Kolkata police arrest seven, recover stolen valuables in Karaya theft
The News Mill
ED raids six locations in Kolkata in chit fund scam case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 16 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was conducting simultaneous raids and search operations at six locations in Kolkata on Wednesday in connection with a multi-crore chit fund case. Sources aware of the development said a team of ED officials, accompanied by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), reached the house of a businessman in the Narkeldanga area in North Kolkata at around 7 a.m. It is learnt that the said businessman collected public deposits promising lucrative returns and invested them in various sectors. Later, five other teams of ED, the investigation arm of the Union Finance Minister, conducted raids at five other locations in North and South Kolkata in connection with the same chit fund case. Sources said the public deposits were collected in the name of a Ponzi entity, APM Group, which collected money and invested in various sectors, but through another corporate entity that mainly acted as a shell company. It is learnt that raids and search operations were conducted on charges of embezzlement of money deposited in that chit fund scheme. According to sources, in addition to the residence of the Ponzi entity's owner, similar raids are also being conducted at the houses of the owners linkmen. Sources said that the modus operandi of the forgery by the said entity was the same -- where first huge public deposits were collected through different multi-level marketing schemes promising investors of lucrative returns, and then the collected money was invested in different sectors through a shell entity. These public deposits, sources said, were collected without proper authorisation from the concerned regulatory authorities. At the time the report was filed, the raid and search operations at the six locations were continuing, and ED officials were also questioning different persons linked to the Ponzi entity. Since 2012, West Bengal has been a hotbed of Ponzi entities, including Sudipto Sen-owned Saradha Group and Gautam Kundu-owned Rose Valley Group, among others. The ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been conducting separate probes into the activities of many such entities for a long time, and have also arrested several top leaders of Trinamool Congress for links to them.
Brazil Revises Stand On Kolkata Pitch Ahead Of India Friendly, Federation Gives Thumbs Up: Sources
The Brazil football team is now content with the condition of the pitch in Kolkata ahead of the India friendly, sources have told NDTV.
Kolkata Police Volunteers to Wear Saffron Uniforms for Durga Puja
Kolkata Police has designed saffron uniforms for 20,000 volunteers to ensure effective duty during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. Kolkata Police Volunteers to Wear Saffron Uniforms for Durga Puja
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Kolkata Police Volunteers to Wear Saffron Uniforms During Durga Puja
Kolkata Police volunteers will don saffron uniforms during Durga Puja to enhance visibility and comfort while ensuring public safety. Kolkata Police Volunteers to Wear Saffron Uniforms During Durga Puja
CM Adhikari thanks Centre for allocating road infra projects worth Rs 1,042 crore in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 16 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways for administrative approval for six major road infrastructure projects in the state under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme with a total investment of Rs 1,042 crore. On behalf of the Government and the People of West Bengal, I express our sincere gratitude to Honble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Honble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, for according administrative approval to 6 major road infrastructure projects under the CRIF Scheme for 202627, amounting to Rs 1,042.62 crore, said the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in a social media post on Tuesday. The Chief Minister claimed that the state public works department (PWD) had earlier sent a proposal on this count to the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Following that proposal, the Union Minister has now sanctioned covers for over 194 kilometres of vital road networks across North Bengal, South Bengal and the tribal-dominated Junglemahal region scattered over the four districts of Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore and Jhargram, the Chief Minister informed. Strengthening rural and highway connectivity remains a top priority for our administration. Our State PWD will ensure timely execution and adherence to the highest quality standards for these projects, ensuring smoother journeys, improved logistics and robust economic growth for our citizens, the Chief Minister claimed. A state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader claimed that the sanction of the Rs 1,042 crore road infrastructure project is yet another example of how the double-engine government in the state is working for infrastructure and economic development. The Union Government was keen on extending support for the economic and infrastructure development in the state even during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime. However, the previous regime was only interested in constantly quarrelling with the Union Government, as a result of which the worst sufferers were the common people of the state, the BJP leader added.
Sugar price may drop to 50/kg before festive season: Min
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Man held for snatching gold chain at S Kolkata market
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100-kg gold ensemble to dazzle crowds at Siliguri puja
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Saffron makeover for 20K police volunteers
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Science Congress picks 215 research papers, abstracts in English & Bengali
CAB election forgery case: FIR against two over alleged courier manipulation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Kolkata Police have registered an FIR against two employees of courier company DTDC in connection with alleged forgery and irregularities related to the upcoming Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) elections. The FIR follows a complaint lodged at Maidan Police Station, which alleged that a private courier company, in collusion with a section of CAB officials, manipulated the dispatch of election-related documents to affiliated clubs. According to a police source, the case was registered after a preliminary inquiry into a complaint filed by Gautam Dey, a member of the Calcutta University Institute. The accused include Arghya Das, a channel management executive of DTDC, and Shubham Bakshi, manager of the company's Taratala-Gopalpur branch. The persons against whom the FIR had been registered include Arghya Das of the courier company, DTDC, and Shubham Bakshi, DTDCs manager, among others. The first is the channel management executive of the courier company concerned, and the second is the manager of the Taratala-Gopalpur branch of the company. It is to be noted that the brand ambassador of this courier company is CAB President and the former Indian cricket team captain, Sourav Ganguly. As per the complaint lodged by Gautam Dey, besides the courier company employees, a section of the CAB officials was also involved in the forgery. A team of investigating officials from Kolkata Police also appeared at the CAB office in Kolkata for a probe into the matter. Police sources said the accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to forgery of valuable documents, forgery with intent to cheat, use of forged documents as genuine, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy. Most of the offences invoked are non-bailable. As per the FIR, the accused allegedly generated fake consignment numbers and passed them off as genuine while dispatching election-related documents. They are also accused of sending couriers in violation of prescribed procedures. Investigators found that the consignment numbers in question reportedly had no traceable history on the company's tracking portal. The FIR further alleged that the accused acted with the intention of providing an unfair advantage to certain members in the election process. The alleged irregularities relate to documents connected with the election of the Secretary, Joint Secretary and Apex Council members, among other matters to be taken up at the CAB Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 24.
From climate change to survival and resilience, a story of a family in Kolkata weaves together many aspects of migration
Two 'ragpickers' arrested for stealing expensive cameras from Kolkata studio
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) Two persons were arrested in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district for stealing expensive DSLR cameras and other equipment from a photography studio in Kolkata's Jadavpur area while disguised as ragpickers, police said on Tuesday. The two criminals, identified as Qayum Sheikh and Lutfar Sheikh, were arrested in Ghutiari Sharif after they tried to sell the stolen goods. According to the police, the arrested duo frequently came to Kolkata by early morning train with a sling on their shoulders, got down at any station they wanted between Garia and Ballygunge in south Kolkata, and roamed the streets dressed as ragpickers, while keeping an eye on houses and shops they could target. The studio in Jadavpur had caught their attention. During the day, they looked at the cameras and other equipment kept there from the outside under the pretext of collecting papers. After this, late at night, they returned, broke the lock of the back door of the studio to enter and take away all the expensive cameras, flashlights, stands, tripods, and other accessories. Lutfar and Qayum reached their camp in Ghutiari Sharif from Jadavpur station with the stolen goods. On the very next day, they tried to sell the stolen cameras and things. Meanwhile, the studio owner filed a complaint with Jadavpur police station about the theft of these expensive items. A detective team from Lalbazar started its investigation and initially identified the two persons after scanning the CCTV footage of the area. As the news of the duo trying to sell off the stolen goods reached the detectives, they set a trap for the thieves. Qayum and Lutfar were caught while trying to sell expensive cameras cheaply. A search was conducted at their tent, and the entire haul of the stolen goods was recovered. It is their job to steal expensive items while pretending to be ragpickers. Both the arrested persons are being interrogated to find out whether anyone else besides the two is involved in this and whether there is a big gang behind it, a senior Kolkata Police officer said.
GRSE lays keels for two Coastal Research Vessels for Geological Survey of India
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) State-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) on Tuesday achieved a key milestone in the construction of two Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI) with the laying of their keels at its Rishi Bankim Dockyard in Kolkata. The ceremony was attended by Varsha Ashok Aglawe, Director General of GSI and the chief guest on the occasion. The keel-laying marks a significant stage in shipbuilding, signifying the commencement of the vessel's structural construction. The two CRVs, being built for GSI, are designed to support offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration, ocean environment monitoring and scientific research. Each vessel will measure 64 metres in length and 13 metres in width, with a deadweight tonnage of about 461 tonnes. The ships will have an endurance of 15 days, a top speed of 10 knots, and accommodation facilities for 35 personnel. They will be equipped with advanced scientific laboratories for data processing and sample analysis, along with Dynamic Positioning-1 capability to maintain precise positioning in Sea State 3 conditions. Powered by diesel-electric propulsion, with diesel generators driving the thrusters, these ships would operate within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India, in depths of 5-1,000 meters. The order for these CRVs was placed in recognition of GRSE's proven excellence in the field of advanced specialised vessels. The shipyard is currently building an Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and an Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), an establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Having delivered two series of Sandhayak-class survey vessels to the Navy and the marine acoustic research ship INS Sagardhwani to NPOL in 1994, GRSE has established its position as a designer and builder of specialised platforms. Recently, the shipyard received the Notification of Award (NOA) from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for the construction of four Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs). The two Coastal Research Vessels being constructed will prove to be extremely valuable in exploring our mineral resources beyond the countrys land borders. Once commissioned, these vessels will play a pivotal role in augmenting Indias offshore mineral exploration capabilities. This project aligns seamlessly with our national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat @2047 and achieving comprehensive self-reliance in the mineral sector, Aglawe. The keel laying of the two Coastal Research Vessels is a significant milestone, marking the transformation of design and planning into the physical construction of the vessels. Backed by strong collaboration among all stakeholders, GRSE is confident of delivering these specialised vessels to the Geological Survey of India on schedule and with the highest quality standards, Cmde Hari said.
For Flipkart, Kolkata now fastest-growing hub for kidswear makers
The Kolkata-based kidswear sellers are witnessing around 30 per cent year-on-year growth in sales
Howrah hotel raid: CBI arrests 2 public servants, 2 aides in Rs 4 lakh bribe case
Digital Desk | Howrah, Sep 15 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested four accused, including two public servants from Lucknow-based institution, in a case involving the payment of a bribe of Rs 4 lakh in a hotel in West Bengal's Howrah, an official said. Those arrested include Ashutosh Kumar, Lucknow Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) Deputy Director, and Deepak Kumar, RDSO Senior Section Engineer, an official statement said. The other two accused were identified as representatives of Kolkata-based private company Utkarsh India Limited, it said. The CBI identified the two arrested private persons as Sashank Agarwal and Swarup Kumar Rai. The CBI registered the case immediately on Tuesday against the accused on allegations that the public servants, in conspiracy with the representatives of Utkarsh India Limited, had obtained undue advantage from a Kolkata-based private company in lieu of issuance of a favourable plant and machinery inspection report. The Central probe agency laid a trap and caught the accused public servants and private persons from a hotel in Howrah while accepting Rs 4 lakh as illegal gratification from the representatives of the private company. Apart from the bribe of Rs 4 lakh, the CBI also recovered Rs 4.73 lakh in cash, the statement said. Later, searches in the residential and office premises of the accused were conducted at multiple locations in Kolkata, Lucknow and Bihar, the CBI said, adding that incriminating documents and digital evidence were recovered and seized. The CBI said the accused will be produced before a special court for custody. In a separate case, the CBI arrested Chandra Shekhar Gupta, the Bhojudih Chief Health Inspector under South Eastern Railway's Adra Division of Bokaro in a Rs 25,000 bribery case. Chandra Shekhar Gupta was arrested after the CBI received a complaint against him. It was alleged that the accused Chief Health Inspector demanded undue advantage of Rs 25,000 from the complainant for sanction of medical leave, the CBI said in a statement. The CBI laid a trap and caught Gupta red handed while accepting undue advantage of Rs 10,000 from the complainant. Searches were conducted at the office and residential premises of the accused public servant. Gupta will be produced before a Special CBI Court in Dhanbad, the statement said.
Baruipur encounter: Calcutta HC directs preservation of CCTV footage
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the West Bengal Police to preserve the CCTV footage related to the encounter killing of Pravas Mondal, a prime accused in the rage and murder of a minor girl at Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district in July this year. A division bench of Justices Arijit Banerjee and Reetobroto Kumar Mitra also directed the quick completion of the ongoing investigation process in the matter. The next hearing in the matter will be after three weeks, and as per the bench's ruling, the investigation process in the matter should be completed before then. In July this year, a minor girl went missing in the Suryapur area under Baruipur Police Station in South 24 Parganas. Later, her body was recovered from a pond in a bag. After that, Baruipur went into a state of siege for quite some time, following violent protests by a group of local people, in which an innocent youth was also lynched. The police arrested four persons, namely Pravas Mondal, Dibakar Sardar, Anand Sardar, and Kabir Mollah. On the night of July 7, the police went out to the scene of the crime along with Mondal to reconstruct the scene. It was claimed that at that time, the accused tried to escape after snatching the firearm of a police officer and even fired at the police team. He was killed as police retaliated. Officials of Baruipur Police District, where the scene of the crime falls, claimed that the investigating officer, Arghya Mandal, was forced to fire from his service weapon to save himself and his colleagues from Mondal. However, after several questions were raised about the encounter, the investigation of the incident was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Meanwhile, a petition had also been filed at the Calcutta High Court demanding a central agency probe in the matter.
Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb Thanks PM Modi for
Agartala, September 15: A financial assistance of 50,000 has been sanctioned from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the advanced medical treatment of Soham Paul, a resident of Ramnagar in Agartala. The sanction was conveyed by the Prime Ministers Office to the Director of Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, through a letter dated September... The post Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb Thanks PM Modi for 50,000 Aid for Ramnagar Residents Medical Treatment first appeared on Northeast Today .
Calcutta HC grants interim protection from arrest to TMC MP Kirti Azad in extortion case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from coercive police action, including arrest, to Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kirti Azad in an extortion case registered against the cricketer-turned-politician. While granting the relief, a single-judge bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda directed Azad to fully cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police. The court also said that, if necessary, the CID could summon Azad for interrogation by serving him a notice at least seven days in advance. The CID counsel told the court that Azad had been summoned for questioning at the agency's headquarters at Bhabani Bhaban in South Kolkata on September 22. According to the allegations, a businessman was called to Azad's bungalow in Durgapur on May 21 last year. An associate of Azad allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh from the businessman. The businessman alleged that he was threatened with closure of his cooking gas business if he failed to pay the amount. He also claimed that the incident was recorded on audio. An FIR was subsequently registered against Azad and some of his associates. Azad has denied the allegations and described them as part of a conspiracy to malign him. The TMC MP from Bardhaman Durgapur Lok Sabha constituency claimed that he was not present in Durgapur on the day of the alleged incident. To support his claim, he submitted his flight details before the court. During the hearing of his anticipatory bail plea, Azad's counsel questioned the delay in registering the FIR, pointing out that it was lodged around 15 months after the alleged incident. The counsel also argued that there was no evidence to establish that Azad had received the alleged extortion amount. He submitted that Azad was willing to cooperate with the investigation and that his custody was not required for questioning. Azad has also approached the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR. The court's interim protection will continue subject to Azad's cooperation with the CID investigation. The agency's planned questioning on September 22 is part of the ongoing probe into the extortion allegations already in the case. Azad is among eight Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha members who continue to remain aligned with the party's former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Japanese Minister Kunimitsu Ayano Visits Kolkata to Strengthen Investment and Defense Ties
Japanese Minister Kunimitsu Ayanos visit to Kolkata focuses on enhancing investment and defense cooperation between Japan and India. Japanese Minister Kunimitsu Ayano Visits Kolkata to Strengthen Investment and Defense Ties
Bengal govt withdraws Akshaya Patra Foundation's approval to serve Mid-Day Meals in 4 districts
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, has withdrawn approval given to Akshaya Patra Foundation, an arm of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), to serve Mid-Day Meals at state-run schools in four districts. The four districts where the approvals have been withdrawn by the West Bengal government are North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Purulia and East Midnapore, the last being the native district of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. An insider from the state secretariat Nabanna said that following the withdrawal of this approval, the old system of cooking and serving the Mid-Day Meals within the school campuses will be followed again. However, Annamrita Foundation, another arm of ISKCON, will continue to prepare and serve Mid-Day Meals at state-run schools within the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). After the BJP came to power in West Bengal, ISKCON was given the responsibility of providing Mid-Day Meals to school students. Initially, this organisation started providing Mid-Day Meals to schools within the KMC's jurisdiction. The state government then announced that if the project proves to be successful in Kolkata, it would be extended to other districts of West Bengal. After that, the responsibility of providing Mid-Day Meals to schools in the four districts of Howrah, Purulia, North 24 Parganas and East Medinipur was given to ISKCONs Akshay Patra Foundation. However, before it was even started, the state government decided to withdraw the approval and no clarification has been given by the Adhikari government on the sudden decision to withdraw the approval. Initially, the decision of the state government to approve ISKCON-served food for Mid-Day Meals at government schools in West Bengal received massive criticism from the Opposition parties as well as from civil society, who argued that ISKCON-provided vegetarian meals would deprive the students of non-vegetarian protein-rich diets like eggs. However, the criticisms stopped after the Chief Minister announced that eggs would also be served with the Mid-Day Meals separately, in addition to the ISKCON-provided vegetarian meals. Accordingly, the budgetary allocation for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme was also increased.
Kolkata woman alleges Tantrik duped her of lakhs of rupees on promise to solve marital issues
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) A Kolkata woman has lodged a police complaint against a self-styled tantrik, accusing him of extorting Rs 7.66 lakh from her on the false promise of resolving her marital and health-related problems through occult practices and special rituals, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place recently in the Watganj area in Kolkata but came to light after a complaint was lodged, police added. According to police, the accused came in contact with the woman through Facebook. Believing his claims that he could improve her relationship with her husband, address health concerns, and ward off future dangers through tantric rituals, the woman reached out to him using a phone number listed on his social media profile. The accused allegedly demanded an initial payment of Rs 8,750 along with the woman's photograph and date of birth. Thereafter, he repeatedly sought additional payments under the pretext of conducting pujas and other rituals. Police said the woman eventually grew suspicious and refused to make further payments. Following this, the accused allegedly threatened her with dire consequences and even death if she disclosed the matter to anyone. Out of fear and mental distress, she reportedly transferred a total of Rs 7,66,345 to multiple bank accounts and UPI IDs of the tantrik in several instalments. As the threats allegedly continued despite the payments, the woman approached the Watganj Police Station and filed a complaint. Investigators have launched a probe using the accused's mobile number, bank account details, UPI IDs and Facebook profile. Police have withheld the identity of the accused as well as of the victim as the investigation is underway. Investigation is on to track the tantrik who is alleged to have extorted money from the complainant. The matter is being looked into, a senior Kolkata Police officer said.
Mother of Suvendu Adhikari's slain aide to be BJP's candidate for Nandigram bypoll
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The BJP on Tuesday announced the names of the party's candidates for the forthcoming bye-elections for Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. From Nandigram, the party had fielded Hasirani Rath, the mother late Chandranath Rath, the slain personal assistant of West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district of the state on the evening of May 6 this year. The murder took place two days after the results of West Bengal Assembly polls were announced, marking a landslide victory for the BJP. The BJP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls is Sakharav Sarkar. Party insiders said Hasirani Rath will offer puja at the Janakinath temple of Nandigram Assembly constituency before filing her nomination. Workers and supporters have already started assembling to join the event of Hasirani Rath filing her nomination. It is learnt that after offering puja, she will lead a procession with around 20,000 workers and supporters to file her nomination. The procession will reach the District Magistrate's office at Haldia and, thereafter, she will file her nomination. The Chief Minister will also be present during the filing of the nomination. The last date for filing the nominations for the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls is September 16. The polls will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9. In the recently-concluded Assembly elections earlier this year, 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 over 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. Humayun Kabir won and retained Naoda and for Rejinagar he has fielded his son Gholam Nabi Azad as the candidate for the bypoll. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, had been a virtual fortress for the BJP. Therefore, political observers are not in any doubts about the results of the bye-elections there. However, where Rejinagar is considered, political observers admit that because of the demography, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough for the saffron camp. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to be having much prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, the CPI(M) and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, said a city-based political observer.
Your Local Scene: We sipped our way through a six-cup tea trail
Japan minister visits Kolkata; discusses investment, defence ties with Bengal govt
Digital Desk | Tokyo/New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Japans State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Kunimitsu Ayano visited Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal from September 10 to 13, holding discussions with senior state government officials on strengthening Japan-India ties, promoting Japanese investment in the state and expanding people-to-people exchanges, according to a press release issued on Tuesday by Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her visit, Kunimitsu congratulated the West Bengal government on the formation of the new government in May this year. The two sides exchanged views on the various potential of Japan-India relations and agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral ties ahead of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. The Japanese minister also highlighted the situation of Japanese companies operating in West Bengal and sought the state governments cooperation in further promoting investment by Japanese companies in the state. State Minister KUNIMITSU explained the current situation of Japanese companies in West Bengal and requested the Minister to cooperate for further promoting the investment by Japanese companies, the Japanese foreign ministry said in its statement. Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation to promote people-to-people exchanges, including in the areas of business and tourism, according to the release. As part of her four-day visit, Kunimitsu visited Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. She held discussions with the companys executive management on ways to further advance defence cooperation between Japan and India. The visit to GRSE assumes significance amid efforts by India and Japan to expand cooperation in the defence and maritime sectors. The Japanese side said the discussions focused on further promoting defence cooperation between the two countries. Kunimitsu also visited Netaji Bhawan, the museum dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Indian independence leader who had longstanding ties with Japan. During the visit, a relative of Netaji explained the Indian independence movement and Boses association with Japan. The Japanese foreign ministry said the State Minister also visited various other sites in West Bengal during her stay. The visit comes as India and Japan prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, providing an opportunity for both sides to explore greater cooperation across economic, defence, tourism and cultural sectors. The discussions in Kolkata also underline Japans interest in strengthening its economic engagement with West Bengal, particularly by encouraging greater participation and investment by Japanese companies and expanding exchanges between people and businesses of the two sides.
BJP President Nitin Naveen Begins Two-Day Visit to West Bengal
BJP President Nitin Naveen is set for a two-day visit to Kolkata to discuss organizational changes and upcoming municipal elections. BJP President Nitin Naveen Begins Two-Day Visit to West Bengal
Gold and silver prices today, 15 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
24K gold was priced at Rs 1,51,920 per 10 grams, while 22K gold stood at Rs 1,39,260 on Tuesday, the precious metal declined close to 2% over the past month.
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.
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.
Screening plan for civic volunteers
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
From ministers to MLAs, BJP seniors in demand at Ganpati pandals
Cops take guard against manja accidents on Maa
KMC engineers continue strike, impact fear on civic services
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
Kidderpore Road to get LED lights, median dividers
SSKM Hospital staffer arrested for extortion, assault
2 KMC wards, 1 HMC ward top best practices lists for SWM, dust mgmt
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
Health dept probes fake doc scam
Primary edu council starts probe after Sankrail schoolgirls file undressed & searched plaint
Greens slam Mithun on Sundarbans hotels musings
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.
Essential to examine funding, Mithun Chakraborty supports closure of Bengals unrecognised madrasas
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Actor-turned politician Mithun Chakraborty, who is set to don the role of policymaker (Cultural Advisor) in Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, supported the administrations clampdown on the unaided and unrecognised madrasas across the state, citing concerns over national security as a valid reason. Mithun, in an exclusive interaction with IANS, justified the notice for closure of more than 250 madrasas and also notices to 100 others across the state, stating that it was essential to examine their funding patterns and whether that was serving the right purpose in these minority institutions. Mithuns remarks come a day after Bengal government issued closure notices to 252 unapproved madrasas and issued show-cause notice to 100 others while it reviews the Islamic educational institutions in the state. Speaking on the matter, Mithun Chakraborty said, When we talk about madrasas, there must be someone behind them who is funding and running them. Whether that money is being used for the right purpose or the wrong purpose will become clear now. It is very important for the country's security that we pay close attention to this matter and examine it very strictly. He also said that the matter was not taken seriously under previous dispensations and can't be ignored any longer because it concerns the security of our nation. According to reports, the majority of 252 madrasas facing closure belong to the Khariji sect. At least 44 of these are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. The show-caused madrasas must produce valid authorisation, or they will be shut down, according to Minority Affairs Minister Khudiram Tudu. A survey was carried out by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department across Kolkata and 22 other districts to examine the madrasa management systems, student organisation enrolment, funding sources and registration status. Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya also defended the governments action on the madrasas, stating that the rise in radicalisation in border areas was an alarming signal and it was state governments responsibility to stop anti-national activities, taking place in backdrop of madrasa education.
