Cong turns down TMC feelers for quid pro quo bypoll pact
After roads, states renaming panel sets sights on metro stations; Netaji Bhavan on list
For Bengali palates, it's about fish fulfillment
Kolkata-based importers are intensifying pressure on Bangladesh to relax its hilsa export ban, especially ahead of Durga Puja. Despite permissions, tight deadlines and late approvals have consistently hindered the full export of the prized fish, leading to significant shortfalls.
BJP arranged for rebel TMC MPs to join NCPI, claims Cooch Behar MP
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari offers prayers at Maharashtra Mandal in Kolkata on Ganesh Chaturthi
The News Mill
Kolkata Roads Named After Marx, Lenin, Ho Chi Minh May Be Renamed
The three roads under consideration are Lenin Sarani, Karl Marx Sarani and Ho Chi Minh Sarani.
Jadavpur University outsider PIL hearing likely tomorrow
Eight injured in ISF-ABVP clash at Bhangar College
Recruitment, infrastructure boost can bring students back to state universities, say professors
From 350 to 800: Ganesh Puja goes big in Kolkata, themes turn diverse
5K more Pujas this yr, power demand to spike
Puja closure for Camac St-Allen Park stretch
From ministers to MLAs, BJP seniors in demand at Ganpati pandals
Cops take guard against manja accidents on Maa
Kol 2nd last in clean air survey, Haldia makes it to Indias top 5
Trespasser tag for students on Jadavpur University campus after 8 pm
Pollution, food habits fuel rise in childhood eczema
Deadline looms, industry asks restos to check papers
90% of houses visited during first phase of Census
Eye on security, cops speak to Salt Lake, New Town hotels
Kidderpore Road to get LED lights, median dividers
SSKM Hospital staffer arrested for extortion, assault
Transport min meets bus operators over fare revision
Kolkata's Lenin, Marx, Ho Chi Minh roads on renaming list
A committee formed by West Bengal's BJP government is considering proposals to rename several prominent roads, bridges, and public places in Kolkata, including those named after communist leaders Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, and Ho Chi Minh. This move has sparked sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress and CPI(M), who view it as vendetta politics and an attempt to disrespect differing ideologies.
Cal HC orders NKDA to raze illegal buildings in New Town complex
8 sentenced in jewellery heist, bank robbery cases
Attacks on church services worry community, clergy
CID arrests 3 more in Salboni land scam case
Health dept probes fake doc scam
Primary edu council starts probe after Sankrail schoolgirls file undressed & searched plaint
JU announces distinguished alumni awards
Over 50,000 availed Ayushman care in a month: CM
Fugitive Dhanbad gangsters brother arrested in Kolkata
Chakaravarthy ruled out of T20Is against Afghanistan due to side strain
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) India wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan, to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, after suffering a fresh injury. The recent setback also leaves in doubt Chakaravarthys availability for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Chakaravarthy, 35, picked up the latest injury during Indias seven-wicket victory in the series opener on Sunday, where he picked up 1-16 in his four overs. Yes, Varun is ruled out of the series against Afghanistan. Scans have confirmed that he's picked up a side strain. It remains to be seen when hes asked to report to the CoE, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Monday. Chakravarthy was making his comeback to the Indian team after recovering from a hamstring injury, which he picked up on tour of England, at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. That injury forced him to miss the T20I tour of Zimbabwe in July. He previously suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Speaking in the post-match press conference, where he didnt show any signs of picking up the latest injury, Chakaravarthy spoke about the toll of constant physical rehabilitation and the demands placed on modern-day cricketers. Injuries are very common for all sportspeople, and it just shows that we are working, and we are giving our best. Sometimes, we push beyond our limits, and that's when the body gives in. So, that's when we have to take a step back and work better and come back stronger, he had said. India lead the three-match series 1-0 heading into the second T20I to be played on Tuesday, with the final match set to be played on Thursday. Indias other spin bowling options are Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, and uncapped Vipraj Nigam, with Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed doing rehab at the CoE to recover from their respective injuries.
Police Sub-Inspector found hanging in barracks in Bengal's North 24 Parganas
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) A sub-inspector of the West Bengal Police was found dead in mysterious circumstances at the barracks of the Habra Police Station in the state's North 24 Parganas district on Monday, officials said. The deceased was identified as Biswanath Sen, posted at the Habra Police Station, and a resident of the Maheshtala area of South 24 Parganas district. Police officials said that Sen was on night duty on Sunday and there was no abnormality in his behaviour. However, on Monday, his body was found hanging in the room allotted to him in the barracks. Another police station official said that as the door of the room was closed for a long time on Monday, some of his colleagues knocked on it. On getting no response after several knocks, they became suspicious, broke open the door and found Sen hanging from the ceiling. He was quickly taken down and taken to the local hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Preliminary investigation suggests that this was a case of suicide. However, the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and the official reason behind the death will be known only after the detailed autopsy report is available, a district police officer said. He also said that the family members of the deceased police officer had been contacted already. Even if he had committed suicide, there is no clue so far on what prompted him to adopt such an extreme step. We have no idea whether he was facing any personal or professional problem. Neither had he shared anything with us in the matter, nor had we traced any kind of anxiety in his body language even when he was on night duty on Monday, one of his colleagues said.
After aide to Abhishek Banerjee, ex-TMC MLA arrested, third accused held in Bengal land scam
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has arrested another accused in the multi-crore illegal land-grabbing case in Salboni of West Midnapore district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to three. The latest arrest is that of Amit Ghosh, a resident of Saidpur village in West Midnapore, who was taken into custody on Monday in connection with the alleged illegal transfer and sale of government-vested land. According to investigators, he was a close associate of former Trinamool Congress legislator Sujoy Hazra and Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. Both Hazra and Roy were arrested earlier in the probe. Sources in the state police said Amit Ghosh has been named as the sixth accused in the charge sheet filed by the West Bengal Police in a district court and is believed to possess crucial information about the alleged modus operandi of the land scam. Investigators claim that forged documents were used to transfer and sell more than 50 acres of government land, with Amit allegedly playing a significant role in the operation. A team of CID officers reached Medinipur on Monday and, with assistance from the district police, arrested Amit Ghosh. Confirming the development, West Midnapore Superintendent of Police Papia Sultana said the arrest was made following a requisition from the CID. The CID officers gave us a requisition. Based on that, Amit Ghosh was arrested and handed over to the CID, she said. Meanwhile, two other accused named in the charge sheet, Kailash Agrawal and Sarfuddin Khan, have moved the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Both have been accused of collaborating with a section of Block Land and Land Reforms Office (BLRO) officials to convert government-vested land into private property allegedly at the behest of Hazra and Roy. Roy was arrested by the CID on September 10, shortly after a division bench of the Calcutta High Court vacated the interim protection from coercive action granted to him. He was produced before a district court in West Midnapore the following day and remanded to eight days of CID custody.
Rebel Trinamool faction announces candidates for Bengal bypolls in Nandigram, Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata. Sep 14 (IANS) The ebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress led by the expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday announced the names of the candidates for the bypolls for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. The faction had named persons from the minority community as candidates both from Nandigram and Rejinagar. While Ehtasamul Haque is the candidate from Nandigram, Shafiuzzaman Sheikh is the candidate for Rejinagar. The announcement of the candidates' names for the two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal by the Ritabrata-led faction, comes just a day after the original but minority faction in Trinamool Congress led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday announced the names of its candidates for these two Assembly constituencies. Now, the names of the respective candidates by both these factions within the previous ruling party in West Bengal have been announced despite the Election Commission of India (ECI) yet to decide which of these two factions will ultimately have the right over the party's name and symbol. The last date for filing nominations for the Rejinagar and Nandigram bypolls is September 16. The polls will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be announced on November 9. Already, the CPI-M-led Left Front and Congress have announced the names of the candidates for both these Assembly constituencies. At Rejinagar, the Revolutionary Social Party (RSP), which is a constituent of the Left Front, had independently fielded its own candidate declaring rebellion against the CPI-M leadership. Even Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) also announced its candidate from Rejinagar. Kabir's son Golam Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to announce the names of its candidates either on Monday or Tuesday. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat.
Bengal BJP announces names of new spokespersons, IT and social media cells
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced the names of a new set of state spokespersons as well as the members of the party's media, Information Technology and social media cells in the state. As regards to the BJP's media cell in the state, Anupam Ghosh has been appointed as the convenor, while Partha Sarathi Chaudhury and Chandrasekhar Basuria has been appointed as the co-conveners. In the Information Technology (IT) cell, Joy Mallick has been appointed as the convener. At the same time, Ratnesh Singh, Ramyajyoti Sarkar, Subhojit Karmakar and Sabyasachi Roy, had been appointed as the four co-conveners of the party's Information Technology cell for West Bengal. In case of the party's social media cell for West Bengal, Upamanyu Bhattacharya had been appointed as the convener of the cell and Pritom Bhattacharjee and Kamelia Sanyal had been appointed as the co-conveners. The new list of party's state spokespersons has a total of 12 names with Debjit Sarkar being appointed as the Chief Spokesperson. Ritesh Tiwari, Sayantan Bose, Keya Ghosh, Pranoy Roy, Tanmay Mukherjee, Saptarshi Chowdhury, Ophelia Singha, Ankan Dutta, Megha Sen Roy, Nikhil Prasun Singh and Samik Dasgupta are the 11 spokespersons. Saptarshi Chowdhury had been given the additional charge of party literature. Political observers say that the list shows a perfect balance between the old guards and ew faces within the BJP. After BJP came to power in West Bengal in 2026, the state party president Samik Bhattacharya made it clear through his behaviour that he will give due respect to the original leaders. The release of the list of BJP spokespersons on Monday proved that he kept his word. Inclusion of seasoned leaders like Sayantan Bose and Keya Ghosh, among the spokesperson, proves Bhattacharya's commitment in the matter, a Kolkata-based political observer said. Meanwhile, in a press statement issued by the BJP on Monday, it had been claimed that on the occasion of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, the book 'Modi Katha' will be launched in New Delhi on September 17. Authored by renowned journalist, columnist and writer Harish Chandra Burnwal, the book will be formally launched by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, the press statement said.
From screen icon to cultural adviser: Mithun Chakraborty steps into policymaking role in Bengal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has embarked on a new chapter in public life as Cultural Adviser to West Bengal's BJP government, transitioning from celebrated film star to policymaker with a focus on culture, tourism and sports development. Chakraborty's iconic Disco Dancer on the film screen is now busy blending his cinematic legacy with political influence in the state. Of late, he has been instrumental in promoting film subsidies and is now actively taking up tourism initiatives in the Sunderbans and pushing sports development projects, marking a new chapter in his career. In recent times, his role in Bengali films such as Projapati and Kabuliwala, among others, has earned much appreciation. Mithun Chakrabortys connection to West Bengal runs deep. Born in Kolkata in 1950, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of Indias most celebrated film stars. His breakthrough came with Mrigayaa (1976), which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he became a household name with blockbusters like Disco Dancer, Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, and numerous Bengali films. His screen persona, comprising a mix of rugged charm and relatable vulnerability, made him a cultural icon across India, especially in West Bengal, as Mithunda. His political affiliations have evolved. Once associated with the Trinamool Congress, he served briefly as a Rajya Sabha MP before resigning in 2016. His shift to the BJP in 2021 was a turning point, coinciding with the partys aggressive push into West Bengal. His presence added emotional resonance to the BJPs campaign, his filmi statements appealing to his fans and the general public alike, who grew up watching his films. Then, as the BJP came to power this year, Mithun Chakraborty emerged as a symbolic figure of change. His proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi also underscored his importance within the party. And now, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari appointing him in his new role as the Cultural Adviser to the West Bengal government, granting him ministerial-level privileges and influence, he has put the celebrated Disco Dancer foot forward. His first major recommendation has come as a 30 per cent subsidy for films shot in the state. This was reportedly accepted, signaling his commitment to reviving the states cinematic glory, which was witnessing stagnation and political influence. He is said to have also emphasised that West Bengals natural beauty -- its mountains, seas, and cultural richness -- should attract filmmakers nationwide. His vision is to restore the state as a hub of Indian cinema, echoing its golden era when Kolkata was a centre of film artistry. Beyond cinema, Mithun Chakraborty has been actively involved in tourism and sports development. He has championed plans to build a tourism hub in the Sunderbans, leveraging the regions unique mangrove ecosystem and wildlife to attract both domestic and international visitors. This initiative aligns with BJPs broader agenda of economic revitalisation through cultural and ecological tourism. His idea of developing a resort in the Suderbans has reportedly drawn opposition from environmental activists, but an official confirmation is yet to come on such a project. The actor-politician incidentally owns a hotel and resort in Ooty, nestled in the scenic Nilgiri Hills, with the property a popular destination for tourists and film crews seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty. A significant move is his push for a football academy to nurture young talent and position West Bengal as a centre of sporting excellence. Given its historic passion for football, this project resonates deeply with local aspirations and could provide structured pathways for athletes to compete nationally and internationally. To bring the josh back to football, he has now restarted an almost abandoned initiative to create the Bengal Football Academy where, accompanied by a group of former footballers on Monday, he announced it in New Town on Kolkatas outskirts. His efforts at harnessing popularity and vision for the revival of culture and sports show he does not intend to let the new role remain merely ceremonial. As West Bengal enters a new political era with the first BJP government, Mithundas initiatives -- from trying to revive the states film industry to tourism and sports initiatives -- highlight how a film stars legacy may evolve into tangible contributions for the states future.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who is receiving a lot of good response to his work in the recently released streaming show The Revolutionaries, has called the series a Test match after his earlier stories of Rocket Boys and Freedom at Midnight. The filmmaker spoke with IANS along with Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, and Gurfateh Parizada. I had a lot of practice already. My Ranji Trophy I had already played and IPL I had already played with Rocket Boys and Freedom at Midnight. I had come to test cricket with this. I had done Rocket Boys and Freedom at Midnight, I had set the groundwork, even the team, even the production, everybody knew what we were getting into. With every show that we have done, it has become bigger and bigger and bigger. With The Revolutionaries, we pushed the envelope further. In Freedom at Midnight, I had made a set of 3 acres, here I had made a set of 6 acres. In Freedom at Midnight, there were 96 sets, here there were 110-120 sets. He further mentioned, So, the starting point was a conversation between Prime Video and me that they had got the rights to the book, they had bought the book and they wanted to make the book and they said that they would be interested in. So, my first reaction was, let's do it again, historical again, but then when I understood it, it was very different. The series is created and directed by Nikkhil Advani, and is based on the acclaimed book, Revolutionaries: The Other Story Of How India Won Its Freedom. The show follows 4 freedom fighters, Rash Behari Bose, Pratibha Lahiri, Sachindra Nath Sanyal and Bagha Jatin, who locked horns with the British Raj. The series is inspired by true events and is set against the backdrop of Indias freedom struggle. It also stars Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada and Jason Shah. The show tells the story of Indian freedom fighters who believed that armed resistance was not just vital but indispensable to ending the British Raj. It was because of the sustained efforts of the aforementioned revolutionaries that the British empire had to shift its capital to Delhi from Kolkata. Produced by Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani under the banner of Emmay Entertainment, the series is written by Sanjeev Sanyal. The Revolutionaries is available to stream on Prime Video.
Gangster Prince Khan's brother Bunty arrested at Kolkata Airport while trying to flee to Dubai
Digital Desk | Dhanbad, Sep 14 (IANS) Bunty Khan, brother of notorious gangster Prince Khan, was arrested by Dhanbad Police at Kolkata Airport with the assistance of West Bengal Police while attempting to flee to Dubai using forged documents, officials said on Monday. According to police, he was apprehended by a special team moments before boarding an international flight. Following his arrest, police on Monday paraded him through Dhanbad with a rope tied around his waist. Bunty Khan had been on the run for a long time and is wanted in more than a dozen serious criminal cases registered across different police stations in Dhanbad. The charges against him include murder, extortion, offences under the Arms Act, and criminal conspiracy. Police received intelligence inputs that Banti was hiding in Kolkata and was planning to escape to Dubai via an international flight. Acting on the information, Dhanbad police formed a special team and coordinated with West Bengal Police to monitor his movements in Kolkata. The joint operation culminated in his arrest at the airport before he could fly away. During the operation, police recovered a passport along with suspected forged passports, visa-related papers, and other travel documents from his possession. Investigators are now examining the seized documents to determine their authenticity and trace the network that helped him obtain the forged papers. Authorities are also trying to identify individuals who may have assisted Banti in planning his escape abroad. Police are gathering details about his associates, hideouts during his period of absconding, and his links to the Prince Khan gangs operations. Investigators consider the arrest a major breakthrough in the crackdown against the Prince Khan gang. A few months ago, police had arrested another alleged key operative of the syndicate, Major alias Saifi, at Kolkata Airport while he too was attempting to flee to Dubai. According to police officials, Bantis interrogation could provide crucial leads about the gangs extortion network, financial transactions, and activities allegedly being coordinated from abroad. Raids are also underway to trace and arrest other accused linked to the criminal syndicate. Meanwhile, Prince Khan has been absconding for a long time and is wanted in several serious criminal cases, including murder, extortion, firing, and criminal intimidation. A Red Corner Notice has already been issued against him. Earlier, he was believed to be hiding in Dubai, but intelligence agencies recently received inputs that Prince Khan was in Pakistan.
West Bengal bypolls: TMC MP urges EC to ensure no eligible voter denied voting right
Nearly 25 lakh appeals have been filed before SIR tribunals over deletion of names from the voter list
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The West Bengal BJP President and the partys Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, on Monday afternoon ruled out the possibility of any of the 20 Trinamool Congress-turned-Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) Lok Sabha members from the state, directly joining the BJP. He stated that he BJP they want to join may be the BJP from Mars. Bhattacharyas clarification came in response to a media comment earlier in the day by one of the prominent members in the Trinamool-turned-NCPI MPs camp, Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, where he claimed that as many as 17 out of 20 of his colleagues would directly join the BJP next month. We will never forget what happened to several BJP workers after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. So, there is no reason to think that if they want to join the BJP, we will accept them. The BJP they want to join may be the BJP from Mars, quipped Bhattacharya reacting to Basunias claims. The BJPs state president also clearly said that there is no possibility of anyone from any faction in the Trinamool Congress joining the party in the near or the far future. The people of West Bengal have not forgotten the rule of oppression during the Trinamool Congress regime from 2011 to 2026. Now, some Lok Sabha members have broken out from the Trinamool Congress and are supporting the National Democratic Alliance. They are welcome to do so. But that does not mean that they are joining the BJP, Bhattacharya clarified. He also said that joining the BJP might be Basunia's wish but there was no reason to believe that the BJP leadership would fulfil that wish. After May 2, 2021, as many as 56 BJP workers were killed in just 27 days by the Trinamool Congress-backed goons. Around 200 women BJP workers were gangraped. Houses of many BJP workers were demolished. Many were forced to leave their houses, he claimed. We have not forgotten this. So, there is no reason to think that all those sins would be erased so easily, Bhattacharya added. Earlier in the day, Basunia had also said that the three Lok Sabha members in his camp, namely Abu Taher Khan from Murshidabad Constituency, Yusuf Pathan from Baharampur Constituency and Khalilur Rahman from Jangipur Constituency, all in minority-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal, have problems in directly joining the BJP and hence they will not join the party directly, but will continue to be part of the NDA. Giving his reaction in the matter, Abu Taher Khan said that Basunia should only speak about himself instead of taking the responsibility for others. We have not given him any responsibility. This was his personal opinion. Our opinion has nothing to do with it. We are neither in the BJP nor with the NDA. We are thinking of working in our own areas, Khan said.
Mithun Chakraborty Revives Plans for Bengal Football Academy in Kolkata
BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has reignited efforts to establish the Bengal Football Academy, aiming to nurture young talent across the region. Mithun Chakraborty Revives Plans for Bengal Football Academy in Kolkata
Watch: Korean Vlogger's Reacts To Kolkata's Energy Scrambled Eggs Made With Sting
In the video, the vendor can be seen shaking the bottle and pouring the entire energy drink on to the hot pan.
17 rebel Trinamool MPs to join BJP before or after Durga Puja
Kolkata: Rebel TMC leader and Cooch Behar MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia on Monday, September 14, claimed that 17 of the 20 MPs of the NCPI are set to join the BJP either before or after Durga Puja in October. Basunia told reporters that the 17 MPs had finalised plans to join the BJP together, 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 .
Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra
Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra Kolkata: The West Bengal police have arrested two youths for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in North 24 Parganas districts Habra area after making her consume intoxicants, police officials said on Monday. According to police, the girl had come to visit her uncles [] The post Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Petrol and Diesel Prices Today: Check Latest Fuel Rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai
Petrol and diesel prices remain an important part of everyday household and travel expenses, especially for people who regularly commute by car or two-wheeler. Before heading out or filling up your vehicle, checking the latest fuel rates can help you estimate how much you may need to spend at the pu...
29 municipalities, 278 panchayats identified as dengue hotspots in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) With the number of dengue-affected people in West Bengal climbing to over 5,000 this year so far, the state health department has identified 29 municipalities, 85 community development blocks and 278 village panchayats as the hotspots. An insider from the State Health Department said its workers are focusing on more intensive and random blood sample tests in these municipalities, blocks and panchayats, considering that the maximum number of dengue-positive cases in the last month have been reported from these hotspots. According to him, the department was following a particular formula for identifying such hotspots. A village panchayat having 10 or more dengue patients is identified as a hotspot panchayat. Similarly, if more than 30 people in a community block have dengue, it is identified as a hotspot block. A municipality is identified as a hotspot if the majority of wards there have five or more dengue-affected persons, an official said. At the same time, he added, the department is also focusing on extensive awareness drives at these hotspots, asking people with dengue symptoms, such as continuous fever for two or more days, to voluntarily coming forward for blood tests. What has kept us especially worried is that in many of these hotspots, people having fever for two or more days are often resorting to self-medication instead of consulting any medical practitioner. This is aggravating the crisis. So, we are conducting massive awareness drives urging people to refrain from self-medication in cases of continuing fever for two or more days and instead reach the nearest health centres for blood tests or consult a nearest medical practitioner, said the official. At the same time, the health department staff are conducting door-to-door surveillance to prevent dengue. The health workers are asking people to keep the water tanks and cisterns of the house covered. If a cover cannot be provided, they should be covered with mosquito nets or nets. Awareness is being raised about preventing water from accumulating in flowerpots and abandoned containers on the roof, the state health department official said. The health department is also conducting surveillance in ponds, drains, pools, dry canals, unused wells, and factories. Larvicides are also used according to the guidelines. On Sunday, the health department published its latest dengue bulletin, showing 5,002 affected people till September 11. However, the alarming factor is that the total number of dengue-affected people till the same date in August was less than 2,500. This means that over the last month, 2,500 additional individuals have been affected by dengue. According to the latest statistics provided by the department, the maximum number of affected people so far has been from the Murshidabad district at 1,072, followed by Kolkata at 500 and North 24 Parganas at 450.
West Bengal tourist missing near Kupwara LoC amid fake Aadhaar probe
Srinagar: A tourist from West Bengal went missing from the Teetwal area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, prompting a manhunt after his Aadhaar card was allegedly found to be fake, officials said here on Sunday. They said 38-year-old Sanjay Sardar, a resident of Kolkata, went missing on Saturday after leaving behind []
Padma Shri awardee teacher, colleague thrashed, abused in North Kolkata
Kolkata: TMC Loyal Faction Fields Candidates for WB, Assam Bypolls
The Election Commission has directed the two factions to appear on September 16 and 17.
Purulia-born directors second film wins award at Venice fest
Marx, Lenin, Ho Chi Minh under road-renaming shadow
India may get own dengue vax by next year end: ICMR DG
8 injured in ordnance factory workers clash
CISCE begins inspection of board exam venues, focuses on security
KP seniors to listen to public complaints every Tues & Thurs
Job demand ends in violence at Dum Dum factory
Med council faces dissolution demand over fake doc scam
Tensions Rise in Kolkata as Congress and BJP Clash Over Controversial Remarks by Religious Leader
A clash between Congress and BJP supporters erupted in Kolkata over controversial remarks made by religious leader Dhirendra Shastri regarding Bengali food habits. Tensions Rise in Kolkata as Congress and BJP Clash Over Controversial Remarks by Religious Leader
IIT Kharagpur launches battle against student suicides
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has come up with a slew of measures to address mental health issues among students and prevent them from taking their own lives. At least three students of the country's first IIT committed suicide on campus in 2026. The latest incident occurred on August 13, when a 19-year-old second-year mechanical engineering student from Rajasthan took his own life. Five cases of student suicides were reported from the campus in 2025. Even the Supreme Court has expressed concern about the large number of deaths and ordered appropriate remedial measures. After trying several methods, the institute has now laid stress on training of both staff and students. They are being trained to identify signs of stress and take appropriate action. On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2026, IIT Kharagpur launched SAHACHAR, its in-house wellness buddy programme. The IIT Kharagpur community undertook a series of initiatives in line with this year's theme for World Suicide Prevention Day Changing the Narrative on Suicide, and its call to action, Start the Conversation, the institute has said. A dedicated training module developed by the institute's Counselling Centre was conducted for security guards, supervisors, and hall managers, equipping them with the essential knowledge to identify and respond to crisis situations. A day later, student mentors received training under the Student Mentorship Programme, followed by the formal launch of SAHACHAR. A Yellow Ribbon Drive was also conducted across campus, with students pasting ribbons of hope at various locations. The day concluded with students coming together at night to take a collective candlelight pledge - choosing openness over silence, and conversation over stigma. Students across the world are under a lot of stress today. The stress is more at institutes like this one where there is constant pressure to perform. Even a minor slip can affect a sensitive mind. And these are among the best brains in the world we are dealing with. That is where that human touch comes into play, a mental health expert associated with the institute said. Not all suicides on campus are related to academics, the experts say. Many can be caused by mental distress arising out of personal relationships, both on campus and beyond. That is where the importance of identification comes in. Everybody on campus has to be involved to identify signs. While students will be playing an important role in playing the role of buddies, they will have to be assisted by staff, who will have to be sensitive and adequately trained to identify signs, the expert said.
VB reopens Santiniketan Griha, the oldest house on campus, for tourists after six years
KMDA seeks Rs 1.1 cr for Old Durgapur Bridge repairs
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Central Railway emerges champion in Railway Athletics tournament
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) Central Railway has emerged as the overall champion at the 91st All Railway Athletics Championship that came to an end at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Stadium in Salt Lake, Kolkata, on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The tournament was organised by the Railway Sports Promotion Board, Eastern Railway Sports Association (ERSA) and was inaugurated by Eastern Railway (ER) general manager Gitika Pandey on September 11, 2026. During the concluding event, she handed over prizes to the various teams and participants. While the Central Railway Team bagged the overall Championship Trophy, Southern Railway was the runner-up. The hosts (ER) won four gold medals. Two of these were won by Lili Das, while Moumita Mandal and Khyati Mathur won the remaining two. Bhagavadi Bhavani from Southern Railway was adjudged the Best Female Athlete, while David, also from Southern Railway, was declared the Best Male Athlete. The South Western Railway Womens Team won the Women's Championship Cup. The runners-up position in the Womens category went to Southern Railway. In the Mens category, Central Railway emerged as team champion, while Northern Railway secured the runners-up position. The championship witnessed the participation of 24 teams from different zonal railways, production units, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), with over individuals, including athletes, coaches, and team managers, taking part in various events. Many of those who participated are national- and international-level athletes, a senior ER official said. The railway is among the organisations that provide necessary support to sportspersons. Talent is scouted and nurtured, and medal winners at national and international competitions are provided employment through the sports quota. These sportspersons continue to train further and win more honours at important competitions, such as the Asian Games and Olympics. Many such sportspersons were present during the tournament. They included Arjuna Awardees Joseph Abraham, Jitendra Kumar, J J Shobha, Pappu Yadav, Soma Biswas, Saraswati Saha, Padma Shri recipient L Bombayla Devi, Mohammad Ali Qamar (also a Dronacharya Awardee, and Olympians Sanjay Ray and Bhawana Jat. ER general manager Pandey congratulated the winners and participants, encouraging them to strive for even greater achievements in future championships. This was the second year in a row that Eastern Railway organised this tournament. ER has been at the forefront of promoting sports and nurturing young talent through various tournaments, ER CPRO Shibram Majhi, who is also an office bearer of the ERSA, said.
Vice-principals spl classes plan deepens law college stand-off
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers engaged in a fight in front of Bhowanipur police station in Kolkata on Sunday. Two Congress leaders Ashutosh Chatterjee and Pradeep Prasad were summoned to the police station in connection with the incident of burning photos of rationally popular religious guru Dhirendra Shastri for his recent comments over the food habits of Bengalis. As soon as they appeared at the police station, Congress workers and supporters started making a ruckus outside for the high-handedness of the police. In turn, BJP supporters also appeared there. An argument started between the two sides. Later, it escalated into a scuffle where the BJP accused the Congress of hurting religious sentiments of Hindus. Congress, in turn, alleged that all this was a conspiracy against them. It may be noted that Dhirendra Shastri recently made objectionable comments about Bengalis eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. According to his comments, those who eat non-vegetarian food during the puja are not religious. There was a strong protest in various quarters against this remark made by Dhirendra Shastri. In protest, Congress workers and supporters burned his photo in Kolkata, following which West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned that legal action will be taken against those who burned the photo of the religious guru after which a Congress worker named Atanu Das was arrested. Along with this, two Congress leaders Ashutosh Chatterjee and Pradeep Prasad were summoned on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday night, Pradeep Prasad was removed as the South Kolkata District Congress due to a reshuffle in the West Bengal Pradesh Congress which enraged a section of the Congress. As soon as they appeared at the Bhabanipur police station on Sunday, their followers started protesting outside. BJP also went there in return and raised its voice against the insult of the religious guru. According to a local BJP leader, They have insulted Bengalis before. Our Chief Minister (Suvendu Adhikari) has explained by eating fish that Puja has nothing to do with eating non-vegetarian food. Still, they insulted the religious guru. In response, Ashutosh Chatterjee said, This is a complete conspiracy. Remember, he insulted Bengalis by coming to Bengal. We will show you on the road how to protest against this. It may be noted that West Bengal Congress on Tuesday lodged a written complaint against the religious guru following his controversial statement that non-vegetarian food should be kept away from Durga puja mandaps and during Navratri. The complaint was filed at Bhowanipur Police Station in south Kolkata against the religious guru for his comments on the eating habits of Bengalis and for using several controversial words including 'ganda ganda cooking' and 'pakhandi'.
Ganesh pujas in Salt Lake shift change colour
West Bengal Shuts Down 252 Madrasas After Review, Sends Show-Cause Notice To 100 More
The West Bengal government has issued closure notices to 252 madrasas and show-cause notices to another 100 as part of a statewide verification drive. Minority Affairs Minister Khudiram Tudu said the institutions facing notices must produce valid authorisation or face closure. The survey, ordered in June, examined madrasa management, student enrolment, funding sources and registration status across Kolkata and 22 districts. Officials said 2,132 madrasas currently have valid approval, while 2,396 are unapproved. The action has triggered a political row, with BJP state chief Samik Bhattacharya and BJP leader Agnimitra Paul defending the move, citing concerns over radicalisation and alleged anti-national activities. TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh opposed the remarks, saying madrasas are an education system and should not be linked to terrorist allegations.
BJP's Samik Bhattacharya welcomes Bengal govt's notice for closure of 252 madrasahs
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, on Sunday welcomed the decision of the state government for closure notices to 252 madrasahs in the state, most 'kharijis' (unrecognised). The state government had at the same time slapped show-cause notices to 100 more madrasahs in the state asking them to cite reasons why similar closure notices will not be served to them. The closure and show-cause notices were served to these entities, after the state minorities affairs and madrasah education department conducted a review of the functional aspects of different madrassas in the state, including their management systems, number of teachers, student attendance, infrastructure, syllabus and source of funding. Speaking to the media persons on Sunday afternoon, Bhattacharya referred to late Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the last Chief Minister of the previous Left Front government, while advocating in favours of such khariji (unrecognised) madrassas. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee also said once that militants are being bred in such khariji madrasas. As soon as a controversy arose over his comments, he had to bow to pressure from his party. If the Left Front government had listened to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee that day, this situation would not have arisen in the border districts, the State BJP President said. He also added that while Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had to succumb to the pressure from his own party in the matter for some reasons, the current BJP government in West Bengal will not succumb to any such pressure. Education is not a medium of any religious control or rituals and practices. Education should be the path to building knowledge, rationality, scientific temperament, and humane values. Keeping pace with time, we must make our education system more modern, technology-driven, employment-oriented, and progressive, Bhattacharya said. According to the State BJP President, since education is the backbone of the nation it should not get trapped in the web of superstitions and narrow-mindedness. If that happens, then the nation's progress is obstructed. Our goal is to achieve such an education system where no child's future is determined based on their religion or identity, Samik Bhattacharya said. The BJP wants a superstition-free, scientific, modern, and progressive education system where there will be equal opportunities for all. Our goal is one nation, one education system, he added.
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Former Bengal Minister's aide arrested in Hooghly for selling land illegally
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) The police on Sunday arrested Arnab Sinha Roy, a contractor from Singur in West Bengal's Hooghly district and a close aide of former State Minister Becharam Manna on alleged charges of selling land fraudulently. He was produced before the Chandannagar Sub-district Court on Sunday after a case was filed under the non-bailable section. While being taken to court, the arrested contractor said that all the allegations were false. He was framed through a political conspiracy. According to the complaint, a person named Tarapada Mandal, a resident of Jhankari village in Bara area of Singur police station, died in 2001. It is alleged that Arnab sold his property fraudulently in 2014. The sons of the deceased lodged a complaint in this regard in 2017. They claimed that they had approached the then MLA and State Minister Becharam Manna regarding this matter. However, nothing was done. After the change of government in the state this year, one of Tarapada's sons, Vishwanath Mandal lodged a fresh complaint with the police. Based on this, the police arrested two people. Based on that information, the police also arrested Arnab. According to local sources, Arnab has a good relationship with former Minister Becharam and his wife Karabi Manna. He has done various immoral things by exploiting his closeness to influential people. On the other hand, the complainant Vishwanath Mandal said, About 90 per cent of our family's land has been sold illegally through fraud. There are other instances where land belonging to common man were similarly captured by immoral means. We want our land back. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed that Arnab did not hold any post in the Trinamool Congress. Due to his closeness to Becharam Manna, he got the post of contractor organisation of the Public Works Department from the Zilla Parishad. It is alleged that since the Minister was in charge at that time, no action was taken even if a complaint was made against him.
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'Once we enter the pitch, it is 11 against 11,' says Thapa ahead of Brazil's Uruguay friendlies
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) India midfielder Anirudh Thapa believes the excitement surrounding the national teams upcoming high-profile friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay must be set aside once the players step onto the pitch, insisting that the contests will ultimately come down to '11 against 11'. Thapa is set to make his return to the Indian team after a two-year absence as the Blue Tigers prepare for a challenging FIFA international window. India will face Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 25 before taking on five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time champions Uruguay on October 6 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The 28-year-old last represented India against Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup in September 2024. With Brazil and Uruguay among the biggest names in world football, Thapa said the upcoming fixtures present a rare opportunity for Indian players to test themselves against elite opposition on home soil. As everyone knows, both Brazil and Uruguay are world champions. They have world-class players and have won the World Cup. For me as a player, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play against them in India, in front of our home fans, Thapa said. I am really excited and motivated to represent my country, test myself and see how good we are as a team. We can also gain a lot of experience from playing against them, he added. While acknowledging the excitement within the Indian camp, Thapa stressed that the players must remain focused on their task when the matches begin. When we sit together and talk about these matches, it is exciting. It gives you goosebumps when you think about playing against these countries, especially at home. But once we enter the pitch, it is 11 against 11. We need to give our best and play our best football, he said. Thapa, who operates in central midfield, also highlighted discipline, composure and communication as key factors for India against opponents capable of punishing even small mistakes. We need to be motivated, but we also need to be disciplined. As a team, we must remain composed and compact and keep fighting until the 90th minute because these teams will push us, he said. If we can make fewer mistakes, that will be something positive we can carry forward. Communication between the midfield and defence will be massive because of their quality, how they play in small spaces and how quickly they can move the ball, he added. Thapa said India must focus on their own organisation and collective performance rather than being overawed by the stature of their opponents. Both teams have quality and everything you expect from great footballing nations. For us, it will be important to remain disciplined, play as a unit and fight for the badge. We will be playing at home, in front of our supporters, and we must give our very best, he said. The midfielder also underlined the importance of learning from the experience, irrespective of the results. What we do during those 90 minutes will be crucial, but what we learn after the matches will also be important. We do not get many opportunities to play teams like these, particularly on our home ground, he said. Thapa also urged Indian football fans to turn up in large numbers and back the Blue Tigers during the high-profile fixtures. Teams of this calibre are coming to India to play against India. Its a rare opportunity for the fans. Please come, support us as you have always done, and we will try to give our best for the nation, he said. Indias matches against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay will provide the Blue Tigers with a stern test against three teams that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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1,100-Kg Modak Takes Centre Stage In Kolkata Ahead Of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, Kolkata's iconic sweet shop Balaram Mullick and Radharaman Mullick has crafted a massive 1,100-kilogram modak, putting Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet at the centre of the festivities. Decorated with figs, cashews and almonds, the giant modak is expected to be a major attraction during the ten-day celebration. Alongside the showstopper, the sweet shop is also offering nearly 40 varieties of modaks and laddoos, blending traditional recipes with contemporary flavours for devotees and visitors.
Youth arrested for raping mentally challenged woman in Bengal's Baruipur
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) The police have arrested a youth for allegedly raping a mentally challenged woman in Baruipur of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. A senior officer of Baruipur Police District said on Sunday that a case has been registered against the youth based on a complaint lodged by the family of the woman. According to the police, the victim is mentally challenged. She was alone at home in the afternoon on Saturday. Allegedly, a local youth entered the house and attacked the woman using that opportunity. It is alleged that she was raped. The woman was also threatened that she would be killed if she opened her mouth. Later, when other family members returned home, the woman narrated the entire incident. Meanwhile, tension spread in the area as soon as the woman's complaint became public. On receiving the news, the police from Bakultala police station reached the spot. Based on the complaint of the victim's family, the accused youth was arrested and taken to the police station on Sunday morning. On receiving the news, locals gathered in front of the police station. Many also sat and protested in front of the police station. They demanded that the police should not just arrest the accused but ensure that the accused gets strict punishment. High-ranking police officers came and spoke to the protesters. They assured them of strict action. After receiving the assurance from the police, the protesters cleared the road in front of the police station. The police have registered a case under specific sections and started an investigation. The arrested person is also being interrogated, said the police officer. It may be noted that a man was arrested for sexually assaulting his 13-year-old daughter in the same Baruipur area on Friday. According to the police, the elder daughter had filed a complaint against the father with the local police. The girl claimed that she left home due to sexual assault, which she was subjected to by her father. The elder daughter alleged that the father is doing the same to her younger sister. Based on that complaint, officers of Baruipur Women Police Station have arrested the accused.
Major Fire Breaks Out at CESC Distribution Office in Kolkata
A significant fire erupted at the CESC distribution office in Kolkata, prompting an extensive firefighting response. No casualties reported. Major Fire Breaks Out at CESC Distribution Office in Kolkata
Bengal orders closure of 252 madrasas, serves notices to 100
Kolkata: The West Bengal government has ordered the closure of 252 madrasas and sent show-cause notices to about 100 others after a statewide survey found that several institutions lacked required approvals and basic infrastructure, officials said on Sunday, September 13. Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department Minister Kshudiram Tudu said madrasas that have requisite approvals 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 .
