Jointly hosted by Alpha Globe Foundation and Shivnath Blood Center, the event highlighted blood donation as ‘the greatest gift to mankind.’ CM Sai elaborated, ‘When patients face emergencies like road accidents or severe diseases, donor blood becomes their lifeline, restoring faith and vitality.’

Donors received certificates for future free blood access, a practical boon for emergencies. The CM urged young people to make annual donations a habit and prioritize road safety compliance to prevent needless tragedies.

Expressing thanks to organizers, doctors, and health officials, Sai blessed the drive’s future endeavors. The foundation aims for 11,000 blood units yearly, forging ties with blood banks for gratis distributions, complemented by a traffic safety awareness program.

Shifting to heartfelt outreach, the CM arrived at Jashpur’s Bagiya Balak Ashram, where children’s faces lit up with delight. He shared cake-cutting moments, engaged in conversations about their education and aspirations, and motivated them to excel.

With paternal care, he fed the kids cake and chocolates, caressed their heads, and advised, ‘Focus on studies, nurture ambitions, and illuminate your family’s honor and Chhattisgarh’s pride.’ Declaring their happiness his true present, the visit forged lasting emotional connections.

Among the inaugurated projects were crucial road improvements, including a 1.70 km stretch from Maskamara to Lavakera main road (Rs 1.81 crore), the Ambakchar approach road (1.00 km, Rs 1.29 crore), and the Mundadih approach road (0.90 km, Rs 95.53 lakh). These infrastructure upgrades are expected to enhance rural connectivity.

The foundation-laying ceremony marked the commencement of nine new ventures. A notable project is the Pamsala–Saraïtola 11.50 km road construction, the largest of the new works, costing Rs 23.96 crore. Additionally, a Sludge Treatment Plant worth Rs 31.38 lakh and a Rest House building at Farsabahar (Rs 1.72 crore) were part of the new projects. A significant focus was placed on educational infrastructure, with the initiation of several Post-Matric Tribal Boys’ Hostels and Pre-Matric Tribal Boys’ Hostels in various locations. These hostels, each valued between Rs 1.52 crore and Rs 1.91 crore, are designed to improve learning environments for tribal students.

This event underscores the administration’s commitment to equitable development, covering essential areas like rural infrastructure, sanitation, education, and tribal welfare. Chief Minister Sai reiterated his pledge to ensure that development initiatives reach every corner of Jashpur, reinforcing the state’s vision for ‘Antyodaya’ – upliftment of the last person.

The incident took place in the Juru Dand village of the Bagicha police station area. A large number of villagers were en route to a pond for the immersion of the Ganesh idol when the speeding Bolero crashed into the crowd, throwing several people into the air. The car’s driver was apprehended by the public and beaten, while other occupants of the vehicle fled the scene following the accident.

Three fatalities were confirmed: Arvind, 19 years old; Vipin Kumar Prajapati, 17 years old; and a woman named Khirowati Yadav, 32 years old. The vehicle also struck 22 other individuals, with several of them in critical condition.

Immediately after the accident, all the injured were rushed to the local community health center. A team of doctors provided treatment. Those with serious injuries were subsequently referred to Ambikapur Medical College for advanced care. The bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem examination.

Upon receiving news of the event, Jashpur MLA, Raymuni Bhagat, arrived at the hospital late at night to meet the families of the injured. He assured them of all possible assistance from the administration. District Collector Rohit Vyas and SSP Shashimohan Singh also reached the site to gather information about the incident.

District SP Shashimohan stated that the Bolero driver was apprehended shortly after the accident. Treatment of the injured is underway. An investigation into the matter is ongoing, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.

Each of the wives has been requested to provide proof of their marriage. The women have stated they can produce evidence quickly to prove they were married to Salik Ram Toppo. A forest department official stated that the process of providing compensation to the family of the deceased is underway. Salik Ram Toppo’s six wives, along with their children and sons-in-law, have arrived seeking the compensation amount. The official added that further action will be taken based on the consent of the village head (Sarpanch) and after conducting an investigation. For now, all the women are striving to quickly present certificates and documents to prove they are the rightful wives. The compensation will be processed for the woman who successfully provides the required documentation.