Bengal: CBI arrests ECL worker in West Burdwan on charges of taking bribe

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 10 (IANS) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested an Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) worker from Pandabeswar in West Bengals West Burdwan district on charges of taking a bribe. The arrested man was produced before the special CBI court in Asansol on Thursday. The judge ordered his 14-day jail custody. According to the central investigation agency, the arrested person's name is Shankarlal Harijan. He lives in the South Shyamala Colliery area of the Pandabeswar Assembly constituency. He was actively associated with the Trinamool Congress-affiliated ECL workers' organisation. A three-member CBI team raided the South Shyamala Colliery on Wednesday night. At first, he was not found in his home. He had disappeared. The CBI officers detained his son Pankaj Harijan and questioned him about his father. Later, they caught Shankar red-handed at that time. Allegedly, he was taking a bribe of Rs 20,000 by promising to transfer a worker. The worker was unable to work inside the mine due to illness. The search began immediately after Shankarlal was caught. CBI officials raided everywhere from the colliery office to his house. Sources claimed that the search operation continued throughout the night. Several important documents and files were seized from the house. A section of ECL workers claimed that the leader had been taking money for a long time in the name of providing special benefits at work. It is initially believed that this operation was based on that allegation. CBI officers said that the seized documents are being examined. Investigators are also investigating whether a bigger ring is active behind the scenes. According to the central investigation agency, a colliery worker had applied for light duty due to his physical illness. Allegedly, using that opportunity, Sankarlal Harijan demanded a bribe from the sick worker in the name of arranging work. As soon as the matter came to light, the central intelligence agency launched an investigation. To verify the truth of the complaint and collect evidence, raids were conducted simultaneously at two places - Sankarlal Harijan's residence and the local ECL office. The officers are probing whether there are any other dishonest transactions, like taking bribes in exchange for providing work opportunities and whether any other senior officer of ECL was involved in this illegal practice.

ED raids Trinamool Rajya Sabha member's newspaper office, other premises

Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) An Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on Monday began major search operations at the Kolkata office of the Urdu newspaper 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq', which is owned by the Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member, Nadimul Haque. Sources aware of the development said that besides the main office of 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq' at Park Circus in central Kolkata, simultaneous raids and search operations are being conducted at six other locations in Delhi, Ranchi, and Kolkata that are linked to Haque. The total of the seven locations where the ED raids are being conducted since Monday morning also included the residence of the Trinamool MP at Darga Road in south Kolkata. ED officials have also reportedly reached the residence of Haques son-in-law. Besides Kolkata, 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq' has editions from Delhi, Ranchi, Asansol, Siliguri, Bhopal, Lucknow, and Srinagar. Although ED officials have remained tight-lipped over the details behind the raid, as per preliminary information available, it is in relation to alleged illegal transactions carried out through the bank accounts of the media entity. The financial probe agency has come to investigate allegations of financial transactions in the newspaper's bank account, for which no correspondence has been found. It is learnt that the investigating officials have detected serious irregularities in the accounts of the media entity, hinting at money laundering. The ED, sources said, had decided to interrogate Haque, his family members and the other directors of the media entity in this connection. On early Monday, the ED officials, accompanied by a contingent of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, arrived at 'Akhbar-e-Mashriq's Park Circus office. While the ED officials, along with some CAPF personnel, entered the office premises, the other CAPF personnel surrounded the office. The office's main entrance was locked to prevent anyone from getting in or coming out of the office. The raids and search operation were ongoing, and as indicated by sources, this operation might be continued for quite some time. Haque had been a Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member since April 2012.

Mysterious Death of Elderly Woman in Asansol Leads to Police Custody of Son and Daughter-in-Law

Asansol, August 20: A suspicious death of an elderly woman occurred in Asansol, West Bengal, on Wednesday. The police have taken her younger son and daughter-in-law into custody for questioning amid suspicions of murder. The incident took place in the Kalipahari area of the Asansol South police station jurisdiction. The deceased has been identified as ... Read more Mysterious Death of Elderly Woman in Asansol Leads to Police Custody of Son and Daughter-in-Law

Uber rolls out bike taxi services in seven more cities of West Bengal

Uber has launched its bike taxi services in seven new West Bengal cities. These new locations include Asansol and Kharagpur, among others. The service offers affordable short-distance travel and last-mile connectivity options. Local drivers will also find flexible earning opportunities through this expansion. This move is part of Uber's larger plan to reach over 225 Indian cities.

Asansol District Hospital MBBS House Staff Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for 10 Posts

Asansol District Hospital has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 10 MBBS House-Staff posts. The recruitment process will be conducted through a walk-in interview on 25 August 2026. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in as per the prescribed details.

Minister Agnimitra Paul Criticizes TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha for Lack of Support

Asansol, August 5: Minister Agnimitra Paul of the West Bengal government has launched a sharp attack on TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha. He stated that Sinha has never stepped forward to assist the community over the years. Now that the state has a double-engine government, Sinha is suggesting collaboration. During a media interaction, Paul questioned Sinhas ... Read more Minister Agnimitra Paul Criticizes TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha for Lack of Support

Call for Arrest of Former Minister Following Taratala Warehouse Tragedy

Kolkata, June 27: The troubles for former Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor and West Bengal government minister Firhad Hakim are escalating. Minister Agnimitra Paul has demanded Hakims arrest in connection with the Taratala warehouse incident. During a media interaction in Asansol, Paul stated that several arrests have already been made in this case. Individuals ranging ... Read more Call for Arrest of Former Minister Following Taratala Warehouse Tragedy

Eggs thrown as TMC leader Bhola Singh appears in Asansol court

Abhishek Banerjee Faces Criticism from Agnimitra Paul Over DJ Comment

Asansol, June 4: Agnimitra Paul, a minister in the West Bengal government, has targeted both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Paul stated that whether it is Abhishek, Mamata, or Partha Chatterjee, anyone attempting wrongdoing while in government will face consequences. She criticized Abhishek Banerjee for climbing onto a cars hood, suggesting he believed he had ... Read more Abhishek Banerjee Faces Criticism from Agnimitra Paul Over DJ Comment

Attacks on Abhishek and Kalyan Banerjee Reflect Public Outrage, Says Agnimitra Paul

Kolkata, May 31: Agnimitra Paul, a minister in the West Bengal government, participated in the Bangla Culture Festival held at Rabindra Bhavan in Asansol on Sunday. During the event, he showcased Rabindra Sangeet, adding to the cultural festivities enjoyed by a large number of local residents and art enthusiasts. In a conversation with reporters, Paul ... Read more Attacks on Abhishek and Kalyan Banerjee Reflect Public Outrage, Says Agnimitra Paul

Agnimitra Paul Criticizes TMC Leaders Amid Asansol Gathering

Asansol, May 17: Agnimitra Paul, a minister from West Bengal, attended a gathering in Mohishila, Asansol, aimed at thanking voters and supporters following the BJPs government formation. During the event, Paul launched a scathing attack on the TMC and its leaders. Speaking to the media, Paul addressed claims that the arrival of the BJP government ... Read more Agnimitra Paul Criticizes TMC Leaders Amid Asansol Gathering

Stones Thrown, Police Station Attacked In Bengal's Asansol Over Loudspeaker Volume

According to locals, police personnel from the Jahangiri Mohalla police station urged the mosque authorities to reduce the volume of their loudspeaker after a complaint was filed.

Tensions Erupt in Asansol Over Mosque Loudspeaker Dispute

Asansol, May 16: Tensions flared in Asansol, West Bengal, following a clash between police and local residents over the volume of a mosque loudspeaker. The situation escalated when some individuals reportedly attacked a police station, leading to vandalism. Reports indicate that a complaint was lodged regarding the loudspeakers volume. In response, police intervened, requesting a ... Read more Tensions Erupt in Asansol Over Mosque Loudspeaker Dispute

BJP Hints At Repealing Old Land Law To Unlock Growth In Bengal

The law targets the concentration of urban land by capping private holdings in designated urban agglomerations like Kolkata, Asansol, and Durgapur.