Crackdown on Illegal Mining Nets Rs55.39cr Penalty: Bidari Nagpur: A year-long crackdown on illegal minor mineral extraction and transportation in the Nagpur division has resulted in 587 criminal cases, 158 arrests, and penalties totaling Rs55.39 crore, authorities announced. Divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari highlighted the scale of violations across districts, noting that actions were taken in 2,478 cases through district-level flying squads and check posts between April 2025 and March 31, 2026. Of the total penalties imposed, Rs20.15 crore has been recovered so far. Bidari emphasized that strict measures were initiated against illegal excavation and transport of minor minerals via special drives, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts over the past year. Authorities seized 1,512 vehicles and 10 pieces of machinery linked to illegal mining activities. Most violations involved sand, murum, and soil extraction, underscoring persistent pressure on natural resources in the region. District-wise data revealed that Bhandara reported the highest number of cases at 672, including 637 related to sand mining alone. Of these, 363 offences led to penalties of about Rs5 crore, with Rs2.82 crore recovered and 104 arrests made. Gondia recorded 641 cases, with penalties of Rs3.58 crore, of which Rs3.29 crore has been recovered. In Nagpur district, 261 cases resulted in penalties of Rs4.32 crore, with recoveries reaching Rs3.79 crore. Wardha reported 239 cases with penalties of Rs2.75 crore, of which Rs2.11 crore has been recovered. Chandrapur saw 431 offences, attracting penalties of Rs6.44 crore, with Rs5.41 crore recovered. Gadchiroli recorded 234 cases, with penalties of Rs3.24 crore and recoveries of Rs2.60 crore.#chandrapur_district #bhandara_district #nagpur_division #vijayalakshmi_bidari #gondia_district
Man Found Hanging in Hotel Room A 27-year-old man from Bhandara district was discovered deceased in a hotel room in Sitabuldi on Saturday. The individual, identified as Tanoj Kore, had been residing at the hotel on Pakodewali Street since April 8. According to police, he was last seen entering his room two days prior, after which he failed to respond to phone calls or open the door. Hotel staff, growing concerned, compelled the room’s entry in the presence of two witnesses and found him suspended from the ceiling fan. Preliminary investigations suggest the incident may have occurred following a romantic breakup with a female friend. However, authorities have not ruled out foul play, though no evidence of criminal activity has been found at this stage. Police estimate the death occurred approximately 48 hours before the body was discovered. Following an autopsy, the body was released to the deceased’s family. Sitabuldi police have officially registered the case as an accidental death and are conducting a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The hotel staff’s decision to forcibly open the room highlights the unusual nature of the situation. While the exact timeline of events remains under scrutiny, the absence of any signs of forced entry or struggle has led investigators to focus on the possibility of a self-inflicted act. The police have emphasized that the case is still in its early stages, and further details may emerge as the investigation progresses. The incident has sparked discussions about mental health and the pressures associated with personal relationships. While no formal charges have been filed, the case underscores the importance of addressing emotional distress and ensuring support systems are in place for individuals facing such challenges.#sitabuldi #bhandara_district #tanoj_kore #pakodewali_street #hotel_staff
MTDC Opens Refurbished State-Run Resort in Sakoli Nagpur: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has reopened its state-run resort in Sakoli, located in Bhandara district, as a renewed effort to boost tourism in the Vidarbha region. The facility, which spans 25 acres, now offers a blend of natural exploration and leisure, with options for morning trail treks and relaxed evenings by the pool. The resort’s virtual inauguration was conducted by MTDC managing director Nilesh Gatne, who highlighted the project as a pivotal step in positioning Vidarbha as a premier travel destination. The resort, which had been operated by a private entity for nearly a decade, has returned to MTDC’s control. Regional manager Dinesh Kamble emphasized the changes made to enhance the visitor experience, including the introduction of a 70-seater restaurant that serves traditional Vidarbha cuisine. This replaces the earlier menu, which was exclusively Punjabi. Kamble also mentioned that boating facilities are currently in the planning stages to further enrich the tourist offerings. The resort’s revival marks a strategic move by MTDC to cater to nature enthusiasts and promote the region’s natural attractions. Online bookings for the state-run facility are now available on the MTDC website, making it easier for travelers to plan their visits. Gatne’s remarks underscored the importance of such initiatives in attracting both domestic and international tourists to Vidarbha, a region known for its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. The project reflects MTDC’s broader goals to modernize and expand its tourism infrastructure while preserving the unique identity of the region.#maharashtra_tourism_development_corporation #bhandara_district #nilesh_gatne #dinesh_kamble #sakoli
Gorhe Demands Fast-Track Trial for Bhandara Minor’s Rape Case Neelam Gorhe, the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and a prominent Shiv Sena leader, has called for the strictest punishment for the accused in the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Bhandara district. Describing the incident as a "stain on humanity," she emphasized the need for a rapid trial, thorough investigation, and swift legal action to ensure the perpetrator faces the maximum penalty. The case, which has sparked outrage, involves an 18-year-old accused, Ishwar Kudegave, who allegedly lured three minors, including the victim, into his car under false pretenses and subjected the 11-year-old to sexual assault in a remote forest area. The incident occurred on March 18 in Lakhandur taluka, Bhandara district. According to police reports, Kudegave approached the girls, promising a drive, and took them to a secluded location. There, he allegedly raped the 11-year-old while the other two minors were present. When the victims attempted to resist and call for help, Kudegave reportedly threatened them with violence, warning them to remain silent. The police have filed charges against Kudegave under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and relevant sections of the Bombay Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (BNS). Gorhe urged the Bhandara police commissioner, Nurool Hasan, and the inspector general of police for Nagpur Range, Sandip Patil, to expedite the trial process in a special court. She emphasized the importance of filing a comprehensive chargesheet promptly to prevent the accused from being granted bail on technicalities. Additionally, she called for the victim to receive immediate medical care and psychological counseling.#shiv_sena #maharashtra_legislative_council #neelam_gorhe #bhandara_district #ishwar_kudegave
