Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday claimed that workers of Shiv Sena (UBT) across the state feel neglected as party leader Uddhav Thackeray is no longer travelling outside Mumbai, reported the PTI. Addressing an election rally ahead of the January 15 municipal corporation polls, Eknath Shinde alleged that Uddhav Thackeray’s limited public outreach has left party cadres demoralised. Targeting the Congress and the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, Shinde said development in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar had been delayed due to corruption, similar to what he claimed had occurred in Mumbai. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena is contesting 96 seats in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar municipal elections. Water crisis blamed on previous regimes Shinde alleged that the city’s long-pending water supply problem remained unresolved due to corruption under the Congress and later the MVA government. “The foundation stone for the water pipeline project was laid even before the work order was issued. Now the work is finally underway, and the city will get water within two months. As Chief Minister, I sanctioned Rs 822 crore for this project,” he said, according to the PTI. He further blamed Shiv Sena (UBT) for the water crisis in the city. Attack over Hindutva and city renaming Shinde accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of abandoning Hindutva ideology and criticised the party for giving a ticket to former mayor Rashid Khan, who had opposed the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. “This is the first election after the city’s renaming, yet Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded a leader who opposed it. People should not support a party that has now become the party of ‘Rashid Mamu’,” he said, as per the PTI. Allegations over Pakistani flags The Deputy Chief Minister also alleged that allowing Pakistani flags at rallies amounted to a betrayal of Hindutva. “Those who permitted Pakistani flags are deceiving people by wearing a false mask of Hindutva. Such forces must be kept out of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar,” Shinde said, the news agency reported. ‘I took a risk in 2022,’ Says Shinde Shinde said the Thackeray family becomes uneasy whenever he travels to Delhi or his native village. “We are contesting these elections independently. I took a bold step in 2022 and brought down the government while staying true to Bal Thackeray’s ideology,” he said, reported the PTI. Personal struggles led to welfare schemes Sharing a personal account, Shinde said his experience of poverty and watching his mother manage the household with limited income inspired the creation of the Ladki Bahin welfare scheme. Swipe at AIMIM leader In an apparent attack on AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Shinde said those who disrespect Hindu deities, oppose Vande Mataram, and glorify Aurangzeb must be firmly dealt with, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
11 January,2026 08:12 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentIn view of strengthening the hold of their respective parties ahead of the Maharashtra local body elections, Ajit Pawar has been recently seen highlighting notable moves with some even going against the alliance parties in state. Despite the BJP's move to corner him following remarks on the irrigation scam, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar is currently executing a high-stakes “checkmate” strategy against the BJP in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations, reported IANS. While the two parties are allies in the state-level Mahayuti government, the upcoming civic elections across Maharashtra on January 15 have turned their relationship into a fierce local rivalry. In a move that stunned Maharashtra's political spectrum, Ajit Pawar has bridged the gap with his uncle, Sharad Pawar, specifically for the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal polls. Despite the split between Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar in 2023, the two NCP factions have formed a local alliance. NCP (SP) and NCP launch joint manifesto Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule on Saturday shared a dais to release a joint manifesto for Pune. By reuniting the “Pawar Parivar” votes, Ajit Pawar has ensured the NCP vote bank remains consolidated, preventing the BJP from benefiting from a split in Maratha and local loyalist votes, reported IANS. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has launched an aggressive “Alarm Campaign” (Ek Alarm, Paach Kaam), specifically targeting the BJP’s 2017-2022 tenure in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Ajit Pawar slams BJP In an extremely shocking scenario, NCP chief Ajit Pawar has publicly accused the BJP of turning PCMC, which was once one of India’s richest civic bodies, into a debt-ridden organisation. Maharashtra Deputy CM also pointed out that under NCP rule, PCMC had fixed deposits of Rs 3,000 crore, which he claimed have been depleted due to mismanagement, reported IANS. Known for his extremely tactical moves, Ajit Pawar has used phrases like “corrupt demon” and “demonic hunger” to describe the local BJP leadership, accusing them of inflating project costs for CCTV installations and Smart City initiatives to benefit party workers. CM Fadnavis warns Ajit Pawar On the contrary, BJP has reacted sharply, with state unit chief Ravindra Chavan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warning that if they “open their mouths” about Ajit Pawar’s past (a reference to the irrigation scam), it would cause him “serious trouble”. As per IANS. However, by joining hands with Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar has created a local “fortress” that the BJP is finding difficult to breach without risking the stability of the state government. Experts say that Ajit Pawar is using the civic polls to reclaim his “King of Pune” title, signalling to the BJP that while they may be partners in Mumbai, Pune remains his undisputed home turf. (With inputs from IANS)
11 January,2026 06:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Maharashtra local body elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and MLA Ravi Rana’s Yuva Swabhiman Party have parted ways ahead of the January 15 Amravati civic polls, bringing an end to their pre-poll alliance, reported the PTI. Confirming the development on Sunday, Amravati BJP district president Nitin Dhande said the party had withdrawn its support from the six seats earlier allotted to the Yuva Swabhiman Party. "On these seats, we are supporting independent candidates who are ideologically aligned with the BJP. The Yuva Swabhiman Party failed to honour its commitment and fielded candidates against the BJP," Dhande alleged, according to the PTI. Navneet Rana to continue BJP campaign Despite the split, Dhande clarified that Navneet Rana, former Lok Sabha MP and wife of Ravi Rana, will continue to campaign for BJP candidates during the civic polls. Court discharges Navneet Rana in bogus caste certificate case Meanwhile, in an another development earlier this week, a Mumbai court on Wednesday discharged BJP leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) Navneet Rana in a fake caste certificate case, as per the PTI. Her discharge plea was allowed by Judicial Magistrate First Class (Mazgaon court) A A Kulkarni. A reasoned order was not available yet. However, the case against her father Harbhajansingh Kundless will continue as the court adjourned the matter to February 16 for framing of charges against him, the news agency reported. Rana, who claims to belong to a Scheduled Caste, is a former Independent Lok Sabha MP from Amravati (2019-24) in eastern Maharashtra. She later joined the BJP.As per a complaint lodged at the Mulund police station in Mumbai, Rana and her father allegedly forged documents to obtain a caste certificate for her as the Amravati Lok Sabha seat, from where she contested, is reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates, reported the PTI. Cancellation of caste certificate The Bombay High Court in 2021 cancelled the caste certificate issued to Rana, saying it was obtained fraudulently using fabricated documents. However, in April 2024, the Supreme Court restored Rana's Scheduled Caste certificate, enabling her to contest the Lok Sabha elections. She had lost the 2024 elections in Amravati, where she was the BJP candidate. Discharge is a pre-trial legal remedy available to an accused person against whom there is insufficient evidence. (with PTI inputs)
11 January,2026 04:00 PM IST | Amravati | mid-day online correspondentTrain services were briefly halted on Saturday morning after a leopard was found grievously injured on the railway tracks near Bhagoore, close to Deolali railway station, at pole number 179/32, around 7 am. The leopard has since died. Following the alert, the Nashik Forest Division’s wildlife rescue team rushed to the spot and shifted the injured animal away from the tracks, after which train movement was restored. The leopard had suffered severe head injuries after being hit by a train, and one of its legs was found completely severed and lying on the tracks. Wildlife veterinarians from the Nashik division reached the site, administered first aid, and shifted the animal to the wildlife treatment centre at Mhasrul. Forest officials said the leopard, a female aged around seven to eight months, had lost a significant amount of blood and was in critical condition. Despite all efforts, the young leopard did not survive.
11 January,2026 12:43 PM IST | Nashik | Ranjeet JadhavThousands of devotees thronged the Somnath temple complex on Saturday, staying out well past midnight, braving winter chills, as dazzling fireworks, decorations and a drone show combined with religious fervour drew an unprecedented crowd to the ancient shrine. The crowd, which peaked late in the evening shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the temple as part of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, included people of all ages, local residents as well as long-distance travellers. Modi on Saturday evening participated in 'Omkar Mantra' chanting at the Somnath temple, had 'darshan', and also witnessed a grand drone show featuring an assemblage of 3,000 drones, matching the scale of the gathering on ground. Preeti Karelia, along with 24 other women, travelled from Mumbai in neighbouring Maharashtra just to witness the celebrations. "We came today to see Somnath temple, to see our prime minister. This occasion that celebrates the temple and its traditions and resilience is an amazing feeling. The fireworks, the decoration in the streets leading to the temple, the wonderful drone show only added to the power of divinity that has brought so many people to the shrine in just one day," Karelia told PTI. The women-only group described itself as a 'bhajan mandali' from Mumbai. The main road leading to the temple, from Shankh Circle to Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle, has been decked up with flowers and thematic decorations. Mounted lights fashioned in the shapes of 'trishul', 'Om' and 'damru' lined the stretch, complemented by Somnath Swabhiman Parv posters and flower-made 'shivalings'. Large banners across the city bore the festival's name and slogans such as 'Akhand Somnath, Akhand Bharat' and evocative lines including 'Prahar se Punuruthan ka Sakshi, Main Swayambhu Somnath Hun'. The ornate gateway near the Shankh Circle was decorated with flowers, and in the evening, a group of folk dance artists from Karnataka, clad in traditional attire, walked past it, drawing the attention of residents eager to get photographs clicked. As dusk fell and night progressed, the crowds swelled further. With the Prime Minister's arrival, a sea of people gathered near the main gates of the temple complex, even as security personnel worked to maintain order. Visitors on Saturday night included religious figures such as Bhardwaj Giri, who travelled from Bhavnagar, and veteran politician Girish M Kotecha from neighbouring Junagadh district. Interacting with PTI near the Veer Hamirji Gohil Circle, which has an equestrian statue of Gohil, a 16th-century Rajput warrior remembered for defending the Somnath temple against invaders, Giri said people like Veer Hamirji fought to "protect the pride of our Hindu shrines". The entire circle, facing the temple complex, was illuminated with lights and floral decorations, presenting a striking sight. "It's a celebration of the spirit of Somnath and you can see the joy among the people on this occasion," Kotecha told PTI. Even as sections of the crowd departed after 'darshan', cultural programmes and the drone show, more visitors poured in, including a large number of women who braved the early January chill with enthusiasm. Harsh Shah, who visited the temple complex close to midnight with family members, said, "Somnath baba is pulling people and we also came to see the decorations and lights." A nearly 15-minute drone show featuring several thematic formations, including huge images of Lord Shiva and a 'shivling', and a 3D depiction of the Somnath temple, followed by a dazzling display of fireworks, was an instant show stealer. PM Modi, who arrived here on Saturday evening on a two-day visit to the temple town, witnessed the show, held as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. One of the drone formations also depicted the destruction faced by the historic temple over the centuries, as well as its rise and resilience. The Parv marks 1,000 years since the Somnath temple's invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni, the Prime Minister's Office said on Friday. After Independence, efforts to restore the temple were undertaken by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A key milestone was achieved in 1951 when the restored Somnath temple was formally opened to devotees in the presence of then President Rajendra Prasad. Many visitors were also seen clicking photographs with the statue of Patel installed in front of the main ceremonial gate of the temple complex. The Somnath temple is one of the 12 'jyotirlingas' - holy sites associated with Lord Shiva - in the country. Local resident and ice-cream vendor Chand Mal, who was among the late-night visitors, said he had never seen such crowds before. "I come here often or on weekends, but I have never seen such a crowd before. It is huge and seems unprecedented. It also feels special today to get His (Lord Shiva's) blessings," he said. A series of programmes are being held from January 8 to 11 as part of the Swabhiman Parv. At 9:45 am on Sunday, PM Modi is scheduled to take part in the 'Shaurya Yatra', a ceremonial procession organised to honour those who laid down their lives defending the Somnath temple. The yatra will feature a symbolic procession of 108 horses, reflecting valour and sacrifice, officials said. Thereafter, the Prime Minister will offer prayers at the temple at 10:15 am, and participate in a public function marking the Somnath Swabhiman Parv at 11 am, before departing for Rajkot. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 January,2026 12:35 PM IST | Somnath (Gujarat) | PTIShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would have "died of malnutrition" if his late father, Sena founder Bal Thackeray, had not come to its rescue, news agency PTI reported. Speaking at a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar ahead of the January 15 civic elections in the city and across the state, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister took aim at the BJP following a remark by its leader Raosaheb Danve, who had said that "every political party has eaten out of our plate", implying that all parties had received help from the BJP at some point. Reacting to the comment, Thackeray said, "If the Shiv Sena chief (Bal Thackeray) hadn't fed you, you would have died of malnutrition. If this is so, why are you eating leftovers from our plate? How much more will you consume? It seems you have contracted 'Bhasmya' (insatiable hunger) disease. How many of our people will you take?" He also reminded the crowd that the BJP first came to power in Maharashtra in the 1990s in alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena, under the leadership of his late father, PTI reported. Uddhav further alleged that money was being distributed through UPI to prevent opposition candidates from contesting the civic polls. "The police should look into this seriously if they are awake," he added. Addressing the challenges faced by his party, he said, "Our party's name and symbol were taken away, but the people stayed with us. Now we will make a fresh start, just as we did in 1988. We have so many new faces now." Maharashtra civic polls: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief flags Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s chronic water shortage Speaking on civic issues, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief highlighted Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s chronic water shortage, saying the city receives water for only 44 days in a year, PTI reported. "When I was chief minister, the state government had proposed to fully fund the water pipeline scheme for the city. But this government made the city take a loan for the project, and yet it remains incomplete," he said. Thackeray also criticised the BJP over the appointment of a co-accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case as a 'co-opted' councillor in Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council. "We expected that the main accused in the Badlapur case would be brought to justice through a fast-track court. But he was killed in an encounter, which created suspicion that he was eliminated to prevent further names from coming to light. Yet Tushar Apte, a co-accused, was made a co-opted member in the local body, saying he had helped them (BJP) win elections. This is the sick mindset of BJP," he said. Apte had been the secretary of a school where two children were allegedly sexually assaulted by an attendant, who was later killed in a police encounter. He was named in a case registered against the school management for allegedly failing to report the offence. He resigned after his appointment as a councillor sparked controversy. Thackeray also addressed the issue of alleged illegal migration from Bangladesh, saying if such infiltration existed, it was the failure of the central government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "The ruling parties are only making people of different communities quarrel among themselves. The country is being pushed towards anarchy as cities are burdened with debt," he said. (With PTI inputs)
10 January,2026 11:26 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentIn a timely coordinated rescue operation, an adult male sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), approximately four-five years of age, was rescued from a 40-foot-deep water-filled well in Alame village of Pune district in Maharashtra. The operation was carried out jointly by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS with vital assistance from local villagers who were familiar with the surrounding terrain. The incident came to light around 9.30 am on Saturday, when the Maharashtra Forest Department received information about the deer being trapped inside a farm well. Wildlife SOS was immediately alerted, following which a four-member rescue team was dispatched to the site with essential rescue kits and equipment. Upon arrival, the team observed that the deer had managed to stand on a stone ledge inside the well for support with much of the structure filled with water. A detailed rescue plan was then devised to ensure the animal’s safe extraction, without causing further distress or injury, and using ropes and nets, the team worked carefully and gently lifted the mammal out of the well. The operation lasted approximately four hours, and a post-rescue health assessment revealed mild abrasion wounds, likely sustained during the fall into the well. Following the rescue, the sambar deer was found to be active and responsive. As the animal was deemed fit, it was released in a nearby suitable habitat. Open wells remain deadly traps; timely joint rescue saves sambar deer in Maharashtra Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “Open and unprotected wells continue to be silent traps for wildlife across the country. This rescue underscores the importance of swift coordination between the forest department, our rescue team and the local community. We are relieved that the deer was rescued in time and could be released back into its natural habitat on the same day.” Smita Rajhans, assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Junnar Forest Division, said, “In regions where movement of wild animals overlaps with agricultural landscapes, immediate action is imperative. Collaborative efforts such as these not only save lives but also strengthen long-term strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflict.” Mahendra Dhore, project manager- Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre, Wildlife SOS, stated, “Every well rescue presents unique challenges, particularly when water is involved. The deer appeared alert throughout the operation, which allowed us to execute the rescue smoothly. After a brief health check, it was encouraging to see the animal return to the wild immediately upon release.
10 January,2026 06:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAt least six people suffered minor injuries when a small aircraft of a private airline in which they were flying made a crash landing near Rourkela on Saturday, Odisha's Commerce and Transport minister B B Jena said. The incident took place near Rourkela, he said. "One A-1 nine-seater private flight carrying six passengers from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar has met with an accident. The passengers have sustained minor injuries and are stable. It took place at Jalda, 10 kilometres from Rourkela. By the grace of God, this is not a major accident," Jena told reporters. Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, Prasanna Pradhan said, "The flight was on its way from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela. It made a crash landing 10 km before Rourkela. There were 4 passengers and 2 crew members. All are safe. The flight is India One Airlines. The number of the light is C-208." The minister said the state government has apprised the Director General of Civil Aviation of the situation. "Our director will also soon visit the accident site," he said. Rescue teams have rushed to the spot, and the injured were immediately shifted to hospital for treatment. Airport sources said that it was a regular flight between Rourkela and Bhubaneswar run by a private operator. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 January,2026 04:36 PM IST | Bhubaneswar | PTIMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar and NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Saturday shared the political stage for the first time after the split in June 2023 and released a joint manifesto for an inclusive and developed Pune, reported news agency IANS. ‘Truce for Pune’ reshapes local political equations In a development that has reshaped the political landscape of Maharashtra, the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) officially signalled a “truce for Pune” on Saturday, reported IANS. Ajit Pawar noted that the “friction within the family has been resolved” for the sake of the city’s development, while Supriya Sule emphasised that the alliance is currently limited to these civic polls. Alliance limited to PMC and PCMC elections The alliance, formed specifically to contest the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections, aims to consolidate the Pawar family’s traditional stronghold. Leaders from both sides stated that the primary goal is to prevent a division of votes that would benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party, which currently eyes a second consecutive term in the civic body. Infrastructure, water and mobility dominate manifesto The manifesto focusses on several urban-centric promises on infrastructure, water management, and urban mobility. They have made a commitment to accelerate the Pune Metro expansion and resolve the city’s chronic traffic congestion through new flyovers and improved public transport, reported IANS. A commitment to accelerating the next phases of the Pune Metro and expanding the PMPML bus fleet with 100 per cent electric vehicles to reduce traffic congestion has also been made. 24/7 water supply, river rejuvenation promised The alliance has ensured 24/7 water supply to the merged villages and modernising the drainage systems and the construction of new sewage treatment plants (STPs) to rejuvenate the Mula-Mutha river. It promises to eliminate “pothole culture” by moving towards high-quality cement-concrete roads and developing dedicated “missing links” in the city’s ring road, reported IANS. ‘Green Pune’ and skill development initiatives outlined The manifesto lays focus on ‘Green Pune’ initiatives, including the preservation of the city’s hills and river rejuvenation projects. Both the parties have promised the establishment of dedicated skill development centres for the city’s massive student population, including ‘Pune Skill Hubs’ to provide vocational training for local youth, reported IANS. Women-centric welfare and digital governance plans The alliance has promised enhanced financial assistance for women-led self-help groups (SHGs), mirroring the ‘Ladki Bahin’ style of support at the civic level, digitising all municipal services to ensure ‘Zero-Touch’ governance for building permissions, property tax payments, and grievance redressal. Local unity sends message to party cadres The sight of the cousins sharing a platform has sent a strong message to party cadres. While the two factions remain separate at the state and national levels, this local tie-up suggests a pragmatic shift. ‘United for Pune, divided elsewhere,’ says party leader “This is a decision taken in the interest of Pune’s development. We may have different paths at other levels, but for our home ground, we are united,” a senior party leader remarked during the launch, reported IANS. Internal dissent surfaces despite top-level consensus Despite the show of unity, the alliance has faced internal friction. Initially, some local leaders, including former NCP (SP) city unit chief Prashant Jagtap, expressed dissent over the tie-up, though the top leadership appears to have moved forward to secure the “Pawar bastion.” (With inputs from IANS)
10 January,2026 01:51 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentDelhi recorded the highest annual average PM10 concentration in the country in 2025 at 197 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly three times higher than the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, according to an analysis. The capital exceeded the PM10 standard on 285 days during the year, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said in its analysis. On finer particles, Delhi was the second most polluted city in India for PM2.5 in 2025, with an annual average concentration of 96 micrograms per cubic metre, almost twice the national standard of 40 micrograms per cubic metre. Delhi exceeded the daily PM2.5 standard on 212 days in 2025, the report said, indicating prolonged exposure to hazardous air. The analysis said PM2.5 levels remain high across the National Capital Region, with 12 out of 14 NCR cities breaching the PM2.5 standard. On funding, CREA said Rs 13,415 crore has been released under the National Clean Air Programme and Fifteenth Finance Commission grants so far, of which Rs 9,929 crore, or 74 per cent, has been utilised. Delhi was among the weakest performers in utilisation of clean air funds, with only 33 per cent of the allocated amount spent, the report said. Meanwhile, Delhi was among the cities that have completed a source apportionment study, the report said. The report concluded that seven years into the NCAP, cities including Delhi remain far from meeting air quality standards, and the programme's intended 40 per cent PM10 reduction target is no longer achievable within its current time frame. It called for a shift in focus towards PM2.5, stricter emission controls and a regional airshed-based approach to tackle air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched by the Centre in 2019 to improve air quality in 130 non-attainment and million-plus cities, with a focus on reducing particulate pollution. The programme initially targeted a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 levels by 2024-25 compared to 2017-18 levels, which was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction or meeting national standards by 2025-26, through city-specific action plans and coordinated funding support. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2026 09:53 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIAs many as 63 Maoists, 36 of them carrying a collective bounty of over Rs 1.19 crore, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Friday, a senior police official said. The cadres, including 18 women, turned themselves in before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials here under the ‘Poona Margem’ (from rehabilitation to social reintegration) initiative, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai said. The Maoists said they were also impressed by the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, he said. They were active in south Bastar division, West Bastar division, Maad division in the state, and in areas bordering Odisha. Seven of the cadres carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh each, he said. All the 63 surrendered Maoists will be provided an immediate assistance of Rs 50,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the government’s policy, SP Gaurav added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2026 09:08 AM IST | Dantewada | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
