News for 'odisha government'

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.

Odisha Lynching Case: More Arrests Made

Odisha Lynching Case: More Arrests Made

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Six more people have been arrested in connection with the lynching of a GRP constable in Odisha's Khurda district, bringing the total number of arrests to 11. The constable was accused of attempting to rape a woman, and his father alleges police involvement in the assault.

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Odisha To Formulate SOP After Census Officials Attacked

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Four Census officials were assaulted in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, prompting the state government to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) to safeguard census officials from physical harm and heat-related risks.

Odisha official held for installing spycam in women's washroom

Odisha official held for installing spycam in women's washroom

Rediff.com31 May 2026

A clerical staff member of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur has been arrested for allegedly installing a spy camera in the women's washroom of the office.

19 get life term in 2016 triple murder case in Odisha

19 get life term in 2016 triple murder case in Odisha

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A court in Odisha's Nabarangpur district sentenced nineteen people to life imprisonment for their involvement in a 2016 clash over land cultivation that resulted in three deaths.

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Odisha CM: Maoist Menace to Be History Soon, Focus on Women's Safety

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced significant progress in combating Maoist insurgency, stating it will soon be a thing of the past. He also addressed concerns about crimes against women, highlighting the government's commitment to justice and a zero-tolerance policy.

Two Odisha teachers die of suspected sunstroke during census duty

Two Odisha teachers die of suspected sunstroke during census duty

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Two school teachers in Odisha, engaged in census work, have died in separate incidents allegedly due to sunstroke, raising concerns about safety during the ongoing heatwave conditions.

Engineer in Odisha Nabbed for Alleged Corruption

Engineer in Odisha Nabbed for Alleged Corruption

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

An assistant executive engineer in Odisha was arrested by the Vigilance Department for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known income sources.

Odisha Police Arrest More Suspects In Constable Lynching

Odisha Police Arrest More Suspects In Constable Lynching

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Odisha Police's Crime Branch has arrested two more individuals in connection with the lynching of a GRP constable, bringing the total number of arrests to 15. The incident occurred after the constable was accused of attempted rape.

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

El Nino Revives India's Water Disputes

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Change of guard in some states and evolving El Nino dynamics are triggering fresh actions on raging water-sharing disputes in several states.

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Odisha's BJD has accused the BJP of luring its leaders with inducements after Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned and joined the BJP. The BJD spokesperson criticised Samantaray for criticising the party after enjoying benefits during its tenure.

Odisha Congress Calls For All-Party Meet On Crime Surge

Odisha Congress Calls For All-Party Meet On Crime Surge

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Odisha Congress has called on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene an all-party meeting to address the increasing crime rate in the state. Protests have erupted following recent incidents, including a lynching, with demands for accountability from senior police officers.

Top Maoist leader Misir Besra with Rs 2.2 cr bounty captured in Jharkhand

Top Maoist leader Misir Besra with Rs 2.2 cr bounty captured in Jharkhand

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Misir Besra, a banned CPI (Maoist) politburo member with a bounty of over Rs 1 crore and wanted in 141 cases, has been arrested from Jharkhand's Dhanbad district. His arrest is considered a significant achievement in anti-Maoist operations in the state.

Odisha Police Act After Constable Lynched By Mob

Odisha Police Act After Constable Lynched By Mob

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Four policemen have been suspended and two home guards disengaged from service in Odisha following the lynching of a GRP constable. The crime branch is investigating the incident, which occurred after allegations of attempted sexual assault. Opposition parties have criticised the state government over the incident.

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

For the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the timing of Rath Yatra is a matter of scriptural injunction rather than convenience.

Odisha Sees 416 Fire-Related Deaths in Past Three Years

Odisha Sees 416 Fire-Related Deaths in Past Three Years

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed the Assembly that 416 people have died in fire accidents across the state in the last three financial years. The government is providing ex gratia and financial assistance to the victims and their families.

10 patients killed, 11 staff injured after massive fire at Odisha hospital

10 patients killed, 11 staff injured after massive fire at Odisha hospital

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A major fire at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Odisha resulted in the deaths of ten patients in the ICU. The Chief Minister has ordered a judicial probe and announced compensation for the victims' families.

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

July 16 will be the biggest and happiest day of the year in Puri, home to the magnificent Jagannath Temple.

Odisha Couple Assault Case: More Arrests Made

Odisha Couple Assault Case: More Arrests Made

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Police in Odisha have made further arrests in connection with the assault on a couple in Berhampur, after a video of the attack went viral on social media.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Two Murder Suspects Injured In Odisha Police Encounter

Two Murder Suspects Injured In Odisha Police Encounter

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Two individuals wanted in connection with a murder case sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of fire with police in Odisha's Jharsuguda district. The encounter occurred near Karlakhaman Government School in the Saguan forest area. The injured suspects have been identified as Sunil Mahananda and Chand Banchhor, who were allegedly involved in the murder of a man in the Belpahar police station area.

Odisha man who carried sister's skeleton 'forgives' bank officials

Odisha man who carried sister's skeleton 'forgives' bank officials

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Jeetu Munda, who carried his sister's skeleton to a bank in Odisha to withdraw money, has stated he does not want action taken against the bank officials after they released the funds. He received approximately Rs 15 lakh in donations following the incident.

Odisha's Rising Crime Graph: BJD Alleges 'Disturbed State' Under BJP

Odisha's Rising Crime Graph: BJD Alleges 'Disturbed State' Under BJP

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The BJD alleges that Odisha has become a 'disturbed state' due to rising crime under BJP rule, citing several violent incidents and accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order. The BJP government refutes the allegations, claiming an increased conviction rate and swift arrests.

Odisha CM Orders Police To Instil Fear Among Criminals

Odisha CM Orders Police To Instil Fear Among Criminals

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed civil and police authorities to collaborate in curbing organised crime, instilling fear among criminals, and restoring public confidence. This follows a review of the law and order situation in the wake of recent crimes, including a mob-lynching and a murder in Mayurbhanj district.

Odisha Vigilance Apprehends Family Members in Rs 5.56 Crore Embezzlement Case

Odisha Vigilance Apprehends Family Members in Rs 5.56 Crore Embezzlement Case

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Odisha vigilance officers arrested the parents of a previously arrested banker, along with another individual, for allegedly embezzling Rs 5.56 crore in government funds in the Jajpur district. The accused are Pradip Kumar Mohanty, his wife Gitarani Mohanty, and Bishnu Prasad Dash. The funds were fraudulently diverted over six years.

Odisha Cop Accused Of Threatening Teen Harassment Victim

Odisha Cop Accused Of Threatening Teen Harassment Victim

Rediff.com17 May 2026

A 15-year-old girl in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district fainted after a police officer allegedly threatened her with a seven-year jail term if her harassment complaint turned out to be false. The opposition BJD has demanded action against the officer, accusing him of mental harassment.

Flags should not be thrown on ground: MHA asks states, UTs to follow Flag Code

Flags should not be thrown on ground: MHA asks states, UTs to follow Flag Code

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Union home ministry directed all the states and Union territories on Monday to adhere to the Flag Code, underlining that while flags made of paper may be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, those should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the events.

Four Killed, Several Injured In Odisha Bus-Truck Crash

Four Killed, Several Injured In Odisha Bus-Truck Crash

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

A head-on collision between a bus and a truck on National Highway 143 in Odisha's Sundergarh district resulted in the death of four people and injuries to over 20 others.

Odisha CM Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Bank Ordeal

Odisha CM Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Bank Ordeal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's intervention in a case where a tribal man was forced to exhume his sister's skeleton to prove her death to a rural bank in Keonjhar district. Patnaik urged for accountability and empathy in rural banking services.

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Having governed Odisha for 24 uninterrupted years, the BJD now finds itself in the unfamiliar role of Opposition. Its organisational overhaul following the 2024 defeat has yet to produce a recognisable second line of leadership.

The MBBS Costs You Don't See Till It's Too Late

The MBBS Costs You Don't See Till It's Too Late

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Be aware of a set of costs that never appears on a college's fee page. They sit as clauses near the end of the state counselling body's prospectus and, in many states, not even there, warns Ashok Hegde, founder, neet2seat.

NITI Aayog Index Reveals No State Achieves 'Top Performer' Status in Investment Friendliness

NITI Aayog Index Reveals No State Achieves 'Top Performer' Status in Investment Friendliness

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

NITI Aayog's inaugural Investment Friendliness Index, scoring 36 states and Union Territories on 84 indicators across eight pillars, revealed that no state or UT reached a score of 60 out of 100, indicating significant room for improvement in attracting investment.

Fifth Arrest In Odisha Lynching Case After Sexual Assault Allegations

Fifth Arrest In Odisha Lynching Case After Sexual Assault Allegations

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Police in Odisha have arrested a fifth person in connection with the lynching of a man accused of sexually assaulting two women in the Khurda district. The Director General of Police and the State Commission for Women chairperson conducted an on-spot inquiry, and the Chief Minister has directed strict action against the culprits.

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Andhra Covid Deaths Trigger Southern Alert

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'There is no need for panic as there is widespread protective immune memory in the population from vaccination as well as prior infections.'

Fifth Arrest In Odisha Lynching Case; Victims Want Release Of Accused

Fifth Arrest In Odisha Lynching Case; Victims Want Release Of Accused

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Police in Odisha have made a fifth arrest in connection with the lynching of a man accused of attempted sexual assault. The victims, however, are requesting the release of those arrested, claiming they saved their lives.

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

SC quashes power to grant retrospective green nod, leaves window open

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has quashed the 2021 Office Memorandum allowing retrospective environmental clearances, reinforcing the importance of prior environmental approval for projects but held that the judgment will apply prospectively, thus saving projects that got retrospective ECs from demolition and other punitive measures.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

Odisha Man Forced To Carry Sister's Skeleton: Inquiry Ordered

Odisha Man Forced To Carry Sister's Skeleton: Inquiry Ordered

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

An administrative inquiry has been ordered after a man in Odisha's Keonjhar district was allegedly forced to carry his sister's skeleton to a bank as proof of death to withdraw money. The BJD has alleged further mistreatment, claiming he was made to walk 3 km to re-bury the remains.

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to withdraw her money, sparking widespread condemnation. The bank claims it only requested valid documents, but the incident has raised questions about the treatment of vulnerable customers.

Four Census Officials Assaulted In Odisha's Dhenkanal District

Four Census Officials Assaulted In Odisha's Dhenkanal District

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Four Census officials, including two women, were allegedly assaulted in Odisha's Dhenkanal district while collecting data as part of the Census exercise.