Two Maoists gunned down by security forces in Odisha
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Villager brutally killed in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district
RAIPUR: A 38-year-old tribal villager was brutally killed in a Maoist attack in the Usoor region of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district late Tuesday, police confirmed. The victim, identified as Kawasi Hunga, a resident of Perampalli village, was reportedly attacked with sharp weapons by 4–5 unidentified Maoists. According to preliminary investigation, the attackers, dressed in plain clothes, barged into the village around midnight and accused Hunga of working as a police informant before killing him. Bijapur police stated that a case was registered, and a search operation was also launched to trace and apprehend those responsible. 'The Maoists acted in a cowardly manner, targeting a civilian under the false pretext of informant suspicion,' said an official. Police teams from Usoor police station reached the site early Wednesday, recovered the body, and carried out necessary legal procedures. Security forces have intensified combing operations in and around the region to track the Maoist group behind the attack. The incident has triggered fresh concerns about the safety of villagers in Naxal-affected interior areas, especially those close to the forest. Local authorities have appealed to the public for cooperation and assured that strong action will be taken against those trying to disrupt peace in the region.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Consumers protest in front of MSEDCL office in Sambhajinagar against installation of smart meters
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A group of consumers, led by the local unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI-M), staged a protest on Wednesday against the ongoing installation of 'smart meters' by the MSEDCL . Protesters said these new Time of Day (TOD) meters will inflict an additional financial burden on consumers. "Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL) has appointed people to install these so-called 'smart' meters without our consent. The meters do not show real-time consumption data to date as promised by the state power utility. We fear that it will inflate our monthly power bills in days to come," Prashant Beedkar, a consumer, told TOI. Gathered in front of the office of the joint managing director of MSEDCL on Wednesday, protesters raised slogans against state govt and demanded a stay on the installation of smart meters. Local CPI (M) leader Abhay Taksal, who led the protest, claimed a few large corporate houses in India have bagged the contract for smart meters. He said, "There are several hidden terms and conditions associated with the installation of smart meters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo MSEDCL is deliberately keeping consumers in the dark about these. The installation of smart meters is a larger conspiracy to privatise the power supply." Taksal added that there is a strong possibility that the existing postpaid smart meters will become prepaid ones in days to come. "The private telecom service providers offered free internet initially and later gradually made data packages highly exorbitant in prices. Such a tactic is bound to be repeated in the matter of power supply in Maharashtra," he alleged. When contacted, MSEDCL authorities said false propaganda involving smart meters is being spread by certain elements. "We have not received complaints of hefty power bills from consumers who have received the smart meters. The existing postpaid nature of power bills will continue in the future too. The power tariffs are decided by the power regulator MERC, and therefore there is no scope for any arbitrary hike," the MSEDCL spokesperson for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar zone said.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
Beach in Nagapattinam town lacks basic amenities despite growing footfall
Despite being one of the most frequented public spaces in the town, the Nagapattinam beach continues to lack essential amenities such as public toilets and drinking water facilities. With a steady footfall of hundreds of visitors—especially families and youth who gather during mornings, evenings, and even late into the night—the absence of basic infrastructure has become a pressing concern for residents and civic activists alike. The beach, known for its calm atmosphere and perceived safety, attracts both local residents and tourists. Volleyball courts on the shore remain active through the day, drawing groups of youngsters and sports enthusiasts. In recent weeks, the district administration has taken steps to revitalise the beachfront by organising weekend programmes to encourage greater public participation. 'Though families visit the beach regularly, there are no facilities for them,' said K. Venkadesan, town secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). 'There is not a single public toilet or drinking water facility. Even in emergencies, people have to walk at least a kilometre to find water when beachside stalls are shut.' He urged the municipality to immediately install free public toilets and provide access to drinking water, especially in light of the increasing public engagement encouraged by local authorities. When contacted, a senior official from Nagapattinam municipality confirmed that plans are underway to set up toilet facilities and ensure the availability of drinking water on the beach in the near future.
