Saturday, December 6

Jharkhand

Dhanbad: Traditional ‘Chicken Fights’ Turn into Illegal Betting Hubs, Millions at Stake
Jharkhand, State

Dhanbad: Traditional ‘Chicken Fights’ Turn into Illegal Betting Hubs, Millions at Stake

Dhanbad, Jharkhand: What was once considered a traditional tribal sport in Dhanbad’s Nirsa block has now transformed into a major illegal gambling operation. Chicken fights in areas under Panchet and Gulfarbadi police stations are being used as a front for high-stakes betting, with daily wagers running into lakhs of rupees. Sources claim that this is leading young tribal men and even children into a dangerous gambling addiction. Illegal Operations at Key Grounds The illegal activities are reportedly centered at Kalyanchak football ground under Panchet OP and Dudhiyapani area under Gulfarbadi OP, near abandoned brick kilns. Bets of 3,000 to 5,000 rupees per fight are placed, with daily collections reportedly reaching 2–3 lakh rupees. Locals allege that the organizers operate with the ...
Jharkhand: Three 8th Grade Girls Expelled from Hostel over ‘Black Magic’ Allegations; Investigation Finds No Evidence
Jharkhand, State

Jharkhand: Three 8th Grade Girls Expelled from Hostel over ‘Black Magic’ Allegations; Investigation Finds No Evidence

Latehar, Jharkhand: A controversy has erupted at the Eklavya Model Residential School in Barwadih block of Latehar district after three 8th-grade girls were expelled over allegations of practicing black magic and occult activities. The girls’ families have strongly denied the claims. Allegations of ‘Black Magic’ in Hostel and Teachers’ Rooms The school management alleged that the girls were involved in occult rituals, black magic, and superstitious activities near the hostel and outside female teachers’ rooms during the night. Two of the girls were reportedly from Mangra and one from Kachanpur. Based on these claims, the principal called the girls’ parents and instructed them to withdraw the students from the school, despite the absence of any concrete evidence. Child Protection U...
Jharkhand Voter List Update: CEO Orders Faster Ancestral Mapping Ahead of SIR Exercise
Jharkhand, State

Jharkhand Voter List Update: CEO Orders Faster Ancestral Mapping Ahead of SIR Exercise

Ranchi: The Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, K. Ravi Kumar, has directed officials across the state to expedite the ancestral mapping of the voter list. The mapping connects voters in the current electoral rolls to entries in the 2003 voter list, making the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) smoother and more accurate. 70% Work Completed in Several Constituencies During a review meeting with all Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Officers on Tuesday, the CEO said that many constituencies have already completed nearly 70% of the ancestral mapping. This progress will help ensure easier and more accurate form-filling during the upcoming intensive revision of electoral rolls. Low-Progress Areas Directed to Run Voter Outreach Programs For const...
Birsa Munda: The ‘Father of the Land’ Who Laid the Foundation for Jharkhand
Jharkhand, State

Birsa Munda: The ‘Father of the Land’ Who Laid the Foundation for Jharkhand

Ranchi, Jharkhand – 17 November 2025: Born on 15 November 1875 in Ulihatu village, Khunti district, Birsa Munda was a legendary freedom fighter and social reformer whose life, though brief at just 25 years, left an indelible mark on the tribal community and the struggle for justice in colonial India. Revered as “Dharti Aba” (Father of the Land), his leadership and vision became a cornerstone for the eventual formation of Jharkhand state. Why Birsa Munda is WorshippedAround 1890, tribal communities often interpreted natural calamities, diseases, and accidents as divine punishment. Birsa Munda, having received formal education, challenged these superstitions. He promoted hygiene, medical treatment over traditional rituals, and practical solutions for daily life. His interventions saved co...
Severe Cold Grips Jharkhand: ‘Yellow Alert’ Issued for Seven Districts, Gumla Records 6.6°C
Jharkhand, State

Severe Cold Grips Jharkhand: ‘Yellow Alert’ Issued for Seven Districts, Gumla Records 6.6°C

** Ranchi, Jharkhand – 17 November 2025: Jharkhand is currently experiencing a spell of severe cold, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for seven districts. Residents are advised to exercise caution as temperatures continue to drop. The districts under alert include Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Simdega. Several regions have reported minimum temperatures at or below 10°C. Gumla Hits 6.6°COn Monday morning, Gumla recorded the lowest temperature at 6.6°C, followed by Lohardaga at 7.6°C. In Ranchi, the mercury dropped to 10.2°C, nearly 2.9°C below normal. Other areas also experienced cold mornings: Khunti – 7.8°C, Latehar – 8.6°C, Daltonganj – 8.8°C, and Saraikela-Kharsawan – 11.4°C. Cold Wave Conditions Across the ...
Rita Verma: From Tragedy to Triumph – How She Transformed Dhanbad Politics
Jharkhand, State

Rita Verma: From Tragedy to Triumph – How She Transformed Dhanbad Politics

Dhanbad, Jharkhand – 18 November 2025: Four months after losing her husband, Rita Verma stepped into the political arena and created a historic upset in Dhanbad’s parliamentary politics. Her journey from personal tragedy to political victory remains one of the most remarkable stories in modern Indian politics. The Unexpected NominationDuring the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a dramatic last-minute decision in Dhanbad. Initially, the party had fielded Satyanarayan Dudani, a former Bihar minister known for his integrity, against the popular local leader A.K. Rai. Campaigning had begun, banners were put up, and Dudani had even filed his nomination. However, BJP’s top leadership replaced him suddenly with Professor Rita Verma, widow of the martyred police s...
Jharkhand Faces Escalating Human-Elephant Conflict: 5 Deaths in a Week; Two Elephant Corpses Found in West Singhbhum
Jharkhand, State

Jharkhand Faces Escalating Human-Elephant Conflict: 5 Deaths in a Week; Two Elephant Corpses Found in West Singhbhum

Ranchi, Jharkhand – 17 November 2025: The human-elephant conflict in Jharkhand is intensifying, with deadly consequences for villagers. In the past week alone, five people have died in elephant attacks, while two female elephants were found dead under suspicious circumstances in West Singhbhum district, raising concerns among authorities and locals. Deadly Rampage in BokaroIn the latest incident, a herd of 15 elephants entered Kharakanda village in the Jageshwar OP area of Bokaro late Sunday night around 11 PM, wreaking havoc for hours. During the attack, 45-year-old Sanjho Devi was trampled to death. The elephants also damaged 25–30 homes, destroyed parked vehicles including a car and a tempo, and consumed stored grains. Villagers reported that many residents had to climb rooftops t...
Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari to Personally Treat Patients at RIMS
Jharkhand, State

Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari to Personally Treat Patients at RIMS

Ranchi, Jharkhand: In a historic first for the country, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari has announced that he will personally attend to patients at RIMS (Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences) as part of regular OPD (Outpatient Department) services. Dr. Ansari will also undertake a district-wise tour across Jharkhand, visiting every district hospital to treat patients directly. The minister emphasized that he intends to function not merely as a political leader but as a hands-on doctor, gaining firsthand understanding of patient concerns. Understanding Hospital Functioning Through OPD VisitsDuring his OPD sessions, Dr. Ansari will meet patients and closely examine hospital operations, including medicine availability, staff shortages, cleanliness, basic facilities, and infras...
Bokaro’s ‘Sholay’-Style Ramgarh: The Tale of Two Rivers’ Eternal Union, Now a New Reel Destination for Youth
Jharkhand, State

Bokaro’s ‘Sholay’-Style Ramgarh: The Tale of Two Rivers’ Eternal Union, Now a New Reel Destination for Youth

Bokaro, Jharkhand: Known not only for its rich mineral wealth but also for its breathtaking natural beauty, Jharkhand continues to surprise travelers with hidden gems. Located about 15 kilometers from Pindrajora on the Bokaro-Yurulia National Highway, Khairabeda village in Chas block is one such treasure where nature, history, and religious faith come together in perfect harmony. A Confluence of Natural Beauty, History, and FaithIn Khairabeda, two majestic rock formations—Chendri Dongri and Bagha Dongri—stand as living testaments to the region’s natural splendor and historical significance. The rugged formations of these hills instantly remind visitors of the famous Ramgarh set from the iconic movie Sholay. Their scenic grandeur has even served as a backdrop for the Bengali film Shilpan...
Jharkhand Prepares for Comprehensive Voter List Revision: CEO K. Ravi Kumar Issues Key Directives
Jharkhand, State

Jharkhand Prepares for Comprehensive Voter List Revision: CEO K. Ravi Kumar Issues Key Directives

Ranchi: The Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, K. Ravi Kumar, has reviewed the state’s preparations for the comprehensive revision of the electoral rolls, in line with directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI). He emphasized the need for meticulous planning to ensure a smooth and efficient Summary Revision (SIR) process. Mapping with 2003 Voter List K. Ravi Kumar instructed officials to maximize the mapping of the current voter list with the 2003 electoral roll. This mapping will facilitate easier filling of enumeration forms for voters whose details match with the older list, thereby streamlining the upcoming SIR process. Zero Tolerance for Negligence The CEO underscored that no negligence will be tolerated in electoral duties. He directed that if any Booth Lev...