Woman arrested

Sambalpur: Police on Wednesday arrested Panchali Pradhan, 45, for trying to kill a six-year-old kid at Gaudpali in the district. The victim has been identified as Abhisek Tripathy, who is admitted at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Burla. Pradhan, who is Abhisek’s neighbour, attacked him with an axe after giving him prasad of some puja in her house on Tuesday. Abhisek’s family members alleged that it was an attempt of child sacrifice.  

Varsity poll

Bhubaneswar: The PG Council of Utkal University will take a decision on the students’ union polls on Thursday. The advisory committee of the varsity that met on Wednesday submitted its review report to the council. The council’s decision on the matter would be final.

Tremor felt

Dhenkanal: Another mild tremor was felt at Gobindpur of Dhenkanal around 2.40am on Tuesday. Manipur, Baladiabaghi and Saptasajya areas also reported mild tremors. A team of senior district officials, including a geologist and the local tehsildar, have reached the areas to review the situation.

Five injured

Balasore: At least five persons were injured following a clash between two groups over land dispute in Gopalpur. The injured are admitted to a local hospital and police have started investigation.

Cheat held

Balasore: Police arrested a 26-year-old Mithun Jena of Bhumipada village for allegedly swindling money on the pretext of providing jobs.

Jumbo menace 

Balasore: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the special secretary of environment on elephant menace that forced villagers to live on treetops at Nilgiri in Balasore district. Considering the petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and civil rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy and his rejoinder to the report 
submitted by the environment secretary in the NHRC, the commission has sought the report within six weeks.

Police portal

Cuttack: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a web portal of the CID, crime branch, on the concluding day of the 63rd police duty meet on Wednesday. He said the Odisha government has stressed on police modernisation and training of police officers for effective investigation into various economic offences and cyber crime. Additional director general of police (crime) B.K. Sharma said the website www.odishapolicecidcb.gov.in of the crime branch is an interactive platform where people can know about various rules. 

Ponzi arrest 

Balasore: An agent working for several deposit collection companies was arrested on Wednesday. The irate depositors handed over the accused, Shantilata Saw, 55, of Chhatrapur village when they did not get refunds on their investments.