Connect with us
Tuesday,04-November-2025
Breaking News

National News

Four dead as MEMU passenger train collides with freight train near Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur

Published

on

Raipur, Nov 4: At least four people were killed and two others were missing in a tragic railway accident that shook Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, when a MEMU passenger train travelling from Gevra Road to Bilaspur collided with a stationary freight train near Bilaspur station, officials said.

Several others have sustained injuries.

The collision occurred around 4 p.m. on the up line between Gatora and Bilaspur stations, in the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone.

Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agarwal confirmed four fatalities, with a police officer at the scene reporting two passengers still trapped under debris as hydraulic cutters worked frantically to extricate them.

Over a dozen others sustained injuries, ranging from fractures to severe trauma.

“We lost four precious lives; rescue teams are using every resource to free the trapped, two more people are being extricated, but we cannot say anything about them as of now,” Agarwal told reporters amid chaotic scenes at Lal Khadan, where locals and onlookers swelled into a massive crowd.

The MEMU service number 68733 was en route to Bilaspur when it rammed into the rear of a freight train near Lal Khand, just outside Bilaspur railway station.

The impact was so severe that the leading coach of the MEMU train mounted the freight rake, causing extensive damage and triggering panic among passengers.

Eyewitness videos, circulating on social media, show the passenger coach perched atop the freight wagons, underscoring the force of the collision.

Railway officials, including SECR General Manager Tarun Prakash and Bilaspur Divisional Railway Manager Rajmal Khoiwal, rushed to the site to oversee rescue and relief operations.

Medical teams and ambulances were swiftly deployed, and injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of SECR, two people have been officially confirmed injured, though local reports suggest the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that both trains ended up on the same track, but it is unclear whether this was due to a signalling failure or human error. A high-level inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact sequence of events leading to the collision.

Train services on the affected route have been suspended or diverted, and the railway has issued helpline numbers for families seeking information about their loved ones. Compensation for the victims is expected to be announced following the completion of initial assessments.

The accident has drawn a large crowd to the site, with local authorities working alongside railway personnel to manage the situation and ensure the safety of onlookers. As the nation reels from yet another rail tragedy, questions are being raised about safety protocols and infrastructure readiness in one of India’s busiest railway zones.

National News

Maharashtra Govt Asks Ladki Bahin Beneficiaries To Complete E-KYC By November 18

Published

on

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has asked beneficiaries of the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme to complete the mandatory e-KYC by November 18.

State Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said that the honorarium for October will be disbursed from Wednesday, and the amount will be credited directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of all eligible women beneficiaries.

The state government’s flagship scheme, launched in July last year, provides monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to women in the 21-65 age group, whose annual family income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh.

The government made e-KYC mandatory for the scheme in September, giving beneficiaries two months to complete the process and issued a government resolution regarding this.

Tatkare, in a post on X, said that the scheme, launched as a social and economic empowerment initiative for women across Maharashtra, continues to gain widespread support and trust from women in the state.

She said that to ensure smooth continuation of the scheme, an e-KYC facility was available on the official portal, ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in, since last month, and all beneficiaries have been asked to complete the e-KYC process by November 18.

Talking to PTI, the minister said, “The government has stopped monthly disbursal of Rs 1,500 to 12,000 bank accounts held by men, while the amount disbursed to ineligible women beneficiaries, who were government employees and those covered by other government schemes, over the last year has been recovered.” At present, more than 2.3 crore beneficiaries are registered under the scheme, and the monthly instalment for October will be disbursed from Wednesday, she said.

Continue Reading

Crime

Punjab bypoll: Drugs, liquor, freebies valued at Rs 57.47 crore seized

Published

on

Chandigarh, Nov 4: After the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the by-election to the Tarn Taran Assembly constituency, Punjab Police, following the directions of the Election Commission, has made seizures of drugs, liquor, cash and freebies valued at over Rs 57.47 crore.

According to details, from October 7, the day the Model Code of Conduct came into effect, till November 3, the police in the Tarn Taran constituency seized 51,429.50 litres of liquor valued at Rs 32,89,160, narcotic substances of Rs 56,67,10,500 (21,811.10 grams), cash amounting to Rs 9,73,480, and other items valued at Rs 37,85,700.

Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said the police have been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance through CCTV cameras at all checkpoints in the constituency to curb illegal smuggling activities.

He added that strict action is being ensured against those attempting to influence voters by distributing cash or any other kind of freebies during the elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer said there are a total of 192,838 voters in the constituency, which includes 100,933 men, 91,897 women and eight third-gender voters. There are 1,357 service voters, 1,657 voters aged above 85 years, 306 NRI voters, and 1,488 voters with disabilities. The number of young voters aged between 18 and 19 years stands at 3,333.

He said there are 222 polling stations set up at 114 polling station locations, of which 60 are urban and 162 are rural.

The Tarn Taran bypoll on November 11 was necessitated by the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, who had won the seat with 52,935 votes, defeating Shiromani Akali Dal’s Harmeet Singh Sandhu.

Fifteen candidates are in the fray. They include Sukhwinder Kaur of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Harjit Singh Sandhu of the BJP, Harmeet Singh Sandhu of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Karanbir Singh of the Congress.

Continue Reading

National News

Mumbai Police Rescue 60-Year-Old Man Attempting Suicide From 22nd Floor In Malad

Published

on

Mumbai, November 4: In a timely and coordinated operation, the Kurar Police in Mumbai prevented a major tragedy by rescuing a 60-year-old man who was attempting to jump from the 22nd floor of a residential building.

The quick-thinking officers acted immediately upon receiving information about the distress call, showcasing the Mumbai Police’s commitment to protecting lives beyond law enforcement duties.

As per a post shared by Mumbai Police on their official handle on X, officials from the Kurar Police Station rushed to the scene soon after receiving the alert.

Recognising the urgency, the police sought assistance from the Fire Brigade, who quickly arrived with rescue equipment. Together, they managed to reach the man and safely bring him down before any harm could occur.

After being rescued, the 60-year-old man was taken to the Kurar Police Station, where he was provided immediate counselling and emotional support. Authorities ensured he was safe and received the necessary care following the traumatic incident.

The Mumbai Police continue to emphasise the importance of mental health awareness and urge citizens to seek help during emotional distress, reminding everyone that timely intervention can save lives.

Continue Reading

Trending