News for 'forest officials'

Search op to track down 3 JeM terrorists underway in Basantgarh

Search op to track down 3 JeM terrorists underway in Basantgarh

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

A search operation by a joint team of security forces is underway to track down three Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in a forested area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, officials said on Friday.

Security stepped up in UP districts bordering Nepal after protests

Security stepped up in UP districts bordering Nepal after protests

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Security has been increased in Uttar Pradesh districts bordering Nepal following violent protests in Nepal over a ban on social media. Authorities are monitoring the situation and have increased patrols and surveillance.

Ageing safari vehicles spark safety concerns in Ranthambore reserve

Ageing safari vehicles spark safety concerns in Ranthambore reserve

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Tourism stakeholders are raising concerns about the safety and environmental impact of ageing diesel-powered safari vehicles operating in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve after a recent breakdown left tourists stranded.

Man kills married lover, her 2 kids in Chhattisgarh

Man kills married lover, her 2 kids in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

As per preliminary investigation, Giddhi was in a live-in relationship with victim Subhadra Thakur, who was estranged from her husband. He allegedly murdered her over the suspicion that she was not faithful to him, Jashpur Senior Superintendent of Police Sashimohan Singh said.

1 JeM terrorist killed, 3 others trapped in Udhampur

1 JeM terrorist killed, 3 others trapped in Udhampur

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The encounter broke out when a joint search party of the army and police launched a search operation, based on a specific intelligence, in remote Bihali area of Basantgarh in the district this morning. Reinforcements have been rushed in and a massive search operation is going on despite bad weather.

17 Naxal-hit villages get electricity for the first time

17 Naxal-hit villages get electricity for the first time

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Seventeen villages nestled among nearly inaccessible mountains and dense forests in Naxal-hit Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district of Chhattisgarh have got electricity from the supply grid for the first time, officials said on Friday.

3 terrorists killed in encounter in J-K's Shopian

3 terrorists killed in encounter in J-K's Shopian

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Three terrorists were on Tuesday believed to have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

ISI employs drug addicts as terror couriers in Indian jails: Officials

ISI employs drug addicts as terror couriers in Indian jails: Officials

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Pakistan's intelligence agency, the ISI, is reportedly using individuals under the influence of drugs or posing as mentally disturbed to infiltrate India and deliver messages to terrorists in prisons. Officials have reported over 10 such cases since July, with individuals entering from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and being sent to prisons in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Security agencies suspect these individuals are couriers tasked with relaying communication to jailed terrorists. The ISI's tactic is believed to be a response to the increased use of technology in communication, which leaves behind electronic footprints. This method of infiltration has also been linked to drug smuggling operations. The ISI's current tactic is reminiscent of its past use of "sawari operators" on the Samjhauta Express for covert operations, which were effectively curtailed by authorities.

SC sets aside T'gana HC order declaring 106 acre of forest land as private

SC sets aside T'gana HC order declaring 106 acre of forest land as private

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

The humans have "selective amnesia" about the significance of forests, the Supreme Court said on Thursday while advocating the need for a change in approach towards natural resources from anthropocentric to ecocentric.

Day 7 of op: Security forces comb through Anantnag forest

Day 7 of op: Security forces comb through Anantnag forest

Rediff.com19 Sep 2023

Security forces sieved through the dense forests of Gadole in Kashmir Valley's Anantnag district for the seventh day on Tuesday, one of Jammu and Kashmir's longest anti-militancy operations that has claimed the lives of three officers and a soldier.

A Rakhi For Gurudev

A Rakhi For Gurudev

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Army committed to terror-free J-K: Northern commander

Army committed to terror-free J-K: Northern commander

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Indian Army has neutralized a terrorist in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir during an encounter with security forces. The Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar commended the troops for their swift action and reiterated the army's commitment to keeping the region terror-free.

Forest fires flare up in U'khand, Centre rushes NDRF teams

Forest fires flare up in U'khand, Centre rushes NDRF teams

Rediff.com4 Apr 2021

Since January this year, there have been 983 incidents of forest fire in the state affecting 1,292 hectares of land, they said.

Modi takes elephant, jeep safari in Kaziranga

Modi takes elephant, jeep safari in Kaziranga

Rediff.com9 Mar 2024

Modi, on his maiden visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, first took the elephant safari in Mihimukh area of the Central Kohora Range of the park followed by the jeep safari inside the same range.

For tribals in Nagarhole forest, election is about vote for sops

For tribals in Nagarhole forest, election is about vote for sops

Rediff.com18 Apr 2024

These few and far between 'sops for votes' are the reason why the Jenu Kuruba community, which is fighting the government for decades for even the basic amenities -- like land rights, access to water and electricity -- bother to cast their votes, said J K Thimma, head of the settlement.

Panic as leopard enters Delhi home, injures 8

Panic as leopard enters Delhi home, injures 8

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

A leopard strayed into a village in north Delhi's Wazirabad early on Monday, creating panic in the area and injuring eight residents before being tranquillised by forest department officials after an over five-hour-long rescue operation.

Bagha Jatin: Forgotten Hero Of The Fight For Freedom

Bagha Jatin: Forgotten Hero Of The Fight For Freedom

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Jyotindranath Mukherjee, popularly known as Bagha Jatin, attained martyrdom while fighting the British in Balasore district on September 9, 1915. It is unfortunate that the supreme sacrifice made by Bagha Jatin and his associates is little known outside Bengal and Odisha.

Security forces recapture Naxal-occupied hill after 9 days

Security forces recapture Naxal-occupied hill after 9 days

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A hill with an altitude of 5,000 feet, once a hub of the Maoists along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, was reclaimed by the security forces after driving out the extremists following nine days of intense anti-Naxal operation, official sources said.

Sam Pitroda reacts over BJP's land-grabbing allegations

Sam Pitroda reacts over BJP's land-grabbing allegations

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda has denied owning any land, home, or stocks in India, responding to allegations by a BJP leader that he illegally acquired 12.35 acres of government land in Bengaluru. The BJP leader, N R Ramesh, has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate and the Karnataka Lokayukta, alleging that Pitroda, with the help of government officials, acquired the land for his organization, FRLHT. Pitroda, in a statement on X, categorically denied the allegations, stating he has never taken any salary during his time working with the Indian government and has never paid or accepted any bribe. He further clarified that FRLHT received a five-year lease on the land for conservation purposes, which expired in 2001 and was extended for another 10 years. Ramesh claims the lease expired in 2011 and the land, now worth over Rs 150 crore, was not reclaimed by the forest department. He has urged the ED to file a criminal case against those involved in the alleged land grab, including the officials responsible.

Top Maoist leader Basavaraju's killing major setback for outfit

Top Maoist leader Basavaraju's killing major setback for outfit

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The killing of CPI-Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, the topmost leader by security forces in Chhattisgarh, is a major setback for the banned outfit. Basavaraju, who was on the most wanted list of the NIA, was among the 27 dreaded Naxals killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. The Telangana Police official said that the killing will be a demoralising factor for the Maoists. The official pointed out that the Maoists are already demoralised and hundreds of their cadres have surrendered before Telangana police besides many being arrested.

Wayanad landslide-hit start getting official documents

Wayanad landslide-hit start getting official documents

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

A total of 1,162 essential documents have been distributed among 872 persons at the camp, the district administration in Wayanad said.

Fire in Uttaranchal forests spreading

Fire in Uttaranchal forests spreading

Rediff.com7 Jun 2005

A fire that broke out in the evergreen forests of Uttaranchal last week continues to spread, destroying rare species of flora and fauna in the region, official sources said on Tuesday.

Women among 6 held for aiding terrorists behind Kathua attack

Women among 6 held for aiding terrorists behind Kathua attack

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Security forces have intensified search operations using aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs following a night-long cordon after fresh reports of suspected movement of three individuals, believed to be terrorists, who escaped a recent encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said.

Local woman spotted terrorists, led to Kathua combing ops

Local woman spotted terrorists, led to Kathua combing ops

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A massive multi-tier combing operation to track down a group of infiltrating terrorists continued for the fourth consecutive day in forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. The operation, involving the army, NSG, BSF, police, Special Operation Group, and CRPF, is supported by helicopter, UAVs, drones, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs. The operation was launched on Sunday evening following an encounter between security forces and terrorists hiding in a nursery. Security agencies have questioned several persons in various areas and picked up three suspects for questioning.

6 Kanwariyas killed in bus-truck collision in Jharkhand

6 Kanwariyas killed in bus-truck collision in Jharkhand

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Following the collision, the driver fell from the bus and the passenger vehicle, without anyone behind the steering wheel, continued moving for some time and stopped after hitting a stack of bricks, the IG said.

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'Handling or mitigating a rebellion is not a corporate plan with quarterly, half-yearly and annual goals and results but an aggregation of the effort of several years.'

Terrorists elude security forces after 12 days of Kathua ops

Terrorists elude security forces after 12 days of Kathua ops

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing a multi-agency operation to track down three terrorists who have escaped multiple encounters. The operation has entered its 12th day and has seen the deployment of additional troops, aerial surveillance, and a crackdown on terrorist supporters.

Shivneri, Raigad among 12 Maratha forts earn UNESCO World Heritage tag

Shivneri, Raigad among 12 Maratha forts earn UNESCO World Heritage tag

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The 'Maratha Military Landscapes', representing the Maratha rulers' fortification and military system, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking India's 44th property to receive this recognition.

Long hunt ends: Maoist chief Basavaraju gunned down

Long hunt ends: Maoist chief Basavaraju gunned down

Rediff.com21 May 2025

Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, the powerful general secretary of Communist Party of India-Maoist killed in an encounter along with 26 others on Wednesday, had masterminded several major attacks on security forces in Chhattisgarh and his death is a big blow to the armed movement, said officials.

Not enough space for cheetahs in Kuno park, says WII ex-official

Not enough space for cheetahs in Kuno park, says WII ex-official

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

The Wildlife Institute of India's former dean Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala, who was part of the cheetah project in the past, told PTI that KNP has 'inadequate space' for these animals.

Three terrorists killed in encounter in J-K's Kathua; 3 cops martyred

Three terrorists killed in encounter in J-K's Kathua; 3 cops martyred

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Two terrorists were killed and five security personnel were injured in a fierce gun battle in a remote forested area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter, which involved a group of approximately five terrorists, triggered intense firing and explosions. The gunfight, centered near Jakhole village, resulted in injuries to Special Police Officer Bharat Chalotra, who sustained facial wounds. Three security personnel, including a Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), were reportedly trapped near the gunfight's location. The terrorists were moving through the forest area when a police party headed by an SDPO moved in after getting specific information. Reinforcements from the police, army, and CRPF were immediately deployed to the area.

Assam government to raise new forest battalion

Assam government to raise new forest battalion

Rediff.com11 Jan 2012

The Assam gvernment has decided to raise a new battalion to exclusively protect the forests and wetlands in the State. "The chief minister has given approval to raise the battalion for the protection of forests and wetlands,"said State Forest Minister Rokybul Hussain while addressing reporters.

Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren passes away

Former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren passes away

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Former Jharkhand chief minister Shibu Soren is on ventilator support in critical condition. Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren was airlifted to Delhi after suffering a brain stroke.

High alert on Indo-Nepal border after reports of infiltration bid

High alert on Indo-Nepal border after reports of infiltration bid

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Security forces are on high alert along the India-Nepal border after intelligence reports indicated that over two dozen Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals are attempting to infiltrate the area. The suspected infiltrators are believed to have reached Nepal amid a pause in India-Pakistan hostilities. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), tasked with guarding the border, has intensified patrolling and increased checkpoints to verify the identity of individuals crossing the border. The India-Nepal border spans approximately 1,750 kilometers, touching five Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh.

Forces deploy drones to pinpoint hiding terrorists in Anantnag forests

Forces deploy drones to pinpoint hiding terrorists in Anantnag forests

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

Additional director general of police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said the operation was launched based on specific input and is currently underway.

What Is Operation Kagar About?

What Is Operation Kagar About?

Rediff.com22 May 2025

During Operation Kagar, 350 Naxalites have been killed so far, including some of the movement's top leaders.

Indore tourist likely killed with machete in Meghalaya; wife missing

Indore tourist likely killed with machete in Meghalaya; wife missing

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The couple arrived in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 on a rented scooter. They trekked over 3,000 steps down the gorge to visit the famous living root bridges in Nongriat village, where they stayed the night, according to police.

Pune forest officer goes missing in Arunachal

Pune forest officer goes missing in Arunachal

Rediff.com14 May 2010

A senior Indian Forest Service official from Pune in Maharashtra, who was abducted by suspected insurgents two days ago near a forest area in Arunachal Pradesh's West Kameng district, is yet to be traced.

Man killed in anti-Maoist op in MP a tribal; Cong seeks judicial probe

Man killed in anti-Maoist op in MP a tribal; Cong seeks judicial probe

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A man killed during a recent anti-Naxal operation in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district was a tribal and not a Maoist, an official said on Saturday. The opposition Congress claimed he was innocent and demanded a high-level probe and a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

While two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, the death toll climbed to four on Thursday after the recovery of two more bodies from the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Kangra district.