Latest news with #ManoranjanDas
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Encroachment mars Cuttack's smart footpaths
1 2 Cuttack: Smart footpaths constructed in the city to ensure safe pedestrian movement have become prone to illegal encroachment. The 5.2-km stretch from Madhupatana Square to Badambadi Chowk, built around six months ago at a cost of Rs 4 crore, is now filled with makeshift stalls, illegally parked vehicles and roadside vendors. Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) had envisioned wide, modern walkways with designer paver blocks, 1.2 metres wide and raised by 6 inches from the road surface, for better visibility and pedestrian convenience. "It's unfortunate to see the footpaths becoming unusable for pedestrians. They were built with taxpayers' money, but now they are occupied by shopkeepers and vehicles," said Manoranjan Das, a commuter. "We now have to walk on the road alongside buses and autos. The whole point of building the footpaths is lost if the authorities allow the encroachment to continue," he added. Rayashree Satyaranjan Nayak, a resident of Mahanadi Vihar, said, "When the project was announced, it seemed like a major step towards smart urban mobility. But without consistent monitoring, it has failed its purpose. The smart footpaths have become a hub for illegal two-wheeler parking and makeshift shops. The authorities have turned a blind eye." Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh told TOI, "This is one of the most important pieces of urban infrastructure in the city. If the public acts so irresponsibly, we are helpless." He added, "Encroachments are unacceptable. Enforcement teams will start eviction drives and restore the walkways within a week." Shopkeepers along the stretch defended their actions. "We are forced to place items outside because our shops are too small. But we are ready to cooperate if given alternative options," said Lingaraj Rout, a vendor near Badambadi. Bikas Mohapatra, a road safety expert, said encroachments push pedestrians onto the main carriageway, increasing the risk of accidents. "Safe walking space is not a luxury; it is a necessity in urban road planning. Installation of bollards and surveillance cameras could deter illegal use and maintain walkability standards," said Mohapatra. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Time of India
Man gets 10-yr RI for raping teen in Kandhamal
Berhampur: A special Pocso court in Kandhamal district on Wednesday sentenced a 26-year-old man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl last year. Additional district-cum-special judge Manoranjan Das also imposed a fine of Rs 52,000 on the convict. "The convict would undergo an additional eight months in jail if he fails to pay the fine," said special public prosecutor Asim Praharaj. The court also directed the district legal services authorities to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the survivor. "The court pronounced its verdict after examining and recording the statements of 15 witnesses, including police, doctor, and verifying some other relevant documents," Praharaj said. The convict raped the girl while she was returning home after witnessing a winter festival on Jan 13 last year. After sexually assaulting her, the man left her near an isolated place. She was rescued by a relative. The next day, she narrated her ordeal to her family members. Her mother lodged an FIR on Jan 17. Police registered a case under various sections of the IPC and Pocso Act and arrested the man. The man was in jail since his arrest.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
Man gets 20-yr RI for raping 4-yr-old girl, outraging modesty of her mom
Berhampur: A special Pocso court at Phulbani in Kandhamal district on Wednesday sentenced a 26-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 4-year-old girl and outraging the modesty of her mother last year. Additional district-cum-special judge Manoranjan Das also imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on the convict. "The convict would undergo an additional 13 months of imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine," said special prosecutor Asim Praharaj. The court also directed the district legal services authorities to pay a compensation of Rs 7 lakh to the survivor. "The court pronounced its verdict after examining and recording the statements of 19 witnesses, including police, doctor and verifying some other documents," Praharaj said. The man raped the girl after entering her house forcibly when her parents were away. He allegedly outraged the modesty of her mother a few days before raping her daughter. On Feb 9 last year, her mother lodged an FIR. Police registered a case against the accused under various sections of IPC and Pocso Act and arrested the accused. The man was in jail since his arrest as the court had rejected his bail petition.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Capital wakes up to Sunday fun, fitness and community spirit
1 2 3 4 Bhubaneswar: For three hours on a Sunday morning, the stretch from City Women's College to Jagamara Road in the capital city turned into a lively arena of fun, fitness and community spirit, offering a refreshing break to residents from the daily hustle and bustle. 'Happy Streets', organised by TOI, started with a musical note as beautiful notes attracted many morning walkers and residents of nearby localities. The singers performed a wide range of songs from Bollywood to folk and fusion. The usually busy thoroughfare was transformed into a vehicle-free zone, allowing participants to engage in various activities without the interference of traffic. Residents expressed their appreciation for the initiative. "It's refreshing to see our street coming alive with such positive energy. Events like this help in bringing the community together and promote a healthier lifestyle," said Sarat Sahu, a retired banker and resident of Soubhagya Nagar. The event was powered by SoA University and co-powered by SAI International School and SAI International Residential School. Sarthak Films was the radio partner. Locals also got a chance to get a free health check-up during the event at a makeshift kiosk put up by SUM Ultimate Hospital. "It is a great initiative where so many activities are being organised in one place. I avoided routine health check-ups for some reason or another. Thanks to Happy Streets, I could get my vitals checked for free," said Manoranjan Das, a senior citizen. Sports enthusiasts had their moment too, with street cricket, basketball and archery platforms provided by Decathlon, the sports partner of the event. The title sponsor was the Odia language, literature and culture department. Participants won attractive prizes and gift vouchers by taking part in the activities. and culture department. The event was powered by SoA University and co-powered by SAI International School and SAI International Residential School. The radio partner was Sarthak Films.
