National

NTPC Employees Resume Work Following Five-Day Protest Over DGM’s Murder

Published

11 months ago

March 13, 2025

After five days of protests triggered by the shocking murder of Kumar Gaurav, the Deputy General Manager (DGM) at NTPC in Hazaribagh, employees and officials have returned to their duties, offering much-needed relief to the state’s coal production industry. The work stoppage had significantly disrupted NTPC’s mining operations and coal dispatch, raising alarms about the stability of the energy supply chain.

Gaurav, a senior officer supervising NTPC’s mining activities, was discovered murdered under mysterious circumstances last week. His death reverberated through the power sector, prompting the NTPC Executive Federation of India (NEFI) to call for enhanced security measures for officials operating in coal-rich but often precarious regions. The halt in work necessitated an urgent high-level intervention.

A meeting convened in New Delhi included NTPC’s senior management, NEFI representatives, and Union Minister for Coal and Power, G. Kishan Reddy. After thorough discussions, a consensus was formed to restore normal operations while addressing the security and welfare concerns of NTPC staff.

NEFI General Secretary G. N. Swain and President Suresh Babu Reddy led a delegation to meet with Minister Reddy, where they presented a comprehensive report regarding Gaurav’s murder. “The tragic loss of our colleague serves as a significant warning. We cannot allow our officials to operate in unsafe conditions. Government must ensure comprehensive security so such events do not happen again,” Swain remarked.

The minister assured the delegation that necessary measures would be implemented, leading to the suspension of the protest. Additional discussions also took place with NTPC’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) to devise long-term security strategies for personnel in high-risk areas.

Following these negotiations, NTPC Infrastructure GM Sanjay Kumar Dubey announced the introduction of stringent security protocols. Employees and officials will now travel together via a designated bus from Hazaribagh to the worksite, accompanied by armed security staff. Security in the mining areas has been significantly bolstered, featuring enhanced surveillance and increased patrols.

A key demand from NEFI, which includes securing employment for Kumar Gaurav’s widow, has been accepted, with formal processes underway to ensure the bereaved family’s financial security. NEFI President Kamla Ram underlined, “Justice for Kumar Gaurav is imperative. While we appreciate the measures taken, our efforts will continue until those behind his murder are held accountable.”

In addition, NTPC’s Employees’ Union has called on authorities to strengthen security by deploying more personnel, expanding CCTV coverage, increasing night shift patrols, and ensuring security escorts for coal transport.

With employees having resumed their duties, NTPC officials expect coal production and dispatch operations to normalize in the coming days. However, the Hazaribagh Police investigation into the murder is still in progress, with employees insisting on prompt justice and stringent actions against the perpetrators.

Though normalcy has been restored, the harrowing incident underscores pressing concerns regarding workplace safety in India’s coal regions. The focus now shifts to ensuring such tragedies are prevented, safeguarding the lives of employees within critical energy production sectors.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.