CID to probe fake beneficiaries, recommenders in ex-Trinamool govt housing scheme: CM Adhikari
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police will investigate the fake beneficiaries and their recommenders in the 'West Bengal Awas Yojana', the state governments own housing scheme during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Friday. The scheme was named Banglar Bari during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, which was renamed 'West Bengal Awas Yojana' after the new BJP-ruled state government led by Adhikari took over. The SIT announcement was made by CM Adhikari in the afternoon at the state secretariat of Nabanna in a programme on the distribution of financial assistance provided to over seven lakh genuine beneficiaries of West Bengal Awas Yojana. Already, 57,000 fake beneficiaries have been identified, and all of them will be punished. So far, 1,000 fake beneficiaries have returned the money they received. I am asking those who are not the rightful and genuine recipients to return the money. We will form an SIT of the CID to investigate the matter. If anyone at the official level is involved in recommending the fake beneficiaries, departmental action will be taken against them, the Chief Minister said. He also said that an instalment of Rs 60,000 under the West Bengal Awas Yojana will be deposited in the accounts of seven lakh beneficiaries on Friday. Earlier, 10 lakh beneficiaries received the second instalment of housing, CM Adhikari said. He also launched a scathing attack against the previous ruling dispensation for carrying out false propaganda before the Assembly election earlier this year, that all welfare schemes in the state would be stopped if the BJP came to power. The previous ruling party claimed that if the government changed, all welfare schemes in the state would be stopped. We have proved that it is false. We do not give money based on caste, religion, or community. We want those who left their housework half-done to be able to complete it. The previous government claimed that we will not form a new pay commission or give dearness allowances to state government employees. We have proved that wrong, the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also claimed that the District Magistrates have been directed to ensure that those who build houses with West Bengal Awas Yojana funds do not have to spend more than Rs 1,200 to purchase sand.
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The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, since September 27, has been investigated by a special investigation team constituted by the West Bengal government
West Bengal Pilgrim Bus Collides with Truck in Jajpur, Several Hurt
Nine passengers sustained injuriestwo of them criticallyafter a tourist bus carrying approximately 55 pilgrims from West Bengal collided with a stationary truck in Odishas Jajpur district early Friday morning. The mishap occurred on the Badachana Bridge along National Highway-16 (NH-16), under the jurisdiction of the Badachana police station. According to preliminary reports, the ill-fated bus, [] The post West Bengal Pilgrim Bus Collides with Truck in Jajpur, Several Hurt appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
EBITDA rises 59.79% to 26.69 Cr, powered by robust demand for lightweight 22K and 18K gold jewellery and an expanding B2B partner network Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], November 13: Pushpa
Following the bulldozer action at Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's residence, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Friday asserted that any form of illegal encroachment was being removed, adding that Banerjee was ot intentionally targeted. The West Bengal minister also flagged the shortage of roads and footpaths in Kolkata, and said that illegal constructions are being demolished in many places. Speaking to ANI, he said, Any form of illegal encroachment is being removed. There is a shortage of roads and footpaths in Kolkata; if someone constructs a building in such areas, it causes inconvenience to the general public. This is happening everywhere
Bulldozer Action Outside Abhishek Banerjees Home Sparks Controversy in Kolkata
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh defends bulldozer action against illegal constructions, stating its a broader issue beyond Abhishek Banerjee. Bulldozer Action Outside Abhishek Banerjees Home Sparks Controversy in Kolkata
Bengal man arrested in Delhi in Anjali Sau death case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) West Bengal Police have arrested the boyfriend of 26-year-old Anjali Sau from Baranagar in North 24 Parganas, outside a railway station in Delhi, in connection with the murder of Sau, state police informed on Friday morning. Police sources said the arrested youth is named Dharambir. He was reportedly arrested outside Delhi's Anand Vihar railway station. He has been identified as the main accused in the incident. The operation to arrest Dharambir was led by a sub-inspector of Baranagar police station. Barrackpore Police Commissariats Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Kuntal Banerjee said the accused is being brought from Delhi on Friday, and more details will be revealed after getting information from the arrested accused. Saus body was recovered on the night of November 10, from the residential flat of a five-storey housing cooperative on the night of November 10. The body was recovered in a lying position. There were also injury marks. The cause of death was a mystery. It is learnt that the deceased's sister and brother-in-law had been living in that flat for the last four years. The brother-in-law is now a resident of Sreerampore in Hooghly district, and Sau used to live in that flat in Baranagar from time to time. Her own house is in the nearby Dunlop area. Her brother-in-law also used to visit the flat from time to time. On Monday, the flat owner, i.e., Sau's brother-in-law, left the flat key with a neighbour. On November 10, in the afternoon, Sau entered the flat after taking the key from the neighbour. A couple of relatives of the deceased woman told police about their suspicion that her boyfriend might be involved in the mysterious death. He had been absconding since the body was recovered. Based on the location of the mobile tower and information from confidential sources, the investigators came to know that Dharambir had fled from Kolkata to Delhi. A special team of the police reached Delhi. Finally, the police were able to arrest Dharambir on the premises of Anand Vihar station in Delhi. The police suspect that Dharambir was visiting the young woman's flat because of his previous acquaintance. Investigators are investigating the exact reason for this brutal murder. They are trying to find out whether it was a personal grudge or some other mystery hidden behind it.
SBI General Insurance steps up road safety initiatives in Ladakh
Leh, Nov 12:SBI General Insurance has launched a road safety and emergency healthcare initiative in Ladakh in collaboration with humanitarian organisation Doers, the Ladakh Police and the Health Department to strengthen emergency medical response and promote safer roads in the region. As part of the initiative, the company handed over a fully equipped Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance to the Health Department on October 28 to ensure timely medical assistance to road accident victims during the critical golden hour. The ambulance was flagged off at Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh under the project titled Road Safety: Ambulances in the Indian Himalayan Region. Recognising the challenges posed by Ladakhs high-altitude terrain, long distances between settlements and extreme weather conditions, the initiative also focuses on accident prevention and improving road safety infrastructure. Under the programme, 40 retro-reflective road safety warning signboards have been installed at accident-prone locations identified in coordination with the Ladakh Police. The signboards are aimed at alerting motorists to potential hazards and encouraging safer driving practices, particularly on vulnerable stretches used by residents, tourists and other travellers. The flag-off ceremony was attended by Dr Laltinkhuma Franklin, IAS, Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Union Territory of Ladakh. Dr Rinchen Chosdol, Chief Medical Officer, Leh; Shatrughna Singh, Head of Compliance, SBI General Insurance; and Anuradha Bhardwaj, Head of Programmes, Doers, were also present, along with representatives of the concerned departments and organisations. Speaking on the initiative, Rathin Lahiri, Head-Marketing and CSR, SBI General Insurance, said timely emergency support could save lives in a region like Ladakh, where difficult terrain and long distances often delay access to medical care. He said the companys responsibility extended beyond providing insurance to supporting communities through interventions addressing critical needs on the ground. Through the initiative, SBI General Insurance aims to strengthen emergency response mechanisms and promote safer roads in Ladakh, while working in partnership with Doers, the Ladakh Police and the Health Department. The programme will also be extended to six other Himalayan statesHimachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Uttarakhandto strengthen road safety measures and emergency medical response across the Himalayan region.
NIA team visits Kulgam attack site
Srinagar, Nov 12:The National Investigation Agency (NIA) team visited the site of Wednesdays attack on a CRPF checkpoint near Mir Bazar in Kulgam district on Thursday even as preliminary investigations indicated that at least three terrorists, two of them believed to be foreign nationals, were involved in the strike. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on Thursday visited the site of the terror attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, a senior police officer said. The team inspected the spot to gather forensic evidence and examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, in which three CRPF personnel were injured. The samples collected from the scene are expected to assist investigators in establishing the sequence of events and identifying those involved in the attack. Security forces have continued search operations in the area to trace the attackers. The preliminary investigation reveals that at least three terrorists were involved in the attack. Two of them seem to be foreign nationals, said senior police officer. We are reviewing the CCTV footage from the area to get a clear picture. There is a marshy patch in the area and the terrorists escaped using the cover of the trees and bushes. Officials said the attackers approached the checkpoint on foot from the marshy area about 50 metres away. After opening fire with AK-47 rifles, they fled on foot through the same tree line. The attack took place barely 2 km from the heavily guarded Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The CRPF had earlier stated that the incident occurred around 2:15 pm when the assailants fired at its personnel of the 46th Battalion, deployed as a bridge guard, before fleeing the spot. The three injured CRPF personnel Head Constable Somveer Singh (Madhya Pradesh), Constable RakeshDass (Assam) and Constable Santosh Chandru (West Bengal) - were first rushed to Government Medical College, Anantnag, and later shifted to the Armys 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar. One sustained bullet wounds to the abdomen and spine and underwent surgery; the other two received injuries to the arm and leg. Two of the injured have since been discharged after treatment, while the critically injured jawan continues to receive advanced care. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the hospital to enquire about his condition. GOC 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, visited the spot to review the ongoing operations. Senior officers of the Army, CRPF and J&K Police are supervising the expanded search, guided by human and technical intelligence. A Motorola phone and SIM card were recovered from the site. Sources said investigators are examining the possibility that the attackers belong to a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module operating in south Kashmir. At least three suspected overground workers (OGWs) of the LeT are being questioned, with agencies suspecting that at least one provided logistical assistance, including reconnaissance and shelter. Police sources also suspect the involvement of local terrorist Lateef Ahmad Bhat of Kulgam, earlier blamed for two attacks in July and described at the time as the only local militant active in the Valley. Cartridges recovered from the site matched those found in the earlier Killam incident. There are concerns within the security establishment that, even as local recruitment has declined, small groups of foreign terrorists assisted by local support networks retain the capacity for targeted attacks. The period preceding winter is considered particularly vulnerable as terrorists hiding in the higher reaches of the PirPanjal typically move to lower elevations before snowfall. Such movements are sometimes accompanied by attacks before they shift to winter hideouts. A senior security officer said the strike appeared part of an attempt by Pakistan-based groups to reactivate networks in Kashmir despite sustained counter-terrorism operations.
Search operations launched across south Kashmir
Srinagar, Nov 12:Security forces on Thursday launched and intensified search operations across south Kashmir in the wake of the terror attack on a CRPF checkpoint near Mir Bazar in Kulgam district, even as the joint cordon-and-search operation at the main site entered its second day with an expanded area under cordon. The primary operation, which was suspended overnight due to darkness, resumed at first light in the Nowpora Akhran area. Additional forces have been deployed, barricades strengthened and vehicle checks intensified along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and approach roads to seal escape routes. Armoured vehicles and Quick Reaction Teams remain in position as teams comb the forested and rural belts. GOC 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, visited the spot to review the operations and take stock of the ground situation. Senior officers of the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police are supervising the search, which is being guided by human and technical intelligence inputs. Parallel search and area-domination efforts have been activated at multiple locations across south Kashmir as part of a coordinated response. The attack occurred around 2:15 pm on Wednesday when two heavily armed assailants emerged from a dense cluster of trees and opened fire on a CRPF naka of the 46th Battalion, deployed as a bridge guard roughly 1 to 2 km off the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway near Mir Bazar. Security personnel returned fire, but the attackers fled into the adjoining forested area. The injured personnel have been identified as Head Constable Somveer Singh (Madhya Pradesh), Constable RakeshDass (Assam) and Constable Santosh Chandru (West Bengal). Somveer Singh sustained a bullet injury to his arm and RakeshDass to his leg; both were reported stable. Chandru suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen and spine and was initially critical. Two of the injured personnel have since been discharged from hospital after treatment. The critically injured jawan was airlifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for advanced care. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the hospital to enquire about his condition and interacted with the treating doctors. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohiuddin had earlier visited the injured at GMC Anantnag. This is the third terror-related incident reported in south Kashmir in recent months. Forces have maintained a tight vigil across the region while the expanded searches continue.
Baramulla, Nov 12:The season's first snowfall at the famous tourist resort of Gulmarg has brought cheer to visitors, offering them a glimpse of winter's magic as snow-covered mountain peaks transformed the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland. Snowfall in the upper reaches of Kashmir overnight on Wednesday and continuing into Thursday brought a noticeable chill to the Valley, while Gulmarg's snow-draped slopes offered visitors a spectacular glimpse of the winter season. At Gulmarg, tourists were seen soaking in the beauty of the snow-covered mountains, with many stepping outdoors to experience the snowfall and capture the moment on their phones. The cold breeze, white mountain slopes and occasional snowflakes made the experience particularly memorable for visitors. Kongdori, a popular tourist destination accessible through the Gulmarg Gondola, received a good amount of snowfall, adding to the excitement among tourists. Visitors were seen enjoying the falling snowflakes, clicking photographs and capturing videos against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains. For several tourists, witnessing snowfall was an experience they had been eagerly waiting for. Many described themselves as fortunate to have visited Gulmarg at a time when the first flakes of the season were falling, saying the unexpected winter spectacle had made their trip even more special. Seeing snowfall for the first time is a great experience. We feel lucky to be among those who got the opportunity to witness it, said Yogesh, a tourist from West Bengal. A hotlier while talking to Greater Kashmir said that from the last two days, the tourist flow has abruptly increased. He said scores of vehicles full of tourists had thronged the Gulmarg and the fresh snowfall has drawn huge enthusiasm among the tourists. The tourist flux has increased suddenly. The snowfall experience is always tourists first choice, he said. The fresh snowfall has also added to Gulmarg's winter appeal, with the resort expected to attract more visitors as temperatures continue to fall. With the onset of winter and fresh snowfall, Gulmarg traditionally witnesses an increase in tourist arrivals, particularly among visitors keen to experience snow and enjoy the resort's scenic surroundings. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir on November 12 and 13 under the influence of a western disturbance. The weather department has also warned of isolated heavy rainfall on Thursday, while thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, are likely at isolated places. The IMD has forecast a significant fall in daytime temperatures, with the mercury expected to drop by 6-8 degrees Celsius during the two days. The precipitation is likely to continue over higher reaches, bringing further snowfall to the mountains.
West Bengal has witnessed a sudden, rapid spike in attacks on Christian home fellowships and churches since the summer of 2026, when the BJP government came to power in the State. Senjuti Sengupta and Shiv Sahay Singh report on the fear of the community that is less than 1% of the population in West Bengal
West Bengal has witnessed a sudden, rapid spike in attacks on Christian home fellowships and churches since the summer of 2026, when the BJP government came to power in the State. Senjuti Sengupta and Shiv Sahay Singh report on the fear of the community that is less than 1% of the population in West Bengal
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday said it has attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.78 crore of ex-DCP Kolkata, Santanu Sinha Biswas, and his family members and associates in the case of history-sheeter Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu and others. The attached properties include three flats located in Kolkata and land at Kandi in West Bengal's Murshidabad as Proceeds of Crime under PMLA 2002. The properties were attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. ED's Kolkata Zonal Office-II provisionally attached immovable properties of Santanu, his family members and associates in the case. ED investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered by West Bengal Police against Sona Pappu and others involving complaints of murder, extortion and land-grabbing. Earlier, ED had conducted searches at multiple premises on April 1, April 19, April 26 and May 22 in Kolkata and nearby places, including the residential premises of Santanu, Jay S...
Bengal Police launch probe into Gaighata encounter incident
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The West Bengal Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will investigate the encounter of rape and murder accused Prahlad Das in Gaighata of North 24 Parganas district, a government official said on Thursday. A CID delegation led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer inspected the crime scene earlier in the day. According to the government official, the investigators are trying to understand where the shooting took place and how the accused tried to escape. On October 25, the body of a 17-year-old girl was recovered in Gaighata. On October 24, the victim had gone to a jalsa near her home where her friends and family members were also present. The jalsa went on until late at night. Her family claimed that the girl received a call at around 11:30 p.m. on October 24. After receiving the call, she left the event following which she went missing. The girl's naked and injured body was recovered the next morning. The victim's family claimed that she was raped and murdered. After the initial investigation, the police arrested Prahlad Das, a distant relative of the girl, on the day the body was recovered. The police suspected that the youth had offered the girl physical intimacy. When the girl did not agree, he hit her on the head with a heavy object. When the girl lost consciousness, the accused tortured her. The youth fled the area leaving the girl in a bloody state. Police sources claimed that there were scuffles, nail scratches, etc. on her body. Police reconstructed the incident with the accused in the middle of the night. Police sources claimed that the accused attacked the policemen while returning after the reconstruction phase of the incident on the night of October 27. At one point, Prahlad snatched the policeman's revolver and ran away. Police claimed that he fired three rounds in which a policeman was injured. However, it is not known whether the policeman was shot or not. However, the police vehicle in which the accused was taken has a bullet mark. The source claimed that the police also fired four rounds in self-defence. Prahlad died in retaliatory fire by the police. This time, the CID has launched an investigation into the incident.
ED attaches assets worth Rs 2.78 cr belonging to ex-Kolkata Police DCP in Sona Pappu case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Kolkata Zonal Office has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.78 crore belonging to former Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Santanu Sinha Biswas, his family members, and his associates in connection with the Sona Pappu money laundering case. In a statement issued on Thursday, the central agency confirmed that the assets, comprising three flats in Kolkata and parcels of land at Kandi in Murshidabad district, were attached as proceeds of crime under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED initiated its investigation based on multiple FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against alleged criminal Biswajit Podder, alias Sona Pappu, and his associates involving charges of murder, extortion, and land-grabbing. Earlier in the probe, ED sleuths conducted coordinated raids across Kolkata and adjoining areas, searching the residences of Biswas, Jay S. Kamdar, and Podder. Those searches resulted in the seizure of Rs 1.64 crore in cash, gold jewellery, a Toyota Fortuner car, an unlicensed revolver, and various incriminating documents and digital devices. Following the raids, the agency arrested all three accused, who are currently remanded in judicial custody. According to the agency's findings, the proceeds of crime were generated through extortion, illegal real estate grabbing, and unauthorised construction carried out via entities controlled by Podder, Kamdar, and their associates. Investigators revealed that Biswas, who previously served as the Officer-in-Charge of Kalighat Police Station before his elevation as DCP, developed a close nexus with Kamdar during his stint at Kalighat and actively facilitated his illicit operations. Through this association, Kamdar allegedly wielded significant clout within the police establishment. The ED statement further noted that Biswas directly and indirectly acquired, concealed, and possessed proceeds of crime amounting to at least Rs 2.89 crore.
Calcutta HC expresses anguish over Abhishek Banerjee's derogatory remarks against judiciary
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) A single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday expressed anguish over some reported derogatory comments made by the Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee accusing a section of the Judiciary as iased. The occasion was the final hearing on a petition by Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking restoration of his -Plus security. The final hearing was taking place at the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Krishna Rao. During the hearing in the matter, the state government Counsel and the state's Additional Advocate General, Billawdal Bhattacharya, drew the attention of the court to a recent social media message made by the Diamond Harbour MP accusing the Kolkata Police of maintaining constant surveillance around his residence and snooping on him. Bhattacharya claimed that in the social media message, Abhishek Banerjee made some remarks that directly challenged the country's judicial system and the dignity of the courts, and therefore he should be booked under contempt of court charges. I am submitting an interview of the plaintiff to the court. That interview amounts to contempt of court. He has insulted the judges, even mentioned their names. The court cannot be fooled like this. This is contempt of court. Criminal action should be taken against him (Abhishek Banerjee), the Additional Advocate General said. Thereafter, Abhishek Banerjee's Counsel said that his clients' comments were in the context of certain developments where petitions filed by him were pending before the the court for several months. Thereafter, Justice Rao expressed his displeasure after this comment. In very strict language, Justice Rao ordered Abhishek Banerjee's lawyer to submit a complete list of which judges are with the Bharatiya Janata Party and which are with the Trinamool Congress. Ask your client (Abhishek Banerjee) which judges are with the BJP and which are not! He thinks he is very intelligent. Ask him to give a list; I will look into it, Justice Rao said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Accuses Opposition of Undermining Hindu Culture
CM Suvendu Adhikari criticizes previous governments for damaging Hindu traditions and vows to isolate political opponents. West Bengal Chief Minister Accuses Opposition of Undermining Hindu Culture
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the appointment of coordinators within municipal wards starting December 1. He criticised opposition parties for obstructing the electoral process due to fear of defeat and highlighted long-standing civic service deprivations. Adhikari pledged to approach the Supreme Court regarding delays in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections. Municipal officials are unable to fully substitute elected representatives, according to the Chief Minister.
Piyush Goyal to inaugurate 45th India International Trade Fair
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is set to inaugurate the 45th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026, organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), on Friday at Bharat Mandapam here, an official statement said on Thursday. The event from November 14-27 will bring together more than 3,500 exhibitors from India and abroad across 17 halls, covering over 1,00,000 square metres of exhibition space. The first five days, from November 14-18, will be Business Days reserved for B2B visitors, and the Fair will open to the general public from November 19-27. It will witness participation from 32 states and Union Territories and 51 Central Ministries, Government Departments, PSUs and Public Sector Banks. Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are the Partner States, while Assam, Delhi, Jharkhand and West Bengal are the Focus States. The participating States and UTs will showcase their regional products, local industries, traditional crafts, culture, tourism potential and development initiatives. International participation will include 11 countries, with pavilions featuring exhibitors from Thailand, Iran, Ghana, Nepal, Afghanistan, the UAE, Turkey, China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, providing opportunities for international business engagement and trade linkages, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Jawed Ashraf, Chairman, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), said that IITF 2026 will celebrate India's progress, diversity and heritage, with a special focus on youth through around 600 startups at the Hall of Inspiration and district-level crafts, cuisine and culture at the ODOP Pavilion. IITF 2026 will introduce new experiences for businesses and visitors alike. The Hall of Inspiration in Hall 14 will showcase around 600 Indian start-ups across deep-tech, agri-tech, drones, space, healthcare and edtech, providing young enterprises with visibility and opportunities to connect with wider markets. The One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion will feature participation from 21 States and showcase signature crafts, cuisine, culture and products from districts across the country, highlighting local enterprise, traditional skills and the artisans behind them, the statement said. Beyond its role as a major trade exhibition, IITF continues to strengthen market access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups and small traders by providing opportunities to showcase products, connect with potential buyers and explore new markets.
'Bulldozers cannot silence me': Abhishek Banerjee defiant after demolition outside residence
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) Mamata-Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday vowed to continue his political fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led West Bengal government, declaring that no bulldozer could silence him, even as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) demolished three structures allegedly encroaching on footpaths outside his residence in Kolkata's Kalighat. No number of bulldozers can silence my voice or break my resolve. I will continue my fight against the Bangla Birodhis. I will neither retreat nor budge an inch until my last breath, he said in a social media post, shortly after the demolition drive was completed. The operation assisted by the Kolkata Police began on Thursday morning, with a makeshift bamboo structure outside the residence being razed first. The structure had reportedly been used as a seating arrangement for security personnel when Abhishek Banerjee enjoyed Z-plus security cover provided by the state government during the previous Trinamool Congress government led by his aunt and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. An iron gate outside the residence, which also allegedly encroached on the footpath, was subsequently demolished. A Trinamool Congress Martyrs' Memorial, constructed with concrete and iron beams, was also razed as part of the operation. All three structures were brought down using a bulldozer. The removal of the bamboo shed had initially been undertaken by Trinamool workers on Wednesday evening. However, the exercise remained incomplete until KMC personnel, accompanied by police officers and a bulldozer, arrived at the spot on Thursday morning and completed the demolition. The temporary shed had become a subject of controversy over the past few days. Tensions had flared in Kalighat during the intervening night of November 6 and 7, when a large gathering assembled outside Abhishek Banerjee's residence for his birthday celebrations. Several people were seen taking shelter under the temporary structure. The presence of the shed subsequently drew objections from local residents, who reportedly complained that the construction was obstructing pedestrian movement on the footpath. The demolition drive also came a day after Abhishek Banerjee accused the Kolkata Police of keeping his residence under constant surveillance and snooping on him. In a social media post on Wednesday, the Mamata-Trinamool Congress leader had questioned the police surveillance arrangements around his residence. Soon after this social media post, party workers began dismantling the bamboo structure. The KMC-led operation on Thursday, however, extended beyond the shed to include the iron gate and the party's memorial. Abhishek Banerjee's remarks following the demolition indicated that he viewed the action as part of the continuing political confrontation with the BJP government in the state.
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'Chilling Reminder': Mamata Attacks BJP After TMC Leader Ujjal Biswas' Death
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of pursuing a politics of vengeance, intimidation and persecution in Bengal following the death of senior TMC leader and former minister Ujjal Biswas, aged 72.In a post on X, Banerjee recalled Biswas' alleged ordeal, claiming he was brutally attacked, implicated in false cases and kept in custody for 49 days. She described his death as a deeply personal loss and criticised what she called the BJP's politics of political retribution.Biswas, a three-time MLA from Krishnanagar South, died at a Kolkata hospital on November 11 following multiple health complications.
Calcutta High Court reserves order on Abhishek Banerjee
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday reserved its order on a petition filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee challenging the West Bengal governments decision to downgrade his security cover from Z+ to X category following the change of government in the State. Justice Krishna Rao, while hearing the plea, questioned the State government [] The post Calcutta High Court reserves order on Abhishek Banerjees plea challenging downgrade of Z+ security cover appeared first on India Legal .
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Following the terrorist attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress on Thursday termed the incident serious and expressed concern over the targeting of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, saying the Centre must take additional precautions to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region. Speaking to reporters, Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot said, This is serious, and I believe that regardless of who claims responsibility for law and order in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India has a responsibility to live up to those claims. Jammu and Kashmir is a very important and sensitive region. A terrorist attack of this nature, particularly the attack on the CRPF, is extremely dangerous. I believe the Government of India will have to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region. Meanwhile, Congress leader Surendra Rajput termed the attack extremely tragic and wished a speedy recovery to the injured security personnel. He also held the BJP-led government responsible for the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned its handling of counter-terrorism operations. It is extremely tragic news. We wish a speedy recovery to all the soldiers who are injured. And the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power there. The BJP governs internal security there. The BJP is responsible for the protection of that area. What are they doing? Before demonetisation, they said terrorism had ended. Then incidents happened after Pulwama. After that, the Pathankot incidents happened. Then the Uri incidents happened. After that, incidents in Baisaran in Pahalgam, 26 people were killed. Kashmiri Hindus are being targeted. What is happening during the BJP's rule? Is the government during the BJP's rule so weak, so cowardly, and so incompetent that we are not even able to protect our own soldiers? If the Bharatiya Janata Party has any shame, if the Home Minister has any shame, he should resign after this incident, Rajput said. On the other hand, BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana blamed Pakistan for continuing its alleged anti-India activities and said such attacks were aimed at diverting attention from its internal situation. ...Pakistan has still not stopped its despicable activities. It carries out such heinous acts to divert attention from its internal situation. It has already learned a lesson from Operation Sindoor. When the time comes, it will receive a response, he said. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said terrorism in Kashmir had almost come to an end, but acknowledged that some terrorists could still be hiding in the vast and difficult terrain. Terrorism in Kashmir has almost come to an end, but it is still a vast and difficult terrain, where some terrorists may be hiding. An investigation is underway. During a checking operation, terrorists attacked the Army personnel, who responded effectively. Any terrorists still hiding in the area will be tracked down, Ghosh said.
Forget chocolates and bicycles! Bengal father gifts son a Rs 2.3 crore BMW for good marks
A businessman from West Bengal's East Burdwan district has made headlines after gifting his Class 9 son a luxury BMW M4 Competition worth around Rs 2.30 crore. The father decided to fulfil his son's long-standing...
West Bengal: Passenger apprehended after threat alert on Kolkata-Mumbai Air India flight
One passenger was apprehended and handed over to the airport police following a threat alert involving an Air India flight scheduled to operate from Kolkata to Mumbai, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said in a press note on Thursday. The incident involved Air India flight AI 2772 (Kolkata-Mumbai) on Wednesday (November 11). Following the threat alert shortly before its scheduled departure, the aircraft was moved to the isolation bay at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata as a precautionary measure. Security agencies immediately reached the spot and initiated necessary security checks in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs). According to sources, the aircraft had received a threat alert, following which airport authorities shifted it to the isolation bay to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members and airport personnel. The situation was subsequently assessed by the concerned security agencies. In an update issued on...
Suvendu-Abhishek feud keeps political temperatures high in West Bengal
The exchanges have drawn a direct challenge from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who has dared Mr. Abhishek to contest from Diamond Harbour in 2029, saying he would defeat him by a margin greater than the one by which he was elected in 2024
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Thursday expressed gratitude to the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the state an opportunity to host the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027, describing the event as a major opportunity to showcase a new Bengal before the world. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ghosh said that following the political changes in West Bengal, the state had attracted global attention and that hosting the prestigious convention would provide an opportunity to strengthen its image. This is a great opportunity for Bengal. Following the changes that have taken place in Bengal, the entire world has its eyes fixed here. I thank the central government and Prime Minister Modi for giving Bengal the opportunity to host this event... The cooperation of all is needed to build a new Bengal. This is a major opportunity for us, he said. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Prime Minister Nar...
West Bengal Weather Update: Light Rain Likely in Several Districts, Temperatures to Drop by 2
Kolkata, November 12, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Most districts of West Bengal are expected to experience dry weather on Thursday. However, isolated areas of South Bengal may receive light West Bengal Weather Update: Light Rain Likely in Several Districts, Temperatures to Drop by 23C
Former West Bengal Minister Ujjal Biswas Dies At 72
The former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had announced the death of her former cabinet colleague in a social media statement and condoled the death of Biswas.
Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles
Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles Kolkata: Former West Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas expired on Wednesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 72. The former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had announced the death of her former cabinet colleague in a social media statement and condoled the [] The post Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
3 CRPF personnel injured in Kulgam terror attack: Police
Srinagar, Nov 11:Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured on Wednesday afternoon when terrorists opened fire at a checkpoint in the Nowpora Akhran area near Mir Bazar in south Kashmirs Kulgam district. The attack occurred around 2:15 pm at a naka (checkpoint) manned by personnel of the CRPFs 46th Battalion, located roughly two kilometres off the National Highway. Officials said the personnel were part of a bridge guard deployment when the attackers carried out hit and run assault, firing a burst of rounds before fleeing the scene. Security forces returned fire, however terrorists managed to escape from the spot. The injured personnel have been identified as Constable Rakesh Dass (son of Arun Dass of Assam), who sustained a bullet injury to the leg and is stable, Constable Santosh Chandru (son of Mahavir of West Bengal), who received gunshot wounds to the abdomen and spine and was critical. He was initially taken into the operation theatre at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag; as his condition deteriorated, he was later airlifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for advanced treatment and Head Constable Somveer Singh (son of Mahaveer of Madhya Pradesh), who suffered a firearm injury to the left arm and is stable. All three were immediately evacuated to GMC Anantnag. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Bilal Mohiuddin, visited the hospital, met the injured jawans, and enquired about their condition and well-being. Police, Army, and paramilitary forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale joint cordon-and-search operation with Quick Reaction Teams deployed. Senior officers from the three forces reached the spot to supervise. Additional forces have been deployed, barricades strengthened, and a general alert sounded in Kulgam and adjoining areas. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby locations. A CRPF spokesperson confirmed the firing on CRPF Naka at Kulgam, adding that operations are underway to nab the perpetrators and that the best possible treatment is being provided to the injured. This is the third terror-related attack in South Kashmir in the last three months. On July 22, Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi of the J&K Police was shot dead near Lal Chowk in Anantnag while on Amarnath Yatra duty. On July 31, two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed at a brick kiln in Kulgams Kilam (Kellam) area. The Resistance Front had claimed the July attacks. Parts of Kulgam, including Mir Bazar, Qazigund, and Shamsipora, lie near key transit corridors; checkpoints and road-opening parties have periodically been targeted in hit-and-run incidents. The districts forested upper reaches have also served as hideouts, prompting extended joint operations. The incident occurred on the same day Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was in Kulgam to inaugurate the three-day Veshow Festival at Government Degree College. Officials confirmed the festival venue was not near the attack site. The festival celebrates the regions Rishi-Sufi heritage, literature, art, and handicrafts. The attack also follows the November 8 arrest of two suspected terror associates Muneeb Yaseen Rather and Tahir Bilal, both of Bugam, Kulgam from whom a pistol, ammunition, and hand grenades were recovered during a joint checkpoint operation. VIRAL CLAIM OF USE OF MOTORCYCLE FOUND FALSE: POLICE A claim circulating on social media linking a motorcycle to the attack on a CRPF checkpoint in south Kashmirs Kulgam district has been found to befalse following verification, Police said. In a verification report, shared SSP Kulgam Anayat Ali Choudhary ,clarified that the Avengers motorcycle bearing registration number JK18A-5431, allegedly used by terrorists during the attack and reportedly owned by Yasir Yousuf of Qaimoh, was not being used by the attackers. The verification established that the motorcycle was being used by Yasirs brother, Shaukat Yousuf, son of Muhammad Yousuf, who was working at a nursery located on their own land near the incident site. Officials said the viral claim suggesting that the motorcycle was used by terrorists was contrary to the facts established during verification. The clarification comes amid heightened security measures and an ongoing investigation into the attack on a CRPF checkpoint in the Nowpora Akhran area near Mir Bazar, in which three CRPF personnel were injured after motorcycle-borne attackers opened fire on Wednesday afternoon. Officials have urged people to avoid circulating unverified information on social media.
Fox on runway and hijack alert, passengers had a harrowing time at Kolkata Airport
A Chennai to Kolkata flight was diverted to Andal in Durgapur after pilot spotted fox on a runway during touch down, while a hijack note was found by the cabin crew inside the lavatory of a Kolkata to Mumbai flight, delaying the departure by several hours
Centre lauds Bengals steps against dengue
Film-makers urge SRFTI admin, I&B min to end campus logjam
15-yr-old detained for trying to save dog from crackers
Tala water crisis deepens, KMC likely to restore supply by tomorrow
Govt gets eco-friendly ghats ready for Chhath
Satyajit Rays Oscar lensman who chronicled film-makers life passes away at 71
Rose-water mist cannons to curb pollution
Jackal on Kol runway forces flight to divert to Durgapur
Cop thrashed during immersion, 2 arrested
Day after mob attack on police station, all 4 accused get bail
Expo to explore Bengals art history at Alipore Museum
Driver returns with aides to thrash man after pee protest
CBI men try to take away documents from SSC office, arrested
No private vehicles on app platforms: Bengal govt
Mamata Banerjee Mourns the Passing of Former Minister Ujjwal Biswas, Critiques Governments Actions
Mamata Banerjee expresses deep sorrow over the death of Ujjwal Biswas, highlighting political persecution in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee Mourns the Passing of Former Minister Ujjwal Biswas, Critiques Governments Actions
Overnight rain washes away Kolkatas pollution as 5 of 7 air monitors turn green
Minister Agnimitra Paul push for butterfly garden at Rabindra Sarobar
Anxious families flock to stations, all 300 Bengal passengers safe
Militant Attack in J&Ks Kulgam Injures 3 CRPF Personnel, Search Underway
The injured personnel have been identified as constables (GD) Rakesh Dass, son of Arun Dass, resident of Assam, and Santosh Chandru, son of Mahavir, resident of West Bengal and Head Constable (GD) Somveer Singh, son of Mahaveer, resident of Madhya Pradesh.
Chhath rush: Indian Railways rolls out massive preparations as thousands head home
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) With Chhath Puja approaching, railway stations across the country are witnessing a massive surge in passenger footfall as thousands of people head to their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to celebrate the festival with their families. From Delhi and Mumbai to Varanasi, Howrah, Lucknow and other major railway hubs, crowds of passengers can be seen gathering at platforms and station premises, creating an unprecedented rush during the festive travel period. In view of the heavy passenger movement, Indian Railways has stepped up its preparations, introducing a series of measures aimed at ensuring safe, smooth and organised travel. Several arrangements have been made at several stations to manage the festive rush. These include special trains, additional reserved and unreserved services, designated passenger holding areas, enhanced security arrangements, and round-the-clock monitoring. The huge rush is particularly visible at Delhi's Anand Vihar Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station. Large numbers of passengers are gathering to board trains at these stations to their hometowns ahead of Chhath Puja. Passengers carrying luggage and travelling with their families can be seen waiting for trains. Many of these passengers are opting for general-class tickets. Some passengers acknowledged that the arrangements were satisfactory. However, some pointed to the massive crowds at the station. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the improved infrastructure and crowd-management arrangements at New Delhi Railway Station. One passenger told IANS that the creation of separate areas helped reduce congestion compared with previous years. This is how the station experience is considerably better, he added. The tremendous pressure on railway infrastructure during the festive season has been analysed by the railways. The Northern Railway has announced the operation of 31 special trains from major stations in the Delhi area to facilitate passenger movement on a high-demand travel day. Officials said that additional reserved and unreserved services are also being operated on important routes to accommodate the increased demand. Central Railway has introduced precautionary measures at major stations in Mumbai to prevent overcrowding. Unhindered passenger movement is being ensured. According to Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila, the sale of platform tickets has been suspended at major stations across its divisions, broadly between November 5 and 15, depending on the location. Moreover, parcel traffic has been suspended for around eight to ten days at key stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT). The move is intended to free up space and prevent congestion so that passengers boarding and alighting from trains do not face inconvenience. Special arrangements have been made at Varanasi Junction to deal with the anticipated increase in passenger footfall. The Railways have established a dedicated holding area where passengers can wait in an organised manner before boarding their respective trains. Help desks have also been set up at both entry gates to assist passengers and provide necessary information. Similar arrangements are being implemented across Eastern Railway stations. At Howrah, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel are continuously monitoring passenger movement through a dedicated control room to ensure effective crowd management. TTEs and RPF staff are working in close coordination to regulate queues, guide passengers towards their designated coaches and facilitate systematic boarding. A specially designated passenger holding area with carpeted flooring has also been created at Howrah Station to provide Chhath-bound passengers with a more comfortable waiting experience. A medical booth has been made available to provide immediate medical assistance to passengers in need. The festive atmosphere is also being reflected at railway stations. At Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction in Chandauli, traditional Chhath songs are being played through loudspeakers, bringing a touch of the festival to the railway premises. Passengers have welcomed the initiative, with many appreciating the festive ambience as they begin their journey home. Holding areas have also been created at stations such as Ballia to ensure that passengers can wait safely without overcrowding platforms. Travellers have expressed gratitude for these facilities, acknowledging the efforts being made by railway authorities to improve passenger convenience. Across the network, the Railways is also relying on AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, additional security personnel and coordinated monitoring to keep a close watch on passenger movement. These measures are intended to identify potential congestion points, regulate crowds and ensure that boarding and alighting take place in a controlled manner. The Railways has also expanded festive connectivity through additional reserved and unreserved special services. Unreserved special trains are being operated between Muzaffarpur and Howrah, as well as Jaynagar and Sealdah, to cater to the large number of passengers travelling towards Bihar, West Bengal and adjoining regions. Special services from Mumbai towards Gorakhpur are also providing relief to passengers travelling home. Travellers aboard the CSMT-Gorakhpur special train have appreciated the seating facilities and arrangements, expressing satisfaction with the efforts of Central Railway. The festive travel arrangements also include additional services towards Patna, including Vande Bharat and other special trains, alongside enhanced crowd-management measures. Passengers have acknowledged the availability of additional trains and improved station facilities, particularly during the busy Chhath travel period. As millions of devotees prepare to return home to observe Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions, the challenge before the Railways is not merely to run additional trains but also to manage the enormous crowds gathering at stations. With passengers travelling with families, children and heavy luggage, even routine boarding and alighting operations can become challenging during peak hours, say officials. The creation of holding areas, suspension of platform ticket sales at selected stations, temporary restrictions on parcel traffic, enhanced security deployment, and dedicated passenger assistance facilities are therefore crucial to maintaining order, they add. The Railways has urged passengers to rely on official railway announcements and information rather than rumours or misleading social media reports regarding train services and festive arrangements.
Officers who are not provided government accommodation and do not draw House Rent Allowance will get reimbursement of house rent up to Rs 60,000 per month
Class 9 Student Gets Rs 1.62 Crore BMW M4 From Father For Scoring Good Marks
A businessman from West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district has bought his 15-year-old son a BMW M4 Competition as a reward for doing well in his half-yearly exams.
Mamata Banerjee Skips Kali Ghat Bhai Photo Celebration Amid Political Turmoil
Mamata Banerjees absence from the Bhai Photo festival raises eyebrows as political tensions rise in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee Skips Kali Ghat Bhai Photo Celebration Amid Political Turmoil
DC Anantnag visits GMC, meets injured CRPF personnel
Srinagar, Nov 11: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din, today visited GMC Anantnag to meet the CRPF personnel injured in the terror attack at Nowpora Akhran in Kulgam. As per GNS, he enquired about their health and well-being and interacted with them during the visit. Three CRPF personnel of 46 Battalion were injured in the attack at Nowpora Akhran in Kulgam district on Wednesday afternoon. The injured, who were brought to GMC Anantnag, have been identified as CT/GD Rakesh Dass, son of Arun Dass, resident of Assam, CT/GD Santosh Chandru, son of Mahavir, resident of West Bengal; and HC/GD Somveer Singh, son of Mahaveer, resident of Madhya Pradesh.
Several coaches of Kolkata-Sairang Express derail near Guwahati, 4 injured
More than 300 passengers from West Bengal were on board the Kolkata-Sairang Express that derailed near Assam's Guwahati on Wednesday, prompting railway authorities to set up helpdesks at several stations to assist them, an official said. Four persons suffered minor injuries after five coaches and the engine of the train derailed at Digaru in the morning, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said earlier in the day. Our data shows that over 300 passengers travelled from West Bengal, covering stations like Kolkata, Naihati, Krishnanagar, and the Malda and Katihar Divisions, who were heading beyond Guwahati, an Eastern Railway official said. We are assisting them. Helpdesks have been set up for the passengers and their families, he said. There is no report of any fatality in the incident, he said, adding that officials from the Eastern Railway rushed to the accident site. The helpdesks have been set up at Sealdah, Alipurduar, Naihati and Berhampore Court stations to provide .
Mamata skips 'Bhai Phota' at Kalighat, BJPs Dilip Ghosh says she feared a flop show
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees decision to skip the traditional Bhai Phota or Bhai Dooj celebration at her Kalighat residence in South Kolkata on Wednesday drew sharp criticism from state Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh, who claimed that she was apprehensive of a poor turnout following the Trinamool Congresss defeat in the Assembly elections. The official explanation for cancelling the annual celebration is that Mamata Banerjee wants to register a symbolic protest against the alleged torture, harassment, and indiscriminate arrests of Trinamool Congress workers under the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state. However, Ghosh, a former West Bengal BJP president, offered a different interpretation, claiming that the former Chief Minister knew that several of her erstwhile close associates, who regularly visited her residence for the occasion, would stay away this year. Earlier, everyone used to flock to her residence on Bhai Phota, not to receive her elder-sisterly affection but to remain close to the absolute power and authority she enjoyed as Chief Minister. Today, she is out of power. So, there is no Bhai Phota celebration. She knows that those who used to visit her residence in previous years will not turn up this time, Ghosh said. The current political situation within the Trinamool Congress appears to lend some weight to Ghoshs observations, with several prominent leaders who were regular visitors to Mamata Banerjees residence now aligning themselves with the partys rebel but majority faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata. Among them are former heavyweight ministers Firhad Hakim and Aroop Biswas, who were prominent faces at the annual Bhai Phota gathering at Kalighat until last year. Another familiar face at the celebrations, singer-turned-politician and former minister Indranil Sen, is currently in judicial custody following his arrest in connection with an alleged fake UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja pass scam. Former state minister Sujit Bose is also in judicial custody in connection with his alleged involvement in the multi-crore cash-for-municipalities recruitment scam. The absence of these leaders and the political realignments following the Assembly election defeat have altered the composition of Mamata Banerjees inner circle.
26-year-old woman found dead in locked flat in Bengal's Baranagar; murder suspected
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) The body of a 26-year-old woman was recovered from a locked flat in the Lake Palli area of Baranagar in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, triggering suspicions of murder, the police said on Wednesday. The deceased, identified as Anjali Sau, was found inside a fifth-floor flat late on Tuesday night after personnel from Baranagar police station broke open the door. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, but investigators are not ruling out murder. A police officer said the body was found lying on the floor, with injury marks also visible on it. These findings have raised suspicions among investigators, who are awaiting the post-mortem examination report to establish the cause of death. According to local residents, Anjali's sister and brother-in-law had been living in the flat for around four years. However, they had recently shifted to Serampore in Hooghly district because of their business commitments. On Monday, Anjali's brother-in-law, who owns the flat, handed over its key to a neighbour, Latika Manna, before leaving. Latika reportedly told the police that Anjali collected the key from her and went to the fifth-floor flat on Tuesday afternoon. Later that afternoon, Anjali's sister tried calling her but received no response. Concerned over her inability to contact Anjali, she got in touch with the neighbours and asked them to check on her. The neighbours knocked repeatedly on the flat's door but received no response. They subsequently alerted the Baranagar police. A police team reached the spot and broke open the door, only to find Anjali's body inside. The body was initially taken to Baranagar State General Hospital and subsequently sent for a post-mortem examination. The Baranagar police have launched an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from cameras installed in and around the locality. Investigators are also questioning neighbours and other residents to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to her death. The police said the post-mortem findings would be crucial in determining whether Anjali was murdered or died under other circumstances. The incident has caused considerable concern among residents of Lake Palli.
Bengal cracks down on private vehicles illegally operating as app-cabs
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 11 (IANS) The West Bengal transport department has launched a major crackdown on private vehicles, including four-wheelers and two-wheelers, illegally operating as app-based cabs without the mandatory commercial registration and licences. The department has directed all app-cab aggregator agencies to identify such vehicles registered on their platforms and remove them from their systems within the next seven days. According to a notification issued by the transport department, aggregator agencies must ensure that only vehicles holding valid commercial licences and displaying yellow-coloured commercial number plates are allowed to operate through their platforms. The notification has also made it mandatory for all app-cab aggregator agencies to maintain a central office in West Bengal. The office will serve as a point of contact for the state transport department and traffic police authorities and will also be responsible for addressing customer grievances. These new guidelines have already been sent to all the aggregator agencies. They have been directed to submit the complete address of their office in writing to the state transport department within seven days. The guidelines also make it clear that the agencies concerned are responsible for ensuring that their services comply with the Motor Vehicles Act and government regulations. Failure to follow the instructions could invite legal action, a senior transport department official said. The department recently found that several vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, without commercial licences and yellow-coloured number plates had enrolled themselves with different app-cab aggregator agencies and were accepting passenger bookings. The official said owners of private vehicles could simply download the relevant applications, register their vehicle numbers, and start receiving bookings without obtaining the necessary commercial permits. This is completely illegal. Only vehicles with valid commercial licences and yellow-coloured commercial number plates are eligible to be registered with app-cab aggregator agencies, the official said. He pointed out that allowing private vehicles to operate as app-cabs had two major implications. First, passengers using such vehicles could face difficulties if they encountered problems during a ride, as aggregator agencies might refuse to accept responsibility for incidents involving vehicles that were not commercially registered. Second, the practice resulted in substantial revenue losses for the state government, as such vehicles operated without fulfilling the applicable commercial registration and regulatory requirements. The department has therefore decided to tighten monitoring of app-based transport services and make aggregator agencies accountable for ensuring that vehicles operating through their platforms comply with the law.
Air India plane moved to isolation bay just before takeoff in Kolkata after hijack alert
An Air India flight was isolated at West Bengal's Kolkata airport on Wednesday afternoon shortly before its scheduled takeoff, following a hijack alert, Indian media reports said.
Video of Puja Pandal on Fire in West Bengal Falsely Claimed To Show Bangladesh
We found that the video shows an incident that happened in West Bengal.
