Petition against Naveen

Bhubaneswar: A writ petition was filed in Orissa High Court on Monday against chief minister Naveen Patnaik, ministers Prasanna Acharya, A.U. Singh Deo and others for allegedly showing disrespect to the national flag at Biju Janata Dal's 14th foundation day on December 26. etitioner and Save Orissa convener Bhawani Shankar Parija said he moved court as the police did not probe his complaint against Naveen and others.

Producer held

Bhubaneswar: Sambalpur police on Monday arrested Oriya film producer Narsingh Agrawal for his alleged involvement in an online chit fund scam. he arrest was made following complaints made by the victims. Agrawal had recently produced the Oriya movie Tataey Bhala Pauchi. He had been using the chit fund amount to make investments in real estate business. grawal rubbished all allegations.

Strip case

Bhubaneswar: The inquiry team of the school and mass education department that recently probed the Deogarh strip-search case submitted its report on Monday. n its findings, the two-member team comprising two senior officials of the department, has ruled out involvement of the school authorities. Two other probes conducted earlier had come to the same conclusion.

Green awards

Bhubaneswar: The Maa Dakhinakali Jungal Surakhya Committee of Badamba was on Monday conferred the Ashok Babu Paribesh Mitra Puraskar. Mahendra Singh of Angul and Antaryami Sahoo of Nayagarh were presented Ashok Babu Ajibana Paribesh Sadhak Puraskar. he duo have been working in the field of conservation, plantation and awareness among the people since 1982 and 1968, respectively. he awards, instituted by Vasundhara, a Bhubaneswar-based NGO, are given to recognise initiatives to convert barren land into green forests.

Crop summit

Bhubaneswar: The two-day India International Crop Summit 2011 began here on Monday with agricultural experts and scientists calling for more mechanisation, use of hybrid seeds and scientific agri-management. naugurating the event, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said the state government has taken up extensive measures in farm mechanisation, crop diversification and horticultural plantation.

Protest

Bhubaneswar: Cabin owners’ association in Puri held demonstrations on Monday to protest against a demolition drive launched by civic authorities. emanding adequate compensation and rehabilitation before being evicted, the association has threatened to launch a stir in the near future.