Kolkata Police Volunteers to Wear Saffron Uniforms During Durga Puja
Kolkata Police volunteers will don saffron uniforms during Durga Puja to enhance visibility and comfort while ensuring public safety. Kolkata Police Volunteers to Wear Saffron Uniforms During Durga Puja
CM Adhikari thanks Centre for allocating road infra projects worth Rs 1,042 crore in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 16 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways for administrative approval for six major road infrastructure projects in the state under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme with a total investment of Rs 1,042 crore. On behalf of the Government and the People of West Bengal, I express our sincere gratitude to Honble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Honble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, for according administrative approval to 6 major road infrastructure projects under the CRIF Scheme for 202627, amounting to Rs 1,042.62 crore, said the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in a social media post on Tuesday. The Chief Minister claimed that the state public works department (PWD) had earlier sent a proposal on this count to the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Following that proposal, the Union Minister has now sanctioned covers for over 194 kilometres of vital road networks across North Bengal, South Bengal and the tribal-dominated Junglemahal region scattered over the four districts of Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore and Jhargram, the Chief Minister informed. Strengthening rural and highway connectivity remains a top priority for our administration. Our State PWD will ensure timely execution and adherence to the highest quality standards for these projects, ensuring smoother journeys, improved logistics and robust economic growth for our citizens, the Chief Minister claimed. A state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader claimed that the sanction of the Rs 1,042 crore road infrastructure project is yet another example of how the double-engine government in the state is working for infrastructure and economic development. The Union Government was keen on extending support for the economic and infrastructure development in the state even during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime. However, the previous regime was only interested in constantly quarrelling with the Union Government, as a result of which the worst sufferers were the common people of the state, the BJP leader added.
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In 3 Weeks, Bengal Does U-Turn On Akshaya Patra Providing Mid-Day Meals
The government had assigned the Akshaya Patra Foundation for the mid-day meal service in the government-run schools in Kolkata. The proposal was if they succeed, they will extend it across the districts.
Forest entry fee returns, treasury deposit sparks confusion
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Science Congress picks 215 research papers, abstracts in English & Bengali
CAB election forgery case: FIR against two over alleged courier manipulation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Kolkata Police have registered an FIR against two employees of courier company DTDC in connection with alleged forgery and irregularities related to the upcoming Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) elections. The FIR follows a complaint lodged at Maidan Police Station, which alleged that a private courier company, in collusion with a section of CAB officials, manipulated the dispatch of election-related documents to affiliated clubs. According to a police source, the case was registered after a preliminary inquiry into a complaint filed by Gautam Dey, a member of the Calcutta University Institute. The accused include Arghya Das, a channel management executive of DTDC, and Shubham Bakshi, manager of the company's Taratala-Gopalpur branch. The persons against whom the FIR had been registered include Arghya Das of the courier company, DTDC, and Shubham Bakshi, DTDCs manager, among others. The first is the channel management executive of the courier company concerned, and the second is the manager of the Taratala-Gopalpur branch of the company. It is to be noted that the brand ambassador of this courier company is CAB President and the former Indian cricket team captain, Sourav Ganguly. As per the complaint lodged by Gautam Dey, besides the courier company employees, a section of the CAB officials was also involved in the forgery. A team of investigating officials from Kolkata Police also appeared at the CAB office in Kolkata for a probe into the matter. Police sources said the accused have been booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to forgery of valuable documents, forgery with intent to cheat, use of forged documents as genuine, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy. Most of the offences invoked are non-bailable. As per the FIR, the accused allegedly generated fake consignment numbers and passed them off as genuine while dispatching election-related documents. They are also accused of sending couriers in violation of prescribed procedures. Investigators found that the consignment numbers in question reportedly had no traceable history on the company's tracking portal. The FIR further alleged that the accused acted with the intention of providing an unfair advantage to certain members in the election process. The alleged irregularities relate to documents connected with the election of the Secretary, Joint Secretary and Apex Council members, among other matters to be taken up at the CAB Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 24.
Two 'ragpickers' arrested for stealing expensive cameras from Kolkata studio
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) Two persons were arrested in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district for stealing expensive DSLR cameras and other equipment from a photography studio in Kolkata's Jadavpur area while disguised as ragpickers, police said on Tuesday. The two criminals, identified as Qayum Sheikh and Lutfar Sheikh, were arrested in Ghutiari Sharif after they tried to sell the stolen goods. According to the police, the arrested duo frequently came to Kolkata by early morning train with a sling on their shoulders, got down at any station they wanted between Garia and Ballygunge in south Kolkata, and roamed the streets dressed as ragpickers, while keeping an eye on houses and shops they could target. The studio in Jadavpur had caught their attention. During the day, they looked at the cameras and other equipment kept there from the outside under the pretext of collecting papers. After this, late at night, they returned, broke the lock of the back door of the studio to enter and take away all the expensive cameras, flashlights, stands, tripods, and other accessories. Lutfar and Qayum reached their camp in Ghutiari Sharif from Jadavpur station with the stolen goods. On the very next day, they tried to sell the stolen cameras and things. Meanwhile, the studio owner filed a complaint with Jadavpur police station about the theft of these expensive items. A detective team from Lalbazar started its investigation and initially identified the two persons after scanning the CCTV footage of the area. As the news of the duo trying to sell off the stolen goods reached the detectives, they set a trap for the thieves. Qayum and Lutfar were caught while trying to sell expensive cameras cheaply. A search was conducted at their tent, and the entire haul of the stolen goods was recovered. It is their job to steal expensive items while pretending to be ragpickers. Both the arrested persons are being interrogated to find out whether anyone else besides the two is involved in this and whether there is a big gang behind it, a senior Kolkata Police officer said.
GRSE lays keels for two Coastal Research Vessels for Geological Survey of India
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) State-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) on Tuesday achieved a key milestone in the construction of two Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for the Geological Survey of India (GSI) with the laying of their keels at its Rishi Bankim Dockyard in Kolkata. The ceremony was attended by Varsha Ashok Aglawe, Director General of GSI and the chief guest on the occasion. The keel-laying marks a significant stage in shipbuilding, signifying the commencement of the vessel's structural construction. The two CRVs, being built for GSI, are designed to support offshore geological mapping, mineral exploration, ocean environment monitoring and scientific research. Each vessel will measure 64 metres in length and 13 metres in width, with a deadweight tonnage of about 461 tonnes. The ships will have an endurance of 15 days, a top speed of 10 knots, and accommodation facilities for 35 personnel. They will be equipped with advanced scientific laboratories for data processing and sample analysis, along with Dynamic Positioning-1 capability to maintain precise positioning in Sea State 3 conditions. Powered by diesel-electric propulsion, with diesel generators driving the thrusters, these ships would operate within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India, in depths of 5-1,000 meters. The order for these CRVs was placed in recognition of GRSE's proven excellence in the field of advanced specialised vessels. The shipyard is currently building an Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and an Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) for the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), an establishment under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Having delivered two series of Sandhayak-class survey vessels to the Navy and the marine acoustic research ship INS Sagardhwani to NPOL in 1994, GRSE has established its position as a designer and builder of specialised platforms. Recently, the shipyard received the Notification of Award (NOA) from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) for the construction of four Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs). The two Coastal Research Vessels being constructed will prove to be extremely valuable in exploring our mineral resources beyond the countrys land borders. Once commissioned, these vessels will play a pivotal role in augmenting Indias offshore mineral exploration capabilities. This project aligns seamlessly with our national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat @2047 and achieving comprehensive self-reliance in the mineral sector, Aglawe. The keel laying of the two Coastal Research Vessels is a significant milestone, marking the transformation of design and planning into the physical construction of the vessels. Backed by strong collaboration among all stakeholders, GRSE is confident of delivering these specialised vessels to the Geological Survey of India on schedule and with the highest quality standards, Cmde Hari said.
For Flipkart, Kolkata now fastest-growing hub for kidswear makers
The Kolkata-based kidswear sellers are witnessing around 30 per cent year-on-year growth in sales
Complaint filed against WB Medical Council officials over rise in fake doctors
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The secretary of the Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHN), Rajeev Pandey, has lodged a complaint with the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate seeking an investigation into senior officials of the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) over the alleged increase in registrations of fake doctors in the state. The complaint names the council's president Sudipta Roy, secretary Sushanta Roy, registrar Manas Chakraborty, council member and former Trinamool Congress MLA Nirmal Maji, among others. It is learnt that Kaushik Chaki, president of the West Bengal Doctors Forum (WBDF), has also approached the police, while several other medical bodies are reportedly considering similar action. According to APHN, the Medical Council plays a crucial role in verifying credentials and preventing unqualified individuals from entering medical practice. The organisation alleged that due to the council's failure to discharge this responsibility, registrations of fake doctors increased steadily between 2017 and 2025. It further claimed that repeated alerts from district health authorities regarding such cases did not elicit any effective action from the council. The association alleged that several individuals posing as doctors managed not only to practise medicine but also secured registration under the state's Swasthya Sathi health scheme. It contended that many of the accused claimed to have graduated from medical colleges outside West Bengal and subsequently obtained permission to practise in the state, raising questions about the scrutiny exercised by the council. In his complaint, Rajeev Pandey requested the police to investigate whether the alleged irregular registrations could have occurred without the knowledge or patronage of the council's officials. APHN also alleged that attempts were made to remove or destroy relevant documents from the council office, a charge that has been strongly denied by the council leadership. Responding to the allegations, Sudipta Roy said the present council took charge only in November 2022 and questioned why it was being linked to events that allegedly occurred earlier. He denied any attempt to remove documents, asserting that electronic copies of all records are maintained and suggested that the allegations were politically motivated. Countering the claim, Rajeev Pandey maintained that several of the registrations under scrutiny were issued in 2023, 2024 and 2025, during Sudipta Roy's tenure as president, and said the council must answer the questions being raised over the alleged irregularities.
Howrah hotel raid: CBI arrests 2 public servants, 2 aides in Rs 4 lakh bribe case
Digital Desk | Howrah, Sep 15 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested four accused, including two public servants from Lucknow-based institution, in a case involving the payment of a bribe of Rs 4 lakh in a hotel in West Bengal's Howrah, an official said. Those arrested include Ashutosh Kumar, Lucknow Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) Deputy Director, and Deepak Kumar, RDSO Senior Section Engineer, an official statement said. The other two accused were identified as representatives of Kolkata-based private company Utkarsh India Limited, it said. The CBI identified the two arrested private persons as Sashank Agarwal and Swarup Kumar Rai. The CBI registered the case immediately on Tuesday against the accused on allegations that the public servants, in conspiracy with the representatives of Utkarsh India Limited, had obtained undue advantage from a Kolkata-based private company in lieu of issuance of a favourable plant and machinery inspection report. The Central probe agency laid a trap and caught the accused public servants and private persons from a hotel in Howrah while accepting Rs 4 lakh as illegal gratification from the representatives of the private company. Apart from the bribe of Rs 4 lakh, the CBI also recovered Rs 4.73 lakh in cash, the statement said. Later, searches in the residential and office premises of the accused were conducted at multiple locations in Kolkata, Lucknow and Bihar, the CBI said, adding that incriminating documents and digital evidence were recovered and seized. The CBI said the accused will be produced before a special court for custody. In a separate case, the CBI arrested Chandra Shekhar Gupta, the Bhojudih Chief Health Inspector under South Eastern Railway's Adra Division of Bokaro in a Rs 25,000 bribery case. Chandra Shekhar Gupta was arrested after the CBI received a complaint against him. It was alleged that the accused Chief Health Inspector demanded undue advantage of Rs 25,000 from the complainant for sanction of medical leave, the CBI said in a statement. The CBI laid a trap and caught Gupta red handed while accepting undue advantage of Rs 10,000 from the complainant. Searches were conducted at the office and residential premises of the accused public servant. Gupta will be produced before a Special CBI Court in Dhanbad, the statement said.
Baruipur encounter: Calcutta HC directs preservation of CCTV footage
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the West Bengal Police to preserve the CCTV footage related to the encounter killing of Pravas Mondal, a prime accused in the rage and murder of a minor girl at Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district in July this year. A division bench of Justices Arijit Banerjee and Reetobroto Kumar Mitra also directed the quick completion of the ongoing investigation process in the matter. The next hearing in the matter will be after three weeks, and as per the bench's ruling, the investigation process in the matter should be completed before then. In July this year, a minor girl went missing in the Suryapur area under Baruipur Police Station in South 24 Parganas. Later, her body was recovered from a pond in a bag. After that, Baruipur went into a state of siege for quite some time, following violent protests by a group of local people, in which an innocent youth was also lynched. The police arrested four persons, namely Pravas Mondal, Dibakar Sardar, Anand Sardar, and Kabir Mollah. On the night of July 7, the police went out to the scene of the crime along with Mondal to reconstruct the scene. It was claimed that at that time, the accused tried to escape after snatching the firearm of a police officer and even fired at the police team. He was killed as police retaliated. Officials of Baruipur Police District, where the scene of the crime falls, claimed that the investigating officer, Arghya Mandal, was forced to fire from his service weapon to save himself and his colleagues from Mondal. However, after several questions were raised about the encounter, the investigation of the incident was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Meanwhile, a petition had also been filed at the Calcutta High Court demanding a central agency probe in the matter.
Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb Thanks PM Modi for
Agartala, September 15: A financial assistance of 50,000 has been sanctioned from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the advanced medical treatment of Soham Paul, a resident of Ramnagar in Agartala. The sanction was conveyed by the Prime Ministers Office to the Director of Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, through a letter dated September... The post Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb Thanks PM Modi for 50,000 Aid for Ramnagar Residents Medical Treatment first appeared on Northeast Today .
Calcutta HC grants interim protection from arrest to TMC MP Kirti Azad in extortion case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from coercive police action, including arrest, to Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kirti Azad in an extortion case registered against the cricketer-turned-politician. While granting the relief, a single-judge bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda directed Azad to fully cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police. The court also said that, if necessary, the CID could summon Azad for interrogation by serving him a notice at least seven days in advance. The CID counsel told the court that Azad had been summoned for questioning at the agency's headquarters at Bhabani Bhaban in South Kolkata on September 22. According to the allegations, a businessman was called to Azad's bungalow in Durgapur on May 21 last year. An associate of Azad allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh from the businessman. The businessman alleged that he was threatened with closure of his cooking gas business if he failed to pay the amount. He also claimed that the incident was recorded on audio. An FIR was subsequently registered against Azad and some of his associates. Azad has denied the allegations and described them as part of a conspiracy to malign him. The TMC MP from Bardhaman Durgapur Lok Sabha constituency claimed that he was not present in Durgapur on the day of the alleged incident. To support his claim, he submitted his flight details before the court. During the hearing of his anticipatory bail plea, Azad's counsel questioned the delay in registering the FIR, pointing out that it was lodged around 15 months after the alleged incident. The counsel also argued that there was no evidence to establish that Azad had received the alleged extortion amount. He submitted that Azad was willing to cooperate with the investigation and that his custody was not required for questioning. Azad has also approached the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR. The court's interim protection will continue subject to Azad's cooperation with the CID investigation. The agency's planned questioning on September 22 is part of the ongoing probe into the extortion allegations already in the case. Azad is among eight Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha members who continue to remain aligned with the party's former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Bengal govt withdraws Akshaya Patra Foundation's approval to serve Mid-Day Meals in 4 districts
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, has withdrawn approval given to Akshaya Patra Foundation, an arm of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), to serve Mid-Day Meals at state-run schools in four districts. The four districts where the approvals have been withdrawn by the West Bengal government are North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Purulia and East Midnapore, the last being the native district of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. An insider from the state secretariat Nabanna said that following the withdrawal of this approval, the old system of cooking and serving the Mid-Day Meals within the school campuses will be followed again. However, Annamrita Foundation, another arm of ISKCON, will continue to prepare and serve Mid-Day Meals at state-run schools within the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). After the BJP came to power in West Bengal, ISKCON was given the responsibility of providing Mid-Day Meals to school students. Initially, this organisation started providing Mid-Day Meals to schools within the KMC's jurisdiction. The state government then announced that if the project proves to be successful in Kolkata, it would be extended to other districts of West Bengal. After that, the responsibility of providing Mid-Day Meals to schools in the four districts of Howrah, Purulia, North 24 Parganas and East Medinipur was given to ISKCONs Akshay Patra Foundation. However, before it was even started, the state government decided to withdraw the approval and no clarification has been given by the Adhikari government on the sudden decision to withdraw the approval. Initially, the decision of the state government to approve ISKCON-served food for Mid-Day Meals at government schools in West Bengal received massive criticism from the Opposition parties as well as from civil society, who argued that ISKCON-provided vegetarian meals would deprive the students of non-vegetarian protein-rich diets like eggs. However, the criticisms stopped after the Chief Minister announced that eggs would also be served with the Mid-Day Meals separately, in addition to the ISKCON-provided vegetarian meals. Accordingly, the budgetary allocation for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme was also increased.
Kolkata woman alleges Tantrik duped her of lakhs of rupees on promise to solve marital issues
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) A Kolkata woman has lodged a police complaint against a self-styled tantrik, accusing him of extorting Rs 7.66 lakh from her on the false promise of resolving her marital and health-related problems through occult practices and special rituals, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place recently in the Watganj area in Kolkata but came to light after a complaint was lodged, police added. According to police, the accused came in contact with the woman through Facebook. Believing his claims that he could improve her relationship with her husband, address health concerns, and ward off future dangers through tantric rituals, the woman reached out to him using a phone number listed on his social media profile. The accused allegedly demanded an initial payment of Rs 8,750 along with the woman's photograph and date of birth. Thereafter, he repeatedly sought additional payments under the pretext of conducting pujas and other rituals. Police said the woman eventually grew suspicious and refused to make further payments. Following this, the accused allegedly threatened her with dire consequences and even death if she disclosed the matter to anyone. Out of fear and mental distress, she reportedly transferred a total of Rs 7,66,345 to multiple bank accounts and UPI IDs of the tantrik in several instalments. As the threats allegedly continued despite the payments, the woman approached the Watganj Police Station and filed a complaint. Investigators have launched a probe using the accused's mobile number, bank account details, UPI IDs and Facebook profile. Police have withheld the identity of the accused as well as of the victim as the investigation is underway. Investigation is on to track the tantrik who is alleged to have extorted money from the complainant. The matter is being looked into, a senior Kolkata Police officer said.
Mother of Suvendu Adhikari's slain aide to be BJP's candidate for Nandigram bypoll
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) The BJP on Tuesday announced the names of the party's candidates for the forthcoming bye-elections for Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. From Nandigram, the party had fielded Hasirani Rath, the mother late Chandranath Rath, the slain personal assistant of West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead at Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district of the state on the evening of May 6 this year. The murder took place two days after the results of West Bengal Assembly polls were announced, marking a landslide victory for the BJP. The BJP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls is Sakharav Sarkar. Party insiders said Hasirani Rath will offer puja at the Janakinath temple of Nandigram Assembly constituency before filing her nomination. Workers and supporters have already started assembling to join the event of Hasirani Rath filing her nomination. It is learnt that after offering puja, she will lead a procession with around 20,000 workers and supporters to file her nomination. The procession will reach the District Magistrate's office at Haldia and, thereafter, she will file her nomination. The Chief Minister will also be present during the filing of the nomination. The last date for filing the nominations for the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls is September 16. The polls will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9. In the recently-concluded Assembly elections earlier this year, Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of over 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator, Humayun Kabir, contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Humayun Kabir won and retained Naoda and for Rejinagar he has fielded his son Gholam Nabi Azad as the candidate for the bypoll. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, had been a virtual fortress for the BJP. Therefore, political observers are not in any doubts about the results of the bye-elections there. However, where Rejinagar is considered, political observers admit that because of the demography, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough for the saffron camp. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to be having much prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, the CPI(M) and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, said a city-based political observer.
West Bengasl bus fare hike gets ministerial backing, revision likely after Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 15 (IANS) Demand for a fare hike by passenger bus owners' associations in West Bengal received support from state Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday, a day after the Transport Department indicated that it would initiate the process for revising fares after Durga Puja. Speaking to media persons during his morning walk at Eco Park in New Town, Ghosh said fare revision was necessary to generate revenue and improve passenger services. There has been a trend of weakening government institutions in West Bengal. This cannot continue in any civilised country. We will not increase people's income, we will not increase rents. We cannot keep people poor and think we are doing them a favour. People's income must also be increased so that they can also be given good benefits, he said. Ghosh said passengers were willing to pay higher fares for better services, pointing to the demand for AC buses and trains. Good buses have been released. People can travel by paying the fare. AC bus bookings and seat bookings are done earlier. AC train bookings are done earlier as well because people are willing to spend extra money for better service. They have to be given facilities. The fares have to be increased with the facilities. If the fares are not revised, then where will the revenue come from? he said. The minister's remarks came a day after the Transport Department took the initiative to increase fares of private buses and minibuses after Durga Puja. State Transport Minister Arjun Singh gave the assurance after hearing the demands of private bus owners at a meeting on Monday. Their long-standing financial problems, toll charges, alleged police harassment, vehicle requisition and several demands concerning old commercial vehicles were also discussed. Bus owners have argued that a fare revision is necessary to keep passenger services financially viable amid rising operating costs. The last fare hike for buses and minibuses in West Bengal took place in 2018, when the current Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, was the Transport Minister. Since then, fares have remained unchanged despite increases in fuel prices and other operating expenses. Bus owners have, therefore, sought a revision to ensure that services can continue without further financial strain. They said that the Transport Minister assured them that steps would be taken after the Puja. Tapan Banerjee, General Secretary of the Joint Council of Bus Syndicates, said the association had placed several demands before the minister. We have conveyed several demands to the minister regarding the increase in bus fares. We are confident in the way he has listened to our demands. He has assured us that he will take action regarding the fare hike after the Puja. We have full faith in the minister, Banerjee said.
Your Local Scene: We sipped our way through a six-cup tea trail
Japan minister visits Kolkata; discusses investment, defence ties with Bengal govt
Digital Desk | Tokyo/New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Japans State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Kunimitsu Ayano visited Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal from September 10 to 13, holding discussions with senior state government officials on strengthening Japan-India ties, promoting Japanese investment in the state and expanding people-to-people exchanges, according to a press release issued on Tuesday by Japans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her visit, Kunimitsu congratulated the West Bengal government on the formation of the new government in May this year. The two sides exchanged views on the various potential of Japan-India relations and agreed to work together to further strengthen bilateral ties ahead of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and India. The Japanese minister also highlighted the situation of Japanese companies operating in West Bengal and sought the state governments cooperation in further promoting investment by Japanese companies in the state. State Minister KUNIMITSU explained the current situation of Japanese companies in West Bengal and requested the Minister to cooperate for further promoting the investment by Japanese companies, the Japanese foreign ministry said in its statement. Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation to promote people-to-people exchanges, including in the areas of business and tourism, according to the release. As part of her four-day visit, Kunimitsu visited Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. She held discussions with the companys executive management on ways to further advance defence cooperation between Japan and India. The visit to GRSE assumes significance amid efforts by India and Japan to expand cooperation in the defence and maritime sectors. The Japanese side said the discussions focused on further promoting defence cooperation between the two countries. Kunimitsu also visited Netaji Bhawan, the museum dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the Indian independence leader who had longstanding ties with Japan. During the visit, a relative of Netaji explained the Indian independence movement and Boses association with Japan. The Japanese foreign ministry said the State Minister also visited various other sites in West Bengal during her stay. The visit comes as India and Japan prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, providing an opportunity for both sides to explore greater cooperation across economic, defence, tourism and cultural sectors. The discussions in Kolkata also underline Japans interest in strengthening its economic engagement with West Bengal, particularly by encouraging greater participation and investment by Japanese companies and expanding exchanges between people and businesses of the two sides.
BJP President Nitin Naveen Begins Two-Day Visit to West Bengal
BJP President Nitin Naveen is set for a two-day visit to Kolkata to discuss organizational changes and upcoming municipal elections. BJP President Nitin Naveen Begins Two-Day Visit to West Bengal
Gold and silver prices today, 15 September: Check the latest 24K, 22K gold and 999 silver retail rates across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major Indian cities, along with MCX market updates.
Cong turns down TMC feelers for quid pro quo bypoll pact
After roads, states renaming panel sets sights on metro stations; Netaji Bhavan on list
For Bengali palates, it's about fish fulfillment
Kolkata-based importers are intensifying pressure on Bangladesh to relax its hilsa export ban, especially ahead of Durga Puja. Despite permissions, tight deadlines and late approvals have consistently hindered the full export of the prized fish, leading to significant shortfalls.
BJP arranged for rebel TMC MPs to join NCPI, claims Cooch Behar MP
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari offers prayers at Maharashtra Mandal in Kolkata on Ganesh Chaturthi
The News Mill
Kolkata Roads Named After Marx, Lenin, Ho Chi Minh May Be Renamed
The three roads under consideration are Lenin Sarani, Karl Marx Sarani and Ho Chi Minh Sarani.
Screening plan for civic volunteers
Jadavpur University outsider PIL hearing likely tomorrow
Recruitment, infrastructure boost can bring students back to state universities, say professors
From 350 to 800: Ganesh Puja goes big in Kolkata, themes turn diverse
5K more Pujas this yr, power demand to spike
Puja closure for Camac St-Allen Park stretch
From ministers to MLAs, BJP seniors in demand at Ganpati pandals
Cops take guard against manja accidents on Maa
KMC engineers continue strike, impact fear on civic services
Kol 2nd last in clean air survey, Haldia makes it to Indias top 5
Pollution, food habits fuel rise in childhood eczema
Deadline looms, industry asks restos to check papers
90% of houses visited during first phase of Census
Eye on security, cops speak to Salt Lake, New Town hotels
Kidderpore Road to get LED lights, median dividers
SSKM Hospital staffer arrested for extortion, assault
2 KMC wards, 1 HMC ward top best practices lists for SWM, dust mgmt
Transport min meets bus operators over fare revision
Cal HC orders NKDA to raze illegal buildings in New Town complex
8 sentenced in jewellery heist, bank robbery cases
Attacks on church services worry community, clergy
CID arrests 3 more in Salboni land scam case
Health dept probes fake doc scam
Primary edu council starts probe after Sankrail schoolgirls file undressed & searched plaint
Greens slam Mithun on Sundarbans hotels musings
JU announces distinguished alumni awards
Fugitive Dhanbad gangsters brother arrested in Kolkata
Chakaravarthy ruled out of T20Is against Afghanistan due to side strain
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) India wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been ruled out of the remaining two T20Is against Afghanistan, to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, after suffering a fresh injury. The recent setback also leaves in doubt Chakaravarthys availability for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Chakaravarthy, 35, picked up the latest injury during Indias seven-wicket victory in the series opener on Sunday, where he picked up 1-16 in his four overs. Yes, Varun is ruled out of the series against Afghanistan. Scans have confirmed that he's picked up a side strain. It remains to be seen when hes asked to report to the CoE, said a source familiar with the matter to IANS on Monday. Chakravarthy was making his comeback to the Indian team after recovering from a hamstring injury, which he picked up on tour of England, at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. That injury forced him to miss the T20I tour of Zimbabwe in July. He previously suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Speaking in the post-match press conference, where he didnt show any signs of picking up the latest injury, Chakaravarthy spoke about the toll of constant physical rehabilitation and the demands placed on modern-day cricketers. Injuries are very common for all sportspeople, and it just shows that we are working, and we are giving our best. Sometimes, we push beyond our limits, and that's when the body gives in. So, that's when we have to take a step back and work better and come back stronger, he had said. India lead the three-match series 1-0 heading into the second T20I to be played on Tuesday, with the final match set to be played on Thursday. Indias other spin bowling options are Kuldeep Yadav, Krunal Pandya, and uncapped Vipraj Nigam, with Harsh Dubey and Shahbaz Ahmed doing rehab at the CoE to recover from their respective injuries.
Police Sub-Inspector found hanging in barracks in Bengal's North 24 Parganas
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) A sub-inspector of the West Bengal Police was found dead in mysterious circumstances at the barracks of the Habra Police Station in the state's North 24 Parganas district on Monday, officials said. The deceased was identified as Biswanath Sen, posted at the Habra Police Station, and a resident of the Maheshtala area of South 24 Parganas district. Police officials said that Sen was on night duty on Sunday and there was no abnormality in his behaviour. However, on Monday, his body was found hanging in the room allotted to him in the barracks. Another police station official said that as the door of the room was closed for a long time on Monday, some of his colleagues knocked on it. On getting no response after several knocks, they became suspicious, broke open the door and found Sen hanging from the ceiling. He was quickly taken down and taken to the local hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Preliminary investigation suggests that this was a case of suicide. However, the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and the official reason behind the death will be known only after the detailed autopsy report is available, a district police officer said. He also said that the family members of the deceased police officer had been contacted already. Even if he had committed suicide, there is no clue so far on what prompted him to adopt such an extreme step. We have no idea whether he was facing any personal or professional problem. Neither had he shared anything with us in the matter, nor had we traced any kind of anxiety in his body language even when he was on night duty on Monday, one of his colleagues said.
After aide to Abhishek Banerjee, ex-TMC MLA arrested, third accused held in Bengal land scam
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has arrested another accused in the multi-crore illegal land-grabbing case in Salboni of West Midnapore district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to three. The latest arrest is that of Amit Ghosh, a resident of Saidpur village in West Midnapore, who was taken into custody on Monday in connection with the alleged illegal transfer and sale of government-vested land. According to investigators, he was a close associate of former Trinamool Congress legislator Sujoy Hazra and Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. Both Hazra and Roy were arrested earlier in the probe. Sources in the state police said Amit Ghosh has been named as the sixth accused in the charge sheet filed by the West Bengal Police in a district court and is believed to possess crucial information about the alleged modus operandi of the land scam. Investigators claim that forged documents were used to transfer and sell more than 50 acres of government land, with Amit allegedly playing a significant role in the operation. A team of CID officers reached Medinipur on Monday and, with assistance from the district police, arrested Amit Ghosh. Confirming the development, West Midnapore Superintendent of Police Papia Sultana said the arrest was made following a requisition from the CID. The CID officers gave us a requisition. Based on that, Amit Ghosh was arrested and handed over to the CID, she said. Meanwhile, two other accused named in the charge sheet, Kailash Agrawal and Sarfuddin Khan, have moved the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Both have been accused of collaborating with a section of Block Land and Land Reforms Office (BLRO) officials to convert government-vested land into private property allegedly at the behest of Hazra and Roy. Roy was arrested by the CID on September 10, shortly after a division bench of the Calcutta High Court vacated the interim protection from coercive action granted to him. He was produced before a district court in West Midnapore the following day and remanded to eight days of CID custody.
Rebel Trinamool faction announces candidates for Bengal bypolls in Nandigram, Rejinagar
Digital Desk | Kolkata. Sep 14 (IANS) The ebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress led by the expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday announced the names of the candidates for the bypolls for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. The faction had named persons from the minority community as candidates both from Nandigram and Rejinagar. While Ehtasamul Haque is the candidate from Nandigram, Shafiuzzaman Sheikh is the candidate for Rejinagar. The announcement of the candidates' names for the two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal by the Ritabrata-led faction, comes just a day after the original but minority faction in Trinamool Congress led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday announced the names of its candidates for these two Assembly constituencies. Now, the names of the respective candidates by both these factions within the previous ruling party in West Bengal have been announced despite the Election Commission of India (ECI) yet to decide which of these two factions will ultimately have the right over the party's name and symbol. The last date for filing nominations for the Rejinagar and Nandigram bypolls is September 16. The polls will be conducted on October 6 and the results will be announced on November 9. Already, the CPI-M-led Left Front and Congress have announced the names of the candidates for both these Assembly constituencies. At Rejinagar, the Revolutionary Social Party (RSP), which is a constituent of the Left Front, had independently fielded its own candidate declaring rebellion against the CPI-M leadership. Even Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) also announced its candidate from Rejinagar. Kabir's son Golam Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to announce the names of its candidates either on Monday or Tuesday. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat.
Bengal BJP announces names of new spokespersons, IT and social media cells
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday announced the names of a new set of state spokespersons as well as the members of the party's media, Information Technology and social media cells in the state. As regards to the BJP's media cell in the state, Anupam Ghosh has been appointed as the convenor, while Partha Sarathi Chaudhury and Chandrasekhar Basuria has been appointed as the co-conveners. In the Information Technology (IT) cell, Joy Mallick has been appointed as the convener. At the same time, Ratnesh Singh, Ramyajyoti Sarkar, Subhojit Karmakar and Sabyasachi Roy, had been appointed as the four co-conveners of the party's Information Technology cell for West Bengal. In case of the party's social media cell for West Bengal, Upamanyu Bhattacharya had been appointed as the convener of the cell and Pritom Bhattacharjee and Kamelia Sanyal had been appointed as the co-conveners. The new list of party's state spokespersons has a total of 12 names with Debjit Sarkar being appointed as the Chief Spokesperson. Ritesh Tiwari, Sayantan Bose, Keya Ghosh, Pranoy Roy, Tanmay Mukherjee, Saptarshi Chowdhury, Ophelia Singha, Ankan Dutta, Megha Sen Roy, Nikhil Prasun Singh and Samik Dasgupta are the 11 spokespersons. Saptarshi Chowdhury had been given the additional charge of party literature. Political observers say that the list shows a perfect balance between the old guards and ew faces within the BJP. After BJP came to power in West Bengal in 2026, the state party president Samik Bhattacharya made it clear through his behaviour that he will give due respect to the original leaders. The release of the list of BJP spokespersons on Monday proved that he kept his word. Inclusion of seasoned leaders like Sayantan Bose and Keya Ghosh, among the spokesperson, proves Bhattacharya's commitment in the matter, a Kolkata-based political observer said. Meanwhile, in a press statement issued by the BJP on Monday, it had been claimed that on the occasion of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, the book 'Modi Katha' will be launched in New Delhi on September 17. Authored by renowned journalist, columnist and writer Harish Chandra Burnwal, the book will be formally launched by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, the press statement said.
Essential to examine funding, Mithun Chakraborty supports closure of Bengals unrecognised madrasas
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Actor-turned politician Mithun Chakraborty, who is set to don the role of policymaker (Cultural Advisor) in Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, supported the administrations clampdown on the unaided and unrecognised madrasas across the state, citing concerns over national security as a valid reason. Mithun, in an exclusive interaction with IANS, justified the notice for closure of more than 250 madrasas and also notices to 100 others across the state, stating that it was essential to examine their funding patterns and whether that was serving the right purpose in these minority institutions. Mithuns remarks come a day after Bengal government issued closure notices to 252 unapproved madrasas and issued show-cause notice to 100 others while it reviews the Islamic educational institutions in the state. Speaking on the matter, Mithun Chakraborty said, When we talk about madrasas, there must be someone behind them who is funding and running them. Whether that money is being used for the right purpose or the wrong purpose will become clear now. It is very important for the country's security that we pay close attention to this matter and examine it very strictly. He also said that the matter was not taken seriously under previous dispensations and can't be ignored any longer because it concerns the security of our nation. According to reports, the majority of 252 madrasas facing closure belong to the Khariji sect. At least 44 of these are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. The show-caused madrasas must produce valid authorisation, or they will be shut down, according to Minority Affairs Minister Khudiram Tudu. A survey was carried out by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department across Kolkata and 22 other districts to examine the madrasa management systems, student organisation enrolment, funding sources and registration status. Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya also defended the governments action on the madrasas, stating that the rise in radicalisation in border areas was an alarming signal and it was state governments responsibility to stop anti-national activities, taking place in backdrop of madrasa education.
From screen icon to cultural adviser: Mithun Chakraborty steps into policymaking role in Bengal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has embarked on a new chapter in public life as Cultural Adviser to West Bengal's BJP government, transitioning from celebrated film star to policymaker with a focus on culture, tourism and sports development. Chakraborty's iconic Disco Dancer on the film screen is now busy blending his cinematic legacy with political influence in the state. Of late, he has been instrumental in promoting film subsidies and is now actively taking up tourism initiatives in the Sunderbans and pushing sports development projects, marking a new chapter in his career. In recent times, his role in Bengali films such as Projapati and Kabuliwala, among others, has earned much appreciation. Mithun Chakrabortys connection to West Bengal runs deep. Born in Kolkata in 1950, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of Indias most celebrated film stars. His breakthrough came with Mrigayaa (1976), which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he became a household name with blockbusters like Disco Dancer, Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, and numerous Bengali films. His screen persona, comprising a mix of rugged charm and relatable vulnerability, made him a cultural icon across India, especially in West Bengal, as Mithunda. His political affiliations have evolved. Once associated with the Trinamool Congress, he served briefly as a Rajya Sabha MP before resigning in 2016. His shift to the BJP in 2021 was a turning point, coinciding with the partys aggressive push into West Bengal. His presence added emotional resonance to the BJPs campaign, his filmi statements appealing to his fans and the general public alike, who grew up watching his films. Then, as the BJP came to power this year, Mithun Chakraborty emerged as a symbolic figure of change. His proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi also underscored his importance within the party. And now, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari appointing him in his new role as the Cultural Adviser to the West Bengal government, granting him ministerial-level privileges and influence, he has put the celebrated Disco Dancer foot forward. His first major recommendation has come as a 30 per cent subsidy for films shot in the state. This was reportedly accepted, signaling his commitment to reviving the states cinematic glory, which was witnessing stagnation and political influence. He is said to have also emphasised that West Bengals natural beauty -- its mountains, seas, and cultural richness -- should attract filmmakers nationwide. His vision is to restore the state as a hub of Indian cinema, echoing its golden era when Kolkata was a centre of film artistry. Beyond cinema, Mithun Chakraborty has been actively involved in tourism and sports development. He has championed plans to build a tourism hub in the Sunderbans, leveraging the regions unique mangrove ecosystem and wildlife to attract both domestic and international visitors. This initiative aligns with BJPs broader agenda of economic revitalisation through cultural and ecological tourism. His idea of developing a resort in the Suderbans has reportedly drawn opposition from environmental activists, but an official confirmation is yet to come on such a project. The actor-politician incidentally owns a hotel and resort in Ooty, nestled in the scenic Nilgiri Hills, with the property a popular destination for tourists and film crews seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty. A significant move is his push for a football academy to nurture young talent and position West Bengal as a centre of sporting excellence. Given its historic passion for football, this project resonates deeply with local aspirations and could provide structured pathways for athletes to compete nationally and internationally. To bring the josh back to football, he has now restarted an almost abandoned initiative to create the Bengal Football Academy where, accompanied by a group of former footballers on Monday, he announced it in New Town on Kolkatas outskirts. His efforts at harnessing popularity and vision for the revival of culture and sports show he does not intend to let the new role remain merely ceremonial. As West Bengal enters a new political era with the first BJP government, Mithundas initiatives -- from trying to revive the states film industry to tourism and sports initiatives -- highlight how a film stars legacy may evolve into tangible contributions for the states future.
Gangster Prince Khan's brother Bunty arrested at Kolkata Airport while trying to flee to Dubai
Digital Desk | Dhanbad, Sep 14 (IANS) Bunty Khan, brother of notorious gangster Prince Khan, was arrested by Dhanbad Police at Kolkata Airport with the assistance of West Bengal Police while attempting to flee to Dubai using forged documents, officials said on Monday. According to police, he was apprehended by a special team moments before boarding an international flight. Following his arrest, police on Monday paraded him through Dhanbad with a rope tied around his waist. Bunty Khan had been on the run for a long time and is wanted in more than a dozen serious criminal cases registered across different police stations in Dhanbad. The charges against him include murder, extortion, offences under the Arms Act, and criminal conspiracy. Police received intelligence inputs that Banti was hiding in Kolkata and was planning to escape to Dubai via an international flight. Acting on the information, Dhanbad police formed a special team and coordinated with West Bengal Police to monitor his movements in Kolkata. The joint operation culminated in his arrest at the airport before he could fly away. During the operation, police recovered a passport along with suspected forged passports, visa-related papers, and other travel documents from his possession. Investigators are now examining the seized documents to determine their authenticity and trace the network that helped him obtain the forged papers. Authorities are also trying to identify individuals who may have assisted Banti in planning his escape abroad. Police are gathering details about his associates, hideouts during his period of absconding, and his links to the Prince Khan gangs operations. Investigators consider the arrest a major breakthrough in the crackdown against the Prince Khan gang. A few months ago, police had arrested another alleged key operative of the syndicate, Major alias Saifi, at Kolkata Airport while he too was attempting to flee to Dubai. According to police officials, Bantis interrogation could provide crucial leads about the gangs extortion network, financial transactions, and activities allegedly being coordinated from abroad. Raids are also underway to trace and arrest other accused linked to the criminal syndicate. Meanwhile, Prince Khan has been absconding for a long time and is wanted in several serious criminal cases, including murder, extortion, firing, and criminal intimidation. A Red Corner Notice has already been issued against him. Earlier, he was believed to be hiding in Dubai, but intelligence agencies recently received inputs that Prince Khan was in Pakistan.
West Bengal bypolls: TMC MP urges EC to ensure no eligible voter denied voting right
Nearly 25 lakh appeals have been filed before SIR tribunals over deletion of names from the voter list
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) The West Bengal BJP President and the partys Rajya Sabha member, Samik Bhattacharya, on Monday afternoon ruled out the possibility of any of the 20 Trinamool Congress-turned-Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) Lok Sabha members from the state, directly joining the BJP. He stated that he BJP they want to join may be the BJP from Mars. Bhattacharyas clarification came in response to a media comment earlier in the day by one of the prominent members in the Trinamool-turned-NCPI MPs camp, Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, where he claimed that as many as 17 out of 20 of his colleagues would directly join the BJP next month. We will never forget what happened to several BJP workers after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. So, there is no reason to think that if they want to join the BJP, we will accept them. The BJP they want to join may be the BJP from Mars, quipped Bhattacharya reacting to Basunias claims. The BJPs state president also clearly said that there is no possibility of anyone from any faction in the Trinamool Congress joining the party in the near or the far future. The people of West Bengal have not forgotten the rule of oppression during the Trinamool Congress regime from 2011 to 2026. Now, some Lok Sabha members have broken out from the Trinamool Congress and are supporting the National Democratic Alliance. They are welcome to do so. But that does not mean that they are joining the BJP, Bhattacharya clarified. He also said that joining the BJP might be Basunia's wish but there was no reason to believe that the BJP leadership would fulfil that wish. After May 2, 2021, as many as 56 BJP workers were killed in just 27 days by the Trinamool Congress-backed goons. Around 200 women BJP workers were gangraped. Houses of many BJP workers were demolished. Many were forced to leave their houses, he claimed. We have not forgotten this. So, there is no reason to think that all those sins would be erased so easily, Bhattacharya added. Earlier in the day, Basunia had also said that the three Lok Sabha members in his camp, namely Abu Taher Khan from Murshidabad Constituency, Yusuf Pathan from Baharampur Constituency and Khalilur Rahman from Jangipur Constituency, all in minority-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal, have problems in directly joining the BJP and hence they will not join the party directly, but will continue to be part of the NDA. Giving his reaction in the matter, Abu Taher Khan said that Basunia should only speak about himself instead of taking the responsibility for others. We have not given him any responsibility. This was his personal opinion. Our opinion has nothing to do with it. We are neither in the BJP nor with the NDA. We are thinking of working in our own areas, Khan said.
Mithun Chakraborty Revives Plans for Bengal Football Academy in Kolkata
BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has reignited efforts to establish the Bengal Football Academy, aiming to nurture young talent across the region. Mithun Chakraborty Revives Plans for Bengal Football Academy in Kolkata
Watch: Korean Vlogger's Reacts To Kolkata's Energy Scrambled Eggs Made With Sting
In the video, the vendor can be seen shaking the bottle and pouring the entire energy drink on to the hot pan.
17 rebel Trinamool MPs to join BJP before or after Durga Puja
Kolkata: Rebel TMC leader and Cooch Behar MP Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia on Monday, September 14, claimed that 17 of the 20 MPs of the NCPI are set to join the BJP either before or after Durga Puja in October. Basunia told reporters that the 17 MPs had finalised plans to join the BJP together, 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 .
Rebellion in Bengal Left Front as RSP fields candidate against CPI(M) for Rejinagar bypoll
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) Rebellion had surfaced within the CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal as Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) had now decided to field its own candidate for the bypoll for Rejinagar Assembly constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal next month. The development came despite the name of a CPI(M) nominee having been announced last week as the official Left Front candidate for the Rejinagar bypoll. On September 12, the CPI(M)s Sayeed Asad Ali, an advocate in personal life, was announced as the official Left Front candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls. The announcement attracted ire from the RSP leadership, who claimed that Alis name was not a unanimous choice of the Left Front but a forceful imposition of its own candidate by the CPI(M) leadership on the front. Now, directly rebelling against the CPI(M) leadership, the RSP on Monday fielded its own candidate, Bikash Chandra Mishra, as the party candidate. For a long time, the Rejinagar Assembly Constituency had been allotted to RSP. In the 2021 Assembly polls, we had sacrificed our claim for Rejinagar, because of the seat sharing arrangement with the Congress. Even in 2026, we sacrificed our claim for Rejinagar in support of the West Socialist Party candidate. But this we are not ready to sacrifice again. So, for the Rejinagar bypolls we have fielded Mishra, who is the son of the soil in the true sense, said a state RSP leader. In the recently-concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Humayun Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat. Kabirs son Gulam Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bye-election. The Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress and the Congress also have their candidates for the Rejinagar bypolls. The BJP and the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress are also expected to announce their candidates on Monday. Rejinagar, along with Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district, is scheduled to go for bypolls on October 6 and the results will be declared on October 9. The last date for filing nominations for both the constituencies is September 16.
Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra
Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra Kolkata: The West Bengal police have arrested two youths for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl in North 24 Parganas districts Habra area after making her consume intoxicants, police officials said on Monday. According to police, the girl had come to visit her uncles [] The post Bengal horror: Two arrested for alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old in Habra appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Petrol and Diesel Prices Today: Check Latest Fuel Rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai
Petrol and diesel prices remain an important part of everyday household and travel expenses, especially for people who regularly commute by car or two-wheeler. Before heading out or filling up your vehicle, checking the latest fuel rates can help you estimate how much you may need to spend at the pu...
29 municipalities, 278 panchayats identified as dengue hotspots in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 14 (IANS) With the number of dengue-affected people in West Bengal climbing to over 5,000 this year so far, the state health department has identified 29 municipalities, 85 community development blocks and 278 village panchayats as the hotspots. An insider from the State Health Department said its workers are focusing on more intensive and random blood sample tests in these municipalities, blocks and panchayats, considering that the maximum number of dengue-positive cases in the last month have been reported from these hotspots. According to him, the department was following a particular formula for identifying such hotspots. A village panchayat having 10 or more dengue patients is identified as a hotspot panchayat. Similarly, if more than 30 people in a community block have dengue, it is identified as a hotspot block. A municipality is identified as a hotspot if the majority of wards there have five or more dengue-affected persons, an official said. At the same time, he added, the department is also focusing on extensive awareness drives at these hotspots, asking people with dengue symptoms, such as continuous fever for two or more days, to voluntarily coming forward for blood tests. What has kept us especially worried is that in many of these hotspots, people having fever for two or more days are often resorting to self-medication instead of consulting any medical practitioner. This is aggravating the crisis. So, we are conducting massive awareness drives urging people to refrain from self-medication in cases of continuing fever for two or more days and instead reach the nearest health centres for blood tests or consult a nearest medical practitioner, said the official. At the same time, the health department staff are conducting door-to-door surveillance to prevent dengue. The health workers are asking people to keep the water tanks and cisterns of the house covered. If a cover cannot be provided, they should be covered with mosquito nets or nets. Awareness is being raised about preventing water from accumulating in flowerpots and abandoned containers on the roof, the state health department official said. The health department is also conducting surveillance in ponds, drains, pools, dry canals, unused wells, and factories. Larvicides are also used according to the guidelines. On Sunday, the health department published its latest dengue bulletin, showing 5,002 affected people till September 11. However, the alarming factor is that the total number of dengue-affected people till the same date in August was less than 2,500. This means that over the last month, 2,500 additional individuals have been affected by dengue. According to the latest statistics provided by the department, the maximum number of affected people so far has been from the Murshidabad district at 1,072, followed by Kolkata at 500 and North 24 Parganas at 450.
West Bengal tourist missing near Kupwara LoC amid fake Aadhaar probe
Srinagar: A tourist from West Bengal went missing from the Teetwal area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, prompting a manhunt after his Aadhaar card was allegedly found to be fake, officials said here on Sunday. They said 38-year-old Sanjay Sardar, a resident of Kolkata, went missing on Saturday after leaving behind []
Padma Shri awardee teacher, colleague thrashed, abused in North Kolkata
