Jharkhand

Purulia/Bokaro:The historic Chharra Airstrip in West Bengal’s Purulia district—silent since the end of World War II—is finally set to roar back to life. Once a strategic Allied base that witnessed the thunder of warplanes, the airstrip is now gearing up for commercial operations. This revival promises to transform Purulia, Bokaro, and the entire bordering region with new opportunities in connectivity, growth, and investment. A War-Time Legacy Ready to Rise Again Built between 1942–43 by the British administration, the Chharra Airstrip served as a major strategic hub for the U.S. Air Force during World War II. With eight taxi bays, it was capable of hosting heavy aircraft such as the B-29 Superfortress. The airfield was a key part of the historic ‘Hump Mission’, enabling the transport...

In a major action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched coordinated raids across Jharkhand and West Bengal in connection with an ongoing coal scam probe. According to official sources, the agency is conducting searches at more than 40 locations linked to coal mafia operations and suspected money laundering networks. Raids Target Big Coal Operator in Jharkhand The ED initiated a large-scale search operation at the residence and business establishments of Dhanbad-based coal trader LB Singh. Raids were conducted simultaneously at 16 locations, including the Dev Bila area and several other premises allegedly linked to Singh's coal businesses. Teams of ED officials are scanning important documents, digital records, and ...

Dhanbad, Jharkhand: What was once considered a traditional tribal sport in Dhanbad’s Nirsa block has now transformed into a major illegal gambling operation. Chicken fights in areas under Panchet and Gulfarbadi police stations are being used as a front for high-stakes betting, with daily wagers running into lakhs of rupees. Sources claim that this is leading young tribal men and even children into a dangerous gambling addiction. Illegal Operations at Key Grounds The illegal activities are reportedly centered at Kalyanchak football ground under Panchet OP and Dudhiyapani area under Gulfarbadi OP, near abandoned brick kilns. Bets of 3,000 to 5,000 rupees per fight are placed, with daily collections reportedly reaching 2–3 lakh rupees. Locals allege that the organizers operate with the ...

Latehar, Jharkhand: A controversy has erupted at the Eklavya Model Residential School in Barwadih block of Latehar district after three 8th-grade girls were expelled over allegations of practicing black magic and occult activities. The girls’ families have strongly denied the claims. Allegations of ‘Black Magic’ in Hostel and Teachers’ Rooms The school management alleged that the girls were involved in occult rituals, black magic, and superstitious activities near the hostel and outside female teachers’ rooms during the night. Two of the girls were reportedly from Mangra and one from Kachanpur. Based on these claims, the principal called the girls’ parents and instructed them to withdraw the students from the school, despite the absence of any concrete evidence. Child Protection U...

Ranchi: The Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, K. Ravi Kumar, has directed officials across the state to expedite the ancestral mapping of the voter list. The mapping connects voters in the current electoral rolls to entries in the 2003 voter list, making the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) smoother and more accurate. 70% Work Completed in Several Constituencies During a review meeting with all Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Officers on Tuesday, the CEO said that many constituencies have already completed nearly 70% of the ancestral mapping. This progress will help ensure easier and more accurate form-filling during the upcoming intensive revision of electoral rolls. Low-Progress Areas Directed to Run Voter Outreach Programs For const...

Ranchi, Jharkhand – 17 November 2025: Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village, Khunti district, Birsa Munda was a legendary freedom fighter and social reformer whose life, though brief at just 25 years, left an indelible mark on the tribal community and the struggle for justice in colonial India. Revered as “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Land), his leadership and vision became a cornerstone for the eventual formation of Jharkhand state. Why Birsa Munda is WorshippedAround 1890, tribal communities often interpreted natural calamities, diseases, and accidents as divine punishment. Birsa Munda, having received formal education, challenged these superstitions. He promoted hygiene, medical treatment over traditional rituals, and practical solutions for daily life. His interventions saved co...

** Ranchi, Jharkhand – 17 November 2025: Jharkhand is currently experiencing a spell of severe cold, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for seven districts. Residents are advised to exercise caution as temperatures continue to drop. The districts under alert include Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Simdega. Several regions have reported minimum temperatures at or below 10°C. Gumla Hits 6.6°COn Monday morning, Gumla recorded the lowest temperature at 6.6°C, followed by Lohardaga at 7.6°C. In Ranchi, the mercury dropped to 10.2°C, nearly 2.9°C below normal. Other areas also experienced cold mornings: Khunti – 7.8°C, Latehar – 8.6°C, Daltonganj – 8.8°C, and Saraikela-Kharsawan – 11.4°C. Cold Wave Conditions Across the ...

Dhanbad, Jharkhand – 18 November 2025: Four months after losing her husband, Rita Verma stepped into the political arena and created a historic upset in Dhanbad’s parliamentary politics. Her journey from personal tragedy to political victory remains one of the most remarkable stories in modern Indian politics. The Unexpected NominationDuring the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a dramatic last-minute decision in Dhanbad. Initially, the party had fielded Satyanarayan Dudani, a former Bihar minister known for his integrity, against the popular local leader A.K. Rai. Campaigning had begun, banners were put up, and Dudani had even filed his nomination. However, BJP’s top leadership replaced him suddenly with Professor Rita Verma, widow of the martyred police s...

Ranchi, Jharkhand – 17 November 2025: The human-elephant conflict in Jharkhand is intensifying, with deadly consequences for villagers. In the past week alone, five people have died in elephant attacks, while two female elephants were found dead under suspicious circumstances in West Singhbhum district, raising concerns among authorities and locals. Deadly Rampage in BokaroIn the latest incident, a herd of 15 elephants entered Kharakanda village in the Jageshwar OP area of Bokaro late Sunday night around 11 PM, wreaking havoc for hours. During the attack, 45-year-old Sanjho Devi was trampled to death. The elephants also damaged 25–30 homes, destroyed parked vehicles including a car and a tempo, and consumed stored grains. Villagers reported that many residents had to climb rooftops t...