Bengal CM defends Raiganj encounter, warns rapists and criminals of similar action
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 9 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday defended the police encounter in which a rape and murder accused, Dilip Roy, was killed in Raiganj. The Chief Minister asserted that law enforcement agencies have been given a free hand to deal with those involved in heinous crimes against women. Dilip Roy was accused of raping and killing a 12-year-old girl on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday at Raiganj in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal. CM Adhikari also cautioned that in the future too, criminals involved in such heinous crimes against women will meet a similar fate. The cops are provided with firearms not just to keep them as a showpiece or to keep them in their pockets. Drug mafias, rapists, and infiltrators have no place in this state, the Chief Minister said while interacting with the media persons on Monday afternoon at the sidelines of a programme at Digha in his native district of East Midnapore. He also indirectly attacked those who are raising their voices against such encounters. Some people are continuing with such activities. Among them are 'Dimagi Naxals', Jamaatis' and Communists'. There are cockroaches and bedbugs. Our nationalists have to be careful about them. The police have been given free hand to tackle rapists & murderers, drug smugglers and infiltrators. We are maintaining a zero-tolerance approach in such cases, the Chief Minister said. Meanwhile, the North Dinajpur District Police claimed that the accused killed in the encounter have a history of crime against women. Earlier, he was accused twice of sexual offenses. However, he managed to escape arrest and punishment on both occasions for some reasons, said a district police officer. According to him, three years back, Roy was accused of sexual harassment at Kamtabari-2 Gram Panchayat area in the North Dinajpur district. A couple of years ago, there were similar allegations against him in the Sialmani area in the same district. On both these occasions, the matter was settled at a local Kangaroo Court, and the complaint did not reach the police level, the district police officer said. This is the fourth encounter killing in West Bengal since July this year, three of which are related to minors' rape & murder cases. First, in July, Prabhas Mondal, accused of raping and murdering a six-year-old girl in Baruipur in South 24 Parganas, was shot dead by the police in an encounter. The police claimed that he was taken to the crime scene to reconstruct the crime. From there, he snatched the police gun and opened fire. The police resorted to counter-firing in self-defence, killing the accused. After that, in October, Prahlad Das, accused in the rape & murder of a 17-year-old girl at Gaighata in South 24 Parganas district, was killed in a similar encounter following retaliatory firing by the police. In this case too, it was alleged that the accused tried to escape while reenacting the incident. On the same day, Samiul Sheikh, who was arrested for murdering a BJP worker in Samserganj in Murshidabad district, was killed in an encounter. The Raiganj incident is the fourth on the list of encounters since July.
Kolkata Techie Hacked To Death, Live-In Partner, Her Mother Arrested
Police are investigating whether the attack stemmed solely from the altercation or whether other reasons were involved.
Doctor Found Dead In Kolkata Hostel, Family Cries Murder
A young doctor, Abhijit Sarkar, was found dead in his hostel room in Kolkata, with police reporting he had posted a cryptic WhatsApp status. His family has rejected suicide, filing a police complaint alleging murder and citing his recent social media posts about feeling unsafe. An investigation is underway, examining his phone and awaiting the post-mortem report.
Gold rates today: On November 9, 2026, gold prices rose as Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Kalyan Jewellers, and Joyalukkas announced new rates. Check gold jewellery rates gold jewellery rates across New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
How a heated argument turned fatal for Kolkata techie; partner, her mom arrested
In August of 1981, a Cessna aircraft disappeared in Australia's Barrington Tops, carrying five men. Despite numerous searches and thorough investigations, both the plane and its passengers were never discovered. Reports indicated that severe turbulence and ice accumulation likely played a role in the incident. The mystery remains captivating for amateur sleuths and volunteers, while the families of the missing continue their quest for answers about their loved ones' fate.
Kali Puja Crackdown: Kolkata Police Arrest 592, Seize Firecrackers
Kolkata police arrested 592 people and seized 238.6 kg of banned firecrackers on Kali Puja night. Arrests were made for bursting banned crackers, disorderly conduct, and various traffic violations, including helmet offences, rash driving, and drunken driving.
Rape-murder accused killed in police encounter; fourth case in West Bengal since BJP came to power
Police had been on the lookout for Dilip Roy for four days following the recovery of the girls decomposed, unclothed body from a forest near the Kulik river
MCX December gold futures settled at Rs 1,42,552 during Muhurat trading on Diwali, gaining 0.27%. However, international gold prices slipped on Monday morning amid pressure on bullion markets.
Bikers snatch mans phone on Camac Street in Kolkata
AI people-count introduced at N Kol pandal
One family sticks to phanush tradition, another goes fireless
Papia Adhikari claims firecrackers cure diseases at Kali Puja event
Illegal crackers eat into Bazi Baazar sales
Dont stock up food for over 2 days: Food association tells restaurants in Kolkata
Diwali gifts arrive without orders
WBRERA portal returns to life after 2-month outage but backlog causes logjam
Fraudsters use PM fund festive money bait to dupe citizens
Fewer Kolkata metro services on day after Diwali
Kids learn at school, work for a green fesival
At housing complexes, residents balance celebrations with safe-firecracker rules
Chorbagan lesson: Cops close crowd access to Barasat pandal
Engineer hacked to death, live-in partner, mom held
VB forms multiple panels for 6-day Poush Mela
SIT records statements in Chorbagan probe
Srinagar's iconic clock tower area illuminated as tourists, locals celebrate Diwali
Srinagar, Nov 8: Thousands of lamps illuminated the iconic clock tower at Srinagar's Lal Chowk as tourists and locals celebrated Diwali here on Sunday. Dozens of tourists assembled at the clock tower, popularly known as Ghanta Ghar, in the evening and lit earthen lamps, turning the area around the city's iconic tourist spot luminous. Local Hindus and Muslims joined the celebrations by lighting firecrackers. Ankush Chatterjee, a tourist from Kolkata, said, We are delighted to celebrate this year's Diwali in Kashmir. The atmosphere here is radiant. Over the last few years, Diwali is being celebrated at Ghanta Ghar as tourists and locals assemble here for the festival. Elsewhere in the Valley, security forces celebrated Diwali by lighting lamps in their camps and distributing sweets.
Kolkata: Three TMC Workers Arrested Over Unrest Outside Abhishek Banerjees Residence
Kolkata Police have arrested three Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers in connection with an incident of unrest outside party National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjees residence in Kalighat.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 8 (IANS) Huge quantities of marijuana and other narcotics substances were recovered by the West Bengal Police from two locations in two districts on Sunday, officials said. The first seizure took place early this morning at Chandipur village under Jhargram Police Station in Jhargram district, where the police seized three sacks full of marijuana. Being tipped off by their sources, the cops of Jhargram Police Station conducted a raid and search operation at the residence of a person named Biswajit Shil of Chandipur village. Initially, nothing was found in the house. However, during the detailed search, the police became suspicious after seeing the floor of the house, which was quite uneven after they started digging the soil. After removing the soil, three sacks were arranged in rows. After removing the soil, the police took out the sacks. When the sacks were opened, they saw huge quantities of marijuana packed there. An officer of the Jhargram Police station confirmed that a total of 43 kg and 222 gm of marijuana were recovered from the three sacks. Jhargram Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rishabhraj Dev said that Biswajit has been arrested and has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. In a separate development, the state police arrested one person at Lalgola in Murshidabad district on Sunday with 324 gm of heroin in his possession. The estimated price of the narcotics seized from his possession is around Rs 37 lakh. The person arrested in this connection had been identified as Muhammad Mahfuz Alam. The police have also seized his mobile phone and motorcycle. He is currently being questioned, and the investigating officers are trying to squeeze information from him about his aides in the racket. He had also been booked under the NDPS Act, 1985. On Saturday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a social media message complementing the roles of West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police of busting organised narcotics rackets in different parts of the state. In his social media message, the Chief Minister claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government maintained a zero-tolerance policy against illicit narcotics. During a statewide Special Drive conducted from October 31 to November 7, our law enforcement forces achieved decisive results, making 378 arrests across 212 NDPS cases and seizing illicit narcotics valued at Rs 64 crore (along with Rs 17 lakh in cash) and disposed of seized drugs worth Rs 101 crore, CM Adhikari said. During the same period, the Chief Minister claimed that the police destroyed illicit marijuana cultivation to the tune of 10,000 kg and attached Rs 1 crore in property and launched 68 financial probes against 110 accused. I commend our police personnel for their relentless commitment to keeping West Bengal safe and drug-free in line with the #NashaMuktBharat Abhiyan, he added.
A Delight To Watch All These Years - Raman Lauds Shami After Pacer Quits Test Cricket
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Former India opener WV Raman, who oversaw Mohammed Shamis early days in domestic cricket as Bengals head coach, paid a warm tribute to the fast bowler following him retiring from Test cricket. Shami, known for extracting seam movement and swing with both the new and the old ball, announced his decision to quit the longest format on Friday night. Shami bows out with 229 wickets from 64 Test matches, including picking six five-wicket hauls. That tally makes him the sixth-most successful Indian fast bowler in the history of the format. Mohd Shami has been a delight to watch all these years during which time he made an indelible impact in the toughest format of the game arguably -- Test cricket! Well done Shami.. Have fun till you have had enough of this game.. wrote Raman on his X account on Sunday. The bond between Shami and Raman goes back to 2010, when the former was in charge of Bengal senior mens team. It was under his watch that Shami made his Ranji Trophy debut, against Assam on November 17 in that year, and went on to establish himself as the sides leading bowler before getting into the Indian team in 2013. Hailing from Sahaspur Alinagar village in Uttar Pradeshs Amroha district, Shami got into playing club cricket in Kolkata in order to pursue better playing opportunities. From there, he came into the Bengal team and then made his mark for the Indian Test team. Shamis contribution on overseas tours was particularly significant - claiming 145 wickets in 41 away games at an average of 30.33. At home, where pitches rarely favoured quick bowlers, Shami was even more potent, picking up 76 wickets at a stunning average of 22.1. Shamis last appearance in whites for India came in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. While his Test journey is over, Shami will continue to play white-ball cricket. He has been named in Bengals 19-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which gets underway on November 14. Shamis contribution on overseas tours was particularly significant - claiming 145 wickets in 41 away games at an average of 30.33. At home, where pitches rarely favoured quick bowlers, Shami was even more potent, picking up 76 wickets at a stunning average of 22.1. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
This 250-Year-Old Shop Is One Of Kolkata's Best Spots For A Traditional Bengali Breakfast
The store, located in Shyambazar, is famous for items like luchis, chholar dal, aloo tarkari, kochuri and mishti doi.
22, 24 carat Gold prices remain steady across metro cities on November 8
Mamata Banerjee Offers Prayers At Kali Puja Pandal In Kolkata
ormer West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visits a Kali Puja pandal near her residence in Kalighat, Kolkata, and offers prayers during the festive celebrations.
Red hibiscus prices skyrocket in Kolkata on Kali Puja day
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 8 (IANS) The price of red hibiscus, an essential item for Kali Puja rituals, shot up more than fivefold in Kolkata's retail markets on Sunday, as the auspicious occasion coincides with Diwali. A garland of 108 red hibiscus flowers is selling between Rs 150 and Rs 200 in retail markets, depending on the locality, up from around Rs 25 to Rs 30 just a week ago. The price of a garland of 1,008 pieces of red hibiscus, which is mainly sold on the occasion of Kali Puja or during special occasions, this year is really pinching the pockets this year, with the price of the item having almost doubled from what it was in the previous year. On Sunday, a garland of 1,008 pieces of red hibiscus was selling at between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,200, against a maximum price of Rs 700 to Rs 800 last year. According to flower-market retailers, red hibiscus is in demand almost throughout the entire year. However, before Kali Puja, the demand increases several times. Although the flowers are sold at a relatively low price throughout the year, during the Kali Puja festival, their demand and price rise for several reasons. The increase in the price of red hibiscus starts from the point of farmers, who sell their products at premium prices, the cascading effect of which is automatically felt first in the wholesale markets and then in the retail markets, a flower retailer from Gariahat market in South Kolkata said. In most retail markets in the city, the sellers have stopped selling individual pieces of red hibiscus on Sunday. A local flower retailer from Kasba Market, also in South Kolkata, said that selling individual pieces of red hibiscus will be at a loss compared to selling it in garlands, since the price of the latter is a combination of the price of the flowers and the charge for weaving the garland. Besides red hibiscus, the price of lotus is selling at more than double the normal price on Sunday. The price of lotus, which was selling between Rs 10 and Rs 15 a week back, is selling between Rs 30 and Rs 35 on Sunday. While saffron marigold was selling between Rs 180 and Rs 200 a kg, the same for yellow marigold was between Rs 210 and Rs 220 a kg on Sunday.
Gold, silver prices today, 8 November: Check retail price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold and 999 Fine silver on Diwali 2026 in your cities Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
How the Kolkata maidans shaped UP-born Mohammed Shami
ZSI Research Associate Recruitment 2026
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is conducting a Walk-in Interview for the post of Research Associate (RA). Candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can attend the interview on 18 November 2026 at Zoological Survey of India, 'M' Block, New Alipore, Kolkata. Further details are available at zsi.gov.in.
Presidency Universityexpels student for allegedly defacing Vivekananda poster
The university also barred an ex-student from the campus; SFI condemns expulsion, ABVP welcomes authorityaction
Nallur toll plaza on Kolkata National Highway to be moved to Durainallur
Policemen guard Baguiati jewellers hub for Dhanteras
CM reiterates coordinator plan for KMC
East Bengal Become First Indian Club To Reach AFC Women's Champions League Knockouts
East Bengal FC suffered a 2-0 defeat against North Korean side 4.25 SC in their final Group B fixture of the AFC Women's Champions League 2026-27 in Kolkata on Saturday but secured a historic place in the quarter-finals.
History made in Asia: EB women make AWCL knockouts
Diwali gift hampers: Sweets, chocolates steal the show as dry fruit prices go nuts
Run-up to Kali Puja bodes ill for citys air, your ears
Political slugfest on campus over expulsion
Covid precedent: All KMC councillors became coordinators in 2020
Bengal Oncologists Link Passive Smoking, Pollution to Aggressive Lung Cancer Rise
Smog pockets choke Kolkatans as crackers roar
Did not write on ABVP poster: Expelled Presidency University girl who got gold in undergraduation
RBU declares all 3 campuses tobacco-free zones
Indranil in judicial custody till Nov 21
Presidency University expels student for defacing Vivekananda poster
CM Saha to inaugurate three-day Diwali festival at 525-year-old Tripura Sundari temple tomorrow
Digital Desk | Agartala, Nov 7 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha will inaugurate a three-day Diwali festival at the historic 525-year-old Maa Tripura Sundari Temple in Gomati district on Sunday, officials said on Saturday. The famous temple, located at Udaipur and regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, was built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. Local MLA Abhishek Debroy and Gomati District Magistrate Rinku Lather said all arrangements for the annual festival had been completed. A Bhajan Sandhya and a drone show are among the major attractions scheduled for the inaugural day. Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to manage the expected rush of devotees and visitors. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper and Anirban Das inspected the fairground and reviewed police deployment, traffic management, crowd control and emergency response measures. The district police chief monitoring the security aspects on a round-the-clock basis. As part of the security measures, the district administration has imposed a no-fly zone within a five-km radius of the temple from November 8 to 10. The restriction prohibits the operation of drones, manned and unmanned aircraft, and other aerial objects during the festival. However, aerial devices specifically authorised for use at the Diwali Mela have been exempted from the order. Meanwhile, fulfilling a long-awaited public demand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 22 last year inaugurated the redeveloped Mata Tripura Sundari temple and offered prayers at the Kali temple. A senior official of the Tourism Department said that under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry, the 525-year-old Tripura Sundari temple has been redeveloped at a cost of more than Rs 54 crore. The Central government provided Rs 34.43 crore, while the Tripura government contributed Rs 17.61 crore towards the project. The temple, built in 1501 by the state's erstwhile king Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in Udaipur, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in the country and the third such shrine in eastern India after the Kali temple in Kolkata's Kalighat and the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. After 517 years of monarchy, on October 15, 1949, the erstwhile princely state of Tripura merged with the Indian Union following an agreement signed between Kanchan Prabha Devi, the then regent Maharani, and the Governor-General of India.
Another judge, third in 7 months, quits SIR tribunals
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) Mohammed Shamis childhood coach Badruddin Siddiqui said he and the senior pacers family had repeatedly asked him to hold off on quitting Test cricket, but the veteran fast bowler made up his mind after concluding that his chances of a recall had ended with the non-selection for Tests against New Zealand. Shami brought the curtain down on his Test career on Friday night, exactly 13 years after he made his debut in the longer format against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens. Shami, who could extract seam and swing with the new and old balls, ends his Test career with 229 wickets from 64 matches at an average of 27.71, including six five-wicket hauls. He is Indias 12th-highest wicket-taker in the format and sixth on the list among fast bowlers. See, it was going on for a very long time. But I had stopped him from doing it and told him to wait a little longer. He was getting disturbed a lot for the past one year. I mean, when you were not getting a chance to play and perform, then every player would get disturbed. So, it was going on for a long time. But now, when he thought that after the New Zealand series, there is no hope left for a recall, he decided to make this announcement, Siddiqui told IANS on Saturday. He also revealed that Bhuvneshwar Kumars return to the national side had briefly given them reason to feel hopeful for a recall for Shami, but it never happened. It has been going on for a long time. His elder brother, his family, and everyone told him to wait a little longer and not be in a hurry. But he had been getting this feeling to move on for the past few days. It seemed to me that when Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was given a recall to the T20I team, it was possible that Shami would also get a chance in the New Zealand series, one-day or Test series. But it did not happen, and what can I say now? Siddiqui said Shami rarely let his frustration show, even as the wait wore him down. I always used to stop him in the past from doing this. Now it seems like he totally made up his mind to retire from Tests. He was very pareshaan (worried) in the last few days due to this. He didnt open up much in front of me and used to be normal. I would tell him, Mehnat karna hamara kaam hai, baaki sab upar walle pe chodho, and fit raho kyonki khelne ka mauka aa sakta hai (Doing hard work is all we can do, leave the rest to God and keep yourself fit if a chance to play comes), he said. He would do that, and whenever he came to me, he used to practice with the kids. He used to call me and tell me that he is coming and the kids, whether batters or bowlers, would go to him and play and practice with them from morning to evening, he added. Shami hadnt played for India in any format since the victorious Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in Dubai in March 2025. His return to international cricket had come only a couple of months earlier, in a T20I series against England in January, after a lengthy layoff following an operation on the Achilles tendon in his knee and subsequent knee problems post the 2023 ODI World Cup at home. Siddiqui could not understand how a bowler who was consistently delivering for his state could be considered unfit to play Tests. When a child like Shami is performing, you said that he is unfit. He played Ranji Trophy and bowled 20 overs - how can he be unfit? After that injury, he was performing. It is not that he is bowling too many overs and not getting wickets. He was picking 4-5 wickets and making his team win. The Bengal team has surged in performances, and the new bowlers who are playing with him have started performing well as they are playing alongside such an experienced bowler. But we, the coaches of India, or in the administration, are not able to understand. Look, we have good bowlers, but they are inexperienced. Whether it is the New Zealand series or the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, even in India, there was a situation where our bowlers were conceding 350-400 runs in ODIs and were even giving away 250 runs in T20Is. It is not that the bowlers are bad. But you have to learn. Even though you are doing well when you come to play internationally after doing well domestically, you have to learn a lot. For that, you need an experienced bowler from the other end - whether it is Bumrah or Shami. There is no other way to do that. Even the coaches who are there, they cant even tell you the things that a person is doing practically. A senior pacer can make the young bowlers understand more. All of this is beyond my understanding not making a senior bowler play. Look at Australia they are showing trust in their senior fast bowlers, and we are not doing it here, he elaborated. He believed Shami had two more years of Test cricket in him and could have played a key role in shaping Indias next crop of fast bowlers on future tough tours abroad. Woh apne kaam se kaam rakhta hai (He minds his own business). He doesnt say or do anything. Now that his red-ball cricket is over, he can focus on white-ball, and thats no issue. There is still a lot of time. According to me, he could have played Test cricket for two years if he had played from now. I wanted him to be taken care of. For example, there are tours of England, South Africa, and Australia; they will need bowlers like Shami and Bumrah. With them, they would have provided a lot of learning to the new bowlers. If this had happened, you would have got a new bowling pool for the next two years. Like we had that gap in between, that didnt happen. But I dont know what will happen as everyone has a different working approach, he added. Referring to recent comments by Ajinkya Rahane, Siddiqui felt Shamis former India teammates were equally disappointed by the way things ended for him. No player in the world, no fast bowler, no coach, no batsman can say that the attributes Shami has, it is there in any other bowler. Today I was listening to an interview with Ajinkya Rahane, who said that we are fortunate that he is a member of our team. Otherwise, if we had been in the opposing team, then we would have been worried, as the most difficult to face in a game was Shami. So, everyone have supporting players like him. All these players are also worried, and sabko takleef hai (everyone is troubled). Its not that I am troubling their teammates. Everyone wanted Shami to return. But what can you do now? God has thought of something else. But along with God, the people below are also involved in it. I dont know what they have been feeling. I cant understand what they are feeling bad about. Woh bechara toh kuch bolta bhi nahi hai (That poor thing doesnt even say anything), he added. Former India all-rounder and Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, who was the state captain when Shami broke into the Ranji Trophy side and got his debut in November 2010, went a step further and held chief selector Ajit Agarkar responsible for the unpleasant end of the pacers Test career. Shami wasnt embroiled in any controversy while playing Tests for India. He hasnt said anything unkind to anyone. So what could be better than this? In the video I posted on Instagram today, I said the same thing: we all wanted him to retire after playing Test cricket. But God didnt approve of that. More than God, the one below didnt approve of it mainly Ajit Agarkar. A stubborn, foolish, and arrogant person - he did not give Suryakumar Yadav a series after winning the T20 World Cup as captain; the man who removed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Tests- that man was just worthless. Ajit Agarkars name is always there in history like this - when he used to play, he used to concede a lot of runs. But he played for a long time because he was in the team, but hes shown his game even now, he told IANS. Shamis Test journey began with a bang, as he returned match figures of 9/118 on debut against the West Indies in Kolkata, which remain his best figures. While he was a reverse-swing exponent at home, four of Shamis six five-wicket hauls came in Australia and South Africa. Away from home, he took 145 wickets in 41 Tests at an average of 30.33. On Indian pitches, he was even more destructive, with 76 wickets at an average of 22.1. He played his last Test in the 2023 World Test Championship final, which India lost to Australia at The Oval. Shami will be next seen in action in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, when Bengal begin their campaign against Karnataka in an Elite Group A fixture at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 14. Siddiqui signed off by being confident that Shamis best white-ball days were not behind him. Now you will see that he will play white-ball games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and then the Vijay Hazare Trophy. If he gets another chance to play in other white-ball tournaments, he will also play in them. The way he is bowling right now, it is happening in the same way he started his India career. It doesnt feel like he has been there for so long and is 36. It feels as if hes still bowling as a 26- to 30-year-old and hes absolutely fit, he said.
Fake Durga Puja pass case: UNESCO denies ties with ex-Bengal minister Indranil Sen's organisation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) The UNESCO had conformed the Kolkata Police of not having any agreement with the Mass Art, an organisation linked to former West Bengal Information and Cultural Affairs Minister Indranil Sen, for sale of UN agency-tagged Durga Puja passes, the public prosecutor told a lower court in Kolkata on Saturday. As per the information provided by the public prosecutor to the court, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police, which is probing the case of sale of fake UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja passes, had recently sent an email to the UN agency seeking clarification on whether the latter had any agreement on this count with Mass Art, the entity through which such passes were sold. In reply, the public prosecutor told the court that the UNESCO had confirmed to the SIT that the international organisational had no such agreement with Mass Art, owned by Madhuchhanda Sen, the wife of former West Bengal Tourism Minister and former Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs, Indranil Sen, a singer-turned-politician. Sen was arrested last month by the Kolkata Police in the matter, and earlier the same court remanded him to police custody till November 10. However, on Saturday, the police presented Sen at the same court three days before the end of the tenure of his police custody, and the public prosecutor sought his judicial custody. The accused currently has Rs 27 lakh in two of his accounts. A total of Rs 10 crore has been seized from 27 frozen bank accounts related to the case. The police have seized 13 crucial documents related to the case. They need to be verified. The documents sought from the state government in the matter might take time to reach the investigating officers because of the ongoing festival holidays. So, we are now seeking judicial custody for the accused instead of wasting time by keeping him in police custody, the Public Prosecutor said. He also added that since the investigation in the matter was currently at a critical stage, bail should not be granted to the accused. In his counterargument, Sen's counsel said that it was not clear why the state was seeking the judicial custody of his client. However, my client should be given the status of a first-class prisoner in jail. Arrangements should also be made to provide him with all the medicines he consumes, Sen's counsel added. The Public Prosecutor opposed that demand for granting the first-class prisoner category to Sen and said that first there should be a separate hearing on why that accused deserved that special category treatment in judicial custody. Thereafter, Sen's counsel said that keeping in mind their political and social status, the former West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Basu had also been granted the first-class prisoner category in judicial custody. Thereafter, the judge of the lower court approved the appeal for granting first-class prisoner category to Sen and remanded him to judicial custody till November 21.
Bengal govt issues notification directing ISKCON to provide mid-day meals in state
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) The West Bengal School Education Department on Saturday issued a notification authorising the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to provide mid-day meals in all state-run and state-aided schools in the state. Till now, ISKCON had been providing mid-day meals in state-run and state-aided schools within the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). However, as per the notification issued on Saturday evening, ISKCON had been, henceforth, authorised to provide mid-day meals in all state-run and state-aided schools throughout the state. As per the notification, a copy of which is available with IANS, all schools in the state are being brought under the Union government's scheme of Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman or PM Poshan scheme, and under this arrangement ISKCON had been authorised to provide mid-day meals in all state-run and state-aided schools in the state. After the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in the state, new rules were introduced for the provision of midday meals. ISKCON was given the responsibility of providing mid-day meals to provide nutrition to school children. It was started in government schools in Kolkata in August. However, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had announced at that time that although it was being started on an experimental basis, the responsibility of mid-day meals to ISKCON would be given to all districts of the state in a phased manner. A notification was recently issued saying that mid-day meals would be provided to government schools in Howrah and Purba Medinipur. However, it was withdrawn later. On Saturday, a fresh notification has been issued authorising ISKCON to provide mid-day meals to all government schools throughout the state. However, this system will be implemented in all districts in a phase-wise manner. As per the notification, to prepare this mid-day meal, a suitable place for the central kitchen will have to be identified. For this, the concerned district administration will cooperate with ISKCON authorities. As per the present system, while ISKCON is providing nutritious vegetarian food as mid-day meals, eggs are provided separately to the students, arranged by the women-run self-help groups. The same system will prevail throughout the state now, a source from the state school education department said.
Better coordination might have preempted Chorbagan disaster: CM
Paperwork Completed For Hardik-Arshdeep Swap Ahead Of IPL 2027, Formal Nod Awaited
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: The paperwork has been completed for seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya to join Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027. With Pandya going to PBKS in a trade deal, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will head to five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). The deal, though, still needs formal approval before it is formally announced. Yes, the initial paperwork for this trade has been completed. Now it has to get formal approval of the BCCI and IPL governing council, and then it can be announced along with the final amount, said an IPL source to IANS on Saturday. IANS previously reported on November 3 that Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS had surged ahead of other teams like Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to acquire Pandyas services ahead of the November 17 retentions deadline. Wicketkeeper-batter Vishnu Vinod was initially a part of the exchange, but IANS understands that he has been left out of it. No, he is not a part of this trade deal, added another source. The trade also ends Hardiks second spell at MI, which began when the franchise acquired him from Gujarat Titans (GT) in an all-cash deal ahead of IPL 2024 and handed him the captaincy in place of Rohit Sharma, who had guided the side to five titles. His homecoming was expected to give MI a long-term leader, but things did not go as per the expected plan. Though MI reached the playoffs in IPL 2025, they finished at the bottom of the points table in IPL 2024 and ended at the ninth spot in IPL 2026. In 39 games where Hardik was MIs captain, they won 15 games and lost 24 matches. Meanwhile, Arshdeep has been with PBKS since IPL 2019, and his exploits with them paved his way into the Indian team. As of now, Arshdeep is playing in the ODI series in New Zealand and is also Indias highest wicket-taker in T20Is. Both Pandya and Arshdeep were members of the Mens T20 World Cup-winning Indian team in 2024 and 2026. Pandyas fitness, though, is a big concern. He has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2026 due to a series of injuries, the most recent being a shin problem that kept him out of India As one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry in October. That recovery from the shin injury also ruled out Pandya from being a part of Barodas squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. IANS also understands that PBKS had looked to trade out Australias seam-bowling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis in exchange for Lucknow Super Giants left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, but theres been a change of heart from the franchise, and if all goes well, he is likely to be retained for the 2027 IPL season. It is also understood that Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are in talks over initiating a major trade involving more than two players. Though the names of the players in question have been doing the rounds, a formal announcement will be made once it gets the IPL governing council's nod. IANS also understands that PBKS had looked to trade out Australias seam-bowling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis in exchange for Lucknow Super Giants left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, but theres been a change of heart from the franchise, and if all goes well, he is likely to be retained for the 2027 IPL season. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Samagri, Bhog and Rituals; Check date and timings
Devotees will worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, offering flowers, sweets, fruits, Panchamrit and traditional bhog. Kali Puja will also be observed, with the Nishita Puja muhurat in Kolkata scheduled from 10:55 pm to 11:46 pm.
UP-born, Kolkata-made: Md Shami
New Delhi: Badruddin Siddiqui has always believed that moving to Kolkata was pre-destined as far as his favourite student, Mohammed Shami, is concerned. Born in UPs small town of Sahaspur in Amroha, it was Uttar Pradesh crickets loss that became Bengals gain when the childhood coach decided to make a few phone calls in Kolkata 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 .
Mohammed Shami Retires From Test Cricket After 13-Year Career
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami announces his retirement from Test cricket through an emotional Instagram message, exactly 13 years after making his debut against the West Indies in Kolkata on November 6, 2013.
Bengal to witness rain after Kali Puja, temperatures likely to dip by 4 degrees
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) The winter chill is likely to make a gradual entry into West Bengal as temperatures are expected to drop by two to four degrees Celsius over the next 24 hours, bringing a slight nip in the air during Kali Puja on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. The cooling effect is likely to be more noticeable in the western districts, particularly during the early morning and night hours. However, the weather is expected to remain dry across the state till Kali Puja. Meanwhile, the Met department has forecast another spell of rain in both south and north Bengal from Monday, with a newly formed low-pressure area over north Bengal likely to create favourable conditions for precipitation across several districts. Dry weather will prevail till Kali Puja on Sunday. The weather will start changing from Monday. Rain will continue in south and north Bengal. Light to moderate rain with thundershowers is likely in Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Nadia and Murshidabad districts. Gusty winds of 30 to 40 km per hour are likely in coastal areas. Rain chances will increase further on Tuesday, a Met department official said. Rain activity is expected to intensify on Tuesday and continue in several parts of south Bengal till Wednesday. Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and West Midnapore are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Other districts of south Bengal, including Nadia and Murshidabad, may also experience wet weather. Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are likely at isolated places. In Kolkata, the maximum temperature on Saturday hovered around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 21.2 degrees Celsius. The Met department has ruled out rainfall in the city on Saturday and Sunday. North Bengal, too, is likely to witness increased rainfall activity from Tuesday. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is forecast across the region, with gusty winds possible at one or two places. On Wednesday, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri are likely to receive light rainfall.
Adhikari gives police free hand to tackle crimes against women, drug smuggling in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday said he had given the police a free hand to deal with crimes against women and narcotics smuggling in the state, warning that political interference in these matters would not be tolerated. At the same time, Adhikari, who also holds the police portfolio, issued a stern warning against attacks on police personnel and vandalism of police stations and outposts, saying those involved would face prolonged imprisonment. I have given the police a free hand in tackling two issues. The first is crime against women and the second is narcotics smuggling. I will not tolerate any kind of political interference in these two issues. At the same time, as the police minister of the state, I will not tolerate any incident of attack on a cop or ransacking of any police station or police outpost. Those attacking police personnel will have to spend years behind bars, Adhikari said. He also warned that those responsible for vandalising police establishments would have to pay for the damage, along with interest. We will recover damages, along with interest, in case of ransacking of police stations or police outposts from those responsible, the Chief Minister said while distributing appointment letters to newly recruited police sub-inspectors at Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters in central Kolkata. Adhikari advised the newly appointed officers to maintain strict discipline in their daily duties and follow the instructions and orders of their superiors. Highlighting the challenges faced by the police force, he said West Bengal's vast geographical diversity, large population and varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds made policing particularly demanding. There are 11 crore people in West Bengal. On one side are mountains, on the other side are jungles, and on the other are several isolated islands. The police's responsibility is to ensure that public life remains normal. Till now, they did not get any facilities. The police did not have financial security. Now the police will be provided with financial security, he said. The Chief Minister said the state government would focus on modernising the police force and improving the quality of its training. An MoU had been signed with a police training centre in Assam for this purpose, while steps would also be taken to strengthen coordination between the state police and the Central forces. Claiming that police recruitment had remained neglected during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, Adhikari said the new administration had already recruited 11,000 personnel into the state police force. He acknowledged that 46,000 posts were still vacant and said the government would fill them in phases. The recruitment drive would include 6,345 women police personnel and 4,000 constables, he said, adding that further appointments would be made over the coming months. Recruitment in the police will be done again in December-January, Adhikari said, indicating that the government planned to accelerate the process to strengthen the state's policing infrastructure.
Mamata Banerjee Slams BJP Over Attack On Abhishek Banerjee
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit out at the BJP over an alleged attack on the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkatas Kalighat. Challenging the BJP over the alleged use of bulldozers, she said, How many bulldozers do you have? Come, I am standing right in front []
'Run Bulldozer Over Me': Mamata After Attack At Abhishek Banerjees House Ahead Of Kali Puja
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrupting traditional Kali Puja celebrations following an alleged attack on TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kolkata. Abhishek alleged that BJP workers attacked his residence around 2 am on Saturday and questioned the Kolkata Police's response. Reacting to the incident, Mamata claimed that traditional puja permissions were revoked while new celebrations were allowed. She also questioned why a locality known for Kali Puja processions was being disturbed ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali. Mamata further alleged political hostility, linking it to the TMC's association with the INDIA alliance.
Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee and party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee staged a protest after an alleged attack at Abhishek's Kalighat residence in south Kolkata around 2 am on Saturday. Abhishek Banerjee alleged that his residence and office were targeted by a group of individuals he termed BJP goons following two days of reconnaissance. He claimed it was the seventh attempt on his life in the past six months and criticised both the Kolkata Police and the judiciary for alleged inaction. According to police and party reports, clashes erupted between TMC workers, who were gathering to celebrate Abhishek Banerjee's 39th birthday, and BJP supporters between 2 am and 3:30 am. At least eight people were reportedly injured, three of them seriously. A large police contingent was deployed to seal off the area, and several individuals were detained in connection with the overnight clashes. Mamata Banerjee reached the Kalighat residence later that morning, accusing t...
Watch: Is there no democracy?: Mamata on attack on Abhishek
Mamata Banerjee questions the heavy police presence and accuses the BJP of targeting Trinamool supporters following the alleged late-night attack on Abhishek Banerjees residence in Kolkata.
Watch: Abhishek Banerjee alleges BJP supporters attacked his Kolkata residence
Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee alleges that BJP supporters attacked his Kolkata residence on his birthday, calling it the seventh attempt on his life in six months. Mamata Banerjee accuses the BJP of targeting Trinamool supporters, while BJP leader Dilip Ghosh questions the birthday gathering and reacts to the clash.
Remain vigilant during Diwali, Kali Puja: Suvendu tells Kolkata Police after Chorbagan tragedy
Suvendu Adhikari addressed the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that resulted in 19 deaths. He highlighted the importance of improved coordination between police and event organizers during major festivals. Adhikari urged caution for upcoming Kali Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja celebrations to avoid similar incidents. Nine arrests have been made in connection with the stampede investigation led by a special investigation team.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday threatened to approach the Supreme Court over clashes allegedly involving Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) supporters outside the residence of her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, in south Kolkata. She accused the BJP and the police of conspiring to create tension in the area. Mamata visited Abhisheks residence in Kalighat, close to her own home, and spoke to reporters. Abhishek is the Trinamool Congresss Lok Sabha member from Diamond Harbour. Mamata said she would pursue the matter at the highest judicial level if required, alleging that the police had failed to act during the incident. The two residences are located in the same south Kolkata neighbourhood. A group of lumpen elements backed by the BJP orchestrated the attack on Abhisheks house after 2 a.m. The police remained silent spectators, she alleged. She singled out Bolai Bag, officer-in-charge of Kalighat police station, which has jurisdiction over both residences. She cautioned the officer that his actions could trigger public anger. The former Chief Minister also accused the police of trying to disrupt the annual Kali Puja organised at her residence and prevent people from visiting her home for the festival. She alleged that restrictions and police deployment had created tension in the neighbourhood ahead of the celebrations. An atmosphere of unrest has been deliberately created in this area before the Kali Puja. The pujas of old clubs are being prevented. However, new pujas are starting overnight. The entrance to my house has been practically blocked, and new pujas have been organised. The police vehicles have deliberately been kept blocking the entrance to my house. The police have also issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, she said. Mamata claimed that surveillance had been stepped up to prevent people from gathering outside her residence. As a result, the police have intensified surveillance to ensure that no gathering takes place in front of my house. All this is done to prevent people from coming to my house on the occasion of the Kali Puja, she said. She accused the BJP of engineering the tension outside Abhisheks residence during the early hours of Saturday, and questioned the partys stated commitment to democracy. On one hand, they are organising Save Democracy, Eliminate Anarchy rallies in the state, and on the other hand, they are the ones who are trampling the democratic structure, she said. Mamata also criticised the state administration, referring indirectly to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. I am not blaming all from BJP. But the one who is leading the administration in West Bengal is behind all these, she alleged.
Who Has Time To Kill Abhishek? Dilip Ghosh Mocks TMC Leader Banerjee's Attack Claim
Who has the time to kill Abhishek Banerjee?That is BJP leader Dilip Ghoshs response to the TMC leaders allegation that BJP workers attacked his Kolkata residence at around 2 AM.Banerjee claims the alleged attack followed two days of surveillance around his home and office. He calls it the seventh attempt on his life in six months and accuses the Kolkata Police and judiciary of inaction.Ghosh has dismissed the allegation as an attempt to mislead people, saying there was bound to be a backlash if someone created a disturbance.What really happened outside Abhishek Banerjees home?
Two Indian restaurants make The 50 Best Restaurants list for the first time in 19 years
Bhoot Chaturdashi 2026: Haunted places and curated walks to explore in Kolkata
From a white horse believed to haunt the racecourse to whispers in the National Library and apparitions along the Hooghly, Kolkata's supernatural folklore offers an unusual itinerary for the curious. no full stop after the deck
Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP disrupted a Kali Puja celebration in Kolkata's Kalighat area. She claimed that a gang attacked TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's house during the early hours. Concerns were raised about the breakdown of law and order in West Bengal related to these incidents. CCTV footage reportedly captured assailants attacking the premises and damaging property.
Abhishek Banerjee alleges 'BJP hooligans' attacked his Kolkata residence
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday alleged that his residence here was attacked by BJP hooligans early on Saturday, triggering clashes between supporters of the two parties. Banerjee, a three-term Diamond Harbour MP, claimed that the attack was part of a conspiracy to kill him, alleging that his office and residence had been under surveillance for two consecutive days before the incident. He said several of his supporters were seriously injured in the clashes. After two days of continuous recce, this is how BJP hooligans attacked my house at 2 am today. Watch the footage and see for yourself. If this is what can happen to an elected Member of Parliament, imagine the plight of the common man in WB, Banerjee said in a post on X, sharing a video purportedly showing the incident. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. The incident reportedly began around 2 am when BJP supporters allegedly raised 'chor' (thief) slogans outside Banerjee's Kalighat reside
Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of hooliganism, says
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of hooliganism and alleged that a gang of thugs attacked a Kali Puja celebration in Kolkata's Kalighat area in the early hours of the day, following an alleged attack on the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee. Police reached Abhishek Banerjee's residence after he alleged that his house was attacked around 2 am. Mamata Banerjee, reacting to the incident, questioned the alleged disruption of traditional puja celebrations in the locality ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali. Tomorrow is Kali Puja and Diwali. Last night, at 2:00 AM, an attack was carried out at Abhishek Banerjee
Fake Durga Puja pass case: Indranil Sen's daughter echoes mother, blames father for firm operations
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 7 (IANS)Former West Bengal Tourism Minister and former Minister of State for Information & Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen appears increasingly isolated within his own family in the multi-crore fake UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja pass scam, for which he was arrested last month. First, his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, who owns Mass Art, the entity through which the fake passes were allegedly sold, said during interrogation that the said entity was in her name only on paper and all administrative and operational decisions about the entity were taken by her husband. She also claimed that her role in Mass Art was just limited to signing on the dotted lines as instructed by her husband. Now, Sens daughter, Averi Sen, who was also questioned for several hours by investigating officers at Kolkata Police headquarters, Lalbazar in Central Kolkata, earlier this week, almost echoed her mother on this issue, confirmed a city police source. Averi was questioned about the huge sums of money transferred to two corporate entities in her name, ISCAPE and Myra. Like her mother, she also claimed that the two corporate entities were in her name just on paper and her role was limited to signing on the dotted lines as instructed by her father. The statements of Sens wife and mother corroborate the findings of the investigating officers that, in an attempt to keep himself in the fake pass case as well as other cases relating to tendering irregularities in both the state tourism and information & cultural affairs departments, Sen operated from behind in all these corporate entities, keeping his family members in the forefront. In fact, instead of using his own bank accounts, he used the accounts in the names of his family members or the corporate entities in their names for financial transactions, the city police insider said. Meanwhile, he added, Sen, who is in police custody now, had started passing the buck to Dhrubojytri Basu, a top official of Mass Art, who was arrested earlier this week. Sen will be produced before a lower court in Kolkata on November 10. On the other hand, Basu will be presented at the same court on November 13. Besides, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police, the fake puja pass case is also being probed by the ED.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 7: What makes a destination memorable? It is often more than its landscapes or monuments. It is the food, the flavours, the traditions and the warmth of the people who welcome visitors. Recognising the importance of these experiences to tourism, the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), part of the Indismart Group, has entered into a three-year Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, through the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority.
