Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of 'hooliganism' outside her Kolkata residence
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Trinamool Congress leader and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that goons linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engage in hooliganism outside her Kolkata residence while claiming police inaction in atrocities in the state. Addressing a press conference here, Banerjee said: Police officers are knocking on the doors of my party leaders, warning them to join the rival faction or go to jail...terrible atrocities are going on in Bengal. I am not allowed to move out of my house without court orders. More than 70 people have been murdered, more than 45 rapes have taken place, including of girl children and 'adivasis'...but police are not taking any cognisance, she added. Referring to attacks on the vehicles of her Trinamool faction leaders, the former CM asked: Have you ever heard leaders of the ruling party being attacked? Local police stations in Bengal have become BJP's block office and the headquarters of District officers have been converted to their 'Zilla office'. The police headquarters have become their state Committee office, she alleged. Further, Banerjee claimed that security has been withdrawn by the BJP government from her residence. Now they are lying that I am availing Z plus security. On the instructions of the present government, 200-300 hooligans are engaging in hooliganism in front of my house...even women are not safe, she alleged. People are unable to open their shops now. Kolkata used to be so lively; now there are no people on roads after 8 pm...hawkers are homeless, their livelihoods have been snatched. In fact, people linked to the BJP are even looting the donation boxes at temples, calling it their property, she alleged. MoreoverBanerjee claimed that during the Assembly polls in West Bengal, security personnel went door to door, threatened people against voting for the Trinamool Congress; CRPF personnel were also involved. War vehicles which are used in Kashmir, have been used by BJP leaders for campaigning. Is this a mockery of democracy? People cannot be treated like this, she asserted. Meanwhile, Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) MP Abhishek Banerjee, who was also present at the press conference, asked why the BJP is responding to the questions being raised at the ECI. Referring to the NCPI seeking Bharat Ratna for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, he retorted: If he can be given 'Bharat Ratna' for 'vote chori', then please reward him. Reiterating the former Chief Minister's allegations that the number of voter deletions is more than the winning margin in many constituencies in the state, Abhishek Banerjee said: We received many such reports where the serial numbers of EVMs control unit and balloting unit at the counting centre did not match with what was recorded in Form 17C. Further, he claimed that several MLAs and leaders of Mamata Banerjee's faction are still languishing in jails, as they didn't join the dishonest group.
ED summons Indranil Sen again in Durga Puja money laundering probe
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday issued a fresh notice to former West Bengal Tourism Minister Indranil Sen for a second round of interrogation at the EDs Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata next week in connection with a money laundering case. The ED officials had already questioned Sen, a singer-turned-politician, on Wednesday for a marathon 10-hour session at the EDs Salt Lake office in connection with the same case. Earlier, on Tuesday, a team of ED officials conducted extensive raid and search operations at Sens residence in Kasba in south Kolkata in the same matter. On Tuesday, ED officials also conducted raids and search operations at nine other locations in Kolkata in the same matter, including the residences of Sens relatives and the residence of event manager Arijit Dasgupta. The assets, properties and bank accounts of Sen and his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, are also under the scanner of ED investigating officials in the matter. The main charge against Sen and his wife is the alleged sale of fake passes in the name of Durga Puja tours using the UNESCO tag. It is initially estimated that around Rs 60 crore was involved. The ED began its investigation based on a complaint lodged by Joydeep Mukherjee, an alleged victim of fraud, at Bowbazar Police Station in June. However, Sen has denied all the allegations since the beginning. UNESCO recognised Kolkatas Durga Puja in 2021. Thereafter, an organisation called Mass Art was formed, claiming to be UNESCOs official partner. The organisation started promoting Durga Puja, and the sale of passes for Durga Puja parikrama began. However, according to the allegations, those passes, sold at high prices, were fake. Sens wife, Madhuchhanda, was closely associated with the organisation. Entry passes, or tickets, were allegedly sold at high prices by illegally using the UNESCO name and logo in the name of preview shows or Durga Puja parikrama tours of Kolkatas Durga Pujas. According to the allegations, around Rs 60 crore was misappropriated. It is further learned that passes for about 24 Durga Puja preview shows in Kolkata were sold at high prices. In some cases, these passes ranged from Rs 1,749 to Rs 5,499. The entity reportedly claimed that UNESCO had selected those 24 puja pandals. However, sources familiar with the development have found no evidence to support that claim so far. It is alleged that funds were embezzled in the name of preview show passes. An initial investigation found that about 19,000 people registered to receive these passes in 2022, 34,000 in 2023, and 61,000 in 2024. Sources familiar with the development said the entity planned to organise preview shows for the forthcoming Durga Puja this month and had even issued an advertisement on its website for that purpose. However, those plans were cancelled immediately after the ED started its investigation into the matter.
NPS Diwas: PFRDA launches awareness drive for Sanchay pension scheme here's what you need to know
PFRDAs NPS Sanchay Pension Yatra will cover Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata from 1-16 October. NPS Sanchay is designed to simplify retirement savings, with a predefined investment approach and flexible contribution options. Heres who can apply and how the scheme works.
Primary teacher recruitment to be completed soon: Bengal Education Minister
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) State School Education Minister Deepak Barman on Thursday said the stalled primary school teacher recruitment process would be completed soon. He made the remarks at a press conference at Bikash Bhaban. The Minister also said the next recruitment process would begin once the current process was completed. He said, The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) will be held every year like Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja. The last Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for recruiting primary school teachers was held in 2022. That recruitment process has not yet been completed. Under pressure from several movements, the Trinamool Congress government published the recruitment notification for candidates who passed the TET in 2022 on September 25, 2025. However, even after a year, the recruitment process could not be started. After the notification was published in September 2025, interviews started on December 31. District-wise interviews began in phases from December last year to recruit 13,421 people. The first four rounds of interviews were conducted. Thereafter, on February 27, the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) issued a notification, and interviews for Nadia, Purulia, Bankura, Alipurduar, South Dinajpur, Malda, West Burdwan and Birbhum districts started in the fifth to tenth phases. Meanwhile, interviews for Nadia district in the fifth phase ended on March 19. Although interviews for Purulia district in the sixth phase started on March 23, the Assembly election schedule had already been announced. As a result, questions arose over whether interviews could be conducted during that period. Subsequently, in April, the WBBPE said the Election Commission had written to the School Education Department on March 27 seeking information on the interview process for recruiting primary school teachers. That letter reached the board on March 30, and the board provided the details on the same day. It also explained that the interview process continued even after the election had been announced. However, the primary education board suspended the interview process on April 1. Thereafter, the Assembly elections were held, and a new government was formed. However, the interviews have not resumed yet, triggering fresh debate. When asked about the issue, the Minister said the primary recruitment process underway would be completed quickly and that the government would move on to the next recruitment exercise. Once this recruitment is completed, the TET will be held again based on the vacancies that are created. I have said many times, and I am saying again, TET will be held every year like Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja, he said. Meanwhile, the State Minister said mid-day meals should not be discontinued in any school in the state. A few days ago, reports emerged that mid-day meals had been stopped at a school in the Garia area on the outskirts of Kolkata. Allegations suggested the scheme had been halted due to a lack of funds. Thereafter, the administration intervened and immediately arranged mid-day meals through the district administration. However, several schools in the state still face allegations of various problems related to mid-day meals. Deepak Barman said, We have allocated the funds. The West Bengal government is giving great importance to the PM Poshan scheme.
Bengal Police reach Delhi to question woman posing as PMO official
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) A special team of investigators from Howrah City Police, which comes under the West Bengal Police, reached Delhi on Thursday to question a woman who entered the state secretariat, Nabanna, in Mandirtala in Kolkata, posing as an official from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). An insider from the state police said the officers first received information on Wednesday evening about the womans location in Delhi. Thereafter, Howrah City Police officers contacted their counterparts in Delhi Police and reached the national capital on Wednesday night. As per the latest information available, the woman is currently under detention by Delhi Police, and the investigating officers from Howrah City Police are interrogating her. The investigating officers are trying to ascertain the exact motive behind her entering the state secretariat while posing as a PMO official. The Howrah City Police officers are also trying to gather information on whether the woman was part of an organised gang, the state police officer said. The woman, identified as Akanksha Vidyarthi, visited the State Public Works Department (PWD), housed at Nabanna, on Wednesday after seeking a prior appointment. She allegedly posed as a PMO official and asked PWD officials questions about the department's functioning. However, a section of the PWD officials became suspicious of her identity. Sensing the officials suspicion, the woman quickly left the Nabanna premises, the state police officer said. After confirming that she had provided a false identity, the PWD filed a written complaint with Howrah City Police. By then, she had flown back to Delhi. The officer said Howrah City Police began an investigation and, after confirming her location in Delhi, a team reached the national capital on Wednesday night. He also said the investigating officers were not taking the matter lightly and suspected that some organised gang might be behind the woman.
Government cuts sugar dealers stock limit to 1,000 quintals from October 15
The revised norms will allow dealers to hold sugar for only 15 days, while region-specific limits will apply in Kolkata and Assam.
Uruguay Football Team Arrives In Kolkata Ahead Of India Friendly
The Uruguay national football team arrived at NSCBI Airport in Kolkata ahead of their international friendly against India. Fans gathered as the Uruguay squad touched down for the much-awaited clash.
Todays Gold Rate in India October 1: Gold prices down in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices down across metro cities on October 1
India cuts sugar stock holding period for dealers to 15 days to curb hoarding ahead of festivals
Starting from October 15, new regulations will limit sugar stock for dealers to 1,000 quintals nationwide. Dealers will only be allowed to hold stocks for a maximum of 15 days. Kolkata and Assam will have a higher limit of 2,000 quintals due to regional needs. The Government expects retail sugar prices to decline further as ex-mill prices stabilize.
Petrol, Diesel Prices On October 1: Check Fuel Rates In Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata And More
Petrol and diesel rates remained unchanged across major cities on Oct. 1 as state-run oil marketing companies continued to absorb global crude price volatility.
Gold prices in India stood at Rs 1.49 lakh per 10 gm on Oct. 1, while silver stood at Rs 2,23,860 per kg. Check the latest city-wise rates.
Teen slashes classmate in south Kolkata school, victim stable after surgery
SIR tribunal judges refuse to log into new portal with Aadhaar, flag tweak in docu norm
25 objections to draft KMC reserved wards, hearing on Saturday
10 accounts get 2.4cr in 2 days, cops suspect laundering racket
Howrah Division: RPF Rescues Over 800 Kids In 8 Months
Pre-dawn attack on BJP mins CR Avenue office
Dhakuria school takes off Mao, Lenin photos
JU Commission To Probe Recruitment Irregularities
Voter appeals pile up amid ERO vacancies, procedural confusion
NCPI wants Bharat Ratna for Gyanesh Kumar
Attendance marks to bring truant students back to classrooms: Calcutta University college principals
SIT Visits SRFTI, Collects CCTV Footage, Records Statements
Boy, 15, Attacked With Sharp Object, Left Bleeding In Top Kolkata School
The attack occurred in front of a teacher in the classroom, South Point School said in a statement.
Jadavpur University teachers urge guv to withdraw transfer policy
Support Pours In For SRFTI Students; BJP Seeks Audit
Calcutta High Court bars club from holding Durga Puja at residential building
Haridevpur Durga Puja back on track after meeting with BJP MLA
Parking on flyover, diversions: Puja traffic rejig in Behala zone
Newlywed found dead, hubby arrested
No VIP pass culture: New Durga Puja body set up with 780 clubs in city and abroad
PM Modi to inaugurate major Kolkata Durga Pujas from Eden Gardens on Mahalaya
Mysterious Death of Woman in Kolkata Sparks Investigation; Husband Arrested
A womans mysterious death in Kolkata leads to her husbands arrest as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mysterious Death of Woman in Kolkata Sparks Investigation; Husband Arrested
Raphinha ruled out of India vs Brazil clash in Kolkata, returns to Barcelona after Australia leg
Brazil forward Raphinha has been ruled out of the blockbuster FIFA friendly against India , which will be played on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. He has suffered a minor thigh injury during Brazils 4-2 friendly victory over Australia in Brisbane on Tuesday and since then, the player has been released by Brazil and has returned to Barcelona.
Centre approves Rs 1,175 crore Teesta bridge project in Darjeeling
APCR West Bengal Chapter Seeks Restoration of Voters Excluded During SIR
KOLKATA: The West Bengal Chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) submitted representations to the District Magistrates across the state on September 24, raising concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The representations were submitted simultaneously in districts across West Bengal, with copies also sent to the Chief [] The post APCR West Bengal Chapter Seeks Restoration of Voters Excluded During SIR first appeared on .
West Bengal SIR tribunal Judge submits resignation letter, cites long commute
It is difficult to continue under such circumstances, Justice (Retd.) Indrajit Chatterjee, head of the SIR tribunal number 11 dealing with deletions of names from Murshidabad district, says he travels 70-80 km for three-four hours every day
Reliance team meets Bengal govt, discusses investment areas
Puja pass scam: ED quizzes former minister Indranil for 10 hours
Bengal allocates Rs 1,200cr for Ghatal plan, Rs 1.8L aid for flood-hit families
Cong MP stopped as CP, ABVP clash at Malda College gate
Uruguay Lands For India Friendly
Two-time world champions Uruguay have arrived in Kolkata for their FIFA International Friendly against India on October 6, setting the stage for a week of exciting international football that also features a match between India and five-time world champions Brazil.
Bengal minister seeks industry support to set up skill university
Rebel TMC leader Anubrata Mondal heckled, party office vandalised in Birbhum
Education-skills integration vital to professionalise jewellery industry: Experts
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) Industry leaders on Wednesday stressed the need to integrate formal education with skill-based training to ensure the long-term growth of India's jewellery sector and preserve its rich tradition of craftsmanship. Speaking on the sidelines of an industry event here, experts said artisans remain the backbone of the jewellery industry, but attracting younger generations to the profession has become an increasing challenge. They argued that linking jewellery-making skills with recognised academic qualifications and certifications could make the sector more appealing to students and young professionals. Vinod Bamalwa, Director of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons and Chairman of the National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle at the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said the industry is facing a shortage of young artisans as fewer people are choosing jewellery craftsmanship as a career. According to him, one of the key reasons is the lack of formal recognition of jewellery-making as a structured vocational education pathway. He said that integrating technical skills with degree and certification programmes could help elevate the profession's status and attract more talent to the sector. Bamalwa noted that efforts are underway to introduce jewellery manufacturing and related technical subjects to students at the school level, with industry participation playing a key role in designing and supporting such programmes. He said the industry has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the government to build a stronger talent pipeline. Subhankar Sen, Co-Chairman of the ICC National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle and Managing Director and CEO of Senco Gold & Diamonds, said West Bengal has long been a hub of jewellery craftsmanship, with artisans from the state contributing significantly to jewellery centres across the country, including Mumbai, Surat and southern India. Sen pointed out that jewellery education extends far beyond the art of making ornaments and encompasses areas such as metallurgy, marketing, sales techniques and product management. Introducing such subjects at school and college levels, he said, could open up employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people. He emphasised that combining education with practical skill development is essential if the jewellery sector is to evolve into a more organised and professionally managed industry.
Nandigram bypoll: Suvendu predicts unimaginable victory margin
Congress fumes as Nandigram cops detain Matua face, activist
After Lionel Messi Visit Chaos, Brazil Deploys Special Security Delegation Before India Game
In a historic move, the Brazil national football team, one of the best sides in the world, will face India in Kolkata on October 3.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sept 30 (IANS) The AATS of Delhi Police's Dwarka District has busted an illegal international call centre operating from Vipin Garden, Uttam Nagar, and arrested five persons for targeting foreign nationals by impersonating Amazon and Apple technical support executives. Acting on specific intelligence, a team led by Inspector Manish Yadav, AATS Dwarka, under the supervision of ACP/Operations Subhash Malik, conducted discreet surveillance and technical verification of the suspected call centre. A raid was subsequently conducted during the intervening night of September 28 and 29, during which five persons were found involved in cyber fraud targeting foreign nationals. The operation was carried out following directions from DCP, Dwarka, Kushal Pal Singh, as part of a special drive against illegal call centres involved in fraudulent activities. A dedicated team comprising SIs Dhananjay Kumar and Jitender Singh, ASI Dev Kumar, Head Constables Inder Singh, Sandeep, Sonu, Manish, Manoj, Pradeep, and woman Head Constable Mamta was constituted to identify such establishments, ascertain their modus operandi and apprehend those involved. According to police, the accused contacted foreign nationals through VoIP applications, including MicroSIP, X-Lite and Google Voice, while posing as Amazon and Apple technical support executives. After gaining the victims' confidence, they induced them to install AnyDesk and other remote-access software and subsequently deceived them into making payments or divulging sensitive financial information. Police said 10 laptops, four mobile phones, two Wi-Fi routers, headsets and other calling accessories were recovered from the premises. Digital evidence, including Google Voice, MicroSIP, X-Lite and AnyDesk applications, international contact databases, call scripts, login credentials and other incriminating data, was also recovered. The accused have been identified as Simranjeet, 33, a resident of Ludhiana; Mark Martin, 47, of Gurugram; Elton John Salters, 43, of Kolkata; Abhishek S Abraham, 30, of Mehrauli, Delhi; and Anita, 34, of Kendrapara, Odisha. Police said Simranjeet worked as a call-centre operator and managed operational infrastructure, including allocating user IDs, passwords and other login credentials. Martin handled overseas calls and persuaded foreign victims by posing as a technical support executive. Salters operated multiple systems and communicated with foreign nationals through VoIP applications and had previously been involved in similar activities, Abraham allegedly worked as a call-centre agent involved in cyber fraud operations, while Anita allegedly worked as a caller and used a dedicated laptop to contact foreign nationals under fictitious identities. Of the five persons apprehended, one woman has been served a notice. A case has been registered under FIR No. 259/2026 dated September 29, under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 61(2) and 3(5) of the BNS and Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act at Mohan Garden Police Station. Further investigation is underway.
Bengal: Humayun Kabir moves HRC against police action on party workers
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) Chairman and Nowda MLA Humayun Kabir on Wednesday approached the West Bengal Human Rights Commission (HRC) with a complaint that the police were illegally arresting his party leaders and workers. The police had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report. Humayun Kabir, along with several party workers and their families, appeared at the Human Rights Commission's office on Wednesday. He alleged that the police were harassing his party leaders and workers ahead of the by-election in Rejinagar in Murshidabad district. He mainly complained to the Human Rights Commission against the police of the Beldanga, Nowda and Shaktinagar police stations. In the words of the AJUP Chairman, My party workers and supporters are being harassed unilaterally. Their houses are being raided. He further said that not only his party, but also common people of Murshidabad had raised their voices against such police raids. We want the Human Rights Commission to take note of the matter and intervene, he added. The by-elections in the Rejinagar and Nandigram Assembly constituencies will be held on October 6. Humayun Kabir alleged that the ruling party was trying to capture the Rejinagar seat by any means and was using various illegal methods to do so. Earlier, Humayun Kabir wrote a letter to the Election Commission, alleging police excesses and harassment of party workers. In his letter to the Commission, Humayun Kabir alleged that the Superintendent of Police of the Berhampore Police District was trying to influence the election directly. On September 24, Humayun Kabir staged a sit-in protest outside the Rejinagar police station, alleging that the police were arresting his party leaders and workers in a bid to stop them from campaigning for the by-election. Humayun Kabir had won the 2026 Assembly elections from both the Rejinagar and Nowda constituencies. He later relinquished the Rejinagar constituency. The by-election is being held there, in which he has fielded his son. Humayun Kabir alleged that his party was not being allowed to campaign and that the police were working for the ruling party in the state.
Purber Akash: Operatives used encrypted Telegram channel for terror activities, finds NIA
Inherited family gold? How to prove ownership and source of jewellery to Income Tax Department
The Kolkata Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ruled in favour of the assessee in a case, underscoring the importance of supporting claims about inherited jewellery with credible and consistent evidence.
HC dismisses ISF plea over Envelope symbol for Nandigram bypoll
The pioneer arrives: Boar-loving 3-year-old tigress comes to Buxa
Kumortuli Ghat: Crucial Restoration For Kolkata's Evergreen Potters' Lane
Durga Puja is not just the largest festival of West Bengal. It is also a citywide exhibition of art - through resplendent idols, spectacular pandals and dazzling display of lights - drawing millions of visitors.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 'misuse' case: ED conducts searches at several locations in Kolkata
Twelve premises located in Kolkata were covered as part of the searches conducted under the anti-money laundering law, ED officials said
IIBX plans to bring bullion to Bengals doorstep with Kolkata vault by Diwali
IIBX will open its own bullion vault in Kolkata by Diwali, enabling West Bengal jewellers to take local delivery instead of sourcing bullion from Chennai or GIFT City. The move is expected to cut logistics costs and delivery times, as the industry navigates high gold prices, falling volumes and export growth opportunities.
DDK Kolkata Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for Archive Assistant, Video Assistant and More Posts
Doordarshan Kendra, Kolkata (DDK Kolkata), Prasar Bharati has announced empanelment opportunities across 9 categories under Recruitment 2026. The recruitment drive includes Archive Assistant, Post Production Assistant (Graphics), Post Production Assistant (Editing), Video Assistant, Social Media Editor, C. G. Operator, Resource Person (Programme), Resource Person (Lighting Assistant), and Broadcast Assistant (Commercial). The online application process will be conducted through the Google Form up to 16 October 2026 through the official website of Prasar Bharati. Eligible candidates should review the detailed notification before submitting their applications.
Nandigram bypoll Congress candidate walks out of jail
Kolkata: Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan was on Wednesday, September 30, released from jail, a day after the Calcutta High Court granted him interim bail in six criminal cases lodged in 2007, a police officer said. Pradhan, who was received by a large number of party workers outside the Haldia jail, said he would 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 intern doctor slammed for sharing photo of woman getting stitches after delivery
Bengal tops child marriage, underage motherhood concerns, Adhikari vows zero tolerance
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday expressed concern over the high incidence of child marriage and underage motherhood in the state, asserting that his government is committed to eliminating the menace. West Bengal is competing with Jammu and Kashmir for the top position in two areas. The first is the number of girls getting married before they attain the age of 18, and the second is the number of girls becoming pregnant and mothers before turning 18. This trend is deeply concerning. The state must be completely freed from this social evil, and our government is determined to achieve this at any cost, the Chief Minister said. He was addressing a function on Wednesday afternoon to mark the 2027th birth anniversary, according to the Bengali calendar, of iconic educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The function was organised at Bissingha village in West Midnapore district of West Bengal, the birthplace of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Earlier this month, the Chief Minister had announced that, henceforth, husbands would be booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in cases where their wives become mothers before attaining the age of 18. Following his announcement, the state police have already begun taking action against family members of minors who become pregnant or mothers before attaining the age of 18. Reiterating the warning on Wednesday, Adhikari said the state administration would adopt a zero tolerance approach towards preventing child marriages and minors from becoming mothers before attaining the age of 18. Speaking on the occasion, he also criticised the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, particularly over the alleged practice of making state-run libraries keep books authored by Banerjee. I will ask the authorities of the libraries in the state to stop keeping those books and instead keep books written by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar there, the CM said. The Chief Minister also said that because of the flawed policies of the previous state government, West Bengal had been lagging behind other states in two crucial areas of education and health. We have to improve the situation at any cost, and the new government is determined to take all necessary steps to achieve this, Adhikari added.
Three-year-old Bihar tigress airlifted to Bengal, release in Buxa on Oct 2
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A three-year-old tigress from Bihars Valmiki Tiger Reserve was airlifted to Hasimara Air Force Station in north Bengal on Wednesday morning as part of an ambitious effort to restore the tiger population in Buxa Tiger Reserve in the state. The tigress, captured after a week-long search operation, was flown from Gorakhpur airport in a specially designed cage with full medical support. An Indian Air Force helicopter carried the animal to Hasimara, where it landed at around 4:45 am. Forest department officials said a team of nearly 70 tiger rescue personnel had been searching for the tigress in Valmiki Tiger Reserve for several days despite difficult weather conditions. She was finally tranquilised with sleeper darts before dusk on Tuesday. After the capture, the tigress underwent health checks before being transported by road from Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihars Champaran district to Gorakhpur airport, around 125 km away. Following the airlift, two wildlife veterinarians and tiger experts examined her physical parameters for more than an hour at Hasimara. The tigress was then transported by road to Buxa Tiger Reserve, about 37 km from Hasimara. Security arrangements were strengthened along the route, with additional police personnel deployed to ensure a smooth transfer. The animal entered Buxa through the Rajabhatkhawa gate at around 6:45 pm and was taken to a special forest department facility at 25 Miles. She will remain there temporarily before being moved to a 2.2-hectare natural enclosure. Officials said the tigress will be released into the natural enclosure on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav are scheduled to attend the release programme. The relocation is part of a broader initiative to revive the tiger population in Buxa. The reserve has been preparing for the reintroduction programme, with forest authorities making arrangements for the animals acclimatisation and monitoring after its release. The movement of the tigress involved coordination among forest, wildlife and defence authorities.
Man Arrested for Attempting to Extort
A man was arrested in Kolkata for attempting to extort 5 lakh by impersonating a police officer and threatening a victim. Man Arrested for Attempting to Extort 5 Lakh in Kolkata by Impersonating Police Officer
Todays Gold Rate in India September 30: Gold prices up in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru
22, 24 carat Gold prices up across metro cities on September 30
Man held for posing as DSP in Kolkata, trying to extort Rs 5 lakh from youth
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) The Kolkata Police arrested a man on charges of posing as a senior police officer and attempting to extort Rs 5 lakh from a young man by threatening to make his personal information public, an officer said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Rahul Roy, was arrested following a complaint lodged at Kalighat police station in south Kolkata. Both Roy and the complainant are residents of the Kalighat area and were known to each other, the police said. According to the police, Roy allegedly introduced himself as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the state police and showed a fake police identity card to convince people of his credentials. The complainant, who had recently faced some personal problems, shared details of the matter with Roy after trusting him. The police, quoting the complaint, said that the accused subsequently began blackmailing the complainant. Roy and his associates allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh, threatening to circulate the confidential information shared by the complainant on social media if he failed to pay the money. Fearing that the information would be made public, the complainant allegedly paid Rs 10,000 on September 27 and another Rs 2,000 on September 28. However, the demands continued, and he remained under pressure to pay the remaining amount, the police said. The complainant subsequently became suspicious of the accused and made inquiries about Roy's identity. He allegedly discovered that Roy was not a police officer and that the identity card he had displayed was fake. The complainant then approached Kalighat police and lodged a complaint. The police immediately conducted a search and arrested Roy in the early hours of Wednesday. A case has been filed against the man under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has been arrested. The matter is under investigation, a senior Kolkata Police officer said. The police are also investigating how Roy obtained the fake police identity card and whether other people were involved in the alleged extortion attempt. Investigators are examining the role of Roy's associates and the circumstances in which the fake credentials were prepared.
After Calcutta HC order, Congresss Nandigram nominee to be out on bail for bypoll
Calcutta HC dismisses AISF plea to restore 'envelope' symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed by the All India Secular Front (AISF) to restore the party's envelope symbol, dealing a setback ahead of the upcoming bypolls in the state. Justice Krishna Rao had reserved the judgment after hearing the matter on September 28. In his judgment, Justice Rao observed that the court did not intend to interfere in the forthcoming bypolls in two assembly constituencies in West Bengal scheduled for next month and hence declined to grant relief to the petitioner. Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district are going for bypolls on October 6, and the counting will be on October 9. AISF had fielded a candidate from Nandigram. AISF legislator Nawsad Siddique, the partys lone representative in the West Bengal Assembly, challenged the ECIs decision, arguing that he had successfully contested and won the Bhangar Assembly seat in both 2021 and 2026 on the envelope symbol and that there was no justification for its withdrawal. Earlier this month, the Election Commission of India (ECI) allotted the envelope symbol to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction of Trinamool Congress, which was also allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress. AISF has been allotted the almirah symbol this time. Siddique approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the decision. He contended that there was no reason for withdrawal of the envelope symbol when he contested and got elected on that symbol from the Bhangar Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district twice, first in 2021 and then in 2026. On the other hand, the ECI counsel gave a counterargument that envelope was a free symbol and unrecognised political parties like AISF do not have a permanent right to a specific reserved symbol. Now, with the Calcutta High Court dismissing the petition, AISF has no choice but to contest the Nandigram bypoll on the almirah symbol. During an earlier hearing, Justice Rao had observed that the controversy might have been avoided had the ECI opted to freeze the envelope symbol instead of reallocating it. However, the court ultimately chose not to interfere with the poll process.
SIT to probe violence at Kolkatas SRFTI, first report on October 1
Violence erupted at the campus of SRFTI on September 27 as member of Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) a right-wing consumer group, who were holding an event inside the campus clashed with students of institute
Special Investigation Team Formed to Probe Violent Clash at Satyajit Ray Institute
A Special Investigation Team has been established to investigate the violent clash at the Satyajit Ray Film Institute in Kolkata. Special Investigation Team Formed to Probe Violent Clash at Satyajit Ray Institute
SIT formed to probe September 27 clashes in Kolkatas SRFTI campus
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the instances of violent clashes that broke out at the campus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) between members of Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) and other students on September 27, which left several people injured. The six-member team will be headed by the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) of Kolkata Police, Kunal Agarwal. The SIT members will conduct a thorough investigation into what happened on the SRFTI campus and what prompted the clashes between the students associated with CPI(M)s SFI and ABGP. As per the notification issued by the state Home (police) Department regarding the formation of the SIT to probe the matter, apart from Agarwal, the other five members of the SIT will include Deputy Commissioner (Detective Department of Kolkata Police, Sparsha Nilangi; Deputy Superintendent of the Criminal Investigation Department of West Bengal Police, Koushik Ghosh, Salil Roy, Tusharkanti Ghosh and Hirak Dalpati, the last three being Inspector-ranking officer attached to Kolkata Police. In the notification, it has been further claimed that the SIT was formed on the basis of three separate FIRs registered at Panchasayar Police Station under the East Division of the Kolkata Police, under whose jurisdiction SRFTI comes. Of the three FIRs, one has been filed by the ABGP members and the second by a section of students of SRFTI. The third FIR has been registered suo motu by the police. No one has been detained or arrested so far. The SIT will submit its preliminary report on the matter on October 1. In the notification, the officer heading the SIT has been vested with the authority to seek additional manpower, either from West Bengal Police or the Kolkata Police, for the investigation, if necessary. The violence broke out within the SRFTI campus on Sunday at around 1 p.m, when the ABGP programme was underway there, and a group of activists belonging to the SFI arrived at the venue. SFI activists reportedly questioned the organisers about holding the programme in the auditorium. The organisers accused the SFI activists of tearing down the pictures and banners of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda. However, the SFI activists claimed that the SRFTI management permitted ABGP to hold the programme without informing them. They also accused the organisers of calling them militants and Bangladeshis. They claimed that the SFI members were assaulted for protesting against this. On the other hand, ABGP accused the SFI activists of disrupting their programme without any provocation. They alleged that SFI members raised Azadi slogans. ABGP also claimed that they had permission from the authorities to hold the programme. A large police force, led by the concerned divisional Deputy Commissioner of Police, rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clashes. Tensions escalated further in the presence of the police, with reports of scuffles involving students and event organisers. Some students also accused the police of recording the names and residential details of complainants instead of taking immediate action against those responsible for the violence. They expressed fear of possible harassment and demanded the immediate registration of cases against the accused. A section of students staged a protest around a police vehicle in support of their demands.
Nothing is going to happen: Dilip Ghosh takes swipe at Mamata Banerjee ahead of INDIA bloc meet
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday took a swipe at former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary of the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, Abhishek Banerjee, over their visit to Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, saying nothing will happen. Speaking in Kolkata, Ghosh said, For the media, the news is only that they are going to Delhi and coming back from Delhi. What is the result? Nothing is going to happen. The INDIA bloc is meeting on Wednesday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi to discuss the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns raised by opposition parties over the functioning of the Election Commission. The agenda for the meeting was finalised following discussions within the opposition alliance. The meeting is expected to focus on the SIR exercise, electoral-roll revisions and the opposition parties concerns regarding the Election Commission. The Congress Working Committee had earlier passed a resolution demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA bloc is expected to discuss a coordinated political response to the issues at the meeting. Reacting to the oppositions criticism of the Election Commission, Ghosh said the Congress had previously won elections under the same poll panel. Congress ruled for 10 years in between; this same Election Commission made them win. In various states where Congress is in power, they won elections and came to power. So, how did they win there? The Election Commission remains the same. Therefore, a streak of losses has begun. The party president himself has lost, so how will the party win? he said. Ghosh also defended the electoral roll revision process and criticised objections raised over the verification and deletion of voter names. The false voters here have been separated through the SIR process, those who are not citizens of the country or do not have documents. So, crying over them is of no use he said.
After raids, ED summons former Bengal minister in money laundering case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) After conducting a marathon raid and search operation in connection with a money laundering case at the residence of the former West Bengal Tourism Minister Indranil Sen, that lasted for over 16 hours, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now summoned him for questioning in the matter at the central agencys Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Sen, a singer-turned-politician, has been asked to be present at the ED office by 11 a.m. on Wednesday. However, the former West Bengal minister has denied all the charges against him and even threatened legal action in the matter for the alleged harassment faced by him and his family members. On Tuesday, different teams of ED officials conducted simultaneous raids and search operations at ten places, including the residence of Sen and his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, in Kasba, South Kolkata. The other places where the raid and search operations were conducted included the residences of some of Sens relatives and the house of an event manager, Arijit Dasgupta. The main charge in the matter against Sen and his wife is of selling fake passes on the name of Durga Puja tours, using the UNESCO tag. It is initially estimated that around Rs 60 crore was involved, said sources. ED began the investigation into the matter based on a complaint lodged by an individual, Joydeep Mukherjee, a victim of fraud, at the Bowbazar Police Station in June. However, Sen, since the beginning, has denied all the allegations raised against him. To recall, in 2021, Kolkata Durga Puja was recognised by UNESCO. After that, an organisation called 'Mass Art' was formed, which claimed to be UNESCO's official partner. They started promoting Durga Puja. The sale of passes for the Durga Puja parikrama started. But those passes sold at high prices were actually fake. Sens wife, Madhuchhanda, was closely associated with this organisation. Entry passes, or tickets, were sold at high prices by illegally using the UNESCO name and logo in the name of the 'preview show' or puja parikrama of Kolkata's Durga Puja, as per the allegations. The ED alleges that there was corruption of around 60 crore. It is further learnt that passes for about 24 Durga Puja preview shows in Kolkata were sold at high prices. In some cases, the price of these passes ranged from Rs 1,749 to Rs 5,499. The said entity claimed that UNESCO had selected those 24 puja pandals. But so far, no truth has been found, according to sources aware of the development. It is alleged that money has been embezzled in the name of preview show passes. Initial investigation revealed that about 19,000 people registered to receive these passes in 2022; 34,000 registered in 2023; and 61,000 in 2024
Indias petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged on September 30, while Brent crude rose 0.65% to $103.26 a barrel in early trade. Markets tracking uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz
Gold and silver prices today, 30 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.
Gold and silver prices remained under pressure as US Treasury yields hovered near multi-year highs. Check the latest gold and silver rates across major cities
Kolkata upgrades sports infrastructure before India-Brazil friendly
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DGMA notice to TS Chanakya over cadet
DGMA notice to TS Chanakya over cadets death Kolkata: TS Chanakya, one of the countrys oldest maritime training institutes, was served a show-cause notice by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) on Tuesday over the death of a cadet in May this year. TS Chanakya, a shore-based training institute located in Navi Mumbai, is [] The post DGMA notice to TS Chanakya over cadets death appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Punjab FC aim to top of group against East Bengal
Kolkata, Sep 29: Punjab FC will look to carry the momentum of their emphatic opening victory when they take on East Bengal FC in their final Group II fixture of the IFA Shield 2026-27 at the East Bengal Ground in Kolkata on Wednesday. The match, scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m., will decide the group []
Mamata in Delhi to participate in INDIA bloc meetings, Suvendu takes a dig
Our target is the Chief Election Commissioner and his full software team, who cheated and betrayed the people, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said
Puja ticket sale scam: ED raids homes of ex-minister Indranil Sen, relatives
Spl KolkataAlam Nagar festival train to run for seven round trips
SIR tribunal judge sends quit letter to CJ, cites poor roads and long commute
Raphinha Injury Sours Brazil's Comeback Win Over Australia
Brazil rallied past Australia 4-2 after Raphinha's halftime injury, with Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr sealing victory before the Selecao travel to Kolkata for Saturday's India friendly.
Computer teachers stage night-long agitation over job
SRFTI campus on edge as students call for indefinite academic boycott
Voices split: Film school fiasco divides local film industry
62-yr-old S Kol man loses Rs 29L in digital-arrest fraud
