Congress leader summoned by police for burning Bageshwar Baba's photo over Durga Puja remark
The case relates to a September 8 demonstration outside the Bhawanipur police station in south Kolkata over remarks made by Mr. Shastri about Bengalis, Bengal's culture and food practices during Durga Puja
Absconding Trinamool leader arrested in Chennai for attacking Bengal businessman
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) Trinamool Congress leader and deputy head of Bishpur Panchayat in Hingalganj in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, Shahidul Sheikh, who was absconding in a criminal case involving a businessman, was arrested in Chennai, police said on Sunday. Sheikh was accused of being involved in the incident of attacking a local businessman and setting his shop on fire. The police said that Sheikh, who had been absconding since the incident, was finally arrested in Chennai on Saturday night. According to a senior police officer of the Basirhat Police District, the Trinamool leader will be brought to Hasnabad on Sunday evening. The police will produce him in the Basirhat Sub-division Court on Monday. They will likely seek the accused's custody from the court. According to the police, on May 18, Trinamool leader Sheikh and his team were accused of beating up Nitai Das, a businessman from Bailani Bazar in Hingalganj. Allegedly, Nitai's shop was burnt down that night. As a result, Das suffered a loss of several lakhs of rupees. After investigating the incident, the Hasnabad police station started searching for Sheikh. Not only this incident, but a case was also filed earlier against him at the police station on multiple charges, including embezzling money from the panchayat, extorting money in the name of providing houses under the Awas Yojana, bombing and issuing threats. The police had been searching for him after the latest case was filed. After receiving information from a source, officers from Hasnabad police station went to Chennai. They arrested Sheikh in a joint operation with the Special Operation Group (SOG). The phone's tower location was tracked. Finally, the police came to know that he was hiding in Chennai. After that, a team from Hasnabad police station left for Chennai to arrest him. He was arrested on Saturday night. The arrested person will be produced before a court in Chennai today, Sunday, to seek his transit remand. After that, he will be brought to Hasnabad police station. The police are investigating his role in the incident. A search is on for others who were also involved in the incident, said the police officer.
Uncertainty continues over decision on Trinamool name, symbol ahead of Bengal bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 13 (IANS) Even after separate meetings of the Election Commission of India with the two rival factions in the Trinamool Congress, where the arguments of both the factions on their claims over party name and symbol were heard, uncertainties continue over any decision of the ECI before the last day of nominations for the forthcoming bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal. After Friday's meeting with the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel-majority faction, the Commission sought fresh clarification and documents from the faction in support of its claims on Saturday. Sources said that the Ritabrata-led faction had submitted the clarifications and documents by Saturday evening. An insider from the ECI said that based on the clarifications and documents submitted by the rebel, the Commission, on Saturday night, forwarded a communique to the original-minority faction led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking their views in the matter. Meanwhile, sources said, a communique has also gone from the Mamata Banerjee-led faction to ECI seeking details of the documents submitted by the Ritabrata-led faction in support of their claims. Following the fresh evolving development, political observers feel the issue of finalisation on the fate of Trinamool Congress name and symbol before the last date of nominations for the Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies has become uncertain. The last date for submission of nominations for the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls is September 16. So, with just three days left for that, a decision of the Commission on the fate of name and symbol before that appears highly inconceivable. In that case, both the factions will have to field candidates for Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls either with free symbols or with symbols allotted to them by the Commission, explained a city-based political observer. The bypolls to Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly seats will be on October 6, and the results will be declared on October 9. Already, the CPI(M)-led Left Front and Congress have announced the names of the candidates for both these Assembly constituencies. Even Humayun Kabir-floated Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) has also announced its candidate from Rejinagar. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to declare names of its candidates within a day or two, it is still uncertain when the two factions in Trinamool Congress will announce the names of their candidates.
People free to choose food habits, religious practices: Bengal CM
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said people have the constitutional freedom to choose their food habits and religious practices, in an apparent response to godman Dhirendra Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, over his purported remarks on Bengalis eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Speaking at a summit organised by a private news 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 .
Dilip Ghosh Highlights Indias Role in Promoting Peace at BRICS Summit
Dilip Ghosh emphasizes Indias potential to foster global peace and prosperity during the 2026 BRICS Summit discussions in Kolkata. Dilip Ghosh Highlights Indias Role in Promoting Peace at BRICS Summit
Kolkatas Bonedi Bari Durga Pujas stick to non-veg; reject Bageshwar Babas veg only push
Since the self-styled godmans diktat over non-veg food during Durga Pujas, Bengal has seen many heated political and social debates over the issue
Man Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting His 13-Year-Old Daughter in West Bengal
A man in Kolkata has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting his 13-year-old daughter, following a report by his elder daughter. Man Arrested for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting His 13-Year-Old Daughter in West Bengal
TMC rivals meet EC, resigned to interim name and symbol
Ex-Hawildar Faces UAPA, Arms Act
During his service, Mallesh also served at Barrackpore in West Bengal, a major military cantonment near Kolkata.
Buses with Kol students collide on NH-16, 1 injured
Man arrested for 24 crore bank fraud, forging docus
Tolly producers likely to get more leeway in hiring technicians
Literary meet celebrates eloquence & creativity
From decaying books and rotting racks, 96-year-old Mohammed Ali Library is reborn after 3-s
KMC submits 285 delimitation observations to state govt
Kolkata International Film Festival considers logo redesign
Blow Hot-Blow Rain Sept Weather Lays Kolkata Low
Ranna Puja rush drives up hilsa prices, large sizes stay scarce
40 firms join meet to create second career for veterans
Bengal cash-for-school job scam: Accused businessman to turn approver before CBI
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) Santu Gangopadhyay, a Kolkata-based businessman and an accused in the multi-crore cash-for-school-job case in West Bengal, on Saturday wrote a letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with a plea to become an approver in the matter. Sources aware of the development said that in his letter to the CBI, Gangopadhay had claimed that despite being willing to divulge secrets in the school job scam much earlier, he was found to remain silent because of life threat during the previous Trinamool Congress government. Now, as the Kolkata-based businessman claimed in the letter to the CBI, with the change of government in West Bengal after the Assembly elections earlier this year, Gangopadhay had gained the confidence of revealing everything to the central probe agency and hence he had pleaded to become an approver in the matter. Named in the chargesheet of the CBI in case of recruitment of primary teachers in the state-run schools, Gangopadhyay was also arrested earlier in the matter. However, he is currently released on bail. He was known as an extremely close confidant of the former West Bengal Education Minister and the former Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee, who had also been lodged in jail for more than three years because of his involvement in the school job case. Chatterjee is also out on bail now. Sources said that in his letter to the CBI, Gangopadhyay said how he and Kuntal Ghosh, one of the accused in the recruitment corruption case, delivered the money to a top leader in Trinamool Congress. In the letter, Gangopadhyay also claimed that he and Kuntal Ghosh also faced the ire of that top Trinamool Congress leader for not being able to meet the target of collecting Rs 5 crore from candidates aspiring to be primary teachers in the state-run schools. Sources said that in his letter, Gangopadhay had claimed that even after the change of government in the state he had been getting threat calls from some people involved in the alleged school-job scam. He had also pleaded for the security of his family members.
Heavy Rain Unlikely In Kol In Next 3 To 4 Days: Met
Writer, novelist, playwright and critic Ketaki Kushari Dyson dies in England
Didnt resign, will continue in office, clarifies law college vice-principal
Profs protest against transfer bill, set to take legal action
Airport-bound? Leave early. VIP Road diversion from Sunday to facilitate Orange Line metro work
2 warders suspended over Baruipur jail escape
Left, Cong name candidates for Rejinagar, Nandigram bypolls
CID likely to take Sumit to Abhisheks office over money trail probe
Govt contractors urge state to clear Rs 50,000 crore dues
KMC engineers threaten to go on cease-work after colleagues arrest
'I definitely know how his mind works': Shreyas Iyer on Gautam Gambhir
Shreyas Iyer and Gautam Gambhir have worked together at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where they helped the franchise win the IPL title in 2024. Iyer was the captain, while Gambhir was the mentor. Iyer believes Gambhir's aggressive approach and his ability to understand individual players can help the team stay clear about their roles.
Bengal: Left Front announces candidates for Rejinagar, Nandigram bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) The Left Front, led by CPI(M), on Saturday announced the names of the party candidates for the October 6 bypolls in Nandigram Assembly seat and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency of West Bengal. The West Bengal Left Front Committee issued a press statement announcing the names of the front candidates for the bypolls for these two constituencies. The CPI(M) candidate from the Rejinagar constituency is Sayeed Asad Ali, an advocate in personal life. On the other hand, the CPI candidate from the Nandigram is Shanti Gopal Giri. Left Fronts candidate announcement for the bypolls comes just a day after the Congress announced the names of their candidates on Friday for both Nandigram and Rejinagar. The bypolls for these two constituencies will be conducted on October 6 that is just before the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in the state. The counting of votes will be taken up on October 9. The date by which the elections will have to be concluded is October 11. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly Constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from both Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat. Kabirs son Golab Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar bypolls this time. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, has been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the by-elections there. However, political observers say that because of the demography of Rejinagar, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough to win for the BJP. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to have much poll prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, CPI-M and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Mukesh, son Anant to visit Bengal, says Suvendu
KMC to mark PM Modis 25 years in public office with month-long events
Shreyas Iyer Gives Big Verdict On Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Skills, Reveals His 'Amazing' Quality
Gautam Gambhir's working style has polarised opinion since he took over the reins of the Indian team but skipper Shreyas Iyer says the head coach is a fantastic man-manager, an attribute he admired while working with him at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
Gautam Gambhir Has Got A Very Aggressive Mindset; I Definitely Know How His Mind Works, Says Iyer
Arun Jaitley Stadium: India captain Shreyas Iyer said he hopes his strong working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir will drive clear communication and an aggressive approach in the shortest format in the coming times, starting with Sunday's T20I match against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Having previously won an Indian Premier League (IPL) title together as captain-mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, Iyer highlighted the head coach's aggressive mentality and individual player management as key factors in establishing clarity within the squad. The duo didnt get a great start as India lost series in Ireland and England, before Iyer got a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe in July, with CoE head of cricket VVS Laxman being the stand-in head coach. I feel that he has got a very aggressive mindset. He is someone who is always looking to win when he steps onto the field. He wants every individual to perform, which is pretty much given as a coach. So, he builds a lot of trust and confidence amongst the team, and every player knows what their role and clarity is. So, I think all these alignments are very much important when it comes to coaching skills, and he has got an amazing one-on-one player management approach. So, that is essential going forward in the tournament when you have that kind of relationship with every player because all of us are different in our own ways and you need to understand a certain player. Both of us, Gauti bhai and I, have been in this scenario where we need to know the players and how they can deliver for the team. The more matches we win, the more we would be getting to know each other closely. I have worked with him in the past in KKR. So, I definitely know how his mind works and how his approach is going to be, said Iyer in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. Looking at the immediate challenge posed by Afghanistan, who have a host of players well-aware of the Indian conditions due to playing in the IPL, Iyer stressed the importance of taking one step at a time to build momentum. See, we will go game by game. We don't have to think too much about the future. We are thinking about the first game. We know that Afghanistan is a nice team, and our preparation has also been promising for the last couple of days. Players are in great shape and mindset. So, we have to stay in the present and see to it that we deliver when the time comes. Leading up to the Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition and yes, fingers crossed. We will deliver to the best of our abilities. Iyer also expressed enthusiasm for participating in his first Asian Games, where he will lead Indias gold medal defence, and interact with athletes across different sports disciplines. It is definitely an exciting time for me and also for the team because it is going to be my first time, and there are a couple of players who have already been in the last Asian Games. So, we have to stay in the present and see to it that we deliver when the time comes. Leading up to the Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition and yes, fingers crossed. We will deliver to the best of our abilities. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Definitely would be a great interaction, and I would be eagerly waiting to go there and interact with them and know what their mindset is. Probably go to one of the games and cheer for them as well. So, yes, we are going as a whole nation and then definitely we want to see to it that we come back triumphant, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Gambhir has got a very aggressive mindset; I definitely know how his mind works, says Iyer
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) India captain Shreyas Iyer said he hopes his strong working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir will drive clear communication and an aggressive approach in the shortest format in the coming times, starting with Sunday's T20I match against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Having previously won an Indian Premier League (IPL) title together as captain-mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024, Iyer highlighted the head coach's aggressive mentality and individual player management as key factors in establishing clarity within the squad. The duo didnt get a great start as India lost series in Ireland and England, before Iyer got a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe in July, with CoE head of cricket VVS Laxman being the stand-in head coach. I feel that he has got a very aggressive mindset. He is someone who is always looking to win when he steps onto the field. He wants every individual to perform, which is pretty much given as a coach. So, he builds a lot of trust and confidence amongst the team, and every player knows what their role and clarity is. So, I think all these alignments are very much important when it comes to coaching skills, and he has got an amazing one-on-one player management approach. So, that is essential going forward in the tournament when you have that kind of relationship with every player because all of us are different in our own ways and you need to understand a certain player. Both of us, Gauti bhai and I, have been in this scenario where we need to know the players and how they can deliver for the team. The more matches we win, the more we would be getting to know each other closely. I have worked with him in the past in KKR. So, I definitely know how his mind works and how his approach is going to be, said Iyer in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. Looking at the immediate challenge posed by Afghanistan, who have a host of players well-aware of the Indian conditions due to playing in the IPL, Iyer stressed the importance of taking one step at a time to build momentum. See, we will go game by game. We don't have to think too much about the future. We are thinking about the first game. We know that Afghanistan is a nice team, and our preparation has also been promising for the last couple of days. Players are in great shape and mindset. So, we have to stay in the present and see to it that we deliver when the time comes. Leading up to the Asian Games, we have got a great opportunity to play against a very quality side. So, looking for a great competition and yes, fingers crossed. We will deliver to the best of our abilities. Iyer also expressed enthusiasm for participating in his first Asian Games, where he will lead Indias gold medal defence, and interact with athletes across different sports disciplines. It is definitely an exciting time for me and also for the team because it is going to be my first time, and there are a couple of players who have already been in the last Asian Games. So, an exciting time. The first match we are going to play is against Japan. So, that is going to be a historic one, and I will be sharing a relationship with the hockey players and other Olympic players and athletes who will be there along with us. Definitely would be a great interaction, and I would be eagerly waiting to go there and interact with them and know what their mindset is. Probably go to one of the games and cheer for them as well. So, yes, we are going as a whole nation and then definitely we want to see to it that we come back triumphant, he concluded.
Merlin Group Partners With Legend To Set Up Second Yuvraj Singh Centre Of Excellence In Kolkata
Saket Mohta of Merlin Group expressed his delight at joining hands with cricket icon Yuvraj Singh for the second time.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday launched a scathing attack against the previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments in West Bengal and accused both the regimes of having a step-motherly attitude towards the Hindu religious rituals. Of the past 49 years, 34 years have been ruled by Communists who called religion the opium of masses. And in the next 15 years, the Trinamool Congress made an all-out effort to convert West Bengal into a Greater Bangladesh. The Chief Minister (Suvendu Adhikari) alleged that there had been a continuous attack on the traditions and culture of the Sanatani Hindu people in the state, the Chief Minister said at the inauguration of a Ganesh Puja at Kestopur in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Attacking the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Chief Minister Adhikari added that the party's books stalls in front of the Puja Pandal every year during the four days of Durga Puja never displayed the books by Swami Vivekananda. In those book stalls, you could get foreign books by Karl Marx or by Lenin. But you could never get Indian books such as Hanuman Chalisa or Bhagwad Geeta. It was clearly written there that they did not believe in religion, and they considered religion as opium, the Chief Minister said. He targeted the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government and said that during the 15 years of their tenure in West Bengal from 2011 to 2026, every attempt was made by the previous ruling dispensation to convert West Bengal into a Greater Bangladesh. He specially attacked his predecessor Mamata Banerjee but without directly naming her. The former Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee), whom I defeated twice in Nandigram and Bhabanipur, said in the Puja coordination meeting at Netaji Indoor Stadium that because of Muharram there would be no idol immersion on Vijaya Dashami in a particular year, the Chief Minister noted. In 2021, Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee from Nandigram Assembly constituency in East Midnapore district by a margin of little less than 2,000 votes, In 2026, Suvendu Adhikari defeated the previous Chief Minister from the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata by a margin of little over 15,000 votes.
Abhishek aide broke down during questioning in graft cases: Bengal CID
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) Sumit Roy, the Personal Assistant of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member Abhishek Benerjee started breaking down in face of sustained questioning and confessed of his involvement in a number of financial irregularities, insiders from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police claimed on Saturday. CID sleuths arrested Roy on Thursday afternoon in connection with a multi-crore illegal land grabbing case at Salboni in West Midnapore district and he was presented at a district court in West Midnapore on Friday, following which he was remanded to eight days of CID custody. Since Friday evening, a special team of CID comprising an Indian Police Service officer assisted by two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP)-ranking officers. In the face of sustained interrogation, Roy had started breaking down and has started revealing his involvements not only in the Salboni land grabbing case as well as other major scams in the state, a CID insider said requesting anonymity. Another state police insider said that the Investigating Officers have uncovered information about transactions worth crores of rupees in the Salboni land corruption case. The money allegedly reached multiple bank accounts. Investigators are trying to find out who, apart from Roy, were involved in those financial transactions and who benefited financially from that money, the police official said. The state police officials said that Roy's statement might be crucial in revealing the larger conspiracy behind these scams. The information obtained from him (Sumit Roy) is being compared with the documents, bank account information, land documents and other evidence already accessed by the investigating officers, the state police official said. The interrogating officials are trying to grill Roy about those persons or persons from whom he used to receive instructions in the matter. In the Salboni land scam case, the investigating officers have already received details of a particular bank account in the name of Sumit Roy, which had doubtful transactions worth Rs 15 crore. The investigating officials through Sumit Roy's questioning are trying to reach the source of the funds, the CID insider said.
GPT Infra bags order worth Rs 86 crore
GPT Infraprojects (GPTINFRA), through its wholly owned subsidiary Alcon Builders and Engineers, has received a contract worth Rs 85.53 crore from CSTE Con, Eastern Railway, Kolkata.
Narcotics, firearm seized by SSB close to India-Nepal border; five apprehended
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) A significant quantity of narcotics and an illegal firearm were seized by troops of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) close to the India-Nepal border over the last two days, officials said on Saturday. Five persons have been apprehended in this connection. In the latest case, personnel of the 41 Bn SSB Ranidanga and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force of the Bihar Police carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Lakdi Depot area in Galgalia, Kishanganj, Bihar, around 7.10 a.m. on Saturday. The security personnel carried out a raid at the house of one Mohamad Hasim (57) and seized 507 grams of Brown Sugar, 814 grams of amphetamine, a country-made pistol, one round of live ammunition and a mobile phone. The house is barely 550 metres from the international border, officials said. The seized items were checked with a drug detection kit and tested positive for MDMA (Amphetamine) and Brown Sugar. Hasim and Ruksar Khatun (30) were taken into custody. The latter is from the Channu Tola village in Bhatgaon, Kishanganj. During preliminary interrogation, the apprehended persons disclosed that the Brown Sugar and Amphetamine were procured from an unidentified person at Galgalia Bazar. They, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Galgalia Police Station for further legal action, an official said. In another raid carried out during the evening of Friday, 410 grams of Brown Sugar were seized. Around 6.20 p.m., acting on reliable information, a special patrolling party of the Kadomanijote Company of the 41 Bn SSB, Ranidanga, proceeded towards Aambari Village in Ghoshpukur on National Highway 327C. Three suspects were searched, and the narcotics were seized from their possession, the official said. A drug detection kit declared the powdery substance to be Brown Sugar after a sniffer dog confirmed it to be drugs. The three persons apprehended in this connection have been identified as Akram Hossain (43), from Khagen Hat in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Tapan Das (34), from Dakshin Palash, Matigara, Darjeeling, West Bengal, and Ebrahim Hoque (33), of Bhorkulagachh, Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal. During preliminary interrogation, the apprehended persons disclosed that the Brown Sugar was procured from an unidentified person at a shoe shop in Panjipara and was being taken to Ghoshpukur for delivery to a woman known only as Didi. They, along with the narcotics, have been handed over to the Phansidewa Police Station, the official added.
Karnataka BJP demands Satish Jarkiholis removal over ED allegations
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, on Saturday demanded the immediate removal of Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi from the state Cabinet, citing allegations made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding alleged bribe payments, overseas investments and mining assets. Reacting to the ED's recent searches at premises linked to Jarkiholi and his associates, Ashoka alleged that money collected through PWD contracts had been routed abroad and used to acquire overseas mining assets. The EDs press brief has put Rahul Gandhis ATM Sarkara in Karnataka under a massive cloud of suspicion, Ashoka said in a statement. Ashoka alleged that the ED had found evidence suggesting that money allegedly collected from contractors, including Bharat Vanijya Eastern Pvt Ltd, was routed through unauthorised channels to acquire assets overseas. He also pointed to the ED's allegation that Jarkiholi had acquired a nearly 40 per cent stake in Magnitude Star SARL, a gold-mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ashoka further referred to the ED's claims regarding overseas mining interests in Eldorado Mining Resources in Congo and Nava Aurum Mining Ltd in Zambia, allegedly held in the names of Jarkiholi's daughter and Congress MP Priyanka Jarkiholi, his son Rahul Jarkiholi and sister Mahadevi Manjunath. The BJP leader also highlighted the ED's reported seizure of more than Rs 3.3 crore in unaccounted Indian currency and foreign currency valued at around Rs 15 lakh during searches at 21 premises linked to Jarkiholi and his associates. From PWD contracts in Karnataka to gold mines in Africa, the trail alleged by the ED raises serious questions, Ashoka said. He demanded that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar provide answers regarding the alleged flow of money, including its source, those who allegedly collected it, how it was moved abroad, and who ultimately benefited from the transactions. Ashoka also targeted the Congress leadership, alleging that Karnataka was being treated as an ATM for the Congress high command, state ministers and their families. He demanded the immediate removal of Jarkiholi from the state Cabinet until the ED investigation was completed, arguing that a minister facing such serious allegations should not continue in office while the probe was underway. Karnatakas public money cannot become anyones private fortune abroad, Ashoka said. The ED had earlier stated that it conducted searches at 21 premises linked to Jarkiholi and his close associates in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Gokak and Kolkata on September 9 and 10 under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The agency has alleged that its searches uncovered evidence relating to suspected financial irregularities, overseas investments and alleged bribe payments linked to PWD contracts. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar alleged that the ED action was politically motivated and aimed at targeting Jarkiholi, whom he described as an influential Dalit leader.
40 firms join DGR conclave to widen job opportunities for ex-servicemen
Bengal govt focuses on credit management reforms in cooperative banks to tackle bad loans
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 12 (IANS) The BJP-led West Bengal government has initiated a series of reforms in the credit management system of cooperative banks across the state to address the longstanding problem of bad loans and recover dues from wilful defaulters. State Cooperation Minister Ashok Kirtaniya has personally reviewed the financial health of several cooperative banks and directed departmental officials to prepare a comprehensive strategy aimed at strengthening credit discipline and improving loan recovery mechanisms. The Minister has directed the departmental bureaucrats to frame a blueprint for a comprehensive strategy to address the chronic issue of wilful defaulters. According to sources in the cooperative department, the proposed blueprint for urban cooperative banks will focus on three key areas. The first is the introduction of a robust due diligence mechanism to properly assess the creditworthiness of loan applicants and identify potential risks before loans are sanctioned. The second component involves identifying wilful defaulters and initiating recovery proceedings, including the attachment of properties where necessary. The third seeks to fix accountability for lapses in loan sanctioning and disbursal, with action proposed against credit officers found to have deliberately ignored borrowers' lack of creditworthiness. Minister Ashok Kirtaniya said property attachment proceedings would be carried out irrespective of the political affiliations of defaulters. He also warned that responsibility for unrecovered loans would be examined and that, if required, recoveries could be made from the pensions of retired officials or the salaries of serving officers found responsible for irregularities. If the money is not recovered, the responsibility of the credit officers concerned will also be investigated. If necessary, the money may be deducted from the pension of retired officers and the salaries of working officers, the Minister said. Department officials alleged that during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, due diligence norms in cooperative banks were often ignored, with loan sanctions influenced by recommendations from local ruling party leaders. They claimed that while some credit officers were complicit, many also faced pressure to approve loans without adequate scrutiny. The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen financial discipline in cooperative banks, curb the accumulation of bad loans, and improve accountability in the credit approval process.
Deep Dive: Is Kolkata ready for a true 1920s-style speakeasy?
Crude prices eased on September 12 after hitting multi-month highs, while Hormuz tensions threaten supply. Indias petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged despite rising costs and a 6.3% August fuel-demand decline.
Phone access cut for UAPA, terror-law prisoners in Bengal jails
UPES hosts global conference on cybersecurity, digital forensics
UPES hosted the International Conference on Advancement in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (ICACSDF 2026), bringing together researchers, cybersecurity professionals, industry practitioners and students to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and the need for resilient digital ecosystems. Organised by the School of Computer Science, UPES, and sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Uttar Pradesh Section, the conference provided a platform for research presentations, technical exchange and academia-industry collaboration. The conference received 892 research paper submissions, with 186 papers accepted after peer review by 469 reviewers from across the world. Discussions covered AI and machine learning in cybersecurity, cyber-threat intelligence, digital forensics, post-quantum cryptography, IoT security, blockchain, software and web security, incident response, and governance and risk management. Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) highlighted the importance of cybersecurity to Indias technological progress and national security and congratulated the organisers for bringing the subject into focus. UPES Vice Chancellor Dr Sunil Rai said cyber resilience was fundamental to building trust in an increasingly digital society. He stressed the role of universities in combining research, technology and industry expertise to develop practical solutions to emerging threats. Experts from institutions including the University of Auckland, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee and Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata participated in the conference.
Little Magazine Festival 2026 to celebrate Bengals independent literary voices
From top-4 to 26, Srinagar falls in Centres clean-air ranking
Srinagar, Sep 11:Just three years ago, Srinagar was counted among the countrys top-performing cities in GoI survey regarding air quality, city-wise, across India. Now it has found itself at 26th position in the latest Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026.The striking reversal for a city synonymous with pristine mountains, lakes and fresh Himalayan air throws uncomfortable in the air here. The health of citizens and environment in Srinagar is once again under scanner.The latest ranking Of Swatch Vayi Sarvekshan has Srinagar behind Delhi.Delhi has for long made headlines with toxic winter smog and features among Indias most persistent air-pollution hotspots. Strikingly, Delhi secured the 21st rank with 172 points. Shockingly, Srinagar scored 162.6 points and is now at 26th among cities with a population of over 10 lakh.In the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023, Srinagar had clinched the fourth rank nationally in its population category. It was lauded for being one of the country's leading cities in the clean-air initiative.Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), Vasu Yadav while speaking to Greater Kashmir, said the ranking does not reflect the air quality of Srinagar. He said that Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan does not rank cities based on the measurement of how good or bad their air quality is.It is not a linear, simple addition but a number of factors are assessed while giving points to the cities, he said. Yadav said the Sarvekshan measures the initiatives taken by cities to control pollution and the implementation of air-quality improvement programmes, under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The assessment is based on measures to address road dust management, solid waste management, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction waste, demolition waste and other other emission sources, he said. More importantly, he said, it has a very strong connection to Solid Waste Managemnet measures taken by the cities. If the waste is not managed scientifically, it is a pollution hazard, and a negative impact on air quality as it will eventually be burnt, he said. The Chairman said the municipalities have to list what all they have done to control air pollution over the year. The process is heavily based on self-assessment by city municipalities, he said. It is also a reflection of the scrutiny at the state level, evaluation by the Central Pollution Control Board and importantly, field verification by independent committees, he said. Three years ago, the parameter of ranking just the air quality and thats how Srinagar was among the top, he said.The latest survey has placed Srinagar above major metros such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata.However, it trails behind Delhi and Hyderabad. Lucknow has topped the category with 198 points. Other top cities with notable clean air measures are Indore and Jabalpur.At the bottom are Chennai, Jamshedpur, Kota, Kolkata and Madurai.The pollution in Srinagar has often been blamed on the ever-increasing number of vehicles and traffic congestion to road dust.The construction activity, waste burning in autumn and emissions are considered the major culprits. The fifth edition of the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, 2026, assessed 130 cities covered under NCAP, in three population categories. The Union Environment Ministry said 108 of the 130 cities showed improvement in PM10 levels during 2025-26.
Kolkata High Court Halts Order for TMCs Abhishek Banerjee to Vacate Office
The Kolkata High Court has temporarily blocked an order for TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee to vacate his office over fire safety violations. Kolkata High Court Halts Order for TMCs Abhishek Banerjee to Vacate Office
KolkatasLaw College Vice Principal resigns after 23-hour studentprotest over attendance
Vice Principal says she was targeted and forced to resign; ABVP calls it a win,purifiesthe VPs room with Ganga Jal
Gangajal debut in Bengal campus politics after V-Ps forced resignation
The humble flyswatter is disappearing, and our gadgets may be making us less handy
A simple encounter with Kolkata youngsters reveals how everyday tools such as the humble flyswatter are disappearing as technology replaces physical effort. From electric bug zappers to robot vacuums and pre-chopped food, convenience is steadily reshaping daily habits, raising a larger question: are modern gadgets making us increasingly dependent on electricity?
91st All India Railway Athletics Championship Kicks Off in Kolkata
The 91st All India Railway Athletics Championship commenced in Kolkata, featuring 24 teams and around 500 athletes competing across various events. 91st All India Railway Athletics Championship Kicks Off in Kolkata
CPM: Puja book stalls carry progressive tag, not Sharadotsab
West Bengal, Japan explore new trade, air connectivity and cultural partnerships
Kolkata will host an Indo-Japan cultural festival and exchange in 2027 as India and Japan mark 75 years of friendship. A Japanese delegation led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu also discussed trade, direct air connectivity, renewable energy and a business-friendly environment with West Bengal officials during its Kolkata visit.
Students, alumni urge chancellor to protect Jadavpur University autonomy
Thanthania: Flooding Worry As Pump Trips
History lessons: Punishment fears linger after new bill
State Gets Panel For Naming Public Places
SSKM administers first US-approved Alzheimers drug in east India
Rain Intensity In Kol Likely To Reduce From Today
Kolkata Police Sergeant & Civic Volunteer Held For Jharkhand Bizman Murder
Veggie Prices Head North In Kol As Rain Inundates Crop Fields
US envoy hails PM Modis focus on Northeast development, invites attention to Manipur tourism
Digital Desk | Imphal, Sep 11 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis focus on the development of Northeast India was a positive step for a diverse country like India, during his separate meetings with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh here. Gor, who is on a visit to Manipur, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan and later met the Chief Minister at the CM Secretariat in Mantripukhri, officials said. During his meeting with CM Khemchand Singh, the US Ambassador described Manipur as a stunning place with remarkable natural beauty and enquired about the number of tourists visiting the state, a senior official of the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said. Gor said he was happy that Prime Minister Modi was focusing on the development of Northeast India, which, he noted, was particularly important for a diverse country like India. The Ambassador also said there was a special bond between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, beyond the normal relationship between a Prime Minister and a President, adding that Trump personally cherished the relationship. Khemchand Singh invited the US Ambassador to the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival 2026 and highlighted tourism and other allied sectors as potential areas for development in the state. The Chief Minister said India was a mini world and Manipur a mini India, noting that the state was home to 36 communities. The ten-day Manipur Sangai Festival will be held from November 21 to 30 with the theme Destination Manipur. The festival will showcase and promote the state's art and culture, handloom, handicrafts and fine arts, indigenous sports, cuisine and music, besides eco-tourism and adventure sports. Participation of various states, foreign traders and cultural troupes is expected at the festival. Fashion shows and music programmes will also form part of the event. The US Ambassador was accompanied by US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz, while the Chief Minister was accompanied by state officials led by Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur. The visiting US envoys meetings with the Governor and Chief Minister come amid efforts by the state government to promote Manipur as a tourism destination and explore opportunities for development in tourism and allied sectors.
Minar and Society shut, fire notices rattle single-screens
Food items clear test, eatery applies for reopening
Ganesh Puja gains ground across Kol and beyond, idolmakers see 15% rise in orders
UAPA, terror-case prisoners kin appeal for phone access
Bengal: Congress announces candidates for Rejinagar, Nandigram bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Friday announced the names of the party candidates for the forthcoming bypolls for Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district of West Bengal next month. AICC issued a press statement on Friday night claiming that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge approved the proposals for the candidature of Mohd Abdullahil Kafi from Rejinagar and Milan Pradhan from Nandigram for the upcoming by-elections for these two constituencies next month. The bypolls for these two constituencies will be conducted on October 6 that is just before the forthcoming Durga Puja festival in the state. The counting of votes and poll results will be declared on October 9. The date before which the elections will have to be concluded is October 11. In the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was elected from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly Constituencies in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari defeated his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. On the other hand, former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir contested and was elected as an Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) candidate from both Naoda and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies, both in Murshidabad district. Later, Kabir decided to retain Naoda, thus necessitating bypolls for the Rejinagar seat. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, has been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the by-elections there. However, political observers say that because of the demography of Rejinagar, this particular Assembly constituency will be quite tough to win for the BJP. On the other hand, Trinamool Congress, which is now divided into three factions, also does not seem to have much poll prospects from Rejinagar this time. Rather, CPI-M and Congress can view the opportunity for increasing their tally in the West Bengal Assembly constituency by one seat. The Rejinagar bypolls might also give some indication about where the minority votes in the state might shift to in the coming days, a Kolkata-based political observer said.
Congress names candidates for Nandigram, Rejinagar assembly bypolls
Promoters complaint leads to netas arrest
Decomposed body found in Sarsuna Jheel
Kolkata to host Indo-Japan cultural festival in 2027, boosting bilateral trade and air connectivity
A joint cultural exchange between Japan and Bengal is planned for 2027. Discussions focused on bilateral trade and direct air connectivity. Japanese companies seek a hassle-free business environment in West Bengal. The state government assured a conducive atmosphere for investors. Both nations will celebrate 75 years of friendship with cultural programs.
HC grants bail to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir in hate speech case
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court has granted anticipatory bail to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir, observing that the ingredients of BNS Section 152, which deals with acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, were not made out against him even prima facie. Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta, while granting the relief on Thursday, September 10, 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 .
Truncated metro service tomorrow
Durga Puja bookstalls are branded as ones selling Marxist, progressive books: CPM
EC hearing on TMC name-symbol today, to meet both camps back-to-back
Tripura tea makes European debut with 15.31-MT export consignment
Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 11 (IANS) Tripura tea on Friday made its debut in the European market with the dispatch of a 15.31-metric-tonne consignment, the largest-ever single outbound tea shipment handled by the Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL), officials said. The high-quality tea consignment, weighing 15,310 kg, was formally dispatched from the Central Tea Processing Factory (CTPF) at Durgabari in West Tripura for export to European countries via Kolkata. Industries and Commerce Secretary Kiran Gitte, TTDCL Chairman Samir Ranjan Ghosh and Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das flagged off the tea consignment on Friday. Ghosh said the shipment marked a significant milestone in the state's efforts to take Tripura tea beyond geographical boundaries and gain access to wider international markets. The consignment is almost twice the corporation's previous largest outbound shipment of 8,200 kg sent to the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre earlier this year, reflecting the growing commercial potential of Tripura's tea sector. The development is expected to create new opportunities for local tea producers and strengthen the state's position in the international tea market, he said. According to Ghosh, the state government is also working to establish an Agartala Tea Auction Centre to improve marketing and price realisation for tea growers and manufacturers. The proposed auction centre is expected to bring tea growers, manufacturers, brokers, buyers, warehouses and other stakeholders onto a common technology-driven platform. Electronic bidding and wider participation are envisaged to facilitate competitive price discovery and expand market access for Tripura-produced tea. According to TTDCL officials, the auction centre could also reduce expenses related to freight, warehousing, sampling, handling and other logistics, with estimated savings of around Rs 6-10 per kg. For decades, Tripura has had considerable potential as a tea-producing state, but challenges relating to marketing, branding, logistics, price realisation and access to larger markets have remained. The government now aims to develop the state's tea sector beyond production and establish Tripura as a major tea-trading hub in the Northeast, which could help attract investment and generate employment while strengthening the supporting infrastructure and commercial ecosystem. Meanwhile, Tripureswari tea is also being distributed through local ration shops, helping increase access to the state's tea products. Currently, Tripura has 54 sprawling tea gardens, including a few run by the state-owned TTDC and the Tripura Cooperative Society, as well as privately owned estates. Around 2,800 small tea growers contribute nearly 30 per cent of the state's total tea production, which stands at about 90 lakh kilograms annually. More than 60 per cent of this production is presently sold through auction markets outside the state. Tripura is also set to have its own tea auction centre by next year, a move expected to give a major impetus to the state's beverages industry.
India repatriates 47 Bangladeshis via Petrapole border
91st All India Railway Athletics Championship gets underway in Kolkata
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 11 (IANS) The 91st All India Railway Athletics Championship 2026 got underway at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Ground in Salt Lake, Kolkata, on Friday, September 11, 2026. The championship is being organised by the Eastern Railway Sports Association (ERSA) for the second consecutive year under the auspices of the Sports Promotion Board. The three-day-long tournament was declared open by Gitika Pandey, general manager, ER, in the presence of Neeraj Verma, principal chief operations manager, ER and president, ERSA, and other top officials. Twenty-four teams from various zonal railways, production units and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) are participating in the championship. There will be nearly 500 athletes for the various track and field events, officials said. Pandey, in her opening address, highlighted the importance of sportspersons' spirit. Participation in a true sportsperson-like manner is more important than winning, she said. She also appreciated the efforts put in by the ERSA in organising such a pan-India event. The general manager also handed over the medals to the winners of the 1,500-metre race (men), which was among the first events to be held. Several top sportspersons and coaches were present during the inaugural ceremony. They included Arjuna Awardees Joseph Abraham, Jitendra Kumar, J J Shobha, Pappu Yadav, Soma Biswas and Saraswati Saha. Padma Shri recipient and Arjuna Awardee L Bombayla Devi was also one of those present. So was Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award winner Mohammad Ali Qamar. Olympians Sanjay Ray and Bhawana Jat also attended the event. Apart from the 1,500-metre races, events such as marathon, javelin throw, High jump, discus throw, relay, shot put, hurdles, hammer throw, decathlon and heptathlon are among the events to be held till September 13 for both men and women. Indian Railways has always patronised sports, and several of our athletes and other sportspersons have won honours for the country at international events. Some among these athletes are also likely to leave for the Asian Games in Japan later this month. This tournament will be good practice for them. ERSA will leave no stone unturned to make the championship a success, an official said.
DRDO defence project in East Midnapore on track: CM
1,100 from Bengal to embark on Somnath pilgrimage
State asks school recruitment bodies to arrange for in-service teachers TET
HC pulls up KMC over 42 illegal constructions, orders CBI probe
Calcutta High Court Reduces Life Term to 11 Years in 2012 Assault Case
CM announces plans to take Gangasagar Mela international
