Chhattisgarh

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has once again arrested Saumya Chaurasia, the former deputy secretary under the previous Chhattisgarh government, in connection with a massive ₹3,200 crore liquor scam. This marks her fifth detention in cases involving alleged financial irregularities totaling ₹4,364 crore. Background and Previous ArrestsChaurasia, a 2008-batch Deputy Collector, has already served 822 days in jail after being arrested by the ED on December 2, 2022, and was released on bail in March 2025. Nine months after her release, she was taken into custody again. Investigations allege her involvement in multiple scams, including illegal coal levies, the DMF scam, and accumulation of disproportionate assets. Evidence and InvestigationsAccording to the investigating agencies, Chaur...

A shocking incident has come to light from the Pachpedi area of Bilaspur district, where a 45-year-old man died due to electrocution while fishing, and his friends allegedly disposed of his body to hide the incident. The case dates back to July 2025, but was revealed only four months later after the accused themselves confessed. According to the police, the deceased, identified as Puniram Kanwar, had gone fishing with his friends—Tukchand, Sarju, Firanta Kanwar and Gopi Dhruv—near a stream close to Kukukardi Hardi village. The group reportedly used an illegal electric connection drawn from a nearby electric pole to catch fish. During the act, Puniram accidentally came in contact with the live wire and died on the spot. Panicked by the sudden death, the accused immediately removed the...

District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer and designated authority Ms. Harsimranpreet Kaur on Thursday conducted detailed hearings in cases related to financial irregularities amounting to over ₹52 lakh involving 15 Gram Panchayats, under Section 89 of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj Act, 1993. During the proceedings, Ms. Kaur patiently heard the submissions of the Gram Panchayats, carefully examining their written replies, evidence, and supporting documents. She made it clear that in cases where satisfactory explanations are not received within one week, strict legal action will be initiated under Section 92, including recovery of government funds. Necessary directions in this regard were issued to Mr. Pankaj Namdev, In-charge of the Reader Branch. Violation of Sto...

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The month-long Bastar Olympics is drawing to a close, showcasing a unique symbol of transformation—ex-Maoist Hidma, who has abandoned the gun for the bow and arrow, now demonstrating his archery skills. The event highlights a new path for those who have left violence behind or survived its impact. Ex-Maoist Hidma’s New Journey Hailing from Sukma district, the former insurgent, known as Muchki Hidma, surrendered earlier this year. “I am Hidma, but not that Hidma,” he said. “I am Muchki Hidma from Sukma. I surrendered this year… now I aim with a bow instead of a gun.” Hidma emphasized that he has come to understand the true meaning of freedom, no longer needing to hide or target humans. Bastar Olympics: Beyond Sports The Bastar Olympics is not just a sports ...

Raipur: The controversy involving businessman Deepak Tandon and Chhattisgarh Police officer DSP Kalpana Verma continues to escalate, with new CCTV footage emerging even as the officer dismisses all allegations as fabricated and prepares to file a defamation case. Tandon has accused DSP Verma of cheating him of ₹2 crore, along with allegedly taking a diamond ring, gold jewellery, an Innova Crysta car, and even getting a hotel property transferred in her family’s name. He has submitted WhatsApp chats and now CCTV visuals to the police as evidence. NavbharatTimes.com does not authenticate the veracity of these chats or videos. DSP Denies Allegations, Calls Them a Result of Business Dispute DSP Kalpana Verma has categorically rejected all allegations, stating that the issue originates...

DSP Kalpna Verma, a senior officer in Chhattisgarh Police, has recently been thrust into the media spotlight following allegations of a “love trap” made by businessman Deepak Tandon. The businessman claims to possess WhatsApp chats, photos, videos, and documents that suggest financial demands and discussions of divorce between him and the DSP. Profile of DSP Kalpna Verma Kalpna Verma is a young, prominent officer who has held various Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) postings, including with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Currently posted in Dantewada, she has previously attracted media attention during the tenure of the Congress government for her strict and focused approach to duty. Known for her disciplined service, DSP Verma has now become the subject of controversy due to t...

The once-feared MMC Special Zone — spread across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh — has collapsed to its weakest point in decades. A region that was once considered one of the most violent Maoist pockets outside Dandakaranya is now reduced to just six surviving Naxals, hiding in shrinking forest patches and constantly shifting locations to evade arrest. The downfall began on 28 November, when 11 Maoists surrendered in Maharashtra’s Gondia district. The group included Vikas Nagpure alias Anant, the key commander involved in the killing of Hawk Force Inspector Ashish Sharma. This marked the first major crack in the organisation’s structure. Within the next ten days, 33 more Maoists laid down their arms, signalling the near-total breakdown of Maoist dominance in the region. ...

A major controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after businessman Deepak Tandon and his wife accused DSP Kalpana Verma of trapping him in a relationship and extorting money, jewellery and property worth several crores. The couple has filed a complaint in Raipur, alleging that the officer took over ₹2 crore from them, along with a diamond ring, a gold chain and even a car. Allegation: Money, Jewellery and Property Taken According to businessman Deepak Tandon, he developed a close relationship with DSP Kalpana Verma after meeting her in 2021. Over time, the relationship deepened — and, as per his claim, so did the financial demands. Tandon alleges that he gave the DSP around ₹2 crore in cash over several months. Additionally, he claims to have gifted her a diamond ring, a gold chain...

Raipur: A major road construction scam has come to light in Pathalgaon, located in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district, after a newly laid stretch of NH-43 began disintegrating merely 48 hours after completion. Following intense protests by local BJP leaders and residents, the road was forcibly removed using a JCB machine in the presence of senior officials. The incident has raised serious concerns over corruption, misuse of public funds, and the suspicious silence of the opposition. Public Money Goes to Waste The incident unfolded when locals noticed the newly asphalted road peeling off with minimal pressure. Outraged BJP workers and citizens launched a protest, accusing the contractor and concerned authorities of blatant corruption. BJP City Mandal President Ankit Bansal condemned t...