Local News

A serious highway robbery took place near Amradar village on the Katni–Panna highway, targeting a contractor who was traveling alone at night. According to reports, the contractor had stopped by the roadside to relieve himself when three unidentified men approached him, initially pretending to ask for a lift. When he refused, the assailants threatened him with a knife and forced him to hand over his valuables. They stole his mobile phone, a gold chain, two gold rings, and cash amounting to ₹8,000, and then fled the scene into nearby fields. The contractor immediately reported the incident to the Kuthor police, who arrived at the scene and began an investigation. The police have registered a formal case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including robbery and intimidation. They are currently conducting patrols, checking CCTV footage along the highway, and questioning locals to track down the suspects. This incident has raised safety concerns among travelers and local residents, highlighting the need for better patrolling and lighting along remote stretches of the highway. Authorities have urged people to remain vigilant while traveling alone at night and to report any suspicious activity immediately. The police have assured that every effort is being made to apprehend the culprits and prevent similar incidents in the future.

A local BJP leader in Katni, Madhya Pradesh, named Nilesh Rajak, was shot dead by two masked men on a motorcycle near the Bank of Baroda in Kaimor town. The attack occurred in broad daylight around 11 am, and he was hit in the chest and head, dying at the scene. The incident was captured on CCTV. Following the killing, police launched a manhunt for the suspects. The father of one of the accused reportedly died by suicide after learning of his son’s alleged involvement. The accused were later identified and injured during an encounter while being arrested.

A Dalit man in Katni’s Matwara village was assaulted after opposing illegal mining near his farmland. He was beaten with sticks and rods, subjected to caste-based abuse, and one of the attackers reportedly urinated on him. His mother was also attacked when she tried to intervene. The man received hospital treatment for his injuries, and a case has been registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, with police investigating the incident.