India

Chandigarh, March 18 (IANS) A major firing incident suspected to be a gang rivalry-related attack was reported near the Department of Botany at the Panjab University in Chandigarh, raising fresh concerns over security on the campus.

Sources said two unidentified individuals entered the campus on a two-wheeler and upon reaching the parking area near the varsity's Department of Botany, fired two gunshots in the air on Tuesday evening. They then fled via the Ankur School road towards the temple inside the campus.

The accused duo abandoned the two-wheeler at the spot, crossed the temple area on foot and exited the campus.

According to CCTV footage, the accused were seen snatching a motorcycle at gunpoint before fleeing towards the Punjab border area.

The gunshots were reportedly fired in the air to threaten a student leader belonging to the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU), pointing to an old rivalry. The incident occurred when the campus was under heavy security due to the ongoing student festival, Jhankaar.

Kanwardeep Kaur, Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police, said, "The police have recovered two shells from the spot. Preliminary investigation suggests the shots were fired to threaten an individual named Jashanpreet (Jashan) Singh Jawanda. However, no complainant has been filed so far. The matter is under investigation and CCTV footage across the campus is being analysed."

Jawanda, a former secretary candidate from SOPU in the Panjab University Students Council (PUCSC) elections, leads one of the SOPU factions.

In 2024, Ravi Rajgarh, an alleged Lawrence Bishnoi aide, had publicly introduced him during the PUCSC elections.

Before joining SOPU, Jawanda was associated with the Students Organisation of India (SOI), the student wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The incident triggered tension on campus, with students gathering at the spot soon after the firing.

Police teams, including forensic experts, rushed to the site and began investigations to identify the attackers.

Representatives of various student and political groups protested against the university authorities, alleging a major security lapse. They said the administration had failed to ensure a safe environment for students.

The authorities are already under scrutiny for allowing star night events despite restrictions. One such event is scheduled on March 18 at the cricket ground by PU Campus Students’ Council president Gaurav Veer Sohal, affiliated with the ABVP. The university had imposed restrictions on such events under SOPs framed after a murder on campus in 2024.

“The authorities will not allow any untoward activity on the campus. We have taken strong note of the incident. The police are investigating the matter. We are confident the accused will be nabbed soon,” said Prof YP Verma, Registrar, PU.

"The police are examining CCTV footage, including one from the temple, which clearly shows the accused running out of the campus on foot. They left behind the Activa scooter used to enter the premises and later snatched a bike on the main road. The scooter is also suspected to be stolen," a senior university official said.

Kanwardeep Kaur, Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police, said, "The police have recovered two shells from the spot. Preliminary investigation suggests the shots were fired to threaten an individual named Jashanpreet (Jashan) Singh Jawanda. However, no complainant has been filed so far. The matter is under investigation and CCTV footage across the campus is being analysed."

Jawanda, a former secretary candidate from SOPU in the Panjab University Students Council (PUCSC) elections, leads one of the SOPU factions.

In 2024, Ravi Rajgarh, an alleged Lawrence Bishnoi aide, had publicly introduced him during the PUCSC elections.

Before joining SOPU, Jawanda was associated with the Students Organisation of India (SOI), the student wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The incident triggered tension on campus, with students gathering at the spot soon after the firing.

Police teams, including forensic experts, rushed to the site and began investigations to identify the attackers.

Representatives of various student and political groups protested against the university authorities, alleging a major security lapse. They said the administration had failed to ensure a safe environment for students.

The authorities are already under scrutiny for allowing star night events despite restrictions.

One such event is scheduled on Wednesday at the cricket ground by PU Campus Students' Council president Gaurav Veer Sohal, affiliated with the ABVP.

The university had imposed restrictions on such events under SOPs framed after a murder on campus in 2024.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, March 17 (IANS) Karnataka Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader on Tuesday said the government had taken serious note of delays in providing answers to legislators’ questions. ​

He stated that directions had been issued to the concerned ministers and officials to ensure replies are submitted promptly.​

The issue surfaced a day after the Speaker adjourned the Assembly on Monday, sharply criticising the Congress-led government for failing to provide answers to unstarred questions despite repeated warnings from the Chair.​

Home Minister G. Parameshwara informed the House that out of 221 questions listed for the day, answers to only 58 would be placed before the Assembly. He said the government had already discussed the matter and taken corrective steps.​

Parameshwara added that the government had treated the matter seriously on Monday (March 16) and had issued instructions to ministers and the Chief Secretary. He said the Chief Minister had warned that suspensions could be ordered if answers were not provided, and expressed confidence that the situation would improve from the next day.​

Speaker Khader also detailed the status of responses from various departments, noting that several ministries had failed to submit responses to a large number of questions.​

According to him, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) had received 23 questions but answered only six. The Finance Department had responded to six out of 33 questions. The Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department had not submitted replies to any of the nine questions asked, and the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department had also failed to answer any of the 10 questions addressed to it.​

Similarly, the Cooperation Department had not answered any of the 12 questions, while the Water Resources Department had responded to only four of the 33 questions. The Urban Development Department had answered 8 of 21 questions, and the Tourism Department had submitted only 1 reply out of 25. In contrast, the Minor Irrigation Department responded to 8 of 13 questions.​

Khader said the matter had been discussed on Monday and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had issued directions to ensure answers were provided. He acknowledged that preparing responses might take two to three days but stressed that officers must take the issue seriously.​

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakayi expressed displeasure over the Chief Minister’s Office seeking additional time to provide answers to his questions. He said that by the time replies were received, the Assembly session might already be over, asking what use the answers would be after the session ended.​

Intervening, Speaker Khader said the MLA was known for punctual attendance and that it was natural for him to feel disappointed. He assured Tenginakayi that he would speak to the Chief Minister and ensure the answers were provided.​

On Monday, Khader had expressed strong dissatisfaction, stating that the government had been warned several times to ensure replies were prepared in time. He had questioned how MLAs could be expected to attend the Assembly if their questions were not answered, noting that he had issued strict orders four times and that this was the fifth.​

Stating that there had been no improvement, the Speaker had asked how the House could function smoothly if such lapses continued. He had declared that proceedings would not continue until ministers and officials explained the reasons for the delay, and subsequently adjourned the House.​

Khader had also convened a meeting on Monday with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and senior Congress leaders regarding the unanswered questions, which had earlier led him to adjourn the House.​

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde, on Tuesday, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and accused the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT of triggering panic by spreading rumours of fuel and gas shortages.

He warned that such misinformation only benefits black marketers and hoarders.

He compared the current Opposition tactics to their behaviour during 'Operation Sindoor', alleging that their statements are often used by Pakistani media to target India.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde launched a scathing attack on Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties.

He described the act of "politicising a war-like situation" as unfortunate and anti-national.

"It is deeply regrettable that some are spreading false propaganda in India to create headlines in Pakistan. For Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, it was always 'Country First, Politics Later'. We are moving forward with those same values," Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said.

He added that the discussions with Prime Minister Modi primarily focused on the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, domestic security, and various development issues concerning Maharashtra.

Reiterating the Shiv Sena's unwavering stance as an NDA ally, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde assured the Prime Minister that Shiv Sena stands firmly with the Central government's decisions during this global crisis.

He updated PM Modi on the successful return of Maharashtra residents, who were stranded in Kuwait, Dubai, and Muscat, due to the escalating tensions in the Gulf.

He expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's diplomatic efforts, noting that India's strong relations with Gulf nations ensured the safe passage of two Indian oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

He also said that detailed deliberations were held regarding ongoing developmental projects and administrative matters in Maharashtra.

Deputy Chief Minister Shinde also lauded the unopposed election of Shiv Sena Spokesperson Jyoti Waghmare to the Rajya Sabha.

Describing Jyoti Waghmare as highly educated and rooted in the struggles of the poor, Eknath Shinde expressed confidence that the former would effectively represent the common man's voice in the Parliament.

He also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in his Parliamentary office.

The meeting was attended by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal.

--IANS

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Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday announced in the Legislative Assembly that the deadline for ‘e‑Pik Pahani’ (electronic crop inspection) for the 2025–26 Rabi season has been extended to 31 March 2026.​

He said that registration for e‑Pik Pahani at the assistant level had begun on 25 January 2026, but only 55.69 per cent of Rabi crop registrations had been completed so far. Nearly 45 per cent of farmers were still outside the process. ​

The government, he added, had therefore extended the deadline to ensure full registration, as e‑Pik Pahani is essential for accessing government schemes, including crop insurance.​

Bawankule informed the House that the administration had been instructed to expedite the registration of data in ‘AgriStack’ through better coordination between the Settlement Commissioner and the Agriculture Commissioner. ​

He emphasised that special attention would be given to ensuring accurate and timely crop inspection verification.​

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Cooperation Pankaj Bhoyar said the state government was positive about prioritising women’s cooperatives for labour society projects. ​

He noted that various agencies across Maharashtra assign projects to Labour Contract Cooperative Societies, including works valued at less than Rs 10 lakh, projects secured through e‑tendering, and tasks allotted by Zilla Parishad authorities.​

He stated at a meeting held at Mantralaya that although many government agencies award projects to labour cooperatives through e‑tendering, the Cooperation Department currently lacks a centralised system to track this information.​

Dr Bhoyar directed that data on works assigned through e‑tenders and Zilla Parishads must be compiled at the District Deputy Registrar level.

​He instructed officials to develop an online registration portal and suggested a mechanism under which payments for projects would not be processed unless the relevant department records the work on this portal.​

According to the minister, a committee will be set up to oversee projects assigned to labour cooperatives by various departments. ​

The committee has been tasked with submitting a report soon on prioritising women’s cooperatives for this labour work. ​

Further action will be taken based on its recommendations.​

--IANS

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Shimla, March 17 (IANS) The Himachal Pradesh Government on Tuesday said here that the government has decided to withdraw the status of 'Cabinet Rank' presently accorded to various authorities, including Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Deputy Chairman of Boards, Corporations and Commissions, as well as Principal Advisors and Political Advisors.

A government spokesperson said that the decision has been taken as part of efforts to streamline administrative protocol. He further informed that in addition, 20 per cent of the salary and monthly emoluments of the authorities concerned will stay deferred till September 30, 2026.

The spokesperson added that necessary directions have been issued to all Administrative Secretaries to take prompt action in this regard.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a one-day Principal's Conference on reforms in higher education in Shimla, said that despite financial challenges, the budget for the education and health sectors would not be curtailed.

He said education is a top priority for the state government and that focused efforts are being made to provide quality education to students, even in far-flung areas.

Sukhu said, “To boost self-confidence that is of paramount importance so that students can effectively take on future challenges, the role of teachers and education is vital.” He said the state government has undertaken numerous initiatives to transform the education sector.

He stressed the opening up of new specialised colleges such as science, commerce and fine arts colleges. He said a science college is being set up at Hamirpur spanning 50 bighas, and the state government has released Rs 20 crore for this college. Additionally, commerce and other specialised colleges would be set up across the state.

The Chief Minister further said that efforts are being made to bridge existing gaps and introduce meaningful reforms in higher education. Recruitment processes are ongoing to fill 400 posts of Assistant Professor and 400 posts of Junior Assistant Professor. He also directed the introduction of new-age courses and additional language programmes in colleges to enhance employability for students.

To ensure quality education, a college ranking system has been introduced on the lines of school rankings, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the health sector is also a key priority of the government, and reforms are being undertaken in this area as well. He stated that due to the government’s efforts, high-end MRI machines have been installed in medical colleges, and the response to robotic surgery has been encouraging.

He stated that the Revenue Deficit Grant to the state has been discontinued, and financial assistance amounting to Rs 1,600 crore has been denied, which has been attributed to the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees.

He asserted, “OPS was not a politically motivated decision, but the state government's commitment towards ensuring social security for employees in their old age.”

--IANS

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Visakhapatnam, March 17 (IANS) The CBI Court, Visakhapatnam, convicted and sentenced two persons, including a former bank employee, to imprisonment for five years in a bank fraud case.

Vempadapu Santhoshi Ramu, the then clerk-cum-cashier of Andhra Bank at Cheepurupalli in Vizianagaram district, who was dismissed from service and a private person, namely, Mahanthi Ramana of Nadipaina Peta have been sentenced to imprisonment.

The CBI Court, in its order pronounced on Monday, also imposed a total fine of Rs. 1,71,42,000 on the convicts, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said in a release on Tuesday.

The CBI had registered the instant case on June 13, 2018 against the accused. It was alleged that the accused Vempadapu Santhoshi Ramu, the then clerk-cum-cashier entered into a criminal conspiracy with Mahanthi Ramana and thereby committed criminal breach of trust and misappropriated an amount of Rs. 1,71,41,162 entrusted to him, which was to be deposited into the account of Cheepurupalli Rural Electric Co-operative Society Ltd.

The Cheepurupalli Rural Electric Co-operative Society Ltd was entrusted with the job of collecting power consumption charges from remote consumers in Vizianagaram district.

After completion of its investigation, the CBI filed the chargesheet on January 10, against Vempadapu Santhoshi Ramu and Mahanthi Ramana.

After the trial, the CBI Court convicted and sentenced the accused accordingly, the Central agency said.

In December, 2025, the CBI Court had sent a former official of the Steel Authority of India Limited to three years' imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case.

The court convicted and sentenced Ragam Kishore, the then Regional Manager, Branch Transport and Shipping, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), Visakhapatnam, to undergo three years' imprisonment in the disproportionate assets case.

The CBI had registered the instant case on July 17, 2001. It was alleged that during the period from January 1, 1988, to April 19, 2000, the accused R. Kishore, while functioning as a public servant in different capacities in SAIL, was in possession of movable and immovable properties in his name and in the name of his family members, disproportionate to his known sources of income.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered a clean sweep in the elections held for five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar, with all its candidates securing victory. Reacting to the outcome, several Delhi ministers and MPs on Tuesday termed the result as expected and reflective of the alliance’s growing strength.

Speaking to reporters, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said, “This reflects the growing acceptance and increasing strength of the Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of the Prime Minister.” He added that the results underline the public’s continued faith in the NDA’s governance and development agenda.

Delhi Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh also echoed similar sentiments, stating that the outcome was anticipated. “It was meant to be a clean sweep. The whole country is ‘Sanatani’. After this, it is Bengal’s turn,” he remarked.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj congratulated the people of Bihar, saying, “This is the result of immense faith in the development policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

She also criticised the Congress, alleging that its style of politics is creating dissatisfaction within its own ranks. According to her, such political approaches are not in the national interest and have contributed to the party’s weakening position.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa congratulated the party leadership and the winning candidates.

“I congratulate the national president and all elected MPs. This victory reflects strong leadership and organisational unity,” he said.

BJP spokesperson Yasir Jilani highlighted the alliance’s unity, stating, “We have won all five seats in Bihar. This reflects the NDA’s cohesion and the political acumen of its leadership.”

The NDA had fielded five candidates: Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) national president Nitish Kumar, BJP leader Nitin Nabin, Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha, and BJP candidate Shivesh Ram. All five candidates emerged victorious.

The results dealt a setback to the Opposition Mahagathbandhan, which could not secure a single seat. During voting in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, 202 MLAs from the NDA cast their votes, while 37 MLAs from the Mahagathbandhan participated in the polling.

Notably, four Opposition MLAs — Congress legislators Manoj Biswas, Surendra Kushwaha, and Manohar Prasad Singh, along with Rashtriya Janata Dal MLA Faisal Rahman — were absent during the voting process.

Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram alleged that the missing MLAs had been “abducted” by the BJP. He claimed that despite the BJP being in power, the MLAs had been in regular contact until March 13 and were now allegedly under house arrest. The BJP has not responded to these allegations.

The counting of votes began at 5:00 P.M. Based on first-preference votes, Nitish Kumar, Nitin Nabin, Ram Nath Thakur, and Upendra Kushwaha secured their victories. Shivesh Ram won his seat in the second-preference round.

Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan’s candidate, A.D. Singh, managed to secure 38 votes. However, in the second-preference round, Shivesh Ram gained additional support, ensuring a complete sweep for the NDA.

The Bihar Legislative Assembly, which has 243 seats, conducted the election to fill five Rajya Sabha vacancies. Although six candidates were in the fray, the NDA’s strong numerical advantage — with around 202 MLAs compared to the Mahagathbandhan’s 35 — proved decisive in determining the outcome.

--IANS

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New Delhi, March 17 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson Ashutosh Verma on Tuesday slammed the Congress party for allegedly betraying the Mahagathbandhan during the Rajya Sabha elections, saying that despite whips being issued, Congress legislators failed to participate, leaving the alliance embarrassed.

“In politics, especially in Indian politics, the Rajya Sabha election is very important and reflects your numerical strength and loyalty towards your party, and even though the whip is issued, members from the Congress party in the Mahagathbandhan did not take part,” Verma told IANS adding, “Congress always betrays the Mahagathbandhan at the last moment, causing the alliance to be embarrassed.”

SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav, commenting on the Rajya Sabha election results, hinted at internal confusion in the Opposition ranks, particularly regarding cross-voting. “Why should I accuse anyone? Something must have happened — otherwise, why would there be cross-voting? It happens when a party in power instructs members to cross-vote, saying we won’t take your membership,” he said, underscoring the alleged lapses in Opposition coordination.

BJP leaders hailed the results as a testament to the NDA’s unity and electoral strength.

Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi called it a “big victory, a huge win for the NDA,” highlighting the contrast between a united NDA and a divided Opposition.

“The Opposition is divided, as evidenced yesterday when Congress could not even choose its own leader. They were so unsure of their legislators that they had to keep them confined to hotels and their homes,” he said.

Similarly, BJP Spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo congratulated the NDA while blaming the Opposition parties for absenteeism during voting.

“First of all, congratulations. The NDA has achieved a major victory and success. Now, if the RJD and Congress MLAs do not want to come and cast their votes, it is their party’s responsibility to ensure their presence. With so many abstentions, even the so-called ‘comfortable position’ now seems to be coming to an end,” Shah Deo told IANS.

NDA won 21 out of 37 Rajya Sabha seats, reinforcing the BJP’s hold over the Upper House. The INDIA Bloc secured 13 seats, while the BJD won one, and counting for two Haryana seats has been temporarily stalled.

Of the total 37 seats, 26 MPs were elected unopposed, including seven from the BJP and one each from its allies: Shiv Sena, Republican Party of India (Athawale), NCP, AIADMK, Pattali Makkal Katchi, and the United People’s Party Liberal. The Congress won five seats unopposed, the Trinamool Congress four, the DMK three, and the NCP(SP) one.

The results underscore the BJP-led NDA’s electoral strength and the challenges facing the Opposition coalition in maintaining unity amid internal disagreements.

--IANS

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Hyderabad, March 17 (IANS) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has issued a show-cause notice to its former MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, who was arrested along with some others for alleged drug consumption at a party at his farmhouse in Moinabad near Hyderabad on March 14.

Taking a serious note of the allegations against him, the BRS on Tuesday issued a notice to him, directing him to submit a detailed written explanation within seven days.

Rohith Reddy, a former MLA from Tandu constituency, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Putta Mahesh Kumar and nine others were arrested during the raid on the farmhouse by Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE).

Six of those held, including the MP and former MLA, tested positive for drugs. While the MP and seven others were released on station bail the next day, RohithReddy, his brother Ritish Reddy and a Delhi-based businessman, Namith Sharma, were remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

On the direction of BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, party General Secretary Soma Bharat Kumar issued a show-cause notice to Rohith Reddy.

The former MLA has been directed to stay away from party activities till the party decides the matter.

The notice says that, according to various media reports and other credible information, it has come to the notice of the party's high command that allegations have surfaced regarding the consumption of drugs at a gathering held near Hyderabad, which he attended. The widespread publicity this matter has received in the media has caused damage to the party's reputation and led to public concern, reads the notice.

As a responsible political organisation, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi is committed to upholding law and ethical values. The party strictly opposes any form of illegal activity, particularly the consumption of narcotics or any association whatsoever with such substances, says the notice.

The notice also says that allegations concerning his presence and involvement in the incident are detrimental to the party's reputation and hence views this matter seriously.

“Therefore, pursuant to the directives of the Party President, Sri K. Chandrasekhar Rao, you are hereby directed to submit a clear and comprehensive written explanation regarding the allegations levelled against you within 7 (seven) days from the date of receipt of this notice,” it said.

The notice further states that if he fails to submit a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated deadline, appropriate disciplinary action will be initiated against him without any further notice in accordance with the Party Constitution and Code of Conduct.

The TDP on March 15 issued a similar notice to its MP from Eluru and directed him to submit a detailed written clarification within five days. TDP national President and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed Mahesh Kumar to stay away from party activities till the party takes a decision in the matter.

--IANS

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Godhra, March 17 (IANS) A major accident occurred late on Monday night near the Vejalpur–Kharsaliya crossing on the Godhra–Vadodara highway, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and serious injuries to others, officials said on Tuesday.

According to preliminary information, a container, a trailer, a truck, and a van were involved in a collision.

Among the deceased were 32-year-old on-duty TRB personnel Jagdish Baria and 30-year-old van driver Ashraf Pathan from Lunawada.

Baria died at the scene, while Pathan succumbed to his injuries during treatment at Godhra Civil Hospital.

The van was carrying members of a single family from Lunawada, who were travelling from Vejalpur to Godhra.

Four children, four women, and one man were injured in the accident.

One of the injured, in critical condition, was transferred to Vadodara for further treatment.

Local residents and police arrived at the scene immediately and assisted in rescuing those trapped in the wreckage.

The injured were transported to Godhra Civil Hospital using 108 ambulances and private vehicles.

The accident caused traffic congestion on the highway, which was later eased by Vejalpur police.

“The accident was severe, and our teams are conducting a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. The injured have been admitted in nearby hospital for further treatment," officials said.

Authorities have registered a case and are continuing investigation into the circumstances of accident.

The highway has recorded major accidents earlier as well.

In April 2025, four members of a family died when a speeding truck collided head‑on with their motorcycle on the Godhra–Vadodara Highway near Trupti Hotel.

The deceased included three sisters and their father. Police seized the truck and arrested the driver.

In March 2025, around 20 people were injured when a state transport bus rammed into a dumper truck near Godhra on the national highway connecting Godhra with other regions.

--IANS

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