Towards eradicating human trafficking in India: A focus on West Bengal
In the past week, two major human trafficking attempts have been foiled in our region the first involved rescuing 56 young women from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station near Siliguri in Darjeeling district. The other involved rescuing 34 young women from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, in Siliguri. In both cases, the victims are young, vulnerable girls from economically and socially marginalised sections, and hail from remote rural villages of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts, mostly from the tea gardens. In the first instance, the women were promised jobs in Bengaluru; however, they were being taken to Patna when they were rescued. In the second case, the women were being transported to Jharkhand by bus when the rescue took place. In both cases, the traffickers claimed that their final destination was the garment factories of Tamil Nadu. Contrast this with the fact that since 2019, 143 workers from West Bengal, including 60 children, have been rescued from bonded labour in gold manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu. Many such instances of vulnerable people from West Bengal, particularly from the Darjeeling hills, Terai and the Dooars region, being lured by human traffickers are coming to light. What is worrisome is that, unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon. A cursory look at the data from 2018 to 2022, as reported in Parliament in April this year, reveals: 2,278 cases in 2018, 2,208 in 2019, 1,714 in 2020, 2,189 in 2021, and 2,250 in 2022. The noticeable dip in 2020 may be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, which impacted both mobility and law enforcement operations. However, the numbers indicate that trafficking continues to be a widespread concern across the country. One of the most affected states during this period has been West Bengal. Its location along the India-Nepal-Bhutan-Bangladesh border, particularly in districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, North and South Dinajpur, Raiganj, Malda, North and South 24 Parganas, and Murshidabad, makes it especially vulnerable to cross-border trafficking. West Bengal, sadly, serves as both a destination and a transit point where trafficked individuals are usually forced into labour or sex work. Despite a sharp decline in reported human trafficking cases in West Bengal, from more than 3,500 in 2016 to only 67 in 2022, most experts caution that the drop could be due to better concealment by traffickers, gaps in reporting, obfuscating data by the state administration, or fear among victims and their families. The actual number of victims is believed to be much higher. If we are to tackle the menace of human trafficking, the first act should be to acknowledge that there is a problem. Obfuscating crime data, particularly that related to human trafficking, further harms the victims of trafficking. Hence, the West Bengal government should be more transparent about reporting crime-related data. The root cause of human trafficking is poverty. The majority of those trafficked are from shut-down tea gardens, as substantiated by one of the recently arrested human trafficking suspects from Siliguri, who said to the media, As the women didnt get jobs at the tea gardens due to the closure of most, they were willingly going to Tamil Nadu for jobs. Hence, it is vital to take necessary steps towards addressing poverty through job creation. Availability of employment opportunities locally will encourage youths from our region to remain here itself, instead of taking grave risks to go and work in distant cities. The next step is to promote community-based initiatives as higher participation of the community will contribute significantly towards lowering instances of human trafficking. We also need to leverage technology to monitor vulnerable regions, and take necessary action to address the key vulnerabilities, including strengthening community organisations, providing financial and economic support to vulnerable families, and encouraging local youths to become involved in sensitisation and monitoring processes. Availability of safe accommodation and temporary shelters for the victims of human trafficking, easy access to legal services, educational and vocational training programmes, and provision of counselling and mental health support are important. Additionally, regulating placement agencies and borders can disrupt trafficking networks. I am grateful to MARG, Darjeeling, for taking a unique initiative of hand-crafting purple roses and delivering them to people across the region on Anti-Human Trafficking Day, commemorated globally on July 30. Purple Rose is not a naturally occurring flower; instead, it is created artificially by people for their pleasure. Hence, it symbolises the victims of human trafficking, who have been reduced to becoming objects of pleasure and sources of profit. Raju Bista Member of Parliament from Darjeeling, and the National Spokesperson, BJP
Aabhas Maldahiyars Babur:The Quest for Hindustan is Out
It brings to light revealing findings on the destruction of the Ram Mandir, questions the idealized narrative of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, and uncovers the unequal nature of interfaith marriages under Timurid rule
81 AAI-run airports suffer Rs 10,853 crore loss in 10 years; 22 now non-operational
NEW DELHI: Eighty-one airports operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have suffered a cumulative loss of Rs 10,852.9 crore in past 10 financial years. Today, 22 of these airports have become non-operational. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol presented the data in the Rajya Sabha on August 4 while replying to a query posed by Congress MP Jebi Mather Hisam. The MP wanted to know details of Indian airports operating at a loss and if there were any plans to shut those with negligible flight operations. She also wanted to know if any financial aid was being offered to underperforming airports. Data released for the years from 2015-2016 to 2024-2025 reveals the 81 airports across the country have cumulatively suffered a Rs 10,852.9-crore loss. Delhis Safdarjung airport has suffered the most, incurring a loss of Rs 673.91 crore. Agartala airport with a Rs 605.23-crore loss stands second, while Hyderabad, with Rs 564.97 crore, Dehradun with Rs 488.01 crore, and Vijayawada with Rs 483.69 crore in losses figure among the top five loss-making airport nationwide. Asked for a reason, a senior Aviation Ministry official said Safdarjung airport, though the main airport in the national capital, is now a thing of the past, as it is not actually operational for commercial flights presently. It serves to ferry VVIPS to the Indira Gandhi International Airport, he said. Among other major loss-making airports are Bhopal (Rs 480.43 crore), Aurangabad (Rs 447.83 crore), Tirupati (Rs 363.71 crore), Khajuraho (Rs 355.53 crore), Imphal (Rs 355.19 crore). Airports closed for operations The airports which have become non-operational are Donakonda, Daparizo, Jogbani, Muzaffarpur, Raxaul, Deesa, Chakulia, Dhalbhumgarh, Khandwa, Panna, Shella, Aizawl, Thanjavur, Vellore, Nadirgul, Warangal, Kailashahar, Kamalpur, Khowai, Asansol, Balurghat and Malda. Mohol also said the Regional Connectivity Scheme Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) was launched on October 21, 2016, to boost regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country. The scheme provides Viability Gap Funding to airlines to bridge the gap between operational costs and expected revenues. The budget allocated for the RCS-UDAN for the financial year 2025-2026 is Rs 300 crore, the minister said. This provided financial incentives and concessions to the airlines from the Central and state governments, Union territories and airport operators to lower operational costs and thus promote their operations, he added. A total of 92 unserved and underserved airports, including 15 heliports and two water aerodromes have been operationalised under the scheme, he pointed out.
Mamata Banerjee warns of voter list purge, attacks BJP for insulting Bengali language
KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress Chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday indicated that her party would bank on issues like voter lists and the Bengali language movement to contest the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking at a programme organised to celebrate World Tribal Day in Jhargram, in the western part of West Bengal, she launched a scathing attack on the BJP, centring around these two issues. In her speech, she expressed her anger over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Chief Minister also made it clear once again that her movement will continue regarding the Bengali language. She targeted the central government and the ECI over the voter list exercise and used the alleged negative comments of BJP leaders regarding the Bengali language as a tool to attack the saffron party. She said, If anyone asks to fill up forms, please do not do it being unaware. They will remove your names from the voter lists and hand an NRC notice to you. We will not tolerate it. It is a plan of the Central Government and they will verify names of the voter list. People will have to cross-check if their names are in the voter list. Those born before 2002 are being asked to show their parents birth certificates. Banerjee claimed that when the Trinamool Congress government came to power in West Bengal in May 2011, the institutional delivery rate in the state was only 60 percent and it was much lower before that. How many people have the birth certificates of their parents now? Those who are asking for it do they have their parents birth certificates? They are born with a silver spoon; how will they understand the woes of the poor? she added. Without naming the BJP, Banerjee also attacked the ruling party at the Centre. Mamata questions EC's directive to suspend four officers, says her govt is with its staffers She said, They even dismissed the existence of the Bengali language. In which language did Rabindranath Tagore or Netaji speak? How useless are they that they say there is no such language as Bengali. As I hold a certain position, I cannot speak ill of them even if they do so. People of Bengal are being persecuted. We have facilitated the return of more than 2,000 workers. They have been kept in detention camps in Gurgaon. Similar persecution is going on in Rajasthan and Assam. A tribal girl from Malda has been pushed back to Bangladesh from Madhya Pradesh. Dalits are being tortured, the Chief Minister alleged. She also asked people to remain cautious about the BJP, while saying, These people will come before elections and ask for votes by giving money. Whose money is that? We know everything. They want to remove the names of the people and send them to Bangladesh. They are labelling people as Rohingyas and Bangladeshis only for speaking Bengali, Banerjee alleged. Asking people not to let go of the voter lists and the honour of the Bengali language, she asked, In which language is our National Anthem written? Who taught us the Bengali alphabets? It was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar who was born in Medinipur. The Chief Minister complained, Government employees are being intimidated. Notices were sent to two of my officers yesterday. They were suspended even though the elections have not yet been declared. Under which rule? You are suspending. And you are saying, an FIR will have to be filed. It will not happen. I will not let anyone be punished. Keep this in mind. She once again clarified that the West Bengal government will continue to stand with the state government employees. The ECI had on Tuesday suspended four officials and a casual worker in West Bengal for irregularities in the registration of names in the voter lists. In a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, the ECI had also ordered the registration of an FIR against these four officials and a data entry operator posted in South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore districts respectively for their alleged criminal activities.
Two men from West Bengal arrested with fake currency notes in Nagpur
NAGPUR: Two men from West Bengal have been arrested in Nagpur for allegedly possessing fake currency notes with a face value of more than Rs 1.21 lakh, police said on Thursday. The duo, Jaminarul Hussain Lokman Sheikh (27) and Azimtanu Sheikh (29), both from Malda district, was caught with 243 counterfeit notes in Rs 500 denomination (face value Rs 1,21,500) on late Wednesday night near a hospital under the Tehsil police station area, they said. The duo initially claimed they were job-seekers, but during a search, police discovered the fake notes hidden in a plastic bag. The men later told cops they had stolen a passenger's bag containing the notes while traveling on the Geetanjali Express from Howrah to Nagpur, the police said. They planned to return home after circulating the notes in Nagpur, they added. The two men were produced in a local court, which remanded them to five-day police custody.
West Bengal Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia said the proposed project aims to control soil erosion by the Ganga in Malda, close to the Bihar and Jharkhand borders
Didi claims linguistic assault in Delhi, cops call video fabricated
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police on Monday dismissed Mamata Banerjees allegation that a Bengali-speaking woman and her child were assaulted in the national capital for speaking their language, and termed the viral video shared by her, fabricated and politically motivated. On Sunday, Banerjee posted a video claiming that the woman and her sonmigrant residents from Malda districts Chanchal areawere victims of linguistic terror by Delhi Police personnel. Even a child is not spared... Where are they taking our country now? she wrote on social media. DCP (East) Abhishek Dhania refuted the charges and dubbed the video misleading. He identified the woman as Sanjanu Parveen and stated that during questioning, she alleged that four men in plainclothes, posing as police officers, took her and her child to a secluded spot on the night of July 26 and extracted Rs 25,000 from her. Mamata Banerjee alleges 'linguistic terror' against Bengalis in BJP-ruled states Dhania added that an investigation involving CCTV footage and local intelligence revealed inconsistencies in Parveens account. During questioning, the woman confessed that a relative of hers, a political worker from Malda, had asked her to make the video. It was first circulated locally in Bengal before appearing on social media, he said. Calling the episode a deliberate attempt to malign cops, Dhania said the claims were baseless and fabricated. However, Banerjee stood by her claims on Tuesday, asserting that the woman and her child were threatened after the incident. They were taken to various police stations, just as I had predicted... We want them to come back. The truth will come out, she said at a public event in Birbhum. BJP unleashing linguistic terrorism on Bengalis: Didi
Didi Challenges Delhi Police Rebuttal On Malda Kid's Assault
The CM added, We want the affected to return home. Only then, it will be proven who spoke the truth. Her response came a day after Delhi deputy commissioner of police (East) Abhishek Dhania refuted her claims that she had posted on X about the incident.
Mamata Banerjee challenges Delhi Police over alleged assault on migrant child, mother
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday challenged the Delhi Police, a day after they refuted her allegation that officers had brutally beaten a child and her mother, members of a Bengali migrant workers family, in the national capital. On Sunday, Banerjee had posted a video on her X handle and made the allegation for the first time. In her address at a public meeting at Bolpur in Birbhum district on Monday, she reiterated the claim. Later on Monday evening, Delhi Polices DCP (East), Abhishek Dhania, held a press conference to refute the allegation. Challenging the Delhi Police on the issue, the Chief Minister said, I had spoken about that child yesterday. They were taken to one police station after another. I had said this in the meeting yesterday. Check the record. I had said that they would be threatened. That is what happened. We will want them (the affected people) to return. And it will be proven who is true and who is false. She was addressing an administrative meeting at Illambazar in Birbhum on Tuesday. Sharing a video on her X handle on Sunday, where a young man was heard accusing the police of beating his wife and infant son, Banerjee had said, Atrocious!! Terrible!! See how Delhi Police brutally beat up a kid and his mother, members of a migrant family from Malda's Chanchal. See how even a child is not spared from the cruelty of violence in the regime of linguistic terror unleashed by BJP in the country against the Bengalis! Where are they taking our country now? she had asked. In the video posted by the Chief Minister, a young man is seen showing some injury marks on his infant son and saying, Look what the police did to my son. The police beat him and broke his forehead. He is also heard complaining in the video that all their essentials had been thrown away. The young man's wife is also seen in the video. He is seen pointing to his wife and saying, The police also beat her up a lot. (Although The New Indian Express has not verified the authenticity of this video.) After Banerjee posted the video on her X platform, Delhi Police launched an investigation. DCP (East) Abhishek Dhania said on Monday that investigators went to the womans house after identifying her from the video. During interrogation, the woman alleged that four Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes came to her house at 10:30 pm on 26 July and took her to a secluded place. After that, they allegedly demanded 25,000 from her. Dhania said that a special team was formed to investigate the incident after understanding the gravity of the situation. Police examined CCTV footage and used other technical resources during the probe. When the woman was questioned, she allegedly confessed that she has a relative in Malda who is a political activist. According to police, the woman claimed that she made the video under his instructions. Later, it was circulated. Dhania said, The video was deliberately spread on social media to tarnish the image of Delhi Police. The investigation into the incident is underway. Armed with the Delhi Polices statement, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari said, I have asked Soumendu (Suvendus brother and BJP MP from Contai Lok Sabha constituency Soumendu Adhikari) to file a complaint at the police station. Taking a dig at the Chief Minister, he added, The Chief Minister is spreading false news. She can get an international award for spreading rumours. Later in the day, Soumendu lodged a complaint against Mamata Banerjee at the Cyber Crime Branch of Delhi Police for the dissemination of fake and communally provocative content on social media. He said, Based on the complaint of a woman from Malda, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is trying to destroy communal harmony by posting a fake picture. I have filed a written complaint against the Chief Minister in Delhi, mentioning that incident.
KOLKATA: Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari has written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Gyanesh Kumar, urging him to ensure that no Domicile Certificates issued by the West Bengal Administration issued on or after July 25, 2025, are accepted or considered during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. There is apprehension that these applications may involve Rohingya Muslims and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants , potentially supported by the directive to issue Domicile Certificates to facilitate their enrollment in Voter Lists. Given the sensitivity of the matter, I urge the Election Commission to take preventive measures, he wrote to CEC. In the letter, he claimed that the Chief Ministers Office (CMO), West Bengal recently issued a directive to the District Magistrates (DMs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Malda, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Cooch Behar districts, instructing to issue a large number of Domicile Certificates in these districts, many of which share border with Bangladesh. Adhikari said, Recent report indicates a sudden spike in the submission of Form-6 applications, with approximately 70,000 forms filed in the last week, compared to an average of 20,000-25,000. This surge is particularly noticeable in border districts such as Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, North Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas, where demographic patterns have reportedly shifted over the past decade. This directive for the issuance of Domicile Certificates coincides with an alarming increase in the filing of Form-6 applications for Voter Registration, particularly in these border districts, which is a clear cut proactive attempt to dilute the prospective Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, he alleged. In a post on X on Monday, Adhikari said, I have written to the Chief Election Commissioner of India, urging the Election Commission to ensure that no Domicile Certificates issued on or after July 25, 2025, are accepted or considered during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls, if such activity is conducted in West Bengal. The integrity of our Democracy must be protected and can't be allowed to get diluted for vested interests of Vote Bank Politics. The District Election Officers must remember that they are entrusted with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections, and their allegiance is with the country and protecting the interests of the country, it added. Earlier, Adhikari had claimed that 17 lakh Rohingyas are living in Bengal under the shelter of the Trinamool Congress Government. The claim however, refuted by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who citing a UN Report had said that in total 10 lakh Rohingyas are in the world.
Migrant family 'beaten' by Delhi police: Mamata reiterates 'linguistic terror' charge against BJP
KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday reiterated her charge against the BJP of unleashing a regime of linguistic terror on Bengalis in the country, claiming that members of a migrant family were beaten up by the police in Delhi. Banerjee shared a video on X of a child and his mother belonging to a migrant family from West Bengal's Malda district, who were allegedly beaten up by the police in the national capital. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. Atrocious!! Terrible!! See how Delhi police brutally beat up a kid and his mother, members of a migrant family from Malda's Chanchal. See how even a child is not spared from the cruelty of violence in the regime of linguistic terror unleashed by BJP in the country against the pic.twitter.com/IwAXkQwy9V Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 27, 2025 Atrocious!! Terrible!! See how Delhi police brutally beat up a kid and his mother, members of a migrant family from Malda's Chanchal. See how even a child is not spared from the cruelty of violence in the regime of linguistic terror unleashed by BJP in the country against the Bengalis! Where are they taking our country now? she said in the post in which the video was attached. Banerjee, who is also the TMC supremo, had earlier in the week accused the BJP of unleashing linguistic terrorism on Bengalis, asserting that the fight for identity and language will continue until the saffron party is defeated. Speaking at the TMC's annual Martyrs' Day rally, she had announced that from Sunday, a movement would start in West Bengal to protest against attacks on Bengalis, the Bengali language and linguistic terrorism. TMC leaders and activists have been holding rallies over the matter in different parts of the state on Sunday. Mamata cites Human Rights Watch report; slams 'illegal deportation' of Bengali-Muslims from BJP-ruled states
Four migrant workers from Bengal's Murshidabad allege assault in TN; file police complaint
KOLKATA: Four migrant workers from West Bengal's Murshidabad district have alleged assault by locals in Tamil Nadu's Thiruvallur district earlier this month for speaking in Bengali, suspecting them to be illegal migrants from Bangladesh. According to a police complaint filed in Murshidabad on July 18, the incident took place on July 15 when Sujan Sheikh, his brother Milan Sheikh, and two others Sahil Sheikh and Babu Sheikh were working at a construction site in Thiruvallur, after travelling to Chennai around three weeks ago in search of work. Some local residents confronted us, asked our names and where we were from. When they heard us speaking in Bengali, they started beating us with iron rods and sticks. They kept accusing us of being Bangladeshis, Sujan Sheikh told PTI over phone from his home in Murshidabad. The workers were initially taken to a government hospital in Thiruvallur for treatment. Sujan, who suffered a fractured hand during the alleged assault, had to undergo surgery and remains under medical care. The labourers also alleged that they had earlier approached the local police in Chennai, but no action was taken. We have been travelling to Chennai for work for the last four years. Nothing of this sort has ever happened before. We are still in shock, Sujan said. He also claimed that they were not paid for 11 days of work at the site before returning home. Police in Murshidabad have acknowledged receiving the complaint, and said they are in touch with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu. The incident comes amid heightened political discourse in West Bengal over the safety of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other states. Earlier this month, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had alleged that Bengalis were facing discrimination and linguistic profiling in states like Haryana, Rajasthan and Odisha, claiming many were being harassed or pushed back across the Bangladesh border despite possessing valid documents. Banerjee's remarks drew sharp rebuttals from the BJP, which dismissed the charges as aseless fear-mongering. However, incidents like the one reported from Murshidabad have reignited concerns over the vulnerability of Bengali migrants, especially those from minority-dominated border districts like Malda, North Dinajpur and Murshidabad, According to migration data, thousands of labourers from Bengal's hinterland migrate annually to southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala to work in the construction, textile and hospitality sectors. Political analysts say the issue of Bengali migrant workers' safety is likely to become a flashpoint in the run-up to the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, with ruling and opposition parties trading allegations over identity politics.
West Bengal man held in Hyderabad with drug worth Rs 7.6L
Hyderabad: A man from West Bengal on July 17 was held for drug peddling in Hyderabad. Amphetamine drug and a mobile phone all worth Rs 7.6 lakh were seized from him. The accused was identified as Rajikul Haque, who migrated to Hyderabad and worked as a mason. Haque went back to Malda and began working 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 .
Railways working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat trains across India
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a future-ready railway network, is working on an ambitious project to roll out 100 modern and hi-tech Amrit Bharat trains for various parts of the country. With the inauguration of four more Amrit Bharat trains from across Bihar on Friday by Prime Minister Modi, the total number of operational Amrit Bharat trains in the country has now reached seven, including the three that were already running including two in Bihars North and eastern regions. The Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative, using entirely indigenous technology, with a running capacity of 130 kmph. Working towards the realisation of his vision for a future-ready railway network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off four new Amrit Bharat trains scheduled to run between Rajendra Nagar (Patna) and New Delhi; Bapudham Motihari and Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal); Darbhanga and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar); and Malda Town and Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur. On the sideline of this inaugural event, speaking to the TNIE on Friday here, a senior railway official said the Amrit Bharat train sets are being manufactured with the objective of providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for middle-class and economically weaker passengers. As a total of 3 Amrit Bharat trains have been currently operational across the country, now the number reached 7. The Ministry of Railway is working to roll out 100 new Amrit Bharat rakes in coming days this year and next to ensure safe and faster affordable rail services to poor and middle class people, added an official. He said that earlier, two Amrit Bharat trains had been running between Bihars Darbhanga Anand Vihar Terminal and Saharsa Lokmanya Tilak Terminal. Now, the four more Amrit Bharat trains will start running in Bihar again with all passenger amenities like foldable snack table, mobile holder, foldable bottle holder, fast mobile charging ports, improved and comfortable seating, radium illuminated flooring strips, airline-style lighting that guides the way even in the dark and air spring body which ensures shock-free travel experience. A senior railway official, speaking about the features of Amrit Bharat trains, further added that the trains were equipped with modern and Divyangjan-friendly toilets, an electro-pneumatic flushing system, and automatic soap dispensers. On the safety front, the Amrit Bharat trains have been equipped with the facility of an EP-assisted brake system, and their coaches have been fitted with sealed gangways and vacuum evacuation systems. He further added The most interesting feature is that the railway has made the talk-back unit available in every coach of Amrit Bharat trains running in Bihar in a majority with fire detection system properly installed for the first time in non-AC coaches. Meanwhile, a railway official cited a conservative estimate that the four Amrit Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi will ferry more than 56 lakh people from economically weaker and middle-class sections per month.
Bihar to get four more Amrit Bharat express trains. Check details
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced four new Amrit Bharat Express trains for Bihar, bringing the total to seven nationwide, with five originating from the state. These semi-high-speed trains, designed similarly to the Vande Bharat, include a daily Patna-Delhi service and weekly routes connecting Darbhanga to Gomti Nagar, Malda Town to Lucknow, and Saharsa to Amritsar.
Railway Minister announces key projects for poll-bound Bihar; says Rs 10,000 crore budget allotted
NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit to Patna on Monday ahead of the Bihar assembly elections, announced the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat trains and that a budget of Rs 10,000 crore has been sanctioned to strengthen railway infrastructure in the state. Speaking at the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for a new level crossing gate near Karpoori Gram railway station in Samastipur district, the minister also inaugurated several upgraded passenger amenities at the station. The NDA government at the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned Rs 10,000 crore in this year's budget for rail infrastructure in Bihar, Vaishnaw told reporters. In the past 11 years, over 34,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,300 stations are being redeveloped as modern Amrit Bharat stations, he added. The four new trains will include a daily train from Patna to Delhi, weekly services from Darbhanga and Malda to Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, services from Saharsa to Amritsar in Punjab, and a daily service from Jogbani to Erode in Tamil Nadu. The minister also announced that the Karpoori Gram railway station would now come under the Samastipur railway division. Earlier, it was under the jurisdiction of Sonpur railway division. Speaking about upcoming railway infrastructure projects, the minister announced that a third rail line between Bhagalpur and Jamalpur, covering a distance of 53 kilometres, will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,156 crore. He further added that the doubling of the BakhtiyarpurRajgirTilaiya rail route, spanning 104 kilometres, will be carried out at a cost of Rs 2,017 crore. Another major project the doubling of the RampurhatBhagalpur route is also being planned, with an estimated budget of Rs 3,000 crore and a total distance of 177 kilometres. The minister also spoke about developments in the technology sector. He announced that two new Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) for Bihar are ready and will be inaugurated soon. One is the new STPI building in Patliputra, Patna, which has been built at a cost of around Rs 53 crore, and the other is an upcoming STPI in Darbhanga, with an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, son of Karpoori Thakur, was also present on the occasion. Earlier in the day in Patna, the railway minister inspected passenger facilities at Digha Bridge halt station and gave necessary instructions to officials.
UAE farmer showcases unique 4kg homegrown organic mango variety at Khorfakkan Festival
Saeed Al Maeli, an Emirati farmer, astounded attendees at the Khorfakkan Mango Festival with his nearly four-kilogram Malda mangoes. These unique mangoes, grown through careful hybrid cultivation on his Fujairah farms, are prized for their size and suitability for traditional dishes like pickles and curries. Saeed believes that the fruit does not catch the attention of the buyers for its sweetness but for its size and look.
BSF ADG reviews Bengal border security amid Bangladesh tensions
Additional Director General Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal of BSF Eastern Command recently concluded a three-day visit to Nadia, Murshidabad, and Malda, focusing on bolstering border management and security. Amidst the evolving situation in Bangladesh, Aggarwal emphasized reinforced operational preparedness to thwart smuggling and infiltration attempts.
West Bengal in talks with Jharkhand, Bihar on project to stop Ganga-Padma erosion
The West Bengal government is planning a project with Jharkhand and Bihar. This aims to stop the Ganga-Padma erosion. Mamata Banerjee's approval is awaited. Manas Bhunia highlighted the erosion's impact on Malda and Murshidabad. Many acres of land have been lost. The state government has provided land deeds to affected people. Villages in both districts are facing submersion.
Two IAS officers, one PCS officer suspended in Uttarakhand land scam case
DEHRADUN: In a decisive move, the Pushkar Singh Dhami government has launched a major crackdown on a significant land scam in Uttarakhand's Haridwar district, suspending a total of 12 individuals, including two IAS officers and one PCS officer. The sweeping action has implicated high-ranking officials, including the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and a former Municipal Commissioner. The case has now been handed over to the Vigilance Department for thorough investigation. According to official sources, the alleged scam involves the purchase of a 15-crore-rupee plot of land for an exorbitant 54 crore rupees. The Haridwar Municipal Corporation reportedly acquired an unsuitable and practically useless piece of land at an inflated price. The investigation report highlighted severe irregularities, stating, There was no immediate need for the land, nor was transparency maintained in the purchase process. The scam was executed by brazenly disregarding established government rules. Following the submission of the investigation report, immediate action was taken. Haridwar District Magistrate Karmendra Singh, former Municipal Commissioner Varun Chaudhary, and SDM Ajayveer Singh were among the first to be suspended. The list of suspended officials also includes Senior Finance Officer Nikita Bisht, Kanungo Rajesh Kumar, Tehsil Administrative Officer Kamaldas, and Senior Personal Assistant Vicky. This unprecedented action marks a significant moment in Uttarakhand's governance. It is the first time a ruling government in the State has directly targeted top officials within its own system with such stringent measures. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's resolute decision in the Haridwar land scam is not merely an expose of corruption but signals a decisive shift in Uttarakhand's administrative and political culture, a senior government official remarked. Earlier, in the initial phase of the inquiry, In-charge Assistant Municipal Commissioner Ravindra Kumar Dayal, Executive Engineer Anand Singh Mishrawan, Tax and Revenue Superintendent Laxmikant Bhatt, and Junior Engineer Dinesh Chandra Kandpal were also suspended. Additionally, Property Clerk Vedwal's service extension has been terminated, and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against him. The Vigilance probe is expected to delve deeper into the nexus behind the fraudulent transaction.
Two gruesome murders shock West Bengal; bodies recovered in separate incidents
In Malda, mans body found buried in a wall; in South 24 Parganas, accused parades severed head of sister-in-law
I am going nowhere, will work with renewed vigour to make Bengal violence-free: Guv
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose dismissed removal speculations, vowing to restore the state's reputation and combat violence. He plans to visit rural areas, including Murshidabad and Malda, to foster community harmony. Bose aims to ensure free and fair elections, emphasizing his role in upholding the Constitution during the upcoming assembly polls.
TMC hits back at PM Modi's claims, counter questions on Manipur, paper leaks and unemployment
Addressing a rally in Alipurduar on May 29, PM Modi said incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda are grim reminders of the TMC regimes cruelty and indifference to the sufferings of ordinary citizens
PM Modi tears into Trinamool Congress over Murshidabad violence, teacher scam in West Bengal
PM Modi said incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda are grim reminders of the TMC regime's cruelty and indifference to the sufferings of ordinary citizens
PM Modi tears into TMC over Murshidabad violence, teacher scam
ALIPURDUAR: Launching a blistering attack on the TMC government in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the state is plagued by violence, corruption and lawlessness, and asserted that people are now yearning for change from the Nirmam sarkar (cruel government). Addressing a rally in Alipurduar, Modi said incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda are grim reminders of the TMC regime's cruelty and indifference to the sufferings of ordinary citizens. Today, West Bengal is grappling with a series of crises. People don't want 'Nirmam Sarkar'. They want change and good governance. That is why the whole of Bengal is saying they don't want cruelty and corruption anymore, Modi said. First is the widespread violence and lawlessness that are tearing apart the fabric of society. Second is the growing sense of insecurity among mothers and sisters, compounded by horrific crimes committed against them, the PM said. Modi said the third crisis in Bengal is the deepening despair among the youth, driven by rising unemployment and lack of opportunities, while the fourth is the pervasive corruption that is eroding public trust in the system. The fifth crisis stems from the self-serving politics of the ruling party, which is stripping the poor of their rightful entitlements. Incidents in Murshidabad and Malda are stark examples of the cruelty of the TMC government and its failure to maintain law and order, he said. Turning his guns on the West Bengal teacher recruitment scam, Modi accused the TMC of uining the future of thousands of teachers and their families through rampant corruption and irregularities. This is not just the destruction of a few thousand teachers, but the entire education system is deteriorating. Even now, the TMC refuses to admit its mistakes. Instead, they are blaming the courts and the judicial system, he said. He added that the youth, poor, and middle-class families of Bengal are bearing the brunt of this corruption and said the people of the state have now lost faith in the TMC government. The PM also expressed disappointment over the West Bengal government's absence from the recent Niti Aayog meeting, accusing the TMC of being more interested in politics than development.
NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy by 3 per cent (Rs 69) to Rs 2,369 per quintal, while up to 9 per cent rise in pulses and oilseeds rates for the 2025-26 kharif marketing season. The agriculture ministry's proposal on MSP for the new kharif season was approved in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The announcement comes amid southwest monsoon reaching earlier than usual, giving a boost to the sowing of kharif crops, which contribute over 50 per cent of India's total annual foodgrain production. Briefing media after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, Two key decisions were taken for the welfare of farmers -- kharif crops MSP and interest subvention scheme . In the last 10-11 years, there has been a massive increase in the support price of 14 kharif crops in line with the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, he said. For the 2025-26 kharif marketing season, the support price for 'common' and 'A grade' varieties of paddy has been increased by Rs 69 each to Rs 2,369 per quintal and Rs 2389 per quintal, respectively. Among other cereals, the support price of ragi has been raised by by Rs 596 to Rs 4,886 per quintal, jowar by Rs 328 to Rs 3,699 per quintal (hybrid) and Rs 3,749 per quintal (Maldani),maize by Rs 175 to Rs 2,400 per quintal and bajra by Rs 150 to Rs 2,775 per quintal for 2025-26. Pulses MSP has been increased by up to 5.96 per cent, while that of oilseeds by up to 9 per cent from over the previous year to boost domestic production and reduce the import dependency. The support price for tur has been increased by Rs 450 to Rs 8,000 per quintal, urad by Rs 400 to Rs 7,400 per quintal and moong by Rs 86 to Rs 8,768 per quintal for the said period. Similarly, groundnut MSP has been raised by Rs 480 to Rs 7,263 per quintal, soyabean by Rs 436 to Rs 5,329 per quintal, sunflower seeds by Rs 441 to Rs 7,721 per quintal for the 2025-26 kharif marketing season. Sesamum support rate has been increased by Rs 579 per quintal to Rs 9846, while that of nigerseed by Rs 820 per quintal to Rs 9,537 for 2025-26. Among cash crops, cotton MSP has been increased by Rs 589 per quintal each to Rs 7,710 (medium staple) and Rs 8,110 (long staple), respectively, for 2025-26. In recent years, the government has been promoting the cultivation of crops other than cereals, such as pulses and oilseeds, and nutri-cereals/shree Anna, by offering a higher MSP for these crops. The increase in 2025-26 kharif crops MSP is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times the All-India weighted average cost of production. The expected margin to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be highest in the case of bajra (63 per cent), followed by maize (59 per cent), tur (59 per cent) and urad (53 per cent). For the rest of the crops, margin to farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be at 50 per cent, the minister added. The highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year has been recommended for nigerseed, followed by ragi, cotton, and sesamum.
Rarest Of Rare: Malda Youth Who Killed 4 Of Family In Water Coffins Sentenced To Death
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose discharged after 23-day hospital stay, advised to slow work pace
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose was discharged from a Kolkata hospital on May 15, 2025, after a 23-day stay. He was admitted with shoulder pain following visits to violence-hit Murshidabad and Malda, where doctors discovered mild coronary artery disease and performed an intervention procedure. Raj Bhawan confirmed his good health and high spirits upon his return.
KOLKATA: West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has submitted a report on the recent riots in Murshidabad district to the Ministry of Home Affairs, stating that the win spectre of radicalisation and militancy poses a serious challenge to the state. In the report, he suggested a few measures, including setting up an inquiry commission and outposts of central forces or the BSF in districts bordering Bangladesh, besides writing, eedless to add, the provisions under Article 356 of the Constitution also remain. The imposition of Art 356 refers to the President's rule in a state. Asked about this, an official told PTI, The governor has not proposed implementation of Art 356. He meant that the provisions of Art 356 are open to the Centre if the situation in the state further deteriorates. The TMC described the report as politically motivated while the BJP hailed it. Apprehending a spillover of the Murshidabad violence to other districts, Bose said the Centre might consider constitutional options to put a check on the current situation besides generating confidence of people in the rule of law. He also claimed that the riots appeared premeditated and the state government was aware of the imminent build-up of a threat to law and order. The twin spectre of radicalisation and militancy poses a serious challenge for West Bengal, especially in two of the several districts sharing an international border with Bangladesh, viz., Murshidabad and Malda. In both these districts, there is an adverse demographic composition with Hindus being minorities. Another district, viz., Uttar Dinajpur, has a plurality, Bose mentioned in his report. The governor suggested several measures in the aftermath of Murshidabad violence that left three people dead. Prime accused in riot-hit Murshidabad double murder arrested by STF, fourth arrest in violence case The riot occurred amid anti-Waqf Act protests. The report mentioned formulating an overarching legislation to empower the Union Government to maintain law and order when the state machinery fails to act effectively. It also said about appointing a commission of inquiry to look into the eported acts of omission and commission and to suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future and needless to add, the provisions under Article 356 of the Constitution also remain. Of late, there are indications of radicalisation and polarisation, the report said. The divisions are so deep that even in the face of escalation of violence, the chief minister's repeated undertaking that she would protect minority interests, and that the Act would not be implemented in the state, have done little to assuage the Muslim community or stem the tide. It is imperative that the rule of law must be firmly established, and the police must prevent violence, Bose wrote in the report. Going by the state's history of political clashes, there is a possibility that the Murshidabad violence would spill over to other districts, he said. After the Waqf (Amendment) Act was notified on April 8, conflagration unfolded in Murshidabad district and continued for several days, Bose said adding that the authorities suspended internet services on the same day. Thus, the state government was aware of the imminent build-up of threat to law and order in Murshidabad, he alleged. The sequence of events shows woeful lack of coordination among administration and law enforcement agencies that were either too feeble to rise to the challenge or were reluctant to do so, he said. Referring to his trip to the district, Bose said that the atrocities inflicted appear to be systematic and reek of an intention to destroy the identity of a particular group. 'Proactive action' will be taken: Bengal Governor Bose meets family of deceased in riot-hit Murshidabad The incidents can be termed as attempts at cultural erasure, the governor said. Such a grave violation of human rights causing immense suffering and loss has very few parallels in recent history, he said. Bose also stated that intensifying political rivalry between the ruling party and the Opposition has led to both parties increasingly leveraging religious identity to consolidate their voter bases.. The narrative is now religion-driven. The TMC has positioned itself as a protector of Muslims who constitute over 30 per cent of the state's electorate and holds sway in roughly 125-130 of the 294 Assembly seats, he said. Bose alleged there was a marked rise in law and order issues ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. In the surcharged political spectrum, parties are vocal at highlighting the fault lines and communal fissures leading to tension and violence, he said. Bose observed that the police were ineffective and central forces are needed to bring back normalcy. Hitting out at Bose, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said, This is the report of his political assignment. He knows the situation is under control and that is why he mentioned that if the situation deteriorates, the provision of Art 356 is open. The governor should have mentioned the role of BSF, the jurisdiction was increased to 50 km from the border. BJP MP Shamik Bhattacharya said, We are grateful to the governor that he has filed the report. The final call would be taken by those who are the custodians. Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury called the report very general. He said if the situation deteriorates, Art 356 is open. So he thinks the situation is yet to deteriorate, Chowdhury said. Terming the report frivolous, CPI(M) MP Bikash Bhattacharya said, It is just a political gimmick. NCW team meets riot-hit people in Bengal's Murshidabad, TMC describes commission as BJP's wing
Borderlands Of Flux: Malda, Murshidabad, And The Vanishing Voter
