Bank manager in CBI net

Ranchi (PTI): Suresh Prasad, manager of State Bank of India, Manika branch, was caught red-handed by CBI officials while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1,500 from a customer in lieu of sanctioning a loan in Latehar, CBI sources said.

A trap was laid after the customer, Naresh Ram, informed the CBI that the manager had demanded bribe for sanctioning the Rs 25,000 loan under a self-employment scheme. Suresh was arrested and sent to Ranchi.

Schoolboy abducted

Medininagar (PTI): An eight-year-old schoolboy, Rohan Kumar, was allegedly kidnapped by unidentified persons at Hariharganj in Palamau district, police said on Wednesday.

Three motorcycle-borne men allegedly kidnapped Rohan when he was returning home from Balikunj English School on Tuesday, superintendent of police M. L. Mina said.

Rohan?s father Virender Kumar has registered an FIR at the Hariharganj police station.

One injured by elephant

Jamshedpur: An elephant critically injured Suku Singh Munda of Rangamati on Wednesday morning. The villagers saw some elephants heading towards the fields. As they chased the elephants, one of them attacked Munda.

Irate villagers blocked National Highway 33 near Chauka to protest against the incident. They dispersed only after the intervention of forest officials.

Road mishap

JamshedpurTulsi Mahto, a middle-aged woman, was hit by an ambulance belonging to Guru Nanak Medical Research Centre, Pardih, on Wednesday. Tulsi died on the spot. Police have seized the van.

Fire prevention

JamshedpurTata Steel Fire Brigade conducted a safety course for engineers, consultants and supervisors working at construction sites. Head of security S.P. Raman spoke on the need for a system of prevention, detection and fire-fighting at workplace.

According to officials, the fire management capsule will include sessions for contractors of Tata Steel.

Workshop

Ranchi: The Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK) organised a workshop on personality development and social responsibilities for scouts and guides on Wednesday. Around 30 scouts and guides participated in the workshop. State commissioner (guide) Mridula Sinha was the chief guest.

Union meeting

Ranchi: Bihar Mazdur Union held a meeting at Sriram Bearing office on Wednesday. The meeting, chaired by union president Uday Shankar Ojha, was called to discuss various demands of workers of Shriram Bearing.

The privately-owned factory was closed down in 2001. The union?s demand include re-opening of the factory and regular payment of salaries.

Scholarships

Jamshedpur: The US- based North-South Foundation has invited applications from students for scholarships for the academic year 2004-05. Financially-weak students can apply for scholarships in all professional fields including science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, commerce, arts and other subjects. Students belonging to families with income less than Rs 38,000 per year and have secured top-five ranks in common entrance tests or 85 per cent in intermediate are eligible for the scheme.

SUCI salvo

Ranchi: The Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) has criticised the attack on demonstrators in Barharwa, Sahibganj. Members of the union said those who were brutally attacked by the police were flood victims demanding relief material. SUCI secretary Hem Chakrawarti said the incident highlights the ?irrationality? of the police department.

The department of social welfare, Centre for Education and State Polytechnic organised a blood donation camp on the State Polytechnic campus in Ranchi on Wednesday. Around 40 people donated blood at the camp.