Chhattisgarh: YouTuber Devraj Patel killed in road accident in Raipur
Raipur, Jun 26: Famous YouTuber Devraj Patel was killed as he fell off his motorcycle after it brushed against a truck in Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur on Monday, police said.
He was 22.
Patel was riding pillion when the accident occurred at around 3:30 pm. He was returning from Nava Raipur after filming a video, an official said.
Patel's channel 'Dil Se Bura Lagta Hai' has more than 4 lakh subscribers and over 8.80 crore views.
He was known for his witty style and funny videos.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed grief over the incident and said Devraj Patel who made everyone laugh has left us.
The accident occurred near Labhandi area under Telibandha police station limits when the handle of the motorcycle hit the truck which was going in the same direction and Patel, who was riding pillion, came under the rear wheel of the heavy vehicle, the official said.
Bike rider Rakesh Manhar, who escaped unhurt in the accident, called up an ambulance following which Patel was shifted to a hospital where he was declared dead, he added.
Patel, a resident of the state's Mahasamund district, was staying in a rented house in Raipur.
"Devraj Patel who made his place among crores of people and made us all laugh, left us today. The loss of such a wonderful talent at a young age is very sad. May God give strength to his family and loved ones to bear this loss," the chief minister said in a condolence message.
Patel had worked with famous YouTuber Bhuvan Bam in the comedy web series "Dhindora".
In 2021, Patel shot a video with CM Baghel at the latter's official residence in which he said, "Only two persons are famous in Chhattisgarh. I and our 'kaka' (Baghel is popularly called kaka which means uncle)".
“दिल से बुरा लगता है” से करोड़ों लोगों के बीच अपनी जगह बनाने वाले, हम सबको हंसाने वाले देवराज पटेल आज हमारे बीच से चले गए.
— Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) June 26, 2023
इस बाल उम्र में अद्भुत प्रतिभा की क्षति बहुत दुखदायी है.
ईश्वर उनके परिवार और चाहने वालों को यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति दे. ओम् शांति: pic.twitter.com/6kRMQ94o4v
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
CM Siddaramaiah appeals to Naxalites to surrender, join mainstream
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday appealed to the Naxalites (Maoists) involved in violent activities to surrender and join the democratic mainstream.
He said the government has already formulated a surrender policy, which will be simplified and implemented effectively.
"Our government is determined to encourage all Naxals in Karnataka to surrender completely and reintegrate into the mainstream," Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
The CM said under the surrender policy, financial assistance will be provided in phases.
"Naxals who surrender their weapons to the government will be eligible for incentives, skill training, and comprehensive rehabilitation measures, all of which will be undertaken with empathy and on a priority basis," he underlined.
The government will also take steps to expedite the resolution of cases against surrendered Naxals and ensure they receive necessary legal support, the chief minister assured the Left wing ultras.
He added that efforts are underway to identify and address the needs of those who have already surrendered, ensuring their successful rehabilitation.
Siddaramaiah, however, warned strict action against those engaging in violence.
"At the same time, I want to make it unequivocally clear that anyone engaging in violent or unlawful activities will face strict legal action from our government," he said.
According to him, several progressive and public-spirited leaders met him, emphasising the importance of Naxals joining the democratic mainstream and preventing any loss of life.
On November 20, a top Naxalite, Vikram Gowda, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force at Peetabailu village in Hebri in Udupi district, pointing to the active Naxal activities in the state.
