Bihar

Patna: The opposition in Bihar has failed to substantiate its claims of vote theft and electoral malpractice, as the Election Commission (EC) confirms that no applications were received for EVM checking or re-polling. According to the EC, none of the losing candidates from the recently concluded assembly elections in Bihar’s 243 constituencies submitted requests for verification of burnt memory or microcontrollers in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Opposition Parties Unable to Prove ‘Vote Theft’Acting on Supreme Court directives, the EC had issued a revised standard operating procedure on June 17 for post-count verification of EVMs. Under this, only the candidates finishing second or third could request verification within seven days of result declaration. However, no such request...

Buxar: The main accused in the murder of RJD District Labour Cell President Arjun Yadav, Nikhil Yadav, has been arrested by the police. His accomplice, Vikki Upadhyay, was also taken into custody in connection with the crime. Details of the ArrestThe murder occurred on May 26 near Chausa Power Plant under Mufassil police station. SP Shubham Arya stated that during a recent operation, Nikhil Yadav was apprehended on ITI Road in Buxar after receiving information that he had come for medical treatment. During interrogation, Nikhil confessed to the crime. Weapons RecoveryA subsequent raid led to the recovery of multiple weapons, including a locally made pistol, a single-barrel rifle, 80 empty cartridges, and six live rounds, which had been hidden at Vikki’s residence in Sukarwalia villag...

Bettiah, West Champaran: Joy turned into mourning for a family in West Champaran when a speeding SUV struck and killed an 18-year-old youth, just a day before his sister’s wedding. The victim, Amit Kumar Bhagat, lost his life instantly, while his 19-year-old cousin Pawan Kumar was injured in the accident. Family Celebration Turns Into TragedyThe accident occurred near Dhokaraha Chowk in Majhaulia police station area on Friday. Amit had stepped out to purchase items for his sister’s wedding, scheduled for Saturday. His father, Yogendra Bhagat, said, “It was the day of pre-wedding rituals – Katha Matkor and Haldi. My son and nephew had gone to bring clothes for the ceremony. Suddenly, an SUV collided with my son’s bike. He died on the spot, and my nephew was injured. After raising four da...

Patna: In a significant move to ease the financial burden on property owners, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced a full waiver of interest and penalties on outstanding property taxes. Under the new scheme, taxpayers will only need to pay the principal amount of their dues, effective immediately until March 31, 2026. One-Time Settlement for Pending DuesThe initiative comes under the newly approved Bihar Municipal Property Tax Incentive Scheme – 2025. Property owners can settle pending property taxes for the financial year 2025-26 as well as previous years by paying only the principal amount in a one-time payment. The scheme has been sanctioned following a notification from the Bihar Urban Development & Housing Department and is designed as a One-Time Settlement (OTS) mec...

Patna: The Patna district administration has imposed Section 163 restrictions in key areas of the city from December 1 to 5, 2025, coinciding with the Bihar Legislative Assembly’s winter session. The move aims to maintain law and order and ensure smooth conduct of legislative proceedings. During this period, gatherings, protests, rallies, sloganeering, and carrying of weapons or explosives will be strictly prohibited in designated areas around the Assembly building and Secretariat police station. Exemptions have been granted only to certain government officials, security personnel, and authorized individuals. Scope of RestrictionsThe notified areas under Section 163 include: Patna Zoo Gate No. 1 to Nehru Path up to Vishweshwaraiya Bhawan; Kotwali T-Point and R-Block Roundabout to the...

Patna: The Bihar Police are gearing up for a large-scale crackdown on organized crime in the state, targeting land, sand, and liquor mafias as part of a major public safety drive. The action plan also includes stringent measures against “Road Romeo” offenders harassing women near schools and colleges. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced the initiative, emphasizing that the government is fully prepared to take decisive action against criminals. “The first targets are the land, sand, and liquor mafias. No one involved in these illegal activities will be spared,” he said. According to officials, 400 key criminals have already been identified, with their arrests expected soon, while an additional 1,200 names are under review for prosecution. Statewide Surve...

Patna’s Divisional Commissioner, Animesh Kumar Parashar, has instructed a special drive to tackle traffic congestion in the city, targeting vehicle owners who park their cars along streets overnight. The move is part of a broader effort to make Patna jam-free, safe, and organized. Street-side Garages to be Closed During a review meeting on traffic management and anti-encroachment measures, Parashar directed the Traffic Superintendent to ensure that all roadside vehicle repair garages and old vehicles are cleared by 30 November. Any such activity will not be permitted after 1 December. Additionally, vehicles displayed for sale in parking areas will also be removed by the same deadline. Seizure of Illegally Parked Vehicles The District Transport Officer has been instructed to mai...