GPT Infra bags order worth Rs 86 crore
GPT Infraprojects (GPTINFRA), through its wholly owned subsidiary Alcon Builders and Engineers, has received a contract worth Rs 85.53 crore from CSTE Con, Eastern Railway, Kolkata.
Narcotics, firearm seized by SSB close to India-Nepal border; five apprehended
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) A significant quantity of narcotics and an illegal firearm were seized by troops of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) close to the India-Nepal border over the last two days, officials said on Saturday. Five persons have been apprehended in this connection. In the latest case, personnel of the 41 Bn SSB Ranidanga and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force of the Bihar Police carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Lakdi Depot area in Galgalia, Kishanganj, Bihar, around 7.10 a.m. on Saturday. The security personnel carried out a raid at the house of one Mohamad Hasim (57) and seized 507 grams of Brown Sugar, 814 grams of amphetamine, a country-made pistol, one round of live ammunition and a mobile phone. The house is barely 550 metres from the international border, officials said. The seized items were checked with a drug detection kit and tested positive for MDMA (Amphetamine) and Brown Sugar. Hasim and Ruksar Khatun (30) were taken into custody. The latter is from the Channu Tola village in Bhatgaon, Kishanganj. During preliminary interrogation, the apprehended persons disclosed that the Brown Sugar and Amphetamine were procured from an unidentified person at Galgalia Bazar. They, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Galgalia Police Station for further legal action, an official said. In another raid carried out during the evening of Friday, 410 grams of Brown Sugar were seized. Around 6.20 p.m., acting on reliable information, a special patrolling party of the Kadomanijote Company of the 41 Bn SSB, Ranidanga, proceeded towards Aambari Village in Ghoshpukur on National Highway 327C. Three suspects were searched, and the narcotics were seized from their possession, the official said. A drug detection kit declared the powdery substance to be Brown Sugar after a sniffer dog confirmed it to be drugs. The three persons apprehended in this connection have been identified as Akram Hossain (43), from Khagen Hat in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Tapan Das (34), from Dakshin Palash, Matigara, Darjeeling, West Bengal, and Ebrahim Hoque (33), of Bhorkulagachh, Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal. During preliminary interrogation, the apprehended persons disclosed that the Brown Sugar was procured from an unidentified person at a shoe shop in Panjipara and was being taken to Ghoshpukur for delivery to a woman known only as Didi. They, along with the narcotics, have been handed over to the Phansidewa Police Station, the official added.
Karnataka BJP demands Satish Jarkiholis removal over ED allegations
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Saturday demanded the immediate removal of Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi from the state Cabinet, citing allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding alleged bribe payments, overseas investments and mining assets. Reacting to the ED's recent searches at premises linked to Jarkiholi and his associates, Ashoka alleged that money collected through PWD contracts had been routed abroad and used to acquire overseas mining assets. The EDs press brief has put Rahul Gandhis ATM Sarkara in Karnataka under a massive cloud of suspicion, Ashoka said in a statement. Ashoka alleged that the ED had found evidence suggesting that money allegedly collected from contractors, including Bharat Vanijya Eastern Pvt Ltd, was routed through unauthorised channels to acquire assets overseas. He also pointed to the ED's allegation that Jarkiholi had acquired a nearly 40 per cent stake in Magnitude Star SARL, a gold-mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ashoka further referred to the ED's claims regarding overseas mining interests in Eldorado Mining Resources in Congo and Nava Aurum Mining Ltd in Zambia, allegedly held in the names of Jarkiholi's daughter and Congress MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi and sister Mahadevi Manjunath. The BJP leader also highlighted the ED's reported seizure of more than Rs 3.3 crore in unaccounted Indian currency and foreign currency valued at around Rs 15 lakh during searches at 21 premises linked to Jarkiholi and his associates. From PWD contracts in Karnataka to gold mines in Africa, the trail alleged by the ED raises serious questions, Ashoka said. He demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar provide answers regarding the alleged flow of money, including its source, those who allegedly collected it, how it was moved abroad, and who ultimately benefited from the transactions. Ashoka also targeted the Congress leadership, alleging that Karnataka was being treated as an ATM for the Congress high command, state ministers and their families. He demanded the immediate removal of Jarkiholi from the state Cabinet until the ED investigation was completed, arguing that a minister facing such serious allegations should not continue in office while the probe was underway. Karnatakas public money cannot become anyones private fortune abroad, Ashoka said. The ED had earlier stated that it conducted searches at 21 premises linked to Jarkiholi and his close associates in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata on September 9 and 10 under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The agency has alleged that its searches uncovered evidence relating to suspected financial irregularities, overseas investments and alleged bribe payments linked to PWD contracts. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar alleged that the ED action was politically motivated and aimed at targeting Jarkiholi, whom he described as an influential Dalit leader.
Bengal govt focuses on credit management reforms in cooperative banks to tackle bad loans
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) The BJP-led West Bengal government has initiated a series of reforms in the credit management system of cooperative banks across the state to address the longstanding problem of bad loans and recover dues from wilful defaulters. State Cooperation Minister Ashok Kirtaniya has personally reviewed the financial health of several cooperative banks and directed departmental officials to prepare a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening credit discipline and improving loan recovery mechanisms. The Minister has directed the departmental bureaucrats to frame a blueprint for a comprehensive strategy to address the chronic issue of wilful defaulters. According to sources in the cooperative department, the proposed blueprint for urban cooperative banks will focus on three key areas. The first is the introduction of a robust due diligence mechanism to properly assess the creditworthiness of loan applicants and identify potential risks before loans are sanctioned. The second component involves identifying wilful defaulters and initiating recovery proceedings, including the attachment of properties where necessary. The third seeks to fix accountability for lapses in loan sanctioning and disbursal, with action proposed against credit officers found to have deliberately ignored borrowers' lack of creditworthiness. Minister Ashok Kirtaniya said property attachment proceedings would be carried out irrespective of the political affiliations of defaulters. He also warned that responsibility for unrecovered loans would be examined and that, if required, recoveries could be made from the pensions of retired officials or the salaries of serving officers found responsible for irregularities. If the money is not recovered, the responsibility of the credit officers concerned will also be investigated. If necessary, the money may be deducted from the pension of retired officers and the salaries of working officers, the Minister said. Department officials alleged that during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, due diligence norms in cooperative banks were often ignored, with loan sanctions influenced by recommendations from local ruling party leaders. They claimed that while some credit officers were complicit, many also faced pressure to approve loans without adequate scrutiny. The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen financial discipline in cooperative banks, curb the accumulation of bad loans, and improve accountability in the credit approval process.
Suvendu Adhikari to meet Ambani and Adani for investment talks
The Chief Minister says previouspolitical regimes did not create an industry-friendly environment in the State
Crude prices eased on September 12 after hitting multi-month highs, while Hormuz tensions threaten supply. Indias petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged despite rising costs and a 6.3% August fuel-demand decline.
UPES hosts global conference on cybersecurity, digital forensics
UPES hosted the International Conference on Advancement in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (ICACSDF 2026), bringing together researchers, cybersecurity professionals, industry practitioners and students to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and the need for resilient digital ecosystems. Organised by the School of Computer Science, UPES, and sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Uttar Pradesh Section, the conference provided a platform for research presentations, technical exchange and academia-industry collaboration. The conference received 892 research paper submissions, with 186 papers accepted after peer review by 469 reviewers from across the world. Discussions covered AI and machine learning in cybersecurity, cyber-threat intelligence, digital forensics, post-quantum cryptography, IoT security, blockchain, software and web security, incident response, and governance and risk management. Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) highlighted the importance of cybersecurity to Indias technological progress and national security and congratulated the organisers for bringing the subject into focus. UPES Vice Chancellor Dr Sunil Rai said cyber resilience was fundamental to building trust in an increasingly digital society. He stressed the role of universities in combining research, technology and industry expertise to develop practical solutions to emerging threats. Experts from institutions including the University of Auckland, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee and Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata participated in the conference.
Little Magazine Festival 2026 to celebrate Bengals independent literary voices
From top-4 to 26, Srinagar falls in Centres clean-air ranking
Srinagar, Sep 11:Just three years ago, Srinagar was counted among the countrys top-performing cities in GoI survey regarding air quality, city-wise, across India. Now it has found itself at 26th position in the latest Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026.The striking reversal for a city synonymous with pristine mountains, lakes and fresh Himalayan air throws uncomfortable in the air here. The health of citizens and environment in Srinagar is once again under scanner.The latest ranking Of Swatch Vayi Sarvekshan has Srinagar behind Delhi.Delhi has for long made headlines with toxic winter smog and features among Indias most persistent air-pollution hotspots. Strikingly, Delhi secured the 21st rank with 172 points. Shockingly, Srinagar scored 162.6 points and is now at 26th among cities with a population of over 10 lakh.In the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023, Srinagar had clinched the fourth rank nationally in its population category. It was lauded for being one of the country's leading cities in the clean-air initiative.Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Vasu Yadav while speaking to Greater Kashmir, said the ranking does not reflect the air quality of Srinagar. He said that Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan does not rank cities based on the measurement of how good or bad their air quality is.It is not a linear, simple addition but a number of factors are assessed while giving points to the cities, he said. Yadav said the Sarvekshan measures the initiatives taken by cities to control pollution and the implementation of air-quality improvement programmes, under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The assessment is based on measures to address road dust management, solid waste management, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction waste, demolition waste and other other emission sources, he said. More importantly, he said, it has a very strong connection to Solid Waste Managemnet measures taken by the cities. If the waste is not managed scientifically, it is a pollution hazard, and a negative impact on air quality as it will eventually be burnt, he said. The Chairman said the municipalities have to list what all they have done to control air pollution over the year. The process is heavily based on self-assessment by city municipalities, he said. It is also a reflection of the scrutiny at the state level, evaluation by the Central Pollution Control Board and importantly, field verification by independent committees, he said. Three years ago, the parameter of ranking just the air quality and thats how Srinagar was among the top, he said.The latest survey has placed Srinagar above major metros such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.However, it trails behind Delhi and Hyderabad. Lucknow has topped the category with 198 points. Other top cities with notable clean air measures are Indore and Jabalpur.At the bottom are Chennai, Jamshedpur, Kota, Kolkata and Madurai.The pollution in Srinagar has often been blamed on the ever-increasing number of vehicles and traffic congestion to road dust.The construction activity, waste burning in autumn and emissions are considered the major culprits. The fifth edition of the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, 2026, assessed 130 cities covered under NCAP, in three population categories. The Union Environment Ministry said 108 of the 130 cities showed improvement in PM10 levels during 2025-26.
Kolkata High Court Halts Order for TMCs Abhishek Banerjee to Vacate Office
The Kolkata High Court has temporarily blocked an order for TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee to vacate his office over fire safety violations. Kolkata High Court Halts Order for TMCs Abhishek Banerjee to Vacate Office
KolkatasLaw College Vice Principal resigns after 23-hour studentprotest over attendance
Vice Principal says she was targeted and forced to resign; ABVP calls it a win,purifiesthe VPs room with Ganga Jal
Gangajal debut in Bengal campus politics after V-Ps forced resignation
Land for 33 projects before Durga Puja: CM
The humble flyswatter is disappearing, and our gadgets may be making us less handy
A simple encounter with Kolkata youngsters reveals how everyday tools such as the humble flyswatter are disappearing as technology replaces physical effort. From electric bug zappers to robot vacuums and pre-chopped food, convenience is steadily reshaping daily habits, raising a larger question: are modern gadgets making us increasingly dependent on electricity?
CPM: Puja book stalls carry progressive tag, not Sharadotsab
West Bengal, Japan explore new trade, air connectivity and cultural partnerships
Kolkata will host an Indo-Japan cultural festival and exchange in 2027 as India and Japan mark 75 years of friendship. A Japanese delegation led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu also discussed trade, direct air connectivity, renewable energy and a business-friendly environment with West Bengal officials during its Kolkata visit.
Students, alumni urge chancellor to protect Jadavpur University autonomy
Thanthania: Flooding Worry As Pump Trips
History lessons: Punishment fears linger after new bill
State grapples with yawning 23-8 gap between old and new universities
State Gets Panel For Naming Public Places
Rain Intensity In Kol Likely To Reduce From Today
Kolkata Police Sergeant & Civic Volunteer Held For Jharkhand Bizman Murder
Veggie Prices Head North In Kol As Rain Inundates Crop Fields
US envoy hails PM Modis focus on Northeast development, invites attention to Manipur tourism
Digital Desk | Imphal, Sep 11 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis focus on the development of Northeast India was a positive step for a diverse country like India, during his separate meetings with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh here. Gor, who is on a visit to Manipur, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan and later met the Chief Minister at the CM Secretariat in Mantripukhri, officials said. During his meeting with CM Khemchand Singh, the US Ambassador described Manipur as a stunning place with remarkable natural beauty and enquired about the number of tourists visiting the state, a senior official of the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said. Gor said he was happy that Prime Minister Modi was focusing on the development of Northeast India, which, he noted, was particularly important for a diverse country like India. The Ambassador also said there was a special bond between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, beyond the normal relationship between a Prime Minister and a President, adding that Trump personally cherished the relationship. Khemchand Singh invited the US Ambassador to the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival 2026 and highlighted tourism and other allied sectors as potential areas for development in the state. The Chief Minister said India was a mini world and Manipur a mini India, noting that the state was home to 36 communities. The ten-day Manipur Sangai Festival will be held from November 21 to 30 with the theme Destination Manipur. The festival will showcase and promote the state's art and culture, handloom, handicrafts and fine arts, indigenous sports, cuisine and music, besides eco-tourism and adventure sports. Participation of various states, foreign traders and cultural troupes is expected at the festival. Fashion shows and music programmes will also form part of the event. The US Ambassador was accompanied by US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz, while the Chief Minister was accompanied by state officials led by Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur. The visiting US envoys meetings with the Governor and Chief Minister come amid efforts by the state government to promote Manipur as a tourism destination and explore opportunities for development in tourism and allied sectors.
Minar and Society shut, fire notices rattle single-screens
Food items clear test, eatery applies for reopening
Protests shut banks, more pain in store for customers
Ganesh Puja gains ground across Kol and beyond, idolmakers see 15% rise in orders
Bengal: Congress announces candidates for Rejinagar, Nandigram bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Friday announced the names of the party candidates for the forthcoming bypolls for Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal next month. AICC issued a press statement on Friday night claiming that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved the proposals for the candidature of Mohd Abdullahil Kafi from Rejinagar and Milan Pradhan from Nandigram for the upcoming by-elections for these two constituencies next month. The bypolls for these two constituencies will be conducted on October 6 that is just before the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in the state. The counting of votes and poll results will be declared on October 9. The date before which the elections will have to be concluded is October 11. 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, 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 both Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, has been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the by-elections there. However, political observers say that because of the demography of Rejinagar, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough to win for the BJP. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to have much poll prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, 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, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Congress names candidates for Nandigram, Rejinagar assembly bypolls
Promoters complaint leads to netas arrest
Decomposed body found in Sarsuna Jheel
Kolkata to host Indo-Japan cultural festival in 2027, boosting bilateral trade and air connectivity
A joint cultural exchange between Japan and Bengal is planned for 2027. Discussions focused on bilateral trade and direct air connectivity. Japanese companies seek a hassle-free business environment in West Bengal. The state government assured a conducive atmosphere for investors. Both nations will celebrate 75 years of friendship with cultural programs.
HC grants bail to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir in hate speech case
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has granted anticipatory bail to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir, observing that the ingredients of BNS Section 152, which deals with acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, were not made out against him even prima facie. Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta, while granting the relief on Thursday, September 10, 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 .
Baruipur blast sparks bomb storage claims
Truncated metro service tomorrow
EC hearing on TMC name-symbol today, to meet both camps back-to-back
Tripura tea makes European debut with 15.31-MT export consignment
Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 11 (IANS) Tripura tea on Friday made its debut in the European market with the dispatch of a 15.31-metric-tonne consignment, the largest-ever single outbound tea shipment handled by the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL), officials said. The high-quality tea consignment, weighing 15,310 kg, was formally dispatched from the Central Tea Processing Factory (CTPF) at Durgabari in West Tripura for export to European countries via Kolkata. Industries and Commerce Secretary Kiran Gitte, TTDCL Chairman Samir Ranjan Ghosh and Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das flagged off the tea consignment on Friday. Ghosh said the shipment marked a significant milestone in the state's efforts to take Tripura tea beyond geographical boundaries and gain access to wider international markets. The consignment is almost twice the corporation's previous largest outbound shipment of 8,200 kg sent to the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre earlier this year, reflecting the growing commercial potential of Tripura's tea sector. The development is expected to create new opportunities for local tea producers and strengthen the state's position in the international tea market, he said. According to Ghosh, the state government is also working to establish an Agartala Tea Auction Centre to improve marketing and price realisation for tea growers and manufacturers. The proposed auction centre is expected to bring tea growers, manufacturers, brokers, buyers, warehouses and other stakeholders onto a common technology-driven platform. Electronic bidding and wider participation are envisaged to facilitate competitive price discovery and expand market access for Tripura-produced tea. According to TTDCL officials, the auction centre could also reduce expenses related to freight, warehousing, sampling, handling and other logistics, with estimated savings of around Rs 6-10 per kg. For decades, Tripura has had considerable potential as a tea-producing state, but challenges relating to marketing, branding, logistics, price realisation and access to larger markets have remained. The government now aims to develop the state's tea sector beyond production and establish Tripura as a major tea-trading hub in the Northeast, which could help attract investment and generate employment while strengthening the supporting infrastructure and commercial ecosystem. Meanwhile, Tripureswari tea is also being distributed through local ration shops, helping increase access to the state's tea products. Currently, Tripura has 54 sprawling tea gardens, including a few run by the state-owned TTDC and the Tripura Cooperative Society, as well as privately owned estates. Around 2,800 small tea growers contribute nearly 30 per cent of the state's total tea production, which stands at about 90 lakh kilograms annually. More than 60 per cent of this production is presently sold through auction markets outside the state. Tripura is also set to have its own tea auction centre by next year, a move expected to give a major impetus to the state's beverages industry.
India repatriates 47 Bangladeshis via Petrapole border
91st All India Railway Athletics Championship gets underway in Kolkata
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) The 91st All India Railway Athletics Championship 2026 got underway at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Ground in Salt Lake, Kolkata, on Friday, September 11, 2026. The championship is being organised by the Eastern Railway Sports Association (ERSA) for the second consecutive year under the auspices of the Sports Promotion Board. The three-day-long tournament was declared open by Gitika Pandey, general manager, ER, in the presence of Neeraj Verma, principal chief operations manager, ER and president, ERSA, and other top officials. Twenty-four teams from various zonal railways, production units and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) are participating in the championship. There will be nearly 500 athletes for the various track and field events, officials said. Pandey, in her opening address, highlighted the importance of sportspersons' spirit. Participation in a true sportsperson-like manner is more important than winning, she said. She also appreciated the efforts put in by the ERSA in organising such a pan-India event. The general manager also handed over the medals to the winners of the 1,500-metre race (men), which was among the first events to be held. Several top sportspersons and coaches were present during the inaugural ceremony. They included Arjuna Awardees Joseph Abraham, Jitendra Kumar, J J Shobha, Pappu Yadav, Soma Biswas and Saraswati Saha. Padma Shri recipient and Arjuna Awardee L Bombayla Devi was also one of those present. So was Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award winner Mohammad Ali Qamar. Olympians Sanjay Ray and Bhawana Jat also attended the event. Apart from the 1,500-metre races, events such as marathon, javelin throw, High jump, discus throw, relay, shot put, hurdles, hammer throw, decathlon and heptathlon are among the events to be held till September 13 for both men and women. Indian Railways has always patronised sports, and several of our athletes and other sportspersons have won honours for the country at international events. Some among these athletes are also likely to leave for the Asian Games in Japan later this month. This tournament will be good practice for them. ERSA will leave no stone unturned to make the championship a success, an official said.
DRDO defence project in East Midnapore on track: CM
1,100 from Bengal to embark on Somnath pilgrimage
State asks school recruitment bodies to arrange for in-service teachers TET
HC pulls up KMC over 42 illegal constructions, orders CBI probe
CM announces plans to take Gangasagar Mela international
Suvendu Adhikari announces proposed DRDO project at Bengal's Junput
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the premium agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the Ministry of Defence, is all set to set up a mega project in the state. Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister added that Junput in his native East Midnapore district had been identified as the venue for the DRDO project. However, Chief Minister Adhikari refused to divulge further details of the project. All I can say right now is that a mega DRDO project is coming up at Junput soon. I will speak in detail in the matter at a later stage, the Chief Minister said at the sidelines of the inauguration of the outlet of a clothing store chain at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. During the previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments, mega investment proposals in East Midnapore district could not be fructified because of the politically backed local opposition. During the late Budhhadeb Bhattacharjee-led Left Front government, the proposed nuclear power project could not be fructified because of the local resistance, which was orchestrated by Trinamool Congress, as the then principal opposition party in the state. Again in 2024, during the Trinamool Congress government, an ongoing DRDO project at Junput had to be stopped midway because of the combined opposition from Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress -- the Trinamool Congress' trade union wing, and an association of the local fishermen. Meanwhile, speaking at the inauguration of the clothing store, CM Adhikari also said that although the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government is keen about attracting big ticket investments for improving the state's economy as well as to ensure higher employment generation, the backgrounds of the interested investors will be checked first before they are allowed to make investments in the state. We will undergo a background credibility check of the interest investors, specially whether they had in prior involvement in money laundering activities and whether there are pending cases registered by the central investigating agencies against them. The bank guarantee factor will also be checked, the Chief Minister added.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 11 (IANS) Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi holds nearly a 40 per cent stake in a gold mining company in Congo, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday alleged that bribe money linked to PWD contracts was used to acquire foreign assets and seized Rs 3.3 crore in unaccounted cash during searches at premises linked to him and his aides. The official statement released in this regard said, The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Bengaluru Zonal Office has conducted searches at 21 premises linked to Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi and his close aides in connection with an investigation into alleged undisclosed overseas investments, cross-border business links and financial irregularities. The ED also claimed that Satish Jarkiholi had acquired nearly 40 per cent stakes in Congo-based Magnitude Star SARL, a company engaged in gold mining. Documents relating to several other foreign entities owning mining assets in Africa were also found and seized during the searches, according to the central probe agency. The searches were carried out on September 9 and 10 at four locations covering Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the ED said. According to the central agency, the premises searched included those linked to Chikkodi MP and Jarkiholi's daughter Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi and his brother-in-law Y.D. Manjunath. Properties belonging to several close aides of the Minister, including his Officer on Special Duty and Personal Assistant Malagouda Patil, Raju Daragshetti, Vittal Parasannavar and Girish Sonwalkar, were also searched. The ED also searched the offices and residences of officials and owners of private company Bharat Vanijya Eastern Private Ltd (BVEPL). The agency alleged that the company had paid a huge bribe to secure a tender from the PWD department and that the money was allegedly used for acquiring foreign assets. The searches also focused on the overseas business interests of the Jarkiholi family. The ED said it found that family members, including Priyanka Jarkiholi, Rahul Jarkiholi and Mahadevi Manjunath, who is the wife of Y.D. Manjunath, had acquired shareholdings in multiple foreign entities. These entities include Eldorado Mining Resources in Congo and Nava Aurum Mining Ltd in Zambia, among others, the central agency said. The searches covered the Minister's residences in Gokak and Dollars Colony in Bengaluru, as well as his office-cum-residence on Crescent Road in the city. Properties in Gokak and Belagavi were also searched. During the operation, the ED said it seized unaccounted Indian currency amounting to Rs 3.3 crore. Foreign currencies, including US dollars and euros, valued at around Rs 15 lakh were also found and seized, the ED added. The central agency said that evidence gathered during the searches indicated that substantial investments and expenses had allegedly been made in cash in an entity in Congo through unauthorised channels, raising suspected violations under FEMA. The searches also allegedly unearthed evidence relating to irregularities in the PWD department. The ED said it recovered several incriminating documents and digital devices containing information relating to the alleged collection of bribe money from contractors, including BVEPL. According to the central agency, such evidence was found in the entities and accounts of various influential persons, including accounts of an entity allegedly controlled and managed by Y.D. Manjunath, who is the brother-in-law of Satish Jarkiholi. The ED said the search action was aimed at investigating the alleged flow of funds between domestic entities and overseas assets and examining possible violations of foreign exchange regulations. Further investigation into the alleged overseas investments, PWD-related financial irregularities, suspected bribe payments and foreign exchange violations is under progress, the central agency added.
Suvendu Eats Fish At Kali Temple, BJP Says Non-Veg Row Over
Suvendu Adhikari eats traditional fish bhog at Kolkatas Kalighat Temple as BJP leaders signal an end to the row over non-vegetarian food.
Aakash Chopra Picks Slightly Underrated Star As KKR Captain For IPL 2027
Former India opener Aakash Chopra recently shared his views on who should lead Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2027 following Ajinkya Rahane's retirement.
Analysis: In BJP's 'Go It Alone' Strategy In Bengal, A Test Of Strength, Identity
The BJP leadership has made one thing clear: in the upcoming Kolkata Municipal Corporation election, which will now have 209 seats, the party will fight alone. The BJP has decided to follow an Ekla Chalo policy in the civic elections.
AIFF SGM Set For October 4 To Advance Electoral Process
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled a Special General Body Meeting (SGM) for October 4 in Kolkata. The primary agenda includes appointing an electoral officer from the Sports Ministry's panel and passing a resolution to conduct elections for its executive committee. Additionally, the SGM will elect sportspersons of outstanding merit to the federation's general body, with current executive committee members not holding voting rights.
Artist Shipra Bhattacharya brings five decades of her work to Chennais Lalit Kala Akademi
From desire and the female body to protest, war and a changing natural world, the Kolkata artist looks back at nearly five decades of making images out of what she finds difficult to put into words.
Kolkata High Court Sends Mamata Banerjees Shrirampur Meeting Case Back for Review
The Kolkata High Court has returned the case regarding Mamata Banerjees Shrirampur meeting to a single-judge bench for further review. Kolkata High Court Sends Mamata Banerjees Shrirampur Meeting Case Back for Review
Dhruv Singh, Subha Mita Karmakar Lead West Bengal Charge
West Bengal's Dhruv Singh, Anish Halder, Subha Mita Karmakar, and other young talents have advanced in the All India Sub-Junior (Under-13) Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Kolkata, showcasing strong performances against competitors from across 28 states and five union territories. The tournament features a significant prize purse, encouraging young badminton players.
Piston Raises USD 15 Million to Scale the Infrastructure Layer for Logistics Commerce
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 11: Piston, a cardless payments platform that connects commercial fleets and gas stations, today announced it has raised USD 15 million in Series A funding. FPV Ventures led the round, with participation from existing investors Spark Capital and Pear VC. The financing brings Piston's total capital raised to USD 22.5 million.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) The uncertainty surrounding the Trinamool Congress's proposed public meeting at Sreerampore in West Bengal's Hooghly district, with former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the principal speaker, continued on Friday after a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court referred the matter back to the single-judge bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya for an early decision. The meeting was originally scheduled for Friday. On Thursday, Justice Bhattacharyya's bench had granted conditional permission for the event but declined to allow a rally following the meeting. However, the programme could not go ahead as planned after the state government approached a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge and Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty, seeking clarification on a particular portion of the single-judge bench's order. The state government argued that the police administration had little role in the matter because the owner of the ground selected by the Trinamool Congress for the event had objected to its use for a political programme. It further contended that the private property is generally used for religious functions, leaving the administration unable to override the owner's objections. After hearing the matter on Friday, the Division Bench sent the case back to the single-judge bench and directed it to dispose of the matter at the earliest. The Bench observed that the final decision should be taken after hearing the landowner's objections to the use of the venue for a political gathering. The Division Bench requested Justice Bhattacharyya to hear the review application on September 18 and pass orders by September 25. Since the Assembly elections, which resulted in a crushing defeat for the Trinamool Congress, Mamata Banerjee has largely confined her political activities to Kolkata. The Sreerampore event was expected to be her first major political programme in a district outside the state capital after the elections.
Kolkata's Viraj Madappa Claims Chennai Open Title
Kolkata's Viraj Madappa overcame a three-shot deficit with a bogey-free 64 in the final round to win the Rs 1 crore Chennai Open golf tournament. This marks his fourth professional title, earning him Rs 15 lakh and significantly improving his standing on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit. Ajeetesh Sandhu finished runner-up, while Amardeep Malik and Rashid Khan also secured top positions.
Congress leader arrested for protesting against Baba Bageshwars remarks in Kolkata
Kolkata Police said the acts by the protesters amounted to an insult to the religious sentiments of a particular community and posed a threat to public order with the potential to incite social disharmony.
Congress leader arrested for protesting against Baba Bageshwars remarks in Kolkata
Kolkata Police said the acts by the protesters amounted to an insult to the religious sentiments of a particular community and posed a threat to public order with the potential to incite social disharmony.
'As A Bengali...': Suvendu Eats Fish Bhog At Kalighat Amid Row Over Bageshwar Babas Non-Veg Remark
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Kolkatas Kalighat Temple on the occasion of Kaushiki Amavasya and offered prayers to Goddess Kali. He offered hibiscus garlands and a red Banarasi sari, washed the deitys feet and performed aarti before having the temples prasad. The offering included fried fish, fish head and basanti pulao. His decision to partake in the non-vegetarian prasad comes amid a controversy over remarks by Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Dhirendra Krishna Garg, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, who criticised Bengalis for eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Garg had made the comments during a gathering in Howrah. The remarks triggered a political debate, with BJP leaders attempting to counter the criticism. Adhikaris temple visit and meal have since drawn attention.
Suvendu Adhikari eyes Ambani meeting, BRICS dinner as West Bengal steps up investment push
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will attend a BRICS Summit dinner and meet Mukesh Ambani. He will also inaugurate the Adani Group's new hospital project near Kolkata. The state government is actively seeking major corporate investments for development. A defence project at Junput is also being pursued by the government. The completed Haldia Petrochemicals expansion is ready for inauguration soon.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on September 11
Three Arrested in West Bengal for Extortion Allegations
Three individuals, including a former vice-chairman, were arrested in Kolkata for extortion following a complaint by a real estate promoter. Three Arrested in West Bengal for Extortion Allegations
CM Suvendu Adhikari prays at Kalighat temple, has fish-basanti pulao prasad, sends a message
Kolkata cop, civic volunteer arrested in Jharkhand businessman murder case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) The Jharkhand Police on Friday arrested a traffic sergeant of Kolkata Police and also a female civic volunteer of the city police on charges of involvement in the conspiracy to murder a Jharkhand-based businessman. The traffic sergeant was identified as Ayan Gupta, who was attached to the Beliaghata Traffic Guard of the city police. The arrested civic volunteer was named Twinkle Das, a city police officer said. Gupta and Das were summoned to the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar in central Kolkata on Thursday evening. Jharkhand Police officials, who came to Kolkata in connection with the investigation into the murder of the Jharkhand-based businessman, interrogated Gupta and Das for several hours. According to police sources, the interrogation was video-recorded. Finally, on Friday morning, Jharkhand Police officials arrested Gupta and Das. It is learnt that on August 24, a businessman named Nikhar Sablok was murdered in front of a hotel on the side of National Highway No. 33 under Chandil Police Station Area in Jharkhand. The investigation revealed that he was shot dead by some contract killers. According to police sources, the assassin fired nine rounds, which killed the businessman on the spot. The investigation team of the Jharkhand Police arrested six suspects after conducting searches in several places in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Among these six were said to be professional killers. The Jharkhand Police probe revealed that one of the suspects was in contact with a traffic sergeant and civic volunteer of the Kolkata Police. A team of Jharkhand Police came to Kolkata to unravel the mystery behind this connection. They interrogated the arrested traffic sergeant and the civic volunteer for marathon hours at the Kolkata Police headquarters. According to police sources, both of them evaded answering several questions during the interrogation. After that, the Jharkhand Police decided to arrest them. The number of arrests in the murder of the businessman has now increased to eight. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Jharkhand Police is investigating the murder case. Investigators believe that the murderer was paid Rs 15 lakh to kill the businessman.
RG Kar rape & murder case: CBI to focus on statements of four doctors who had last meal with victim
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation's next progress report on the R.G. Kar case to be submitted next week, will mainly focus on the findings of the central investigation agency based on the statements given by four colleagues of the victim lady doctor who had dinner with her on the same night she was raped and murdered. The body of the victim was recovered from a seminar room within the premises of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in North Kolkata on the morning of August 9, 2024, and later it was proved that she was raped and murdered on the intervening night of August 8 and August 9. Sources aware of the development said that the new Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the CBI is giving special emphasis on the statements given by these four colleagues of the victim, since they were among the last five people to see the victim alive, the fifth one being of course the sole convict in the case so far, Sanjay Roy. Sources said that the members of the new SIT are also cross-examining whether the statements given by the four colleagues of the victim are in sync with what they stated during their interrogation by the members of the previous SIT of the CBI or if there are variations in their statements. Sources said that these four colleagues have informed the new SIT members that on the night of August 8, 2024, all four of them as well as the victim were on night duty at the chest OPD of R.G. Kar. He had also claimed that all of them had dinner together at around 10:30 p.m. and ate the food ordered by the victim through a food delivery App. They also informed the CBI that they were together till after midnight watching the Olympics games. As per their versions, after watching the games, the victim had fallen asleep on a mattress of the same room where they had dinner. Two others went to the study room; one went to the rooms allotted to the medical interns and another one went to the ward for his night duty. The doctor who went to the ward for night duty was the one to spot the victims body at 9.30 a.m. on August 9.
ED Kolkata searches AMR-linked premises in Hyderabad in SREI case
Trinamool leader, two aides arrested in Bengal on charges of extortion
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) The West Bengal Police on Friday arrested Barun Natta alias Bonku, the former vice-chairman of Dum Dum Municipality in North 24 Parganas district, and two of his close associates on charges of extortion. The other two arrested persons are Nayanashis Das alias Jhony and Sumanta Ghosh alias Laltu. Nayanashis is the son of Parna Das, former Trinamool Congress councillor of ward number 3 of Dum Dum Municipality. The three arrested will be produced before the Barrackpore court later in the day, police sources said. It is learnt that a written complaint was filed at Dum Dum police station on Thursday evening accusing the three arrested persons of extortion and cheating. The complaint was filed by a real estate promoter, Sujoy Majumder. An investigation was started on the basis of that complaint. After that, the three, including Natta, were arrested from their respective houses. A case was registered against the arrested trio under multiple sections, including extortion and cheating. Sources from the state police also informed that, for the sake of investigation, a petition will be filed before the court seeking the custody of the arrested trio for 10 days. We want to investigate the extent of the involvement of the three arrested persons in the extortion and whether other persons were also involved in the matter. We are also probing the extent of financial involvement in the matter and also how the money was extorted, said a state police officer. It is learnt that Sujoy Majumdar, the real estate promoter, on whose complaint the trio was arrested, also registered a complaint with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the latter's weekly public programme to hear public grievances. The three were arrested a couple of days after the complaint was registered with the Chief Minister. The local people from the Dum Dum Municipality area claimed that the complaints of extortion against Natta were nothing new. While his main targets were the real estate promoters, even common people, including the local vendors and small shop-owners, were not spared by him and his associates, said a resident of Dum Dum.
Bengal govt. to hostDurga Puja eventat Eden Gardens, PM Modi may join: Suvendu Adhikari
The CM also said that they will light diyas across Kolkata and light up the major buildings in the city as part of the PMs birthday celebrations on September 17
ED Raids Mining Firm in Hyderabad over Kolkata Case
The raids followed after a case was booked against the company in Kolkata
Saket Mohta of Merlin Group expressed his delight at joining hands with cricket icon Yuvraj Singh for the second time
Gold and silver prices today, 11 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.
Cops enter Abhishek home, arrest aide Sumit Roy in land-grab case
CM prays at Kalighat temple, has fish-basanti pulao prasad
Bill to let Bengal govt transfer profs across 31 state univs passed
Goa hotelier, Kolkata businessmans son held in online share-trading fraud
Kol Gets 3 More Flights To Cambodia, Singapore, China
Elderly couple charred to death at home
Three thrash couple after rash driving protest at Ballygunge
Trader loses Rs 1.4 lakh to sextortion, digi arrest
17-year-old girl rescued from New Market hotel
Why fight over puja? Calcutta High Court tells warring Bagbazar Sarbojanin committee factions
2 arrested for attempting to breach chief minister Suvendu Adhikaris convoy on VIP Road
Arrest those who set fire to pictures of Baba outside Bhowanipore PS, orders CM
BJP show-causes South 24 Pgns district president
Suspension-closure row after KMC cracks whip on eateries during food safety drive
Bengals 'Nadharer Bhela screens at first film festival in land of shikaras
Another low pressure forms, Kolkata to get scattered rain
