Kolkata Real Estate Director Arrested for Money Laundering
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Amit Ganguly, a Kolkata real estate director, for alleged money laundering activities related to property fraud. Kolkata Real Estate Director Arrested for Money Laundering
Indias metro network has expanded significantly since 1984. The operational network now spans more than 1,155 km across 26 cities. This rapid growth includes new corridors in Tier-II cities and regional transit systems. Hundreds of kilometres of metro lines are currently under construction across the country. Future growth will depend on better integration, affordability and financial sustainability as Indian cities continue to expand.
New Delhi, Sep 18: India on Friday strongly rejected Islamabad's allegations regarding a collision between a Pakistani vessel and an Indian Navy warship in the Arabian Sea, asserting instead that dangerous manoeuvres by the ship from the neighbouring country caused the incident. The incident had happened on Tuesday night after the Pakistani vessel closed in on the frontline Indian Navy warship that was on a routine surveillance mission in the north Arabian Sea, according to the Indian side. India summoned Pakistani charge d'affaires Saad Warraich on Wednesday and lodged a diplomatic protest. The Pakistan foreign ministry subsequently summoned Indian charge d'affaires Satyanjal Pandey and alleged that aggressive manoeuvres by the Indian warship triggered the collision. At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that Pakistani vessel carried out a dangerous manoeuvre in violation of a 1991 agreement requiring naval ships to maintain a distance of three nautical miles. Jaiswal identified the Indian warship as INS Kolkata, a stealth guided missile destroyer. We have seen Pakistan's response to the protest we had lodged. It is the usual prevarication that we expected. We reject the allegations and insinuations contained therein, he said. Let me reiterate the facts of the matter. INS Kolkata was on a routine deployment in the western Arabian sea when Pakistani Naval ship Hunain conducted itself in an unacceptable and unprofessional manner at sea that resulted in a collision, he said. Jaiswal said the dangerous overtaking manoeuvre by PNS Hunain was in gross violation of Article 10 of the agreement between India and Pakistan on advance notice on military exercises, manoeuvres and troops movements of April 1991, which specifies that naval units at sea are not to be within three nautical miles of each other. The spokesperson said the Pakistani ship also infringed the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea. The Pakistan side has once again been advised about the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents, he said. Jaiswal said the incident did not cause any major damage to INS Kolkata and she remains at sea. The Pakistani foreign ministry had alleged that the incident happened following a highly provocative and unacceptable action by the Indian vessel in the Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
After Mamata vows support, Congress Nandigram candidate held
Kolkata: Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the forthcoming bypoll for the Nandigram Assembly constituency in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, was arrested on Friday, September 18, in an old case, confirmed an official of the East Midnapore district police. The arrests took place hours after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the 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 .
Bengal: Congress candidate for Nandigram bypoll arrested in an old case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Milan Pradhan, the Congress candidate for the forthcoming bypoll for Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, was arrested on Friday in an old case, confirmed an official of the East Midnapore district police. The arrests took place hours after Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress for the bypoll in Nandigram, withdrew her nomination and the former West Bengal Chief Minister announced her support towards Congress in Nandigram. An insider from the district police said that the Congress candidate from Nandigram was accused in an old murder case. A warrant was already also issued in his name, and he was arrested in connection with it on Friday, said the district police officer. The Congress candidates arrest before the bypoll created a stir in the political circles in West Bengal. The Congress alleged that the BJP did not want to have anything called opposition before the elections. West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) president Subhankar Sarkar told media persons that suddenly a case was filed against Milan, and he was arrested thereafter. In this way, the BJP is trying to create a one-party rule in West Bengal. Will there be no opposition politics in this state as well as in the country? questioned Sarkar and said the current ruling party in the state hatched a political conspiracy in the arrest of his party's candidate. However, the BJPs East Midnapore district rubbished the allegation and claimed that the party had no connection with the arrest of the Congress candidate. Nandigram, along with Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, is going to bypolls on October 6 and the results will be declared on November 9. In the Assembly elections held earlier this year, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur. He defeated former CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur and chose to retain that seat, leaving Nandigram vacant and necessitating the bypoll. BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Adhikaris personal assistant Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas on May 6, soon after the Assembly election results were announced. Her candidature has added an emotional element to the campaign.
'Unacceptable and unprofessional': India on PNS Hunain collision with INS Kolkata in Arabian Sea
'Unacceptable and unprofessional': India on PNS Hunain collision with INS Kolkata in Arabian Sea
Kolkatas ED Arrests Amit Ganguly in Major Land Scam Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Amit Ganguly, director of Ganguly Home Search Pvt Ltd, in a land scam linked to money laundering. Kolkatas ED Arrests Amit Ganguly in Major Land Scam Investigation
Bengal: Maoist leader remanded to police custody till Sep 29
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) A lower court remanded senior CPI (Maoist) leader Asim Mandal, alias Akash, Timir and Manoj to police custody until September 29 on Friday. He was arrested on Thursday by the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata from Patashpur in East Midnapore district After being presented in court, counsel for the Kolkata Police STF told the court that there were 55 cases against Akash in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The Jharkhand and Odisha governments had announced a reward of Rs 2.2 crore. Akash is an active member of a banned organisation. His activities harmed the sovereignty and integrity of the state. He was also responsible for creating a cycle of illegal activities and sabotage involving the three states. He used to hide himself by frequently changing names, the STF counsel told the court. No bail application was moved on behalf of Akash. His counsel, Yasin Rahman, told the court that accusations of sabotage had been made against Akash for decades. However, many people involved in this force before 2011 have since become heroes in society and mainstream political figures. Akashs arrest is being viewed as a significant success for security agencies and a major setback to Maoist activities in the tribal and forested regions spread across the three eastern states. A native of Fulchak village under Chandrakona Police Station in West Midnapore district, Mandal is said to have become involved in Left-Wing extremist activities during his student years in the 1980s. He later joined the Peoples War Group and worked extensively in the Sarenga and Goaltor regions of West Bengal as well as the Gurabanda area of Jharkhands East Singhbhum district. Security agencies records show that nearly 55 serious criminal cases are registered against him across Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Several of these cases relate to attacks on security forces and armed encounters in Jharkhand. Following the formation of CPI (Maoist) in September 2004, he returned to the Jangalmahal region spanning parts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts. He became actively involved in the outfits activities. He also played a key role during the Lalgarh movement, after which he was entrusted with the responsibility of Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee in 2010. He later held important positions in the Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Regional Committee. According to police sources, the Maoist network in West Bengal suffered a major setback after the November 2011 encounter killing of senior Maoist leader Kishanji. Thereafter, Mandal is said to have gone completely underground and remained elusive for years until his arrest on Thursday.
Army Mountaineering Expedition summits Mt Khangchengyao in North Sikkim
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) The Indian Armys mountaineering expedition from the Eastern Commands Spear Corps successfully summited Mt Khangchengyao in North Sikkim on Friday, September 18, 2026. The expedition had been flagged off on August 18, 2026, from Rayang Military Station in Arunachal Pradesh. Mt Khangchengyao, at 6,889 metres, is considered an extremely challenging mountain to climb. It has steep ice walls and unpredictable weather conditions. Mt Khangchengyao is the fourth-highest peak in Sikkim and the tenth-highest in India. In this part of the Himalayan region, locals identify most of the mountains, especially the high peaks, as deities. Peaks are also differentiated by gender. Locals deeply revere Mt Khangchengyao, identifying it as a male mountain. Local legend holds that it gets angry when a woman sets foot near it, and folklore suggests the weather worsens whenever a woman climber approaches the base camp. The mountain has a unique dome-shaped structure without a pointed peak. Its nearly rounded top tapers down its sides at 7580 degree angles, making climbing extremely difficult. Officials said such expeditions help build teamwork and camaraderie among troops while also training them to handle challenges in extreme conditions. Under the aegis of Eastern Command, the Indian Army Mountaineering Expedition team under Spear Corps displayed exceptional courage and successfully summited Mt Khangchengyao (6,889 m), achieving a historic milestone. Defying sub-zero temperatures, treacherous terrain and punishing high altitudes, the team triumphed through sheer physical endurance and flawless camaraderie. This monumental ascent stands as a soaring testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army, proving once again that no height is insurmountable when met with relentless resolve, the Eastern Command posted on X. The Spear Corps, also known as III Corps, is a Mountain (Holding) Corps with troops trained in high-altitude operations. It is headquartered in Dimapur, Nagaland, and is involved in counter-insurgency operations in the northeastern states. It also plays a major role in managing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Corps also participated in the famous Battle of Walong during the Indo-China War of 1962.
Candidate from Mamata Banerjee-led faction withdraws nomination in Nandigram
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Sanchita Dey Pradhan, the candidate from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress for the bypoll in Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal, withdrew her nomination on Friday afternoon after a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Soon after, at a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, South Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee, the former West Bengal Chief Minister, announced that she would extend her support to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram. Both developments followed the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision earlier in the day to allot new names and symbols to two rival factions in the Trinamool Congress: one led by Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, and the other by expelled party legislator Ritabrata Banerjee. After Sanchita Dey Pradhan withdrew her nomination following the meeting with the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee told media persons at her residence that she had decided to support the Congress candidate in Nandigram. We will not contest in Nandigram. We will support our sister party, Congress. This will strengthen the INDIA bloc, the former West Bengal Chief Minister said. She added that the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, had called her on Thursday night, after which she decided to support the Congress. We are all together; we will fight together. We will support all normal alliances. We will support our sister parties, she said. Regarding the Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district, which is also going for bypolls next month, Mamata Banerjee said that a decision would be taken later. After seizing power in the state with the Congress in 2011, ending the 34-year Left Front rule, this is the first time Mamata Banerjee has publicly expressed support for a Congress candidate in Nandigram. Political observers believe this move is possibly a face-saving exercise for the former Chief Minister amid the current situation within her party. Tension over the symbol began Thursday night when the ECI announced its decision to freeze the name All India Trinamool Congress temporarily and the symbol Flowers & Grass. On Friday, the Commission allotted the Mamata Banerjee-led faction the new name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the symbol Football Players. The rival Ritabrata-led faction was allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. The dramatic turn in the Nandigram by-election came after Sanchita Dey Pradhan met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at the state secretariat Nabanna and subsequently withdrew her nomination at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Haldia.
The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata (IISER Kolkata) Recruitment 2026 for posts of 17 Junior Assistant, Junior Engineer and More. Candidates with Any Graduate, B.Sc, Diploma Can Apply Online. The online application opens on 19-09-2026, and closes on 19-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through IISER Kolkata website, www.iiserkol.ac.in/.
Bengal: Iconic Howrah Bridge illuminated with dynamic architectural lighting
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) The iconic Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) has been illuminated with state-of-the-art dynamic architectural lighting by its custodian, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata. The development came after clearance from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, officials said. The dynamic architectural illumination features 3,825 luminaires with a total installed capacity of 385 KW, bringing its structural profile, skeletal surfaces, crowns and main pylons to life through dynamic lighting and synchronised sound. The lighting will be showcased on important national occasions and festivals including Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Durga Puja, Diwali and Holi, creating a renewed visual identity for one of Kolkatas most recognisable landmarks, an SMP Kolkata official said. The project, valued at Rs 22.35 crore, has been executed by M/s M M Brothers with lighting support from M/s Havells Lighting. Jadavpur University served as the Technical Consultant. The dynamic light shows with synchronised sound will be live broadcast for the general public through a dedicated mobile application, offering citizens and tourists a mesmerising experience of this engineering marvel, the official added. SMP Kolkata Chairman Rathendra Raman congratulated the entire team and said: The illumination of Rabindra Setu is not just lighting of a bridge; it is lighting up the legacy of Kolkata. Howrah Bridge is an emotion for the people of this city and the nation. This dynamic architectural lighting will enhance its heritage grandeur and offer a world-class visual spectacle to citizens and tourists alike, while reaffirming SMP Kolkatas commitment to preserving and celebrating our iconic heritage. The illumination is expected to enhance Kolkatas heritage tourism appeal and reaffirm the historic bridge as a beacon of the City of Joy, port officials said. The 705-metre-long steel suspension bridge, connecting the cities of Kolkata and Howrah, was commissioned on February 3, 1943. It was named Rabindra Setu after Rabindranath Tagore in 1965. It continues to remain one of the busiest bridges in the country even after 77 years, with nearly 100,000 vehicles and over 150,000 pedestrians crossing it daily. While the Kolkata port had installed decorative lighting on the bridge earlier, this is the first time dynamic architectural lighting has been implemented.
Pakistani naval ship's conduct unacceptable and unprofessional: MEA
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) India on Friday rejected Pakistan's allegations over the collision between the Indian Navy's INS Kolkata and Pakistani naval ship Hunain in the western Arabian Sea on September 15, terming them as usual prevarication. Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistani naval ship Hunain's conduct was unacceptable and unprofessional , which caused the collision. However, INS Kolkata did not suffer any damage. We have seen the Pakistan's response to the protest we have lodged. It is the usual prevarication that we expected. We reject the allegations and insinuations contained therein. Let me reiterate the facts of the matter for you. INS Kolkata was on a routine deployment in the Western Arabian Sea when Pakistani naval ship Hunain conducted itself in an unacceptable and unprofessional manner at sea that resulted in a collision, Jaiswal told reporters. The dangerous overtaking maneuver by PNS Hunain was in gross violation of Article 10 of the Agreement Between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Maneuvers and Troop Movements of 1991, which clearly specifies that naval units at sea are not to be within three nautical miles of each other. In addition, the Pakistani ship also infringed the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The Pakistani side has once again been advised about the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents. The incident did not cause any major damage to INS Kolkata and she remains at sea, he added. MEA's response came after Pakistan had accused an Indian naval ship of carrying out a provocative manoeuvre that resulted in a collision with the Pakistan Navy Ship in the Arabian Sea. On Wednesday, India summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest after the Pakistani naval ship's action at sea. The Charge d'Affaires of the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs today and a strong protest was lodged with him over the unacceptable and unprofessional conduct of Pakistani naval units at sea that led to a collision with a unit of the Indian Navy, the MEA said. The MEA stated that the incident, which took place in international waters, did not cause any major damage, but the Pakistani naval ship's conduct was in direct contravention of Article 10 of the Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements of April 1991. The Charge d'Affaires of Pakistan was advised to convey to the concerned Pakistani authorities the need for all military units to observe due care and respect the provisions of the relevant agreements between the two sides in order to prevent any repeat of such incidents, the MEA mentioned in a statement. The Charge d'Affaires of India in Islamabad has also been instructed to lodge a similar protest with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it added.
OPINION | What makes Modi different from other leaders?
BJP celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday as Seva Sankalp Diwas. Motorbike yatras were held from Vadnagar (Gujarat) to Varanasi, and from Ujjain to Kolkata. Blood donations camps were organised and millions of diyas were lighted...
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 18 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday extended its stay on the state government's decision to cancel appointments made through the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) examination and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) recruitment process. The court also appointed a retired High Court judge to oversee the investigation into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment exercises. A bench of Justice Deepak Roshan heard a batch of petitions challenging the government's decision to annul appointments made through various recruitment examinations, including the JPSC CDPO and JSSC-CGL exams. During the hearing, the court orally observed that while the material available so far suggests that not all appointments were made in a fair manner, it is equally true that not every appointment was tainted. The court expressed concern over the lengthy recruitment process followed by the JPSC, noting that it often takes two to three years to conduct examinations and complete appointments. In such circumstances, the bench observed, a blanket cancellation of appointments could adversely affect many officials against whom no individual wrongdoing has been established. To ensure impartial scrutiny of the allegations, the court appointed retired High Court judge Gautam Kumar Choudhary to monitor the investigation, while retired IPS officer R.K. Malik was designated as the nodal officer for the probe. During the proceedings, both the Jharkhand government and the JPSC submitted their responses before the court. In its affidavit, the state government defended its decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, arguing that the entire recruitment process had been vitiated by alleged irregularities. According to the government, distinguishing between genuinely successful candidates and those who may have unfairly benefited had become difficult. The government cited Supreme Court guidelines that permit cancellation of an entire examination when the recruitment process is found to be irreparably compromised, and it becomes impossible to separate valid selections from tainted ones. On this basis, it justified its decision to scrap the CGL examination. The affidavit further stated that confidential examination-related work, including question paper printing and distribution to examination centres, had been entrusted to ICN Technology. According to the government, 28 individuals, including the company's CEO Somansh Prakash, have been arrested in connection with the alleged exam scam, while notices have been issued to 265 people. The government also claimed that the investigation had uncovered evidence suggesting that candidates were allegedly coached with answers at locations in Nepal, Asansol, Kolkata, Bihar, Jharia and Bokaro. Of the 28 candidates taken to Nepal, 10 were successful in the CGL examination, the affidavit stated. The investigation is still underway. Senior advocates Rajeev Ranjan, Indrajeet Sinha, Amritansh Vats, Kumar Harsh, Sonal Tiwari and Subhash Rasik Soren, among others, appeared for the petitioners. The state government was represented by senior advocate Meenakshi Arora and Advocate General Rohitashwa Roy, while the JPSC was represented by advocates Sanjay Piperwal and Prince Kumar.
Gold, Silver Prices Today: Check 24K, 22K Gold and 999 Silver Rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru
Gold and silver prices today, 18 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.
India rejects Pakistan's allegations regarding collision of Indian, Pak ships
India has rejected Pakistan's allegations concerning a naval collision in the Arabian Sea. New Delhi summoned the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires to lodge a strong protest. The incident occurred after a Pakistani vessel closed in on an Indian warship. India stated the Pakistani ship acted unprofessionally and violated maritime agreements. The Indian vessel INS Kolkata sustained no major damage and remains operational.
Mamata built TMC through rebellion; 28 years on, revolt strikes at its identity
KOLKATA: Mamata Banerjee once made rebellion her political weapon, breaking away from the Congress to build the TMC, but 28 years on, after weathering a string of revolts, she finds that weapon turned inward, striking at the very party identity she created and made synonymous with her political journey. The Election Commissions interim decision to []
Nikkhil Advani reveals what he consumes in literature, art, and what fuels his creative pursuits
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who is receiving a lot of good response to his work in the recently released streaming show The Revolutionaries, has shared that history is his strongest area of interest. The filmmaker spoke with IANS along with Bhuvan Bam, Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, and Gurfateh Parizada. Nikkhils body of work reflects his interest in telling stories which are strongly rooted in history. Rocket Boys, Freedom at Midnight, The Empire point to his penchant for historical stories with The Revolutionaries joining the league. He told IANS, I just read a lot of history. I devour it, I inhale it. I don't like reading too much fiction. I listen to a lot of podcasts. I keep listening to music more and more. I'm glad that my daughter who's 20, we've gone through a cycle now because for a long time I was listening to her music. Now she's now understood that my music is better than her music. So, anything from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, The Beatles and Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay everything. He further mentioned, But now I find myself just reading scripts. I'm reading scripts all the time. I'm sending notes all the time. I'm sending edit notes all the time.We have found what works for us, which possibly makes me think that now maybe I have to flip everything again and, and, and, and surprise everybody. But, I like to read a lot, and that's where everything comes from. Meanwhile, The Revolutionaries follows 4 freedom fighters, Rash Behari Bose, Pratibha Lahiri, Sachindra Nath Sanyal and Bagha Jatin, who locked horns with the British Raj. The series is inspired by true events and is set against the backdrop of Indias freedom struggle. It also stars Rohit Saraf, Pratibha Ranta, Gurfateh Pirzada and Jason Shah. The show tells the story of Indian freedom fighters who believed that armed resistance was not just vital but indispensable to ending the British Raj. It was because of the sustained efforts of the aforementioned revolutionaries that the British empire had to shift its capital to Delhi from Kolkata. The show is available to stream on Prime Video.
AIFF To Give Supporters of Kolkata Clubs Discounted Tix for India Friendlies
India will face Panama on September 25 in Bengaluru, Brazil (October 3) and Uruguay (October 6) in Kolkata, with all three opponents currently ranked among the top 50 in the FIFA rankings
KKR coach wants Rohit Sharma in Kolkata, batter's reply wins hearts in game-show
KKR coach wants Rohit Sharma in Kolkata, batter's reply wins hearts in game-show
ECI allots new names, symbols to rival Trinamool factions
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday allotted new names and election symbols to the two rival factions of the erstwhile All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), pending a final decision on the ownership of the party's original name and its iconic Flowers & Grass symbol. According to an ECI notification issued on Friday, the faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, described by the Commission as the original but minority group, has been allotted the name Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the election symbol Football Player. The faction has been recognised as a political party in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura. The rival faction led by expelled Trinamool Congress legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, which the Commission termed the rebel but majority group, has been allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress and the symbol Envelope. It has also been recognised as a political party in West Bengal, Meghalaya and Tripura. The ECI clarified that the newly allotted names and symbols will remain in force until it delivers a final verdict on the claim to the original party name, All India Trinamool Congress, and its longstanding Flowers & Grass symbol. Until then, both factions will contest elections under their newly assigned identities. The order will apply to the upcoming Assembly bypolls in Nandigram in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar in Murshidabad district, scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes on October 9. Similarly, the Mamata Banerjee-led faction's candidate in the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll in Assam will contest under the banner of Mamata All India Trinamool Congress and the Football Player symbol. Founded in 1998 after Mamata Banerjee's split from the Congress, the Trinamool Congress has fought all elections since its inception under the name All India Trinamool Congress and the Flowers & Grass symbol. The party came to power in West Bengal in 2011 and has remained the state's ruling force since then. With the latest ECI order, West Bengal is set to witness its first election since 1998 without the original Trinamool name and symbol on the ballot.
As per the ECI directive both the factions have sent alternative names and symbols to the Commission
Todays Gold Rate in India September 18: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on September 18
After Uddhav Thackeray, Kanimozhi Meets Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata
The meeting comes days after Kanimozhi held discussions with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar in Delhi
Video: Fireball engulfs newlywed woman during honeymoon barbecue at Darjeeling homestay
15-Year Hunt Ends: Rs 1-Cr Reward Maoist Commander Asim Mandal Arrested in West Bengal
West Bengal Police arrested Asim Mandal, alias Akash, the last surviving central committee member of CPI (Maoist), from Polerhat on Kolkatas eastern fringes Thursday afternoon. Mandal, 64, had evaded law enforcement for over 15 years across interstate forest belts. He faces 17 cases in Jharkhand and a dozen in West Bengal, and carried a Rs [] The post 15-Year Hunt Ends: Rs 1-Cr Reward Maoist Commander Asim Mandal Arrested in West Bengal appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Congress backs Mamata as ECI freezes name and symbol of Trinamool Congress
LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal criticised the ECI for freezing the name and symbol of the Trinamool Congress which was set up by Mamata Banerjee 28 years ago
New names and symbols for Mamata and Ritabrata-led Trinamool factions likely to come out today
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) New names and symbols for the two factions in Trinamool Congress -- the original but minority faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, and the ebel but majority faction led by expelled party legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee -- are expected to be revealed on Friday after the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered a freeze of the existing name and symbol for the time being. The poll panel's freeze, announced late on Thursday, means that neither faction can contest any election with the All India Trinamool Congress name and the grass flowers symbol, designed by Mamata Banerjee herself, till the time the EC takes a final decision in the matter. The decision will be applicable also for the forthcoming bypolls for Nandigram assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar assembly constituency in Murshidabad district, scheduled on October 6, with the results scheduled to be out on October 9. Now, both the factions have to submit three alternative names and three alternative symbols to the ECI by 11 a.m. on Friday, and the Commission will allot one of the three choices to each faction for contesting the bypolls next month. If either faction fails to update the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols within that period, both factions will be out of the race in the bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar. The Trinamool Congress started its political journey in 1998 under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, after breaking away from the Congress. Since then, the name and symbol have become an integral part of the party, which took power in West Bengal in 2011 after witnessing a lot of ups and downs. Now in 2026, West Bengal will see its first election without that name and symbol being present. The EC's decision to freeze the Trinamool name and symbol had evoked mixed reactions from both factions. Describing the order as unconstitutional, Trinamool MP Kalyan Banerjee told media persons that since the Commissions order was unconstitutional, his faction is not accepting it. We will do whatever is required now. But as of now, if we have to choose a symbol, we have till 11 a.m. on Friday. We are not accepting this order. Just as illegal things have to be accepted temporarily, this too has to be accepted, he said. On the other hand, Ritabrata Banerjee, in a social media post, welcomed the decision and said that the order underlined that political parties cannot be treated as private entities or passed down through dynastic succession. This narrative that was going on regarding the symbol and the name, the Election Commissions interim order today proves that there is no room for dynastic politics. A political party is not a private limited company, nor can there be an heir to a political party. This has been proven today, he said.
Gold and silver prices today, 18 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.
30 lakh beneficiaries registered under PM Vishwakarma scheme: Minister
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) The government on Friday said that 30 lakh beneficiaries have already been registered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme, out of which around 24.50 lakh have received basic skill training. According to Union Minister for MSME, Jitan Ram Manjhi, 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered through India Post, while 6.18 lakh Vishwakarmas have received loans up to Rs 1 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent per annum, amounting to Rs 5,297 crore. Manjhi highlighted the achievements of the PM Vishwakarma scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, to empower traditional artisans and craftspeople through skill training, provisioning of modern toolkit, credit and market support. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) celebrated the third Anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. The occasion highlighted the governments continued efforts to strengthen the livelihoods, skills and entrepreneurial capabilities of traditional artisans and craftspeople. Addressing the gathering, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari highlighted the importance of extending skill training and credit support to traditional artisans and craftspeople in the State. Outlining the progress of PM Vishwakarma in West Bengal, he stated that more than 7 lakh applications have been received under the scheme. The state government will expedite provisioning of facilitative support to enable Vishwakarmas avail the benefits under the scheme, he said. Union Minister of State for MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, congratulated the beneficiaries and extended her best wishes for their entrepreneurial journey. She encouraged them to make full use of the opportunities and support available under PM Vishwakarma and strive towards becoming successful entrepreneurs. Karandlaje noted that the event holds special significance for West Bengal, which joined PM Vishwakarma recently, marking the first programme of Ministry of MSME under this scheme in West Bengal. She emphasised that empowering women entrepreneurs will play a vital role in building stronger families, communities and a prosperous Viksit Bharat.
Kanimozhi meets former Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata as DMK outreach fuels third-front talk
DMK leader Kanimozhi met Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Thursday. This meeting follows discussions with Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. Strains between DMK and Congress have emerged recently. The TMC and Congress have also sparred over a West Bengal bypoll. Kanimozhi's outreach sparks speculation about opposition coordination efforts.
India vs Brazil: AIFF offers 14,000 discounted tickets to Kolkata clubs
India vs Brazil: AIFF offers 14,000 discounted tickets to Kolkata clubs
Within democracy, there is no place for dictatorship, says Ritabrata Banerjee on TMC symbol row
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) Reacting to the Election Commissions interim decision to freeze the name and election symbol of the Trinamool Congress, West Bengal Assembly Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee said the order underlined that political parties cannot be treated as private entities or passed down through dynastic succession. Speaking on the party symbol row, Banerjee said the development came as a surprise to party leaders, who learnt about the Commissions decision. Just after getting off the plane, we found out that the symbol has been frozen, and the name has been frozen. However, one thing is clear: within a democracy, there is no place for dictatorship, Banerjee said. He further linked the Election Commissions interim order to the broader debate over the control and ownership of political parties, arguing that a party cannot be treated as a private limited company or inherited by an individual as a family possession. This narrative that was going on regarding the symbol and the name, the Election Commissions interim order today proves that there is no room for dynastic politics. A political party is not a private limited company, nor can there be an heir to a political party. This has been proven today, he said. The remarks came after the Election Commission ordered an interim freeze on the name and election symbol of the All India Trinamool and directed the rival factions to choose new names and symbols until the dispute is settled. The Commissions decision has significant implications for the upcoming Assembly bypolls in West Bengal. The EC had announced bypolls in two constituencies, Nandigram and Rejinagar, to be held on October 6. In its order, the EC said it had considered the material available before it and concluded that there were two rival groups within the All India Trinamool Congress, each claiming to represent the party. On due consideration of the totality of information available on recordthe Commission is of the opinion that there are two rival groups in the All India Trinamool Congress, one led by Ms Mamata Banerjee and the other led by Shri Arup Roy, and each group is now claiming to be the party and therefore the matter requires a substantive determination by the Commission under Para 15 of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order 1968, the EC order said.
PNS Hunain severely damaged after collision with INS Kolkata 3 times its size
Pakistan Navys PNS Hunain sustained severe damage after colliding with the Indian Navys INS Kolkata in the North Arabian Sea, with the Pakistani vessel returning to harbour for repairs. The two sides have offered conflicting accounts of the incident. Indian sources highlighted the vessels considerable size difference, noting that INS Kolkata weighs nearly three times as much as PNS Hunain.
Abandoned pony limping through Kharagpur traffic rescued for veterinary care
CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata
CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata Kolkata: After the Calcutta High Courts order, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. The central investigation agency officers raided a three-storey house on the Canal East Road in [] The post CBI launches probe into allegations of illegal construction in Kolkata appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Dialysis sevices at Rs 200 for 24 patients a day at south Kolkata healthcare centre
No culture of cut-money in Bengal anymore: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his birthday, said that no eligible women will be deprived of the benefits of Annapurna Yojana in West Bengal
EC freezes TMC name & symbol, asks rival camps for options
Election Commission bars both factions of Trinamool from using party name, symbol for byelections
The poll body has once again proven that it is nothing more than a puppet in the hands of BJP, says Congress
'Enabling environment of West Bengal will help business and credit growth'
SBI's Kolkata Circle sees 18% credit growth as MSMEs, housing, agriculture and infrastructure drive lending demand
Youth attacked as pub brawl ends in violent fight over 10 km away
Ensure protection to victims, families, crime witnesses: Lalbazar
Onus on state to ensure student safety at universities: Calcutta High Court
Rain may play spoilsport in kite festival today: Met
Fake doctors: Police investigate medical council
Flight-vs-kite Plays Out At Eco Park In Kolkata as Bengal Govt Hosts Festival Near Airport
South Kolkata pujas told to keep roads, pedestrian paths clear
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Lokpal rejects charges against rebel TMC MP Arup
ECI freezes name' and 'symbol for both factions of TMC
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday ordered the freezing of the name and symbol of Trinamool Congress as a political party for the time being, for both the factions in Trinamool Congress the first being the original but minority faction led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, and the second faction being the rebel but majority faction led by the expelled party legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee. This means that neither the Mamata Banerjee-led faction nor the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction would be able to use both the party name as well as the party symbol for any election till the Commission takes a final decision in the matter. The decision from the ECI to freeze the party name and symbol comes hours after the full bench of the Commission met five-member delegations from both the factions earlier in the day at ECI's headquarters in New Delhi. Technically, this means that neither of the two factions would be able to use this party name and party symbol for the forthcoming by-elections for Nandigram assembly constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar assembly constituency in Murshidabad District, which are scheduled on October 6, with the results to be declared on October 9. However, things have become even more complicated since the last date of nominations for bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies was on September 16. Probably, that is why the scrutiny of the nominations filed by the candidates from both the factions had been kept on hold till Friday afternoon. As per the order of the ECI released on Thursday night, both the factions will have to inform the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols by 11 a.m. on Friday. If any of the two factions fails to update the Commission about their newly chosen names and symbols within that period, both factions will be out of the race in the bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar. Describing the order as unconstitutional, Kalyan Banerjee, Trinamool Congresss four-time Lok Sabha member and the most prominent political as well as the legal face of the Mamata Banerjee-led faction, told media persons that since the Commissions order was unconstitutional, the faction that he represents is not accepting it. We will do whatever is required now. But as of now, if we have to choose a symbol, we have that till 11 a.m. on Friday. We are not accepting this order. Just as illegal things have to be accepted temporarily, this too has to be accepted, he added. Trinamool Congress legislator Akhruzzaman, who is the official Chief Whip of Trinamool Congress's legislative party in the West Bengal assembly, however, welcomed the decision of the ECI in the matter. We are confident that finally, we will have the right over the party name and symbol, he said.
PM Modi's life-size wax statue heads to Kolkata as birthday tribute
After meeting ECI, both Trinamool factions confident of getting right over party name and symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) After meeting the full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and presenting their respective arguments in support of their claims over the party name and symbol, the leader of the both the rival factions in the Trinamool Congress on Thursday expressed confidence that the final decision of the Commission in the matter will finally come in their favour. The expelled Trinamool Congress legislator, Ritabrata Banerjee, which is leading the ebel but majority faction in the Trinamool Congress told media persons that a five-member delegation of his faction, which met the ECI's full bench first this afternoon, was able to give satisfactory answers to all questions raised in the matter by the poll panel representatives. We have stated our positions. We have answered all their questions. We have made our position clear to the ECI about the party name and symbol. We are hopeful that the verdict will be in our favour. The ECI had not said anything in the matter so far. We have full faith on the ECI. However, I will not say what was actually discussed in the meeting of our delegation with the ECI, Ritabrata said after the meeting. On the other hand, four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member and senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, who represented the delegation of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led original but minority faction, told media persons that all the necessary documents sought by the Commission in the matter have been submitted. On the basis of the documents submitted and arguments put forward by us, we are confident that the Commission's decision will ultimately go in our favour. We think that the Commission should take a final decision on the party name and symbol instead of taking an interim decision in view of any bye-election, Kalyan Banerjee said. Last time, the Commission heard arguments from both the factions on September 12. However, the ECI did not take any decision then. Instead, the Commission asked for some additional documents from both factions of Trinamool Congress. Political observers feel that even if the ECI takes a final decision on the fate of Trinamol Congress' name and symbol on Thursday itself, the matter will not end there. Any faction that would be aggrieved by the decision will surely move the Supreme Court against the decision. Right now, as I can see, there are four possibilities. The first two possibilities are that the ECI allots the party name and symbol to any of the two factions, which will automatically lead to a long legal battle. The second possibility is that the ECI maintains the status quo in the matter for the time being and leaves the decision for later. The third possibility is that the Commission freezes the name and symbol of the party. In case of the fourth possibility, both the factions will have to opt for alternative names and alternative symbols, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Mid-sea collision: Pak vessel was no match to three-times bigger Indian destroyer INS Kolkata
West Bengal police arrest top Maoist leader Akash
The West Bengal government will not tolerate any attempt to revive or expand the network of 'Red Terror', says Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Had no contact with him for 38-40 years: Asims kin
State grants Rs 5 lakh, job after fox bite death
BJP names poll in-charges for Nandigram, Rejinagar bypolls
CM: 1 lakh more students under midday meal scheme from Oct 1
Kunal seeks CBI action against Kakoli in Narada case
AIFF Plans Discounted Tickets, Fan Parks For India's FIFA Friendlies
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.
Bengal govt tightens scrutiny on madrasa staff honorariums
Rs 4.5L theft lens onSalt Lake maid
IMA Bengal Faces Old BJP-New Inductee Clash as December Election Candidates To be Proposed On Sunday
Last Surviving Maoist Central Committee Member Asim Mandal Arrested In Bengal
The last surviving Maoist Central Committee member, Asim Mandal alias Akash, has been arrested by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force in West Bengals East Midnapore district. Mandal had reportedly been evading law enforcement for more than 15 years. His arrest comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations across West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.
Raksha Khadse visits SAI Kolkata centre, pledges support for grassroots sports
The News Mill
Minister Rakesh Khadse Reviews Sports Development in West Bengal
Rakesh Khadse inspects sports facilities in Kolkata, promising support for athlete development and infrastructure improvements. Minister Rakesh Khadse Reviews Sports Development in West Bengal
Maoist Leader Asim Mandal Arrested After 15 Years on the Run
Asim Mandal, a wanted Maoist leader, has been captured in Kolkata after evading authorities for 15 years, marking a significant law enforcement success. Maoist Leader Asim Mandal Arrested After 15 Years on the Run
Kolkata Police Arrest Four in Major E-Cigarette Raid
Four individuals were arrested in Kolkata for illegally storing and selling e-cigarettes after a police raid on The Smokers Den. Kolkata Police Arrest Four in Major E-Cigarette Raid
TCS Walk-in Drive 2026: Urgent Hiring for AI, GenAI, and MLOps Roles This Saturday
Ready for a career shift? TCS is hosting a massive multi-city walk-in drive on September 19, 2026, for experienced AI, GenAI, MLOps, and Data professionals. Check the venues, reporting times, and required documents to secure your spot at this major hiring event in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune.
CM Adhikari lauds Kolkata Police STF for arrest of top Maoist leader Asim Mandal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday congratulated the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police for arresting wanted Maoist leader Asim Mandal alias Akash alias Timir alias Manoj from Patashpur in East Midnapore district earlier in the day. In a statement posted on social media, the Chief Minister commended STF personnel for successfully tracking and apprehending Mandal, who served as a Central Committee member and Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee-I of the CPI (Maoist). He described the operation as a major success, noting that the Maoist leader had allegedly managed to evade law enforcement agencies for more than 15 years across the forested regions of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. I commend the Officers and Personnel of the @KolkataPolice STF in successfully tracking and apprehending Asim Mandal @ Akash, Central Committee Member and Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee-I, CPI (Maoist), from Lalat, Patashpur, Purba Medinipur, the Chief Minister said. I want to make it categorically clear that the West Bengal Government will not tolerate any attempt to revive or expand the network of 'Red Terror' within our state borders. No extremist ideology will be allowed to jeopardize the safety & security of the People and jeopardize the development of our State. The law will take its strictest course to demolish any such audacious attempt, the Chief Minister further said. According to police sources, two bags containing Maoist literature, including books and booklets, as well as electronic communication devices, were recovered from Asim Mandal's possession following his arrest. Investigators said Akash's wife, a resident of the Patashpur area and an alleged CPI (Maoist) activist, was arrested by the Kolkata Police STF in 2010 and is currently in judicial custody. Police officials view the arrest as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the remnants of the Left-Wing Extremist network operating across the tribal and forested belts of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. An award of Rs 2.20 crore had earlier been announced for information leading to Asim Mandal's capture. A native of Fulchak village under Chandrakona Police Station in West Midnapore district, Mandal is said to have become involved in Left-Wing extremist activities during his student years in the 1980s. He later joined the People's War Group and worked extensively in the Sarenga and Goaltor regions of West Bengal as well as the Gurabanda area of Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district. Security agencies' records show that nearly 55 serious criminal cases are registered against him across Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Several of these cases relate to attacks on security forces and armed encounters in Jharkhand. Mamdal played a key role in the Lalgarh movement in West Bengal's Jangalmahal region and was appointed Secretary of the party's West Bengal State Committee in 2010. He also held responsibilities in the Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Regional Committee. Following the 2011 encounter killing of senior Maoist leader Kishanji, he largely remained underground, police sources said.
PM Modis birthday to be celebrated as Annapurna Divas in West Bengal every year: CM Suvendu Adhikari
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 17 (IANS) A family dispute is suspected to have been the reason behind the deadly attack in Bengaluru on a 26-year-old nurse from West Bengal, allegedly by her estranged husband from Tamil Nadu, police said on Thursday. The victim, Madhumita, is in critical condition following the attack near Narayana Hospital in J.P. Nagar Third Phase. DCP South Dr. Vamshi Krishna, who visited the spot, said the accused, identified as Venkateshan, allegedly attacked Madhumita with a machete and a long knife after throwing a liquid suspected to be acid, on her. The incident took place around 9.15 a.m. near Narayana Hospital, where Madhumita works as a nurse. According to the DCP, the accused wore a helmet during the assault and used two deadly weapons in the attack. The accused has used a liquid similar to acid and assaulted the woman with a machete and a long knife. The couple are husband and wife, and the incident is suspected to have taken place against the backdrop of a family dispute, Dr. Vamshi Krishna said. Madhumita and Venkateshan had married in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, in 2024. However, the couple had reportedly not been living together for around one-and-a-half years. Madhumita had been staying in a PG accommodation in Bengaluru, while Venkateshan had earlier worked in Bengaluru before moving to Chennai. Police said Venkateshan had travelled from Madurai to Bengaluru on Wednesday night and allegedly arrived with the liquid and weapons before carrying out the attack. He was arrested and is being questioned by the police. The Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) team has collected and is examining the liquid allegedly used in the attack to determine whether it was acid. According to police sources, the couple had met through a dating application. Venkateshan allegedly suspected Madhumita and frequently fought with her over her social media posts and reels. During questioning, Venkateshan allegedly told police that his wife was not listening to him and that he suspected she was with another man. He allegedly attacked her more than 10 times with the deadly weapons. It can be recalled that Venkateshan allegedly chased Madhumita when she came out of the hospital. She ran towards the cellar parking area of the hospital, where the accused allegedly caught hold of her and threw the acid-like liquid on her. He then allegedly grabbed her by the hair and attacked her repeatedly with a machete and the knife. The assault reportedly took place in full public view. Several people raised an alarm and attempted to intervene, but the accused allegedly waved the machete at those who tried to approach him. Some members of the public reportedly attempted to rescue Madhumita by pelting stones at the accused, but were unable to overpower him. Police have obtained video recordings of the assault that were made by members of the public. The footage is expected to form part of the investigation into the incident. The accused was eventually overpowered and taken into custody after a traffic police officer arrived at the spot. Madhumita, who hails from Kolkata in West Bengal, sustained serious injuries in the attack and was shifted to a private hospital for treatment. Further investigation is on.
Four held, large e-cigarette stock seized during raid on Kolkata shop
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) The Kolkata Police arrested four persons and seized a large quantity of illegally stored e-cigarettes during a raid on a shop in the city, the police said on Thursday. A joint team of the Anti-Rowdy Section (ARS) and Detective Department raided 'The Smokers Den' at 191 Park Street, under Beniapukur police station, on Wednesday night. The raid followed a tip-off that e-cigarettes were being illegally stored and sold at the shop. A senior Kolkata Police officer said, The questioning of the arrested persons is going on in this matter. The four arrested persons will be produced before the ACJM court in Sealdah today (Thursday). The investigators may apply for their custody in the court for questioning. The matter is being investigated from all angles. According to the police, the shop was being used to illegally store and sell e-cigarettes. During the search, investigators recovered a large quantity of e-cigarettes and arrested four persons associated with the establishment. The accused have been identified as 22-year-old Mohammed Rifaiz, 28-year-old Abdul Hakim K, 21-year-old Ahmed Masud and 40-year-old Mohammed Ejaz. All four are residents of Kolkata. The police said the first three accused were found to be living at an address on Linton Street in the Beniapukur police station area. The fourth accused is a resident of Ripon Street in the city. Investigators are examining whether the shop had been stocking and selling e-cigarettes for a prolonged period. The arrested persons are being questioned to determine the source of the seized e-cigarettes, identify their suppliers, and ascertain whether other people are involved in the alleged illegal trade. A case has been registered by the Detective Department at Beniapukur police station in connection with the incident. Police have invoked multiple sections of law in the case. Sources said further raids could be conducted at other shops in the city as part of the investigation. The move is aimed at determining whether other shops are also illegally storing or selling e-cigarettes in the city. Further investigation into the case is underway, said the police.
Top Maoist leader Asim Mandal arrested by Kolkata Police STF
Flying to Kolkata for Durga Puja? Be ready to pay 71% more on Oct 16
South Bengal to get relief from heat as thunderstorms, rain forecast for five days
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) After days of sweltering heat, weather conditions in south Bengal are likely to change as the Met office on Thursday forecast thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rain over the next few days. Rain is likely at one or two places in almost all districts of south Bengal. Gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 km per hour are also expected. Kolkata, too, is likely to receive rain and thundershowers. According to a Met department official, the monsoon axis extends from a low-pressure area over Rajasthan to the northwest Bay of Bengal through Ranchi and Digha. In addition, a cyclonic circulation is currently present over the northwest Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to gradually strengthen and influence the West Bengal and Odisha coasts. As a result, south Bengal is likely to witness another spell of heavy rain from Thursday, which may continue for the next five days. A yellow warning for rain and thunderstorms has been issued for eight districts, including coastal and western areas. Thunderstorms are likely in Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Howrah, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. However, the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease from Monday. Meanwhile, rainfall is likely to increase in north Bengal on Thursday. A yellow warning for heavy rain has been issued for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30 to 40 km per hour is likely across the region. Rainfall activity in north Bengal is expected to decrease from Friday. Kolkata is likely to see cloudy skies from Thursday afternoon, with the possibility of rain increasing during the day. Light to moderate rain with thundershowers is expected to continue until Saturday. Gusty winds reaching 30 to 40km per hour are also likely. On Wednesday, Kolkata and adjoining areas recorded a maximum temperature of 34.08 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal. The minimum temperature was 27.06 degrees Celsius, 1.02 degrees above normal. Relative humidity ranged between 52 and 97 percent.
Bengal bypolls: Six-cornered Nandigram battle shifts focus to runner-up spot in BJP bastion
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) The high-stakes Nandigram assembly constituency in East Midnapore district in West Bengal is set for a six-cornered contest in the upcoming October 6 bypolls, with political observers noting that the primary battle centres on determining which candidate secures the second position. In the Assembly elections held earlier this year, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari won from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur. He defeated former CM and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur and chose to retain that seat, leaving Nandigram vacant and necessitating the bypoll. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Hasirani Rath, mother of Adhikaris personal assistant Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas on May 6, soon after the Assembly election results were announced. Her candidature has added an emotional element to the campaign. In the Assembly elections earlier this year, BJP candidates had won all 16 constituencies in East Midnapore. Nandigram has also remained a strong base for the BJP since the 2021 Assembly polls, largely because of Suvendu Adhikaris influence in the constituency. The sympathy factor surrounding Hasirani Raths candidature has further strengthened the BJPs position in the bypoll. The key question now is whether any of the non-BJP candidates can secure enough votes to retain their deposits, said a Kolkata-based political observer. Besides Rath, the other five major candidates in the fray are Sanchita Pradhan Dey from the Mamata Banerjee-led original-but-minority faction in Trinamool Congress, Ehteshmul Haque from the Riatarbrata Banerjee-led rebel-but-majority faction, Communist Party of Indias Shanti Gopal Giri, Congresss Milan Pradhan and All India Secular Front (AISF)s Mohammad Sabe Miraj Ali Khan. The bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats will be held on October 6, and the results will be declared on October 9. Efforts by Mamata Banerjee to negotiate an electoral compromise in the two crucial Assembly bypolls with the Congress leadership faltered ahead of filings. Banerjee offered to withdraw her candidate from Nandigram if the Congress agreed to abstain from contesting the Rejinagar constituency. However, the Congress high command reportedly rejected the proposal, ensuring multi-cornered contests in both seats.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 17 (IANS) A 26-year-old nurse was allegedly attacked with acid and subsequently assaulted with a machete by her husband in full public view near Narayana Clinic in J.P. Nagar Third Phase on Thursday morning. The victim, identified as Madhumita, is currently undergoing treatment at an ICU facility in a private hospital and her condition is reported to be critical. The incident occurred around 9.15 a.m. when Madhumita, who had been working as a nurse at the clinic for around one-and-a-half years, stepped out to have breakfast. According to the police, her husband Venkatesh had arrived on a motorcycle and was waiting for his estranged wife near the clinic. The couple had reportedly been living separately for around a year and were not in contact with each other. Venkatesh allegedly chased Madhumita when she came out of the clinic. She ran towards the cellar parking area of the clinic, where the accused allegedly caught hold of her and threw acid on her. He then allegedly grabbed her by the hair and attacked her repeatedly with a machete. The assault reportedly took place in full public view. Several people raised an alarm and attempted to intervene, but the accused allegedly waved the machete at those who tried to approach him. Some members of the public reportedly attempted to rescue Madhumita by pelting stones at the accused, but were unable to overpower him. Police have obtained video recordings of the assault that were made by members of the public. The footage is expected to form part of the investigation into the incident. The accused was eventually overpowered and taken into custody after a traffic police officer arrived at the spot. Madhumita, who hails from Kolkata in West Bengal, sustained serious injuries in the attack and was shifted to a private hospital for treatment. The J.P. Nagar Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the attack and the reason behind Venkatesh allegedly carrying out the acid attack and subsequent machete assault on his wife. Further investigation is underway in the shocking case.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 17 (IANS) Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the most senior and early workers of the BJP in West Bengal, on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised him for overcoming challenges on both the international and domestic fronts while continuing to move forward. Speaking to IANS, Sarkar conveyed birthday greetings to the Prime Minister and also hailed the work he has undertaken during his long political career. There will certainly be greetings, especially for the work he has been doing. I sincerely extend my greetings to him for the way he has overcome one challenge after another, whether in the international arena or in dealing with internal challenges, and has continued to move forward, Sarkar said. Reflecting on Prime Minister Modis political journey, Sarkar noted his long tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister as well as his years as Prime Minister. He also referred to the possibility of Modi contesting the 2029 elections. PM Modis political career has been very long. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for 13 years. As Prime Minister, he is completing 12 years. I do not know whether he will contest the elections in 2029. If he does, it will be beneficial for India, he said. Sarkar also recalled the message he had earlier conveyed to Prime Minister Modi regarding the development of West Bengal and the six demands for Sonar Bangla that had been raised by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The message I had given to Modi ji was about the six demands for Sonar Bangla that Suvendu Adhikari had spoken about. If Modi ji takes responsibility for the industrial development of Bengal, he will fulfil the dream of Sonar Bangla within three years. Through this message of greetings, I am once again reminding him of that, Sarkar said. I hope to fulfil the dream of Syama Prasad Mookerjee. That will be my appeal. I wish him a long life. May he remain healthy and continue to work for the country. These are my greetings to him, he added. At the age of 98, Sarkar continues to be remembered as one of the early grassroots figures associated with the nationalist movement in post-Independence India and the growth of the BJPs organisational base in West Bengal. Earlier in May, during the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Prime Minister Modi had met Sarkar. He greeted Makhanlal Sarkar, presented him with a shawl and took his blessings. Following the meeting, PM Modi shared photographs with the veteran BJP worker and described him as a motivating figure, saying that Sarkar continued to inspire people from different walks of life to join the party. He had said, Today, as the first-ever BJP Government takes oath in West Bengal, it is natural for all of us to remember Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his everlasting contribution to the nation and West Bengal in particular. No stone will be left unturned to fulfil his vision. During the swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata, I had the opportunity to meet Shri Makhanlal Sarkar Ji. A devout nationalist, he worked with Dr Mookerjee and was even arrested in Jammu and Kashmir while accompanying him. He dedicated his life to our party, expanding its base across West Bengal, inspiring people from all walks of life to join the party. We, in the BJP, are proud that we have such motivating figures who have worked among the people and strengthened our party, he had said. In 1952, Sarkar was arrested in Kashmir while accompanying Syama Prasad Mookerjee during the movement to hoist the Indian Tricolour there. After the formation of the BJP in 1980, he became the organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling districts. Within just one year, he helped enrol nearly 10,000 members. From 1981 onward, he served continuously for seven years as district president, an exceptional achievement at a time when BJP leaders generally could not remain in the same organisational position for more than two years.
ECI to meet Trinamool factions today; may decide who gets name
Kolkata: As the Election Commission of India (ECI) meets separately with delegations from the two factions of the Trinamool Congress in New Delhi in the second half on Thursday, September 17, speculation is rife that the ECI may as well decide on who gets the party symbol and name. The ECI will meet the two 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 .
Kolkata Police SI Result 2026 (Out) - Check WBPRB Final Written Result, Cut Off Marks
WBPRB has declared the Kolkata Police SI Result 2026 on 16 September 2026 for the Final Combined Competitive Examination (SI/Sub-Inspectress UB, SI AB, Sergeant Kolkata Police 2023, 309 posts). Check category-wise cut-off marks, download the merit list PDF, and see what happens next in the Personality Test.
Inshallah: How remarks in UPSC video landed Bengal IPS officer Bushra Bano in soup
SBI SCO Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for Marketing Executive, Faculty and More Posts
State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, Mumbai, has released two advertisements for the Engagement of Specialist Cadre Officers on Contract Basis. Advertisement No. CRPD/SCO/2026-27/20 covers Dean, Faculty, and Marketing Executive posts at the State Bank Institute of Leadership (SBIL), Kolkata, while Advertisement No. CRPD/SCO/2026-27/22 covers Deputy Vice President (IT Risk) and Assistant Vice President (IT Risk) posts. Online registration and fee payment for both notifications run from 16.09.2026 to 06.10.2026, via sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
Gold and silver prices remained volatile on September 17 after the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points, with global bullion prices recovering after the previous sessions fall. Check the latest gold and silver rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai.
West Bengal CM and State BJP president speak in different voices on minority voters
CM Suvendu Adhikari has called the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls a test for minority voters on whether they want to support the State govt or not. BJP State president Samik Bhattacharya said that his party is opposed to any division of minority or majority voters.
Modinomics transformed India: Rajnath Singh in Kolkata
To celebrate the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party will conduct a one month public outreach starting from September 17.
State portals under maintenance and audit freeze, citizen services crippled
