Rabindranath Biswas & Deepak Kumar Singh
Diglipur, June 12: In a ghastly incident, a crocodile reportedly attacked a person and his son, making them seriously injured in Diglipur yesterday.
According to information, one Mr. Amar Das, 57 and his son Mr. Manik Das, 23 went to the sea shore at Ambar Char, specifically called Tatkhali Char, a remote area in Diglipur Tehsil to catch fish with net in a dinghy at about 03:30 p.m. yesterday. The father Mr. Amar Das was casting the fishing net in the water in the knee-deep shoreline while the son Manik Das was standing close to his father on the shore.
Meanwhile a huge salt-water crocodile came from behind and reportedly attacked Amar Das across his waist and after taking Amar Das in its jaws, the crocodile gave a death roll and as an impact, Amar Das’ buttocks and thighs were torn and chest ripped; and seeing it happening, Manik Das threw himself in the water and after positioning himself close to the attacking crocodile, he reached out his hand to run his finger into the eyes of the crocodile, Manik Das narrated.
He also succeeded in running his finger into the eyes of the crocodile, while the crocodile, after getting pain in its eyes, loosened the grip of the croc’s crash-jibe and released the father and turning to Manik Das, the croc made a furious attack on the son thereby critically injuring Manik Das on his hand and legs. However, Manik Das desperately got his father released from the clutch of the crocodile’s crash jibe and himself from the terrible attack of the crocodile.
Manik Das cried out in despair for help, while an elderly person who was going past the seashore came to their rescue. Since Amar Das was profusely bleeding and almost lost sense and Manik being seriously injured somehow managed to drag his critically injured father to the shore with help of the passersby, Manik Das said. He further said that, since it was heavily raining, the water in the shoreline turned turbid, and as a result of which they couldn’t detect the presence of the crocodile even in the shallow water. In the meantime, their family members rushed to the spot after listening to the shriek of Manik Das.
The family members of Amar Das and neighbours then took the seriously injured father and son in a motorized dinghy in the tempestuous seas to Aerial Bay and they reached Aerial Bay at around 08:00 pm and after calling an ambulance they were immediately rushed to the CHC, Diglipur. The doctors attended the patients in emergency and carried out required treatment, their cuts and torn parts were stitched. Since Mr. Amar Das’ condition was critical, he was referred to GB Pant Hospital and was airlifted in the morning today while Manik Das is out of danger now and his treatment is going in CHC, Diglipur, croc victim Manik Das said.
Archives for June 12, 2024
AATO to host Andaman Tourism Road Show to Boost Local Tourism Industry
Deepak Kumar Singh & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 12: The Association of Tour Operators (AATO) is set to host a comprehensive tourism road show from June 13 to 17,2024 attracting numerous tour operators from the mainland. In a press conference held at Hotel Star Paradise today, key details about the road show were shared with the media by Mr. M Vinod, the President of AATO.
He said that last year, AATO conducted a small-scale trial of the tourism road show, inviting 25-30 tour operators from Delhi. Encouraged by its success, this year’s event will be on a larger scale, with 50 tour operators from across India, including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, participating. These operators are listed with the Ministry of Tourism, which is coordinating the event along with a nodal officer from Maharashtra.
The roadshow will be inaugurated on June 13 by the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration at Hotel Mansa Regency. The four-day event will include various activities, workshops, and tours, with a detailed minute-to-minute program provided to the participants.
The objective of the road show is not only to promote the brand ‘Andaman’ as a prime tourist destination. The presence of reputed tour operators is expected to significantly enhance Andaman’s visibility and appeal in their respective regions.
“AATO has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, receiving substantial support from local tourism stakeholders, including hoteliers and transport providers. Their cooperation has been crucial in organizing the event, which will begin with the inauguration ceremony at 6 PM at Mansa Regency,” Mr. Vinod added.
Mr. M Vinod emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the success of the event. He highlighted that the road show aims to address challenges and create awareness about the authenticity of tour operators, urging tourists to verify the credentials of operators before booking.
During the press conference, Mr. Rama Krishna, Assistant Director of India Tourism, Andaman, Mr. K.Hamza, General Secretary of the AATO, and Mr. P.S.Vijayan, Organizing Secretary of AATO were also present.
The roadshow will include programs in various locations, such as Port Blair on June 13, Swaraj Dweep on June 14, Shaheed Dweep on June 15, and conclude with a grand ceremony at Jalsa on June 16. Participants will be felicitated, and local stakeholders will be acknowledged for their contributions.
Vehicle Ferry Breakdowns Cause Major Delays for NH4 Passengers
Ganesh & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 12: Passengers travelling on NH4 between South Andaman and Middle Andaman faced significant delays and inconvenience from yesterday evening until this afternoon due to the breakdown of two out of three vehicle ferry vessels at Middle Strait.
The trouble began when MV Kadamtala suffered a breakdown yesterday evening. Compounding the issue, MV Austin IV had already been out of service for maintenance over the past two days. This left only MV North Bay operational to handle the heavy traffic at Middle Strait.
With just one operational ferry vessel, a large number of vehicles and passengers were stranded at both the Middle Strait and Baratang Jetty. Many people had to wait for several hours to cross the strait, leading to considerable frustration and delays.
Efforts to repair MV Kadamtala were successful, and the vessel was back in operation by 1:15 PM today. Following the repair, the backlog of vehicles and passengers was quickly transported across the strait, providing some much-needed relief to those affected.
Normalcy has since been restored, and traffic flow has resumed, bringing an end to the ordeal for NH4 passengers by today late evening.
Police Station Aberdeen Arrested Two with Banned Manufactured Psychotropic Drugs Tablets
Port Blair, Jun 12: Acting swiftly on precise intelligence, the Aberdeen Police conducted a targeted raid resulting in the apprehension of two individuals involved in the illegal possession of a significant quantity of manufactured psychotropic drugs tablets.
On 9th June 2024, a team from the Police Station Aberdeen, led by Inspector Vishal Ram, the Station House Officer, along with Head Constable Vinodh Kumar and Police Constables Jai Raj, Jagdish Babu, S.S Yadav, and P. Mohammed Rafique, conducted a well-coordinated operation near ANCOL, Chakkar Gaon.
The raid led to the arrest of P. Yaswanth, aged 25, and M. Navin, aged 24, both residents of Santosh Colony, Bird Line. P. Yaswanth is employed as a Private Painter, while M. Navin is engaged as a Private Labourer. The operation resulted in the seizure of 295 tablets of banned manufactured psychotropic drugs from the possession of the accused individuals.
The accused persons have been promptly arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. A case has been registered against them at the Police Station Aberdeen, reflecting the seriousness with which South Andaman District is addressing such illegal activities.
This operation underscores the commitment of the Aberdeen Police to combat the illicit drug trade and ensure the safety and well-being of community. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement authorities in the fight against drug-related crimes.
The entire raid was supervised by Mr. Vikas Swami, IPS, Sub Divisional Police Officer, South Andaman Division under the overall supervision of Shweta Sugathan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The general public is requested to share information pertaining to illegal activities and other crime to Police at 112, 03192-232100, 03192-236641 & 03192-232400 to make a healthy and drug free society. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.
BJP State President Ajoy Bairagi takes up Diglipur Flash Flood Crisis with Administration
Port Blair, Jun 12: The State President of Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr. Ajoy Bairagi, has actively taken up the issue of the flash flood in Diglipur caused by heavy rainfall in the area. Mr. Ajoy Bairagi has spoken with the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman, and the Assistant Commissioner of Diglipur regarding the crisis.
The flash flood has resulted in many villages in and around Diglipur being fully submerged, putting the residents in acute distress. Mr. Bairagi has urged the officials to:
• Immediate Evacuation and Shelter: Evacuate the affected residents and provide them with adequate shelter as immediate relief.
• Damage Assessment and Compensation: Conduct a thorough survey of the damage to agricultural crops, livestock, and other properties, and compensate the villagers accordingly.
The officials assured Mr. Bairagi that necessary steps will be taken immediately to address the situation and provide relief to the affected residents.
Strict Action by District Administration on illegal Quarry Operations
Port Blair, Jun 12: Continuing with its effort to curb illegal activities in the District, the South Andaman District Administration has been keeping a strict vigil on such activities and owing to the vigilant field functionaries, case of illegal quarrying were noticed in the villages of Taylorabad and Bimblitan recently.
The District Administration taking punitive action has imposed heavy fine against the offenders involved in the illegal quarrying and the machinery used for the purpose were also seized.
The general public is once again requested to refrain from such illegal activities and further to contact the District Administration in case of any complaint against such illegal activities. They can communicate with the District Control Room over the following numbers 03192-240127/238881/1070 and whatsapp number 9531888844. The identity of persons providing such information will be kept anonymous.
Mr. Vishal Jolly Urges Chief Secretary for Immediate Relief and Compensation for Diglipur Flood Victims
Port Blair, Jun 12: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of BJP and Former State President of BJP-ANI, has penned a letter to the Chief Secretary of the A & N Administration urgently seeking intervention to provide relief and compensation for the victims affected by the flood in Diglipur.
In the letter, Mr. Jolly highlights the devastating impact of the heavy flood in the Diglipur region. It is evident at first glance that there has been extensive damage caused by the flood, affecting agricultural fields, crops, cattle, roads, and other critical infrastructures.
He emphasizes the immediate need for proper assessment to be conducted to ascertain the extent of the damages and for urgent relief measures to be initiated. Mr. Jolly underscores the urgency of the situation by pointing out that villagers’ houses are inundated with rainwater, necessitating their immediate evacuation to safer shelters and provision of essential supplies such as food and other necessities. Additionally, measures need to be taken to protect the cattle.
To facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the damage, Mr. Jolly suggests that a joint inspection be conducted by teams from the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, Fisheries Department, and Animal Husbandry Department. Following relief and rescue operations, it is imperative that the victims are adequately compensated without delay.
The administration is urged to take swift and decisive action to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the flood in Diglipur.
Fishermen advised not to venture into the sea
Port Blair, June 12: Due to squally weather with strong surface wind, wind speed 40 to 50 kmph is very likely to be along and off Andaman & Nicobar coasts. Sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till morning of June 14.
For further enquiries / information, one may contact helpline of State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 & District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. For any emergency/assistance at sea, call Coast Guard SAR Agency at Toll Free Number 1554.
Death Mourned
Port Blair, Jun 12: CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee deeply mourned the sudden demise of Comrade S. Surender, General Secretary, A & N Govt Pensioners Association and a Party Member at 9.45 p.m. on 11.06.2024 at GB Pant Hospital where he was admitted since 9th June, 2024. He was 68 years old. He retired from government service as Office Superintendent. His body will be taken from his residence at Prothrapore (near Burma Jail) for cremation at Junglighat Cremation Ground at 11.30 a.m. today (12th June, 2024).
As a leader of the Non-Gazetted Government Officers Association, he had participated in a number of movements particularly relating to the clerical cadre staff conducted by the Association. He was the Assistant General Secretary of the Association for along time. He belonged to an Ex-Servicemen Settler family of Great Nicobar.
CPI(M) Andaman and Nicobar State Organising Committee paid rich homage to the memory of Com. S. Surender and conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
Document Verification for Casual Broadcast Assistant Applicants at Doordarshan Kendra Port Blair
Port Blair, Jun 12: The verification of documents for applicants who applied for the position of Casual Broadcast Assistant at Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair, will be held on 15th June 2024 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at DD Port Blair.
All applicants are requested to bring their original certificates for verification on the specified date and time