udayagiri

Archaeological Survey of India officials have urged Jajpur district authorities to take strong legal action against encroachers and illegal stone quarry operators threatening the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri and udayagiri. Recent unauthorized construction and quarrying activities within prohibited zones risk damaging these vital historical monuments, prompting urgent intervention to preserve Odisha's rich cultural heritage.

Odisha's Khandagiri and udayagiri hills are set for a Rs 100 crore tourism development, aiming to transform them into a complete tourist pride. The project includes infrastructure upgrades, beautification, a statue of Emperor Kharavela, and improved accessibility for all visitors. This initiative seeks to enhance the heritage sites' appeal and visitor experience.

Ganja traffickers in Gajapati district are resorting to drastic measures, destroying their illegal stockpiles by burning or dumping them in water bodies to evade an intensified police crackdown. Authorities have seized over 21 tonnes of contraband in four months, with smugglers now hiding drugs in remote forest dumps and underground pits. Police vow to continue their operations.

Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, SDPO of R udayagiri, will receive the DGP Disc for his exceptional work in combating narcotics smuggling. Under his leadership, Gajapati district achieved a record seizure of over 17 tonnes of ganja in four months, valued at more than Rs 17 crore, demonstrating a strong commitment to a drug-free Odisha.

Thirteen men were arrested in Gajapati district for allegedly assaulting and detaining 10 police personnel during a crackdown on ganja trafficking. The villagers reportedly attacked the officers, suspecting they might be arrested for contraband storage. Police are continuing efforts to uncover further ganja stashes in the region.

Tragedy struck a government primary school in Odisha's Gajapati district where two young girls died after a school gate's iron grill collapsed. The State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has taken suo-motu cognizance, demanding a report from the SP within a week.

Tragedy struck a government primary school in Gajapati district as two young girls, aged 9 and 10, were killed when an iron entrance gate collapsed on them. The incident occurred while the students were playing after classes. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a high-level inquiry and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each for the victims' families.

Gajapati police made a significant seizure of 1.83 tonnes of ganja valued at Rs 2 crore in Buripadara village. The contraband was found in various locations within the village. Accused individuals fled the scene upon police arrival.

The Archaeological Survey of India has completed a three-year, Rs 20 lakh conservation project on Odisha's highest Buddha stupa, an 8th-century structure on Parabhadi hillock in Jajpur district. This significant Buddhist site, once a prominent complex, had suffered extensive damage. The ASI's intervention followed a halt to quarrying, and further development is urged to boost heritage tourism.

The surrender of senior Maoist leader Chelluri Narayana Rao alias Suresh has effectively dismantled the top leadership of the Andhra–Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee. Suresh, a key military strategist, was allegedly involved in numerous major incidents, including the 2021 killing of a Circle Inspector and his gunman.

Gajapati police seized approximately 4.06 tonnes of ganja, valued at around Rs 4 crore, from Keshariguda village. This significant drug haul, the largest in recent times, was discovered during massive raids conducted early Friday morning. The accused, including the mastermind, escaped into nearby forests, and a search is underway to apprehend them.