From rallies to reels: political catchphrases turn dance anthems in Kolkata
Why are Kolkata club-goers dancing to Mamata Banerjees Hamba Hamba and the BJPs Mach Chor ? From campaign songs and election slogans to viral reels and packed dancefloors, Bengals political techno remixes are blurring the lines between propaganda, memes and nightlife
Gold and silver prices today, 22 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
A new heritage gallery in Kolkata to preserve the legacy of its resident Chinese population makes for a solid case that can be replicated in Mumbai to salute the contribution of its multiple communities
Where Kolkatas hilsa comes from and why its waters may shape its taste
Is Ganga hilsa really different from Padma hilsa? What is Gujarat hilsa doing in Kolkatas markets, and why did old Calcutta connoisseurs claim they could taste the stretch of river a fish came from? Following the hilsa from ocean to river to plate reveals a story of ecology, appetite and inherited taste
Karthik Maharaj Appointed Chair of Kolkata
Karthik Maharaj discusses his vision for Kolkatas street names, emphasizing cultural significance and expert involvement in renaming decisions. Karthik Maharaj Appointed Chair of Kolkatas Street Renaming Committee
Academicians write to Governor opposing the inter-university transfer of teachers
Students From Kolkata Schools Battle It Out At Science Quiz
App-biker threatens woman with rape
Noise Demon To High Spirits, Trouble Brews At Immersions In Kolkata
Car catches fire on Maa, traffic hit for 40 mins
Encroachment On Canal Bund Land Blocks Access To East Kolkata Wetlands Bheris
Study Flags Antibiotic Resistance Gene Spread Through Soil & Water
Jilted 3rd-yr boy stalks, assaults junior near Minto Park college
Kolkata Railway Police Solve Major Theft Case, Recover Jewelry and Cash Worth
Kolkata Railway Police cracked a theft case aboard a train, recovering jewelry and cash valued at 16.41 lakhs. Kolkata Railway Police Solve Major Theft Case, Recover Jewelry and Cash Worth 16.41 Lakhs
JU VC convenes meet to form IoE, PM-USHA panels
Mithu Mukherjee, the girl next-door from Mouchak, passes away
Kolkata airport gets new charging points to juice up your laptops
Matri Bhavan should be a model for other hosps: Min
Coughless cold joins cough and cold in season of viral infections
Microplastics found in packaged, fresh cow milk: Study
Vandalism goes on at TMC, CPM offices in S Kol areas
Kol crime hotspots: Jadavpur leads in petty thefts, Port in break-ins
Met sounds rain alert for Kolkata, coastal districts
State committee considers renaming roads after Sri Chaitanya, slain cop Vinod Mehta
KIFF extends submission deadline to Sept 30
6 youths harass doc couple & friends at multiplex, arrested
TMC Leader Rijju Dutta Critiques BJP and Calls Out Election Commission Rules
Rijju Dutta of TMC criticizes BJP and discusses election issues while addressing Mamata Banerjees Supreme Court visit in Kolkata. TMC Leader Rijju Dutta Critiques BJP and Calls Out Election Commission Rules
CM woos Reliance investment in meet with Ambanis
Airfares to Kolkata are set to surge around Durga Puja, with tickets for October 16 priced 71% higher than fares for the following week, according to an analysis of 53 domestic routes. The median fare for flights into Kolkata on October 16 stood at Rs 14,117, compared with Rs 8,259 for the following week, while Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru recorded the steepest increases.
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.
IIT-Kharagpur director urges students not to stress over exams
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.
Humayun Kabir alleges police targeting ahead of Rejinagar bypoll
Mahua moves HC over cop inaction
Suvendu urges EC, cops to act on Humayun Kabirs threats
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
AISF Challenges Election Symbol Allocation in Kolkata High Court
The All India Secular Front contests the Election Commissions decision on symbol allocation in Kolkata High Court. AISF Challenges Election Symbol Allocation in Kolkata High Court
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.
Maharashtra man held with Rs 67 lakh cash at Howrah station, probe launched
A Maharashtra man was arrested by the Railway Protection Force at Howrah station after officials allegedly found Rs 67 lakh in cash in his bag. The man reportedly said he was carrying the money to buy gold and silver in Kolkata
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.
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
Mahua Moitra Approaches Kolkata High Court Over Egg Attack Incident
Mahua Moitra seeks court intervention after alleged egg attack in Nadia, but immediate hearing denied by Kolkata High Court. Mahua Moitra Approaches Kolkata High Court Over Egg Attack Incident
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.
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
Why living in Bengaluru is expensive as compared to Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai
The farther a person stays from the central business district (CBD), greater the chances of lower cost for housing, but the Namma Metro in Bengaluru cannot take a commuter beyond 25 km from the core areas
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
Orange Line milestone: 1st wheels roll out at Chingrighata stretch
Lower maintenance cost pushes e-auto shift in city
US visa delay: France and Germany Are Emerging as Preferred Choices for Indian Students
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
Bangiya Christiya Parisheba alleges mob attacks on Christians in Bengal
BJP natl VP, party MLA may fight IMA Bengal poll
Ananda Marga holds cultural competition on Prabhat Samgiita Divas anniv
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
Police, Customs crack down on illegal trade at Galiff Street pet market
Another warrant against Milan, Cong to move HC
Bengal: House looted, man suspected killed in Baguiati
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) A house was looted in north Kolkatas Baguiati area on Sunday, while the body of the house owners son was recovered from the premises. Police said there were injury marks on his body and are investigating whether he was murdered during the attempted looting. Police identified the deceased as Balaram Rajbangshi (31). He lived with his parents and elder brother in Baguiatis Raghunathpur area. Local sources said Balaram had been ill for a couple of years and was bedridden at home. He was alone on Sunday morning when the incident occurred. His mother had gone to work as a maid, his father had gone to sell fish, and his elder brother was also out of the house. On Sunday afternoon, Balarams mother returned home and found her sons body lying inside. The house had been ransacked, the cupboard was open, clothes were scattered on the floor, and empty jewellery boxes were lying on the bed. A report was lodged at Baguiati police station, which began investigating whether the looting was linked to the youths death. Police have begun questioning family members and residents. CCTV footage is also being examined. Sources said the house was locked from outside. Balarams mother opened the door upon returning from work. The pet dog was found locked in another room, and neighbours said they didn't hear any noise. Investigators are also checking whether the cupboard was opened or broken.
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
Suvendu Adhikari Sings Devotional Songs At Gaudiya Math On Radha Ashtami
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari participated in Radha Ashtami celebrations at Sri Gaudiya Math in Kolkatas Bagbazar, where he sang devotional songs and joined devotees in kirtan. He also offered prayers and participated in the religious celebrations.
