46th Edition Of 'Fit India Sundays On Cycle' Highlights Connection Between Fitness And Environment

The Central Pollution Control Board: The 46th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, called Pedal for Clean Air, became a strong rally for both fitness and environmental awareness today as nearly 500 citizens cycled through the streets of New Delhi and thousands more took part from over 10,000 locations across the country. The Central Pollution Control Board, the Centre for Science and Environment, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports collaborate to promote clean air and healthy living. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat, this weeks edition featured special participation from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), emphasising that Clean Air, Fit Body should be Indias shared goal. At Delhis Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, about 500 participants, including athletes, students, and fitness fans, joined the morning cycling rally. The event featured gymnasts Sneha Tariyal, an international medalist at the Asian Championships, and Priyanshu Nath Thakur, a sub-junior national gold medalist, alongside Olympian gymnastics coach Lakhan Sharma. CSE Director-General Sunita Narain, present at the event in Delhi, highlighted the strong link between physical fitness and environmental health. Our air has to be clean, and in the same way our health will improve, she said. The Sports Ministrys and SAIs Fit India initiatives go hand in hand with cleanliness of the environment. Our lungs will be healthy if the air is clean. Cycling is very essential because it is the biggest mechanism to combat pollution. Reflecting on her message, 15-year-old gymnast Priyanshu Nath Thakur stated, We are all looking for fresh air. Cycling keeps our body and mind healthy and strong. Beyond Delhi, Fit India Sundays on Cycle events took place simultaneously across the country, including locations such as SAI STC Kargil, SAI Lucknow, SAI Rohtak, STC Mastuana Sahib, STC Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), STC Golaghat, NCOE Jagatpur, STC Cuttack, and SAI Guwahati. What began in December 2024 with around 500 participants in Delhi and 1,000 locations across the country has now evolved into a vibrant public movement that attracts over 50,000 people weekly from 6,000 locations. The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has involved more than 14.5 lakh citizens across 1.25 lakh locations so far, developing into a nationwide campaign for fitness, sustainability, and social harmony. Olympic gymnastics coach Lakhan Sharma provided insights into the development of the movement over the years. This is a great initiative which is completing close to a year now. So many people have joined us across the length and breadth of the country in all these months, and we must keep expanding it further. Gymnast Sneha Tariyal highlighted that cycling offers benefits to all, no matter their age or profession. Old to young, everyone is here to cycle. It keeps you healthy and helps combat pollution. I see cyclists training daily at the IG Stadium where I train and it gives them great physique and strength. Even normal people should cycle, run, and stay fit to inspire others. The significance of Fit India Sundays on the Cycle was highlighted in the 117th episode of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis Mann Ki Baat. He praised how people from various backgrounds come together every Sunday to promote health, happiness, and unity through fitness. This movement is supported weekly by over 3,500 NaMo Fit India Cycling Clubs, which form the core of this citizen-driven fitness initiative, ensuring that thousands across India participate in cycling and health celebrations each Sunday. Gymnast Sneha Tariyal highlighted that cycling offers benefits to all, no matter their age or profession. Old to young, everyone is here to cycle. It keeps you healthy and helps combat pollution. I see cyclists training daily at the IG Stadium where I train and it gives them great physique and strength. Even normal people should cycle, run, and stay fit to inspire others. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score These diverse groups, representing various professions and generations, have expanded the campaigns reach across every part of the country, transforming local streets and parks into vibrant hubs of energy and camaraderie. Article Source: IANS

Gogoi says he'll raise issues concerning Northeast universities in Parliament

Recently, many top universities in the northeast have been in the news for the wrong reasons, such as Tezpur University, NEHU and the Guwahati University. Often it is the action of the Vice Chancellor which has raised concerns, Gaurav Gogoi said in a post on X.

Women's World Cup: Don't Think There Will Be Bigger Motivation Than Playing A Final, Says Harmanpreet

Harmanpreet Kaur: The Indian women's team did not train after its emotionally draining semifinal victory over top favourite and multiple-time champions Australia. They held nets on Saturday, but with the country still to come out of the hangover from that exhilarating victory, the players could be feeling mentally drained by the euphoria going into Sunday's final against South Africa. The Proteas had stunned former champions England in Guwahati in the first semifinal and had an extra day to prepare for their maiden summit clash in the 50-over World Cup. But India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said her team will not be mentally drained and lack any motivation because playing the final is motivation in itself. She said the entire team is fully charged up again and raring to take on the Proteas women in the final. Well, I think when you are at a stage like this, playing the final match of the World Cup, I don't think there can be a bigger motivation than this. The entire team is fully charged up. They are standing with each other and are giving each other prayers and blessings. I think that shows how much this team is with each other and how ready we are for this match. Now it's only about giving your best, strategy, and everything, said Harmanpreet Kaur in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. She said the team will not be under extra pressure as they have prepared for this day for the last two years. It's not that we have reached the final and we have to do all this today. We have been doing this for the last two years. Knowing that India is going to host the World Cup, and what conditions are going to be there. So we have prepared all that from the beginning. Now it's only about giving your 100% and being there for the team, said Harmanpreet Kaur. The captain said India has lost in the final in 2005 and 2017, and said maybe Sunday will be special for them. We know how it feels to lose, but we are really looking forward to seeing how it feels after we win. Hopefully, tomorrow will be special for us. We will give our best and play our best cricket. We have worked very hard so far. It's only about getting everything tomorrow for the team, said Harman, who is playing her fifth World Cup. The captain said India has lost in the final in 2005 and 2017, and said maybe Sunday will be special for them. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score We will reveal it before the match only - I don't think I'm even allowed to say it. But yeah, I mean, whoever has got the opportunity, they have done their best. So that's the biggest thing for us. Because whoever has the opportunity, they are coming up with their best performances. So I think what can be a bigger thing for us than this? she said. Article Source: IANS

Arunachal launches Choo-man-tar app to teach children about good, bad touch through games

GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday launched a mobile application, Choo-man-tar, designed to sensitise children about the concept of good and bad touch. The initiative a brainchild of the state police was launched by Chief Minister Pema Khandu during a public event at Singchung in West Kameng district. The app uses an interactive game, modelled after Ludo and Snakes and Ladders, to teach children about personal safety. The Choo-man-tar app aims to help children understand the difference between good and bad touch while making learning engaging and fun. It also promotes empathy, safety, and confidence among young users. Khandu said the app, with the message good touch, bad touch ka antar batayega Choo-man-tar, embodies touch, mind, and reform fostering awareness, trust, and protection for every child. While playing the games on the app, children will learn that if somebody misbehaves, it is important for them to say no and report the matter to their parents or call the child helpline number. The app also educates children by sharing information about laws related to the safety and security of children, such as the POCSO Act, child marriage, and child rights. Parents can also use the app to understand how they can better ensure their childrens safety. Along with Choo-man-tar, the chief minister also launched two other apps the Yakatopia app and the Yodha Bandhu app. The Yodha Bandhu app aims to provide tele-counselling and awareness for youth affected by substance abuse, while the Yakatopia app serves as a smart tourism platform celebrating the natural beauty, rich heritage, and cultural diversity of West Kameng district. The initiative makes travel planning seamless and enriching by offering authentic local information, real-time updates, and curated experiences, all in one digital space. It connects visitors more closely with the districts landscapes, traditions, and communities, encouraging responsible and immersive travel, Khandu said. Meanwhile, referring to the alleged misappropriation of government funds in the land acquisition process for the Lada to Sarli portion of the Frontier Highway, the chief minister said no form of corruption would be tolerated and that those found guilty would be taken to task. He further stated that he had ordered the constitution of a high-level committee to probe the allegations. I have given directions that based on the preliminary report, all held responsible be suspended with immediate effect for a free and fair enquiry. Suspension orders will be out in a day or two, he added.

Womens World Cup: India-South Africa Start As Even Stevens Ahead Of Final, Says Anjum Chopra

ODI World Cup: Anjum Chopra believes the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup final between India and South Africa, to be held at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday, will be a level playing field, adding that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side enjoys only a marginal advantage of their previous familiarity with the venue. Both India and South Africa are seeking their maiden ODI World Cup title, as womens cricket will see the crowning of a new 50-over champion. South Africa reached the final after beating England by 125 runs in Guwahati, while Harmanpreet Kaur's team sent the nation into frenzy by chasing 339 and beating Australia by five wickets in Navi Mumbai. I think India-South Africa pretty much start as even stevens. The only advantage India will have is that they have played at this venue, where the South Africa team has not played. So, South Africa, they would have had a travel day and then a training day. Before that game against England, they had dropped a game against Australia. So for them, the fact will be that when they're in a final, the chances of winning is 50-50 for either side, because both teams have obviously done well to get into the final. A final is a 50-50 chance. It's not that it is loaded in one side or probably leaning towards the other side - no, it isn't, Chopra told IANS in an exclusive conversation ahead of the summit clash on Saturday. At the same time, Anjum dismissed any notion that South Africa playing in Navi Mumbai for the first time in the competition would be a significant handicap, pointing to their battle-hardened lineup. But come the final, you do know that there is enough experience in the South African lineup in Marizanne, Laura, Sune, Chloe, everyone is out there. They know how things can be done and how things are played in a final because they've also played the 2023 and 2024 T20 WC finals. So they've also been in finals, and this group knows that they've been there, she added. On the burden of living up to the expectations of winning the trophy as tournament hosts, Anjum believes India's preparation will be the one carrying them to the trophy, and not the pressure of playing the title clash in front of their home fans. See, pressure is something that, the moment you allow those pressure moments to get to you, they will get to you. But then you prepare for them. It's about how this Indian team is prepared. If you remember over the past few conversations over the past few months or years, whenever we've been chatting, we're talking about how you prepare for this moment. Here, the good thing is that those people who will be in the stadium, their energy will also be felt by the players. So I would say that will work in a positive manner because they've just seen a good result coming their way, and they will feel the positivity coming their way, rather than just having the support in words of a billion people. They'll see a few thousand cheering for them when they're in the park in the final. In our case, possibly, I mean, I would feel that the Indian team knows how to handle this expectation. I'm not saying that they will not feel the pressure. But that kind of pressure, they would feel even if they're playing outside India because everybody is still watching the television, she elaborated. Reflecting on India's transformation following their tight four-run loss to England in Indore, Anjum highlighted the shift in temperament as crucial to their revival in the tournament. I largely see them only in the park. But again, what I saw, how they lost those matches and how they recovered in the game against New Zealand, that was a good shift of temperament. The heart, that is always essential, especially when it's required in a must-win contest, and that courage was shown. How they've progressed to the semifinal, and winning it, as Harman said, it didn't really matter what the score was. Amol had already put it out on the board that we needed to get one more run. It didn't matter whether it was 201 or 401; the Indian team was going to go after that target, and that is how you prepare. So when you prepare, you understand the process and getting the results also showcases how you need to be at a certain time and stage of the game. There is no doubt that the quality of cricket in the ongoing competition has become the defining reason behind driving the games viewership and interest around it. Case in point is that entire India is still talking about the takedown of mighty Australians, thanks to Jemimah Rodrigues unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreets 89. It's good to see the quality in the park now. So when I say the women's game has shifted, it means we're not just seeing England or Australia dominate or do really well, or New Zealand come through. We're seeing another uniform in the park, more players being known to the world, and more people following the teams. All this is happening just not because the result comes in their way or because they have won its also about the quality of cricket. I mean, how many people since the last few hours of the day that we have spent, how many people would have walked up to you, and who knows that you cover cricket? Like, how many people have walked up to me and suddenly asked, wanting to have a chat, on wow, what a win. I mean, this is just the expression, as well as the question and answer. Because the kind of cricket we have witnessed or seen has left everyone spellbound, like, wow, what a game. So that has been the biggest growing factor or the impression creating factor for everyone, whether I'm a cricketer or not, or whether I'm a follower of the game or just a viewer, everyone has an expression like this. So that's why the game has created an impact. I feel that whether it's Laura Wolvaardt in the park, or a Deepti, Sune, or Amanjot Kaur, the game has seen a good shift, she explained. Sundays final is more than a contest for a maiden world title - it carries the potential to redefine the trajectory of womens cricket in either of the two nations. Regardless of the result, the final could inspire a new generation of girls to pursue cricket and encourage families to back their sporting ambitions. For India, a World Cup win could serve as a catalyst for broader change and unlock increased investment in womens cricket in the country - from grassroots participation to state-level infrastructure, as well as an increase in viewership, sponsorship, and improved pay for players and support staff at all levels. There'll be a lot of happiness and smiles, obviously. There'll be a lot of celebration, awards, and rewards that will come through. But how the sport grows in the country will depend on how the women's team progresses to playing from here. Because once you're in a final, you've probably touched till now the highest point as a team in terms of giving a performance. So then, yes, the world and we all know that you can't reach these kinds of performances every now and then. But then the consistency of getting the results your way or the consistency of the performances that will be expected from the team will determine how the game progresses. We're a country that can follow a sport very quickly and unfollow people very quickly as well. So you don't want to get into that category. You want to get into a zone where people don't just follow individuals; people follow the sport. What I feel that this win can go on to do is more people looking to follow the sport, which is going to be the biggest shift for me. So then, yes, the world and we all know that you can't reach these kinds of performances every now and then. But then the consistency of getting the results your way or the consistency of the performances that will be expected from the team will determine how the game progresses. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score How many people watch it? That will always keep growing. But how many people have invested that time to come and watch, getting their children to the ground or themselves with an interest, that is the growth for me in the women's game. I feel that a victory will only help the sport grow in our country, concluded Anjum. Article Source: IANS

Aviation growth story piggybacking on foreign travel: AAI report

NEW DELHI: The growing desire for international travel continues to fuel Indias aviation growth story. According to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the first half of the current financial year, foreign travel has surged by nearly 7% compared to the same period last year. The Air Traffic Report, made public on Wednesday, shows that 3.95 crore passengers travelled abroad from India between April and September 2025, up from 3.69 crore during the same period in 2024. Overall passenger traffic grew by 2.6%, with 20.21 crore people flying in the six-month period this year compared to 19.69 crore last year. Domestic air travel recorded a modest 1.6% increase, with 16.25 crore passengers this year versus 15.99 crore in the previous fiscal period. The total Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) arrivals plus departures rose by 2.8%, reaching 15.77 lakh in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to 15.35 lakh last year. Thanks to airlines regularly announcing new international routes, several relatively smaller airports such as Surat, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangaluru, Kannur, Bagdogra, Pune, Indore, and Udaipur have registered strong double-digit growth in international passenger traffic. Among them, Bagdogra and Coimbatore posted remarkable increases of 51% (13,492 flyers) and 50.5% (1,60,597 flyers), respectively, in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Among major airports, Bengaluru recorded an impressive 28.9% surge in international traffic, handling 34,58,308 passengers in the first half of the current financial year. Hyderabad showed substantial growth of 19%, while Mumbai registered a 5.6% increase. Delhi, however, saw a slight 0.5% decline. Domestic Travel Trends Sindhudurg Airport reported the highest growth in domestic passenger traffic, with an 84.1% increase and 21,936 flyers over the previous financial year. Other airports that recorded notable growth include Kishangarh (65.7%, 59,421 flyers), Darbhanga (64.3%, 3,86,174), Gorakhpur (57.5%, 5,62,596), Cuddapah (53.9%, 33,973), and Pithoragarh (56.5%, 8,215). Airports such as Tiruchirappalli (55.6%), Tirupati (42.9%), Jeypore (42.1%), Bilaspur (38.1%), Rajahmundry (33.7%), and Kurnool (22.9%) also posted impressive domestic growth figures. Among major airports, both Delhi and Mumbai reported negative growth in domestic travel. The closure of Terminal 2 at IGIA and changes in flight schedules significantly impacted Delhis numbers, which dropped by 5.8% to 2,64,91,445 passengers, compared to 2,81,07,645 last year. Mumbai saw a 0.8% dip, handling 1,91,02,987 passengers. Meanwhile, Hyderabad registered strong domestic growth of 11.3% with 1,26,64,800 flyers, while Chennai saw a 5.1% increase with 83,79,339 passengers.

BCCI Hopeful Asia Cup Trophy Reaches Mumbai Soon

Indian board unhappy over month-long wait after refusing trophy from Pakistans Mohsin Naqvi; discussions on timing changes for Guwahati Test also underway.

Tears, tributes and packed halls as Zubeen Gargs last film Roi Roi Binale shatters records across Assam

GUWAHATI: Fans could not hold back their tears, both inside and outside theatre halls, after watching Roi Roi Binale , the last film featuring music icon Zubeen Garg, who died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The movie, directed by Rajesh Bhuyan and released on Friday, ran to packed houses across Assam and broke all opening day records, with most theatre halls scheduling up to five shows a day. The screening started as early as 4.25 am at several theatres. Tickets for all shows for the first week were sold out, and fans had booked the first three days tickets within an hour last week. The state is still grieving Gargs untimely demise, and there was an outpouring of emotion as fans thronged single-screen and multiplex theatres. In viral videos, some were seen seated long after shows were over, sobbing. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. For the first time in the history of Assamese films, a movie is being released in different parts of the country. It was screened in Patna, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Mysore, Vellore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jaipur, Vapi (Gujarat), Indore, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Raniganj, Maldah, Siliguri, Agartala, Dharmanagar, Cooch Behar, Raipur and Nagpur, said Siddharth Goenka, the films distributor. As a mark of silent tribute, several theatre halls kept one seat reserved for Garg, 52. Roi Roi Binale was his dream project. In cities like Bengaluru, Assamese films were earlier screened in only one or two theatres, but this time, it premiered in 17 theatres simultaneously. There will be 600 shows daily in Assam and the rest of the Northeast alone, which is unprecedented. Outside the Northeast, 96 halls would screen the movie with 170 shows daily, Goenka added. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a constituent of Assams ruling coalition, booked all 218 seats for a show at a multiplex in Guwahati. AGP ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta watched the film along with party leaders and workers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he would watch it privately. If I go to a cinema hall, it will cause inconvenience to people as I will be accompanied by my security personnel, he said. Garg plays the lead role of a blind musician in Roi Roi Binale , a musical love story that recounts the life and struggle of a visually impaired artist who experiences the world through sound, imagination and love. The film features 11 songs, all composed by Garg himself.

No proof of violence: Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha tell SC in 2020 Delhi riots case

NEW DELHI: Claiming innocence in the 2020 Delhi riots case, student activists and former JNU students Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and Gulfisha Fatima on Friday told the Supreme Court that there was no evidence linking them to violence and denied the conspiracy charges levelled against them in the 2020 Delhi riots case. There are 751 FIRs. I am charged in one, and if its a conspiracy, its a bit surprising. There is no proof of violence against me, Khalid told the bench of the top court headed by Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice N V Anjaria. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khalid, said that on 26 dates, the matter could not be taken up due to paucity of time in the trial court, while on 59 dates, the matter could not be reached due to the unavailability of the Special Public Prosecutor. Questioning how his client could be charged in the case when he was not even present in Delhi when the riots took place, Sibal said there was no recovery of weapons or incriminating material linking Khalid to any act of violence. There is no allegation of Khalid raising any funds for violence or making appeals for violence. The only overt act alleged against Khalid is a speech which he gave in Amaravati in Maharashtra on February 17, argued Sibal, while seeking bail for his client. The court on Friday adjourned the matter till Monday, November 3, to hear further arguments from other co-accused, including Meeran Haider, Mohd Saleem Khan and Shifa Ur Rehman, as well as from the Delhi Police. The police had arrested Khalid, Imam and Fatima in the larger conspiracy case linked to the Delhi riots, charging them under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and with criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Fatima, submitted that she has been in custody for over five years and five months since April 11, 2020. He pointed out that while the chargesheet was filed on September 16, 2020, supplementary chargesheets have continued to be filed every year. The larger issue is, can filing chargesheets be generated indefinitely? he asked. Questioning the slow pace of the proceedings, Singhvi remarked, Why has the trial not commenced yet? Fatima is the only woman in custody in the case now, as the other women have already got bail. If you get bail after six or seven years, what is the point? 2020 Delhi riots case: Accused involved in 'deliberate attempt to destabilise State,' police claims in affidavit He further pointed out that the charges were yet to be framed, and more than 800 witnesses were listed. This is a distortion of the criminal justice system. The concept of liberty is that you dont keep me in jail without trial, Singhvi contended. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Imam, argued that till last year the police kept filing supplementary chargesheets until September 2024, meaning the investigation continued for at least four years. He said this clearly showed that there was no delay on the part of the accused, at least until 2024. He questioned how Imam could be held liable for conspiracy when he had been in custody since January 25, 2020, in connection with other cases, nearly a month before the Delhi riots took place. Imam is also not an accused in any of the other riot cases. In the other cases for alleged inflammatory speeches, he has been given bail and is in jail only because of this case, Dave said. On September 6, the former JNU student Imam had moved the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court rejected his bail plea. He sought bail in the larger conspiracy case under the UAPA in relation to the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case. Similarly, former JNU student Umar Khalid had approached the Supreme Court on September 10 challenging the Delhi High Courts order rejecting his bail plea under the UAPA in the case related to the alleged criminal conspiracy in the February 2020 riots in the national capital. According to the prosecution, the Delhi Police had booked Imam under the stringent UAPA. On January 28, 2020, he was arrested by the Delhi Polices Crime Branch from Bihars Jehanabad in a sedition case for allegedly making inflammatory speeches at Jamia Millia Islamia University and Aligarh Muslim University. The riots took place in February 2020 following clashes over the then-proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). According to the Delhi Police, the riots resulted in the death of 53 persons and injuries to hundreds. The prosecution alleged that Imam had hatched a larger criminal conspiracy to cause multiple riots. The FIR in this case was registered by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police under various provisions of the IPC and the UAPA. Imam was booked in multiple FIRs across several states, mostly under sedition and UAPA charges. Besides Delhi, he faces FIRs in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. Imam was granted bail by the Delhi High Court last year in connection with the alleged speeches he gave at Jamia Millia Islamia University and Aligarh Muslim University. In sedition cases registered in Aligarh and Guwahati, he was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court in 2021 and by the Gauhati High Court in 2020, respectively. He was also booked in FIRs in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. 2020 riots case: Delhi HC rejects petition to reconstruct Jafrabad case diary The Delhi High Court had, on September 2, rejected the bail pleas of nine persons, including Khalid and Imam, in the case, saying conspiratorial violence under the garb of demonstrations or protests by citizens couldnt be allowed. The High Court had also rejected the bail pleas of other accused, including Mohd Saleem Khan, Shifa Ur Rehman, Athar Khan, Meeran Haider, Abdul Khalid Saifi, Gulfisha Fatima and Shadab Ahmed. Social activist and former JNU student Khalid has been in jail since his arrest by the Delhi Police on September 14, 2020, for his alleged involvement in the Delhi riots case. He was booked under the stringent UAPA for his alleged role in the larger conspiracy behind the riots. He has denied the charges and claimed innocence in the case. Khalid had earlier approached the top court challenging an October 2022 Delhi High Court verdict that had denied him bail. Since then, he has remained in jail and has never been granted bail, despite repeated appeals and efforts before various courts. He had initially sought bail in the Delhi High Court on the grounds that he neither had any criminal role in the violence in the citys North-East area nor any conspiratorial connect with other accused in the case. The Delhi Police had opposed his bail plea in the High Court. The police had also arrested Imam, activist Khalid Saifi, JNU students Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita, Jamia Coordination Committee member Safoora Zargar, former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and several others under the stringent law in connection with the case. According to the prosecution, the violence had erupted following protests against the CAA and NRC, leaving 53 people dead and over 700 injured. Khalid was charge-sheeted in the case along with other accused persons.

How Zubeen Garg's Final Film Sparked Assam's Single-Screen Theatres' Revival

When the first show of 'Roi Roi Binale' began at 4:25 am in Guwahati on Friday, queues stretched down the street.

Womens World Cup: Sheridan And Williams To Be On-field Umpires For India-South Africa Final

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Eloise Sheridan and Jacquline Williams will be on-field umpires for the 2025 Womens ODI Cup final, set to be held between India and South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium on Sunday. The duo had officiated in South Africas commanding 125-run semi-final win over England at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati and bring recent big-match experience into the final, which will see a new ODI World Cup champion for the first time after 2000. Jacquline also stood in the group-stage encounter between the two finalists on October 9, a match South Africa won with a clinical run chase of 252 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Sue Redfern has been appointed as the third umpire, with Nimali Perera named as the fourth umpire. Michell Pereira will oversee proceedings of the final as the match referee. Both India and South Africa are aiming to secure their maiden ICC title across formats. Sundays match will be the first time South Africa will feature in a Women's ODI World Cup final, while India previously played in the title decider in 2005 and 2017 when they finished as the runners up behind Australia and England respectively. Sue Redfern has been appointed as the third umpire, with Nimali Perera named as the fourth umpire. Michell Pereira will oversee proceedings of the final as the match referee. Both India and South Africa are aiming to secure their maiden ICC title across formats. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The hosts remain unbeaten at the venue in this tournament, having defeated New Zealand in the league stage and Australia in the semi-final, while their match against Bangladesh was washed out. The venue has proven to be a fortress of sorts for India, with strong crowd support expected once again for the final. In contrast, South Africa will be playing in Navi Mumbai for the first time in this competition. Article Source: IANS

USTM Chancellor bracketed among Indias top 25 inspiring education leaders

Guwahati, Oct 31: The Academic Insights magazine, a prominent Indian monthly publication has selected Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), as Indias 25 most inspiring education leaders. This accolade celebrates the transformative changes Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque has brought about in the vast landscape of education in Northeast India while []

Prahlad Joshi reviews flagship schemes of renewable energy sector in North East

GUWAHATI, Oct 31: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Friday reviewed the progress of flagship schemes in the North East and emphasised on actionable steps to harness the regions potential. He was attending the Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy (North East Zone) here. The North East, our Ashtalakshmi, is transforming into Urja-Lakshmi under the visionary leadership of the Honble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji, the minister for New and Renewable Energy said in a post on X. He commended the progress [] The post Prahlad Joshi reviews flagship schemes of renewable energy sector in North East appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Guwahati Diary | Zubeens death: Ruling BJP pushes for justice

As BJP-ruled Assam continues to grieve the untimely and mysterious death of music icon Zubeen Garg, the demand for a fair investigation grows louder. People are hitting the roads on a daily basis, demanding Justice for Zubeen. The protesters also include BJP workers. The BJP took out rallies at some places demanding justice for the singer, much to the chagrin of its critics and opposition parties. They asked the BJP to instead ensure that the case is investigated properly and a strong charge sheet is submitted in the court by the Special Investigation Team so that the guilty can be punished. All seven arrested in the case are now in judicial custody. Pre-test of countrys first digital census in Assam Indias first digital census will be carried out in Assam with a pilot project to be undertaken in selected areas of Dibrugarh, West Karbi Anglong and Hailakandi districts from November 10 to 30 in consultation with the state government. In Dibrugarh district, the exercise will cover three wards of Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation. In West Karbi Anglong, it will be conducted in 23 villages while in Hailakandi, the exercise will take place in seven villages. Prior to the field operation, a pre-test of self-enumeration will be carried out from November 1 to 7, allowing residents to enumerate themselves digitally through a dedicated online portal. Gibbon Day celebrated to raise awareness on ape Biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak celebrated the International Gibbon Day with great enthusiasm to raise awareness on the conservation of Indias only apethe Hoolock Gibbon. The Gibbon Day draws global attention to the plight of the animalthe smallest and fastest of all apesmany of which are on the brink of extinction mainly due to habitat loss and hunting. The celebration was held at the Arunachal University of Studies. The Hoolock Gibbon, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, was recently included in the worlds 25 most endangered primates list at the International Primatological Congress 2025 in Madagascar. Prasanta Mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com

Congress leader sings Bangladesh national anthem at Assam meet; CM Himanta orders treason case

GUWAHATI: A Congress leaders rendition of the Rabindra Sangeet Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobasi, which is the national anthem of Bangladesh, has stoked a controversy in Assam which will go to elections in six months from now. At a Seva Dal meeting of the Congress at Sribhumi in southern Assams Barak Valley two days ago, partys local leader Bidhu Bhushan Das, said to be in his seventies, started his address by singing the song. Bengalis are in a large majority in Barak Valley which adjoins Bangladesh. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore penned the song in 1905 during the first partition of Bengal. The BJP reacted sharply after a video of the Congress leaders rendition of the song went viral. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, The meeting of the Congress started with the singing of Bangladeshs national anthem. We cannot accept it in Assam. He also said that he had instructed the Assam Police to file a case of treason against Congress members in Sribhumi district. We will lodge an FIR and the police will take actions under appropriate sections of law, he added. The BJP said Bangladesh-obsessed Congress proudly sang Bangladeshs national anthem in Assam, just days after Bangladesh dared to publish a map swallowing the entire Northeast. If after this, someone still cant see the agenda at play, then theyre either blind, complicit or both, the BJP said. The Congress shot back, slamming the BJP for its ignorance. Jorhat MP and Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said it is a song composed by Tagore one that conveys the sentiments of Bengali culture. He alleged the BJP always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal. Their IT Cell in the past also insulted the people of Bengal. They have shown their ignorance. They have shown that they do not know the history of Rabindranath Thakur and his philosophy, Gogoi said. I think the people of Bengal and Bengali-speaking people in different parts of India have realised that the BJP only uses them for votes but never cares to understand their culture, language and sentiments, he further stated.

IAF to dazzle Northeast with grand Brahmaputra fly-past on 93rd anniversary

The Indian Air Force will present a spectacular flying display over the Brahmaputra river in Guwahati on November 9. This event marks the 93rd anniversary of the IAF. Citizens can witness diverse aircraft, including the Tejas and Rafale. The display will also feature the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team. Preparations are underway for this grand showcase.

Women's World Cup: DY Patil Stadium Bursting To The Seams As Huge Crowd Gathers For India V Australia Semis

Dr DY Patil Stadium: Things were not going as expected for India in the middle, but there was history in the making outside the boundary wall as a huge crowd gathered at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai for their second semifinal of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup against Australia on Thursday. Though the ICC is yet to give the official figures, unofficial estimates put the crowd in the vicinity of 25,000, which will set a new record for the largest number of spectators inside a stadium for a women's cricket match. In the middle, India were struggling to contain the Australian batters as seven-time winners and the defending champions Australia cruised to 225/3 in 35 overs, but the crowd was enjoying themselves, supporting the Indian team. Despite it being a Thursday and there being a threat of rain plaguing the match, the crowd started filling the stadium early, and by the midway stage in the first innings, it was jampacked. With hosts India taking on the mighty Aussies in their quest for the maiden title, there was huge interest in the match, with tickets being scalped for as high as Rs 500 for a ticket priced at Rs 100. The stadium was expected to break the record it set during the India versus New Zealand game last week, when 23,180 spectators were seated inside the stadium at 6:15 pm. That broke the previous record of 22,843 spectators recorded during the opening match of this tournament between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30. The crowd had further swelled past 23,500 by 7 pm on that day before people started leaving the stadium because of the rain. The number count promptly swelled past the previous record even as Australia was batting. It definitely will grow further when India starts batting, and the stadium is expected to reach its highest number ever for any match. The crowd had further swelled past 23,500 by 7 pm on that day before people started leaving the stadium because of the rain. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The match was listed as sold out a couple of days back, and the interest continued to grow as it became clear that India would be taking on Australia. Article Source: IANS

IND vs SA Guwahati Test: To save time, tea could be taken before lunch

Unlike Test matches in India, which start at 9:30 a.m. and whose scheduled close of play is 4:30 p.m., the game in Guwahati will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

Go For The Kill: Ravi Shastri Backs India For Women's WC Semi-final Vs AUS

DY Patil Stadium: Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has extended his wishes for the Indian womens team for their World Cup semi-final clash against Australia, which is currently underway at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Shastri, a former head coach of the senior mens team, shared a message on his X account after Australia won the toss and opted to bat. Wish Amol and the girls. Boss go for the kill. Nothing to lose. Bindaas, he wrote. The winner of this clash will face South Africa in the tournament final on Sunday at the same venue in Navi Mumbai. The Proteas defeated England in the first semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday to book themselves a place in the final for the first time in the tournaments history. While Australia, the defending champions, are looking to win the tournament for a record-extending eighth time, the Women in Blue are eyeing their first-ever ICC title, having come close to clinching the silverware on several occasions. As for Australia, regular skipper Alyssa Healy resumed her duties after missing the teams previous two matches due to a calf strain. India, meanwhile, made three changes. They brought in Shafali Verma for the injured Pratika Rawal, after the opening batter was ruled out of the tournament, and replaced Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry with Kranti Gaud and Richa Ghosh. The decision to bring back Kranti worked wonders for the Women in Blue as the pacer struck early to dismiss the dangerous Healy to reduce Australia to 25/1 in 5.1 overs. As for Australia, regular skipper Alyssa Healy resumed her duties after missing the teams previous two matches due to a calf strain. India, meanwhile, made three changes. They brought in Shafali Verma for the injured Pratika Rawal, after the opening batter was ruled out of the tournament, and replaced Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry with Kranti Gaud and Richa Ghosh. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt. Article Source: IANS

Lemon Tree Hotels signs two new properties with RJ Corp Limited

Lemon Tree Hotels has signed agreements for two new properties with RJ Corp Limited, one in Ayodhya and another in Guwahati. The Ayodhya hotel will offer around 300 rooms, while the Guwahati property will feature 300 rooms and 50 serviced apartments, aiming to tap into the medical tourism segment.

Wolvaardt, Kapp power SA to maiden ODI World Cup final

Guwahati, Oct 29: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt scored a hundred for the ages before the seasoned Marizanne Kapp made the ball talk in good batting conditions to script a 125-run victory over England and enter their maiden Womens ODI Cup final here on Wednesday. Wolvaardt single-handedly pushed South Africa to a formidable 319 for []

Treason case to be filed against Cong leaders for singing Bangladeshi national anthem: Assam CM

GUWAHATI, Oct 29: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said he has instructed the police to register a case of treason against Congress leaders of Sribhumi district for singing the national anthem of Bangladesh at a party meeting. Addressing a press conference here after a cabinet meeting, Sarma also alleged that singing the anthem is the opposition partys endorsement of the claim by a section of leaders in Bangladesh that the entire Northeast region is part of the [] The post Treason case to be filed against Cong leaders for singing Bangladeshi national anthem: Assam CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Assam CM orders treason case after Congress leaders sing Bangladesh anthem

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said he has instructed the police to register a case of treason against Congress leaders of Sribhumi district for singing the national anthem of Bangladesh at a party meeting. Addressing a press conference here after a cabinet meeting, Sarma also alleged that singing the anthem is Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Naga national flag, constitution sole basis for political settlement: Thuingaleng Muivah

GUWAHATI: The NSCN-IM has maintained its firm stance on a separate Naga national flag and Naga national constitution, with the outfits general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah on Wednesday asserting that they are the sole basis for a negotiated political settlement between the organisation and the central government. The final negotiated political settlement between the Government of India and the NSCN representing Nagalim shall be according to the uniqueness of Nagalims history, Muivah said at Senapati, a Naga-majority district in Manipur. Explaining this position, he said a new relationship of sharing of sovereign power would be based on sovereign Nagalims unique history, duly recognised with the inclusion of the Naga national flag and Naga national constitution. The new relationship of sharing of sovereign power shall not be defined by the Constitution of India and Myanmar but by the political agreement of the two sovereign entities, and it shall be outside the Union and Constitution of India and Myanmar, the NSCN-IM leader said. He further stated that Nagas must be sufficiently warned of the Indian states alleged strategy of divide and conquer through what he described as distortion and perversion of the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015. Muivah lamented that a section of Nagas had become pawns in the hands of the Government of India and its agencies. He asserted that the NSCN-IM did not and would not recognise any agreement signed within the framework of the Constitution of India past, present or future. Any Nagas and organisations promoting and advocating the corrupt version of the Indian state and its agencies, regarding the Amsterdam Joint Communiqu of July 11, 2002, and the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, shall be deemed as traitors to the Naga nation, Muivah said. He made it clear that the only honourable negotiated political agreement would be in accordance with the letter and spirit of the two agreements and the officially recognised Nagalims unique history, sovereignty, territory, Naga national flag and Naga national constitution. Therefore, the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqu and the Framework Agreement, duly recognizing the sovereign Naga national flag and the sovereign Nagalim national constitution, are the rallying point for Nagalim and the Naga people, wherever they are, he further stated. The NSCN-IM had entered into a peace process with the Centre in 1997 after signing a ceasefire agreement. Despite peace talks spanning nearly three decades, a final solution to the Naga issue continues to remain elusive.

IIT Guwahati Opens GATE 2026 Application Correction Window With Fees And Deadlines

GATE 2026 exams will be held in February with results by March 19; a new Energy Science paper has been introduced.

England vs South Africa Women Live Streaming: When and where to watch ICC Womens World Cup 2025 semifinal online

ENG W vs SA W WC 2025 Live Streaming: The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 semifinals begin with England versus South Africa. This match takes place in Guwahati on October 29. England are the defending champions. South Africa have shown strong form. Rain is a concern for the game. A reserve day is available. England will advance if play is still affected. The winner proceeds to the final.

England Women vs South Africa Women Playing 11 Prediction for Women's World Cup 1st Semi-final

ENG W vs SA W Playing 11 Today Match: Defending champions England face South Africa in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal, aiming for a final berth. South Africa must overcome their spin vulnerability against England's potent spin attack on a slow Guwahati pitch. England previously defeated South Africa by 10 wickets in the league stage.

GATE application correction window 2026 opens at gate2026.iitg.ac.in: Check key details and direct link here

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has opened the correction window for GATE 2026 applications, allowing candidates to rectify errors in details such as name, date of birth, exam city, paper choice, and category until November 3, 2025. Applicants must log in at gate2026.iitg.ac.in and pay the prescribed fee based on the modification type.

South Africa look to iron out batting flaws against spin in crunch semifinal against England

South Africa meets England in the ICC Women's World Cup semifinal. South Africa seeks to improve its batting against spin. England aims to exploit this weakness with its spin attack. Both teams have shown inconsistent form. The match is scheduled for Wednesday in Guwahati. Rain is a possibility, with a reserve day available.

Task Force mulls stronger India-Myanmar-Thailand corridor, better Bangladesh-NE links

A high-level meeting focused on the Northeast Economic Corridor. Discussions covered new links with Bangladesh and strengthening the India-Myanmar-Thailand transport route. Guwahati is set to become a central hub with improved helicopter services. Inland waterways, rail connectivity, and electric trains were also discussed. Border trade infrastructure and product marketing initiatives were explored.

Bavuma to return as SA captain for India Tests

Johannesburg, Oct 27: Captain Temba Bavuma returned to the South Africa squad on Monday for the two-Test series in India after recovering from a calf injury. The series begins on November 14 with matches scheduled in Guwahati and Kolkata. Bavuma was not part of the recent two-match series in Pakistan that his team drew with []

Nagaland University Study sounds environmental alert for Loktak Lake

GUWAHATI: A study conducted by Nagaland University has sounded an environmental alert for the Loktak Lake, one of Indias iconic freshwater ecosystems and a designated Ramsar Site in Manipur. Researchers found that changes in land use particularly agriculture, settlements, and shifting cultivation are directly deteriorating the water quality of rivers feeding into the lake, threatening its biodiversity and livelihoods of locals. Loktak Lake is home to 132 plant species and 428 animal species, and supports hydropower, fisheries, transport, and tourism. However, in recent decades, the lake has been listed under the Montreux Record a global warning list for wetlands undergoing serious ecological damage. Reduced fish populations, rising pollution levels and increased sedimentation have now become growing concerns. A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated to be of international importance under Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These sites are recognised for their ecological significance, such as supporting biodiversity or providing critical habitat for waterfowl. The study was undertaken by Dr Eliza Khwairakpam, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Nagaland University. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Environment and Pollution. Highlighting the need for such studies, Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, Nagaland University takes great pride in the significant research contribution made by our faculty (members) and scholars, revealing the strong link between land use and water pollution in the Loktak Lake catchment area of Manipur. The study highlights the pressing environmental challenges arising from agricultural runoff, human settlements, and shifting cultivation, which are directly impacting the river water quality in the region. To understand the root cause, Nagaland University researchers conducted field sampling across nine major rivers Khuga, Western, Nambul, Imphal, Kongba, Iril, Thoubal, Heirok and Sekmai that drain into Loktak Lake. Using detailed Land Use Land Cover maps, Dr Khwairakpam compared different types of land activities such as agricultural areas, dense and degraded forests, settlements, Jhum cultivation and water bodies, against water quality indicators like dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and temperature. Our study confirms that land use decisions across villages and forest landscapes upstream are directly impacting water quality downstream. This makes community-based land management and stricter control of agricultural runoff and waste discharge crucial for restoring Loktak Lake, Dr Khwairakpam said.

Arunachal IAS officer named in teen's suicide note arrested, refutes charges of sexual abuse

GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh IAS officer Talo Potom was arrested by the police on Monday after being named in a teen's suicide note for alleged sexual harassment. Potom, currently serving as Secretary, Public Works Department, Government of Delhi, surrendered to the Arunachal Pradesh Police early Monday morning after a lookout notice was issued against him. He will be produced before a magistrate today, a senior police official told TNIE . 19-year-old Gomchu Yekar was found dead at his rented accommodation at Lekhi village in Papum Pare district on October 23. The police registered an unnatural death case after the father of the deceased had lodged an FIR. Yekar's father claimed that the deceased held two senior officials responsible for his death in the multiple handwritten suicide notes that were recovered from his house. Yekar accused IAS officer Potom and senior engineer Likwang Lowang of sexually exploiting and harassing him for a long time. He wrote that the prolonged humiliation, coercion and threats made him take the extreme step. Likwang Lowang, who worked at the state's Rural Works Department, shot himself dead at his Khonsa residence in Tirap district hours after the suicide of the teenager. The FIR accused the two officials of abetment of suicide, sexual exploitation, mental harassment, and corruption. Potom refuted the charges made against him in a video statement that he issued before surrendering. He claimed that he did not have any personal relations with the deceased. Potom had appointed the deceased as a contractual multi-tasking staff during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner (District Magistrate) in Itanagar.

Meghalaya statistician in Stanfords top 2% scientists list for 5th year in a row

GUWAHATI: With barely three months left for his retirement, a statistics teacher at St Anthonys College in Meghalayas Shillong, Sanku Dey, is topping off his career by securing a place on Stanford Universitys list of the top 2% of scientists in the world for the fifth year in a row. Of the 1.17 crore researchers evaluated globally, only an estimated 2.34 lakh made it to the list, which included 23,549 statisticians. He has been ranked at 54,006 on the list, finding the 267th spot among statisticians. The certificate mentions mathematics and statistics as his main field. Notably, he is the first one from the Northeast to achieve this feat. In 2021, his global ranking among the 2% of scientists was 1,04,260. It went up to 1,07,863 in 2022. He improved in 2023 with a rank of 51,491 but then slipped to 57,410 in 2024. Stanfords 2% list is developed with Elsevier, a Dutch academic publishing company that provides scientific, technical and medical information solutions. The exercise entails identifying acclaimed researchers based on standardised bibliometric indicators like total citations and h-index scores. Data from the Scopus database is used in the process. The list features researchers with significant impact and excellence, representing 2% of all scientists worldwide. A postgraduate in statistics from Gauhati University, Dey is the youngest of five siblingsall men. He did his schooling at his birthplace, Kharupetia, a small town in Assams Darrang. His teaching career spans three decades, during which he has taught at Kokrajhar College, Gauhati University, Banaras Hindu University and Saudi Arabias King Abdulaziz University. His stint at St Anthonys College began in 2000. He now heads the Department of Statistics there. Ask Dey about his passion for the subject, and pat comes his reply: It was only when I was doing my honours in the subject that I fell in love with it. I cannot tell you why I pursued my education in statistics. I just picked it. Now when I ask my students this question, even they cannot give me an answer.

Assam Police STF chiefs short film Ansuni Chinkhe wins Best Director Award

Ansuni Chinkhe, a moving short film written and directed by Dr Parthasarathi Mahanta, who serves as the Chief of the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police and Guwahati Police Commissioner, has once again brought acclaim to Assam, clinching the Best Director Award of Jury at the 16th Chambal International Film Festival 2025. The festival []

Who is Sudarshan Kamath, Indian origin founder offering jobs to laid-off Meta employees?

Sudarshan Kamath, Indian-origin founder of Smallest AI, is offering roles to employees laid off from Meta Platforms AI division. The San Francisco-based startup seeks talent with expertise in speech evaluation, speech generation, and full-duplex speech-to-speech systems, offering salaries between $200,000 and $600,000 plus equity. Kamaths career spans IIT Guwahati, UC San Diego, Bosch, Vakilsearch, and Toppr. His initiative joins other startups recruiting displaced Meta AI employees amid recent large-scale layoffs, with severance packages covering 16 weeks.

Arunachal teen dies by suicide; engineer named in note found dead hours later

GUWAHATI: A 19-year-old youth allegedly died by suicide in Arunachal Pradeshs Papum Pare district on Thursday, and hours later, an engineer named in his suicide note was also found dead. The teenager, identified as Gomchu Yekar, was discovered dead at his rented accommodation in Lekhi village around 11 am. The police have registered a case of unnatural death following a complaint lodged by his father. According to the FIR, multiple handwritten suicide notes were recovered from the room, in which Yekar accused an IAS officer and an executive engineer in the state government of sexually exploiting and harassing him over an extended period. He alleged that continuous humiliation, coercion, and threats had driven him to take his own life. The family has accused the two officials of abetment of suicide and filed additional charges of sexual exploitation, mental harassment, and corruption. They also demanded a fair and impartial investigation and the immediate arrest of those named. Yekar was working as a contractual multi-tasking staff member at the time of his death. Local media later reported that the engineer named in the suicide note allegedly shot himself dead at his residence in Khonsa, the headquarters of Tirap district. Police sources said efforts are underway to trace the IAS officer mentioned in the note. Senior police officials were not immediately available for comment. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

Ahead of Muivahs Senapati visit, Nagas declare restrictions in his honour

GUWAHATI: Ahead of NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivahs visit to Senapati in Manipur on October 29, the Nagas have declared a Genna in his honour. In Naga culture and traditions, Genna relates to restrictions during the observance of a national holiday or community important day. The United Naga Council (UNC), which is Manipurs apex Naga organisation, said all educational institutions and shops would remain closed on that day as a mark of respect to Muivah. People would also abstain from all other forms of economic and commercial activities. The UNC urged people to participate in the community gatherings and programmes to celebrate the occasion and uphold the spirit of unity and solidarity. Let this Genna be a symbol of unity, strength, and commitment in a quest for self-determination based on the (Nagas) unique history and position. May our collective efforts bring peace, prosperity, and progress to the Nagas, the UNC said in a statement. Muivah (91) is currently at his birthplace, Somdal, in Manipurs Ukhrul district. He returned to the picturesque village 61 years after he had left home in 1964 to join the Naga revolutionary movement. On October 22, he had two back-to-back public events in Ukhrul town and Somdal. He will leave Somdal on October 29 to attend the event at Senapati, another Naga-majority district, and then fly to Dimapur in adjoining Nagaland. The NSCN-IMs central headquarters Camp Hebron is located about 45 km from Dimapur.

Zubeen death case: Assam SIT expects CCTV footage, witness statements from Singapore Police in 10 days

GUWAHATI: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing music icon Zubeen Gargs mysterious death is hoping to get CCTV footage and witness statements from Singapore Police within the next 10 days. SIT chief Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who led a two-member team to Singapore and returned on Thursday, told media persons on Friday that their visit as well as the meeting with a five-member high-level team of Singapore Police on October 21 was fruitful. Stating that information on the ongoing investigation was exchanged, he said the report of post-mortem, conducted in Singapore, was shared with the SIT through the Indian High Commission. We told Singapore Police that as we want to complete our investigation within a timeframe, we need their legal assistance. They responded positively. They said they would provide the assistance by staying within Singapores visa legal system, Gupta said. Further, he said that the SIT visited several sites connected to the case and conducted other legal works in Singapore. Singer Zubeen Garg died in Singapore while swimming, says media report We asked Singapore Police about CCTV footage from the hotel (where Garg stayed). We cannot take it directly from hotel authorities as it has to be as per Singapore laws. Singapore Police assured us that they would give a positive response within 10 days, said Gupta. The SIT requires the statements of some Singapore nationals and it sent a request earlier to Singapore authorities through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Singapore Police will record their statements and contact us within 10 days, Gupta said, adding, Our probe is on. We cannot reveal what we have found so far. Referring to a statement issued recently by Singapore Police, he said upon completion of investigation by Singapore Police, the findings would be submitted to Singapores State Coroner who would then decide on the next step. Gupta said the SIT would file the charge sheet in court within the time as stipulated under BNSS and that, if required, it would summon the Singapore-based Assamese expats who were with the singer during his last moments. The statements of 10 of the 11 expats have been already recorded in Assam. (Gargs wife) Garima Saikia Garg arrived today at the CID office to give her statement. It was required, he added.

Assam government to table Nellie Massacre report in Assembly after 42 years

GUWAHATI: Forty-two years after the Nellie Massacre in Assam, the state government has decided to table the Tribhubhan Prasad Tiwari Commission Report in the Assembly in November. An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Muslims, mostly women and children, were killed in the massacre which took place in 1983 during the height of the Assam Agitation, also known as the anti-foreigners agitation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that as copies of the report did not have Tiwarys signature, successive governments were on the backstage as they were not sure if the report was genuine or fake. We have interviewed the clerks and the secretaries who were involved in the preparation of the report, followed by a forensic test. We came to know that the report is genuine, Sarma said. There was a need to take a bold step. We thought we should table it in the Assembly since it is a part of Assams history, the chief minister said. Stating that social scientists and historians had presented the report in various ways, he said people would get to know the facts what happened at that time following the publication of the report. The violence allegedly raged through the night across Muslim villages at Nellie, which was then in Nagaon district. In the aftermath of the massacre, the then state government had constituted the Tiwari Commission to investigate the causes and circumstances of the tragedy, considered one of the darkest chapters in Assams history.

Manipur: Back in Somdal after 61 years, Muivah reiterates stand on Naga sovereignty

GUWAHATI: After a gruelling Wednesday of travel and public events, NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah (91) spends time with his family, clan and tribe to make up for a 61-year absence from his birthplace Somdal in Ukhrul district of Manipur. However, six days are all that he will get this time around to soak in the beauty of Somdal and the warmth of his people before he leaves for Senapati in the state on October 29 to attend an event and then fly to Dimapur in Nagaland the same day. Muivah stays at the Gethsemane Prayer Centre. Uncle is taking rest today after a day of hectic travel and activities, a local told TNIE. In a video, the nonagenarian can be seen taking a stroll, surrounded by some others. He had two back-to-back public events at Ukhrul and Somdal on Wednesday. A large number of Nagas from different parts of Manipur had turned up at Ukhrul to be a part of history. Muivah is the fourth of five siblings. The eldest sister and two elder brothers are no more. He met his only surviving brother and some relatives after a chopper took him to Somdal from Ukhrul on Wednesday. He could not visit the quaint village since leaving it in 1964 to join the Naga revolutionary movement. He had made an attempt in 2010 with the Centres approval 13 years after NSCN-IM signed a ceasefire agreement but the then Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government in Manipur thwarted it, ostensibly because the outfit was viewed a threat to Manipurs territorial integrity. The NSCN-IM envisaged a greater Naga homeland through the integration of the Naga areas of the Northeast. When a frail-looking Muivah arrived in Manipur on Wednesday, the visit was not opposed by other communities. After all, issues and the political situations have since changed. Meanwhile, his Ukhrul speech was read out by NSCN-IM leader VS Atem. Muivah recalled that his revolutionary journey began six decades ago in Ukhrul. I thank the Lord God Almighty for preserving me and making it possible for me to return to my birthplace, Somdal. But many people who I knew and who loved me are missing. Generation comes and goes, but nation stays, he had stated. He mentioned that the historic national decision for a sovereign Nagalim had been defended and consolidated from the battlefield to the negotiating table. We have not surrendered the free existence and sovereignty of Nagalim, and we shall defend the sovereign national decisions of Nagalim to the last, come what may, Muivah declared. He made it clear that the NSCN-IM would not compromise on the twin issues of Naga national flag and Naga national constitution. the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement (signed with Centre in 2015) have recognised and acknowledged the Naga national flag and the Naga national constitution, he said.

NE Media Forum Calls for Entries for Kalyan Barooah Memorial Awards

The awards will be conferred at a ceremony on December 11, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Barooah, a distinguished journalist who worked in the national capital for about three decades, reporting for Guwahati-based The Assam Tribune.

Physics in action? Police steps in as IIT Guwahati students engage in firecrackers-war on Diwali; watch viral video

A Diwali celebration at IIT Guwahati devolved into a dangerous 'firecracker war' between students from two hostels. The chaotic scene, with rockets and crackers launched between buildings, necessitated police intervention. The incident, captured in a viral video, saw the campus sky lit up in a manner resembling a battlefield.

Guwahati: ULFA-I Sergeant Major killed in joint Army-Assam Rifles operation in Arunachal Pradesh

A joint operation by the Army and Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh's Namsai district resulted in the death of Iwon Axom, a self-styled Sergeant Major of ULFA-I. Recovered from the encounter site were a rifle, RPG round, and rucksacks. The operation has been intensified with additional security forces joining the search.

NSCN-IM leader Muivah returns to birthplace in Manipur after decades

GUWAHATI: Sixty-one years after he left home to join the Naga revolutionary movement, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah returned to his native Somdal village in Manipurs Naga-majority Ukhrul district on Wednesday. A large number of Nagas, who turned up from different parts of Manipur, greeted the 91-year-old after his chopper, which took off from adjoining Nagaland, landed at the Bakshi ground in the Ukhrul town and he reached the Tangkhul Naga Long ground where a programme was organised in his honour. The helicopter later took him to Somdal, about 25 away, where a similar event was organised. He appeared frail due to his advanced age. As he walked, he was seen being assisted by others. He is the fourth of five siblings. His eldest sister and two elder brothers passed away. His younger brother, now in his eighties, lives in Somdal. Muivah, the chief negotiator of NSCN-IMs peace talks with the Centre, will stay in the village till October 28. He is scheduled to leave for Senapati, another Naga-majority Manipur district, on October 29 to attend a programme. On the same day, he will return to Nagaland where the NSCN-IM, which entered into a ceasefire in 1997, has its central headquarters, Hebron. Muivah had intended to visit Somdal in May 2010 after it was cleared by the Centre. He set out from Nagaland in a convoy of vehicles and reached Viswema, 22 km from Nagaland capital Kohima and 120 km from Somdal. However, Manipurs then Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government was opposed to the visit over the NSCN-IMs contentious Greater Nagaland demand. The outfit envisaged a greater Naga homeland by carving out the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and integrating them with Nagaland. The Manipur government deployed a large number of security personnel at Mao Gate in the Senapati district. On the day Muivah was scheduled to enter Manipur, the Naga residents of Mao Gate took out a procession protesting the Manipur governments position. Violence broke out soon and two Naga youths were killed when the security personnel opened fire. The incident made the NSCN-IM leader put off the visit. Meanwhile, at Ukhrul, his speech was read out by NSCN-IM leader VS Atem. Muivah recalled that his revolutionary journey began six decades ago from Ukhrul in 1964. I thank the Lord God Almighty for preserving me and making it possible for me to return to my birthplace Somdal today. But many people who I knew and who loved me are missing. Generation comes and goes, but nation stays. The issue we are fighting for is greater and older than most of us who are gathered here at this Tangkhul Naga Long ground today, the nonagenarian said. On the Naga political issue, he highlighted that the historic national decision for a sovereign Nagalim has been defended and consolidated from the battlefield to the negotiating table. We have not surrendered the free existence and sovereignty of Nagalim, and we shall defend the sovereign national decisions of Nagalim to the last, come what may, Muivah declared.

Congress' stand on Zubeens death probe: Himanta says protest will end if he resigns, Gogoi made CM

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday hinted that the ongoing protest in the state demanding justice for the late music icon Zubeen Garg was politically motivated. He told media persons in Baksa that 50 per cent of the protest would immediately end if he resigned, and the remaining 50 per cent would end if Congress MP and partys Assam president Gaurav Gogoi was made the chief minister. The purpose of this protest is not about ensuring justice for Zubeen. Over the past four and a half years (his term so far), they didnt get any opportunity (to attack the government), and now that they have got one, they thought they should utilise it, Sarma said without taking the name of any individual or political party. He appealed to people to repose their trust in the judiciary, stating that a government may err but the judiciary will not. The chief minister said the government would, in pursuance of a decision of the state cabinet, request the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court to set up a fast-track court for the trial of the case. The biggest respect to Zubeen will be if we can keep Assam peaceful and ensure that the states journey on the road of development continues. There cannot be a bigger respect than this to him, Sarma said. He added, Our objective will be to finish his unfinished works. We want to build his memorial, statues, besides music schools and music colleges in the constituencies. During his visit, the chief minister met with the families of two persons who were injured recently when a mob clashed with police during the shifting of five accused in Gargs death case to the Baksa Central Jail. He offered Rs 2 lakh each to support their medical treatment and assured of further financial assistance, if required. Meanwhile, a two-member Special Investigation Team, headed by Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, reached Singapore on Monday in connection with the probe. The team was expected to meet Singapore authorities on Tuesday. Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming at a sea in Singapore on September 19. He travelled to the country to attend the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF). So far, seven persons have been arrested. They are NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gargs manager Siddhartha Sharma, DSP cousin Sandipan Garg, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta. All are currently in judicial custody.

Tanvi ends World Jr Cship with silver

Guwahati, Oct 19: Indian shuttler Tanvi Sharmas bid to script history by winning a gold medal at the BWF World Junior Championships ended in heartbreak as she lost in straight games to Thailands Anyapat Phichitpreechasak in the womens singles final here on Sunday. The 16-year-old, who followed in the footsteps of former world No.1 Saina []

SIT working to hide CM Himantas relation with accused in Zubeen Garg death case: MP Gaurav Gogoi

GUWAHATI: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday alleged that the investigation into the death of the music icon Zubeen Garg in Singapore is not moving in the right direction. He alleged that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up to hide Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas relation with Shyamkanu Mahanta and the BJPs relation with Siddharth Sharma. Mahanta was the organiser of the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore, while Sharma was Gargs manager. Both are now in judicial custody. Talking to media persons on the sidelines of Zubeen Garg's public condolence ceremony in Guwahati, Gogoi alleged that the SIT probe was not heading in the right direction. The SIT was formed to hide Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas relation with Shyamkanu Mahanta and the BJPs relation with Siddharth Sharma, and not to find out how Garg died. Everything about Mahanta and Sharma needs to be made public. Nothing about them should be kept hidden. As the Chief Minister himself is monitoring everything, I feel he has started giving more importance to save his image, Gogoi said. Zubeen Gargs death: Congress MP Gogoi accuses Assam CM of 'shielding' manager Shyamkanu Mahanta Garg had died on September 19 while swimming in the sea in Singapore, where he had gone to attend the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF). Political outfit Assam Jatiya Parishad chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi categorically stated that the truth must come out. Garg raised his voice whenever there was any injustice in society. We have to build a society that he dreamt of, Gogoi said, asking everyone to refrain from doing politics on the issue. Leaders of different opposition parties participated in the memorial. A memorial book was also released. People are turning up in large numbers every day, virtually turning the place into a religious site. Late legendary singer Zubeen Garg's wife, sister seek details over circumstances leading to his death

A month on, Assam mourns Zubeens death as family, fans await answers on his final moments

Hundreds thronged Garg's cremation site at Sonapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati, since October 19 morning, paying tributes to their beloved singer-composer

Guwahati Diary | Poaching attempts on the rise in Kaziranga

Poaching attempts have been rising in the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve. A suspected poacher was recently killed after a brief exchange of fire with forest guards. The gunfight followed intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected poachers. In another incident, the forest guards thwarted a poaching attempt by arresting three hunters. Later, based on their statements, a .303 rifle and nine live cartridges were recovered. Poachers kill rhinos for their horns, which may fetch up to Rs 5 crore from the international black market. Kaziranga has already scripted a success story in rhino conservation. Saving it was a key BJP promise. Govt brings bill to safeguard Satras The state Cabinet has cleared the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025, to protect the sacred heritage institutions, promote their cultural & economic potential, and ensure their legacy for future generations through a blend of modern governance and reverence for tradition. A panel will be established to secure Satra lands from encroachment and disputes through transparent governance, while promoting sustainable economic growth through heritage tourism and Satriya arts. It will further safeguard Vaishnavite heritage through a digital repository for lands, artefacts, and manuscripts. One station, one product coverage to 112 stations The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has made progress under the Ministry of Railways One Station, One Product (OSOP) initiative that aims to promote local artisans and entrepreneurs by providing them a platform to showcase and sell their indigenous products at railway stations. As of October 2025, altogether 112 stations under NFR have operational OSOP outlets, covering 135 functional units. The initiative provided a boost to local crafts, traditional products and self-employment opportunities across the Northeast. These initiatives underscore NFRs commitment to social welfare and economic empowerment, a statement said. Prasanta Mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com

Tanvi storms into final of World Junior Cships

Guwahati, Oct 18: Indias top seeded Tanvi Sharma produced a near-perfect match against Chinas Liu Si Ya to storm into the final of the BWF World Junior Champions here on Saturday. The 16-year-old Tanvi followed the footsteps of former world No.1 Saina Nehwal and Aparna Popat to become only the third Indian female player to []

Air India announces 174 weekly flights as part of Northern Winter Schedule

NEW DELHI: Air India has announced the addition of 174 weekly flights on key domestic and short-haul international routes, operated by its single-aisle aircraft, as part of the Northern Winter Schedule.The domestic additions are effective from October 26. This expansion enhances connectivity to major cities in India and Southeast Asia which are in high demand. An official release listed additions to these international routes:Delhi-Kuala Lumpur:Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from November 15) andDelhi-Denpasar (Bali):Increasing from seven to 10 weekly flights (from December 1). These are the additions to domestic routes, all of which are effective from October 26: Flights to Rajasthan: Delhi-Jaipur (new route):three daily flights;Delhi-Jaisalmer (new route):two daily flights;Delhi-Udaipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Mumbai-Jaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Udaipur:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Mumbai-Jodhpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights toMadhya Pradesh: Delhi-Indore:Increasing from three to four daily flights;Delhi-Bhopal:Increasing from two to three daily flights; andMumbai-Indore:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Flights to Gujarat:Mumbai-Bhuj:Increasing from one to two daily flights andDelhi to Rajkot:Increasing from one to two daily flights. Other frequency additions, effective from the same date: Delhi-Varanasi:Increasing from two to threedaily flights;Delhi-Raipur:Increasing from two to three daily flights;Delhi-Port Blair:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Aurangabad:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Guwahati:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Delhi-Nagpur:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Dehradun:Increasing from one to two daily flights;Mumbai-Patna:Increasing from one to two daily flights andMumbai-Amritsar:Increasing from one to two daily flights.

Seasonal solar fences installed in eastern Assam for HEC mitigation

Guwahati, Oct 18: In a continued effort to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) and safeguard rural livelihoods, premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department has handed over seasonal solar fences to communities across three eastern Assam districts of Jorhat, Tinsukia and Sivasagar. These community-managed solar fences are designed to protect farmlands []

With eye on Assam polls, BJP revives alliance with Bodoland People's Front

GUWAHATI: Facing perhaps the toughest Assam elections early next year, the ruling BJP has revived its alliance with the Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF). The BPF had ousted the BJP-United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL) combine from power in the Bodoland Territorial Region last month by bagging 28 seats in the elections to the 40-member autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). Less than a month after the landslide victory, the BPF formally joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Saturday following a call from the BJP. Charan Boro, a BPF legislator, was sworn in as a minister. The BPF will return the favour by appointing two from the BJP as executive members in the BTC and another as deputy speaker. The Assam ministry has the UPPLs UG Brahma, who was inducted in 2021 after the formation of the government. The BPF and UPPL are considered bitter rivals. Recently, former rebel leader-turned-BPF president and BTC chief executive member Hagrama Mohilary stated that his party would join the NDA only after the UPPLs removal from the NDA. The UPPLs fate vis--vis the alliance with the BJP now hangs in the balance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the BJPs alliance with the Asom Gana Parishad and UPPL, which was for five years till the upcoming Assembly elections, would be reviewed by November-December. Sarma termed the BPFs decision to join the NDA and Charan Boros inclusion in the ministry as a milestone toward peace, progress and coordination in Bodoland. We are grateful to Hagrama Mohilary for consenting to Charan Boros inclusion in the ministry. Our effort will be to work for peace and progress. We will support the BPF-government for the development of Bodoland, the chief minister said. He also said that he maintained an old relationship with Mohilary but because of some reason, there was a gap in 2021. However, we came together after a few months, Sarma further said. The BJP had ditched ally BPF after the 2020 BTC elections and formed the government in the council along with newfound friend UPPL. The BPF had won 17 seats but could not cobble up the numbers. A candid Mohilary said it was for the sake of Bodolands development that the BPF decided to join hands with the state government. We have various problems and we thought we can solve them by partnering with the NDA, he said. For the autonomous councils, maintaining a good relationship with the party in power in the state or at the Centre is of utmost importance. The councils get their funds from the government. Close ties may fetch additional government support. There is a perception that the BJP has a mountain to climb to be able to retain power in the state. Its biggest challenge will be to assuage six communities fighting for Scheduled Tribe status and ensure justice for music icon Zubeen Garg who died mysteriously while swimming at sea in Singapore on September 19.

Are Indias airports ready to take off?

The new terminals at Navi Mumbai, Guwahati and Bengaluru are raking in awards for design. But despite the many innovations at Indian airports, are we on a par with the rest of the world?

CBI nabs officer accepting Rs 10 lakh bribe in Guwahati; recovers cash, silver, investment documents

GUWAHATI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested the executive director and regional officer of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Guwahati, while accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from an individual. During subsequent searches at the house and office of the officer, Riten Kumar Singh, the CBI recovered Rs 2.62 crore in cash, a silver bar weighing 100 grams, and documents related to investment. The documents about investment in immovable assets include nine premium apartment units, one premium office space and three residential plots in Delhi NCR; one premium apartment and one residential plot in Bangalore, and four premium apartments and two residential plots in Guwahati. Documents relating to acquisition include two homestead plots and one agriculture land in Imphal West (Manipur), possession/investment in six high-end luxury vehicles and two luxury watches worth lakhs, the CBI said. Most of the properties purchased in the names of the accused public servant and his family members seem to be undervalued, which are under verification, the agency said. The CBI laid the trap on October 14, leading to the arrest of the officer and the individual who was offering a bribe for the issuance of a favourable extension of time and completion certificate of the work executed. The work pertained to the contract of four-laning of National Highway- 37 between Demow till the end of Moran Bypass, besides other contracts in Assam. Both accused were produced before the court of Special Judge, CBI Assam, which remanded them to 3-day police custody.

Rahul Gandhi visits Zubeen Gargs family, calls for transparent probe

GUWAHATI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited music icon Zubeen Gargs residence as well as samadhi in Guwahati on Friday and called for a transparent probe into his mysterious death while swimming at a sea in Singapore on September 19. I spoke to his family and they said only one thing, we have lost our Zubeen and all we want is that the truth should be clear, Gandhi told the media. Stating that it is a tragedy that the whole state is facing, he said it is the duty of the government to quickly and transparently investigate and tell the singers family members exactly what happened. At 17, when I was doing a mountaineering course in Sikkim, I would see Mt Kanchenjunga every day. It is honest, transparent, unshakable, and beautiful. Today, while I was coming, Gaurav (Assam Congress chief and MP Gaurav Gogoi) told me that Zubeen Ji said he was KanchenjungaHe was indeed Kanchenjunga because he had the qualities of Kanchenjunga, he said. Meanwhile, a local court remanded Gargs bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and singer Amrit Prava Mahanta to judicial custody on Friday at the end of their 14-day police custody. They will be reproduced in the court after 14 days. The two were arrested on October 3, after days of intense grilling by the Criminal Investigation Department-Special Investigation Team (CID-SIT). Altogether, seven people have been arrested so far in connection with the case. The others arrested are 4th North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gargs manager Siddhartha Sharma, DSP cousin Sandipan Garg, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya. They are also in judicial custody. Apart from the probe being conducted by the CID-SIT, the state government also constituted a one-man inquiry commission, headed by Justice Soumitra Saikia of the Gauhati High Court, to investigate the case. Dont spread unverified information, Zubeens death probe may take another three months: Singapore Police

At Zubeen Garg's Village In Assam, Why Rahul Gandhi Recalled Mount Kanchenjunga Visit

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recalled a time when he saw Mount Kanchenjunga as he paid tribute to Assam's cultural icon Zubeen Garg today at the site where the singer's family performed the last rites in Guwahati's Sonapur.

Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute To Zubeen Garg in Guwahati

Mr Gandhi who was received by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee President Rahul Gandhi went to Mr Gargs memorial in Komarkuchi, Sonapur. Mr Gandhi offered a 'gamosa', the traditional Assamese scarf, and a wreath at the platform where the singer was cremated

Dont spread unverified information, Zubeens death probe may take another three months: Singapore Police

GUWAHATI: The Singapore Police Force (SPF) on Friday said the investigation into the death of music icon Zubeen Garg may take up to another three months to conclude. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) is aware of speculation and false information circulating online regarding the circumstances of Mr Zubeen Garg's death. The case is currently being investigated by the SPF, in accordance with Singapore's Coroners Act 2010. Based on preliminary investigations, the SPF does not suspect foul play, the SPF said in a statement. It further stated that upon completion of the investigation, the findings would be submitted to Singapores State Coroner, who would then determine whether to hold a Coroners Inquiry (CI). A CI is a fact-finding process led by a Coroner, who is a judicial officer of the courts, to establish the cause and circumstances of death. Its findings will be made public upon conclusion. Even as the investigation continued, the SPF had on October 1 shared a copy of the autopsy report and the preliminary findings with the High Commission of India upon its request. Assam government to request HC for fast-track court for trial of Zubeen's death case: CM Himanta The SPF is committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation into the case, and this takes time. We seek the patience and understanding of the parties involved. Meanwhile, we urge the public not to speculate and spread unverified information, the statement by the SPF further said. A two-member Assam Police team will travel to Singapore on October 20 in connection with the investigation being conducted in Assam by the Criminal Investigation DepartmentSpecial Investigation Team (CIDSIT). Two days ago, Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who will lead the team, stated that the Assam Police had received communication from the Singapore government regarding the visit. He also said that the probe in Singapore by the Assam Police was necessary. Its a positive development in the investigation. It will help us to take the probe forward in consultation with the officials concerned there and finish it on time, Gupta said. Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19. He had travelled to the country to attend the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF). So far, seven persons have been arrested in connection with the death. They are NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gargs manager Siddhartha Sharma, DSP cousin Sandipan Garg, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Prabin Baishya, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, and singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta.

Three Army soldiers injured in suspected militant attack in Assam

GUWAHATI: Suspected militants attacked an Army camp in Assam in the wee hours on Thursday, injuring three personnel. A defence ministry statement read,unidentified terrorists fired at the Army's Kakopathar company location in Tinsukia district from a moving vehicle. The troops on duty effectively responded immediately taking due caution to avoid collateral damage to civilian houses in the close vicinity, the statement said. It further stated that the retaliation by the Army forced the terrorists to flee the site after carrying out speculative firing using automatic weapons. No major injuries were sustained other than minor abrasions to three personnel. The area has been sanitised and joint searches in coordination with police are being carried out, the statement added. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. Notably, the Paresh Baruah faction of United Liberation Front of Assam is active in a few eastern Assam districts.

KV Umroi bags laurel at Wild Wisdom Global Challenge 2025

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Oct 16: Brining laurels to the region, PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Umroi Cantt has won the State Winner title at the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge 2025 North East Finale, with an impressive score of 50 points. The event, held at Miles Bronson Residential School, located near Guwahati Airport, Guwahati, witnessed []

SpiceJet, Air India Group operate special flights to meet Diwali season demand

NEW DELHI: SpiceJet has launched special festive flights to enhance connectivity to Bihar ahead of Chhath Puja and Diwali.Air India and Air India Express today announced the addition of 166 flights to and from Patna to meet the surging festive demand. The aviationregulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, had last week asked airlines to operate additional flights to cater to public rush and not to resortto any kind of surge pricing in the existing flights. The special flights by SpiceJet will be from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also increasing the frequencies of trips from Delhi and Mumbai. Additionally, the airline has also strengthened connectivity to Darbhanga with extra flights from Delhi and Mumbai. The new flights of SpiceJet commenced operations from October 10 in a phased manner. The enhanced schedule caters to the surge in festive travel demand, ensuring greater convenience and flexibility for passengers returning home for the celebrations, it said in a release. These new flights are in addition to the airlines existing services to Patna from Delhi, Mumbai, and Guwahati, and to Darbhanga from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, the release said. SpiceJet had recently launched special daily non-stop Diwali flights connecting Ayodhya with Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad from October 8, offering devotees and tourists seamless access to the Shri Ram Temple during the auspicious period of Diwali. Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet,said, The festive season holds immense significance for millions of our passengers, and we are delighted to make travel home for Chhath Puja and Diwali more convenient and accessible. With enhanced connectivity to Patna, Darbhanga, and Ayodhya, SpiceJet continues to play a key role in bringing people closer to their loved ones for celebrations that matter most. Air India Group flights From October 15, Air India has begun operating additional flights that will be operated until November 2. It comprises of 38 flights each from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to Patna From October 22 to November 3, Air India Express will operate 26 additional flights between Delhi and Patna and 26 additional flights between Bengaluru and Patna. These additional flights supplement Air Indias current schedule of 42 weekly flights to Patna from Delhi and Mumbai, alongside 14 weekly flights operated by Air India Express to Patna from Delhi and Bengaluru, it said.

Assam government to request HC for fast-track court for trial of Zubeen's death case: CM Himanta

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the state government will request the Gauhati High Court to set up a fast-track court to decide on singer Zubeen Garg's death case. The Assam cabinet also decided to appoint a special public prosecutor on the recommendation of the advocate general, who will be engaged only for the hearing of the case from the filing of the charge sheet to the delivery of justice, he said. 'There is usually a complaint that courts take a long time to deliver justice. So the state cabinet has decided to approach the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court for a fast track hearing into the case after the Special Investigating Team submits its chargesheet,' Sarma said at the press conference here. He said that the SIT has assured him that investigations will be completed by the end of November and the charge sheet will be submitted most likely in the first week of December. The cabinet has also approved constitution of an 11-member committee, comprising family members and notable personalities, to plan and design the final resting place of Garg, the CM said. Garg, 52, died in Singapore while swimming in the sea on September 19. The Assam government formed an SIT that is investigating the circumstances that led to his death.

Singapore police to meet Assam police team on October 21: CM Himanta on probe into Zubeen's death

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that the Singapore police authorities will meet the Assam police team on October 21 as part of the ongoing probe into the death of singer Zubeen Garg in the island country last month. He, however, did not mention whether the Assam police team will go to Singapore or not. Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen. The Singapore Police authorities will meet the Assam Police team led by Sri Munna Gupta, ADGP and Head of SIT, on 21st October, the chief minister posted on 'X'. Our collective resolve remains. Justice for Zubeen will prevail, Sarma said. The chief minister on Wednesday had met Acting High Commissioner of Singapore to India, Alice Cheng, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi and urged them to extend full cooperation to the state police to take forward the investigations into the death of Zubeen Garg in the island nation. Another step forward towards justice for our beloved Zubeen. The Singapore Police authorities will meet the Assam Police team led by Sri Munna Gupta, ADGP and Head of SIT, on 21st October. Our team will travel to Singapore on 20th October accordingly. Our collective resolve Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 16, 2025

Zubeen Garg case: Rahul Gandhi to visit Assam to pay homage to iconic singer

Guwahati: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will visit Assam on October 17 to pay homage to the states legendary singer and cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, an official statement from the Congress party mentioned on Wednesday. According to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Gandhi will arrive in Guwahati and proceed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Prohibitory orders in Assams Baksa, ban on mobile internet, data services as mob clash with police over shifting Zubeen Gargs death accused to Jail

GUWAHATI, Oct 15 : The Baksa district administration in Assam today evening promulgated prohibitory orders in Mushalpur Town in the district and banned mobile internet and data service in the adjoining areas following the mob clash with police protesting against shifting of the five accused in Zubeen Garg death case to the Baksa district Jail. Baksa District Commissioner Goutam Das issued the prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS. Assembly of five or more persons in places situated within 500 metres [] The post Prohibitory orders in Assams Baksa, ban on mobile internet, data services as mob clash with police over shifting Zubeen Gargs death accused to Jail appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rahul Gandhi to be in Guwahati on Oct 17 for paying tribute to Zubeen Garg

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in Guwahati on October 17, where he will honor the memory of the beloved singer Zubeen Garg, who sadly passed away in Singapore on September 19.

CBI Arrests NHIDCL Official in Rs 10 Lakh Bribery Case

Executive Director of NHIDCL Guwahati caught taking bribe for highway project favour; searches reveal massive assets across India

Assam: 5 accused in Zubeen Gargs death remanded to judicial custody

Guwahati: Five people, who have been arrested in connection with the death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore last month, have been sent to judicial custody on Wednesday after their police remand ended. North East India Festival (NEIF) chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeens manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg and his Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

5 Suspects In Zubeen Garg's Death Case Sent To Jail For 14 Days

The five accused in the death of iconic singer Zubeen Garg case have been sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court in Guwahati after the end of their CID remand.

NE Zone panel to pick womens Inter-Zonal T20 squad on Oct 21

By Our Reporter Shillong, Oct 14: Preparations are underway for the upcoming BCCI Senior Womens Inter Zonal T20 Trophy 2025-26, with the North East Zone selection committee scheduled to meet on October 21 in Guwahati to finalise the team that will represent the region in the national tournament. The Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) President, Nababrata []

PWD engineers death: CBI books 2 senior officers, architect

GUWAHATI, Oct. 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case againsttwo senior PWD officers and an architect of a private firm in connection with the suspected suicide of PWD assistant engineer, Joshita Das in Bongaigaon earlier this year. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the investigation agency informed that the case has []

COCOMI condemns demolition of Manipur Rajbari in Shillong

GUWAHATI, Oct. 14:The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a joint body of Meitei civil society organisations, has demanded construction of a full-scale replica of the original Manipur Rajbariin Shillong at a separate site. In a statement issued by L. Jayenta, convenor, IPR, sub-committee, COCOMI, on Tuesday, the committee expressed condemnation and deep anguish over []

After 61 years, NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah to make historic visit to native Manipur village

GUWAHATI: National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) Thuingaleng Muivah is set to visit his native Somdal village in Manipurs Ukhrul district on 22 September, marking a historic return after 61 years. Muivah, now 91, left his village in 1964 to join the Naga National Council, which waged an armed struggle to secure the Nagas right to self-determination. He had earlier intended to visit Somdal in May 2010 after receiving clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Setting out from Hebron, the central headquarters of NSCN-IMwhich signed a ceasefire agreement with the Central government in 1997he travelled in a convoy of vehicles and reached Viswema, located 22 km from Nagalands capital Kohima and about 120 km from Somdal. However, the then Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government in Manipur opposed the visit due to the NSCN-IMs contentious Greater Nagaland demand. The outfit had envisaged a greater Naga homeland by carving out Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and integrating them with Nagaland. To prevent Muivahs entry, the Manipur government deployed a large number of security personnel at Mao Gate in the Naga-majority Senapati district on the Nagaland border. On the day Muivah was scheduled to enter Manipur, residents of Mao Gate took out a procession protesting the state governments action. Violence broke out soon after, and two Naga youths were killed when security personnel opened fire. The incident compelled the NSCN-IM leader to postpone his visit. Now that he is finally returning home, the joy among the Nagas in Manipur knows no bounds. Muivah is expected to arrive in Ukhrul, a Naga-majority district, by helicopter on 22 September. After attending an event there, he will proceed to Somdal, located about 23 km away, for another programme. On 29 September, he will travel to Senapati, attend a function, and return to Nagaland the same day. Since he has been away from our village for a long time, his contemporaries who are still alive, as well as village elders and the youths, are all excited. It is like a dream coming true, said Ayan Ruivah, a local resident. He added that he had only heard about uncle Muivah as a child. I cannot express in words how excited I am. The youths never had the chance to say hello to him, Ruivah said. Mangang Raman, a native of Phalee village located 6 km from Somdal, said the visit would be a great moment to strengthen Naga unity. His homecoming will touch everyones heart. Naga nationalism and patriotism will increase among people who will turn up in huge numbers from all over. There will be more Naga unity, said Raman, who has met Muivah twice in Nagaland. Recalling his first memories of the nonagenarian, Raman added, Tangkhul (tribe) Nagas grew up admiring uncle Muivah. He is the greatest leader of the Nagas. Muivah is the fourth of five siblings. His eldest sister and two elder brothers have passed away, while his younger brother, now in his eighties, continues to live in Somdal.

Aaranyaks J4L awarded best community-based tourism initiative by NEITA 2025

Guwahati, Oct 14: Journey for Learning (J4L)- a community-based eco-cultural tourism initiative supported by Aaranyak (www.aaranyak.org) was awarded the best community-based tourism initiative by Northeast India Tourism Awards (NEITA), 2025 announced on October 11 last. The Northeast India Tourism Awards (NEITA) 2025 marks the inaugural edition of a landmark initiative celebrating individuals and organisations shaping []

Several citizens invited for SIT meeting on Zubeens death probe decline invite

Guwahati: Several prominent persons invited by Assam Police CID for a meeting on Tuesday to share an update on its investigation into Zubeen Gargs death in Singapore last month have declined to attend it. While the list of invitees, mostly journalists and authors, has not been shared by the CID, several of them took to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

NCB Southern Region gets new Deputy Director-General

R. Sudhakar is presently the central anti-drug agencys DDG, North East Region, stationed at Guwahati

Zubeens wife demands justice within 10 days, CID to brief civil society members about probe

GUWAHATI: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Assam invited a few eminent civil society members on Tuesday to update them about music icon Zubeen Gargs death probe even as his wife Garima Saikia Garg demanded justice within 10 days. Garg had died under mysterious circumstances while swimming at a sea in Singapore on September 19. He had travelled to the country to perform at the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF). Asked about Garimas demand for justice for Garg within 10 days made through social media, Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who is also the chief of Special Investigation Team (SIT), said, We will submit the report in the court within the timeframe as stipulated by law. He dismissed reports that the SIT would make the post-mortem report public on Tuesday. Without going into details, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the investigators found a new direction in the case after receiving the viscera report from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, New Delhi. The report was examined by a team of experts from the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. Meanwhile, three more Singapore-based Assamese expats, who were on the yacht during Gargs last moments, deposed before the SIT on Monday. Jiolangsat Narzary, Parikshit Sharma and Siddhartha Bora faced the investigators immediately after reaching the CID headquarters in the morning. One more Assamese expat, Rupkamal Kalita, had deposed last week and was allowed to leave following interrogation. Gupta was confident the other expats would arrive soon. There were altogether 11 of them on the fateful day. The investigation is progressing well. We are working hard to take it to a logical end, he stated. Immediately after launching the probe, the Assam Police had sent a request under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to Singapore through the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking details of crime scene, statements etc and permission to conduct a probe there. The permission is still awaited. Our request under MLAT has reached Singapore and it is with the countrys Attorney General. We sought permission to go there and conduct an investigation. We will go as and when we get permission. We are ready. We also sought inputs that are required. We hope we will get them soon, Gupta said. He said the SIT was actively pursuing matters regarding inspecting the place of occurrence through the Indian High Commission. They (Singapore) are also conducting a probe. They sought certain inputs from us and we shared those. Once their investigation is over, we will get to know their findings. As for the SIT, it is conducting the investigation as per law, Gupta said. Seven persons have been arrested so far. They are NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gargs manager Siddharth Sharma, DSP cousin Sandipan Garg, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora, Paresh Baishya and singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta. Goswami had earlier claimed that Garg was poisoned by Sharma and the NEIF organiser.

Tea blossoms have health benefits, says Nagaland University study

GUWAHATI: Not just tea, tea blossoms that are often discarded as agricultural byproducts, also have health benefits, a multi-institute research, led by the Nagaland University, has found. The study shows that these delicate flowers are abundant in potent bioactive compounds, positioning them as a natural source for health supplements and functional beverages. While tea leaves dominate global research and consumption, blossoms remain largely overlooked. This study is the first systematic effort in Assam, one of the worlds largest tea-producing regions, to analyse the biochemical richness of tea blossoms from seven premium cultivars. Nutraceutical companies could harness tea blossom extracts to create natural energy boosters, relaxation aids, and skin-health products. Beyond consumer health, the research offers economic opportunities for smallholder tea farmers by opening new revenue streams through blossom collection and processing, the Nagaland University said in a statement. This approach, the statement added, also advances environmental sustainability, as utilising blossoms reduces agricultural waste and contributes to a circular bioeconomy. With global demand rising for plant-based, eco-friendly health products, India has the chance to position itself as a leader in functional foods and supplements derived from tea blossoms, the statement said. Dr Sagarika Das from the Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at Dibrugarh University fronted this research, collaborating with tea biochemist Monoranjan Goswami from the Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Jorhat, Assam, and Prof Tanmoy Karak from the Department of Soil Science at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University. The study garnered contributions from institutions, including the University of California and the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute in New Delhi, showcasing an extraordinary alliance in the pursuit of scientific excellence. The findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal, Food Research Journal. Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of the Nagaland University, said the research highlighted the potential of innovation originating from the region to effect significant global change. By tapping into the often-overlooked benefits of tea blossoms, our dedicated scientists are pioneering advancements in health and wellness that could revolutionise dietary supplements and natural remedies, he said. The research team has plans to advance into clinical trials, explore synergies with other nutraceuticals, and scale up for industrial applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and wellness sectors. Das said, Tea blossoms are known to be abundant in health-enhancing compounds, featuring notably higher concentrations of polyphenols, catechins, terpenoids, and L-theanine, while also having lower caffeine levels compared to traditional tea leaves.

Four NRIs From Singapore In Assam For Questioning In Zubeen Garg Case

Three Non-Resident Indians from Singapore, who were part of the yacht party on September 19 with singer Zubeen Garg and are key witnesses to the incident that led to his death, reached Guwahati today.

Zubeen Garg death case: 3 more Assamese expats from Singapore join probe

Guwahati: Three more Assamese expats, who witnessed cultural icon Zubeen Gargs dying moments in Singapore, on Monday appeared before the police here in response to the second notice against them, a top official said. Within the next two days, a few more Assamese NRIs living in Singapore are expected to come and record their statements Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Zubeens death probe: Three more expats depose before SIT, more likely to come

GUWAHATI: Three more Singapore-based Assamese expats, who were on the yacht on September 19 during music icon Zubeen Gargs last moments, deposed before the Assam Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday, thus giving fresh impetus to the ongoing probe. Jiolangsat Narzary, Parikshit Sharma, and Siddhartha Bora faced the investigators immediately after reaching the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the morning. Last week, another Assamese expat, Rupkamal Kalita, deposed before the SIT and was allowed to leave following interrogation. SIT chief and Special DGP (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta was confident the other expats would arrive soon. There were altogether 11 of them on the fateful day. We learnt that one more is coming today. We are expecting some others tomorrow. We had sent notices asking them to physically depose before the SIT, Gupta told the media. He dismissed reports about making the final post-mortem report public, stating that it will be submitted in the court. The first post-mortem was conducted in Singapore. Investigation is progressing well. We are working hard to take it to a logical end, he stated. Immediately after launching the probe, the Assam Police had sent a request under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to Singapore through the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking details of the crime scene, statements, etc, and permission to conduct a probe there. The permission is still awaited. Our request under MLAT has reached Singapore, and it is with the countrys Attorney General. We sought permission to go there and conduct an investigation. We will go as and when we get permission. We are ready. We also sought inputs that are required. We hope we will get them soon, Gupta said. Singer Zubeens death: Assam CM Himanta expects expatriate Assamese to cooperate with probe soon He said the SIT was actively pursuing matters regarding inspecting the place of occurrence, etc, through the Indian High Commission. They (Singapore) are also conducting a probe. They sought certain inputs from us, and we shared those. Once their investigation is over, we will get to know their findings. As for the SIT, it is conducting the investigation as per the law, Gupta said. Garg had died under mysterious circumstances while swimming at a sea in Singapore. He was there to perform at the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF) the next day. Seven people have been arrested so far -- NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gargs manager Siddharth Sharma, DSP cousin Sandipan Garg, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora, Paresh Baishya, and singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta. Goswami had claimed Garg was poisoned by Sharma and the NEIF organiser. Viscera samples, collected after the conduct of the second autopsy at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi. Subsequently, the report was examined by an expert committee of the GMCH. The final post-mortem and viscera reports are now with the SIT.

Zubeen Garg death case: Three more Assamese expats from Singapore arrive in Guwahati for probe

Within the next two days, few more Assamese NRIs living in Singapore are expected to come and record their statements before the Assam Police, says officials

Zubeen Garg Death: Three Assamese Expats Questioned in Guwahati

CID interrogates witnesses present during the singers final moments as probe into his mysterious death deepens

3 More Singapore-Based NRIs Arrive In Guwahati For Zubeen Garg Death Probe

Three more Assamese expats, who witnessed cultural icon Zubeen Garg's dying moments in Singapore, on Monday appeared before the police here in response to the second notice against them, a top official said.

Zubeen Garg death case: 3 more Assamese expats from Singapore arrive in Guwahati for probe

More Assamese expats are appearing before Guwahati police regarding Zubeen Garg's death in Singapore. Three individuals have already provided statements. A fourth is expected soon. Police are investigating the singer's demise which occurred on September 19. A Special Investigation Team is probing the case. The viscera report has provided a definite angle to the investigation.

4 Singapore-Based NRIs To Join Probe Into Zubeen Garg's Death

Four of the 11 NRIs, summoned by Assam Police in connection with musician Zubeen Garg's death probe, will appear before the cops in Guwahati on Monday.

Singer Zubeens death: Assam CM Himanta expects expatriate Assamese to cooperate with probe soon

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said some Singapore-based expatriate Assamese, who were with music icon Zubeen Garg during his last moments, were likely to join the investigation soon. We received positive signals from the Singapore-based Assamese. With the kind of mental pressure we are putting on them, I believe you will get good news within a day or two, Sarma told the media. There is a rising demand to bring these witnesses to Assam so their statements could be recorded to find out what exactly happened on September 19 when Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming at a sea in Singapore. He was there to perform at the 4th North East India Festival (NEIF) the next day. The demand was raised by people as well as Gargs family members even as the Justice for Zubeen chorus has kept resonating across Assam. Only one of the 11 expatriates came to Assam to join the investigation, which is being carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department-Special Investigation Team (CID-SIT). Sarma said, I cannot share the details now but a good number of them has assured to cooperate with the investigation. He also stated that Singapore police had sent some vital queries about Garg, and those were answered. We sent a request under MLAT (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty) to Singapore through the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking details of crime scene, statements etc, the chief minister said. The Singapore police are equally active like us in the investigation. They want to give us a proper report after conducting the inquiry, he further said. The CID-SIT has recorded the statements of a large number of people. This process has continued. Seven persons have been arrested so far. They are NEIF organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gargs manager Siddharth Sharma, DSP cousin Sandipan Garg, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, personal security officers Nandeswar Bora, Paresh Baishya, and singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta. Goswami claimed Garg was poisoned by Sharma and the NEIF organiser. The first autopsy conducted in Singapore mentioned death by drowning. Later, a second autopsy was conducted at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The viscera report , received from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, is now with the GMCH for examination. The reports of the second autopsy and viscera have not been disclosed.

Assamese-Hindus now only about 40 pc of states population, claims CM Biswa

Guwahati: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday claimed that Assamese Hindus now make up only around 40 percent of the states population, about the same as that of Muslims. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme here, Sarma said the state has witnessed a sharp shift in its population composition, and termed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .