FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. 15 No. 15 | BHOPAL | SUNDAY | JUNE 29, 2025 | Pages 16 ` 4 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 FREE www.freepressjournal.in Sports India’s Olympic hero sees crossover potential in pace ace P.15 ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: BHOPAL UJJAIN WORLD PRESS PUNE INDORE NASHIK MUMBAI E-paper Readers’ Corner When love murders trust P.6 US PREZ ENDS TRADE TALKS WITH CANADA Cinema Middle-Class Girl To Sensation P.14 Rs 20 lakh for one girl: A village school’s strange arithmetic The school has two assistant teachers, one contractual teacher Pankaj Malik NEEMUCH In Neemuch district’s Gulabkhedi village, a silent paradox plays out every school day. A government Tension in Ujjain as slipper hurled at religious place IANS UJJAIN Tension flared in Ujjain a day before during the procession of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra, after a video surfaced showing slippers being hurled at a religious place near Gopal Mandir, police officials said on Saturday. The incident, which occurred during the Khati community's Rath Yatra, sparked outrage and led to a protest outside Kharakuan police station by members of the Muslim community, demanding swift action. "A case has been registered against unidentified individuals after an object was reportedly thrown at a religious site by anti-social elements late Friday night. Police are reviewing the CCTV footage from the area in an effort to identify the culprits," Ujjain Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma's office wrote on X. According to reports, two separate Rath Yatras were held in the city -- one by ISKCON temple and the other by the Khati community from Jagdish Mandir on Dhaba Road. 4Continued on | P8 fp Briefs NEW DELHI ISIS India chief dies Saquib Nachan, an accused with links to the terror group Islamic State (ISIS), died in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, said sources on Saturday. He had been in judicial custody in Tihar Jail since 2023 and was admitted to the hospital a few days ago, they said. primary school built to educate dozens now opens its doors for just one student — Tejaswini Singh, a class III girl — while the state spends over Rs 20 lakh annually to keep it running. Once a functional school with multiple classes, today it stands quiet, its chalkboards largely untouched, its classrooms echoing with absence. Yet, it still employs two assistant teachers and one contractual teacher, with a monthly salary bill of Rs 2.5 lakh. Add costs for midday meals, stationery, electricity, and water — and the numbers only rise. “Tejaswini is the only student left,” confirms a teacher. “We teach her with full dedication — but how sustainable is this?” District Education Officer SM Mangriya admits this is not a one-off. “We have three to four dozen schools across Neemuch with fewer than 10 stu- dents,” he said. “Currently, 537 primary schools serve SWIFT ACTION | Yadav asks minister Kunwar Vijay Shah to visit site and extend all possible help to those affected CM irked at razing of 51 tribal houses in Kheoni Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL/ SEHORE Annoyed at the action of the forest department, which razed 51 mud houses of tribals in Kheoni Sanctuary of Dewas, chief minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday directed tribal affairs minister Kunwar Vijay Shah to visit the site, assess the situation and ensure all possible help to the affected families. The forest department razed the mud houses on June 23, calling them as encroachment on forest land. The tribal families spent two nights under the open sky, that too amid rainfall. The CM said the forest department had been instructed to avoid any action that may cause inconvenience to people during the monsoon season. When contacted, Dewas collector Rituraj told the Free Press that in the wake of the CM’s instructions, basic humanitarian help was being provided to the affected people. In addition to the PDS rations, six months’ additional rations were given to them. Along with this, each affected family would get Rs 20,000 and cooked food as well. Even a temporary tin shed arrangement was made for care of their cattle. 4Continued on | P8 TRIBALS GHERAO SEHORE COLLECTORATE Thousands of tribals laid siege to the collectorate in Sehore to oppose the proposed Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Sanctuary in Budhni assembly constituency. At that time, union minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan was attending a DISHA meeting in the collectorate. On learning about the protest, he reached the spot. He said that there was no need for a sanctuary. He added that in meetings to be held in connection with the proposed sanctuary, a proposal would be passed that there was no need for a sanctuary in Ichhawar- Budhni. He also said that he would meet the CM on the issue along with the tribals’ delegation. The tribals said that forest officers were taking action against the land which was in their possession for the past 30 to 35 years. At least two lakh tribals live in around 200 villages and survive through farming on forest land. Transfer is caught between CM’s choice, CS’ 360-degree formula Both discussed the issue ten days ago, but the transfer of IAS officers remains incomplete Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL The list of transfers of IAS officers is caught between Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s choice and Chief Secretary Anurag Jain’s 360-degree formula. The officers whom Yadav wants to transfer to the important departments and to the fields do not fit into the formula of Jain. After taking over as Chief Secretary, Jain has come up with the 360-degree feedback formula. According to the formula, before posting of an officer to an important department, the feedback on him is taken from his counterparts with whom he has worked. The officials from whom the feedback is collected may be senior or junior to the of- Dewas Collector Rituraj talks to tribals whose houses were demolished. (File photo) ficer about whom the info is taken. Besides the officials, feedback is taken from other people. On the basis of the information, the name of an officer is recommended to the CS and the CM for posting to an important department. On the other hand, the CM wants to post such officers as can give results. The state government has completed one and a half years. Now, the departments have to give the outcome of the projects that they started. Yadav wants to bring those officers who can work fast in the departments that deal directly with the public welfare. Both of them have agreed to shift a few officers from some departments. But the government is mulling over about who should be posted in places of those officers.   There are talks about changing the departments of some Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretarylevel officers, but the list of transfers is yet to be declared. 4Continued on | P8 COVID Surge: Sehore woman dies in Indore hosp, toll 6 FP News Service Our Staff Reporter State reported sixth Covid death on Saturday, after a 50year-old Sehore woman died during course of treatment at a private hospital in Indore. She was admitted with severe respiratory distress and was also suffering from kidney failure, hypertension and other co-morbidities. The woman was kept in an isolation ward but succumbed on June 26. However, the case came to fore on Saturday. 4Continued on | P8 The High Court has directed Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure that in all alleged rape cases, victims undergo a pregnancy test immediately after their medical examination. The court stressed the importance of early detection to safeguard health and rights of victims, especially minors. The court also instructed that if the victim and her parents opt for termination of pregnancy, it should be carried out at the earliest and safest stage to reduce risks to victim’s life. Justice Vishal Mishra ordered the DGP to Agencies NEW DELHI The government has proposed to make it mandatory for the two-wheeler manufacturers to provide two helmets at the time of vehicle purchase. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed important changes to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 to make this new rule into effect. According to an official notification by the government, this rule will become mandatory within three months after the final notification of the new amendment rules is published in the official gazette. IANS NEW DELHI The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Astronaut, who became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station, via videoconferencing on Saturday. The Prime Minister remarked that although Shubhanshu Shukla is presently ried the collective zeal and pride of the entire nation and extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Shubhanshu for hoisting India’s flag in space. PM Modi enquired about Shubhanshu’s well-being Two CEs among seven suspended over faulty Aishbagh ROB design NEW DELHI Parag Jain, one of the brains behind the meticulous planning of 'Operation Sindoor', has been appointed as the new Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), according to an official order issued here on Saturday. The two-year tenure of Jain, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1989 batch of the Punjab cadre, officially begins on July 1. He takes over from Ravi Sinha, who retires on June 30. "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Parag Jain, IPS to the post of Secretary, Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) under Cabinet Secretariat for a tenure of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post until further orders, whichever is earlier..." the order read. The court stressed the importance of early detection to safeguard health, rights of victims, especially minors circulate these instructions to all district Superintendents of Police, emphasising that the directions are issued with victim’s best interests in mind. The court observed that in a recent case, the chargesheet was filed in March 2025, months after the alleged crime in September 2024, but the victim was not given a pregnancy test at the time of her and whether all was fine aboard the space station.Responding to the Prime Minister, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla thanked him for the best wishes on behalf of 140 crore Indians and stated that he is in good health and Ambedkar’s ideology PTI deeply moved by the love and blessings he has received. He described his time in orbit as a profound and novel experience, one that reflects not just his personal journey but also the direction in which India is advancing. The astronaut noted that his 400-kilometre journey frosm Earth to orbit is symbolic of the aspirations of countless Indians. 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8 4Continued on | P8 the school wither, the government should invest in improving its image — recruit good staff, upgrade infrastructure, and win back parents’ trust.” As Tejaswini continues to attend class alone, her school becomes a symbol of the urgent need for policy clarity, rational resource use, and a ground-up education rethink — before more classrooms across rural India fall silent. Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL State government has taken strict action in the faulty design case of Aishbagh Railway Over Bridge case on Saturday night. Action has been taken against eight engineers. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that including two Chief Engineers, seven engineers have been suspended from immediate effect. Departmental inquiry will be done against one retired Sub Engineer. He added that for presenting faulty design of ROB, construction agency and design consultant have been black listed. For necessary amendment in ROB, a committee has been constituted. After amendment, ROB will be inaugurated. Notably, the ROB attracted the attention of the entire country due to its 90 degree medical examination. This delay prevented the victim’s family from making timely decision regarding her health. The case concerns a minor girl, around 13 years old, who was kidnapped in September 2024 and recovered in February 2025. A suo motu petition was registered after a letter from the Additional Sessions Judge (Special POCSO Court), Sehore district, sought permission for terminating the victim’s pregnancy, which was over 24 weeks along. The court noted the victim’s vulnerable socio-economic background and highlighted the need for swift and sensitive handling of such cases. ACTION l Construction agency black listed l Design consultants black listed l Committee formed to coordinate with railways for improving safety and design turn. The photos of the sharp turn went viral on social media, causing huge embarrassment to the state government. 4Continued on | P8 Agri officer held with Rs 50K bribe Accused will retire this month Our Staff Reporter BHOPAL Sagar Lokayukta police trapped a senior agriculture development officer (SADO) along with a bribe amount of Rs 50k on Saturday. The accused will retire this month. A case has been registered against him and further investigation is underway. Sagar Lokayukta police said that Sunil Kumar Jain runs a pesticide shop used for agricultural purpose. The licence of his shop was needed to be renewed. 4Continued on | P8 Tongue-painting tribal artist dreams of performing before PM NAGPUR Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Saturday said Dr B R Ambedkar envisioned one Constitution for the country to keep it united and never favoured the idea of a separate constitution for a state. Speaking at the inauguration of the Constitution Preamble Park here, the CJI said the Supreme Court drew inspiration from Dr Ambedkar's vision of a united India under a single constitution while upholding the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Gavai was part of a fivejudge Constitution bench, headed by then Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, that unanimously upheld the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370, which bestowed special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. ‘India appears bigger, more majestic from space’ the farthest from the Indian motherland, he remains closest to the hearts of all Indians. He noted that Shubhanshu’s name itself carries auspiciousness, and his journey marks the beginning of a new era. PM Modi stated that while it was a conversation between two individuals, it embodied the emotions and enthusiasm of 140 crore Indians. He said that the voice speaking to Shubhanshu car- Brain behind Op Sindoor Parag Jain new RAW chief Govt proposes to make 2 helmets CJI: Article 370 was against mandatory for new 2-wheelers offgrid Shukla interacts with PM Modi private schools.” What makes the case even more baffling is that Mundla School, just one kilometre away, has 110 students, offers better education, and boasts children reading English novels. “Why would parents keep their kids in Gulabkhedi when Mundla has proven outcomes,” ask locals. Former sarpanch Bhon Singh Chouhan blames apathy. “Instead of letting HC asks DGP to mandate pregnancy tests in rape cases JABALPUR INDORE 48,757 students, taught by 1,029 teachers. No orders have been issued to close or merge such schools. The focus remains on increasing enrolment.” But teacher Dharmendra Singh points to a deeper issue. “Since last year, children under six can’t be admitted here due to policy. Private schools admit kids as young as three. Most villagers now prefer Sandipani (CM Rise) and other Creates portrait of Salman Khan at The Kapil Sharma Show FP News Service BALAGHAT Suryabhan Meravi, a tribal youth from Sundarvahi village in Balaghat district, has captivated people with his rare ability to paint portraits using his tongue. Recently featured on The Kapil Sharma Show, Suryabhan gained viral fame after creating a portrait of actor Salman Khan with his tongue. Beginning his artistic journey in 2017, Suryabhan initially performed on MTV and later appeared on Colors TV and Sony TV. His unique talent, developed for India’s Got Talent, now allows him to paint faces in just 5 minutes. He has painted portraits of celebrities like Karan Johar, Huma Qureshi, Lauren Gottlieb, and Bhagyashree. Inspired by his grandfather and mentored by Chandan Kishore Gupta and Rajesh Irve, Suryabhan currently resides in Indore, where he runs Surya Art classes for children. His father, Santram Meravi, expressed pride in his son's achievements, recalling his early silence and creative spark at age 3. Suryabhan now dreams of presenting a tongue-painted portrait to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aims to showcase his art on America’s Got Talent.