ED raids four places in Bengal in Rs 280 crore bank fraud case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 30 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate on Friday was conducting search operations at multiple locations in West Bengal, in a bank fraud case worth Rs 280 crore. It is alleged that money from a power plant in Jharkhand was laundered to Kolkata. ED had taken note of a chartered accountant in the Lake Town area in north Kolkata for allegedly opening shell companies and committing corruption worth crores of rupees. Besides Kolkata, the raid is also underway in Uttarpara in Hooghly district, Asansol in West Burdwan district and in Howrah. ED officials entered the house of Sudipto Ghosh, a resident of Shibtala Street in Uttarpara, this morning. The ED investigation team was accompanied by central forces personnel. Sudipto Ghosh is a chartered accountant by profession. The family is being questioned, and their house is being searched. Ghosh, however, has said that he has no connection with the corruption case. The investigators have taken permission for the probe, and he is cooperating with the central investigation agency. ED officials have also raided the house of Chartered Accountant (CA) Ashok Sarathi in the elite Avni Oxford (Phase 1) housing complex in Lake Town. A vigorous search operation and interrogation were being conducted there since morning under the strict guard of the central forces. According to sources in the investigating agency, the search is being conducted on charges of embezzlement and money laundering of money taken from the bank in the name of building a power project or power plant in Jharkhand. The name of the main private company under investigation is Kohinoor Power Private Limited (KPPL). The CA is accused of taking a loan from the bank on the pretext of setting up a 66 MW power plant in Jharkhand. The amount of this loan taken from the bank consortium was about Rs 280 crore. It has been alleged that the money taken in the name of building a power plant was not used for the project but was embezzled through a web of shell companies. The officials believe that chartered accountant Ashok Sarathi has a major role in this financial scam. Currently, in addition to questioning the chartered accountant inside the residence, the ED officials are searching for digital documents, bank accounts and various suspicious papers. It remains to be seen what other information comes to light at the end of the investigation. According to the ED, the investigation was initiated on the basis of the complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) before the Ld. 2nd Special Court, Kolkata, in respect of the affairs of Kohinoor Power Private Limited (KPPL) and others. An investigation into the affairs of the company was ordered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) pursuant to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) forwarding a list of companies in respect of which the Resolution Professional (RP) had filed applications before the NCLT concerning avoidance transactions.
IPL 2027: Mumbai Indians Appoint Uthappa, McClenaghan, T Dilip, Kulkarni To Coaching Staff
Indian Premier League: Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday announced a revamped coaching group for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, appointing former India batter Robin Uthappa as batting coach, Mitchell McClenaghan as bowling coach, T. Dilip as fielding coach and Dhawal Kulkarni as development bowling coach under new head coach Kieron Pollard. The appointments follow Pollards elevation to head coach after Jayawardenes departure. Pollard, whose association with Mumbai Indians spans 16 years, will lead the revamped coaching group as the franchise prepares for IPL 2027. Earlier on Thursday, the franchise announced that bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey, along with fielding coach Carl Hopkinson, would be leaving the mens team setup. The new group combines familiar faces from Mumbai Indians playing history with coaching experience at the international level, as the franchise looks to build its support staff ahead of the upcoming season. Uthappa, a member of Indias victorious squad at the inaugural ICC Mens T20 World Cup in 2007, returns to the franchise where he played during the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The former India batter featured for six franchises during his IPL career, scoring 4,411 runs in 177 matches at a strike rate of 130.50, including 24 half-centuries. He won the Orange Cap in 2014 after scoring 660 runs for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), helping them secure the title that season. He also won the IPL with Chennai Super Kings in 2021 before retiring from the league in September 2022. McClenaghan, meanwhile, reunites with the Mumbai Indians after representing the franchise between 2015 and 2020. The New Zealand pacer was part of four IPL-winning campaigns with MI, in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and will now take charge of the teams bowling unit. Dilip joins the franchise after a successful stint with the India mens team. He was part of the coaching setup during Indias triumphs at the 2024 and 2026 ICC Mens T20 World Cups and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. His appointment is expected to strengthen the teams fielding standards and preparation. McClenaghan, meanwhile, reunites with the Mumbai Indians after representing the franchise between 2015 and 2020. The New Zealand pacer was part of four IPL-winning campaigns with MI, in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and will now take charge of the teams bowling unit. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Kolkata Police Constable Final Exam Date 2026 Out: Check Examination Scheme
The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board has announced the Kolkata Police Constable 2026 final written tentative exam date, the exam is set to be conducted on November 29, 2026 from 12 noon to 1 pm
Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen sent to 13 days police custody
Indranil Sen served as thetourism and culture minister during the Mamata Banerjee era
QR scan snags slow DigiYatra entry, leave flyers waiting at Airport gates
Fire dept nod mandatory for Phanush release on Diwali, Kali Puja & Chhath
Man chases, hits estranged wifes bike with car in New Town
Youth forces women into porn shoots, arrested
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West Bengal bars new teachers from contesting elections
The move, aimed to improve quality of education in State-run and aided schools, has sparked criticism from several teachers associations
Bengal: Revenue Inspector arrested in Aushgram bribery case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Investigators from the West Bengal Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a state government revenue inspector on Wednesday evening for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4,000 to issue an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate in East Burdwan district, an official confirmed on Thursday. The accused official, posted at the Land and Land Reforms Office in Aushgram, was apprehended during a trap operation following persistent complaints from residents regarding illicit extortion and bribery at the office. According to ACB officials, the agency launched an investigation after receiving a specific complaint detailing that the revenue inspector had demanded Rs 4,000 as a bribe to process an official EWS certificate. Acting on the complaint, a special team of the Anti-Corruption Bureau laid a trap at the Aushgram Land and Land Reforms Office on Wednesday evening. ACB officers executed a sudden raid on the premises and caught the official red-handed at the exact moment he accepted the bribe money from the complainant. The surprise raid caused brief commotion across the government facility. The ACB has initiated formal legal proceedings under specific sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the arrested employee. Investigators are currently probing whether other officials or network links within the department are involved in similar corrupt practices. Underlining its zero-tolerance stance against public sector extortion, the ACB issued a statement affirming that strict enforcement measures will be intensified across state departments to ensure transparent, bribe-free government service delivery for citizens.
Agartala tea auction centre to boost Tripura's tea industry, improve growers' returns: CM Saha
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 29 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Thursday that the inauguration of the state's first tea auction centre in Agartala would help tea producers secure better prices, reduce transportation costs and strengthen the state's tea industry. The Chief Minister made the remarks while inaugurating the Tea Auction Centre at Pandit Nehru Complex in Gurkhabasti, on the outskirts of Agartala city, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in Tripura's economic development. This is a very important and significant day for us, and it will be written in the history of Tripura, the Chief Minister said, crediting the achievement to the collective efforts of the state government, various departments and other stakeholders under the vision of 'Team Tripura'. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on dreaming big and translating aspirations into reality, CM Saha added that several development initiatives envisioned by the state government were now being implemented. The Chief Minister said that Tripura's soil and climatic conditions were highly favourable for producing quality tea and the state ranks third in tea production nationally and second in the Northeastern region, producing around 70 to 100 lakh kg of tea annually. The industry comprises around 54 tea gardens and nearly 2,000-2,800 small tea growers. Chief Minister Saha added that the state government had undertaken several initiatives since 2018 to revive struggling tea gardens, improve infrastructure and enhance the welfare of tea workers and their families, including measures to support the education of their children. He said the state government was committed to restoring struggling tea gardens to productive and sustainable conditions, emphasising that the objective was not merely to increase production but also to ensure financial security for thousands of families and generate employment opportunities. Highlighting the significance of the new facility, the Chief Minister added that Tripura's tea was previously transported mainly to Kolkata and Guwahati for auction and sale, increasing logistical expenses and delaying payments to producers. The new centre is expected to address these challenges by providing tea growers and producers with access to an auction facility within the state. The introduction of electronic auctions is expected to improve transparency, encourage greater competition among buyers and reduce dependence on intermediaries. The facility will also facilitate direct communication between local producers and major tea exporters and packaging companies across the country, the Chief Minister said. Chief Minister Saha also noted that the availability of testing facilities, warehousing and other supporting infrastructure would help reduce transportation, storage and sample-testing costs. According to information shared at the programme, the initiative is expected to save around Rs 36 per kilogram of tea. The overall selling process, which earlier took around 44 days, is also expected to become nearly 40 per cent shorter. The Chief Minister expressed hope that improved price realisation would encourage tea growers to invest in better-quality production, modernise their operations and strengthen the branding of Tripura tea in national and international markets. Industry and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Secretary Kiran Gitte, Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL) Chairman Samir Ranjan Ghosh and TTDCL Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das were present at the inaugural programme.
Five of the six cities recorded AQI readings in the moderate category, while Kolkata was the only city with a satisfactory reading. Check the full city-wise breakdown.
Invariz partners with IEM Kolkata to launch AI centre of excellence
ICG rescues 20 seamen from stranded ship off Andhra coast
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) In a swift Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) operation off the Andhra Pradesh Coast, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 20 crew members from the bulk carrier MV Sigma Pearl. The 179.90 metre long ship ran aground off Antravedi in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab and sent out an SOS. On receiving an alert, ICG Ship Sujay and a helicopter executed a high-risk operation, managing to rescue all 20 crew members from the ship. The rescue operation took place in extremely bad weather. According to officials, the ship ran aground due to high seas and strong winds that lashed the Andhra coast as the Very Severe Cyclone made landfall early on Wednesday. The master of the vessel requested support after efforts to release the vessel failed. Preemptive measures, coastal monitoring, and Disaster Relief Team (DRT) deployment along the Andhra Pradesh coast ensured zero loss of life at sea, the ICG said. The MV Sigma Pearl was sailing under the Marshall Islands flag. It is a bulk carrier with a deadweight of 32,688 tonnes. It had sailed from Visakhapatnam on October 27, 2026, and marine tracking sites show its destination as For Orders. This means that the ship had no specific destination after departing Visakhapatnam. It was on the lookout for cargo and moving towards an area where there is a demand for bulk carriers. The condition of the ship is being ascertained. While it may not be carrying any cargo, it would have furnace oil in its tank and may also be carrying marine diesel. Authorities are in touch with the ship's management and owners to arrange for its salvage, an official said. The ICG has taken several measures even as Cyclone Arnab approached the coastline. Fishermen were directed to stay away from the sea, and there was constant monitoring to check for stragglers or stranded vessels. On October 29, 2026, a Coast Guard helicopter also carried out rescue operations in flooded areas of Odisha. A few weeks ago, the ICG helped a ship that was capsizing off the Paradip port. The ship was boarded, water was pumped out from its holds, and necessary repairs were carried out before it was taken under tow to Paradip. While saving lives at sea is crucial, the ICG also maintains close watch on oil spills and other pollution. It is the nodal agency to combat marine pollution in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Calcutta HC declines to intervene in case against KMC delimitation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused to intervene in a case challenging the delimitation of wards under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), which is scheduled to go for polls by the year-end. As per the draft delimitation proposal, the number wards under the KMC are slated to be increased to 209 from the current figure of 144. A petition was filed at the Calcutta High Court earlier this month challenging the basis of the delimitation proposals, where the petitioner claimed that the delimitation exercise was not conducted as per the prescribed rules. The matter came up for hearing on Thursday at the bench of Justice Hiranmaya Bhattacharya and at the end of the hearing his bench refused to intervene in the matter for the time being. However, Justice Bhattacharya did not reject the petition altogether and instead directed both the West Bengal government and petitioners to file their respective affidavits in the matter. As per the court's order on Thursday, the state government should file its affidavit in the matter within the next four weeks, and the petitioner will file its counter affidavit in the matter within two weeks from the time the state government will file its affidavit. The matter will come up for hearing again after six weeks following which the court will receive affidavits from both the parties. The polling for seven urban civic bodies in West Bengal, including that of KMC is likely in December this year. Before that, complications arose over the ward realignment. Many thought that the impasse would be resolved after Thursday's hearing. Now with the court refusing to intervene in the matter for now, the decision on ward realignment remains in place. The petition challenging the delimitation had claimed that reasonable adjustments were not made in the redrawing of ward boundaries and factors like population, geographical location and administrative consistency of the wards were not properly considered in the delimitation process. The petitioner also questioned the rationale behind the delimitation.
ANC geared up to host maiden BIMSTEC maritime security exercise
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has geared up for the first edition of the BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise that will start at Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) on October 30, 2026. Assets from partner navies - Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand - will participate in the exercise. Bhutan and Nepal will also send representatives as these landlocked nations are heavily dependent on the Bay of Bengal for EXIM trade. The exercise will be held from October 30 to November 2. It will unfold in two phases. A harbour phase of professional exchanges and planning will build trust and understanding, and a sea phase will sharpen interoperability on the water. Together they turn a common vision for a safe, secure and stable Bay into coordinated action at sea, the ANC has said. The goals of the exercise are to enhance maritime domain awareness (MDA), build operational coordination across the Bay of Bengal, strengthen regional security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and responses to cross-border maritime crimes as well as marine pollution due to oil and hazardous material spills. Over the years, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has emerged as a vibrant and dynamic regional organisation. Member states share the vision of a free, peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean Region (IOR). They also pursue the goal of a prosperous, resilient and open Bay of Bengal Region under the BIMSTEC Charter and the Bangkok BIMSTEC Vision 2030. The crisis in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, has highlighted how the established right of transit passage, enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is being violated. States bordering straits shall not hamper transit passage, and there shall be no suspension of transit passage, Article 44 of UNCLOS says. The Bay of Bengal connects South Asia to Southeast Asia, and a large share of global energy and trade flows through it. BIMSTEC serves as a bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, with five members from South Asia Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and two from Southeast Asia Myanmar and Thailand. BIMSTEC nations have naturally attached high priority to maritime cooperation given the Bay of Bengals centrality to the organisation. They have taken initiatives to strengthen maritime connectivity through the BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation that was signed at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April 2025. Maritime security cooperation has focused on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Oil Pollution Response, and related areas. The BIMSTEC Expert Group on Maritime Security Cooperation has finalised guidelines for maritime law enforcement agencies to ensure effective coordination during interactions at sea. Under the MDA, there is a proposal to conclude the BIMSTEC White Shipping Agreement. India will soon present a draft for the consideration of the member states. Recognising the severe economic and environmental consequences of marine oil spills, BIMSTEC has finalised guidelines for a coordinated regional oil spill response. Proposed initiatives include the development of a regional contingency plan, standardised emergency procedures, joint pollution response exercises, and capacity-building programmes to enhance preparedness. Regarding HADR in the maritime domain, the Expert Group on Maritime Security has finalised BIMSTEC guidelines on the maritime component of HADR. The Bay of Bengal is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. A Plan of Action on Comprehensive Disaster Management has been finalised. Four editions of the BIMSTEC Disaster Management Exercise have been held to strengthen joint operational capabilities. India has also proposed establishing a BIMSTEC Disaster Management Centre to serve as a focal point for coordinating regional HADR operations. BIMSTEC has also been pursuing collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to enhance disaster response and resilience in the Bay of Bengal region. The Bay of Bengal binds our region's security, trade and prosperity. The inaugural BIMSTEC Maritime Security Exercise brings partner navies and agencies together at Sri Vijaya Puram. Together, we chart the course for collective maritime wellbeing, the ANC has said.
Slain BJP councillors father alleges death threats
West Bengal UDMA Signs MOUs for Kolkata urban renewal, Rs 3,000 cr waste project
Bengal: DGMA and MRC discuss initiatives for more sustainable maritime development
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Marine Research Centre (MRC) presented its Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) platform during an online meeting with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA). The meeting was chaired by Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Maritime Administration, to review the progress of collaborative initiatives under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the DGMA and the MRC, and discuss the way forward. According to the DGMA, the discussions covered key areas of cooperation, including Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) Management, Biofouling Management, Sediment Management and MSP. It also proposed initiatives relating to maritime capacity building, stakeholder outreach and coastal community engagement. URN management deals with reducing sound energy emitted by ships and offshore activities to protect marine ecosystems, navigation, and communication for marine life. Countries around the world are taking measures to reduce the sound for the well-being of marine life. Some ports also offer discounts to ships that are quieter. The MRC's MSP platform has potential applications in predictive modelling, marine environmental assessment and informed planning of maritime activities. Opportunities to advance the proposed collaborative initiatives by leveraging technical expertise, innovative technologies and synergies with ongoing maritime sustainability and coastal management programmes were also explored during the meeting. According to the MRC, Marine Spatial Planning is a comprehensive, science-based approach to managing marine and freshwater resources. It integrates ecological, economic, and social considerations to optimise the sustainable use of ocean spaces, ensuring that human activities and natural ecosystems coexist in a balanced manner. By systematically allocating marine areas for various uses, MSP enhances maritime security, supports environmental conservation, and facilitates economic activities. It plays a crucial role in addressing geopolitical and sustainability challenges, particularly in regions like the Indian Ocean, the Centre has said. It has highlighted developments in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) that have turned it into a key arena for geopolitical and geo-strategic interactions in the 21st century. Nations both within and outside the region are deploying strategic assets there. Marine Spatial Planning is crucial for governing and managing challenges and opportunities in marine and freshwater systems. By mapping resources accurately, addressing security and sustainability concerns, and deploying policy and technology interventions, MSP enables efficient exploitation of these vast systems, the MRC has said. The DGMA has said that the engagement reflects its continued commitment towards promoting technology-driven solutions, strengthening marine environmental management and fostering collaborative initiatives for sustainable maritime development.
Kolkata Police Seize 110 Kilograms of Illegal Firecrackers Ahead of Kali Puja, One Arrested
Kolkata police have confiscated 110 kg of illegal firecrackers and arrested a 19-year-old ahead of the Kali Puja festival. Kolkata Police Seize 110 Kilograms of Illegal Firecrackers Ahead of Kali Puja, One Arrested
SMP Kolkata Senior Assistant Secretary Recruitment 2026
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) has invited offline applications for 2 Senior Assistant Secretary posts. Applications can be submitted till 30 October 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit smportkolkata.shipping.gov.in.
Tripura inaugurates first Tea Auction Centre to boost marketing, ensure better prices for growers
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 29 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the states first tea auction centre in Agartala, making it the second state in the Northeast after Assam, and the fifth in the country, to have such a facility. The Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL) Chairman, Samir Ranjan Ghosh, said the tea auction centre aims to strengthen the marketing network for Tripura tea, reduce transportation costs and the time required to sell tea consignments, and help growers secure competitive prices for their produce. State Industries and Commerce Minister Santan Chakma attended the inauguration ceremony, held at the Pandit Nehru Complex in Gurkhabasti, on the outskirts of Agartala city. The foundation stone for the tea auction centre was laid in March 2024 as part of efforts to strengthen the states tea industry and improve marketing facilities for local producers. According to Ghosh, Tripura currently has 54 large tea gardens and around 2,800 small tea growers, collectively producing approximately 9 million to 10 million kg of tea annually. He said the state had so far depended on auction centres outside Tripura to market a substantial portion of its tea production, with nearly 60 per cent of the produce being sold through external auction facilities. The establishment of the new centre is expected to provide tea producers with more direct access to buyers, improve marketing opportunities for small tea growers and reduce the time required to sell tea consignments, he said. The TTDCL chairman said that selling a tea consignment currently takes around 44 days, but the corporation expects the new auction facility to reduce the time by approximately 40 per cent. To ensure the successful operation of the centre, the corporation has held several rounds of discussions with buyers and brokerage firms in Kolkata and Guwahati to encourage their participation in the Agartala tea auctions, Ghosh said. Several reputed brokerage firms and buyers from different parts of the country have already expressed interest in participating in the auctions, he added. The participation of buyers and brokers will be crucial to ensuring competitive bidding, strengthening market linkages and expanding the reach of Tripura tea, which has traditionally depended on external trading centres for a significant share of its sales. The new facility is also expected to improve coordination between tea producers, traders and buyers, while providing a more accessible platform for marketing locally produced tea. However, the long-term effectiveness of the auction centre will depend on sustained buyer participation, competitive bidding and the extent to which reductions in marketing time and transportation costs translate into better returns for tea growers. TTDCL Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das, who was also present at the inauguration ceremony, described the occasion as a defining moment for the state's tea industry and its stakeholders, including growers, manufacturers, bought-leaf factory operators, tea estate owners, workers and traders. The Agartala Tea Auction Centre has been established with one clear purpose, to place the tea stakeholders of the state at the centre of a transparent, efficient and rewarding marketing system, Das said. At present, a major portion of Tripura's tea is transported to auction markets in Guwahati and West Bengal for sale, resulting in additional transportation expenses and higher marketing costs for producers. The establishment of an auction centre within the state is expected to facilitate better coordination between sellers and buyers, reduce transportation expenses and improve price realisation for tea producers and others associated with the sector. Tripura's 54 tea gardens include estates operated by the state-owned Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited, the Tripura Cooperative Society and private owners. Alongside these large tea estates, around 2,800 small tea growers play a significant role in the state's tea industry, contributing nearly 30 per cent of its total tea production, which stands at approximately 90 lakh kg annually. More than 60 per cent of the state's tea production is currently marketed through auction centres outside Tripura, highlighting the importance of developing an effective local auction system. With the inauguration of the Agartala Tea Auction Centre, the state is seeking to strengthen its tea marketing infrastructure, reduce dependence on external auction markets and create better opportunities for growers to obtain competitive prices for their produce. The initiative is expected to provide a major boost to Tripura's tea industry by bringing key marketing activities closer to producers and creating a more efficient trading environment within the state.
It only takes one rumour: How a small trigger can lead to a deadly stampede
On October 17, a tragic stampede in Kolkata claimed 19 lives during the Durga Puja celebrations. The incident was caused by overcrowding, panic, and a misleading announcement about structural failure. Experts emphasize the importance of effective crowd management to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Investigators are examining various factors contributing to the disaster, including narrow exits and inadequate safety measures.
I-PAC raid row: SC reserves order on ED plea for CBI probe against Mamata Banerjee
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and registration of an FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior police officials over alleged interference in search operations at the office of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata. A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria reserved its order on the limited question of whether the matter should be referred to the CBI or left to the newly elected West Bengal government to decide on the investigation. During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Banerjee, argued that with a change in the government in West Bengal, there was no longer any impediment to a state-level decision on transferring the investigation to the CBI. He questioned the need for a judicial direction, submitting that the state government was competent to refer the matter to the Central agency on its own. The Justice Mishra-led Bench also questioned why the West Bengal government could not refer the matter to the CBI in the changed circumstances, observing that the situation prevailing at the time the ED approached the top court might no longer exist. However, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, appearing for the ED, opposed leaving the matter to the state government, arguing that such a course could invite allegations of mala fide action. ASG Raju submitted that the matter involved allegations against not only the former Chief Minister but also senior police officers, making it necessary to ensure an independent and fair investigation. He further argued that since cross-cases were involved, the investigation should be entrusted to a single agency to ensure that both sides of the dispute were examined together. The Centres law officer maintained that an independent investigation was necessary to address concerns about the fairness of the probe and prevent allegations of collusion between the ED and the state government. The Justice Mishra-led Bench observed that Sibal's argument was that the state government could itself transfer the case to the CBI, without requiring an order from the Supreme Court. Responding to the submissions, Raju said the ED had approached the apex court seeking an independent investigation and that leaving the decision to the state government could give rise to further controversy over the manner in which the case was handled. The arguments concluded with the Supreme Court reserving its order on the limited issue. The matter arises from search operations conducted by the ED on January 8 at the I-PAC office and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain, in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged coal smuggling scam. The federal anti-money laundering agency has claimed that Banerjee, accompanied by police personnel and senior officials, entered the premises while the searches were underway and interfered with the investigation. The ED has sought registration of FIRs against Banerjee, the then West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, among others, besides seeking transfer of the probe to the CBI. Banerjee has denied the allegations, maintaining that she visited the premises to retrieve confidential and proprietary data belonging to the Trinamool Congress, which she claimed was linked to the party's electoral strategy. On January 15, the Supreme Court stayed FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against ED officials in connection with the searches and directed the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital records relating to the premises. Earlier, the apex court had orally observed that alleged interference by a sitting Chief Minister in an ongoing investigation could put democracy in peril.
Kolkata Police seize 110 kg of banned firecrackers ahead of Kali Puja, youth held
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Kolkata Police have seized around 110 kg of banned firecrackers from an abandoned building in north Kolkata and arrested a 19-year-old youth ahead of Kali Puja, a senior police officer said on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off from secret sources, a team from Burrabazar police station raided the building at 1 NS Road in the early hours of Thursday and recovered the illegal fireworks. The arrested youth has been identified as Mohammad Taufiq, 19. The police have registered a suo motu case against him for allegedly storing firecrackers without the required licence or permit. Additional Commissioner of Kolkata Police's Detective Department, Kunal Agarwal, said the police were making continuous efforts to prevent the entry of illegal firecrackers into the city. According to the police, a team led by sub-inspector Uttam Kumar Halder was conducting patrol and search operations in the NS Road area at around 1.45 am when it searched the abandoned building. The officers found approximately 110 kg of banned fireworks packed in four large cardboard boxes. The entire consignment was seized, and Taufiq was arrested on the spot before being taken to Burrabazar police station. Preliminary investigations suggest the firecrackers had been stored in the building without any government licence or permit. Their presence in the densely populated commercial locality raised concerns over the risk of a possible accident, police said. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. Investigators are now trying to establish the source of the seized firecrackers and determine whether other people were involved in their storage and distribution. The police are also examining whether the consignment was linked to a larger illegal fireworks network operating in the city. With Kali Puja approaching, the Kolkata Police are expected to intensify checks and raids to curb the storage and sale of prohibited firecrackers and prevent safety hazards during the festive season.
Karwa Chauth 2026: When Will the Moon Rise in Your City? Check Timings
Karwa Chauth 2026 is being observed on October 29. Check the expected moonrise time in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and other major cities.
Former Bengal minister Indranil Sen booked under seven BNS sections in Durga Puja pass scam
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Kolkata Police have registered a case under seven sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against former West Bengal minister and singer-turned-politician Indranil Sen, who was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours. A senior city police official said the charges include Section 316 (criminal breach of trust), Sections 336(2) and 336(3) (forgery and forgery for cheating), Section 338 (forgery of valuable security and other specified documents), Section 318 (cheating), Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), and Section 340(2) (using a forged document or electronic record as genuine). According to preliminary findings, financial irregularities involving several crores of rupees allegedly took place between 2022 and 2025 in the name of UNESCO and Durga Puja celebrations through Mass Art Society, a corporate entity owned by Sen's wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, police sources said. Investigators have also found indications that the former minister allegedly withdrew substantial sums from various organisations in the name of UNESCO by using his influence, the sources added. Our sleuths are currently examining other angles in this massive financial forgery, including the floating and use of shell companies to divert funds, a city police official said. After his arrest on Wednesday evening, Sen was taken to the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar in central Kolkata, where investigators questioned him on the basis of documents seized during the probe. The interrogation continued until late at night. Police sources claimed that Sen repeatedly attempted to evade uncomfortable questions or gave inconsistent answers during questioning. The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation, and their veracity is yet to be established. The Kolkata Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been conducting parallel investigations into the alleged scam involving passes for UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja tours. The city police arrested Sen after he emerged from the ED's Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon. He had undergone prolonged questioning by officials of the central agency in connection with the case. Investigators are examining the alleged financial transactions, the role of organisations involved and the possible use of shell companies to route funds. The probe is also seeking to establish how the alleged irregularities were carried out and whether other individuals or entities were involved.
Indranil Sens financial links with private event management entities also under scanner
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Besides the alleged involvement of former West Bengal Minister, Indranil Sen, in an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours, Kolkata Police is also probing the financial links of a corporate entity owned by Sens wife Madhucchanda Sen, with a couple of event management entities when the singer-turned-politician was serving as the Minister of State for Information & Cultural Affairs. Insiders from the city police said that during Sens tenure as minister, an event management tender on behalf of the department worth Rs 53.46 crore was granted to an event management entity GIDI Creation. The administration, according to city police, then overlooked complaints that the tender was granted to that event management entity just because the firm, which did not have sufficient experience in the related field, was owned by a childhood friend of Sen. Later, as per information gathered by the Investigating Officers in the matter, GIDI Creation outsourced the work, for which the tender was granted to another event management entity Third Line Creation, which is completely inoperative now. At that point in time, GIDI Creations had transferred an amount of Rs 50.31 crore to the accounts of Third Line Creation. Subsequently, substantial funds were transferred to the Madhucchanda Sen-owned entity Mass Art Society, through which the UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja passes were sold. At the same time, city police insiders said, the accounts of two other entities namely ISCAPE and Myra, both owned by close relatives of Sen, are also under the scanner of the Investigating Officers. Both the Kolkata Police and Enforcement Directorate (ED) had been conducting parallel investigations in the alleged UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja passes scam. In fact, the cops of Kolkata Police arrested Sen after he came out of EDs Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon after facing a marathon interrogation by the central agency officials in the matter. Sen will be presented at a lower court in Kolkata later on Thursday and the Public Prosecutor will seek his police custody for further interrogation. The police are trying to track other beneficiaries in the alleged scam.
Rain, crowd surge led to fatal Kolkata pandal stampede: Cops
The preliminary findings of the Kolkata Police probe into the tragic Durga Puja pandal stampede that claimed 19 lives, highlight critical lapses in crowd management and communication.
Kolkata Police Constable Mains Exam Date 2026 Out - Check Written Exam Schedule PDF
WBPRB has announced the Kolkata Police Constable and Lady Constable final written exam (Mains) for 29 November 2026, 12 noon to 1 PM. Check the tentative date, 3,734 posts, exam pattern, selection process, admit card status and official links.
Todays Gold Rate in India October 29: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices remain steady across metro cities on October 29
Former Minister Indraneel Sen Arrested in Kolkata Over Durga Puja Pass Scam
Indraneel Sen, former West Bengal minister, arrested in connection with a Durga Puja pass scam; further inquiries expected in court. Former Minister Indraneel Sen Arrested in Kolkata Over Durga Puja Pass Scam
Rain lashes Bengal as Cyclone Arnab turns into depression
Kolkata: Rain and squally winds lashed parts of West Bengal on Thursday, October 29, as the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab weakened into a depression and lay centred over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression is likely to weaken to a well-marked low pressure by Thursday 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 .
Restaurant Week India 2026: Participating Kolkata restaurants, menus and prices
After its April pilot, Restaurant Week India returns with over 100 restaurants across 15-plus cities. In Kolkata, seven establishments are serving curated three-course menus, with organisers hoping to encourage diners to explore new cuisines and discover restaurants beyond their usual choices
'Dangerous for democracy,' Kiren Rijiju hits out at Naseeruddin Shah over 'Dimagi Naxal' boast
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly rebuked veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah over latter boasting himself as 'proud Dimagi Naxal'. Rijiju also called him extremely harmful to India's democracy. The matter pertains to Naseeruddin Shah launching a scathing attack on the government, sharing a video of himself talking to the camera as he flaunted his badge of Dimagi Naxal, a term coined by Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day address in August. Taking to X, Rijiju slammed the actor and said, I thought Naseeruddin Shah was just an ordinary actor. I used to respect & like him. I never knew that he was a dangerous urban Dimagi Naxal! I discovered his true character far too late. He is extremely harmful to India's democracy. In the video, Shah said, I say with pride, I am a Dimagi Naxal. Apart from Dimagi Naxal, I don't know what other titles the chowkidar has given to people like me, anti-national, tukde-tukde gang and what not. If there is any tukde-tukde gang in this country, then it is this illegitimate government. I want to ask this government a question. What else will you do to break the courage of our country's youth, to destroy the education system, and to put our democracy at risk? How much will you do? How far will you go? he said. First Jawaharlal Nehru University, then Satyajit Ray Film Institute, and now Jamia Millia. The atrocities that are being done on students will be remembered. Everything will be remembered, the actor added. The actor's statement comes after his earlier statement during the political row at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). The actor has accused the BJP of political retaliation against dissenters and urged citizens to support the students. For the uninitiated, the political row at Kolkata's Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) erupted after clashes on September 27, 2026, between students and members of the RSS-linked Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat during a campus event. Subsequent protests and alleged attacks intensified tensions. Students demanded Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera's resignation, accusing the administration of failing to protect them. The institute later suspended 6 students over alleged misconduct, a decision the students' union challenged. Actor Naseeruddin Shah and filmmakers Payal Kapadia and Anand Patwardhan backed the protesters. The BJP criticised the veteran actor's remarks, while the administration alleged that outside forces had politicised the agitation.
CPI(M) to legally challenge govt's move to bar would-be teachers in Bengal from contesting polls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The CPI(M) leadership has decided to challenge any move by the West Bengal government to bar teachers recruited henceforth in the state-run schools from contesting any election for panchayats, municipal bodies, Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies. The challenge by the CPI(M) leadership comes amid an announcement by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, saying that a new clause will be introduced in the recruitment rules of the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) barring would-be teachers from contesting polls. A proposal on this count was cleared at a meeting of the state cabinet on Wednesday. However, the Chief Minister, at the same time, made it clear that the clause will not be applicable to those serving teachers who are already elected public representatives. Reacting to the Chief Ministers announcement on this count, former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate, Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, said once this proposal is formally implemented in the recruitment rules of the WBSSC, he will take up the matter legally. It will not be easy to suppress the democratic rights of the common people. Any attempt to do this will be opposed legally, said Bhattacharya, also the former Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). He also said that the decision to bar teachers from contesting the polls is unconstitutional. So let the decision be officially implemented. I will take up the matter at the Calcutta High Court, said Bhattacharya. Even a section of the service teachers has opposed the idea and claimed that they do not subscribe to the Chief Ministers argument that the move to bar would-be teachers from contesting polls is aimed at depoliticising the education sector. Had the Chief Minister been serious about depoliticising the sector, he would have removed political persons from different education-related committees. But that did not happen. The laws and regulations related to education in West Bengal do not prevent schoolteachers from engaging in active politics. If this decision is implemented without changing that law, there will be obstacles from the legal angle, said a headmaster of a state-run higher secondary school, who refused to be named.
Kolkata Police say women crowded the exit gate of the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal to escape the rain, triggering a stampede that killed 19 people. The probe is examining crowd management lapses.
Women attending a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata reportedly crowded the exit gate to protect their outfits and makeup from sudden rain, triggering a crush that killed 19 people, according to preliminary findings cited by a police officer on Thursday.
Arrested ex-Bengal Minister Indranil Sen to be produced in court today
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen, who has been arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours, will be presented at a lower court on Thursday, and the public prosecutor will seek his police custody for further interrogation. He was arrested on Wednesday evening. An insider from the city police said that first he will be taken for medical examination from the Kolkata Police headquarters, and thereafter he will be presented at the city court. A detailed interrogation of the former state minister is necessary to know about other beneficiaries not just in the fake Durga Puja pass scam, but also in other cases of financial irregularities where he got involved during his tenure as a member of the state cabinet during the previous regime. Hence, the public prosecutor will seek his custody, said an insider of the city police associated with the investigation against Sen. In fact, immediately after his arrest, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari gave a subtle hint when he said that other influential persons who were beneficiaries in the alleged scams in which Sen had been accused would not be spared. The CM also indirectly targeted his predecessor and the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, without directly naming the latter. Sen made his fortune taking advantage of his ministerial position and using his proximity to the former West Bengal Chief Minister. Sen and the former Chief Minister used to sing duets in government programmes. Surely, Sen is not the only one in the previous cabinet who had made his fortune using the ministerial position. The share surely had reached the higher levels. They will not be spared either. Just wait and watch, CM Adhikari said, reacting to Sens arrest. Kolkata Police and Enforcement Directorate (ED) were conducting parallel probes into the alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam. Sen was arrested on Wednesday evening as he came out of the EDs Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata after facing a marathon interrogation in the matter. Earlier this month, the ED issued a statement naming former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with a transaction involving Sen-owned Octave Records. According to the agency, nearly Rs 30 lakh was allegedly transferred from the companys accounts to Banerjee through banking channels. Sen, however, maintained that the payment was made as royalty. Separately, a judicial inquiry commission constituted by the state government to investigate alleged institutional corruption during the previous Trinamool Congress regime has initiated an inquiry involving Sen. The commission is examining alleged multi-crore irregularities in the tendering process of the states Information and Cultural Affairs Department, where Sen had served as Minister of State. The inquiry is separate from the money laundering investigation being conducted by the ED
Gold prices extended their decline on October 29, with Comex gold slipping to $4,051 per ounce in early trade. In India, 24K gold stood at Rs 1,44,000 per 10 grams, while silver was priced at Rs 1,94,990 per kg.
RG Kar Case: Ex-Panihati civic chief sent to 2-day CBI custody
Kolkata: A court in Kolkata on Wednesday, October 28, remanded former chairman of Panihati Municipality, Somnath Dey, to two days of CBI custody in connection with alleged tampering of evidence in the RG Kar rape-murder case, a senior official of the central agency said. The Sealdah Court granted the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) plea 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 .
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Maicon In Kolkata For Grassroots Football
Former Brazil international Douglas Maicon is set to visit Kolkata on November 13-14 as a global brand ambassador for King Sports Management. His visit aims to bolster grassroots football development, youth scouting, and provide technical insights to young Indian talent, including a talent hunt programme.
Ex-Bengal Minister Indranil Sen Arrested Over Irregularities In Durga Puja Pass Sales
Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said Indranil Sen's arrest followed an investigation by the ED and Kolkata Police.
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Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen was arrested by the Kolkata Police: Reports
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Extraordinary situations demand tough decisions
