Latest news with #Durgesh
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Thieves snack and relax, rob home of Rs1.5cr
Lucknow: In what seems more like a script from a dark comedy, Lucknow has witnessed yet another bizarre and audacious burglary in Jankipuram where thieves helped themselves to chips, dry fruits and air-conditioning before vanishing with ancestral jewellery and cash worth nearly Rs1.5 crore, while leaving behind a licensed firearm. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The incident came to light when the family returned from Bengaluru on Wednesday. The burglary took place at the residence of Durgesh Kumar Mishra, nephew of former Kharagpur Jagir village head Brijendra Kumar Mishra alias Lubbu Mishra. Durgesh, a petrol pump owner, travelled to Bengaluru with his wife Aarti, younger brother Ram Manohar Mishra, sister-in-law Neelam Mishra, and other family members to visit his sister Sarita on May 28. Upon returning on Wednesday, the family was shocked to find the latch of the main gate broken. Though the lock appeared untouched, the inner door was forced open. Durgesh told police that the burglars seemed to know the house well. "They broke open locks in every room, searched meticulously and took only cash, gold and valuable items — leaving a gun untouched," he said. The forensic team found a half-smoked bidi near the door and an intact bidi on the sofa, which have been sent to a laboratory for analysis. The dog squad sniffed a key from one of the looted wardrobes and led investigators approximately 500 metres away to the house of one Kamlesh Mishra in the northern direction, where it stopped. Police suspect the thieves parked a getaway vehicle near Kamlesh's residence and fled after committing the crime. CCTV footage from the vicinity is being collected and reviewed. "The level of planning and time taken suggest the thieves knew the family was out of town. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It could be someone close," an officer said. On the basis of suspicion, three individuals have been detained and are being interrogated. Former village head Brijendra Mishra told reporters that Durgesh planned to stay in Bengaluru for a few more days, but an unexpected tragedy forced his return. "Durgesh's brother-in-law died in an accident, which is why the family returned earlier than scheduled. Otherwise, this theft may have gone unnoticed for longer," he said. Additional commissioner of police (ACP), Aliganj, Dharmendra Kumar Raghuvanshi said, "Multiple teams, including DCP crime and the local police, are working to trace the burglars. CCTV footage from the area is being compiled. We expect a breakthrough soon."
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Proud moment for Andhra Pradesh as Belum Caves get GSI tag
VIJAYAWADA: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has granted Geo Heritage Site status to the historic Belum Caves. With this recognition, Belum Caves becomes the seventh site in the State to receive this prestigious status. Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh hailed the recognition as a proud moment. 'Glad that the GSI has given special recognition to the world-famous Belum Caves in Kolimigundla of Nandyal district. These are not just natural wonders but ancient cultural sites that deserve national and global attention,' he said. Belum Caves is the country's second-longest publicly accessible limestone cave system. Formed by a tributary of the ancient Chitravathi River, the site also features archaeological remains, including pre-Buddhist pottery and relics linked to Buddhist and Jain monks. The caves were first documented in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote. They were later explored in the 1980s and declared a protected site in 1988 before opening to the public in 2002. Durgesh said that the inclusion in the GSI list is expected to increase both domestic and international tourist footfall. 'With this announcement, Belum Caves will become even more popular as a tourist destination. The tag will also bring infrastructure improvements,' he added. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is committed to strengthening tourism in the State. 'We will ensure more publicity for Belum Caves to attract foreign visitors and highlight its geological and cultural significance,' Durgesh said. The tourism department plans to enhance connectivity, upgrade amenities, and promote the site to align with the international attention it is now poised to receive.
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Hans India
Tourism Min elated over GSI recognition to Belum Caves
Amaravati: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh expressed delight over the inclusion of Belum Caves, a symbol of ancient culture and heritage, in the geological heritage list. With the announcement from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Minister expects that the Belum Caves, located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, with a history dating back 450 years BCE and spread over approximately 23 acres, will gain further tourist prominence. The Minister said in a statement here on Friday that this recognition as a geological heritage site opens up opportunities for further development. The Minister stated that Belum Caves are internationally renowned as the second-longest and the longest underground caves in India. He added that the unimaginable natural beauty hidden underground within Belum Caves not only greatly attracts tourists but also provides a refreshing experience. The Minister explained that millions of tourists visit these caves. He assured that efforts would be made to further attract both domestic and international tourists. He further stated that Rayalaseema boasts numerous spiritual sites and beautiful tourist destinations, including Tirumala, Ahobilam, Mahanandi, Yaganti, Srisailam, Brahmamgari Matham, Gandikota, Siddavatam, Gandi, and Horsley Hills, and all of them will be developed. Minister Durgesh expressed confidence that the tourism sector will further flourish under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Hans India
13-06-2025
- Hans India
Andhra Pradesh: Bellum Caves Enter Geographical Heritage List
The Tourism Minister, Kandula Durgesh, has expressed his delight at the inclusion of the renowned Bellum Caves in the geographical heritage list by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). He described this recognition as a significant achievement for the caves, located in Kolimigundla, Nandyal district, and acknowledged their importance as a site of ancient culture. Minister Durgesh believes that this announcement will enhance the area's appeal as a tourist destination. He anticipates that the Belum Caves will undergo further development following their inclusion in the GSI listings. Known as the second longest cave system in the world and the longest in India, Minister Durgesh is optimistic that the Belum Caves will gain prominence among the country's tourist spots. To attract foreign visitors, he indicated that increased promotional efforts will be initiated. The Minister credited the tourism sector's growth to the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, highlighting the government's commitment to developing tourism in the state.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
DVAP boosts grassroots governance: Ministers
Rajamahendravaram: In a visionary move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, each Assembly constituency will soon be equipped with dedicated offices supported by adequate human resources, announced District In-Charge and Minister for Water Resources Dr Nimmala Ramanaidu and Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh. They lauded the initiative, and involving ministers in constituency-level operations would set an inspiring precedent. The announcement came during the District Vision Action Plan (DVAP) meeting held virtually on Monday, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu from Amaravati. The session saw participation from elected representatives, collectors, and intellectuals from across the state. East Godavari district collector P Prasanthi, Adikavi Nannaya University (AKNU) Vice-Chancellor Dr S Prasanna Sree, and others were present at the event. Rajahmundry Rural MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary participated via video conference from the newly established Rural Constituency Vision Action Plan Office. He stressed the importance of skill development systems for youth and personally pledged to support the education of four underprivileged students through the P-4 initiative. Ministers Ramanaidu and Durgesh said that action plans are being developed and implemented across the seven Assembly constituencies in the district to align with the Swarnandhra Vision 2047. They stated that the goal is to reflect the aspirations of the people through targeted development. Speaking during the video conference, Minister Durgesh informed the Chief Minister that priority issues are being identified to drive district-level execution effectively. He expressed gratitude to the CM for stressing the need for constituency and mandal-level development plans. He assured that detailed strategies would be drawn up after analysing the district's challenges and opportunities on the ground. Minister Durgesh also mentioned that the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, which will support youth with economic and technological opportunities, is ready for launch. He further noted that 300 acres of land have been earmarked in Rajanagaram for the establishment of an Industrial Park.
