Revenue Inspector (RI) Suraj Bala of Jharapalli in Malkangiri district was arrested by the Vigilance Department while accepting a bribe of ₹8,000 for issuing a caste certificate. This is the second time he has been caught; he was previously arrested in November 2023 for taking a ₹15,000 bribe regarding land documents. Public demand for strict punishment has risen following his repeated offenses. https://odishasambad.in/ri-of-jharapali-circle-under-malkangiri-district-nabbed-by-odisha-vigilance-while-taking-bribe/

The 154th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo was celebrated with great fervor at the Siddheswar Temple premises in Nimapada, Puri district. Organized by Shrima Welp For Foundation and Suman volunteers, the event included participants from 10 blocks of Puri district. The program featured discussions on Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, silent prayers, Durga Stotra, and musical performances. Key organizers highlighted the crucial role of Suman volunteers in social service during the seminar. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=210166

The kidnapping case of businessman Narendra Sahu in Balangir took a sensational turn with the arrest of a woman Police Sub-Inspector and a crime reporter. Snehamanjari Sahu, an SI at Bhubaneswar Police HQ, and journalist Sanjay Jena were arrested for their involvement in the conspiracy. The victim was kept in a lodge, threatened with a pistol, and forced to record fake videos as part of a 50 lakh rupee extortion plot. While the SI initially fled the scene, Balangir police eventually apprehended her. Four people have been arrested so far, with investigations ongoing for six more suspects. https://sambad.in/state/narendra-sahu-kidnapping-case-12390224

Two armed miscreants snatched a gold chain from a woman at gunpoint outside AIIMS Bhubaneswar. As they tried to flee on a motorcycle, the brave woman managed to pull one of them down. Local residents caught the fallen robber and handed him over to the Khandagiri police. A pistol was recovered from the suspect, who is reportedly from outside Odisha. Police have launched a search for the second accomplice who managed to escape. https://odishasambad.in/gold-chain-snatched-at-gunpoint-one-held/

Parents in Pattamundai, Kendrapara district, took matters into their own hands to rescue their children from Kulasahi Ashram School, which has been surrounded by floodwaters for two days. Around 255 students were stranded on the school's upper floor due to rising river levels. Frustrated by administrative delays in evacuation, parents used small boats to bring their children home. Many students reported health issues like fever and skin infections. While medical teams provided basic care, the lack of early administrative action has sparked public anger. https://odia.news18.com/news/odisha/parents-rescued-students-trapped-in-floodwaters-bks-ws-l-405878.html

Bihar police have arrested three individuals, including two Rapido bike-taxi drivers, for renting out their bank accounts to cybercriminals. These 'mule accounts' were used to funnel approximately 25 crore rupees obtained through interstate cyber fraud. The accused reportedly received 3,000 to 5,000 rupees per account. The arrests were made in Patna and Buxar as part of an investigation into a large-scale cybercrime network. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/cyber-fraud-bank-accounts-rented-3000-25-crore-fraud-bihar-arrests-12393516

The All Odisha Hospital Employees Association, Nabarangpur district branch, has threatened to launch a strike over long-pending demands. The union held a protest in front of the Chief District Medical Officer's (CDMO) office under the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Key demands include timely salary payment between the 1st and 15th of each month, resolution of biometric attendance issues, deposit of pending PF contributions, and immediate payment of salary arrears for sweepers, guards, and gardeners. The union warned that health services would be disrupted if the administration fails to address these issues promptly. https://www.dharitri.com/hospital-staff-warns-of-strike/

In the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, India secured a historic 6-1 victory over South Africa, marking its largest win in the tournament's history. Odia player Sunelita Toppo opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Other contributors included Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Deepika, Lalremsiami, and Sakshi Rani. With 4 points from two matches, India currently tops its group, ahead of China on goal difference, and has almost confirmed its spot in the second round. India is scheduled to face England on August 20th. https://www.dharitri.com/indias-big-win-in-womens-hockey-world-cup/

Former Delhi Minister and AAP leader Satyendar Jain has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) corruption case. The case involves alleged irregularities in the tendering process for Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), leading to a financial misappropriation of approximately ₹17.70 crore. The Enforcement Directorate had previously filed a chargesheet against Jain and 14 others in this matter. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/delhi-jal-board-corruption-case-satyendar-jain-arrested-acb-12393581

The lighting system in Thuamul Rampur, Kalahandi district, has collapsed. A solar high-mast light worth 10 lakh rupees, installed near Manikeshwari Temple using MPLADS funds, is dysfunctional. Other lights near the JMFC court and main roads are also non-operational, leaving the town in darkness. Residents complain that even slight rain disables the solar system, raising questions about project quality. The lack of streetlights from the Tehsil square to the market has increased the risk of accidents and crime. Locals are demanding immediate repairs and new lighting installations from the administration. https://www.dharitri.com/dilapidated-lighting-system-in-thuamul-rampur-ten-lakh-solar-high-mast-light-defective/