Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha minister Badri Narayan Patra has accused an IAS and an IPS officer of promoting the multi-crore mining and transport scam in the Keonjhar district.

The senior BJD leader’s allegations came after the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch arrested Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) leader Soumya Shankar Chakra (alias Raja Chakra) for his alleged role in illegal mining operations.

The Economic Offence Wing of the Crime Branch, Thursday, arrested Biju Yuva Janata Dal state vice-president Soumya Shankar Chakra, alias Raja Chakra, Thursday in connection with an alleged multi-crore mining and transport scam.

Patra, a six-time BJD MLA, alleged that as per my information, the then district magistrate-cum-collector and the superintendent of police, Keonjhar district, provided full protection to Raja Chakra.

The collector and SP were also part and parcel of such illegal activities. The duo had a share in the loot of minerals, financial irregularities, and kickbacks. They were in Keonjhar for nearly 5-6 years, the sitting BJD MLA from Ghasipura alleged.

Sources said that one Odisha cadre IPS officer of the 2010 batch was the superintendent of police (SP) of Keonjhar district for a long time, during which Raja Chakra was allegedly involved in illegal mining and transportation activities.

The IPS officer concerned is also a recipient of three police medals for gallantry from the President of India, a senior official said, adding that the officer was shifted from Keonjhar.

Similarly, Patra took the name of a Maharashtra-born IAS officer of the 2011 batch and said that he had served as the district collector of Keonjhar from 2018 to 2024.

I am sure these two officers will now also be getting shares from Raja Chakra’s illegal earnings, Patra alleged, demanding that all those, including the All India Service officers who supported Raja Chakra in illegal activities be arrested.

He alleged that Raja Chakra could undertake all illegal activities due to the protection from the district collector and SP.

The district administration was in Raja’s pocket, he alleged.

Patra, being a senior leader of BJD from the mineral-rich district, further revealed that he had informed the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) during the previous government.

I had given a confidential report to a senior officer (also an IAS officer) in the CMO before the 2024 elections stating that massive irregularities were being done in the Keonjhar district. I had also mentioned that these activities could be detrimental to the ruling BJD’s electoral prospects, and exactly that happened in the polls, Patra, a former minister in the Naveen Patnaik council of ministers, claimed.

Asked whether he had informed the then chief minister Naveen Patnaik regarding the illegal activities, Patra said No I have not told anything to the then chief minister. But, I submitted the report at his office.

The veteran leader also said that it would be wrong to blame just one individual (Raja Chakra). Some influential people were backing him.

Though belonging to the Opposition party, Patra thanked the Mohan Charan Majhi government for cracking down on illegal activities.

He said, “I am not sure whether the investigating agency could reach the root of the scam.

Odisha’s law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said that the BJP government would ensure that all the persons involved in the illegal mining and transportation activities in Keonjhar district were booked.

Chakra, while being taken to the court, said I have faith in the judiciary.

Chakra was, on Friday, produced before the OPID Court in Balasore and remanded to judicial custody till March 19, his lawyer Raghunath Pradhan said.

OPID stand for Odisha Protection of Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 2011, a court dealing with cases related to financial establishments and depositors’ rights in the state.

The EOW said it arrested Chakra while probing an allegation made by a resident after registering a case February 7.

The IAS and the IPS officers named by Patra remained silent and could not be contacted over the phone.

Meanwhile, the state’s main opposition party (BJD) also remained silent and was yet to react to the arrest of its youth wing leader in the mining scam.

The party has also not said anything about the statement made by its sitting MLA from Ghasipura, Badri Narayan Patra.

Chakra’s name was earlier in discussion when he was accused of being behind an attack on the then-opposition chief whip Mohan Charan Majhi in October 2021.

Majhi was attacked by two bike-borne miscreants who hurled country-made bombs at his car while he was returning from a public meeting in Keonjhar district.

PTI

Hatadihi: A court in Anandapur of Keonjhar district Thursday sentenced a 68-year-old woman to life imprisonment and slapped a penalty of Rs10,000 after convicting her for the murder of her friend.

The convict was identified as Sara Naik of Mathadahi village under Soso police limits in Keonjhar district.

The Additional District and Sessions Judge Prajyoti Rout delivered the verdict after reviewing the witnesses’ testimonies and evidence.

In default, she has to undergo an additional year in prison. The case dates back to June 25, 2022, when Sara bludgeoned her friend, Jashoda Patra, with stones.

Patra’s daughter, Shantilata, found her in critical condition near Podasingidi village and rushed her to Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead. Following a complaint filed by Shantilata, officials at Soso police station registered a case (110/2022) and arrested Naik the next day.

Out of 20 witnesses presented in court, 15 testified against the accused, leading to her conviction. Defence lawyer Subash Bishwal stated that the court handed down the life sentence based on the evidence presented.

PNN

Keonjhar: The Kanupur Dam Project authorities in Keonjhar district have requested the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to grant an additional two months to complete the rehabilitation process of displaced people and submit a detailed report in that connection.

The request was made in a letter (numbered 88), dispatched Feb 24, 2025. The move comes in response to a petition filed with the NCST by advocate and human rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy regarding the displacement and subsequent rehabilitation of those affected by the project on the Baitarani River.

Sources said the earlier report submitted in response to this petition was found to be lacking in clarity and completeness.

Following a thorough inquiry and verification of official records – as well as an assessment of submerged villages – a detailed action-taken report related to a petition filed in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has already been submitted to the Keonjhar Collector.

The dam authorities noted that housing assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme could not be provided, as there is no provision for allocating rural housing to displaced families who have received full rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) package.

Additionally, 300 displaced families have petitioned for agricultural land as per policy provisions. However, due to a shortage of government land, the state is unable to provide the stipulated land— five acres of non-irrigated land for Scheduled Tribe displaced families, and four acres for non-Scheduled Tribe displaced families. Sources said that the requests of these 300 families have not been fully addressed.

Authorities have issued notices in R&R colonies and nearby villages inviting applications for those who may have been left out. Once the enumeration of such cases is finalised, the necessary R&R assistance will be provided. On November 25, 2021, Tripathy filed 2,621 petitions with the NHRC seeking relief for displaced and homeless people in Keonjhar and Koraput districts.

Of these, more than 400 cases pertained to Keonjhar. In response, the NHRC, January 31, 2022 issued notices, directing the Chief Secretary of Odisha to investigate and submit an action-taken report within six weeks. Sources said that the state authorities responded saying rehabilitation efforts were proceeding in accordance with the law, and the left-out cases were being addressed. They maintained that displaced individuals were being properly resettled. The compliance with NHRC directives has been ongoing since March 28, 2022.

Also Read: Kanupur dam project: 2-month extension sought from NCST to complete rehab process

Seven IAS officers, including then Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and then Keonjhar Collector Ashish Thakre, appeared before the NHRC via video conference.

Earlier, in response to a 2015 petition filed by Tripathy, the NHRC conducted an investigation through its Special Rapporteur, July 15, 2018. The case was closed following assurances from the state that NHRC recommendations would be implemented.

However, as compliance was not fulfilled, the NHRC issued another notice to the Chief Secretary, September 25, 2021, citing forceful displacement of poor Scheduled Tribe villagers without proper rehabilitation.

PNN

Keonjhar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Sunday unveiled several developmental projects valued at Rs 160 crore for the Anandapur subdivision in his native district Keonjhar.

The Chief Minister inaugurated 16 projects worth about Rs 42 crore and laid the foundation stones for several others at an estimated cost of Rs 118 crore while attending the 61st annual function of Anandapur College, his alma mater.

Majhi also announced a financial assistance of Rs 7 crore for the infrastructure development of the college – construction of a multi-purpose hall, a seminar hall and development of the sports ground.

The CM announced a grant of Rs 2 crore for the development of the Anandapur sub-divisional hospital and Rs 20 crore for the complete revamp of the stadium at Anandpur.

“I feel blessed to have got the opportunity to study in such a great institution,” he said.

Majhi recalled his memories when he was studying Plus-II ( Classes XI and XII) in 1987 at Anandapur College. He got emotional while talking about his old teachers and friends.

“Student life is always a struggle. This struggle will make you successful one day. Strong faith in your hard work and the blessings of teachers will take you to your destination,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the students.

“We have implemented the New Education Policy 2020 with an aim to provide quality education to the youths in a good learning environment and enhance their skills to include them in the path for development of India,” he said.

Hitting out at the previous BJD government, the CM said the policy was not implemented in Odisha “due to political reasons.”

He said that the state has implemented the PM Usha Yojana at the college level to strengthen the higher education system.

The PM Usha Yojana aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education across the country.

“Our government has brought reforms in both education and examination fields in higher education. Along with improving the quality of education, we are working to ensure that students get employment on the basis of their merits,” the CM said.

In the next five years, at least 1.5 lakh government posts will be filled up in a transparent and corruption-free manner, he said.

Majhi also said his government has allocated Rs 41,273 crore for the education sector, which is 14.2 per cent of the total budget and 3.9 per cent of the GSDP.

Out of the total allocation, Rs 3,655 crore has been allocated for the higher education sector alone, he said.

PTI

Keonjhar: The demand for ‘Giliriphula,’ a vibrant forest flower used in traditional delicacies, is rising in Keonjhar due to its unique taste and natural availability.

Collected from forests, these flowers are sold by tribal communities in local markets and are also popular among tourists.

The trade provides a vital livelihood to tribal families, but middlemen reportedly earn higher profits by selling them outside the district at inflated prices.

In urban areas, the flowers are sold for R 10- Rs20 per cone, while in other districts, traders make two to three times more.

“We collect these flowers from the forest and sell them in markets. Demand is growing, especially in cities, but our earnings are limited due to transportation and other expenses,” said Sunita Naik of Banspal, who earns Rs100 to Rs200 daily.

‘Giliriphula’ is widely used in local cuisine, increasing its demand both in Keonjhar and beyond. Some traders have begun exporting them for higher profits.

Also Read: City Apollo Hospital felicitates women

Besides flowers, tribal communities rely on forest products like fruits, nuts, roots, and medicinal plants for sustenance. They also practice ‘podu’ (shifting) cultivation during the monsoon.

Once considered a “poor man’s food,” forest produce is now highly valued in urban markets. However, deforestation and mining activities are threatening the availability of these resources. Experts urge the government to safeguard tribal livelihoods and conserve the region’s rich biodiversity.

PNN

 Keonjhar: The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) said that a group of scientists associated with it discovered a species of soil-dwelling roundworm in the Keonjhar district of Odisha.

The species, Crassolabium dhritiae, is named after ZSI Director Dr Dhriti Banerjee in recognition of her outstanding contributions to zoology and taxonomic research.

The ZSI said in a statement that the discovery was made in the ‘deccan peninsula biogeographic zone’ in Keonjhar by a research team led by Dr Debabrata Sen, while Dr G P Mandal and Samprit Deb Roy were its other members.

“These microscopic organisms, though often overlooked, are vital to soil health and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Their diverse feeding habits contribute significantly to maintaining a balanced and healthy soil ecosystem,” the ZSI director said.

Crassolabium dhritiae is characterised by its medium-sized, slender body, rounded lip region, long pharynx, certain specific features in its female reproductive system and a distinct tail shape.

“This discovery is a significant addition to our understanding of nematode biodiversity. Crassolabium Dhritiae brings the total number of known Crassolabium species worldwide to 39, with nine now recorded in India. This highlights the importance of continued research in these understudied ecosystems,” Sen said.

Banerjee congratulated the researchers for the discovery and emphasized the importance of soil nematodes.

The news of the finding was published in the online journal Acta Zoologica Bulgarica.

PTI

Keonjhar: A joint team of Economic Offence Wing (EOW) and Special Task Force (STF) personnel conducted searches at multiple locations belonging to BJD leader Raja Chakra Tuesday in connection with an alleged scam linked to the Gandhamardan Loading Cooperative Society agency in Keonjhar.

The EOW sleuths quizzed Chakra regarding alleged financial irregularities at his office in Bhubaneswar Monday. On Tuesday, joint teams from the EOW and the STF searched multiple locations associated with him, including his loading agency office at Suakati in Keonjhar district, his residence in Keonjhar town, his farmhouse in Gopalpur under Ghatgaon block of the district, and at the checkpoint of industrial corridor.

The sleuths have not yet disclosed what was recovered during the searches. However, sources indicated that officials have seized 20 vehicles, important documents, and other materials. Chakra’s farmhouse has been sealed.

Also Read: Odisha CM invites Naveen to Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary function amid row over Panchayati Raj Divas

Investigators are scrutinising financial transactions linked to three companies reportedly owned by Chakra, as well as multiple bank accounts. Officials are tracking the flow of money to and from these accounts, sources added. Apart from Keonjhar, raids were also carried out at eight locations across Sundargarh, Sambalpur, and other districts.

PNN

Keonjhar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a complaint and sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the District Magistrate-cum-Collector of Keonjhar, regarding alleged human rights violations affecting the Juang Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The commission has directed officials to submit the report within four weeks.

The NHRC issued the order Friday after reviewing a petition filed by human rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy. The petition alleges that negligence and apathy on part of state’s ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare department and the Keonjhar district administration have resulted in severe hardships for the Juang PVTG community, including lack of all-weather roads, healthcare, and education.

Tripathy further alleged that many villages lack basic infrastructure, forcing residents to transport patients on makeshift cots. Despite Keonjhar district having one of the highest allocations from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds, authorities have failed to address these pressing needs, he claimed.

The petition highlighted the plight of Juang tribesmen living in 114 villages without basic amenities. The Juangs are one of the 13 PVTGs among the 62 tribal communities found in Odisha, who primarily reside in and around the Gonasika Hill area of Banspal block in Keonjhar district.

Citing a specific case, Tripathy reported that due to inadequate healthcare facilities, 35-year-old Sunia Juanga, his wife Rashmi, 30, and their 6-month-old daughter, Nani, died in Jantari village. Their three surviving children are now orphaned. The petition alleged that health services are virtually nonexistent, with the nearest primary health centre located 15 km away and the block headquarters at about 40 km distance. A few Juang families benefit from the state-sponsored Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) or the National Health Card, the complaint stated.

Additionally, the petition contended that there is no official database tracking minor orphans or child marriages within the Juang community. It accused state authorities of negligence and inaction, raising serious human rights concerns.

Also Read: Woman murders husband, surrenders before police

The petition further alleged that due to administrative failure, Juang orphans are left without access to even basic necessities. It cited government inaction, corruption, and systemic neglect as contributing to the deprivation and suffering of the PVTG Juang community.

PNN

Keonjhar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Sunday said a mega steel plant with an investment of around Rs 40,000 crore will be jointly set up by JSW and POSCO in Keonjhar district’s Patna area.

Addressing a public gathering at Champua, Majhi said, “I had vowed to set up a mega steel plant in Keonjhar district. God was kind enough to make me the Chief Minister to realise this dream.”

In addition to Patna area, the CM said steel industries would be developed in various parts of the district, with a total investment exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore.

On January 28, during the ‘Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave,’ the JSW Group, led by Sajjan Jindal, signed an MoU with the Odisha government to establish a 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel plant in Keonjhar.

In October last year, the JSW Group and South Korean steel giant POSCO had signed an MoU to set up an integrated steel plant in India with an initial capacity of 5 MTPA.

However, the companies have not revealed the location where the steel plant will come up.

During his speech, the CM also announced a grant of Rs 4 crore for the construction of a three-storey building at Chandra Sekhar College in Champua.

Earlier, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj had announced a Rs 3.30 crore grant for the development of the college.

During the day, Majhi inaugurated a five-day Regional Agricultural Machinery Fair in Keonjhar and emphasised the importance of agriculture in Odisha, where more than 60 per cent of the population relies on agriculture and allied activities.

The CM also released a song titled ‘People’s CM Mohan’ at the event in Keonjhar.

PTI

Keonjhar: A man was trampled to death by a tusker at Nambira village under Bamebari forest section of Champua forest range in Keonjhar district, Thursday night.

The deceased was identified as Hari Munda, 41.

The mishap occurred when the animal strayed into the village, leaving the villagers panicked as they ran helter-skelter to save their lives. Hari spotted the animal near his house and tried to shoo it away by beating a tin. Enraged, the animal chased Hari and pinned him to the ground before trampling him to death. A cattle shed was also destroyed during the chase, according to Hari’s family members.

On being informed, Bamebari forest personnel reached the spot and drove away the animal. The body was seized and sent for post-mortem to Keonjhar.

Ashok Das, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF), Keonjhar said, “Compensation will be provided as per the government norms. We are tracking the movement of the elephants and sensitising the locals. The villagers have been urged not to go near the elephants and tease them.”

Notably, this was the second death due to elephant attack during the last ten days in areas under the Champua forest range.

Earlier, a 22-year-old youth was killed in elephant attack February 20. The deceased was identified as Karan Karua of Badanai village under Champua police limits.

Also Read: Subhadra Yojana: Fifth phase of first instalment to be released March 6

Sources said that there were four elephants inside a small sal jungle near Badanai village. Karua and others entered the forest when one of the elephants caught hold of him and flung him away. He sustained internal haemorrhage and died during treatment in Champua sub-divisional hospital.

PNN

Keonjhar: Confusion erupted after two conflicting medical reports regarding the pregnancy of a 12-year-old schoolgirl in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, prompting a police investigation, a source said Saturday.

The girl, a Class-VI student at a government-run high school in Champua, underwent a routine health check-up February 25 after returning from Makar Sankranti holidays. During the examination, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) noticed that she and two other students had missed their menstrual cycles. The matter was reported to the school headmaster, who arranged for pregnancy tests at the district headquarters hospital. One of the girls initially tested positive.

Following the test result, department officials visited the school and instructed the headmaster to file a complaint with the police. A written complaint was lodged at Champua police station Friday evening.

However, confusion arose when further medical tests conducted during the police investigation found the girl was not pregnant. The contradictory reports caused widespread concern, as the initial positive result had already triggered legal action and public discussion.

Madan Mahanta, the acting headmaster, acknowledged the mix-up, stating, “Everything will be clear after the police investigation.” District Welfare Officer Prabir Kumar Deo dismissed the pregnancy allegations, saying, “There is no truth to such claims.”

Inspector-in-charge of Champua police station Devaki Nayak confirmed the ongoing probe. “A case was registered, but the subsequent medical examination came back negative. The truth will emerge once the inquiry is complete,” she said.

Also Read: Odisha: Discrepancy found in Science question paper of Class-X board exam

Authorities are now investigating how the initial test produced a false positive and whether corrective measures are needed at the district hospital.

In recent days, Odisha has witnessed a surge in cases of minor pregnancies, raising serious concerns about child safety and exploitation. Just days before the Keonjhar incident, a similar case was reported in Jajpur’s Bari area where a Class-X student gave birth to a baby girl February 26.

Earlier on February 24, a 15-year-old Class-X student had delivered a baby girl on the hostel rooftop of a ST & SC Development department-run residential girls’ high school at Chitrakonda area in Malkangiri district.

PNN

Joda: Administrative delays and negligence have stalled the repair and expansion of State Highway-2 connecting Joda and Bamebari in Keonjhar district, thereby leaving the stretch prone to accidents, while dust pollution is taking a toll on the commuters.

According to reports, the government has designated the stretch as State Highway but lack of administrative commitment has left the project incomplete.

The road is vital for connectivity between Joda town and key mining areas in the region. The road is used daily by residents of Banspani, Balada, Badakalimati, Palasha, Jajang, Jalahari, and Jurudi panchayats. Around 8,000 trucks ply on this route daily transporting minerals to various railway sidings, factories, and ports across the country.

The movement of heavy vehicles has further worsened the road conditions, leading to frequent accidents and prolonged traffic jams. Considering these facts, the state government announced to upgrade this road, which was under Works department, to State Highway-2. The state government also sanctioned Rs57 crore from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in 2018 for its expansion into a four-lane highway.

Also Read: Chikiti hooch tragedy: Probe begins

However, the project remains stalled due to bureaucratic apathy and hurdles. Critical junctions starting from Banspani to Jurudi, Antaramantar Square, Heshabeda Square, Bamebari Bazaar, and Kalimati Square face severe congestion, while dilapidated and narrow bridges at Banshpani, Jurudi, and Antaramantar remain in urgent need of reconstruction.

Expressing their frustration over the issues, locals Surendra Mohanty, Pranab Mohanty, Madhu Sahu, Binod Karua, Shibu Sharma, and Chittaranjan Mohanty have urged the administration to expedite the road work.

Works department sub-divisional officer Ramdas Marandi stated that funds sanctioned earlier have not been fully utilised, and a revised proposal is being prepared at the government level to complete the four-lane project.

PNN

Keonjhar: Police cracked the kidnapping case of Nimananda Pradhan, vice president of Grewal Minerals and Metals LLP, in Barbil under Keonjhar district and arrested seven persons including his driver in this connection Saturday.

The abduction was orchestrated by Pradhan’s driver in collaboration with the notorious Sadab gang of neighbouring Jharkhand.

The accused were identified as the driver Md Firoz, 50, from Barbil; Sarfaraz Ansari alias Babu, 45, from Tulsi Square area under Doranda police limits in Jharkhand; Budhendranath Singh, 55, from Lake Garden area in Kolkata; Rajendra Paswan, 53, from Barsha village under Chand police limits; Jamil Akhtar , 48, from Hindpiri village under Hindpiri police limits; Farha Parveen, 50, from Kanke village under Kanke police limits, and Sadab Naubahar, 46, from Banglatanda village under Chakradharpur police station in Jharkhand.

Cash worth Rs50.90 lakh, firearms, a diary mentioning the crime blueprints, a bike (JH 01 AQ 0584), eight mobile phones, one Renault Duster car (OD 33K 7223) and various identity cards were seized from the possession of the accused persons.

This was stated here by Rourkela IG Brijesh Kumar Rai in the presence of other senior police officials including Keonjhar SP Nitin Kusalkar at a presser held at the district police headquarters Saturday. The senior police officials confirmed the arrests of seven individuals in connection with the case. According to the police, Pradhan left his office in a car and headed to his residence in Barbil February 12.

However, he and his driver soon went missing. Concerned over their disappearance, Pradhan’s family members lodged a written complaint at Barbil police station February 13 (Thursday), suspecting the driver’s involvement. All the accused were produced in the court Saturday. However, police are yet to reveal whether the abduction was due to business rivalry or for some other reasons.

DIG (Western Range) and Keonjhar SP immediately reached Barbil and launched a six-day investigation. They operated from the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) guest house at Barbil and directly monitored an investigation spanning over six days.

Twelve police teams were dispatched which probed the case from various angles while some went to Jharkhand for CCTV footage analysis and other leads. The case took a critical turn when Firoz returned safely with Pradhan.

However, inconsistencies in their accounts raised suspicion. Under interrogation, Firoz admitted to collaborating with the Sk. Sadab gang of Jharkhand in orchestrating the kidnapping for extortion. Further investigation is underway to determine the source of the seized cash and find any additional links to the crime.

The other accused will be arrested soon, the IG said. Pradhan was threatened at gunpoint and forced to remain silent. After Pradhan’s family paid a ransom of Rs60 lakh for his release, police intensified their investigation, leading to the arrests of several suspects.

PNN

Bhubaneswar: Vigilance sleuths Wednesday caught a senior Odisha bureaucrat while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000, an official statement said.

The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer, Sarat Kumar Giri, was working as LA (General) and was the competent authority for land acquisition in the collector’s office in Keonjhar.

“The officer was apprehended by Odisha Vigilance in his office while demanding and taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 from the complainant for disbursing the compensation amount of his land acquired for a highway. The entire tainted bribe money has been recovered from the possession of the accused and seized,” it said.

Following the apprehension, simultaneous searches were underway at three places linked to Giri in connection with a probe into disproportionate assets.

The Balasore Vigilance police station has registered a case in this regard.

PTI

Keonjhar: The official recognition of seven attractive sites in Keonjhar district as tourism destinations by the state government recently is expected to provide an impetus to the tribal economy of the district blessed with a natural environment, forested hills, waterfalls, rivers, gorges, dams, and religious sites—including temples and monasteries.

The newly recognised sites include are: Tenteinali waterfalls in Telkoi block, Giridibandh waterfalls in Banspal block, Kaijoda waterfalls in Jhumpura block, Kanjhari waterfalls and Barhatipura Shiva temple in Ghatgaon block, Dargadishila, a scenic spot on the banks of the Baitarani River in Anandapur block and Dabarchua dam in Patna block. The Tourism department is optimistic about the growth of the local area and its people due to the much-awaited decision.

“This recognition will attract more tourists to the district. Development will take place in a phased manner, based on specific needs. The total number of designated tourist destinations in Keonjhar has now risen to 23. The initiative will contribute to the growth of the local area and its people,” said Ramesh Chandra Nayak, assistant director of the Tourism Department in Keonjhar. The expansion of tourism is also expected to benefit the tribal economy. “Most of these tourist spots are located in forested and tribal regions,” said Alekh Chandra Patra, a retired field publicity officer.

Beyond these designated sites, Keonjhar is home to numerous other locations with natural beauty and waterfalls. “If these places are also developed, the district can experience economic and social growth while promoting sustainable tourism alongside industries like mining,” said Anil Das, a professor of English at Dharanidhar University in Keonjhar.

Earlier, Sanaghagara, Badaghagara, and Khandadhar waterfalls in Banspal block, Kesharikunda on the banks of the Baitarani River in Champua block, and Gundichaghagi Waterfall on the Musal River in Ghatgaon block had already been granted tourist destination status. Other recognised tourism sites include Handibhanga Waterfall, Murga Mahadev Temple and Waterfall in Joda block, Kanjipani Ghati, Maa Tarini Temple, and Sitabinji, a site of historical and mythological significance in Ghatgaon block. The state government had recently written to all District Collectors, officially recognising 20 new tourist spots across the state, including the seven in Keonjhar.

PNN

Keonjhar/Hatadihi: A security guard posted at a mega drinking water project near Anandpur in Keonjhar district was found dead near the rear gate of the facility along the bank of Baitarani river Monday morning.

The deceased was identified as Sukadev Sahu, a resident of Padmapur village under ward number 2 in Anandpur area.

Family members said Sahu left home Sunday evening on his bicycle for duty. However, he did not return home, raising concerns among his kin.

Colleagues discovered his body and informed authorities Monday morning. Upon arriving at the scene, family members and villagers alleged that Sahu was murdered, pointing to suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Also Read: Odisha Budget: ‘Focus on growth, but gaps in some sectors’

Following their complaint, police launched an investigation. The mysterious death of Sahu sparked tension in the area as relatives and villagers staged a road blockade on National Highway 53 demanding justice.

PNN

Keonjhar: Police here have yet to locate Nimananda Pradhan, Vice President of Grewal Minerals and Metals at Barbil in this district, nearly 72 hours after he was reported to be missing under mysterious circumstances. Pradhan was last seen leaving his office around 7:30 pm Wednesday.

When he failed to return home that night, his family attempted to contact him, but his phone was switched off. They then tried reaching his driver, Md Firoz, only to find out that his phone was also switched off.

Pradhan’s family members reported the matter to Barbil police Thursday. Upon receiving the complaint, police began an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage from the company and various other locations in Barbil.

Officers Friday visited Pradhan’s office to gather statements from staff and also went to the driver’s residence for further inquiry.

Superintendent of Police Nitin Kushalkar has personally taken charge of the investigation. “We are looking into all possible angles and making every effort to rescue him,” said Ashok Kumar Nayak, Inspector-in-Charge of Barbil police station.

PNN

Joda: Mangal Lohar, a specially-abled youth from Joda in Keonjhar district, has overcome adversity to establish himself as an exceptional cricketer despite losing one leg. His talent and perseverance have earned him a place on Odisha’s team in the national tri-cycle cricket tournament held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a report said. Reports said that Mangal’s passion for cricket began during his school days. However, an injury to his leg led to complications, and despite extensive treatment, he eventually had to undergo amputation. Undeterred by his physical condition, he remained determined to pursue cricket. With strong willpower and relentless practice, he honed his skills, proving that disability could not stand in the way of his dreams. Through hard work and dedication, he excelled at the block and district levels, eventually making a mark in national competitions.

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In 2022, he represented Odisha in the national wheelchair cricket tournament held in Andhra Pradesh, earning recognition for his outstanding performance. Mangal is now regarded as a skilled batsman and wicketkeeper, demonstrating that with resilience and commitment, anything is possible. Mangal lost his parents at a young age, leaving him to grapple with financial hardships. Despite his talent in sports, he struggled to secure financial support from major companies. To sustain himself while pursuing his passion for cricket, he initially ran a small betel shop. Now, he lives with his elder brother. With the shop no longer in operation, he is able to travel for competitions thanks to the financial support of his friends.

Otherwise, he says, he would not have been able to afford accommodations in Bhubaneswar. Mangal has become an inspiration for young people in his community, earning praise from intellectual circles. Notably, a report highlighting his talent was twice published in a premier vernacular daily June 2, 2017, and June 6, 2022.

Patana: The groundwork has finally begun for establishment of a much-awaited mega steel plant in Keonjhar district. The state-owned Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has initiated steps to set up the plant after withdrawal of ArcelorMittal from the project owing to opposition. As part of the process, the company has sent a letter to the Water Resources department requesting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the tehsil for identified land. This step is expected to facilitate land acquisition for the project. Reports indicate that Keonjhar district holds an estimated 2.555 million tonnes of iron ore. However, the mineral is exported due to the absence of a major steel plant in the district. In 2006, under the then BJD-led government, ArcelorMittal had signed an agreement to set up a steel plant in Patana tehsil. However, the company withdrew in 2012 due to stiff opposition. After Mohan Charan Majhi became Odisha’s Chief Minister, he announced plans to establish a mega steel plant in Keonjhar.

Subsequently, 12 villages under Chemena RI Circle and Kantiapada RI Circle in Patana tehsil have been identifi ed for the initial phase of land acquisition. The proposed land spans across multiple villages, including Chemena, Bhrungarajpashi, Chilida, Angikala, Dhanurjaypur, Baradangua, Baliapashi, and Rengalabada under Jamunapashi, Godipokhari, Kodakhaman, Barudipashi panchayats. IDCO has identified 1,497.835 acre private land within these two circles and has applied for an NOC from officials, including the executive engineers of minor and lift irrigation, as well as the chief manager of the Baitarani basin.

Notably, 2,500 acre land is required for the steel plant. Of this, 1,498 acre private agricultural and fallow lands have been identified in these two panchayats, while 901 acre government land and 91 acre rural forest land have been preliminarily marked, with the Revenue department submitting a proposal to IDCO. The 1,498 acre private land has agricultural land but no homestead land. The identified land includes 76.580 acre in Jamunapashi, 230.795 acre in Angikala, 55.330 acre in Dhanurjaypur, 52.390 acre in Rengalabada, 17 acre in Chemena, 29.610 acre in Bhrungarajpashi, 238.430 acre in Baradangua, 214.980 acre in Barudipashi, 210.380 acre in Chilida, 148.230 acre in Kodakhman, 145.120 acre in Godipokhari and 75.770 acre in Baliapashi.

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Additionally, 3 acre and 22 decimal forest land in the 12 villages has also been identified. Apart from this, the land of Taramakanta tea garden acquired from Bansapal is also under consideration. The government has kept land in Patana block’s Chinamalipashi and Sadanga Bahali as secondary and tertiary options for the project. Deputy Collector Firoz Khan confi rmed that the land identifi – cation process for the proposed steel plant is underway.

Joda: Despite crackdown by Mines department and other enforcement agencies, smuggling of seized minerals in Joda mining sector of Keonjhar district shows no signs of declining, according to reports. Stockpiles of iron ore near Nayagarh railway siding being transported day and night is a case in this point. Even though the Mines department and police are frequently conducting raids, they have failed to put an end to the illegal mineral trade. While smugglers profit from this illicit business, the government suffers significant revenue loss. According to reports, since 2010, an iron ore stockpile belonging to an export company has been lying on a plot near Nayagarh-Palaspanga road close to Nayagarh railway siding. The Mines department had cancelled the company’s storage licence because the minerals were kept outside the designated mining zone. As a result, no claimant came forward to take ownership of the stockpile. The Mines department, exercising full authority, secured the iron ore near the railway siding.

However, negligence in monitoring and securing the stockpile has drawn the attention of smugglers. The department neither auctioned nor could it take control of the seized minerals for years. Similarly, between 2008 and 2010, the department and district police seized around a lakh tonne of unclaimed iron ore from railway sidings in Jurudi, Banshpani, Deojhar, and Barbil. However, the Mines department currently lacks proper records of these seized minerals. Meanwhile, thousands of tonnes of iron ore have vanished raising serious concerns about administrative oversight and accountability. Last year, the department inspected the stockpile in question and reported the presence of approximately 4,000 tonne of high-grade iron ore.

Despite efforts by state-level enforcement agencies, district task forces, and the department’s own inspection teams, illegal mining and mineral theft continue to be a challenge for the department. While some minerals have been auctioned off through Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), discrepancies remain in tracking the quantity of seized iron ore, the amount auctioned, and the overall balance.

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A thorough investigation could expose another layer of corruption within the mining sector, sources said. When contacted, Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, Deputy Director of Mines, stated that he would first inform the Bamebari police to check the theft before taking action against illegal mining activities. Since more than 4,000 tonne of ore have been identified at the site, discussions with OMC have already taken place regarding its auction. If OMC provides transportation, the minerals will be stored securely at Dubuna-Sakradihi mines. The department is also set to request security personnel from OMC to safeguard the minerals, Agarwal added. Notably, the district police seized two trucks loaded with minerals and a JCB machine allegedly involved in illegal transportation of ores December 27, 2024.