Lightning Strike Kills Farmer in Amravati District A tragic incident occurred in Amravati district on Sunday when a 65-year-old farmer was killed and another man seriously injured after being struck by lightning while working in a cotton field. The victims, identified as Ashok Jagjivan Bhojane, 65, and Anup Wasudev Kokate, were reportedly in Ner Pinglai village when the incident took place. According to local police, the two men were engaged in sowing cotton when heavy rain and lightning struck the area. As they attempted to leave the field, they were struck by lightning, leading to Bhojane’s death and Kokate’s severe injuries. The police have confirmed that the incident happened under severe weather conditions, with heavy rain accompanied by lightning. Officials are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Bhojane, a resident of Ner Pinglai, was identified as the deceased, while Kokate, the injured man, is being treated in a hospital. The police have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation, but they are reportedly gathering evidence to determine the exact sequence of events. This incident highlights the dangers of working outdoors during extreme weather conditions. Lightning strikes are a common hazard in regions prone to thunderstorms, and agricultural workers, who often operate in open fields, are particularly vulnerable. The police have urged residents to take precautions during such weather events, emphasizing the importance of seeking shelter promptly. The tragedy has sparked concern among local communities, with many expressing condolences to the families of the victims. The incident also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with agricultural labor, especially in areas with frequent thunderstorms.#amravati_district #ner_pinglai_village #ashok_jagjivan_bhojane #anup_wasudev_kokate #cotton_field
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
Goa Raid Busts Cyber Racket Exploiting Poor Labourers' Bank Accounts A major cybercrime operation that siphoned funds from the bank accounts of poor laborers and daily wage workers through illegal online gaming, involving transactions totaling Rs 6.25 crore, was dismantled by Amravati rural police in a raid in south Goa. The operation, which spanned multiple states, was uncovered after a police raid at a high-end apartment where 12 individuals, including a woman, were arrested. The arrests followed a complaint received by Superintendent of Police Niketan Kadam, leading to the registration of a case at Shirkhed police station. During the raid, authorities seized 64 bank passbooks, 147 ATM cards, 19 cheque books, 198 SIM cards, 52 mobile handsets, 9 laptops, and 3 tablets, valued at Rs 11 lakh. Investigations revealed that 64 bank accounts were misused, all of which have been frozen. Cyber complaints from various states were linked to these accounts, prompting the cyber cell to take over the probe. Technical analysis and surveillance led to the identification of the suspects, culminating in the raid. The arrested individuals include Devchand Meshram (26) from Jamdol village in Amravati district, Prem Dilip Khilare (21) from Nalasopara, Aniket Maske (24), Yogesh Irpate (31), Pritam Ingle (22) from Amravati areas, and others from Hingoli, Uttar Pradesh (Amethi), and Madhya Pradesh. Three additional accused, including Rakesh Kumar Jamnani from Amravati, remain at large. The operation was monitored by SP Niketan Kadam and led by police inspector Vilaskumar Sanap. Amravati rural police urged citizens not to surrender their bank accounts, ATM cards, Aadhaar details, or mobile numbers for petty cash incentives.#goa #amravati_district #niketan_kadam #amravati_rural_police #shirkhed_police_station
Isolated Showers Bring Relief, CMO Urges Farmers Not to Rush with Sowing Isolated spells of rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds swept parts of Nagpur city and district on Monday, offering much-needed relief from the intense heat that had gripped Vidarbha for the past week. Similar brief showers and thunderstorm activity were reported in several other districts of the region, with Amravati receiving heavy rainfall. While temperatures spiked sharply during the afternoon, the rain led to a noticeable drop in mercury levels by the latter half of the day. However, several districts still recorded temperatures above 42°C. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Nagpur saw a maximum temperature of 43.2°C, making it one of the hottest locations in the region. Wardha recorded 42.5°C, Akola 42.3°C, and Amravati and Yavatmal both hit 42.2°C. Bramhapuri, which had previously topped national temperature charts, recorded 42°C. Weather experts cautioned that the showers are of a pre-monsoon nature and should not be mistaken for the onset of the southwest monsoon over Vidarbha. While the monsoon has advanced into parts of Maharashtra, particularly the South Konkan region, it is expected to reach Vidarbha only after June 10. The chief minister's office (CMO), citing weather forecasts, has advised farmers not to proceed with sowing operations based solely on the ongoing thunderstorm activity. The advisory highlights that the likelihood of widespread and satisfactory monsoon rainfall across Maharashtra remains low until at least June 15.#india_meteorological_department #nagpur_city #amravati_district #vidarbha_region #chief_minister_office
Amravati Child Welfare Panel Directs Police to Locate Minor Survivors Within 24 Hours The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Amravati district issued a directive on Friday urging local police to identify and present minor survivors from the Paratwada sexual abuse case within 24 hours. Despite intensified outreach efforts by authorities, no survivors have come forward, highlighting challenges in accessing victims due to social stigma and fear. The CWC cited provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act to emphasize the legal obligation to report minors requiring care and protection to the committee promptly. A joint team comprising the district child protection unit and women police officials conducted a second visit to Paratwada on Friday, but no survivors were found. CWC officials reiterated that minors cannot be compelled to come forward, as they remain hesitant to report abuse due to societal taboos. The exact number of minors involved remains unclear, though officials suspect only two of the eight identified survivors are below 18 years of age. District child protection officer Ajay Dable stated that attempts to contact identified victims have failed, with all phone numbers reportedly switched off. "None of the identified victims has come forward so far despite continuous efforts," Dable said, adding that teams are now trying to locate victims through community networks and home visits. He emphasized that the survivors’ statements are critical to strengthening the case, noting that police had filed an FIR independently but lacked the necessary testimonies to proceed.#amravati_district #paratwada #child_welfare_committee #ajay_dable #juvenile_justice_act
State Minorities Commission Investigates BJP Leader Over Alleged Communal Remarks The State Minorities Commission (SMC) has escalated its probe into a high-profile sexual exploitation case involving minor girls in Paratwada, Amravati district, by demanding legal action against BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP Navneet Rana. The commission, led by chairman Pyare Khan, alleges that Rana violated the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act by publicly disclosing the identities of minor victims and casting the incident in a communal light. The SMC claims eight Muslim girls are among the victims, rejecting claims that only Hindu girls were involved in the case. Khan’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights Rana’s alleged inflammatory remarks, including statements suggesting Muslims should “go to Pakistan.” He accused Rana of undermining social harmony and violating constitutional principles of equality and fraternity. The commission’s team of seven to eight members visited the affected area to verify the allegations and assess the situation firsthand. Khan emphasized that reports of a large number of Hindu girls being involved were “baseless rumours” aimed at inciting communal tensions. According to Khan, four of the victims are from Paratwada, three from Amravati, and one from Nagpur, all belonging to the Muslim community. He stated that Rana’s media claims about “180 Hindu girls being exploited” and labeling the incident as “jihad” were misleading and not based on verified information. The police later clarified that these assertions were false, though the investigation into the case remains ongoing. The SMC chairman argued that Rana’s unverified statements have exacerbated social tensions and called for urgent legal measures to prevent such provocations.#amravati_district #pyare_khan #paratwada #state_minorities_commission #navneet_rana
Melghat Passion Trail Day 1: Influencers Experience Thriving Wildlife Ecosystem A group of 25 influencers embarked on a four-day expedition into the Melghat Tiger Reserve on Sunday, marking the first day of the “Melghat Passion Trail,” an initiative organized in collaboration with The Times of India. The event aimed to highlight the lesser-known ecological and cultural significance of the reserve, located in Amravati district, often referred to as the “Kashmir of Vidarbha.” The journey began at Zero Mile in Nagpur, with participants traveling to Chikhaldhara, a region known for its lush valleys and winding roads. The trail, which spans four days, seeks to immerse participants in the natural and historical landscapes of Melghat. At the forest rest house in Chikhaldhara, deputy conservator of forests Kirti Jamdade provided an overview of the reserve’s ecological and social dynamics. The group was divided into four teams, with three heading to safari locations in Shahnoor, Seemadoh, and Vasali, while the fourth team remained in Chikhaldhara for a grounded exploration of the area’s historical trails. During the jungle safari, participants traversed narrow, dusty roads surrounded by teak forests. The experience included fragmented wildlife sightings, such as pugmarks and distant animal calls, though many encounters remained elusive. The Gavilgad Fort trek, part of the Vairat safari experience, offered a unique blend of history and nature. The fort, believed to have been a strategic stronghold during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later used by Raghuji Bhonsale I during his Bengal campaigns, stood amidst forested pathways. The team encountered a space where ancient history intertwined with the wild, emphasizing the reserve’s dual role as a sanctuary and a historical site.#times_of_india #amravati_district #melghat_tiger_reserve #chikhaldhara #chhatrapati_shivaji_maharaj
Petrol Pumps Face Surge in Demand Across Vidarbha Districts Panic gripped multiple districts of Vidarbha on Tuesday as long queues formed at petrol pumps in Wardha, Chandrapur, and Yavatmal, despite official assurances of sufficient fuel supplies. The sudden rush of motorists disrupted traffic, caused congestion at fuel stations, and heightened public anxiety. Officials attributed the surge in demand to misinformation circulating on social media, which falsely claimed an impending fuel shortage. In Chandrapur, long queues and crowding at petrol pumps were reported, with officials clarifying that there was no shortage of fuel and that supply chains remained fully operational. The district administration emphasized that the situation was driven by rumors rather than any actual disruption in supply. Similar scenes were observed in Wardha, where petrol pumps in Bajaj Chowk, Aarti Chowk, and Shanti Nagar saw long lines of vehicles, affecting traffic movement. Staff at these stations faced pressure due to the sudden increase in demand, prompting police intervention to manage the situation and ease congestion. Yavatmal city and surrounding areas, including Wani and Pusad, also experienced long queues at fuel stations and gas agencies. Residents and vehicle owners expressed fears of supply disruptions, leading to visible anxiety. The situation has begun to impact the prices of essential commodities, with noticeable hikes in vegetable and edible oil prices. However, Amravati residents reported a more stable scenario, as petrol pumps operated without panic buying. Saurabh Jagtap, secretary of the Amravati District Petrol Dealers Association, confirmed that there was no scarcity of vehicle fuel in the city. In Akola and nearby regions, petrol pumps functioned smoothly with adequate supplies of both petrol and diesel.#yavatmal #amravati_district #wardha #chandrapur #vidarbha_districts
14 Labourers Injured as Pickup Van Overturns Near Narkhed Nagpur: Fourteen labourers were injured when an overloaded pickup van carrying farm workers overturned near Ganeshpur village in the Mowad area of Narkhed tehsil on Monday morning. The incident occurred as the vehicle, which was transporting 24 labourers from Jarud in Amravati district to Belona village for orange harvesting work, lost control while navigating a turn near the Wardha river stretch. The van, which was carrying workers hired on daily wages to pluck oranges and load them into trucks, overturned, trapping several individuals inside. Residents nearby heard the crash and rushed to the scene, assisting in the rescue of trapped labourers before alerting the police and local authorities. The injured were then transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Of the 14 labourers admitted to Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur, 13 were taken to the trauma care centre, while one was admitted to the orthopaedics ward. Medical officials reported that several victims sustained fractures, blunt injuries to the chest and head, and multiple abrasions, with a few in serious condition requiring close monitoring. The injured labourers were identified as Babita Choudhari (45), Savita Kunbhu (40), Mangubai Uikey (60), Sanjay Kumbhare (21), Fagulal Sariya (40), Sharmila Kunbhu (30), Shamvati Sariya (50), Sharda Kunbhu (15), Vimla Sariya (35), Indu Fhate (38), Hemant Kumbhare (24), Sunil Invate, Asha Kumbhare, and Saraswati Kumbhare. The driver, Vijay alias Vicky Nisawade, also sustained injuries. Police registered a case against the driver and the vehicle owner, Arun Nisawade, who is also the driver’s father. Preliminary investigations suggested the van was carrying passengers beyond its permitted capacity.#pickup_van #ganeshpur_village #mowad_area #narkhed_tehsil #amravati_district
