Khajuria To Lead Jammu And Kashmir In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Umran, Brijesh Included
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Opener Shubham Khajuria has been named the captain of Jammu and Kashmir for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, with pacer Brijesh Sharma and speedster Umran Malik finding spots in the 15-member squad. All of J&K's matches will be played in Indore, where the tournaments league stage runs from November 14 to 26. Brijesh played for J&K age-group teams before relocating to Delhi to train under coach Deepak Punia, a former pacer who played in the Ranji Trophy. He earned his IPL 2026 contract with Rajasthan Royals (RR) on the back of a strong showing in the 2025 Bengal Pro T20 League, where he took 11 wickets in seven games for Smashers Malda. In IPL 2026, Brijesh picked 14 wickets in 13 games in his debut season for Rajasthan Royals (RR), who got him for a base price of Rs 30 lakh. In August this year, Brijesh was named in J&Ks list of players who played practice games against Uttarakhand from August 10-17 in Srinagar. The selectors have also picked two specialist wicketkeepers in Dikshant Kundal and Rydham Sharma. The remaining members of the squad include Abdul Samad, Qamran Iqbal, Yawer Hassan, Kawalpreet Singh, Sahil Lotra, Vanshaj Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar and Lone Nasir Muzaffar. Drawn in Elite Group B, J&K will begin their campaign against Delhi on November 14. It is followed by them taking on Tamil Nadu on November 16. J&K will then take on Saurashtra (November 18), Bihar (November 20), Punjab (November 22), Railways (November 24) and Haryana (November 26). With former champions Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab in their group, Khajuria and his side will need to be at their best from the opening game to stay in the hunt for a knockouts spot. Drawn in Elite Group B, J&K will begin their campaign against Delhi on November 14. It is followed by them taking on Tamil Nadu on November 16. J&K will then take on Saurashtra (November 18), Bihar (November 20), Punjab (November 22), Railways (November 24) and Haryana (November 26). Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
District Registrar, Malda Temporary Muslim Marriage Registrar Recruitment 2026
Office of the District Registrar, Malda has invited offline applications for the post of Temporary Muslim Marriage Registrar (MMR). Applications can be submitted till 11 December 2026. For complete details, candidates can visit igr.wb.gov.in.
NIA raids eight locations across three states in fake currency case
The searches were carried out at two locations in Aurangabad and three in Gaya district of Bihar, two locations in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, and one location in Malda district of West Bengal
NIA conducts raids at eight locations in Bihar, Jharkhand and Bengal in fake currency case
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 4 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted simultaneous searches at eight locations across Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal in connection with a fake Indian currency notes (FICN) smuggling case involving counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs 2.48 lakh. The searches were carried out at two locations in Aurangabad and three in Gaya district of Bihar, two locations in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand and one location in Malda district of West Bengal. During the operations, NIA teams seized digital devices, incriminating documents, Bangladeshi currency and other materials suspected to be relevant to the investigation. The case relates to the recovery of fake Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 2,48,500 within the jurisdiction of Madanpur police station in Aurangabad district of Bihar. Following the recovery, a case was registered at the Madanpur Police Station on August 15 against four accused persons identified as Surendra Kumar, Vijay Yadav, Ranjan, and Pradeep Saw, alias Pradeep Kumar Saw. The NIA subsequently re-registered the case on October 18 and took over the investigation following an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the agency, the investigation conducted so far has revealed that the accused were allegedly involved in the smuggling of fake Indian currency notes. The latest searches were conducted to gather further evidence and establish the wider network involved in the alleged counterfeit currency operation. The NIA is examining the seized digital devices, documents and other materials to identify possible links and determine the extent of the smuggling network. Further investigation into the case is underway. Earlier, on October 30, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against two accused persons in connection with the seizure of FICN worth Rs 50,150 in Madhubani district of Bihar. The charge sheet has been filed against Bharat Mahaseth and Shiv Kumar Raut alias Mehman under Sections 61(2), 179, 180 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case relates to the seizure of 281 counterfeit currency notes with a total face value of Rs 50,150 from Duhabi Bazar in the Basopatti area of Madhubani on August 2.
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 4 (IANS) More than 70 trips of special trains are being operated by Western Railway to accommodate the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja, with additional security personnel, holding areas and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance arranged at Ahmedabad, Sabarmati and Asarva stations to manage passenger movement. The special train services, primarily connecting destinations in northern and eastern India, are aimed at facilitating passengers travelling to Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Additional coaches have also been attached to several regular trains to increase passenger capacity. Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash said the arrangements had been made keeping in mind the expected increase in passenger numbers during the festive period. The railway administration had also accounted for passengers travelling on around 20 to 25 through-passing trains arriving from Rajkot and Bhuj and passing through Ahmedabad and Sabarmati stations, he said. The special trains operating in November include services between Sabarmati and Lalkuan, Asarva and Kanpur Central, Asarva and Agra Cantt, Bhuj and Bandra Terminus, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru Junction, Sabarmati and Haridwar, Ahmedabad and Darbhanga, Gandhidham and Bhagalpur, Sabarmati and Prayagraj, Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad and Malda Town, Asarva and Prayagraj, and Ahmedabad and Rajgir. The railway administration, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and traffic police have jointly drawn up a plan to regulate passenger movement and prevent overcrowding at the three stations. Separate arrangements have been made for unreserved passengers and those holding reserved tickets. The movement of reserved passengers, from entering the station and reaching the platform to waiting and boarding their trains, has been eased to avoid congestion. A total of 110 additional RPF personnel have been deployed at the three stations, including 55 at Ahmedabad, 40 at Sabarmati and 15 at Asarva. .An additional company of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) has also been deployed at Ahmedabad station. The railway administration has assigned officers and staff to round-the-clock duties at all three stations. Holding areas have been arranged to accommodate passengers in an orderly manner before they are taken to platforms in queues at the scheduled time for boarding. Women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and passengers travelling with children are being given priority. Ahmedabad station has 119 CCTV cameras, while Sabarmati station has 121. A proposal has also been submitted to install 60 additional cameras to strengthen surveillance. Staff have been deployed in the CCTV control rooms round the clock to monitor station premises and passenger movement. RPF personnel in plain clothes have also been deployed to prevent crimes against passengers. At Sabarmati station, queue management arrangements cover the entire process, from ticket counters and holding areas to platforms and train boarding. Passengers are directed to the holding area after purchasing tickets and subsequently taken to the platform in an orderly manner at the designated time. Announcements through public address systems and loudhailers are being used to advise passengers against pushing or jostling, travelling while standing on train footboards and accepting food or beverages from strangers. They are also being alerted about the safety of women and children during the journey.
Malda Land Clash: One Dead, SSB Jawan Hurt
A land dispute in Malda, West Bengal, resulted in one death and injuries to three others, including a Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) jawan. The clash occurred on Sunday afternoon when SSB personnel attempted to cultivate a disputed plot. Police have detained 13 people and are investigating the incident.
CM Adhikari congratulates Bengal Police on busting organised narcotics racket
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 1 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday congratulated the Special Task Force (STF) of the state police over the busting of an organised narcotics racket in Malda district of the state. In a social media statement, CM Adhikari had claimed that in a breakthrough in our ongoing crackdown against narcotics syndicates, a vigilant team from the STF of the state police intercepted a vehicle on the National Highway-12 near Madhughat at Kaliachak in Malda district and recovered around 2.688 kg of contraband morphine. As per the Chief Minister's statement, four key persons, all involved in an inter-state narcotics smuggling racket, were arrested in this connection. The Chief Minister also claimed that a specific case has been initiated to thoroughly dismantle the entire racket from its roots. I appreciate the officers and personnel of West Bengal Police and the STF for their swift, coordinated action and unwavering dedication to duty. Let me remind the drug smugglers, racketeers and syndicate operators, they will be dealt with an iron fist, as our Government maintains an uncompromising zero tolerance policy against drug peddling to safeguard the future of our Youth and strengthen our collective resolve under the #NashaMuktBHaratAbhiyan, CM Adhikari said in a statement. Since taking charge as the ninth West Bengal Chief Minister after the Assembly polls earlier this year, Suvendu Adhikari had been very vocal against organised narcotics smuggling rackets and illegal liquor dens operating in different parts of the state. According to CM Adhikari, constant drives against such organised narcotics smuggling rackets and illegal liquor dens were extremely necessary to prevent other social evils, especially crime against women. Since then, the state police have been quite active on this count, with several narcotics smuggling rackets being busted and several illegal liquor dens being demolished in different parts of the state during the last few months. Every success of the state police in busting such rackets had been acknowledged by the Chief Minister through his social media statement, boosting the morale of the state police in the matter.
Four held from Malda as West Bengal STF busts interstate drug network
Four held from Malda as West Bengal STF busts interstate drug network
Jowar prices hit an all-time high in Karnataka amidst drought conditions
The price of the Maldandi variety of jowar has increased from 5,500 in September to 8,500 per quintal; Gundu Thene variety is priced at 8,200 per quintal, up from 5,000
Kasba police rescue abducted minor, arrest accused in Malda case
Countering devastation from Ganga erosion among Bengal Chief Ministers priorities
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) In the lower Ganges region, broadly including Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, riverbank erosion has become a recurrent issue posing serious problems, where Tuesdays meeting in Delhi by the Department of Water Resources, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, is of particular significance for identifying a lasting solution and coordination among the states. Under particular threat are the border districts of Murshidabad, Malda and Nadia of West Bengal, with riverbank erosion along the Ganga (in India)-Padma (in Bangladesh) system having evolved from a seasonal disaster into a chronic humanitarian and developmental crisis. Every monsoon, the river reshapes the landscape of Malda and Murshidabad with large-scale erosion of riverbank soil, resulting in vanishing farmland, homes, schools, temples, roads and, additionally, the economic security of thousands of families living along the river. On Sunday, West Bengal chief secretary Manoj Agarwal inspected Maldas affected areas ahead of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikaris Delhi visit, where he intends to find a permanent solution to the problem in the meeting. Malda presents perhaps the starkest picture of the threat. Large areas in this district have witnessed recurring erosion over decades. Officials recently warned that the changing course of the Ganga could have consequences extending beyond village displacement. Reports from Murshidabad's Lalgola region indicated entire settlements having been threatened by advancing erosion. In Taranagar village alone, more than 120 families reportedly lost homes over a prolonged period of erosion, reflecting a wider pattern seen across riverine communities, reports added. Separate reports quoted Adhikari sharing that an agreement reached in 2018 between the West Bengal government, relevant water resources agency, and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) to address the issue of riverbank erosion has not yet been fully implemented. He is thus seeking a plausible plan to tackle the threat, emphasising coordination among states for the implementation of plans aimed at curbing riverbank erosion. State officials have pointed to heavy silt deposition in stretches near Rajmahal in neighbouring Jharkhand, arguing that altered river hydraulics are contributing to floods and erosion downstream in Malda. This has prompted discussions on dredging and inter-state coordination involving West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. The Ganga in Bengal's alluvial plains, as noted in official observations, is a meandering river, thus highly dynamic. During the monsoon, heavy discharge and flooding weaken riverbanks, and the subsequent ebb leads to land collapsing. This cycle of flooding, silt deposition, and channel migration is gradually eating away agricultural land, settlements, roads, schools, and public infrastructure. As per a reply in the Rajya Sabha earlier by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, total flood damage in West Bengal between 2021 and 2023 stood at over Rs 16,083 crore, affecting a population of over 40 lakhs, leading to the death of 188 people. Incidentally, the Farakka Barrage has often featured in discussions on erosion, with various studies and reports having linked changes in sediment movement and river behaviour to intensified erosion in certain stretches of Malda and Murshidabad. Experts, however, reportedly differ on the extent of its role relative to natural river processes. According to a ministry statement in the Lok Sabha this April, a morphological study of the Ganga River using Remote Sensing Techniques for the period 1970-2010 by the Central Water Commission through IIT Roorkee had indicated erosion of 4,289.32 hectares and deposition of 724 hectares in a reach of 50 km upstream of Farakka Barrage. It further said that the Farakka Barrage Project undertakes riverbank protection and anti-erosion works in critical reaches in its jurisdiction which are up to 12.5 km upstream and 6.9 km downstream of the Barrage. Policymakers overall increasingly view the problem as a basin-wide issue rather than being confined to the district level. The Centre's committee has already completed a detailed technical study and proposed integrated mitigation measures. For the states new Chief Minister, he has inherited the problem from earlier administrations that has to be met with urgency, otherwise posing further consequences.
Malda BJP leaders murder: Two accused remanded to 10-day judicial custody
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 23 (IANS) Shatru Ghosh and another accused, Chhotan Ghosh, the two main accused in the murder of Samir Ghosh, a local Bharatiya Janata Party leader in Malda district of West Bengal, were remanded to 10 days of judicial custody on Friday. Both the accused, who were arrested on Thursday, were presented at a district court in Malda district on Friday and at the end of the hearing, the judge of the district court remanded them to 10 days of judicial custody. On Wednesday night, when the people were busy with Durga idol immersion, Samir Ghosh was first brutally hacked and then shot from close range, resulting in his death on the spot. His family members claimed that he was killed because of his active involvement with the BJP for a long time and also alleged that the assassins were closely associated with the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress. However, the Trinamool Congress leadership in Malda district denied the allegations. The Malda District Police started an investigation in the matter and arrested the two prime accused in the case. The incident took place on Wednesday night in the Ramkeli area of English Bazar police station in Malda district. Allegedly, while the people were busy with idol immersion, some people entered Gosh's house. It is alleged that before anyone realised anything, he was attacked with sharp weapons. After that, he was also shot at close range to ensure his death, his family members alleged. The brother of the deceased BJP worker said that his brother had been receiving threats in various ways for a long time for his association with the BJP, and he was even asked to leave the locality. He also claimed that the deceased was alone at home at the time of the incident. The miscreants took advantage of that opportunity and entered the house and committed the brutal act. He also claimed that this murder had been planned for a long time.
BJP Worker Killed In Bengal's Malda, 1 Arrested. Family Blames Trinamool
The victim has been identified as Sameer Ghosh (27), a BJP worker. His family have accused the opposition Trinamool Congress of the murder.
BJP Worker Killed in West Bengals Malda, Family Blames Trinamool Congress
A BJP worker was brutally murdered in Malda, West Bengal. His family accuses local Trinamool Congress members of involvement in the crime. BJP Worker Killed in West Bengals Malda, Family Blames Trinamool Congress
BJP worker brutally attacked, shot dead in Bengals Malda; police detain one
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 22 (IANS) Police said on Thursday that a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker was first brutally hacked and then shot dead by a group of miscreants in a minority-dominated Malda district in West Bengal. The incident occurred on Wednesday night. The deceased has been identified as Samir Ghosh. As per information available so far, a group of assassins first hacked Ghosh brutally. Thereafter, to ensure his death, he was shot from close range, which led to his death on the spot, said a state police officer. After receiving news of the incident, high-ranking police officials from the district reached the spot on Wednesday night. The reason for this murder and those involved in the brutal killing were being investigated. The police have detained one person who was being questioned. Gosh's family members have accused local miscreants associated with Trinamool Congress of being responsible for the brutal murder because he was associated with the BJP. However, the local Trinamool Congress leadership has denied the allegations. Acute tension prevailed in the area. It is learnt that the incident took place on Wednesday night in the Ramkeli area of English Bazar police station in Malda district. Allegedly, while the people were busy with idol immersion, some people entered Gosh's house. It is alleged that before anyone realised anything, he was attacked with sharp weapons. After that, he was also shot at from a close range to ensure his death, his family members alleged. The brother of the deceased BJP worker said that his brother had been receiving threats in various ways for a long time for his association with the BJP, and he was even asked to leave the locality. However, he did not leave the house out of fear. The incident took place on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. The brother of the deceased person also alleged that Gosh was alone at home at the time of the incident. The miscreants took advantage of that opportunity and entered the house and committed the brutal act. The brother also claimed that all the accused persons have links with the Trinamool Congress. He also claimed that this murder had been planned for a long time.
Major Drug Bust: 3 Women Held With Rs 2 Crore Brown Sugar Raw Material
Three women were arrested by Government Railway Police at Old Malda station after 1.28 kg of raw materials allegedly used to manufacture brown sugar, valued at nearly Rs 2 crore, was seized from their possession. The women, residents of Assam, were travelling on the Vivek Express and were reportedly promised Rs 15,000 each for transporting the materials.
Railways cancells a few trains of Malda Division due to the upcoming foggy season
With the objective of maintaining safe train operations during the winter season due to dense fog, the railway administration has ... Read more
Power Cut in Udaipur Today, October 14: 10 Areas to Face 10 AM
Udaipur, October 14 (Udaipur Kiran): Electricity supply will remain suspended from 10 AM to 3 PM on Wednesday, October 14, in areas connected to Hospital Grid Substation (GSS) due to maintenance work on power lines. According to Assistant Engineer Girish Marivala, the five-hour power cut will affect Hathipole, Ghantaghar, Dholi Bawdi, Maldass Street, Ashwini Bazaar, ... Read more Power Cut in Udaipur Today, October 14: 10 Areas to Face 10 AM3 PM Shutdown
West Bengal SIR appeals pile up: 37 lakh cases await verdict
Seventeen Appellate Tribunals in West Bengal have resolved 126,194 cases while 37,05,235 appeals remain pending. These appeals primarily stem from disputes over the electoral rolls revision. Murshidabad and Malda, two minority-dominated districts, have the highest pending appeals relative to their disposals. While Hooghly district leads in case resolutions, many judges' resignations have led to vacancies in the Tribunals.
DRI seizes gold worth Rs 8.98 crore after high-speed chase near Visakhapatnam
Digital Desk | Visakhapatnam, Oct 11 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized foreign-origin gold worth Rs 8.98 crore near Visakhapatnam and arrested two persons. The gold weighing over 5.8 kg was seized from a car after a high-speed chase near Visakhapatnam, the agency said on Sunday. The gold hidden under the car seat was being transported from Kolkata to Hyderabad. According to the DRI, it seized 5,832.90 grams of gold worth Rs 8.98 crore in the market from a car travelling from Kolkata to Hyderabad, following a chase and search on the night of October 8-9. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials maintained heightened vigilance along the National Highway. They intercepted the car carrying two passengers after a prolonged chase. After sustained questioning and a systematic search of the vehicle, officials detected a specially fabricated cavity beneath the leg space of the front co-passenger seat. They recovered three packets containing 5,832.90 grams of 24-carat gold of 999 purity from the concealed compartment. According to the officials, the gold had been smuggled into India through the India-Bangladesh border and was being transported to Hyderabad. Officials seized the recovered gold under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. They arrested and produced both passengers before the jurisdictional magistrate, who remanded them to judicial custody. The DRI said in another press release on Sunday that it intensified its crackdown on cross-border gold smuggling from Bangladesh, seizing around 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at more than Rs 11.50 crore in intelligence-led operations conducted on October 8-9 in the eastern region. The operations exposed the use of road and railway networks to transport smuggled gold from border areas towards Kolkata, resulting in the arrest of six persons, the DRI said. The officials seized 50 gold bars, weighing around 6.8 kg and valued at approximately Rs 10 crore, from a four-wheeler at Dankuni Toll Plaza. The vehicle, carrying four persons, was travelling from Banpur, near the Bangladesh border, towards Kolkata. On the same day, DRI teams in West Bengal intercepted passengers on trains at two railway stations, i.e., Malda Town Railway Station and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and seized around 1 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at around Rs 1.5 crore, from their possession.
Dengue surge in Bengal hotspots raises concern ahead of Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 10 (IANS) A sudden rise in dengue cases in pockets of rural and urban West Bengal over the past month has raised concern in the administration ahead of the forthcoming Durga Puja festival. A state health department official said 14 gram panchayats and eight urban civic bodies, including three municipal corporations and five municipalities, had been identified as dengue hotspots following a sharp increase in cases in specific areas over the past month. Most of the 14 gram panchayats identified as dengue hotspots are in Murshidabad district. The others are in South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Jalpaiguri, Birbhum and Hooghly districts, the official said. The three municipal corporations reporting a similar trend in certain wards are the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) in North 24 Parganas district and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC) in Howrah district, adjoining Kolkata. According to the official, six wards in the KMC, three in the HMC and four in the BMC have been identified as pockets witnessing a sudden rise in new dengue cases over the past month. Among the municipalities identified as sensitive zones are Chakdaha in Nadia district and Dumdum, South Dumdum, Kamarhati and Baranagar in North 24 Parganas district. During the current calendar year, the highest numbers of dengue cases have been reported from nine districts, namely Murshidabad, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, Malda and East Burdwan. However, state health department figures show that the overall number of dengue cases reported so far in 2026 remains marginally lower than the corresponding figure for 2025. Till October 7, 2025, West Bengal had recorded 12,652 dengue cases, compared with 10,177 cases during the same period in 2026. Despite the lower cumulative tally, the recent rise in infections has emerged as a cause for concern. The health department official said 3,948 new cases were reported during September, while nearly 1,100 cases were recorded in the first week of October alone. Despite the lower overall number of cases this year, the worrying aspect is the recent rise in infections. While 3,948 new dengue cases were reported in September, nearly 1,100 cases were recorded in the first week of October alone, the official said.
Bengal government to provide 1.8 lakh aid for fully damaged houses in flood-hit Malda
Speaking at a flood-relief distribution programme at Raghunathpur, CM Adhikari also said that IIT-Kanpur has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for a permanent flood solution in Malda
Bengal BLOs seek security cover for fresh voter enrolment drive after SIR exercise
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 5 (IANS) An association of the booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal has written to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Neelam Meena seeking security cover during the upcoming door-to-door exercise to enroll new voters and re-enroll eligible voters whose names were deleted in the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in the state before the assembly elections held earlier this year. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s instructions, the BLOs will have to go door to door to re-enroll the names of the eligible voters who have been excluded and start the process of registering the names of new eligible voters. After this instruction, a section of BLOs in West Bengal have expressed apprehension of being targeted or attacked by the voters deleted during the SIR process. These BLOs have also identified eight sensitive districts where the apprehension of attacks is maximum. The eight districts identified by the BLO association as most sensitive are North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Malda, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur and Kolkata. While only certain pockets of Kolkata and Hooghly have been flagged as vulnerable, the remaining six districts have been categorised as fully sensitive. In the letter, the association pointed out that although the BLOs had no role to play in the omission of names during the SIR exercise, they are the most vulnerable targets from a section of deleted voters. We are apprehending security threats door-to-door. Hence, we have written to the Chief Electoral Officer demanding security cover for the BLOs during the exercise. We have demanded that security personnel or necessary forces be provided with each BLO, said association secretary, Swapan Mondal. The concerns have been heightened by memories of an incident in April this year when judicial officers involved in the SIR adjudication process were allegedly attacked and held hostage for several hours at Mothabari in Malda district. If the judicial officers can be harassed in such a manner, what will be the guarantee that our security will also not be compromised during the fresh enrolment process? questioned a BLO, who refused to be named.
Seva Setu camps draw over 10 lakh registrations on Day 1 across Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 3 (IANS) More than 10 lakh people registered on the first day on Saturday of the three-day Seva Setu Abhiyan camps launched by the West Bengal government on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti to help people access various welfare schemes of both the Centre and the state. According to state government data, 10,68,033 people had registered at the camps by 8 p.m. on Friday. Of them, 5,47,965 were male applicants, 5,17,546 were female applicants, and 2,522 belonged to other genders. The highest number of registrations was reported from Burdwan, Malda, Cooch Behar and Jhargram districts, according to the state government. The government expects a similar response on Saturday and Sunday, the second and third days of the campaign. A senior state government official said the initiative was designed as a single-window system to help people access welfare schemes without having to make repeated visits to different offices. The state government has taken this initiative to bring various people-oriented schemes of the Central and State governments to the doorsteps of the people. Basically, this camp has been organised in every district of the state to provide benefits of all the schemes under one umbrella, instant enrolment, verification of documents and listening to complaints of people, the official said. The Bengal government has set a target of conducting 3,251 Seva Setu Abhiyan camps during the three-day programme. On Friday, the first day, 1,081 camps were held across the state. The remaining 2,170 camps will be organised over the next two days, the official said. Among the key schemes covered at the camps are Annapurna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Shiksha Shree, Joy Johar, PM Kisan Credit Card and PM Kisan Svanidhi. New forms for applying for widow allowance, old age allowance and disability allowance are also being distributed from these camps. Apart from this, the status of Annapurna Yojana and Ayushman Card can also be enquired at these camps, the official said. In Kolkata, one Seva Setu Abhiyan camp has been arranged for every two adjacent wards. The state government has also opened a dedicated helpline to guide residents to the camp nearest to their homes.
Bengal: SER announces 19 pairs of special trains for festive rush
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 2 (IANS) With the festive season approaching, South Eastern Railway (SER) has announced a number of special trains to clear the passenger rush. These trains will be run between various locations before Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath for the convenience of passengers. Coaches have also been added to regular trains to increase capacity. SER will run 19 pairs of special trains. These will make 344 trips during the festival season. In addition, one pair of special trains operated by other zonal railways will also run through SER's network. We have also added 30 coaches permanently to various trains, further enhancing passenger-carrying capacity and strengthening the availability of accommodation on regular services, an official said. The special trains will originate from stations such as Shalimar, Santragachi, Digha, Ranchi, Hatia and Adityapur, and will run towards Charlapalli, Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road, Ajmer, Naharlagun, Puri, Thiruvananthapuram, Malda Town, Anand Vihar, Bano, Alipurduar, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Lucknow. A lot of planning was involved, the official said, adding that reservation details had been studied to understand where people from a particular place wanted to travel. The trains were decided accordingly. SER had run 19 special train services during the festive season in 2025. These trains had made 356 trips. Subsequently, eight pairs of these special trains were regularised as permanent services, providing passengers with continued connectivity beyond the festival season. In addition, 28 special trains from other zones passed through SER's jurisdiction. In 2025, as many as 74 coaches were augmented on a permanent basis on various regular trains to meet the additional demand. These arrangements will help those travelling to tourist destinations during the festival season, as well as those returning home from their places of occupation, the official said. He added: Hopefully, these arrangements will be sufficient. If required, further arrangements can be made depending on demand.
Primary teacher recruitment to be completed soon: Bengal Education Minister
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 1 (IANS) State School Education Minister Deepak Barman on Thursday said the stalled primary school teacher recruitment process would be completed soon. He made the remarks at a press conference at Bikash Bhaban. The Minister also said the next recruitment process would begin once the current process was completed. He said, The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) will be held every year like Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja. The last Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for recruiting primary school teachers was held in 2022. That recruitment process has not yet been completed. Under pressure from several movements, the Trinamool Congress government published the recruitment notification for candidates who passed the TET in 2022 on September 25, 2025. However, even after a year, the recruitment process could not be started. After the notification was published in September 2025, interviews started on December 31. District-wise interviews began in phases from December last year to recruit 13,421 people. The first four rounds of interviews were conducted. Thereafter, on February 27, the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) issued a notification, and interviews for Nadia, Purulia, Bankura, Alipurduar, South Dinajpur, Malda, West Burdwan and Birbhum districts started in the fifth to tenth phases. Meanwhile, interviews for Nadia district in the fifth phase ended on March 19. Although interviews for Purulia district in the sixth phase started on March 23, the Assembly election schedule had already been announced. As a result, questions arose over whether interviews could be conducted during that period. Subsequently, in April, the WBBPE said the Election Commission had written to the School Education Department on March 27 seeking information on the interview process for recruiting primary school teachers. That letter reached the board on March 30, and the board provided the details on the same day. It also explained that the interview process continued even after the election had been announced. However, the primary education board suspended the interview process on April 1. Thereafter, the Assembly elections were held, and a new government was formed. However, the interviews have not resumed yet, triggering fresh debate. When asked about the issue, the Minister said the primary recruitment process underway would be completed quickly and that the government would move on to the next recruitment exercise. Once this recruitment is completed, the TET will be held again based on the vacancies that are created. I have said many times, and I am saying again, TET will be held every year like Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Saraswati Puja, he said. Meanwhile, the State Minister said mid-day meals should not be discontinued in any school in the state. A few days ago, reports emerged that mid-day meals had been stopped at a school in the Garia area on the outskirts of Kolkata. Allegations suggested the scheme had been halted due to a lack of funds. Thereafter, the administration intervened and immediately arranged mid-day meals through the district administration. However, several schools in the state still face allegations of various problems related to mid-day meals. Deepak Barman said, We have allocated the funds. The West Bengal government is giving great importance to the PM Poshan scheme.
Malda Town Haridwar Pooja Special Express to run for the festive season
Malda Rail Division has been granted the railway connectivity to Uttarakhand, but only till the festive season. In a temporary ... Read more
Centre plans major aviation infra push in West Bengal
AAI, State government to sign MoU next month covering Hasimara, Kalaikunda, Malda and Balurghat, say sources
Man Held For Alleged Obscene Act Against Stepdaughter In Gurugram
A 38-year-old man from West Bengal was arrested in Gurugram for allegedly committing an obscene act against his 17-year-old stepdaughter. He was traced to Malda district after fleeing following the registration of an FIR under the POCSO Act.
Malda Railway Division Launches Cleanliness Awareness Campaign
The Malda Railway Division has initiated a cleanliness awareness campaign to promote hygiene among residents and passengers. Malda Railway Division Launches Cleanliness Awareness Campaign
NIA Summons TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin Over Attack on Judicial Officials in West Bengal
The NIA has summoned TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin for questioning regarding an attack on judicial officials during an inquiry process in Malda, West Bengal. NIA Summons TMC MLA Sabina Yasmin Over Attack on Judicial Officials in West Bengal
Railways is going to operate 03435/03436 Malda Anand Vihar Pooja Special Express train from a period of October 12th to ... Read more
Special Ticket Inspection Campaign in Bhagalpur-Jamalpur Rail Section Nets 263 Offenders
A special ticket inspection in Maldas Bhagalpur-Jamalpur section resulted in fines for 263 passengers traveling without valid tickets. Special Ticket Inspection Campaign in Bhagalpur-Jamalpur Rail Section Nets 263 Offenders
Essential to examine funding, Mithun Chakraborty supports closure of Bengals unrecognised madrasas
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Actor-turned politician Mithun Chakraborty, who is set to don the role of policymaker (Cultural Advisor) in Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government, supported the administrations clampdown on the unaided and unrecognised madrasas across the state, citing concerns over national security as a valid reason. Mithun, in an exclusive interaction with IANS, justified the notice for closure of more than 250 madrasas and also notices to 100 others across the state, stating that it was essential to examine their funding patterns and whether that was serving the right purpose in these minority institutions. Mithuns remarks come a day after Bengal government issued closure notices to 252 unapproved madrasas and issued show-cause notice to 100 others while it reviews the Islamic educational institutions in the state. Speaking on the matter, Mithun Chakraborty said, When we talk about madrasas, there must be someone behind them who is funding and running them. Whether that money is being used for the right purpose or the wrong purpose will become clear now. It is very important for the country's security that we pay close attention to this matter and examine it very strictly. He also said that the matter was not taken seriously under previous dispensations and can't be ignored any longer because it concerns the security of our nation. According to reports, the majority of 252 madrasas facing closure belong to the Khariji sect. At least 44 of these are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. The show-caused madrasas must produce valid authorisation, or they will be shut down, according to Minority Affairs Minister Khudiram Tudu. A survey was carried out by the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department across Kolkata and 22 other districts to examine the madrasa management systems, student organisation enrolment, funding sources and registration status. Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya also defended the governments action on the madrasas, stating that the rise in radicalisation in border areas was an alarming signal and it was state governments responsibility to stop anti-national activities, taking place in backdrop of madrasa education.
UCC essential for unity, integrity, security of nation: Bengal Minister backs implementation
Digital Desk | Newtown, Sep 14 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Monday backed the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country, saying the process should begin in the state and subsequently extend to others. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said the UCC was necessary to strengthen the nation's unity, integrity and security. Absolutely, the Uniform Civil Code should be implemented in the country, starting with Bengal, our state, and then in other states. It is essential for the unity, integrity, and security of the nation, he said. His remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the UCC would be implemented in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029. We introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in several states. I am confident that we will implement the UCC in all 21 states governed by the BJP-led NDA before 2029, HM Shah said at a press conference in Mumbai. The UCC seeks to establish a common framework of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption, irrespective of religious affiliation. Ghosh also commented on the West Bengal governments action against madrasas, saying institutions operating without the required permissions should not be allowed to function. Anything illegal, whether madrasas or restaurants, cannot operate outside the law without government permission. The government is scrutinising everything, and any unauthorised establishment will be closed. To operate, they must get government permission, he said. The remarks came after the state government issued closure notices to 252 madrasas as part of a review of Islamic educational institutions. Show-cause notices have also reportedly been issued to around 100 other madrasas during the first phase of the verification exercise. Reports suggest that most of the 252 institutions facing closure are associated with the Khariji sect. Among them, 44 are located in Malda, 37 in Uttar Dinajpur, 32 in South 24 Parganas, and 25 each in Nadia and Murshidabad. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had ordered a statewide survey in June to ascertain the number of recognised and unrecognised madrasas operating in West Bengal. Ghosh praised Indias hosting of the BRICS Summit and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership for elevating the countrys role on the global stage. The BRICS summit held in India reached a high level under Prime Minister Modis leadership. Indias hospitality charmed everyone, paving the way for a new world order in business and global politics, he said. Ghosh added that issues such as human security and financial security should remain among the key priorities.
Blackberrys expands UP retail footprint with new store in Varanasi
Blackberrys, one of Indias leading menswear brands, has strengthened its retail presence in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of a new store at Maldahiya in Varanasi, taking its network in the state to 62 stores across 39 cities.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari reviews Malda flood, erosion and rail subsidence issues
The News Mill
Rail Services disrupts in Malda Town-New Farakka-Tildanga Rail Section due to Land Subsidence
The soil underneath railway track between Tildanga and New Farakka Station, situated a few kilometers before Malda Town, West Bengal, ... Read more
Watch: 31 Bangladeshi nationals detained in Bengaluru sent to West Bengal for deportation
Thirty-one Bangladeshi nationals detained from different parts of Bengaluru have been sent to Malda in West Bengal as part of the deportation process under Bengaluru Polices Operation Muktha against illegal immigration.
31 Bangladeshi Migrants Deported from Bengaluru to Malda
Kolkata, September 2: A group of 31 Bangladeshi migrants recently arrested by police in Bengaluru has been transported to Malda district in West Bengal. Currently, this group is being held at a temporary detention center near the Bangladesh border. Legal procedures for their return to Bangladesh have commenced, and they are expected to be handed ... Read more 31 Bangladeshi Migrants Deported from Bengaluru to Malda
Illegal Immigrants Held in Bengaluru Shifted to Malda Detention Centre
After reaching Malda early Wednesday morning, they were handed over to the local police and lodged at the Karma Tirtha Holding Centre
How Bengal's Malda turned Census digital enumeration into a people's campaign
How Bengals Malda turned Census digital enumeration into a peoples campaign
Op Muktha: 31 Bangladeshis moved to Bengal for repatriation
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police has moved 31 Bangladeshi nationals identified during a special verification drive to Malda in West Bengal as part of the process to deport them to Bangladesh. The individuals were taken from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT) railway station in a specially arranged coach. Twenty police personnel have been deployed as an 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 .
India Expresses Deep Condolences Over Nepal Flood Tragedy
Malda, August 28: Indian leaders have expressed profound sorrow over the devastating flood tragedy in Nepal. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar stated, This is a very tragic situation. Nepal is our neighboring country, and our brothers and sisters live there. The Government of India stands with them in full sympathy. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari added that ... Read more India Expresses Deep Condolences Over Nepal Flood Tragedy
PM Shri Schools to Launch Soon in West Bengal, Says Sukanta Majumdar
Kolkata, August 28: Central Education State Minister Sukanta Majumdar announced on Thursday that the PM Shri School project will soon be launched in West Bengal to enhance the education system. The school will be established in Malda district. Majumdar made this announcement during the inauguration of the new building of the Central School located in ... Read more PM Shri Schools to Launch Soon in West Bengal, Says Sukanta Majumdar
10 infants die at Malda MCH in a day, Bengal government seeks report
Ten infant deaths were reported at Malda Medical College and Hospital on August 12, with about 60 deaths recorded in August, according to State Health Department sources
Two TMCP workers arrested for tearing Swami Vivekananda
Kolkata, Aug 26 (IANS) Two activists of Trinamool Congress student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), have been arrested for allegedly tearing up a poster with Swami Vivekanandas picture and also kicking that poster publicly at a college in Malda district of West Bengal. Recently, a video clip went viral on social media, where the three []
Mangaluru police team to take 21 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants to Malda on Sunday
SC comes to rescue of 105-yr-old murder convict
New Delhi: A 105-year-old murder convict will now be able to live as a free man after the Supreme Court on Friday, August 21, closed the case against him and waived the remaining period of his life sentence, taking into account his age. Born in 1920 in West Bengals Malda district, Rasik Chandra Mondal was 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 .
Eastern Railway Inspects Food Stalls at Key Stations in West Bengal
Kolkata, August 20: Officials from Eastern Railway conducted surprise inspections of licensed food stalls at major stations under their jurisdiction. The inspections at Howrah, Sealdah, and Malda Town stations aimed to ensure adherence to food quality and cleanliness standards. Uday Shankar Jha, the Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Eastern Railway, led a comprehensive inspection alongside ... Read more Eastern Railway Inspects Food Stalls at Key Stations in West Bengal
Bengal: ER inspects food stalls at Howrah, Sealdah and Malda town stations
Kolkata, Aug 20 (IANS) As the government stresses food safety and hygiene, Eastern Railway (ER) officials conducted surprise inspections at licensed stalls at major stations under its jurisdiction. Inspections were conducted at the Howrah, Sealdah and Malda Town stations to ensure strict adherence to food quality and hygiene. At Howrah, Uday Shankar Jha, principal chief []
Malda Medical College security manager arrested on guard's repeated rape charge
Malda Medical College security manager arrested on guards repeated rape charge
Major Drug Bust in Malda: Police Seize
Kolkata, August 12: A significant attempt to smuggle drugs in the Kaliachak area of Malda district, West Bengal, was thwarted by police. Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Kaliachak police station seized nearly three kilograms of brown sugar early Wednesday morning and arrested two traffickers. According to officials, the estimated value of the seized ... Read more Major Drug Bust in Malda: Police Seize 4 Crore Worth of Brown Sugar, Two Arrested
Two Arrested in Malda, West Bengal with 4.1 Million and Illegal Drugs
Kolkata, August 6: Two young men were arrested on Thursday in the Gazole area of Malda district, West Bengal. They were found in possession of 4.1 million in unaccounted cash and 568 grams of brown sugar. A police officer from the district reported that the suspects were apprehended early Thursday morning on National Highway-12. Authorities ... Read more Two Arrested in Malda, West Bengal with 4.1 Million and Illegal Drugs
Major Cough Syrup Smuggling Ring Busted in Kolkata, 2.40 Crore Seized
Kolkata, August 3: A significant crackdown on a cough syrup smuggling operation has taken place in the Malda district of West Bengal. Authorities seized a substantial amount of cash and gold from the residence of a local trader in the Manglahat area. According to sources, three cash counting machines were used to tally the seized ... Read more Major Cough Syrup Smuggling Ring Busted in Kolkata, 2.40 Crore Seized
Rs 2.5 crore in cash seized during probe into cough syrup smuggling racket in West Bengal
Police seized approximately 2.5 crore rupees in cash from a Malda flat. This raid followed an investigation into a banned cough syrup smuggling racket. A small quantity of gold and several electronic devices were also recovered during the operation. Investigators suspect the money is connected to the illegal trade in banned cough syrup. Further inquiries are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.
A Hindu group plans to install a Shiva Lingam near the Adina Mosque in Malda. This action reignites claims that the mosque stands on temple ruins. The group seeks legal permission for installation within the protected monument. The Archaeological Survey of India officially recognizes the site as a mosque. Security has been increased around the monument amid the renewed controversy.
Bengal Border Force Jawan Kills 2 Colleagues. Was Punished For Firing In 2025
A BSF jawan opened fire at Malda camp, killing two soldiers and injuring one colleague.
Shocking Shooting Incident at BSF Camp in Malda Claims Two Lives
Kolkata, July 24: A tragic shooting incident occurred at a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Baishnabnagar, Malda district, on Thursday. A soldier opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of two fellow personnel. The accused has since been arrested. According to BSF sources, two soldiers lost their lives, and another was critically injured. Reports ... Read more Shocking Shooting Incident at BSF Camp in Malda Claims Two Lives
BSF Soldier Opens Fire in Malda Camp, Two Colleagues Dead
Kolkata, July 23: In a shocking incident on Thursday, a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier opened fire at a camp in Baishnabnagar, Malda district, resulting in the deaths of two fellow soldiers. The accused has been arrested following the incident. According to BSF sources, the shooting claimed the lives of two soldiers, while another individual ... Read more BSF Soldier Opens Fire in Malda Camp, Two Colleagues Dead
West Bengal's Malda launches participatory planning drive in border villages
Malda district administration has launched 'Amar Gram Amar Kalpana' for border villages. This initiative promotes community-led development and resident involvement in planning. Villagers shared their needs and suggestions during interactive sessions with officials. The program aims to gather community inputs for need-based development plans. This aligns local aspirations with national priorities for border settlements.
