Pradeep Majhi Faces Ostracism for Inter-Caste Marriage

Nabarangpur: Nabarangpur is not predominantly a tribal district, yet caste traditions still persist. Former MP and BJD leader Pradeep Majhi has been socially ostracized for 12 years by his community for marrying outside his caste.

A crucial meeting of the Bhatra community’s central committee was held on Friday at Dhamanaguda in Jharigaon block, presided over by vice-president Gopal Pujari. The committee decided to impose a 12-year social boycott on Pradeep Majhi and his family for marrying outside their caste.

It was also resolved that no member of the Bhatra community would participate in any social or personal events related to Pradeep Majhi’s family. So far, Pradeep Majhi has not given any reaction to this decision.

Bhatra Community Declares 12-Year Ostracization

According to sources, Pradeep Majhi married Sushree Sangeeta Sahu from Kendrapada district in a grand ceremony in Goa on the 12th of this month. Since Sangeeta belongs to a different caste, the community’s central committee alleged that Pradeep displayed contempt for his own caste by marrying outside it.

Previously, Pradeep’s sister, Sanjukta Majhi, also married into a Brahmin family at Jagannath Temple in Koraput. This further strengthened the committee’s belief that Pradeep harbors disdain towards his own caste.

The meeting was attended by several key leaders, including Tikachand Majhi (Jharigaon Block Bhatra Society President), Hiranya Majhi (Dabugaon Block President), Ramdhar Majhi (Operations Committee President), Paramana Bhatra, Manganath Bhadra Majhi, Nuakhaou Bhatra, Pitama Bhatra, and Ratan Nayak.

Shantanu Elected as Secretary in Umarkote Lawyers’ Association Elections

Umarkote: In the Umarkote Lawyers’ Association elections, senior advocate Shantanu Kumar Bahinipati has been elected unopposed as the Secretary.

Initially, Suresh Kumar Behera had also filed his nomination for the post, but he later withdrew his candidacy.

Similarly, Jitendra Kumar Mohanty has also been elected unopposed as the Treasurer, as no other candidate had filed nominations for this position.

Currently, the contests for the remaining positions include:

President: Prashant Kumar Sahu vs. Bipin Hial

Vice President: Bhagaban Kalara vs. Bijaylata Panigrahi

Joint Secretary: Sanjay Kumar Nayak vs. Sudhanshu Punel Sadhu

These positions will be decided through a competitive election.

Doctor Found Hanging After Losing Lakhs in Online Gaming Tragedy

Puri: A shocking incident has occurred in Brahmanpokhari under Penthakata Marine Police Station, where a doctor allegedly lost lakhs of rupees in online gaming and, after losing mental stability, ended his life.

The police have registered a case of unnatural death, seized the body, and conducted a post-mortem at the district headquarters hospital. The deceased doctor has been identified as Akash Chhagai (22) from Nalakana village under Konark Police Station.

Background of the Deceased

According to police sources, Akash’s father, Raju Chhagai, runs a tea stall near Chandrabhaga Square. Akash was his only son, and he had been pursuing MBBS at VIMSAR (Burla Medical College, Sambalpur). Recently, he had been working as a radiologist at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar.

However, for the past three years, Akash had been involved in online gaming and betting, where he allegedly lost huge amounts of money. Friends and acquaintances reported that he suffered severe mental distress due to these financial losses.

Tragic End

On March 14, Akash visited his maternal uncle’s house in Brahmanpokhari. That night, while his uncle and aunt were away, he tied a bedsheet to a fan and hanged himself.

When his uncle and aunt returned home, they found the door locked from inside. Upon breaking in, they discovered his lifeless body hanging.

Holi Celebrated Inside ICU in Cuttack, Bringing Festive Cheer

Cuttack: A controversy has erupted over doctors and other staff playing Holi inside the Trauma ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The Trauma ICU, known as a highly sensitive area, treats critically injured accident victims. However, the celebration of Holi in such a critical area has sparked outrage among the relatives of patients.

Despite their anger, relatives hesitated to protest out of fear that it might affect their loved ones’ treatment. It was reported that colors were thrown inside the ICU for an extended period during the Holi celebrations. Some patients and their families expressed strong dissatisfaction over the incident.

Investigation to Be Conducted: Superintendent

Many SCB hospital staff have condemned the Holi celebrations inside the ICU. When questioned about the incident, Dr. Lucy Das, the in-charge superintendent of SCB, stated that an investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken against the responsible doctors and staff based on the findings.

Fire Department Successfully Controls Forest Fire in Siraguda, Chhatarla Panchayat

Kotpad: A massive fire broke out in the Siraguda forest under Chhatarla Panchayat, which falls within the Jaypur Forest Division and Kotpad Forest Area. The fire department worked tirelessly to bring the blaze under control, and after a prolonged operation, the fire was successfully contained.

Incident Details

According to sources, some locals spotted the fire in the Siraguda forest and immediately alerted the fire department. The firefighters worked for nearly two hours to extinguish the flames before they were able to fully control the situation.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and it is unclear whether it was accidental or intentional. However, the incident posed a major threat to Siraguda village, as the forest is close to residential areas and farmlands. The villagers were terrified that the fire might spread to their homes and properties.

Relief and Gratitude

After the fire was successfully brought under control, the villagers breathed a sigh of relief. In the end, they expressed their gratitude to the fire department for their prompt response and assistance.

District-Level “Lakhpati Didi” Workshop Successfully Conducted

Koraput: A district-level “Lakhpati Didi” workshop was organized at Police Padia in Koraput Sadar Subdivision. The event was attended by over 5,000 women, including Lakhpati Didis from 14 blocks, as well as Prani Mitras, Krishi Mitras, Bank Mitras, LHPS, MBKs, CRP BLCs, BPMs, ECs, and other stakeholders.

The workshop was chaired by local DPM Priyambada Bishoyi, while Koraput Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sasmita Meleka was present as the chief guest.

Dignitaries Present

Among other dignitaries present were:

District Collector V. Kirti Vasan

Chief Development Officer & Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Benudhar Sabar

Koraput BDO Debashish Goud

Damanjodi BDO Milan Kumar Jha

Other officials and BDOs

Key Announcements and Initiatives

1. A mobile app named “Kolab” has been launched to facilitate the sale of SHG (Self-Help Group) products.

2. Financial assistance was announced, including:

RF (Revolving Fund) increased from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000

GPLF, CIF Fund increased from ₹35 lakh to ₹60 lakh

Interest-free loans for SHGs, raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh

3. The District Collector informed community support staff about various government schemes.

4. The app will help link SHG products to markets, boosting their income.

5. So far, over 20,000 Lakhpati Didis have been identified in Koraput district.

6. The state government aims to create five Lakhpati Didis per village and is committed to achieving this goal.

Workshop Coordination

The workshop was moderated by MGNREGA Lokpal Nalini Takri, while Program Manager B. Swati and Accounts Assistant Rashmita Patra provided support.

CM Receives Email from Naba Das’s Wife Minati Das Seeking Meeting Appointment

Bhubaneswar: In the Naba Das murder case, Chief Minister received an email from Naba Das’s wife, Minati Das, requesting an appointment for a meeting. Along with the email, she also sent a postal letter seeking time for the meeting. It has been learned that she wants to meet the Chief Minister regarding the CBI investigation. Notably, the email was sent on the 11th of this month. Regarding the letter, their son, Vishal Das, has provided information.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Father, Dr. Debendra Pradhan, Passes Away

Delhi  Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s father, former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan, has passed away. He passed away at Dharmendra Pradhan’s residence in Delhi. Dr. Debendra Pradhan had previously served as a Union Minister in the Vajpayee government. He had also served as the President of the Odisha BJP.  Debendra Pradhan, father of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, was a former Union Minister.  Debendra Pradhan passed away at the age of 83 in Delhi.  He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at AIIMS in Delhi.  Debendra Pradhan served as the state BJP president from 1988 to 1993 and again from 1995 to 1997. He was the state BJP general secretary from 1993 to 1995. From 1998 to 2004, during the Vajpayee government, he served as the Minister of Road Transport and Agriculture.