Maoists destroy tower 

Koraput (PTI): Maoists have destroyed a newly-constructed mobile tower belonging to a private cellular company at Kathpada village in Koraput district, a senior police official said on Monday. A group of around 30 Maoists stormed into the village on Saturday night and targeted the mobile tower and set it on fire after pouring kerosene on it, the officer said. “It was a newly-constructed mobile tower, yet to be commissioned. The Maoists have damaged the battery room and generator of the mobile tower,” said Koraput superintendent of police Charan Singh Meena. There was no report of any casualties or injuries. 

Sarathi case

Kendrapara: The crime branch on Monday filed a charge sheet against self-styled spiritual leader Santosh Raula alias Sarathi baba, four months after he was arrested. The crime branch filed the charge sheet before the court of Kendrapara sub-divisional judicial magistrate, which rejected the bail application of the accused. Raula is facing trial under IPC sections 354, 120(B) and 420.

Sarpanch held

Sambalpur: The vigilance sleuths have arrested the sarpanch of Kundakhai gram panchayat in the Gaesilat block of Bargarh district, Akhila Biswal, for accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000. Biswal had demanded the bribe from one Khiti Kumbhar of Kundakhi village to sign the muster roll for the release of payment of labourers.

Two arrested

Paradip: Jagatsinghpur police have arrested two goons for allegedly threatening Tirtol MLA Rajashri Mallik over phone. The accused, Samir Pattnaik and Dipak Das, were arrested from Biridi. The duo were remanded to jail custody. 

Owls rescued

Jajpur: Forest department officials have rescued four rare owls from a house in Lalitaswar Nagar in Jajpur town police station limits. The owner reportedly captured the birds from Budhapola and was trying to sell them. The accused, however, managed to escape. Forest officials released the owls in a nearby forest.

Bank loans

Balasore: Several depositors have alleged financial irregularities of about Rs 30 lakh at the Rasalpur branch of Gramya Bank. The depositors alleged that some touts, in connivance with the bank staff, had availed loans against their names and some self-help groups. 

Truck seized

Kendrapara: Police have arrested a man and have seized a stolen truck from Bolgarh area in Khurda district. The accused, Prakas Rout, had lifted the truck from Tikarpanga junction on Paradip-Daitary expressway in December 2013.