The Rourkela police are investigating the gun seizure case at the Circuit House. Allegations have surfaced against the Sub-Collector for providing safe harbor to criminals for 23 days by booking rooms for gang leader Prakash Paswan. It is suspected that a senior district official verbally recommended this booking. While police have taken action against the gang, administrative action against the involved officials is pending. Reports suggest the criminals used the government facility for tender fixing, threatening rivals via social media, and illegal activities. Opposition parties are demanding a thorough investigation into the political-criminal nexus. https://sambad.in/district/sundargarh/rourkela-circuit-house-gun-seizure-case-action-against-sub-collector-12485861

On the occasion of Janmashtami, public darshan at Puri Jagannath Temple will be closed for five hours from 7 PM to 12 AM for the special Krishna Janma rituals. Following tradition, special rituals like Jeuṭa Bhoga and Garbha-udaka Bandapana were performed. The Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced this to ensure smooth conduct of secret rituals by Mahajan servitors. Celebrations are also peaking in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/janmastami-niti/article-38484

The Utkal Sambadik Sangha's Malkangiri district branch held an executive meeting chaired by District President Ashok Mishra. The meeting emphasized integrating journalism with public service. Key decisions included organizing a teacher felicitation ceremony on Teacher's Day, initiating the construction of a permanent office building, and conducting workshops for new journalists. The association thanked the state government for renewing the Gopabandhu Health Insurance Scheme. Additionally, six new journalists joined the association during the meeting. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=211234

A serious road accident occurred on State Highway 17 near Digapahandi, Ganjam district. A scooty driver was critically injured after losing control while overtaking and crashing into a truck parked on the roadside. Local residents attribute the accident to illegal parking of heavy vehicles and the poor condition of the Digapahandi-Berhampur highway. The identity of the injured driver is yet to be established, and locals are demanding stricter parking regulations and road repairs to prevent future tragedies. https://www.dharitri.com/scooty-went-under-the-truck-and-then/

The Regional Meteorological Centre has predicted dry weather in Odisha until September 8. However, a cyclonic circulation is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal around September 9, which may intensify into a low-pressure area by September 13. This could bring heavy rainfall to various parts of Odisha and Jharkhand. From June 1 to late August, Odisha has already received 25% more rainfall than normal, with most districts recording normal to excess precipitation. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/the-weather-will-remain-dry-till-the-8th/article-38487

The mining department seized a tractor for illegal sand transportation from Nuagada block in Gajapati district. Additional Mining Officer Biswajit Mahanta intercepted the vehicle at Khajuripada. Since the transport was being done without a valid permit, a fine of 51,000 INR was imposed. After the tractor owner paid the fine at the district mining office in Paralakhemundi, the authorities ordered the release of the seized vehicle from the police outpost. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=211259

Keonjhar Police busted a major gang involved in the theft of transformers and electric wires, arresting 16 members including two electrical engineers. The engineers reportedly left their jobs to join the criminal gang, using their technical knowledge to cut power lines and dismantle transformers. During raids across 20 locations in 5 districts, police seized over 6 quintals of copper and aluminum wires, gold, cash, and mobile phones. The gang is allegedly linked to over 100 cases across the state. https://otvkhabar.in/crime/engineer-turned-looter-keonjhar-police-bust-transformer-theft-gang-16-arrested-12489687

Hatibari police foiled a major robbery attempt and arrested three gang members identified as Bolo Khalekho, Ajay Kujur, and Sanatan Sahu. The police seized a Scorpio vehicle, knives, iron rods, and chili powder from them. The gang was previously involved in stealing copper wires from a limestone mine and transformers. While three were caught during the midnight raid near Purunapani, others managed to escape. https://sambad.in/crime/hatibari-police-foils-robbery-plan-three-arrested-weapons-seized-12488964

The Odisha government is set to release the fifth installment of the CM-KISAN scheme on Friday. More than 41 lakh farmer families, including small, marginal, and landless laborers, will benefit from this initiative. Over 833 crore rupees will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts via DBT. The Chief Minister will inaugurate the distribution at a special event in Bhubaneswar, providing timely financial support for agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers. https://www.dharitri.com/tomorrow-to-witness-cm-kisan-fund-release-over-41-lakh-farmer-families-to-benefit/

On the occasion of Janmashtami, special rituals are being held at the Puri Jagannath Temple. Lord Jagannath himself will perform the leela of giving birth to Lord Krishna. Public darshan will be restricted from 7 PM to 12 AM for the secret birth rituals performed by Mahajana servitors. Across the country, including Mathura and Vrindavan, festivities are in full swing. https://odia.news18.com/news/festival/celebration-begin-in-india-for-janmastami-lord-jagannaths-dwapara-leela-in-srimandir-ssd-ws-l-409525.html