Bengal: ER to set up 131 new chlorination plants for safe drinking water
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) Eastern Railway (ER) will set up 131 new chlorination plants to improve water quality at stations. Like other railway zones, ER has also launched an intensive drive to provide clean drinking water and safe, hygienic food to passengers. As part of this drive, ER is undertaking comprehensive water tank cleaning across all divisions and workshops. According to officials, 6,955 water tanks, including overhead tanks, underground reservoirs and PVC tanks, were cleaned between August 20 and September 23, 2026. While 2,449 water tanks were cleaned in the Asansol Division, 1,464 were attended to in Sealdah Division. In the Howrah Division, 2,123 water tanks have been cleaned. Malda cleaned 919 tanks. All tanks underwent thorough cleaning and proper water treatment to ensure source reservoirs remain free from contamination for the supply of clean water, an official said. A special initiative has also been launched to clinically test water samples collected from taps at various stations to monitor quality. Work on 131 new chlorination plants is underway. This initiative is part of a broader action plan for strengthening drinking-water quality management across the railways. The action plan emphasises frequent inspection and maintenance of the entire drinking-water system, along with water-quality testing at the source and at the point of consumption, rather than relying solely on end-of-pipe water testing. During the drive, the zonal railways will undertake comprehensive inspection of water sources, treatment and filtration plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps and water dispensing points. All drinking-water tanks will be drained, desludged, scrubbed and disinfected. Measures will also be taken to ensure tight covers and appropriate protection of vents and overflow points from birds, animals and algae, the Railway Board said. Damaged tanks, pipelines and filters will be repaired or replaced as required, while ensuring no cross-connection between potable and non-potable water systems. All piping forming part of the drinking-water circuit will also be checked for leakages and necessary corrective measures taken to prevent water wastage, it said. Special attention will also be paid to locations where hand pumps and borewells are used to extract drinking water. The zonal railways have been directed to ensure that water from such systems remains free from contamination and is safe for drinking. The zonal railways will also submit station-wise details of deficiencies identified and the corrective action taken. This mechanism will facilitate systematic monitoring of deficiencies and ensure that issues identified during the special drive are addressed in a time-bound manner.
BJP Bengal chief seeks RRTS network linking Kolkata with South Bengal towns
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) West Bengal president and Rajya Sabha member Samik Bhattacharya has urged Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to consider developing a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) network connecting Kolkata with important townships across South Bengal. In a letter to Khattar, Bhattacharya said a well-researched preliminary feasibility proposal for a West Bengal Regional Rapid Transit System (VVB-RRTS) had been prepared. He said the proposal merited detailed examination by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, given that connectivity between Kolkata and several industrial and tourism hubs was largely dependent on conventional railway routes and highways. Bhattacharya said these conventional transport routes were often congested and, therefore, ill-suited for high-frequency commuter travel. An RRTS network on the lines of NCRTC's Namo Bharat corridors can address this gap through metro-like, high-speed regional connectivity, Bhattacharya pointed out in his letter. The VVB-RRTS proposal, according to him, envisages connecting Kolkata with important townships including Kalyani, Krishnanagar and Mayapur in Nadia district, Bardhaman in East Burdwan district, Durgapur and Asansol in West Burdwan district, Falta and Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, and Haldia in East Midnapore district, among others. The proposal is designed to minimise land acquisition by aligning corridors along existing highways and railway corridors. It also recommends a special purpose vehicle, the West Bengal Rapid Transit Corporation (WBRTC), on the lines of NCRTC, with joint ownership between the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal, Bhattacharya pointed out in his letter. The proposed network is intended to improve mobility, strengthen links with industrial centres and tourism destinations, and ease pressure on transport infrastructure. He requested Khattar to examine the proposal and, if found suitable, direct a detailed feasibility study covering engineering, demand forecasting and financial analysis in coordination with the West Bengal government. I would be glad to facilitate an interaction with the report's authors, should that be of assistance, and trust this proposal will receive your kind and favourable consideration, Bhattacharya said.
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday extended its stay on the state government's decision to cancel appointments made through the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) examination and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment process. The court also appointed a retired High Court judge to oversee the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercises. A bench of Justice Deepak Roshan heard a batch of petitions challenging the government's decision to annul appointments made through various recruitment examinations, including the JPSC CDPO and JSSC-CGL exams. During the hearing, the court orally observed that while the material available so far suggests that not all appointments were made in a fair manner, it is equally true that not every appointment was tainted. The court expressed concern over the lengthy recruitment process followed by the JPSC, noting that it often takes two to three years to conduct examinations and complete appointments. In such circumstances, the bench observed, a blanket cancellation of appointments could adversely affect many officials against whom no individual wrongdoing has been established. To ensure impartial scrutiny of the allegations, the court appointed retired High Court judge Gautam Kumar Choudhary to monitor the investigation, while retired IPS officer R.K. Malik was designated as the nodal officer for the probe. During the proceedings, both the Jharkhand government and the JPSC submitted their responses before the court. In its affidavit, the state government defended its decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, arguing that the entire recruitment process had been vitiated by alleged irregularities. According to the government, distinguishing between genuinely successful candidates and those who may have unfairly benefited had become difficult. The government cited Supreme Court guidelines that permit cancellation of an entire examination when the recruitment process is found to be irreparably compromised, and it becomes impossible to separate valid selections from tainted ones. On this basis, it justified its decision to scrap the CGL examination. The affidavit further stated that confidential examination-related work, including question paper printing and distribution to examination centres, had been entrusted to ICN Technology. According to the government, 28 individuals, including the company's CEO Somansh Prakash, have been arrested in connection with the alleged exam scam, while notices have been issued to 265 people. The government also claimed that the investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting that candidates were allegedly coached with answers at locations in Nepal, Asansol, Kolkata, Bihar, Jharia and Bokaro. Of the 28 candidates taken to Nepal, 10 were successful in the CGL examination, the affidavit stated. The investigation is still underway. Senior advocates Rajeev Ranjan, Indrajeet Sinha, Amritansh Vats, Kumar Harsh, Sonal Tiwari and Subhash Rasik Soren, among others, appeared for the petitioners. The state government was represented by senior advocate Meenakshi Arora and Advocate General Rohitashwa Roy, while the JPSC was represented by advocates Sanjay Piperwal and Prince Kumar.
Night Guard Shot During Robbery Attempt in Asansol, West Bengal
A night guard in Asansol was shot while resisting robbers, leaving him seriously injured. Police are investigating the incident. Night Guard Shot During Robbery Attempt in Asansol, West Bengal
School guard shot while foiling robbery attempt in West Bengal's Asansol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) A night guard at a school in West Bengal's Asansol sustained serious injuries when he was shot by robbers as he fought back against them, police said on Sunday. The robbers intercepted the motorcycle-riding guard, identified as Haridas Layek, on a deserted road under the cover of darkness last night. However, he resisted their attempts, leading to a brief scuffle. Unable to overpower him, the robbers fired multiple shots at him before fleeing the scene. Layek has been admitted to a hospital, and his condition is said to be stable. According to the police, Layek works as a night guard at Srihari Global School in Asansol in West Burdwan district. He hails from Dhaguri village under the Alladi Panchayat in Salanpur area and comes to work on a motorcycle every night. He had set out from home as usual on Saturday night, and while he was travelling along National Highway 19, a group of masked robbers intercepted him. After forcing him to stop, the robbers brandished weapons and attempted to take away his valuables. When he resisted, they fired two rounds in quick succession, hitting him in the leg. Despite the injury, the young man continued to fight back against the attackers. Eventually, the robbers abandoned Haridas on the road and fled. Upon receiving the news, officers from Salanpur Police Station arrived at the scene. The guard was rescued in a bloodied state and taken to Asansol District Hospital, where doctors performed surgery on his leg that same night. On Sunday morning, the police recovered an empty cartridge casing from the scene. A search operation is underway to locate the miscreants, and 'naka' checks are being conducted in the area. CCTV footage from the vicinity is also being examined to nab the miscreants. Senior police officials, including Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Pranab Kumar, DC (West) Sana Akhtar, and DC (Central) Dhruba Das, visited the scene. The attempted robbery on a deserted road at night has sparked panic in the area. --IANS
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.
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.
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
Shatrughan Sinha Criticizes Government Silence Amid Gen-Z Protests
Asansol, August 3: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Shatrughan Sinha has sharply criticized the central government and the defection of opposition MPs. He stated that the youth and Gen-Z taking to the streets have left the ruling party in silence. He also commented on the defection of rebel TMC leaders to the NCP, saying, There must ... Read more Shatrughan Sinha Criticizes Government Silence Amid Gen-Z Protests
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
