West Bengal appeal against Milan Pradhan will be dismissed, indicates Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is set to review the West Bengal government's plea challenging Milan Pradhan's interim bail during a session on Monday. This case revolves around six criminal proceedings linked to the violent protests in Nandigram back in 2007. Previously, the Calcutta High Court allowed Pradhan to secure bail for electoral purposes.
Haridevpur Durga Puja back on track after meeting with BJP MLA
Special drive to enrol left-out voters
Parking on flyover, diversions: Puja traffic rejig in Behala zone
Newlywed found dead, hubby arrested
No VIP pass culture: New Durga Puja body set up with 780 clubs in city and abroad
Centre approves Rs 1,175 crore Teesta bridge project in Darjeeling
APCR West Bengal Chapter Seeks Restoration of Voters Excluded During SIR
KOLKATA: The West Bengal Chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) submitted representations to the District Magistrates across the state on September 24, raising concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The representations were submitted simultaneously in districts across West Bengal, with copies also sent to the Chief [] The post APCR West Bengal Chapter Seeks Restoration of Voters Excluded During SIR first appeared on .
From Complaint to Justice: Seeking Rights Through Evidence and Institutions
Recent incidents involving allegations concerning Muslim officers in West Bengal, the transfer of IPS officer Bushra Bano, and the long-running land dispute of Asgar Ali Vohra have raised an important question: how should citizens pursue grievances and seek justice? Allegations Require Evidence TMC MP Mahua Moitra has alleged that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers [] The post From Complaint to Justice: Seeking Rights Through Evidence and Institutions first appeared on .
West Bengal SIR tribunal Judge submits resignation letter, cites long commute
It is difficult to continue under such circumstances, Justice (Retd.) Indrajit Chatterjee, head of the SIR tribunal number 11 dealing with deletions of names from Murshidabad district, says he travels 70-80 km for three-four hours every day
Reliance team meets Bengal govt, discusses investment areas
Puja pass scam: ED quizzes former minister Indranil for 10 hours
Bengal allocates Rs 1,200cr for Ghatal plan, Rs 1.8L aid for flood-hit families
Cong MP stopped as CP, ABVP clash at Malda College gate
SC To Hear Moitras Circuit House Eviction Plea
The Supreme Court will hear TMC MP Mahua Moitras plea alleging she was evicted from a West Bengal circuit house despite having a room allotted.
Rebel TMC leader Anubrata Mondal heckled, party office vandalised in Birbhum
Education-skills integration vital to professionalise jewellery industry: Experts
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) Industry leaders on Wednesday stressed the need to integrate formal education with skill-based training to ensure the long-term growth of India's jewellery sector and preserve its rich tradition of craftsmanship. Speaking on the sidelines of an industry event here, experts said artisans remain the backbone of the jewellery industry, but attracting younger generations to the profession has become an increasing challenge. They argued that linking jewellery-making skills with recognised academic qualifications and certifications could make the sector more appealing to students and young professionals. Vinod Bamalwa, Director of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons and Chairman of the National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle at the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), said the industry is facing a shortage of young artisans as fewer people are choosing jewellery craftsmanship as a career. According to him, one of the key reasons is the lack of formal recognition of jewellery-making as a structured vocational education pathway. He said that integrating technical skills with degree and certification programmes could help elevate the profession's status and attract more talent to the sector. Bamalwa noted that efforts are underway to introduce jewellery manufacturing and related technical subjects to students at the school level, with industry participation playing a key role in designing and supporting such programmes. He said the industry has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the government to build a stronger talent pipeline. Subhankar Sen, Co-Chairman of the ICC National Expert Committee on Jewellery and Lifestyle and Managing Director and CEO of Senco Gold & Diamonds, said West Bengal has long been a hub of jewellery craftsmanship, with artisans from the state contributing significantly to jewellery centres across the country, including Mumbai, Surat and southern India. Sen pointed out that jewellery education extends far beyond the art of making ornaments and encompasses areas such as metallurgy, marketing, sales techniques and product management. Introducing such subjects at school and college levels, he said, could open up employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people. He emphasised that combining education with practical skill development is essential if the jewellery sector is to evolve into a more organised and professionally managed industry.
Nandigram bypoll: Suvendu predicts unimaginable victory margin
Congress fumes as Nandigram cops detain Matua face, activist
Bengal: Humayun Kabir moves HRC against police action on party workers
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) Chairman and Nowda MLA Humayun Kabir on Wednesday approached the West Bengal Human Rights Commission (HRC) with a complaint that the police were illegally arresting his party leaders and workers. The police had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report. Humayun Kabir, along with several party workers and their families, appeared at the Human Rights Commission's office on Wednesday. He alleged that the police were harassing his party leaders and workers ahead of the by-election in Rejinagar in Murshidabad district. He mainly complained to the Human Rights Commission against the police of the Beldanga, Nowda and Shaktinagar police stations. In the words of the AJUP Chairman, My party workers and supporters are being harassed unilaterally. Their houses are being raided. He further said that not only his party, but also common people of Murshidabad had raised their voices against such police raids. We want the Human Rights Commission to take note of the matter and intervene, he added. The by-elections in the Rejinagar and Nandigram Assembly constituencies will be held on October 6. Humayun Kabir alleged that the ruling party was trying to capture the Rejinagar seat by any means and was using various illegal methods to do so. Earlier, Humayun Kabir wrote a letter to the Election Commission, alleging police excesses and harassment of party workers. In his letter to the Commission, Humayun Kabir alleged that the Superintendent of Police of the Berhampore Police District was trying to influence the election directly. On September 24, Humayun Kabir staged a sit-in protest outside the Rejinagar police station, alleging that the police were arresting his party leaders and workers in a bid to stop them from campaigning for the by-election. Humayun Kabir had won the 2026 Assembly elections from both the Rejinagar and Nowda constituencies. He later relinquished the Rejinagar constituency. The by-election is being held there, in which he has fielded his son. Humayun Kabir alleged that his party was not being allowed to campaign and that the police were working for the ruling party in the state.
HC dismisses ISF plea over Envelope symbol for Nandigram bypoll
The pioneer arrives: Boar-loving 3-year-old tigress comes to Buxa
Kumortuli Ghat: Crucial Restoration For Kolkata's Evergreen Potters' Lane
Durga Puja is not just the largest festival of West Bengal. It is also a citywide exhibition of art - through resplendent idols, spectacular pandals and dazzling display of lights - drawing millions of visitors.
West Bengal Government Takes Firm Stand Against Child Marriage and Early Motherhood
West Bengals government commits to zero tolerance on child marriage and early motherhood, addressing alarming statistics in the state. West Bengal Government Takes Firm Stand Against Child Marriage and Early Motherhood
IIBX plans to bring bullion to Bengals doorstep with Kolkata vault by Diwali
IIBX will open its own bullion vault in Kolkata by Diwali, enabling West Bengal jewellers to take local delivery instead of sourcing bullion from Chennai or GIFT City. The move is expected to cut logistics costs and delivery times, as the industry navigates high gold prices, falling volumes and export growth opportunities.
School holiday October 1: Are schools closed tomorrow? Check Tamil Nadu, Delhi, UP and other states
School holiday tomorrow October 1, 2026: Schools across India will not have a uniform closure, with Tamil Nadu observing a quarterly break while several other states are expected to hold regular classes. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal have different schedules, making state and school calendars important for students and parents.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday said that opposition parties have united to save democracy and accused the BJP of staying in power by stealing votes. He called for fresh elections in Bihar and West Bengal, alleging that the polls held in the two states were fraudulent and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. His remarks came after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced a nationwide protest programme, saying that INDIA bloc leaders would hold a Save Democracy March at the district level from October 2 to October 8. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, To save democracy, we have all united, and whatever sacrifices need to be made, we will make them. We will fight this battle and save the democracy of the country. BJP people want to end it. Gyanesh Kumar is a prime example of this; laws were altered specifically to shield him. The first law that was changed is that no action can be taken against them for lif...
The Supreme Court on Wednesday took up Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitras plea concerning her alleged late-night eviction from the Nadia Circuit House in West Bengal, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioning whether an individual grievance concerning a Member of Parliament could be directly agitated before the Court under Article 32 of the Constitution. A [] The post Supreme Court hears Mahua Moitra plea over eviction from Nadia circuit house, Solicitor General questions maintainability under Article 32 appeared first on India Legal .
Gyanesh Kumar Chor Hai: Mamata Banerjee Targets CEC At INDIA Bloc Meet Amid SIR Row
West Bengal's former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by describing the entire process as a otched up one. Mamata Banerjee made these comments at an INDIA bloc
Ex-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar Over 'Vote Chori'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intensifies her attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid the ongoing vote chori controversy. In the statement, Mamata alleges irregularities in the electoral process, questions the functioning of the Election Commission and demands the CECs immediate resignation. She also refers to alleged manipulation of votes and raises questions over the use of EVMs and electoral data.
Army, BSF hold strategic seminar in Shillong to strengthen border coordination
Digital Desk | Shillong, Sep 30 (IANS) A crucial seminar between the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) was held in Shillong for better operational coordination. The Army-BSF Synergy Seminar 2026 was hosted by the 101 Area of the Army's Eastern Command. Participants included senior officers from the BSF's Meghalaya, Guwahati, Mizoram, and Cachar and Tripura Frontiers. The BSF is in charge of managing the 4,096 km border with Bangladesh. Of this, 856 km lies in Tripura, 443 km in Meghalaya, 318 km in Mizoram, and 262 km in Assam. The remaining 2,217 km of the border is managed by the South Bengal and North Bengal Frontiers of West Bengal. The terrain through which the border runs makes management difficult. It comprises riverine, forested, and hilly stretches, where fencing is difficult. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, about 3,232.2 km, or approximately 78 per cent of the border, is fenced. There is little possibility of fencing the 174.5 km that has water bodies, marshes and dense forests. Apart from intensive patrolling, the BSF now uses advanced surveillance equipment to keep a check on criminal activities and illegal immigration. While the Army is not directly involved in management of the India-Bangladesh border, some of its vital installations and assets along the northeastern states lie close, requiring greater coordination with the BSF. Regular sharing of intelligence is key to effective border management. In the past, forces inimical to India's interests have used this border. It is a difficult border to manage, given the terrain, similarities in languages and cultures, and other factors. A coordinated effort is required for better handling of the situation, an official said. Espionage and sabotage are issues that both the Army and BSF are extremely concerned about. In the past, the border has been used by agencies of other countries to gather intelligence about Indian military assets and movements in the northeastern states. The 101 Area of the Army plays a crucial role in combat logistics and operational maintenance of units based along the northern border. It is keen to keep all movement details confidential. The seminar focused on enhancing operational coordination, strengthening joint synergy, improving information sharing and fostering an integrated approach to effective border management, the Eastern Command posted on X.
Bengal tops child marriage, underage motherhood concerns, Adhikari vows zero tolerance
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday expressed concern over the high incidence of child marriage and underage motherhood in the state, asserting that his government is committed to eliminating the menace. West Bengal is competing with Jammu and Kashmir for the top position in two areas. The first is the number of girls getting married before they attain the age of 18, and the second is the number of girls becoming pregnant and mothers before turning 18. This trend is deeply concerning. The state must be completely freed from this social evil, and our government is determined to achieve this at any cost, the Chief Minister said. He was addressing a function on Wednesday afternoon to mark the 2027th birth anniversary, according to the Bengali calendar, of iconic educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The function was organised at Bissingha village in West Midnapore district of West Bengal, the birthplace of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Earlier this month, the Chief Minister had announced that, henceforth, husbands would be booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in cases where their wives become mothers before attaining the age of 18. Following his announcement, the state police have already begun taking action against family members of minors who become pregnant or mothers before attaining the age of 18. Reiterating the warning on Wednesday, Adhikari said the state administration would adopt a zero tolerance approach towards preventing child marriages and minors from becoming mothers before attaining the age of 18. Speaking on the occasion, he also criticised the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, particularly over the alleged practice of making state-run libraries keep books authored by Banerjee. I will ask the authorities of the libraries in the state to stop keeping those books and instead keep books written by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar there, the CM said. The Chief Minister also said that because of the flawed policies of the previous state government, West Bengal had been lagging behind other states in two crucial areas of education and health. We have to improve the situation at any cost, and the new government is determined to take all necessary steps to achieve this, Adhikari added.
Three-year-old Bihar tigress airlifted to Bengal, release in Buxa on Oct 2
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A three-year-old tigress from Bihars Valmiki Tiger Reserve was airlifted to Hasimara Air Force Station in north Bengal on Wednesday morning as part of an ambitious effort to restore the tiger population in Buxa Tiger Reserve in the state. The tigress, captured after a week-long search operation, was flown from Gorakhpur airport in a specially designed cage with full medical support. An Indian Air Force helicopter carried the animal to Hasimara, where it landed at around 4:45 am. Forest department officials said a team of nearly 70 tiger rescue personnel had been searching for the tigress in Valmiki Tiger Reserve for several days despite difficult weather conditions. She was finally tranquilised with sleeper darts before dusk on Tuesday. After the capture, the tigress underwent health checks before being transported by road from Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihars Champaran district to Gorakhpur airport, around 125 km away. Following the airlift, two wildlife veterinarians and tiger experts examined her physical parameters for more than an hour at Hasimara. The tigress was then transported by road to Buxa Tiger Reserve, about 37 km from Hasimara. Security arrangements were strengthened along the route, with additional police personnel deployed to ensure a smooth transfer. The animal entered Buxa through the Rajabhatkhawa gate at around 6:45 pm and was taken to a special forest department facility at 25 Miles. She will remain there temporarily before being moved to a 2.2-hectare natural enclosure. Officials said the tigress will be released into the natural enclosure on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav are scheduled to attend the release programme. The relocation is part of a broader initiative to revive the tiger population in Buxa. The reserve has been preparing for the reintroduction programme, with forest authorities making arrangements for the animals acclimatisation and monitoring after its release. The movement of the tigress involved coordination among forest, wildlife and defence authorities.
Jharkhand shutdown evokes mixed response, traffic hit by road blockades in several districts
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 30 (IANS) A statewide shutdown called on Wednesday by activists of the separate Jharkhand movement for pensions for agitators, jobs for dependents, among several other demands, evoked a mixed response across the state. Protesters blocked roads and disrupted traffic in districts such as Palamu, Giridih, and Bokaro, while normal life remained largely unaffected in several urban centres, including the state capital Ranchi. The bandh had a relatively stronger impact in Medininagar of Palamu , where agitators carrying bows, arrows and other traditional weapons took to the streets and blocked the busy Redma Chowk. Several protesters sat on the road as a mark of protest, causing long queues of vehicles on both sides. The blockade inconvenienced school children, commuters, and long-distance travellers. In Giridih, activists blocked the Giridih-Dumri main road near the old toll plaza at Paparwatand and raised slogans while sitting on the roadway. The blockade was later lifted following talks with the police. In Bokaro, protesters staged a road blockade at the ITI Mor area in Chas, disrupting the movement of local as well as goods-carrying vehicles for some time. The impact of the shutdown was hardly visible in Ranchi. Protesters briefly disrupted traffic near Albert Ekka Chowk in the morning, but the situation returned to normal after police and administrative officials intervened. The agitators later staged a sit-in at the nearby CPI office premises. Most markets in Ranchi remained open, while buses and autorickshaws continued to operate normally. Reports from Chatra and Garhwa indicated disruptions in the movement of buses and heavy commercial vehicles. In some parts of Ramgarh and Dhanbad, protesters appealed to traders to support the bandh, while local transportation was affected at some locations. The most impacted by the bandh were the long-distance bus services. Some services operating from Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh to Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and various districts within Jharkhand were affected. They remained off roads largely as a precautionary measure. However, train services on major railway routes remained normal. Autorickshaws and e-rickshaws continued to operate in most towns and cities, although traffic congestion at key highway intersections caused temporary disruptions. Leaders of the agitation, including Pushkar Mahto and former MP Bhuvneshwar Prasad Mehta, said that several demands of Jharkhand movement activists remain unresolved even 26 years after the formation of the state. They warned that if the government fails to take a decision on their demands soon, an indefinite hunger strike would be launched across the state from November 15, the Jharkhand Foundation Day.
West Bengal To Facilitate 175 Acres For IOCs Haldia Refinery Expansion And Petrochemical Complex
SC Agrees To Hear on Oct 5 West Bengal's Plea Challenging Interim Bail to Cong Candidate
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on October 5 the West Bengal government's plea challenging the interim bail granted to Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate, Milan Pradhan, in six criminal cases lodged in 2007. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for
Reward CEC with Bharat Ratna for delivering West Bengal to BJP: J&K CM
The Chief Minister said the Election Commission of India (ECI) should do some soul-searching as the charges against the poll panel were not levelled by any political party
After Calcutta HC order, Congresss Nandigram nominee to be out on bail for bypoll
Bengal bypolls likely to decide relationship dynamics between Congress, TMC's Mamata faction
The upcoming October 6 assembly bypolls in West Bengal present a significant test for political alliances. Mamata Banerjee's faction and Congress are exploring electoral cooperation amid their separate contests. In Nandigram, the Congress candidate has gained the support of Banerjee's faction after their candidate withdrew. Rejinagar will show the ability of both parties to hold their political ground independently.
Calcutta HC dismisses AISF plea to restore 'envelope' symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed by the All India Secular Front (AISF) to restore the party's envelope symbol, dealing a setback ahead of the upcoming bypolls in the state. Justice Krishna Rao had reserved the judgment after hearing the matter on September 28. In his judgment, Justice Rao observed that the court did not intend to interfere in the forthcoming bypolls in two assembly constituencies in West Bengal scheduled for next month and hence declined to grant relief to the petitioner. Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district are going for bypolls on October 6, and the counting will be on October 9. AISF had fielded a candidate from Nandigram. AISF legislator Nawsad Siddique, the partys lone representative in the West Bengal Assembly, challenged the ECIs decision, arguing that he had successfully contested and won the Bhangar Assembly seat in both 2021 and 2026 on the envelope symbol and that there was no justification for its withdrawal. Earlier this month, the Election Commission of India (ECI) allotted the envelope symbol to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction of Trinamool Congress, which was also allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress. AISF has been allotted the almirah symbol this time. Siddique approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the decision. He contended that there was no reason for withdrawal of the envelope symbol when he contested and got elected on that symbol from the Bhangar Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district twice, first in 2021 and then in 2026. On the other hand, the ECI counsel gave a counterargument that envelope was a free symbol and unrecognised political parties like AISF do not have a permanent right to a specific reserved symbol. Now, with the Calcutta High Court dismissing the petition, AISF has no choice but to contest the Nandigram bypoll on the almirah symbol. During an earlier hearing, Justice Rao had observed that the controversy might have been avoided had the ECI opted to freeze the envelope symbol instead of reallocating it. However, the court ultimately chose not to interfere with the poll process.
We will dismiss it: Supreme Court indicates West Bengal plea against Milan Pradhan
The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined West Bengals request for an urgent hearing against the Calcutta High Courts order granting interim bail to Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in connection with six criminal cases arising from the 2007 Nandigram violence. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana [] The post We will dismiss it: Supreme Court indicates West Bengal plea against Milan Pradhans interim bail may fail appeared first on India Legal .
New Alipore: Where three generations still find their space
Former West Bengal Minister Summoned by ED After Extensive Raids in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen for questioning in a money laundering investigation linked to fraudulent Durga Puja passes. Former West Bengal Minister Summoned by ED After Extensive Raids in Money Laundering Case
The West Bengal government's plea against Milan Pradhan's interim bail will be heard by the Supreme Court soon. Pradhan was granted bail for six criminal cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests. The Calcutta High Court has allowed him to campaign for the upcoming Nandigram bypoll scheduled for October 6.
Chidambaram reiterates CWC demands on SIR, seeks restoration of deleted voter names
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) had identified several flaws in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and reiterated the three demands raised by the party. In a statement, Chidambaram said, Yesterday, the CWC identified the various flaws in the SIR and rightly made three demands. He listed the demands as the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the SIR exercise and restoration of 13.30 crore names that he claimed had been removed from electoral rolls. The BJPs response to the CWC resolution and its defence of the CEC are pathetic, Chidambaram said. He said there was no objection to removing the names of deceased voters from electoral rolls, but questioned the removal of names on other grounds. Nobody wants dead voters to remain on the rolls. They can be removed through the usual annual revision on January 1. But what about names removed on the specious grounds of being unable to fill Form 6, not found at the address or logical discrepancy? he added. Chidambaram also questioned the scale of the deletions, saying, The BJP must explain how 14 per cent of the adult population of India has been removed from the rolls in 20 states under SIR. He further cited the outcome of appeals in West Bengal and said the BJP should explain how 91 per cent of appeals against the removal of names were allowed by judges, resulting in the restoration of the names of those affected. Chidambaram also referred to a question raised by Anjali Bhargava of the National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), asking where the file containing the original decision to conduct the SIR was. There are many more questions. I am sure the entire SIR exercise will unravel in the next few weeks or months, he said. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday, a day after the CWC adopted a resolution seeking Kumars resignation, suspension of the SIR exercise and restoration of voters whose names were allegedly removed from electoral rolls. Congress leaders are expected to raise the issues discussed during the CWC meeting before the broader Opposition alliance. The meeting comes amid differences among Opposition parties over strategy and coordination. The INDIA bloc has faced setbacks in several states since its formation, while JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, who was earlier associated with the Opposition alliance, is now aligned with the BJP-led NDA. The meeting is expected to focus on the Election Commission controversy and discussions on a joint political strategy.
SIT formed to probe September 27 clashes in Kolkatas SRFTI campus
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the instances of violent clashes that broke out at the campus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) between members of Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) and other students on September 27, which left several people injured. The six-member team will be headed by the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) of Kolkata Police, Kunal Agarwal. The SIT members will conduct a thorough investigation into what happened on the SRFTI campus and what prompted the clashes between the students associated with CPI(M)s SFI and ABGP. As per the notification issued by the state Home (police) Department regarding the formation of the SIT to probe the matter, apart from Agarwal, the other five members of the SIT will include Deputy Commissioner (Detective Department of Kolkata Police, Sparsha Nilangi; Deputy Superintendent of the Criminal Investigation Department of West Bengal Police, Koushik Ghosh, Salil Roy, Tusharkanti Ghosh and Hirak Dalpati, the last three being Inspector-ranking officer attached to Kolkata Police. In the notification, it has been further claimed that the SIT was formed on the basis of three separate FIRs registered at Panchasayar Police Station under the East Division of the Kolkata Police, under whose jurisdiction SRFTI comes. Of the three FIRs, one has been filed by the ABGP members and the second by a section of students of SRFTI. The third FIR has been registered suo motu by the police. No one has been detained or arrested so far. The SIT will submit its preliminary report on the matter on October 1. In the notification, the officer heading the SIT has been vested with the authority to seek additional manpower, either from West Bengal Police or the Kolkata Police, for the investigation, if necessary. The violence broke out within the SRFTI campus on Sunday at around 1 p.m, when the ABGP programme was underway there, and a group of activists belonging to the SFI arrived at the venue. SFI activists reportedly questioned the organisers about holding the programme in the auditorium. The organisers accused the SFI activists of tearing down the pictures and banners of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda. However, the SFI activists claimed that the SRFTI management permitted ABGP to hold the programme without informing them. They also accused the organisers of calling them militants and Bangladeshis. They claimed that the SFI members were assaulted for protesting against this. On the other hand, ABGP accused the SFI activists of disrupting their programme without any provocation. They alleged that SFI members raised Azadi slogans. ABGP also claimed that they had permission from the authorities to hold the programme. A large police force, led by the concerned divisional Deputy Commissioner of Police, rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clashes. Tensions escalated further in the presence of the police, with reports of scuffles involving students and event organisers. Some students also accused the police of recording the names and residential details of complainants instead of taking immediate action against those responsible for the violence. They expressed fear of possible harassment and demanded the immediate registration of cases against the accused. A section of students staged a protest around a police vehicle in support of their demands.
SP names Ram Gopal Yadav, Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as RS candidates from UP
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 30 (IANS) The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday announced Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as its two candidates for the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. The two are scheduled to file their nominations later in the day in the presence of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. The party took to X and made the announcement: Samajwadi Party's authorised Rajya Sabha candidates Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani will file their nomination papers at 11 am in the presence of the Honourable National President Akhilesh Yadav. The Rajya Sabha elections also come ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. Ahead of the announcement, Uttar Pradesh Minister O.P. Rajbhar took to X and questioned whether the SP chief will make choices of candidates based on the 'PDA' slogan. Akhilesh ji, I've heard you're going to field three candidates for the Rajya Sabha. Tell me, will all three be from your PDA or not? The first one is Professor Sahab. He's from your PDA, P for family. Now, who will it be for D and A? Will there be some wealthy person for D? A criminal for A? Rajbhar questioned. Do tell, because all the backward class folks, Dalit brothers, and Muslim brothers want to know how you're scheming to send family, the wealthy, and criminals from your PDA to the upper house of Parliament, he said. The Minister also advised the SP chief to ot lose the second seat in the pursuit of three. Earlier on September 22, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the biennial elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats, along with a by-election for one seat from West Bengal, on October 16. Of the 11 seats going to the polls in the biennial elections, 10 are from Uttar Pradesh, and one is from Uttarakhand. The West Bengal election will be held to fill a casual vacancy in the Upper House. According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, the notification for the elections will be issued on September 29, while the last date for filing nominations will be October 6. The scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on October 7, followed by the last date for withdrawal of candidature on October 9. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. In Uttar Pradesh, the terms of 10 sitting Rajya Sabha members are coming to an end. The members whose terms are expiring include Arun Singh, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, Brij Lal, Ram Gopal Yadav, Ramji Gautam, B.L. Verma, Seema Dwivedi, Dinesh Sharma and Hardeep Singh Puri.
Nothing is going to happen: Dilip Ghosh takes swipe at Mamata Banerjee ahead of INDIA bloc meet
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday took a swipe at former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary of the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, Abhishek Banerjee, over their visit to Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, saying nothing will happen. Speaking in Kolkata, Ghosh said, For the media, the news is only that they are going to Delhi and coming back from Delhi. What is the result? Nothing is going to happen. The INDIA bloc is meeting on Wednesday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi to discuss the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns raised by opposition parties over the functioning of the Election Commission. The agenda for the meeting was finalised following discussions within the opposition alliance. The meeting is expected to focus on the SIR exercise, electoral-roll revisions and the opposition parties concerns regarding the Election Commission. The Congress Working Committee had earlier passed a resolution demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA bloc is expected to discuss a coordinated political response to the issues at the meeting. Reacting to the oppositions criticism of the Election Commission, Ghosh said the Congress had previously won elections under the same poll panel. Congress ruled for 10 years in between; this same Election Commission made them win. In various states where Congress is in power, they won elections and came to power. So, how did they win there? The Election Commission remains the same. Therefore, a streak of losses has begun. The party president himself has lost, so how will the party win? he said. Ghosh also defended the electoral roll revision process and criticised objections raised over the verification and deletion of voter names. The false voters here have been separated through the SIR process, those who are not citizens of the country or do not have documents. So, crying over them is of no use he said.
After raids, ED summons former Bengal minister in money laundering case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) After conducting a marathon raid and search operation in connection with a money laundering case at the residence of the former West Bengal Tourism Minister Indranil Sen, that lasted for over 16 hours, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now summoned him for questioning in the matter at the central agencys Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Sen, a singer-turned-politician, has been asked to be present at the ED office by 11 a.m. on Wednesday. However, the former West Bengal minister has denied all the charges against him and even threatened legal action in the matter for the alleged harassment faced by him and his family members. On Tuesday, different teams of ED officials conducted simultaneous raids and search operations at ten places, including the residence of Sen and his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, in Kasba, South Kolkata. The other places where the raid and search operations were conducted included the residences of some of Sens relatives and the house of an event manager, Arijit Dasgupta. The main charge in the matter against Sen and his wife is of selling fake passes on the name of Durga Puja tours, using the UNESCO tag. It is initially estimated that around Rs 60 crore was involved, said sources. ED began the investigation into the matter based on a complaint lodged by an individual, Joydeep Mukherjee, a victim of fraud, at the Bowbazar Police Station in June. However, Sen, since the beginning, has denied all the allegations raised against him. To recall, in 2021, Kolkata Durga Puja was recognised by UNESCO. After that, an organisation called 'Mass Art' was formed, which claimed to be UNESCO's official partner. They started promoting Durga Puja. The sale of passes for the Durga Puja parikrama started. But those passes sold at high prices were actually fake. Sens wife, Madhuchhanda, was closely associated with this organisation. Entry passes, or tickets, were sold at high prices by illegally using the UNESCO name and logo in the name of the 'preview show' or puja parikrama of Kolkata's Durga Puja, as per the allegations. The ED alleges that there was corruption of around 60 crore. It is further learnt that passes for about 24 Durga Puja preview shows in Kolkata were sold at high prices. In some cases, the price of these passes ranged from Rs 1,749 to Rs 5,499. The said entity claimed that UNESCO had selected those 24 puja pandals. But so far, no truth has been found, according to sources aware of the development. It is alleged that money has been embezzled in the name of preview show passes. Initial investigation revealed that about 19,000 people registered to receive these passes in 2022; 34,000 registered in 2023; and 61,000 in 2024
Harsh Geonka news: Bharati Mudi from West Bengal has dedicated her life to coaching young girls in football. She established a free football academy in 2009, aimed at empowering girls and providing them opportunities. Mudi's coaching extends beyond the game by building confidence and resilience in her students. Over the years, many girls have achieved success in state and national competitions.
TVK Denies Bengal Office Link, Says Vijay Supporters Set It Up Independently
A group of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) supporters in West Bengal could have set tongues wagging with speculation about the party's expansion beyond Tamil Nadu following the inauguration of an office in Purba Bardhaman. But the party leadership has made it
Weather Today September 30: India will showcase a diverse array of weather conditions across various regions. Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are predicted to receive rainfall and thunderstorms, whereas Delhi-NCR can expect a predominantly dry atmosphere. Meanwhile, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh might experience partly cloudy skies with a chance of rain and brisk winds. In contrast, West Bengal and Punjab are forecasted to enjoy stable weather with minimal precipitation.
NIA Arrests Three More in West Bengal Terror Probe, Total of Four Detained
The NIA has arrested three additional suspects linked to terrorism in West Bengal, bringing the total to four in a coordinated operation. NIA Arrests Three More in West Bengal Terror Probe, Total of Four Detained
Puja ticket sale scam: ED raids homes of ex-minister Indranil Sen, relatives
SIR tribunal judge sends quit letter to CJ, cites poor roads and long commute
CBI Arrests Fugitive in West Bengal Post-Election Violence Case
The CBI has arrested Jharna Mistry, a fugitive linked to a murder case from the 2021 West Bengal election violence. CBI Arrests Fugitive in West Bengal Post-Election Violence Case
Computer teachers stage night-long agitation over job
SRFTI campus on edge as students call for indefinite academic boycott
Voices split: Film school fiasco divides local film industry
62-yr-old S Kol man loses Rs 29L in digital-arrest fraud
Man, son harass building caretaker, threaten neighbour
Calcutta High Court glare on cops probing custodial torture
Egg therapy for BJP neta after protest against loud music
More Metro Services In Kolkata On Weekends Ahead Of Durga Puja
KMC executive engineer suspended
KMC Starts Night Drive To Repair Roads Before Oct 10
Lioness with infection in leg dies at Alipore zoo
Min: Repair roads, pavements, clean manholes before puja
Kolkata wastes 680 tonnes of household food daily: Survey
CU approves 20 marks for internal assessment, 5 for attendance
From forex to retail, Mini Bangla counts losses over a month after fire
WBCUTA organises protest meet against transfer bill
Green hydrogen centre of excellence to be launched at JU
TMCs Kunal Ghosh Accuses BJP of Undermining West Bengals Economy
TMCs Kunal Ghosh criticizes BJPs statements on coal project, alleging political motives and highlighting recent violence against party members. TMCs Kunal Ghosh Accuses BJP of Undermining West Bengals Economy
Supreme Court Rejects Plea Against SIR Ahead Of West Bengal Bypolls
The by-elections are scheduled to take place on October 6. Voters in Rejinagar and Nandigram who had applied before the tribunal had been hoping to get some relief from the top court on Monday.
Free bicycle Sarathi from Class 8 now, announces CM, says 12.6 lakh students to benefit
Uttarpara attack: Cops visit MLA Kunals home to record statements
Two New Town puja fights go to high court
Kolkata MLA and Police Assure Security After Club Vandalism Halt Durga Puja Preparations
HC declines CBI plea to disband SIT in recruitment scam
CPI, BJP, Cong file plaints over Nandigram violence
3 arrested for gang rape of minor in West Midnapore
Prasada stated that the Centre is planning to set up export facility centres in every district across the country so that industrialists can enjoy a seamless experience and greater ease of doing business, rather than having to travel to Delhi.
B'deshi terror group's plot foiled, 13 held from 3 states
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested 13 individuals across Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala for their alleged involvement in a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the proscribed Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The group aimed to radicalise youth and expand its extremist network in eastern and northeastern India through online modules, clandestine meetings, and propaganda.
With the recent formation of the UCC panels in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal, it becomes necessary to revisit the Constituent Assembly debates on the UCC and question the BJPs selective invocation of Ambedkar to legitimise its divisive and majoritarian pursuits.
