Bengal: RSP withdraws from Rejinagar bypolls after ECI changes its traditional electoral symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Revolutionary Social Party (RSP), a constituent of the West Bengal Left Front, which fielded its own candidate for the forthcoming Rejinagar assembly bypolls after declaring revolt against the Left Front, on Monday night, announced its decision to refrain from contesting in the Rejinagar bypolls. A statement has been issued by the RSPs state secretary in West Bengal, Tapan Hore, in which he claimed that the decision to withdraw its candidate in the Rejinagar bypolls had been prompted by the last-moment decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to deprive the party of its traditional electoral symbol of spade & stoker and instead allot the bucket symbol for the Rejinagar bypolls. After the West Bengal Left Front officially nominated the CPI(M) candidate Sayeed Asad Ali as the official Left Front candidate, the RSP leadership declared a revolt and announced the name of Bikash Chandra Mishra as the RSP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls. However, amid the ECIs decision to allot the bucket symbol to RSP, denying the partys rights over the traditional electoral symbol of spade & stoker, the RSP leadership became furious and hence announced the decision to withdraw its candidate from the electoral race at Rejinagar. However, the withdrawal of the candidate will be just symbolic since the last date for withdrawal of nominations had already expired on September 19. After the scrutiny ended on Saturday, the Commission informed us that it was not possible to give us our traditional symbol of the spade & stoker, and we will have to contest the by-election with the bucket symbol. Hence, we have decided to withdraw from the contest in protest against this, said Tapan Hore in his statement issued on Monday night. The bypolls for Rejinagar, as well as the Nandigram Assembly Constituency, will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9.
Kolkata: ISF Moves High Court Against ECs Envelope Symbol Allotment
The ISF challenged the ECs decision to allot the envelope symbol to the Democratic Trinamool Congress ahead of the October 6 bypolls.
West Bengal Medical Council starts registration audit of practicing doctors
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Amid instances of fake doctors surfacing in the state, the West Bengal Medical Council on Monday began the registration audit of practising medical practitioners in the state for the last 17 years. State Medical Council sources said that the medical registration audit started on Monday, and under this exercise, registration information for the last 17 years will be under the scanner to check whether cases of fake or inconsistent registration took place during that period. If a fake doctor is found, his MBBS registration will be cancelled, and an FIR will be lodged with the police against the persons concerned for legal action. We have requested the agencies concerned to send the information for the last 17 years in Excel format, a source said. The agencies concerned have been asked to provide details of the registrations done in the last 17 years, including the names of the doctors concerned, the registration numbers allotted to them, the names of their fathers, gender details, current addresses, primary educational qualifications, and the name of the university that awarded the MBBS degree. In addition, the Medical Council source said, if a doctor has additional educational qualifications, details of those qualifications and the name of the university that awarded these will also have to be provided Arrangements are being made to check not only the registration numbers or the doctor's names, but also the information about the detailed educational qualifications and the degree-granting institutions, the source said. On September 15, the secretary of the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHN), Rajeev Pandey, lodged a complaint with the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate seeking an investigation into senior officials of the West Bengal Medical Council over the alleged increase in registrations of fake doctors in the state. The complaint named the council's President Sudipta Roy, Secretary Sushanta Roy, Registrar Manas Chakraborty, council member MLA Nirmal Maji, among others. Both Roy and Maji are former Trinamool Congress legislators.
Six held for molesting woman doctor in Kolkata mall
According to police, the woman with her friends went to watch a movie when the six men intimidated her by making obscene gestures and derogatory comments with sexual connotations
With deadlines missed twice, Bengals new Industrial Policy unlikely before Durga Puja end
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) With deadlines missed twice, West Bengal's new industrial policy is unlikely to be announced before October, after the end of the Durga Puja by the middle of the next month, state Secretariat 'Nabanna' sources said. The initial deadline for finalising and announcing the new industrial policy was August 15 on the occasion of Independence Day. However, that deadline was missed, and the middle of September was fixed as the time for the announcement of the new policy. However, the Secretariat source involved in the process said that since some work to give the final shape to the new policy is yet to be done, the announcement will be made in the next month and, in all probability, after the Durga Puja. According to the source, while the other aspects of the policy are complete, the main complications are related to finalising the policy for land procurement for industries, maintaining a balance in protecting the interests of both the state government as well as the landowners. In case of procurement of agricultural land for industries, besides the landowners, the interests of the sharecroppers and agricultural workers will also have to be protected. So, a combination of all these factors has made the process of finalising the policy for land procurement for industries a bit complicated. After all, past experiences show that land is a very sensitive issue in West Bengal considering the highly fragmented nature of landholding in the state, which often makes it quite difficult to get huge plots of land at one go for big industries in the manufacturing sector, the source said. According to him, the state government is clear about one thing on this issue - that neither will it apply the archaic acquisition rules to get land nor leave the entire responsibility of land procurement to the investors or industrialists concerned. Considering the extremely fragmented land-holding nature in West Bengal, it is impossible for the investors to contact and negotiate with so many land-owners to get the land for the state. So, the policy of the new government is that the state will do the negotiation part, directly purchase from landowners and subsequently hand over that purchased land to the investors, the source said. At the same time, the source added, the state government is also trying to work out a formula where the landowners could be made stakeholders in those industrial units for which the land will be procured. There could be two options for achieving that goal. The first option is to provide employment to one member of the land-owning family a job in the proposed industrial unit. The second option is enabling the landowners to set up 'indirect support' entrepreneurship catering to the main industrial unit, the government official said.
Bengal school job scam accused seeks to become approver from ED after similar plea to CBI
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Santu Gangopadhyay, a Kolkata-based businessman accused in the multi-crore school recruitment scam in West Bengal, has approached the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking to become an approver in the case, days after making a similar request to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Gangopadhyay had made a similar plea to the CBI on September 12 to become an approver in the case. Both the CBI and the ED had been conducting parallel probes in the school job case during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime in West Bengal. Sources aware of the development said that in his letter to the ED, Gangopadhyay named a couple of top Trinamool Congress leaders as the mastermind behind the alleged multi-crore scam. In the letter, Gangopadhyay also claimed that despite being willing to divulge secrets in the school job scam much earlier, he was forced to remain silent because of a life threat during the previous Trinamool Congress government regime. Now, as the Kolkata-based businessman claimed to the CBI, with the change of government in West Bengal after the Assembly elections earlier this year, Gangopadhyay gained confidence to reveal everything to the central probe agency, and hence he pleaded to become an approver. Named in the charge sheet of the CBI in the case of recruitment of primary teachers in the state-run schools, Gangopadhyay was arrested earlier. However, he is currently out on bail. He was known as an extremely close confidant of former West Bengal Education Minister and former Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee, who had also been in jail for more than three years because of his involvement in the school job case. Chatterjee is also out on bail. Sources said that in his communications to both the ED and the CBI, Gangopadhyay alleged that he and another accused, Kuntal Ghosh, had delivered money collected through the recruitment racket to a senior Trinamool Congress leader.
Bengal: RPF arrests Maha man at Howrah with Rs 67 lakh cash
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) A passenger was caught with bundles of notes at Howrah station in West Bengal, police said on Monday. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested Sujit Kale, a resident of Maharashtra, and recovered around Rs 67 lakh in cash from him. Kale failed to provide a satisfactory explanation about the source of the money and was taken into custody. On Sunday night, RPF personnel were patrolling the New Complex of Howrah station when they noticed Kale. His movements appeared suspicious, prompting questioning. As his answers were unsatisfactory, the RPF searched his bag and found bundles of notes amounting to Rs 67 lakh. According to RPF officials, Kale is a resident of Solapur in Maharashtra. During interrogation, he claimed to own a shop in the Gaya Township area and said he had travelled to Howrah by Mumbai Mail on Sunday night. He told officials he had brought the money to buy gold and silver from Burrabazar in Kolkata. However, his explanation did not convince the RPF. Officials said Kale could not explain the source of the bundled notes or produce any documents for the cash. He was arrested, and the Income Tax Department was informed. Sources said the recovered money and the arrested person will be handed over to the Income Tax Department. Authorities noted that surveillance in railway and metro stations has been heightened ahead of the Durga Puja festive season. Special checks are also being conducted on the movement of large amounts of cash in view of the Assembly byelections in Nandigram and Rejinagar constituencies on October 6. Naka checking is being carried out on highways to prevent transfer of cash in pollbound constituencies.
AISF moves Calcutta HC against ECI symbol allotment
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) All India Secular Front (AISF), with Nawsad Siddique as the lone party representative in the West Bengal Assembly, on Monday approached the Calcutta High Court against the Election Commission of India (ECI)s decision last week to allot the Envelope symbol to Ritabrata Banerjeeled rebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress. Last week, the ECI allotted the Ritabrataled faction the new name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the new symbol Envelop. AISF, instead, was allotted the Almirah symbol. The decision irked the AISF leadership, especially Siddique, who contested and was elected twice from the Bhangar Assembly Constituency in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, first in 2021 and then in 2026, with the Envelop symbol. Siddique told media persons last week that he had already sent a letter to the Commission highlighting AISFs objections and might also challenge the decision in court. Accordingly, on Monday afternoon he approached the Calcutta High Courts singlejudge bench of Justice Krishna Rao, challenging the ECIs decision on the Envelop symbol. AISF has been contesting with the Envelope symbol since 2021, the year the party was formed. Even I got elected twice in 2021 and 2026 with that symbol. In that case, how can the same symbol be allotted to the Democratic Trinamool Congress, which was formed just a couple of days back? Siddique questioned. AISF was not the only political party from West Bengal allotted a new symbol by the ECI last week. Humayun Kabirfounded Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) was given the symbol table, replacing its earlier whistle. Kabir had contested and won simultaneously from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in Murshidabad district with the whistle symbol earlier this year. However, Kabir did not raise any objection about the allotment of the new symbol for the party he founded. While AJUP is contesting the Rejinagar bypoll, AISF is contesting from Nandigram in East Midnapore district next month. The bypolls for both constituencies will be held on October 6, and the results will be declared on October 9.
Temporary health workers protest around Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul's car, demand a salary hike
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) A section of temporary health workers protested around the car of West Bengals Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday, demanding a hike in their salary. In the morning, the state minister joined the anti-dengue campaign in the Chitpur area of north Kolkata. While leaving the programme, a section of temporary health workers of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) protested around her car. The protesters demanded a salary increase. The state minister said that she will look into the demands of the health workers. The minister said that a decision will be taken considering the poor financial condition of the state. In Agnimitra's words, They get only Rs 303 per day. We will try to increase the salary. No one's salary has been stopped. No one's salary will be stopped during this new government's tenure. Rather, it will increase. At the same time, the state minister added, We will have to take a decision after seeing the state's treasury. The previous government has incurred debts. We are giving women Rs 3,000 per month. There are also many projects currently underway. We will also have to look at the state's treasury before taking a decision in this regard. Meanwhile, regarding the dengue awareness campaign in the city, she said, Everyone should be careful not to allow water to accumulate anywhere near the house or roadside. Because dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Even if iron, nails or other materials used in building a house are left for a long time, water can accumulate there. Therefore, action will be taken if construction materials are left on the roadside or anywhere else. The Minister gave a clear message that if the rules are not followed, in addition to fines, those materials can also be confiscated if necessary. She warned of hefty fines in this regard. According to her, awareness and active cooperation of the general public, along with the administration, is also very important in preventing dengue. Agnimitra Paul said that last year the number of dengue cases in Kolkata was 585. So far this year, the number has been 539. However, she said that the goal is to reduce this number to zero.
Bengal govt joins Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) West Bengal on Monday formally joined the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a Union Government initiative to reduce infrastructural gaps and strengthen the fisheries sector. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari met Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh in Newtown, Kolkata, to finalise the decision. After the one-and-a-half-hour meeting, Adhikari announced that West Bengal had been brought under the PMMSY scheme. He said, There is a lot of potential in the states fisheries sector. We have discussed it repeatedly. Today I thank Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in particular. He listened to our concerns and handed over Rs 9 crore for fisheries development. From today, fishermen will get loans as needed along with other benefits. Adhikari accused the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government of depriving fishermen by not allowing West Bengal to join the scheme earlier. Singh seconded the Chief Minister, saying the Union Government's efforts had stalled due to non-cooperation from the previous regime. Adhikari added that coastal areas, including the Sundarbans, would be further developed. We have seas and rivers in South Bengal. Fishermen there have their own problems. Following our proposals, the Union Minister has approved six Amrit Sarovars in Bankura and Purulia districts, he said. Singh noted that a lot of work pending for the last five years has been cleared in the last four months.
Heavy rain likely in south Bengal from Tuesday to Friday, says Met Department
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in various parts of West Bengal from Tuesday to Friday due to the influence of a low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department said on Monday. According to a Met Department official, a cyclone strengthened in the north Andaman Sea and turned into a clear depression on Sunday. Its direction is west and northwest. It is likely to turn into a deep depression in the east-central Bay of Bengal on Monday. As a result, there is a possibility of scattered rain and thundershowers in south Bengal, and the possibility of rain will increase from Tuesday, the official said. There is a possibility of heavy rain in most districts of south Bengal from Wednesday to Friday. On the other hand, there is no possibility of heavy rain in north Bengal for now. The possibility of rain will be low until Wednesday. However, heavy rain is predicted again in the northern districts, i.e. Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar on Thursday. Fishermen have been prohibited from going deep into the central and north Bay of Bengal on Monday. There is a ban on going into the central and north Bay of Bengal from Tuesday to Friday, while fishermen have been banned from going to sea off the coast of Bangladesh, Odisha and West Bengal from Wednesday to Friday. According to the forecast, rain will increase in the districts of south Bengal from Tuesday. Thunderstorms with lightning will occur in all districts, along with rain accompanied by gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in East Midnapore, and some parts of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas districts. Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram districts on Wednesday. Gusty winds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are likely to occur in coastal districts, i.e., South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Light to moderate rains with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are expected in some parts of all the remaining districts. The rainfall will increase slightly on Thursday. A Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Birbhum and Murshidabad districts today. A Yellow alert for heavy rain will be in place in seven districts - North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Nadia, and East Burdwan - on Friday. Gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely in coastal parts of North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore. Light to moderate rain with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour is expected in some parts of all the remaining districts. Rain will increase in north Bengal from Wednesday. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is likely in all districts today. There is a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts on Thursday. A Yellow alert will be in effect in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and North Dinajpur districts on Friday as well. There are fewer chances of rain in Kolkata on Monday, while the chances will increase from Tuesday. There will be a higher chance from Wednesday to Friday. On Sunday, the maximum temperature in Kolkata and its surrounding areas was 29.02 degrees Celsius, which is 3.06 degrees Celsius below normal. The minimum temperature was 24.06 degrees Celsius, which is 1.07 degrees below normal. The relative humidity was at a maximum of 98 and a minimum of 79 per cent.
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on September 21
Hrithik Roshan was approached by a school to have his name in their textbooks
Hrithik Roshan revealed that once, when he was in Calcutta (now called Kolkata) and a school board approached him, proposing to add his name in their biology textbooks
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the bypolls from Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, who was arrested last week in connection with an old murder case registered against him in 2007, on Monday, approached a single-judge Bench of the Calcutta High Court seeking interim protection from coercive police action in five other cases registered against him during the same period. The single-judge Bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya had admitted the petition. The first hearing in the matter will be held on September 22. The Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll was arrested from Chandipur in East Midnapore district on the evening of September 18. According to police, he was arrested in an old murder case filed during the anti-land acquisition movement in 2007 during the late Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee-led Left Front regime. Arrest warrants were issued against Milan Pradhan in other cases, too, a long time ago. The police claimed that they arrested Milan Pradhan to execute the long-standing Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) for his arrest as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). After filing the petition at the Calcutta High Court on Monday, Milan Pradhans counsel Ayan Bhattacharya said that after his client has already been arrested in one case, there were apprehensions that he might be shown as arrested in five other old cases registered against him. Pradhan was arrested on September 18 evening after former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, announced that the faction in the Trinamool Congress led by her would support the Congress candidate from Nandigram. Mamata Banerjees announcement on this count came just after her factions candidate, Sanchita Dey Pradhan withdrew her nomination from Nandigram. A murder case was registered against Milan Pradhan during the Nandigram movement in 2007. Police claimed that in addition there were cases of attempt to murder, kidnapping with intent to murder, destruction of evidence, trespassing and spreading unrest using weapons. Police said they executed the NBW for his arrest as per the instructions of the ECI. The police also claimed that three FIRs were filed at Nandigram police station and one at Khejuri police station initially. On Saturday, the Haldia subdivision Court sent Milan Pradhan to 14-days' jail custody till October 3. The bypolls for Nandigram, as well as for Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, will be held on October 6 and the counting will be on October 9.
Mamata Trinamool office vandalised in Kolkata, police launch probe; BJP denies role
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Unidentified miscreants allegedly vandalised an office of the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) in the Jadavpur area of south Kolkata on Sunday night, the Kolkata Police said on Monday. The office door was allegedly broken, and furniture and other items were damaged on Sunday night. The incident took place a day after the party office and residence of former Trinamool Congress MLA Debabrata Majumdar were attacked in the area. The Mamata Trinamool workers alleged that when they reached the office at Vidyasagar Colony No. 4 in the city after the latest incident, they found the sofa set overturned. They also said the party flag bearing a pair of flowers, which had been hanging on the wall, was torn and scattered. The MAITC workers claimed that a water jug was broken and an attempt was made to search and vandalise a cupboard inside the office. The Mamata faction leaders alleged that miscreants acting under the protection of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had conspired to carry out the attack, a charge the BJP denied. However, video footage released by the Mamata faction did not clearly show the flag of any political party or identify any specific person. BJP leaders denied the allegations and claimed that the incident was the result of a factional dispute within the Trinamool. A complaint was emailed to the Netaji Nagar police station regarding the incident. Our party office was vandalised by BJP-backed miscreants. We have lodged a complaint with the police, a local Mamata Trinamool worker said. The police have started an investigation in Jadavpur and are examining CCTV footage to identify those involved. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident. On Saturday night, a group of miscreants was accused of vandalising several Communist Party of India (Marxist) offices and attacking the house and party office of former Trinamool Congress MLA Debrabrata Majumdar in Jadavpur. The police said on Sunday morning that a gang of miscreants riding motorcycles had rampaged through party offices in at least six wards of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The attackers allegedly pulled down party flags and threw them on the ground. The house and office of Majumdar, a long-time KMC councillor and former MLA from Ward 96, were also allegedly attacked. The identity and affiliation of those involved in the earlier attacks remain unclear. The police are investigating whether the vandalism is connected to the earlier incidents, while both sides have traded allegations over the attacks.
Rejinagar bypoll: AJUP chief Kabir approaches EC over police harassment; suspends campaigning
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and legislator Humayun Kabir on Monday submitted an official complaint to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, alleging that the West Bengal Police are selectively targeting his party leaders and cadre prior to the upcoming Rejinagar assembly bypoll in Murshidabad district. In a surprise move, Kabir announced that he would refrain from campaigning for his party candidate and son, Golam Nabi Azad, who is contesting from the Rejinagar assembly constituency. He also directed Azad to avoid physical campaigning and instead focus on social media, leaving the final decision to the voters of Rejinagar. AJUPs Beldanga-1 block president, Munaim Sheikh, has been arrested. Our state committee secretary, Sukhbar Mollah, was arrested from his house at 12 midnight. He has been falsely implicated in a case related to fake notes and firearms. I have filed a complaint with the ECI highlighting the intentional and selective targeting of our party leaders and workers before the Rejinagar bypoll, he said. I have demanded the immediate transfer of the Baharampur Police District superintendent and the inspectors-in-charge of the Beldanga Police Station and Rejinagar Police Station, Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress leader, said. Meanwhile, Kabir has been summoned to Baharampur Police Station on Monday in connection with a surfaced audio clip in which he was reportedly heard speaking about violence. IANS could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip. The police said they registered a case against Kabir under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In the notice, the police asked him to cooperate with investigating officer Rabindranath Biswas or face legal action under Section 208 of the BNS. Rejinagar, along with Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district, will go to the polls on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9. In the Assembly elections earlier this year, Kabir was elected simultaneously from Naoda and Rejinagar, both in Murshidabad district. He later chose to retain Naoda, necessitating the Rejinagar bypoll. Rejinagar is witnessing a seven-cornered contest involving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), two Trinamool Congress factions, Congress, CPI-M, Revolutionary Party and AJUP. Around 65 per cent of voters in the constituency belong to the minority community. The bypoll has assumed added significance amid the closely watched contest.
Today, gold prices saw a minor drop among leading Indian jewellery retailers. Lets have a look at the latest 22k gold rates at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bengaluru. Also see the updated indicative rates of 24k, 22k, 20k, 18k and 14k gold and 999-purity silver at the IBJA today.
Enduring 'Stoneman' mystery: 13 skulls crushed in the dead of night
In Mumbai and Kolkata, a string of mysterious killings targeting pavement dwellers gave rise to the chilling label of the 'Stoneman.' Authorities have failed to pin down a specific suspect despite numerous inquiries. Echoes of earlier similar murders bring to light the unresolved riddle of these crimes. The case persists as a haunting puzzle, leaving many questions unanswered.
Bengaluru is most expensive for metro travel as compared to Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai
While the city offers cheaper alternatives to Namma Metro for daily commute, none can beat the travel time reliability of the metro networkdue to the traffic congestion on the roads
Pujo shopping, but make it chill: Shop a little, sip a little and have some cake
Kolkata Metros Orange Line Phase Three Track Laying Completed
The Kolkata Metro has completed track laying for the Orange Lines Phase Three, enhancing connectivity to the airport and IT hub. Kolkata Metros Orange Line Phase Three Track Laying Completed
AJUP chief Kabir to stay away from Rejinagar bypoll campaign, candidate son follows suit
Clubs bat for senior citizens, launch year-round events to keep them active
Neurologists raise caution about early onset of Alzheimers
Choose Howrah Bridge colours, music and voice message 10 days a year
Orange Line milestone: 1st wheels roll out at Chingrighata stretch
Lower maintenance cost pushes e-auto shift in city
Min Agnimitra Paul rescues bikers injured by manja on Maa
TMC office, leaders' homes, CPI(M) martyrs' memorial vandalised in Kolkata's Jadavpur
TMC offices and residences in Jadavpur faced alleged vandalism on Saturday night. A former MLA and councillor reported their homes were ransacked by a motorcycle-borne group. A CPI(M) memorial dedicated to martyrs was also reportedly damaged in Anandapalli. The Trinamool Congress and Left parties accused BJP workers of orchestrating these attacks. However, the BJP state president rejected these allegations, citing internal TMC disputes.
Ex-VC, Emeritus Profs Write To Guv Over Transfer Bill
Soon, Kolkata Key App For Tourists To Feature Spots, Hotels & Transport
First conviction in child pregnancy case after CM prod
Bangiya Christiya Parisheba alleges mob attacks on Christians in Bengal
BJP natl VP, party MLA may fight IMA Bengal poll
After Court Ends Deadlock Over Panel Vote, Bagbazar Club Holds Khuti Puja
Pol row erupts as Mamata TMC neta dies after assault
Mamata Trinamool, CPM offices face attacks across 7 S Kol wards for 4 hrs
Kurmis to be kept out of UCC, says West Bengal CM; promises to withdraw old cases
Suvendu Adhikari says government will fulfil promises made to community ahead of Assembly polls
Birla meets Samik, to meet CM tomorrow; plans Bengal expansion
Southeast Railway Enhances Clean Water Supply at Stations in Kolkata
Southeast Railway has taken significant steps to improve clean water supply at stations in Kolkata, focusing on maintenance and quality. Southeast Railway Enhances Clean Water Supply at Stations in Kolkata
Police, Customs crack down on illegal trade at Galiff Street pet market
Another warrant against Milan, Cong to move HC
Mob vandalises Mankar health centre after patient death
Oppn missing in action, lone horse BJP setting the tone in Nandigram bypoll campaign
Bengal: Doctors, nurses strike after attack at East Burdwan hospital
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) Relatives of a deceased patient vandalised Mankar Rural Hospital in the Budbud police station area of East Burdwan district on Sunday, alleging that improper treatment led to the death. They also allegedly assaulted nurses and health workers, triggering tension across the hospital premises. Doctors, nurses, and health workers have since launched a strike demanding security. According to reports, Budhan Bauri, a resident of Mankar, fell ill on Saturday night and was taken to the hospital. After initial treatment, he was kept under observation. Doctors later advised his family to take him home as his condition appeared better. However, Budhan reportedly fell ill again on the way home and died. His relatives then stormed the hospital, vandalising equipment and furniture in the emergency department. Eyewitnesses said the crowd broke into a room where nurses and health workers had taken shelter and assaulted them, including female staff. Police from Budbud station rushed to the spot, brought the situation under control, and recovered Budhans body, which was sent for autopsy on Sunday morning. Authorities said efforts are underway to identify those involved in the violence. Following the incident, hospital staff expressed concern for their safety. They have been protesting outside the main gate since Sunday morning, demanding written assurances and specific security measures. If our lives are in danger at work, how will we provide services? Until the administration gives us written assurances and security, our protest will continue, a doctor said. Except for the emergency department, all other hospital services have been suspended.
Lake sr citizen loses Rs 29L to digi arrest fraudsters posing as Del cops
28-yr-old abducted, tortured in Entally; Kin forced to pay Rs 5L ransom
Ultraviolette X-47 Skyforce Joins Kolkata Police Fleet
Ultraviolette has delivered 183 units of the X-47 Skyforce to the Kolkata Police, introducing a dedicated law-enforcement variant of the X-47 Crossover into the force's fleet. The Skyforce runs on an electronics architecture designed specifically to support police-duty equipment. Ultraviolette says
Bengal: TMC office, CPM memorial attacked; BJP denies role
A TMC office, former MLA and councillor residences, and a CPI(M) memorial were allegedly vandalised in Jadavpur, Kolkata. The Trinamool Congress and the Left Front have accused BJP workers of the attacks, while the BJP has denied involvement, attributing the incidents to internal TMC disputes.
Kolkata and Howrah Municipal Corporations Reserve Over 33% of Wards for Women
Kolkata and Howrah Municipal Corporations reserve over 33% of wards for women ahead of the 2026 elections, with public feedback open until October 5. Kolkata and Howrah Municipal Corporations Reserve Over 33% of Wards for Women
Kolkata Police Urges Swift Online Updates for FIRs and Charge Sheets
Kolkata Police mandates timely online updates for FIRs and charge sheets, emphasizing efficiency and accountability across all police stations. Kolkata Police Urges Swift Online Updates for FIRs and Charge Sheets
Bengal: Over 33 pc wards in Kolkata and Howrah are reserved for women post-delimitation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), the two major urban civic bodies in West Bengal, will go to polls by the end of 2026 with a substantial number of wards reserved for women candidates. As per the draft delimitation proposal for KMC, the total number of wards is set to increase to 209 from the current 144. Out of the proposed 209 wards, 70 will be reserved for women, accounting for over 33 per cent of the total. Similarly, in HMC, the number of wards is slated to increase to 68 from the current 50. Out of these, 23 will be reserved for women, which comes to nearly 34 per cent. Political parties with complaints or suggestions on the draft delimitation list can submit them to the concerned authorities by October 5. The preparatory process for the elections in both civic bodies has already begun. Elections to form new boards in KMC and HMC are likely to be held in November this year, immediately after the festive season beginning with Durga Puja next month. However, an official involved in the process said the excitement usually associated with civic polls is missing this time, largely because of the lack of enthusiasm among the two factions of the Trinamool Congress, which is officially the principal opposition party in West Bengal. Political observers feel it is uncertain whether the two factions of the Trinamool Congress, especially the original but minority faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, will be able to field candidates in all wards of both KMC and HMC.
Centre, Bengal govt meeting tomorrow to boost fisheries sector
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Centres Department of Fisheries is organising a review meeting in Kolkata on September 21 to chart a roadmap for the state's huge untapped fisheries potential, according to an official statement issued on Sunday. Union Minister for Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will co-chair the meeting. The deliberations are expected to identify priority interventions and strengthen Centre-State collaboration to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth in West Bengal's fisheries sector. The meeting will provide a comprehensive platform to review the progress of various schemes and programmes in West Bengal and deliberate on key focus areas for future development. Presentations by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the Government of West Bengal, along with interactions with leading fisheries research, regulatory, and financial institutions, will facilitate discussions on enhancing production, expanding aquaculture, adopting technology, developing infrastructure, strengthening institutional support, and promoting investment. This will be followed by the handing over of administrative approval for integrated reservoir development in West Bengal. West Bengal, the second largest fish-producing state in the country, contributed 25.43 lakh tonnes to Indias total fish production in 2025-26. An investment of Rs 617 crore under various schemes supported the production increase by strengthening production technologies, post-harvest infrastructure, processing, and capacity building. These initiatives provided livelihood opportunities to more than 30 lakh fisherfolk and developed a robust fisheries ecosystem supported by value chain and market access. The Government of India has also notified 34 fisheries production and processing clusters, including a dry fish cluster in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal. The Department of Fisheries is placing special emphasis on strengthening fisheries farmer producer organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives, while also focusing on digitisation of the fisheries sector in the state through various initiatives. The review meeting is expected to provide direction to accelerate growth in West Bengal's fisheries and aquaculture sector through stronger convergence between the Central and State Governments and key stakeholder institutions. The deliberations are expected to help identify priority areas for intervention, strengthen implementation of flagship fisheries schemes and programmes, promote technology-led and sustainable development, and increase investments across the fisheries value chain. The meeting is also expected to help improve fishers' livelihoods, increase fish production and productivity, strengthen market linkages, boost ornamental fisheries, improve post-harvest infrastructure, and advance the vision of a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive fisheries sector in the state, the statement added.
CPI (M) seeks online donations for Bengal bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) CPI(M), the lead party in the West Bengal Left Front, has issued a social media message seeking online donations for the forthcoming bypolls in Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district. CPI(M) Politburo member and state secretary Md Salim shared the appeal on social media, attaching a QR code through which people can contribute online to the partys election fund. The bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar will be held on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9. The appeal comes as the Left Front faces internal challenges, particularly in Rejinagar. While CPIs Shanti Gopal Giri is the unanimously accepted Left Front candidate in Nandigram, both CPI(M) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) have fielded candidates in Rejinagar. After CPI(M)s Syed Asad Ali was chosen as the Front-nominated candidate in Rejinagar, the RSP revolted and fielded its own candidate, Bikash Chandra Mishra. Salim urged supporters: Help as much as you can by donating to the election fund for campaigning for the upcoming Rejinagar and Nandigram assembly by-elections. During the last West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, CPI(M) had also appealed for funds through social media. At that time, Trinamool Congress ridiculed CPI(M) for seeking online donations, arguing it was contradictory given the Left Fronts opposition to computerisation in government offices during its 34-year rule from 1977 to 2011. CPI(M) leaders dismissed the criticism, saying many left-minded voters, though not active party members, wish to support the party financially during elections. This online donation system is aimed at making it easy for such voters to donate. Remember, our party does not have electoral bonds like others. Our leadership believes in the help from common people, a state committee member said.
Bengal: Kolkata police order FIR, chargesheet updates on CCTNS
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) Kolkata Police have issued strict instructions to Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of every police station and intelligence department to update the number of FIRs and all related information online through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). A senior officer said on Sunday that Police Commissioner Ajay Nand questioned officers on this issue in a meeting held yesterday. The Commissioner met OCs of every police station and intelligence department to discuss crime suppression and directed that FIR numbers and related information updated online through CCTNS be increased further. Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, has given special importance to uploading charge sheet documents in CCTNS. It has been ordered that as many old charge sheets as possible be uploaded. Some police station officials are not fully following this instruction. There is reportedly a low tendency to upload charge sheets in some police stations in east Kolkata or the Eastern Suburban Division. The Commissioner questioned OCs and officers of those stations about the lapses and asked why they were not uploaded. Lalbazar has ordered action against any officer found negligent. Meanwhile, even when a missing person is found, the information is often not updated on the missing person portal, creating confusion. The Commissioner has instructed officers to upload details when someone returns. In addition, instructions have been given to set up cyber police stations in every division. Lalbazar has directed that trials in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 cases be expedited. If any trial is slow, the Trial Monitoring Section of the Intelligence Department will review it. Lalbazar has also warned police stations and the Intelligence Department about house theft and bike theft cases.
Bengal tea stall owner claims assault for serving minorities
Kolkata: A tea stall owner has claimed that a group of men assaulted him in West Bengals Paschim Bardhaman for serving Muslim customers and that he has previously received threats. The alleged assault took place on September 13 under the Kanksa police stations jurisdiction in Dangal villages Agaro Mile area. Shop owner Pratap Ghosh said 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 .
Before tigers return, Buxa steps up dog vaccination drive
Mamata backs Congress in Nandigram, hints at Bengal opposition reset
Kolkata: Former West Bengal chief ministers support to the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll is a striking reversal of decades of political rivalry, observers feel, signalling a possible recalibration of opposition politics in the state at a time when the TMC is battling its deepest organisational crisis. Banerjees decision to back Milan Pradhan 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 .
After Nandigram, Rejinagar bypoll candidate arrested in Bengal
Kolkata: An Independent candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll in West Bengal was arrested on Saturday, September 19, in a five-year-old case of a clash between two groups during the 2021 state elections, police said. The arrest of Saiful Islam, who is associated with the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) led by Humayun Kabir, came 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 .
Mohun Bagan clinch 31st Kolkata League title
Barasat, Sep 19: Mohun Bagan ended an eight-year wait for the Calcutta Football League title, beating Mohammedan Sporting 3-2 to secure their 31st crown at the Barasat Stadium on Saturday. The Mariners came from 1-2 down despite being reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Deeprobhat Ghosh was sent off in the 59th minute. Sahal Abdul []
Rejinagar after Nandigram: Mamatas bypoll candidate withdraws under pressure, then decides to stay
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SSB seizes over 325 kg ganja in Arunachal Pradesh, one arrested
Digital Desk | Kolkata/Itanagar, Sep 20 (IANS) The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), in a coordinated operation with the Arunachal Pradesh Police, seized nearly 325.5 kg of cannabis (Ganja) from the West Kameng district of the state on Friday. The operation was carried out by troops of the 61 Battalion SSB, Bhairabkhunda. One person has been arrested in this connection. The seizure comes weeks after the Assam Police seized over 307 kg of ganja near the state's border with Arunachal Pradesh. According to officials, Arunachal Pradesh has now turned into a major producer of narcotics like Opium and Cannabis (Ganja). This illicit cultivation takes place in remote parts of the state. Cultivators and traffickers believe that the terrain and difficult landscape will leave their operations undetected. However, security agencies have launched a drive to prevent the production and trafficking of narcotics. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also directed all agencies to remain alert towards the movement of narcotics through states in northeastern India that are close to the infamous Golden Triangle. This is part of the Government's drive against narcotics as part of its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The state government in Arunachal Pradesh has also launched a crackdown on the cultivation of illegal drugs. The state has so far destroyed 18.587 acres of illegal poppy (opium) and 64.59 acres of cannabis cultivation in the state, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta said recently. Such operations are crucial to prevent the consumption of narcotics in the strategic border state as well as their transportation elsewhere. This illegal activity is related to crime and even insurgency. There is evidence that insurgent groups promote such trade for profit. It is also a way of recruiting the youth from such states by engaging them in this trade, an official said. Central Armed Police Forces and paramilitary forces like the SSB and Assam Rifles are now assisting local authorities in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura to tackle the menace of narcotics. There is better coordination between the state police and central forces now. Intelligence networks have been created, and there are regular crackdowns on the trafficking of narcotics. Thousands of kg of narcotics - both cultivated locally and smuggled from across the border have been seized over the last few months. This action will continue, the official said. Groups involved in the racket are also being identified, and members are being apprehended during the operations.
4.5 lakh women in Kolkata cleared for Annapurna Yojana aid
KIFF website still down, many directors yet to submit films
Woman Arrested For Extortion With False Cases In Kolkata
A 31-year-old woman in Kolkata has been arrested for allegedly extorting money by threatening individuals with false rape and sexual harassment charges. Police state she filed 11 false cases against at least 14 people, often introducing herself as a model. Her modus operandi involved implicating victims, including a dentist and even her own father, in fabricated cases to demand money.
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INSV Neelkanth to sail from Visakhapatnam to Andamans for ANCs Silver Jubilee Celebrations
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) The INSV Neelkanth, an ocean-going sailing vessel of the Indian Navy, will sail from the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) headquarters at Visakhapatnam to Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The sail ship will embark on a nearly 661.2 nautical miles voyage as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), headquartered at Sri Vijaya Puram (earlier Port Blair). Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Commander-in-Chief, ANC (CINCAN), interacted with the crew of INSV Neelkanth at Visakhapatnam ahead of the voyage on Saturday, September 19, 2026. The interaction focused on key lessons for the voyage and inspiring the future of sailing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the ANC said. The INSV Neelkanth is a nearly 40-foot-long sailing yacht or ocean-racing vessel. It is one of six ocean-going sailing vessels the Navy uses for expeditions and training. The others are INSV Mhadei, INSV Tarini, INSV Bulbul, INSV Hariyali, and INSV Kadalpura. In 2023, the INSV Neelkanth won first place in the Inter Command Ocean Sailing Race by covering 360 nautical miles from Kochi to Goa. During the race, the crew, comprising both men and women, encountered heavy rain and sea states of up to 04, along with speeds gusting over 25 knots for two days. In 2024, the sailing vessel undertook a 100-nautical-mile expedition in 24 hours to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Navys submarine training school INS Satavahana. Earlier, in 2021, it sailed from Chennai to Visakhapatnam to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Navys submarine base INS Virbahu. While these expeditions were along the Indian coastline, the voyage to the Andamans will be through open seas. The crew may experience rough weather when approaching the Andaman Sea, with the possibility of a low-pressure system developing over the area. Southwest winds of 2025 knots may blow over the South Andaman Sea, and the sea state may be rough, with poor visibility. The crew is extremely well-trained, and the vessel is capable of handling all weather conditions. In fact, it will be a very good experience for those participating in the expedition, an official said. The ANC is Indias first and only tri-services Command, established on October 1, 2001. The Command, comprising the Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard, was created to defend the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In addition to regular surveillance along Indias Exclusive Economic Zone around the archipelago for defence purposes, the ANC also protects the region's fragile ecosystem. It is also tasked with Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR) operations in one of the worlds busiest maritime zones. The ANC has planned a series of activities for its Silver Jubilee celebrations, some of which, involving island residents, have already begun.
Bengal: Humayun Kabir summoned in audio clip case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 19 (IANS) Police have summoned Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and MLA Humayun Kabir to Baharampur police station next Monday in connection with a recent audio clip case. On Saturday afternoon, officers from Baharampur police station visited Kabirs residence in Murshidabad district. The Nowda MLA was not at home, and his son, Golam Nabi Azad, AJUPs candidate in Rejinagar for the upcoming by-election, signed and received the notice. Police have directed Kabir to appear at Baharampur police station on Monday, September 21, at 11 am for questioning. The case stems from an audio recording of Kabirs alleged telephone conversation with another person, which was circulated on social media. IANS has not verified the audio's authenticity. Allegedly, Kabir made provocative remarks, prompting a complaint. Police said they registered a case against Kabir under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The notice states he must cooperate with the investigating officer, Rabindranath Biswas, or face legal action under Section 208 of the BNS. Kabir, reacting to the summons, said: I am not at home. I heard the police came and gave a notice. They have done this before. This is nothing but an attempt to intimidate voters. He added that he would meet the investigating officer at the appropriate time and answer all questions. Kabir alleged a conspiracy, claiming: I was called on my mobile so they could frame me. I have already informed the Superintendent of Police by email and requested a proper investigation. The Assembly by-election in Rejinagar constituency is scheduled for October 6. AJUP is contesting the seat, which Kabir had vacated after winning both Rejinagar and Nowda constituencies.
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