CM Mohan Yadav Unveils Development Projects for Tribal Heritage at Aadi Utsav in Mandla

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, while participating in the two-day ‘Aadi Utsav’ held at Ramnagar in Mandla on Monday, announced a series of development projects aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Gond kings and tribal communities. He declared that key monuments and forts, including Moti Mahal, Rani Mahal, and the memorials of tribal icons such as Raja Shankar Shah, Kunwar Raghunath Shah, and Rani Durgavati located in Ramnagar and Mandla, will be included in these initiatives. Highlighting the government’s commitment to the tribal population, Yadav also announced an allocation of ₹1,600 crore under the PESA Act for the conservation of natural resources—water, forests, and land—in tribal-dominated areas including Baiga, Bharia, and Sahariya regions. Addressing the gathering at the event, the chief minister instructed the district collector, Somesh Mishra, from the stage to prepare a proposal for developing ‘Madhya’, a site in Ramnagar. The proposed development will include a seating facility for 5,000 people, drinking water provisions, and accommodation infrastructure. Paying tribute to legendary tribal leaders, Yadav recalled the contributions of Raja Hriday Shah, Raja Shankar Shah, Kunwar Raghunath Shah, Rani Durgavati, Birsa Munda, and Tantya Mama. “These great heroes fought valiantly to safeguard their identity and the nation’s natural wealth. In their honour, Krantisurya Tantya Mama University has been established in Khargone,” he added. On this occasion, the chief minister also visited Moti Mahal, a historic structure built by Hriday Shah, inaugurated a folk art exhibition, and laid the foundation stone for development works worth ₹61 crore in the region.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Advocates Extrajudicial Killings for ‘Love Jihad’ Suspects

Madhya Pradesh Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Vishwas Sarang sparked controversy on Saturday, May 3, 2025, by calling for those involved in so‑called “love jihad” to be publicly shot dead. His remarks came a day after Farhan Khan, a suspect in a rape‑and‑blackmail case, was shot in the leg while allegedly attempting to wrestle a pistol from a police sub‑inspector during an escort to recreate a crime scene. Sarang, a four‑time MLA from the Narela constituency in Bhopal, criticized the police for wounding the suspect in the leg, asserting, “They should have shot him in the chest. Such people have no right to live.” He went further, equating proponents of “love jihad” and those who rape minors with a burden on the nation, and urged that: “We must make sure that such culprits are shot, and a message should be given that such miscreants will not be forgiven. Shoot them publicly and end it.” Farhan Khan remains hospitalized with a gunshot wound to his right leg. Police reports state the shooting occurred during a scuffle when he tried to grab an escorting SI’s pistol near Sehore.

RSS, BJP Leaders Meet in Bhopal to Discuss ‘Love Jihad’, Pahalgam Attack, and Caste Census

Top functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organisation, and the Madhya Pradesh government convened a high-level meeting on Friday at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhopal. The closed-door session came against the backdrop of recent “Love Jihad” allegations and the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 people dead. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hosted the meeting, which was attended by several key RSS office-bearers and BJP leaders, including BJP’s state in-charge Mahendra Singh, who stayed on in Bhopal specifically to take part in the discussions. The meeting followed a similar one held between RSS leaders and the Rajasthan government in Jaipur just a day earlier, underlining the Sangh’s increasing engagement with state-level responses on key social and security issues. According to sources, the meeting focused heavily on the growing concern over incidents labelled as “Love Jihad” in the state capital and other regions. RSS leaders reportedly urged CM Yadav to take stringent action against the accused in such cases. They also advised that, in addition to the Sangh’s ideological outreach and awareness campaigns, the government should explore broader public education initiatives to address the issue. The upcoming RSS centenary celebrations were also discussed, along with coordination plans between the party and the Sangh. Leaders underscored the need for cohesion between the organisation and the government machinery for better execution of political and administrative priorities. Another major topic of discussion was the fallout of the Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders reportedly reviewed the security situation and assessed its implications for national and state-level policy responses. The recently announced caste census by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also figured prominently. The leaders agreed that a “positive message” regarding the caste census should be conveyed to the public, suggesting a shift in communication strategy to position the initiative as inclusive and data-driven rather than politically divisive. The meeting concluded with an agreement that the RSS, BJP organisation, and the Madhya Pradesh government would work closely on a comprehensive action plan to address current challenges and upcoming priorities.

Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma Sparks Outrage with Call for Sterilisation of ‘Love Jihad’ Accused

Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma has triggered a storm of controversy by demanding the sterilisation of individuals accused in so-called “love jihad” cases. His remarks, made during a recent public event, have gone viral across social media, drawing both support and widespread condemnation. Sharma, a first-time Member of Parliament and former Mayor of Bhopal, said, “The government should ensure that those caught in love jihad cases are sterilised.” His statement was delivered in response to a disturbing case unearthed last month involving a gang accused of systematically targeting Hindu women—particularly students—under the guise of romantic relationships. These women were reportedly sexually assaulted, blackmailed using explicit videos, and pressured into religious conversion. The severity of the allegations has prompted the Bhopal Police Commissioner to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the network’s operations and its potential links to larger criminal or ideological outfits. Sharma went further in his speech, urging citizens to act if such cases surface: “Wherever such incidents are reported, call me directly. If needed, surround the police stations immediately.” His comments have raised alarms about the encouragement of vigilantism and potential interference with police procedures. He also issued a stern warning, saying, “If anyone tries to do such a thing, they will face consequences like never before. Society must be prepared for what action will be taken against them.” While Sharma’s remarks have drawn support from some right-wing groups, human rights advocates and opposition leaders have condemned them as inflammatory, unconstitutional, and a threat to due legal process. Critics argue that such calls for sterilisation are not only inhumane but also violate fundamental rights and promote communal disharmony. The debate around the term “love jihad”—a controversial and legally unrecognised phrase often used to describe alleged cases of Muslim men luring Hindu women into relationships for religious conversion—has intensified in recent years, particularly in BJP-ruled states.

Liquor Home Delivery Racket Busted in Bhopal: 142 Bottles Seized from Secret Kitchen Basement

The Excise Department on Tuesday uncovered an illegal liquor home delivery operation in Bhopal, seizing 142 bottles of English liquor hidden in a secret basement beneath a kitchen. The raid followed a 10-day surveillance effort. The accused, Suresh Patil, a resident of Gopal Nagar Khajurikala, was apprehended after excise officials received a tip-off about unauthorized liquor distribution across parts of the city. According to Assistant Excise Commissioner Virendra Singh Dhakad, the operation revealed that Suresh had constructed a concealed basement where he stored 116 litres of liquor. The liquor was allegedly purchased at discounted prices from license holders offloading inventory due to contract changes effective from April 1. Suresh reportedly resold the liquor at inflated prices through a home delivery network involving several associates. The department is now working to trace the wider supply chain and identify others involved in the illicit trade. Notably, Suresh is a repeat offender with multiple previous cases registered against him. Authorities are investigating the duration of the racket and the original sources of the seized liquor.

Bhopal: Multiple Students Allegedly Exploited in Expanding Criminal Case; Three Arrested

In a distressing case emerging from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, several college students have reportedly been targeted by a group of individuals involved in a serious criminal conspiracy involving deceit, coercion, and exploitation. The police have arrested three suspects so far and are investigating the wider network involved. According to police reports, one of the main accused, identified as Sahil, operated a dance class and allegedly lured young women with promises of a luxurious lifestyle and professional opportunities. He reportedly took them to social venues and introduced them to others involved in the group. During these interactions, the women were allegedly manipulated into consuming harmful substances and were later taken to isolated locations where they were subjected to abuse. The acts were reportedly recorded without the victims’ consent and used to threaten and exploit them further. One survivor has filed a complaint against another accused, Farhan, alleging that he continued to harass her even after she tried to distance herself by relocating to another city. The woman had initially been misled and harmed by another associate of Farhan, and after disclosing the situation to friends, she approached the police and filed a formal complaint in Bhopal. Police are currently investigating the involvement of other individuals potentially linked to the group. The three people arrested so far in the case are Sahil, Farhan, and Saad. Authorities have stated that more arrests may follow as the investigation progresses. The case has drawn widespread attention and concern, with many comparing it to older high-profile cases due to its serious nature. Officials have assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to support the survivors and bring the culprits to justice.

Congress Demands Special Parliamentary Session to Show Unity After Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the aftermath of the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people—mostly tourists—senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to convene a special session of Parliament to demonstrate national unity and resolve. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, emphasized in his letter that such a session would allow elected representatives to stand together in solidarity, sending a strong message in response to the tragedy. “Representatives of the people must show their unity and determination,” he wrote. Echoing this call, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, said the session would serve as a “powerful demonstration of our collective willpower” in confronting terrorism. Kharge added that unity is essential at this moment, and Parliament must reflect the nation’s grief and outrage. Multiple opposition MPs have also joined in demanding the special session, underscoring the magnitude of the terror strike and the need for a unified political response. The demand for a session comes amid growing criticism of the Modi government’s handling of the situation. Kharge, at a Congress rally in Rajasthan on April 28, sharply criticized the Prime Minister for skipping an all-party meeting convened on the attack, accusing the BJP of failing to rise above political divisions during a national crisis. India has officially linked the Pahalgam massacre to cross-border terrorism, holding Pakistan-based elements responsible and vowing stern retaliation. The call for a Parliamentary session is widely seen as an effort to maintain democratic accountability while projecting national cohesion.

31 out of 42 notified colonies near the Union Carbide plant are facing water contamination

The ongoing water crisis in Bhopal’s gas tragedy-affected colonies reveals a stark disconnect between official claims and ground realities, posing serious public health risks for thousands of survivors. Key Highlights: Health and Infrastructure Concerns: Official Response: This situation underscores the long-term neglect of basic rights for Bhopal gas tragedy survivors, even four decades after the disaster.

Pakistani Visa Holders Asked to Leave Following Pahalgam Attack; Cases Identified in Madhya Pradesh

Following directives from the Central Government in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, police across Madhya Pradesh have begun identifying Pakistani visa holders residing in the state and asking them to leave, senior officials confirmed on Monday. A senior officer at the state police headquarters told The Free Press that exit permits have already been issued to four individuals in Indore. In addition, several complex cases involving Indian women with Pakistan-born minor children have been reported in Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Indore. In Indore, two Indian sisters were found to have one and three Pakistan-born children, respectively. Similarly, in Bhopal, an Indian woman has two minor children — aged five years and one-and-a-half years — holding Pakistani nationality. Another woman has applied for a long-term visa for her child. In Jabalpur, police identified an Indian woman married to a Pakistani citizen who had traveled to India with her three children for passport renewal. She is expected to return to Pakistan after completing the process. “In cases involving minor children, they cannot be forcibly deported,” the police officer clarified, noting that guidance from higher authorities has been sought on how to proceed in such sensitive situations. Following the Pahalgam attack, the Centre ordered the cancellation of visas for Pakistani nationals, identifying 14 of the 16 categories of visas for termination. This move is part of broader measures taken by the Indian government in response to escalating tensions after the attack.

ED Raids Multiple Cities in Madhya Pradesh Over ₹71 Crore Liquor Scam

BHOPAL/INDORE/REWA/MANDSAUR, April 28 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at several locations across Madhya Pradesh linked to liquor contractors Yogendra Jaiswal and Vijay Shrivastava, in connection with alleged irregularities worth ₹71 crore. The raids, which took place simultaneously in Bhopal, Indore, Rewa, and Mandsaur, are part of an ongoing probe into the Fake Challan Scam related to the state Excise Department, dating back to 2014–2017. Bhopal: Initial reports indicated that Deputy Commissioner of the Excise Flying Squad, Alok Khare’s premises, were being searched. However, ED sources later clarified that no action was taken against Khare. Indore: In Indore, ED teams raided 18 locations connected to several liquor traders, including: Key areas like Basant Vihar Colony, Tulsi Nagar, and Mahalaxmi Nagar were targeted during the operations. Other Cities: Raids were also conducted at locations in Jabalpur and Mandsaur. As of now, the ED has not officially released a public statement regarding the findings from the raids. Background: The case involves 194 fraudulent bank challans used between 2014 and 2017 to illegally lift liquor from government warehouses. The accused allegedly manipulated small bank challans into large ones, enabling them to collect and sell more liquor through their government-approved shops. Following complaints and initial inquiries, the ED formally began investigating the scam in 2024.

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