West Bengal / The Times of India
In Kolkata, Anil Murarka and his son Anmol were allegedly attacked by Vinod Sharma, a parking attendant. The incident occurred outside a bank on Vivekananda Road due to a disagreement over parking fees. Sharma reportedly became aggressive, using abusive language and physically assaulting Murarka. Anmol intervened, but Sharma allegedly assaulted him too.
The Indian Museum in Kolkata has waived entry fees for school groups, reversing a 2019 decision, to encourage more student visits and foster appreciation for India's cultural heritage. Museum officials aim to transform the institution into a 'living classroom,' offering workshops, guided tours, and inclusive programs like 'Soulful Silence' for specially-abled children. Student visits have steadily increased, reaching 21.
A violent clash erupted in Siliguri's Bagracote area between two groups over a cricket tournament, escalating into stone pelting. Law enforcement was deployed to the scene, but local residents reportedly turned their aggression towards the police and security personnel. Authorities are currently working to restore order and bring the situation under control in the affected area.
To streamline public transport, the West Bengal transport department is centralizing bus permit issuance. The State Transport Authority will now handle permits for routes covering three or more districts, a power previously hampered by administrative issues at the regional level. This aims to reduce delays and improve bus service availability for commuters.
South Calcutta Law College has reopened under tight security following a week-long closure due to the gang rape of a student on campus. Only first-semester BA LLB students needing to submit exam forms were initially permitted entry, with police and private guards ensuring strict ID checks.
The National Library of India in Kolkata is hosting a month-long exhibition honoring Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a key figure in Indian academia and politics. Running from July 6th to August 5th, the exhibition showcases his contributions to education, his role in shaping India's political framework, and his influence on the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Kolkata Restorers have begun restoring the historic Tollygunge Ghari Ghar, a Grade I heritage structure built around 1865 by Tipu Sultan's grandson, Prince Rahimuddin Shah. The restoration, funded by Techno Electric, includes repairing cracks, applying lime paint, cleaning marble plaques, and illuminating the archway.
Monojit Mishra, the main suspect in a campus rape case, allegedly manipulated law college admissions. He reportedly secured 10-15 admissions annually, charging between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh. Students claim Mishra exploited loopholes, admitting candidates with low entrance exam ranks. He also faced accusations of financial irregularities related to cultural events.
The Calcutta High Court has allowed the filing of two PILs regarding the gang rape at South Kolkata Law College. Advocates Sauma Subhra Ray and Vijay Kumar Singhal, also involved in the RG Kar case, filed the petitions. Ray alleges a premeditated, politically motivated crime. Singhal requests a retired High Court judge to head the SIT and increased campus security.
The Calcutta High Court's Jalpaiguri circuit bench has quashed non-bailable warrants issued against two defence personnel who had previously been granted anticipatory bail in a 2019 case involving an alleged scuffle during an eviction drive. Justice Chattopadhyay ruled that a warrant cannot be issued against someone protected by anticipatory bail unless they violate its conditions.
Manojit Mishra, accused of gang-rape, was known at his Kolkata law college for alleged abuse of power and instilling fear, particularly among women. He reportedly recorded private moments, morphed pictures, and shared them in WhatsApp groups for ridicule.
Kolkata Police have formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the gang rape of a law student on her college campus. The team is analyzing CCTV footage and technical evidence, while the survivor's medical report confirms the assault. Three suspects, including an alumnus, have been arrested, and video clippings of the crime were retrieved from their phones.