Monsoon Gains Pace, Boosts Agri Works Across Vidarbha The southwest monsoon gathered momentum across Vidarbha on Wednesday, delivering widespread rainfall that revived rivers and streams, eased heat conditions, and provided critical relief to farmers preparing for the kharif sowing season. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Buldhana recorded the highest rainfall in the region at 95 mm, followed by Amravati (70 mm), Wardha (21 mm), Chandrapur (49 mm), Bhandara (39 mm), and Akola (22 mm). While the rains revitalized agricultural activity, they also caused waterlogging in urban areas, disrupted power supply in some districts, and damaged property in low-lying regions. Nagpur, however, received minimal rainfall a day after the monsoon’s arrival was officially declared. In Akola district, heavy rains in Akot and Murtizapur tehsils revived rivers, nullahs, and seasonal streams originating from the Satpura ranges after weeks of dry conditions. Farmers welcomed the showers, as sowing activities accelerated. However, the rain also led to flooding in several low-lying residential areas, with rainwater entering homes and damaging food grains, furniture, and household belongings. Residents reported financial losses and disruptions to daily life due to waterlogging. In Amravati district, showers accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms caused water accumulation on roads, exposing weaknesses in the city’s drainage system. Sewage overflowed onto streets, and falling tree branches disrupted power supply in parts of the district despite pre-monsoon maintenance efforts by MSEDCL. Wardha city and surrounding areas experienced heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with 38 mm recorded in the morning and an additional 21 mm later in the day.#india_meteorological_department #vidarbha #amravati_district #wardha_district #akola_district
70 Sheep Die After Grazing on Toxic Plant Shoots in Akola In Akola district, at least 70 sheep died after consuming toxic plant shoots in Tandali farm, according to local officials. The incident occurred when Mahadev Shingade, a shepherd from Lakhanwada village in Khamgaon taluka, brought his flock of 150 sheep to graze in the area. The animals reportedly ingested shoots of a poisonous plant, which resembled tuberose-like vegetation, leading to their sudden collapse and death. Preliminary investigations suggest the toxic vegetation may have been the cause, though officials have not confirmed the exact species responsible. The shepherd, Shingade, described the tragic event as a sudden and devastating loss for his livelihood. He stated that the sheep began showing signs of distress and fell ill rapidly, with around 70 animals dying within a short period. The remaining flock is said to be in critical condition, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Veterinary department officials have conducted post-mortem examinations at the scene to determine the precise cause of death, with results pending. The financial impact on Shingade is significant, as the average cost of a sheep is estimated between Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000. With 70 sheep lost, the total damage is believed to exceed Rs 12 lakh. Shingade has appealed to local authorities for financial compensation, emphasizing the severe blow to his livelihood. "Suddenly the sheep started falling sick and in no time, many died," he said, highlighting the unpredictability of the incident. Authorities are now investigating the presence of toxic plants in the area and assessing potential risks to livestock. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of environmental factors or accidental contamination contributing to the deaths.#akola_district #tandali_farm #mahadev_shingade #lakhanwada_village #khamgaon_taluka
60-Year-Old Accused of Raping 10-Year-Old Girl in Maharashtra; Suspect on the Run A 60-year-old man from Akola district in Maharashtra is currently on the run after being accused of repeatedly raping his 10-year-old neighbor for a week, according to local authorities. The incident has sparked widespread shock in a state already grappling with the aftermath of a high-profile rape-and-murder case in Nasrapur. Police have launched a search operation to locate the suspect, who fled the village before law enforcement could apprehend him. The accused, a resident of Patur taluka, allegedly exploited the vulnerability of the child, whose parents were absent at work during the alleged abuse. The survivor, who initially refused to speak about her ordeal, disclosed the details to her parents on Tuesday (May 5). The family promptly reported the case to Channi police, leading to the registration of a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and other relevant sections of the law. Akola Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak confirmed that police teams are actively searching for the suspect, with a focus on nearby forest areas where the accused is believed to have taken refuge. "We are scouring the nearby forest area for the accused," Chandak stated. "Our teams have been stationed around the forest, and we expect an arrest shortly." To prevent unrest in the community, police have deployed personnel in the village and along the forest periphery since the night of May 5. Chandak assured that the situation is under control and that locals are cooperating with the investigation. The survivor has been sent for a medical examination, and her statement is being recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.#maharashtra #60_year_old #10_year_old_girl #akola_district #channi_police
