Man Tries to Defuse Fight, Stabbed to Death A man who intervened to stop a street fight during Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations in Chandrapur was stabbed to death late Monday night. The incident occurred near Gandhi Chowk, where a group of youths had engaged in a heated altercation. Ravikant Tembhurkar, 40, also known as Rikki, and his 21-year-old companion, Aniket Galbale, attempted to de-escalate the situation. Tembhurkar was fatally injured during the confrontation and died en route to the hospital, while Galbale sustained wounds and was admitted to a medical facility. The violence erupted during a procession organized by the Bhimratna Bahuuddeshiya Yuva Sanstha, one of several rallies held across the city to commemorate the occasion. As participants gathered at Gandhi Chowk, the group began dancing to DJ music, but tensions quickly escalated among the youths. The altercation turned violent, culminating in a knife attack on Tembhurkar and Galbale. Authorities swiftly responded to the scene. Deputy Superintendent of Police Pramod Chougule, who was present, immediately detained one suspect, Rehan Pathan, who was allegedly the first to use the knife. Within two hours, four additional suspects—Badal Bhaisare, Chetan Sonawane, Sheikh Zeeshan, and a juvenile—were arrested by local crime branch and city police teams. Investigators believe Bhaisare brought the weapon to the rally, which Pathan used in the attack. All five accused are residents of Chandrapur. A case has been registered at the city police station, and ongoing investigations are expected to uncover further details. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety during large gatherings and the need for stricter measures to prevent such violence.#chandrapur #ravikant_tembhurkar #aniket_galbale #pramod_chougule #bhimratna_bahuuddeshiya_yuva_sanstha

Heat Wave SOPs Issued to Protect Vulnerable Groups The Maharashtra government has introduced three comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations amid rising heatwave conditions. The guidelines, aligned with the State Heat Action Plan and color-coded alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), focus on outdoor workers, coal mine laborers, and heat-resilient housing. These measures target 15 high-risk districts, including Nagpur, Chandrapur, Wardha, Yavatmal, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Washim, Gondia, Bhandara, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Dhule, Nanded, and Latur. Disaster management minister Girish Mahajan emphasized that the SOPs are designed to mitigate heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among informal workers, mining laborers, and low-income communities. The initiative follows a recent incident in Kamptee, where a woman laborer died from suspected heatstroke after being found dehydrated when temperatures exceeded 40°C in March. The first SOP outlines safety protocols for outdoor workers such as street vendors, construction laborers, traffic police, sanitation staff, delivery personnel, and auto drivers. It mandates rescheduling work hours based on IMD color-coded warnings, along with mandatory water breaks, oral rehydration solution (ORS) distribution, shaded rest areas, and enhanced health support. The second SOP addresses heat stress management for coal mine workers in Chandrapur. It emphasizes the establishment of cooling centers, improved ventilation systems, job rotation schedules, hydration protocols, and training for identifying heat-related illnesses. Special provisions are included for women workers to ensure their safety.#nagpur #india_meteorological_department #maharashtra_government #chandrapur #girish_mahajan

Chandrapur Farmer Seeks Euthanasia After Kidney Trafficking Ordeal, Accuses Government of Inaction Chandrapur farmer Roshan Kule, whose case has exposed a cross-state kidney trafficking network with alleged international ties, has formally requested permission for euthanasia, citing government inaction and deteriorating health. Kule, who claims he was coerced into selling his kidney to illegal moneylenders to settle debts, has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and local authorities demanding restoration of his agricultural land, financial aid, and asset freezes against the accused lenders. His plea underscores a growing crisis of systemic neglect in addressing organized crime linked to human trafficking. Kule’s ordeal first came to light in December last year when details emerged of his alleged kidney sale in Cambodia under duress. This incident triggered an investigation into a broader organ trafficking racket operating across states with overseas connections. Now living with a single kidney, Kule says he is unable to work or support his family, exacerbating his physical and financial distress. He has also highlighted his father’s mental illness and physical disability, which have left the family vulnerable to exploitation. In his latest appeal, Kule accused authorities of failing to act despite repeated assurances. He pointed to a minister of state for home affairs’ promise during a recent state Budget session to address illegal money lending and freeze offenders’ assets. “Even after more than a month, no decisive steps have been taken,” he alleged, emphasizing the lack of tangible progress. Kule’s demands include the immediate restoration of his 1.44 hectares of agricultural land, which he claims was forcibly transferred to the accused.#devendra_fadnavis #chandrapur #roshan_kule #maharashtra_money_lending_regulation_act_2014 #criminal_procedure_code_crpc

₹15Cr Nod To Build 75 Bus Shelters Across Nagpur Region Nagpur: For thousands of commuters across the region, waiting for a bus often means standing under a blazing sun or scrambling for cover during sudden showers. This struggle may soon ease, with the state government clearing ₹15 crore for the construction of 75 passenger shelters across five districts in the Nagpur region. The proposed shelters will be built in Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Wardha, and Bhandara, focusing on bus stops that currently lack even the most basic infrastructure. Nagpur division will receive 13 passenger shelters under the plan, with an allocation of approximately ₹2.6 crore. Each unit has been pegged at close to ₹20 lakh, with a detailed estimate of about ₹19.98 lakh covering civil structure, foundation, electrification, GST, and contingencies. The shelters will be equipped with covered roofing, seating arrangements, and basic amenities, and are expected to follow a standardized design to ensure uniform quality across locations. Bhandara has been allotted the highest share, with 22 shelters worth ₹4.4 crore, followed by Wardha with 14 shelters costing ₹2.8 crore. Alongside Nagpur, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli will each get 13 shelters, with allocations of around ₹2.6 crore per district, as per a government notification dated April 2. Officials emphasized that the focus is on improving commuter convenience, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas where passengers are often left exposed to extreme weather due to the absence of proper shelters. For daily passengers, especially those dependent on state transport buses, the lack of proper waiting spaces has long been a concern. Commuters often rely on makeshift arrangements or nearby shops for shade, while many are left exposed to heatwaves in summer and heavy rains during the monsoon.#bhandara #wardha #chandrapur #nagpur_region #nagpur_division

Chandrapur Civic Body Tables ₹746-Crore Budget, Focuses on Core Infrastructure Without Tax Hike The Chandrapur Municipal Corporation (CMC) unveiled a ₹746 crore budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 on Friday, emphasizing investments in essential civic services such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and infrastructure while avoiding any proposed tax hikes. The budget, presented by standing committee chairperson Mansavi Girhe during a general body meeting, outlines a development-focused strategy to strengthen urban systems. The plan includes a projected surplus of ₹28.76 crore, balancing fiscal responsibility with targeted spending to address the city’s growing urban needs. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to water and sanitation projects. Under the Amrut 2.0 scheme, ₹80 crore is earmarked to enhance water supply and ensure access to clean drinking water for households. Additionally, ₹100 crore is dedicated to a sewage treatment project aimed at improving wastewater management. Healthcare infrastructure also receives attention, with ₹22.49 crore allocated to upgrade municipal hospitals and expand access to medical services. The budget includes provisions for road construction and drainage works, with ₹3 crore and ₹2 crore respectively allocated for these initiatives. Urban beautification efforts are also prioritized, featuring ₹1 crore for junction upgrades and ₹50 lakh for city-wide aesthetic improvements. Environmental initiatives such as the ‘Majhi Vasundhara’ campaign and the introduction of e-bus services have been incorporated into the plan to promote sustainability and reduce pollution. To fund the budget, the civic body anticipates revenue from property taxes, user charges, development permissions, and government grants. Key sources include ₹108.#chandrapur #chandrapur_municipal_corporation #mansavi_girhe #amrut_2_0 #majhi_vasundhara

A woman and her estranged lover have been arrested for poisoning a police officer in Chandrapur, nearly three years after his death was initially ruled an accident. The case was reopened following new evidence, leading to the arrest of the officer’s daughter, Arya, and three others, including her estranged partner who became a whistleblower. The victim, Jayant Ballawar, a head constable, collapsed while on duty near the collectorate administrative building in Chandrapur on March 25, 2023, and was declared dead at a government hospital. Initially treated as an accident, the case took a new direction after Ashish Shedmade, the estranged partner of Arya, submitted fresh evidence, prompting investigators to re-examine the circumstances. Arya, now a police trainee, and Ashish, 30, were in a relationship since 2022, which was opposed by Jayant. The tension reportedly led to frequent disputes at home, and police allege Arya viewed her father as an obstacle to their marriage. She allegedly conspired with Ashish and others to kill him, procuring poison through a minor and delivering it via a conduit for ₹5,000. On the day of the incident, Jayant consumed a poison-laced milkshake before duty and collapsed. A review of the autopsy and chemical analysis confirmed poisoning, with investigators citing statements that pointed to a premeditated act. Neither Arya nor Ashish was employed in the police force at the time. Ashish later joined the force but was dismissed over misconduct, while Arya secured a police position on compassionate grounds after her father’s death. The crime was uncovered following a fallout between Arya and Ashish, who approached authorities with details of the plot. A case has been registered under the supervision of police inspector Asif Raja Sheikh, with investigations led by PSI Ashwini Wakade.#arya #chandrapur #ashish_shedmade #jayant_ballawar #asif_raja_sheikh

Govt signals bonus for paddy farmers Maharashtra’s government has indicated plans to grant a bonus to paddy farmers, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating in the state assembly that the initiative is in the final stages of approval. Fadnavis emphasized the government’s positive stance toward the proposal, noting that criteria for eligibility are currently under review. The move aims to alleviate financial strain on farmers, who have faced mounting challenges due to rising input costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and fluctuating market prices. The proposal follows sustained advocacy by former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, who raised the issue through a calling attention motion. Mungantiwar highlighted the economic distress of paddy cultivators, particularly in districts like Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, and Gondia, where farming is heavily reliant on monsoon-dependent conditions and volatile market dynamics. His efforts prompted the government to take the matter seriously, with officials acknowledging the need for targeted support to stabilize farm incomes. While the policy details, including the quantum of support and eligibility criteria, remain under consideration, the announcement is seen as a direct response to Mungantiwar’s persistent demands. Agriculture department officials noted that the bonus could serve as a critical buffer for farmers in key paddy-growing regions of eastern Maharashtra, where monsoon variability and market instability have exacerbated financial pressures. The development aligns with broader national discussions on agricultural support measures, as states grapple with climate uncertainties and cost pressures.#maharashtra_government #devendra_fadnavis #chandrapur #gadchiroli #sudhir_mungantiwar

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

Political Shield for Teak Smugglers? Row Erupts in Maharashtra Assembly A heated debate unfolded in the Maharashtra Assembly as leaders accused political figures of shielding organized teak wood smuggling gangs. During a Question Hour session, Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, alleged that local leaders were interfering with forest officials to protect smugglers. He cited a recent incident in Chandrapur where a junior forest officer seized two tractors carrying teak wood. However, the officer was reportedly forced to release the vehicles after a local leader allegedly stormed the office and verbally abused the staff. Wadettiwar condemned the interference, calling it a direct threat to law enforcement. He urged the government to equip forest personnel with weapons for self-defense and proposed analyzing call detail records (CDRs) of the accused and their associates to uncover a broader smuggling network. Responding to the allegations, forest minister Ganesh Naik assured the assembly that a thorough investigation would be launched. He stated that officials who compromised their duties by releasing the accused would face strict disciplinary action. Naik emphasized that CCTV footage from the area and CDRs of the involved parties would be scrutinized to trace the smuggling network. He vowed to dismantle any organized gang or criminal syndicate found to be involved in the illegal activity. The minister’s comments came amid growing concerns over the scale of teak smuggling, which has been a persistent issue in the state. The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the role of local leaders in enabling illegal activities. Critics argue that political interference undermines environmental protection efforts and fuels corruption.#vijay_wadettiwar #chandrapur #maharashtra_assembly #ganesh_nai #teak_smuggling

महाराष्ट्रात पुन्हा अवकाळीचा तडाखा? २० मार्चपर्यंत गारपीट-वादळी वाऱ्याचा इशारा पुणे - हवामान विभागाने राज्यातील अनेक भागांसाठी इशारा देत अस्थिर वातावरणाची शक्यता वर्तवली आहे. अधिकारी एस. डी. सानप यांच्या माहितीनुसार, दक्षिण मध्य महाराष्ट्र, मराठवाडा आणि विदर्भातील अनेक जिल्ह्यांना यलो अलर्ट जारी करण्यात आला आहे. विदर्भातील चंद्रपूर, गोंदिया आणि आसपासच्या जिल्ह्यांमध्ये बदलत्या हवामानाचा फटका बसण्याची शक्यता आहे. हवामान विभागाने या कालावधीत हलक्या ते मध्यम स्वरूपाच्या पावसासोबतच सोसाट्याचा वारा, गारपीट आणि विजेचा कडकडाट होण्याची शक्यता वर्तवली आहे. त्यामुळे शेतकरी आणि नागरिकांनी सतर्क राहण्याचे आवाहन करण्यात आले आहे. मागील २४ तासांत धाराशिव आणि विदर्भातील काही भागांमध्ये गारपीट झाल्याचे पाहायला मिळाले आहे. काही ठिकाणी मेघगर्जनेसह पावसाने हजेरी लावली. अचानक बदललेल्या हवामानामुळे पिकांचे नुकसान होण्याची भीती व्यक्त केली जात आहे. हवामान विभागाच्या अंदाजानुसार, ही परिस्थिती २० मार्चपर्यंत कायम राहण्याची शक्यता आहे. त्यानंतर वातावरणात सुधारणा होऊन आकाश निरभ्र राहील आणि तापमानात स्थिरता येईल, असा अंदाज व्यक्त करण्यात आला आहे. हवामान विभागाने यलो अलर्ट जारी करताना विदर्भातील अनेक जिल्ह्यांमध्ये गारपीट आणि वादळी वाऱ्याची शक्यता वर्तवली आहे. या अंदाजानुसार, शेतकरी आणि नागरिकांनी आगामी दोन दिवसांत अतिरिक्त सावधानी बाळगावी, असे आवाहन करण्यात आले आहे. विशेषतः चंद्रपूर, गोंदिया आणि आसपासच्या भागांमध्ये वादळी वाऱ्याचा प्रभाव अधिक असल्याचे सांगितले आहे. या परिस्थितीमुळे शेतकरी आपल्या शेतांची देखरेख करण्यासाठी अतिरिक्त प्रयत्न करू शकतील, असे अंदाज आहे. हवामान विभागाने दिलेल्या माहितीनुसार, २० मार्चपर्यंत अवकाळीचा तडाखा राहील आणि त्यानंतर वातावरणात सुधारणा होईल. या अंदाजानुसार, आगामी काळात तापमानात स्थिरता येईल आणि वादळी वाऱ्याचा प्रभाव कमी होईल. या अंदाजानुसार, शेतकरी आणि नागरिकांनी आगामी दोन दिवसांत अतिरिक्त सावधानी बाळगावी, असे आवाहन करण्यात आले आहे.#maharashtra #havamana_vibhag #chandrapur #gondiya #dakshin_madhya_maharashtra
