Odisha

Bhubaneswar, February 21, 2026: The Election Commission of India has announced a special revision of the voter lists (SIR) in 22 states and Union Territories, including Odisha, starting from April 1, 2026. This will mark the third phase of the SIR exercise. Reacting to the announcement, Congress MLA Sofia Firdous from Barabati constituency emphasized that the process should be conducted in a fair and transparent manner. She stated, “SIR should be treated as a routine exercise and must not be used as a political tool. There should be no misuse of this process in any form. We expect proper training for all BLOs to ensure accuracy and efficiency.” MLA Firdous further highlighted the importance of voter awareness, saying, “It is essential to educate all citizens about the process and the...

Bhubaneswar: A horrifying incident has been reported from Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar, where a history-sheeter criminal allegedly died after a crude bomb exploded while he was preparing it on the rooftop of his house. The blast left four people seriously injured, including his family members. The accused later succumbed to burn injuries, while his mother also died during treatment. The incident occurred in the Airfield area of Bhubaneswar on January 27, when the accused, identified as Shehnawaz Malik (26), was reportedly making a country-made bomb on the terrace, allegedly with the intention of taking revenge against someone. Blast Injures Four, Two Dead Police said the explosion injured Malik, his mother Lilaatun Bibi, his fiancée Triptimayi Mahal (23), and his friend Amiya Mall...

Bhubaneswar: A shocking and mysterious incident has surfaced involving a young Merchant Navy cadet from Odisha, who has reportedly gone missing under unclear circumstances from a ship stationed near Mauritius. The disappearance of 23-year-old Sarthak Mohapatra, a resident of Bhadrak district, has triggered serious concern not only among his family and friends but also in political circles. The case has now gained statewide attention, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik urging the Central Government to intervene immediately and ensure the cadet’s safe return. Disappearance Raises Alarming Questions According to the family, Sarthak was serving as a Deck Cadet on the vessel named “EA Jersey”, which is operated by the Anglo-Eastern Ship Management ...

Bhubaneswar,:Subarnapur district collector Nruparaj Sahu has landed in controversy after allegedly making a political remark during an official event attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties. Addressing the ‘Subhadra Shakti Mela’ in Sonepur on Sunday, Sahu appeared to allude to a change in governance style following the formation of the BJP government in the state. In his speech, he said, “There was a time when the rulers adopted a ‘touch me not, speak me not, see me not’ culture. The present government has completely eradicated this culture.” Although the senior Odisha Administrative Service officer did not name any political party or individual, his remarks were widely perceived as a veiled criticism of the previous Biju ...

Bhubaneswar: Police in Dhenkanal, Odisha, have taken four individuals into custody in connection with a mob attack on a local priest. The incident reportedly occurred on January 4, when the priest was conducting a prayer session at a private residence. According to the complaint filed by the priest’s wife, a crowd of 15–20 people attacked her husband, accusing him of forced religious conversion. During the assault, the priest was paraded through the village with vermilion smeared on his face and forced to wear a garland of shoes. The mob allegedly made him drink sewage water and bow in a temple as part of the attack. The priest’s wife stated that her husband had been invited to the house to offer prayers for the health of the residents, and denied all claims of forced conversion. She...

Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Parents are being warned to be extra cautious about small toys included in snack or chocolate packets, as these can pose serious hazards to children. In a shocking incident in Odisha, an eight-year-old boy lost vision in one eye after a toy inside a chips packet exploded. Incident DetailsThe incident occurred in Shagardghat village of Balangir district. Ankesh, an eight-year-old, had purchased a packet of chips on his way back from tuition. The packet contained a small toy. When he reached home, he began playing with the toy in the kitchen while his mother was cooking. Accidentally, the toy came into contact with a gas stove, causing it to explode violently. The blast was so intense that it injured Ankesh’s face severely, with doctors confirming that one of his eyes...

RAYAGADA, Odisha: A chilling incident has come to light from Rayagada district, where a fifth-grade student allegedly threw a chemical on four seventh-grade students, causing severe burns. The incident occurred when the students were reportedly experimenting with a flammable substance. The chemical caused a fire, severely burning the students, and one of them is in critical condition. The IncidentThe horrific event took place near a government school in the Muniguda police station area. The affected students were conducting an experiment involving a chemical, believed to be thinner, when the fire broke out. The victims, who sustained severe burns, have been hospitalized, with one child’s condition described as critical. The parents of the students have accused the fifth-grade boy of thr...

Bhubaneswar:The Odisha government has imposed a strict ban on New Year celebrations in all government offices across the state, declaring January 1 a regular working day with no scope for parties, feasts, or official festivities. The directive, issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), has sparked sharp political reactions from opposition parties BJD and Congress. According to the CMO order, apart from exchanging personal greetings, no form of celebration—including meetings, feasts, cake-cutting, or social gatherings—will be permitted within government offices. Heads of all departments have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended New Year greetings to the public but made it clear that official functioning should no...

In a shocking revelation from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the body of a ninth-grade student was found at the Kalinga Institute, initially reported by the administration as a result of cardiac arrest. However, police investigations have exposed a chilling truth: the student was murdered. Several staff members and students have been arrested in connection with the case. Police Investigation Uncovers Murder The Bhubaneswar police revealed that the deceased, a resident of Khurjar, was allegedly attacked by a group of fellow students on the night of 11 December following a fight in the hostel. The students reportedly strangled him in the washroom. Three underage students have been taken into custody and presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The police also arrested eight institute staf...