents. At present, the department has not officially released any information regarding the findings or the seizure of any documents. The full picture will only become clear once the investigation is complete.

Raipur. There's good news for Chhattisgarh's folk artists. The Directorate of Culture and Official Language has invited applications under the Chief Minister's Folk Artist Incentive Scheme-2026. Artists involved in dance and music, folk theatre, folk tales, songwriters, instrumentalists, crafts, traditional cuisine, and beauty can apply.

Selected artists will receive incentives ranging from 12,000 to 24,000 rupees each financial year. Registration on the Chinhari portal is required to benefit from the scheme. The applicant's annual income from all sources should not exceed 96,000 rupees.

The last date for application is 31 August 2026. The application must be sent by registered post to the address of the Directorate of Culture and Official Language located in Naya Raipur.

Raipur. A major reshuffle has taken place within the rural police. Superintendent of Police (SP) Shweta Shrivastava Sinha has issued orders for the new postings of six inspectors. New responsibilities have also been assigned to the Rakhi and Kharora police stations, as well as the Uparwara and Silyari outposts.

Prem Prakash Avadhiya has been appointed in-charge of the Rakhi police station. Ashish Singh Rajput has been sent to the police lines. Krishna Kumar Kushwaha has also been sent to the police lines. Pradeep Bisen has been assigned to the Uparwara outpost, Vidyabhushan Bhardwaj to the Kharora police station, and Kamlesh Kumar Gupta to the Silyari outpost.

New Delhi: The CBI has arrested a senior official of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on charges of bribery. The arrested official, Sandeep, is posted as Deputy Controller of Accounts and IFA and is a 2020 batch Indian Civil AccounService officer

According to the CBI, the officer is accused of demanding a bribe of ₹10 lakh in exchange for a job for the complainant. It is alleged that the officer arranged for the money to be received through his wife. The agency investigated the alleged bribe and made the arrest.

The CBI is now investigating documents and other evidence related to the bribery demand, the transactions, and the alleged role of the officer and his wife. The allegations are still subject to confirmation through investigation and judicial proceedings.

Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu inaugurated the four-day competition, 540 players from all five divisions performed an impressive march past.

Excellent presentation of cultural programmes by school girls

Raipur, August 2026/ The 26th State Level School Sports Competition was inaugurated in a grand manner on Tuesday at the Physical College ground in Pendra amidst a pleasant and enthusiastic atmosphere amidst drizzle. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, hoisted the flag and formally declared the four-day competition, which will run from August 18 to 21. The enthusiasm of sports talents, cultural presentations and the impressive march past at the opening ceremony made the entire atmosphere sporting.

A total of 540 players aged 14 to 19 years old from the state's five divisions: Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bastar, and Surguja are participating in the competition. Participants will showcase their athletic talent and skills in various sports disciplines.

Pledged to play with sportsmanship and discipline

At the inauguration, Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu administered the oath to all participating athletes to participate in the competition with true discipline, integrity, and sportsmanship, fully adhering to the rules of the game. He urged the athletes to uphold the pride of their sport, the honor of their state, and the high traditions of sportsmanship.

Welcoming and congratulating all the players and guests participating in the competition on GPM soil, he said that the perspective on sports has changed. In sports, we either win or learn. Encouraging the players, he said, "Play sports in a way that makes it a study, and study in a way that makes it a game."

Mr. Sahu encouraged the players to move forward with confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship, free from stress and depression. He emphasized that sports are not just a means to win competitions, but also an important means to develop discipline, confidence, patience, and a fighting spirit in life. He wished all participating players a bright future.

540 players will showcase their talent in four sports disciplines.

The four-day state-level competition is featuring events in gymnastics, kabaddi, cricket, and taekwondo. Boys and girls are participating in gymnastics, girls in kabaddi, boys in cricket, and boys and girls in taekwondo.

Under the competition, gymnastics competitions are being organised in Gymnastics Hall, Gurukul Gaurela, cricket competitions in Physical College Ground, Gurukul Pendra, Taekwondo competitions in District Auditorium Pendra and Kabaddi competitions in Kabaddi Training Centre Pendra.

Attractive march past of players in colourful costumes

The most impressive spectacle of the opening ceremony was the march past of athletes from all five divisions. Dressed in vibrant saffron, yellow, blue, green, red, and white uniforms, the teams marched with discipline and enthusiasm. The players' enthusiasm and excitement filled the entire arena with thunderous applause.

On this occasion, schoolgirls presented a colorful cultural program, showcasing Chhattisgarh's cultural diversity and the talents of the students. The cultural presentations captivated the guests and spectators present.

A grand stage will be built in the Physical College ground.

During the event, Kota Assembly Constituency MLA Shri Atal Shrivastava congratulated all participating athletes for their excellent performance. He encouraged the athletes and wished them success in the competition.

Necessary instructions given to senior officials in the ministry for better health services

Raipur, August 2026/ Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal held an important review meeting with health department officials today at the Secretariat, Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur. The meeting discussed the current state of health services in the state in detail. During the meeting, the availability of medicines in hospitals, cleanliness arrangements, and other facilities provided to patients were closely reviewed. District-wise information was collected from officials, and emphasis was placed on ensuring that essential medicines and medical facilities reach remote and rural areas on time, so that the general public does not face any problems.

The Health Minister issued several important instructions during the review meeting to improve services and make them more people-oriented. Hospitals were instructed to maintain proper sanitation, ensure adequate availability of essential medicines, and ensure quality treatment for patients. Instructions were also given to ensure the maintenance of medical equipment, staff attendance, and sensitive treatment of patients. Officials were clearly instructed that negligence at any level in health services would not be tolerated and would be monitored regularly.