'Changed circumstances': CBI withdraws pleas to transfer 2021 West Bengal poll violence trials
The CBI's recent decision to withdraw its petitions for relocating the trials of post-poll violence in West Bengal marks a pivotal moment in the state's political dynamics. With BJP's Suvendu Adhikari now at the helm post-2026 elections, initial fears of unfair trial conditions seemed less pressing.
5 flights, long-distance trains cancelled due to cyclone
Dont neglect mild attack: Docs on World Stroke Day
RG Kar case: 2-day CBI custody for former Panihati Municipality chairperson
Most Salt Lake puja clubs miss park-clear deadline
KMDA seeks Jadavpur University help for eco-friendly dredging at Rabindra Sarobar
Teacher attacked during morning walk in Siliguri
No frisking, no CCTV surveillance: MBBS exam shows up pre-RG Kar movement faults
On makeover mode: KIFF set to get new trophy, Sandip Ray redesigns logo
3-minute chaos window killed 19 in Chorbagan, organisers ignored obvious risks, cops tell court
HC calls notices abrupt, six more New Market hotels reopen
No QR code this time, choose green crackers from 1,700 approved makers
First In Bengal: ICMR Pat For IPGMER Endocrinology Department
New KMC ward list: 8 have 20,000+ voters, 12 fewer than 10,000
Cops enter SRFTI campus at night after torchlight march
Kolkata Police investigate woman's body found in Behala pond
Girls statement holds key to Behala strip probe
Vedanta chief meets Suvendu, explores investments in West Bengal
Anil Agarwal says he will leave no stone unturned to invest in Bengal if the right opportunity presents itself; CM says the industrialist made a specific proposal to set up a unit in Asansol
Bengals new industry policy may fast-track projects over 100 acres
Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen arrested in Durga Puja ticket scam
He faces allegations of financial irregularities and had been reportedly avoiding the police for a while
Meet Toran Sheikh: Bengal road worker has donated blood 105 times in 28 years
Toran Sheikh, a dedicated road worker hailing from West Bengal, has made an impressive mark in the realm of philanthropy by donating blood over 100 times since he turned 18. His altruistic journey began when he helped a colleague recover from a devastating accident. Sheikhs commitment extends beyond personal donations; he has spearheaded blood donation drives in underserved villages, advocating the necessity of this lifesaving act.
Fortis Healthcare acquires Suguna Hospital in an all-cash 277-crore deal
Commissioned in 2006, Suguna Hospital is a 110-bed facility on Dr Rajkumar Road in Rajajinagar, north-west Bengaluru
Vedanta explores Rs 80,000 crore investment in West Bengal, says Anil Agarwal
In a bold move, Vedanta Group's Anil Agarwal announced an investment strategy of Rs 70,000-80,000 crore in West Bengal, set to foster job creation for around 10,000 individuals. He conveyed confidence in the state's manufacturing potential and the necessity of leveraging local resources. This announcement came during a key meeting at Nabanna, highlighting Agarwal's commitment to positioning India as a manufacturing powerhouse on the global stage.
STF likely to take over Samserganj encounter probe; Samauls wife seeks compensation
The group would examine the viability of setting up the projects in the State
Farmer found with throat slit in Gaighata field; 1 detained
After twin encounters, minister Agnimitra pens poem on BJP govts tough-on-crime pitch
CBI Withdraws Bengal Poll Violence Pleas in SC
The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department has since initiated fresh action in cases relating to the 2021 violence, launching 458 inquiries and registering 181 fresh FIRs.
Extraordinary situations demand tough decisions
Can you punish laxity by forfeiting the right to vote forever, Supreme Court asks ECI
Form 6 is cast in stone and cannot be changed, says SC, adding that the Bihar judgment is not a binding precedent and that it allowed logical discrepancy in West Bengal as an interim arrangement; top court tells ECI to extend Delhi SIR
Can you punish laxity by forfeiting the right to vote forever, SC asks EC
Form 6 is cast in stone' and cannot be changed. The Bihar judgment is not a binding precedent. Allowed logical discrepancy in West Bengal as an interim arrangement. Dont stick to timelines in Delhi SIR.
Vedanta explores Rs 80,000 crore investment in Bengal for power, aluminium projects: Anil Agarwal
In a promising development, Vedanta's Chairman Anil Agarwal has signaled interest in investing up to Rs 80,000 crore in West Bengal, concentrating on energy and aluminium manufacturing. This venture could generate thousands of jobs, with Asansol identified as a pivotal site due to its resources and infrastructure. Moreover, Agarwal is committed to fostering smaller businesses for downstream industry growth, with thorough feasibility studies to ensure the project's potential success.
Bijoya visit sparks BJP face-off
SC says legality of EC's 'logical discrepancy' checks in SIR remains undecided
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said its earlier decision allowing the Election Commission to use the category in West Bengal was only an interim measure. It also clarified that the courts ruling on the SIR exercise in Bihar had not settled every legal question surrounding the revision process.
Suvendu advises Mamata to rest at home, raises allegations over aides murder
Defending his decision to vacate Nandigram and retain Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told the West Bengal Assembly he did not want to give Mamata Banerjee another chance to contest a byelection
Sarvamangala 2026 Marks the Fifth Year of its Inception with the Sublime Theme of Dharagni
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 28: Sarvamangala 2026 marked the fifth year of its inception with the sublime theme of Dharagni, depicting Earth and Fire coming together in a symbiotic
NCW presents roadmap for womens development in Bengal, submits report to CM Adhikari
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has prepared a report consolidating recommendations for the development, safety and empowerment of women in West Bengal and submitted it to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for consideration. The same has been forwarded to the state Women and Child Development Minister, Malati Rava Roy, said a statement by NCW on Wednesday. The report was prepared following the 'Nari Netritwe Unnoto' conclave, which was held in August this year at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata. The conclave brought together over 120 stakeholders, including policymakers, administrators, legal experts, healthcare professionals, academics, entrepreneurs, artists and civil society representatives. Deliberations focused on three interconnected priorities related to womens health, safety and social protection; womens leadership in education, arts, literature and culture; and entrepreneurship, industry and economic empowerment. The report sets out recommendations intended to inform policy and strengthen implementation at the grassroots level. Under the 'Holistic Well-being: Health, Safety and Social Protection' initiative, the NCW recommended expanding access to maternal and preventive healthcare, including iron supplementation, support for women recovering from cancer, mobile health camps, eye care and vaccination for women tea-garden workers. Consider a family health-insurance card of Rs 5 lakh registered in the womans name for families without existing health insurance. Strengthen One Stop Centres to provide survivors of domestic violence with coordinated legal aid, counselling, medical care and appropriate shelter support. Expand public awareness of womens legal rights, access to legal aid, safety in public spaces and relevant government schemes; continue strengthening the Durga Suraksha Bahini initiative, read the recommendations as stated in the statement. The NCW further urged the state government to initiate women-led development: entrepreneurship, industry and economic empowerment, and improve institutional credit for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), strengthen cooperative societies and expand access to livelihood programmes, digital literacy and skills training, particularly in remote and border areas. The recommendations emerging from the conclave call for coordinated policy action, adequate resources and robust monitoring to translate women-led development into measurable outcomes across West Bengal. The NCW will continue to engage with the State Government and stakeholders to advance their consideration and effective implementation, read the statement.
Former Bengal minister Indranil Sen arrested over fake Durga Puja pass scam
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) Former West Bengal Tourism Minister and former Minister of State for Information & Cultural Affairs Indranil Sen was arrested by Kolkata Police on Wednesday evening in connection with an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours. According to investigators, Sen and his wife, Madhuchanda Sen, are accused of irregularities in the sale of fake passes for Durga Puja tours. The transactions under scrutiny were initially estimated to involve around Rs 60 crore. Earlier in the day, the singer-turned-politician appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a parallel probe into the matter. During his questioning at the agency's Salt Lake office, Kolkata Police personnel, along with officers from Bidhannagar City Police, remained stationed outside the premises. After the ED interrogation concluded, police took Sen into custody and transported him to the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar. A police source said the former minister had allegedly not been cooperating with the investigation, leading to his arrest. Earlier this month, Sen approached the Supreme Court with an anticipatory bail petition after a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court rejected his plea earlier. Since the apex court was closed for a week, the matter could not be heard. However, before the matter could come up for hearing in the apex court, he was arrested by the Kolkata Police. The Kolkata Police launched the investigation following a complaint registered at Bowbazar Police Station. The ED subsequently took over the investigation by registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). Last month, the central agency conducted raids and searches at multiple locations, including Sens residence, the premises of some of his relatives and the office or premises of an event manager connected with the case. The agency also questioned Sen twice as part of its investigation. Anticipating arrest, Sen first approached the Calcutta High Court through his counsel, seeking anticipatory bail. The plea came up for hearing before a single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh on October 15. After hearing the matter, the court rejected his application. Earlier this month, the ED issued a statement naming former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with a transaction involving Sen-owned Octave Records. According to the agency, nearly Rs 30 lakh was allegedly transferred from the companys accounts to Banerjee through banking channels. Sen, however, maintained that the payment was made as royalty. Separately, a judicial inquiry commission constituted by the West Bengal government to investigate alleged institutional corruption during the previous Trinamool Congress regime has initiated an inquiry involving Sen. The commission is examining alleged multi-crore irregularities in the tendering process of the states Information and Cultural Affairs Department, where Sen had served as Minister of State. The inquiry is separate from the money laundering investigation being conducted by the ED.
Legality of 'logical discrepancy' in SIR not decided: SC
The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that it has not yet made a final ruling on the legality of the Election Commission's logical discrepancy category used for scrutinising voter details during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court noted that its previous permission for this exercise in West Bengal was only an interim arrangement and its Bihar SIR decision was not a final determination of all related issues.
Gujarat bomb threats: Email trail leads to Bangladesh, Pakistan
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Oct 28 (IANS) Two separate bomb threat emails sent to schools, courts, government offices and Narendra Modi Stadium in October appear to have been routed through Bangladesh and Pakistan using old email accounts, the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch said on Wednesday. The threats, received on October 7 and October 27, named a total of 35 locations, including 24 schools, the Mayors Office, courts and the cricket stadium in Motera. The police have registered two cases and are investigating them in coordination with central agencies. According to the Cyber Crime Branch, the October 7 email threatened bomb blasts at 16 locations, including 10 schools, the Mayors Office, the Gujarat High Court, the Sola court, the Metro Court at Gheekanta, the District and Sessions Court in Ahmedabad and Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. The email was sent with the subject line Time B00 MB at Gujarat Schools. @11:11AM and used the email addresses onnieeubanks49@gmail.com and kwajids@gmail.com. The message, which invoked Khalistani organisations, urged people not to attend Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjhs shows and threatened explosions at Narendra Modi Stadium on November 21 and at Delhis JLN Stadium on November 1. It also referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and contained references to the Khalistan National Army and Babbar Khalsa, along with the names of several individuals. The second email, received on October 27 from eduak079@gmail.com, carried the subject line Warning! BOMB Blast Ahmedabad Schools @ 1:11 PM. It threatened attacks at 19 locations, including 14 schools, the Mayors Office, two offices at Danapith, the Metro Court at Gheekanta, the City Civil Court in Ahmedabad and Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. The message again invoked Khalistani organisations and warned of bomb attacks linked to Dosanjhs November 21 show. It also threatened explosions involving iPhones, referred to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence and warned people against travelling through Motera Stadium Metro Station on November 21. The Cyber Crime Branch said it had registered cases in connection with both emails under Sections 351(3), 351(4), 353(1)(b) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66(c) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Police visited the affected schools and court premises and examined email headers and information obtained from Gmail to trace the origin of the messages. Preliminary findings indicated that the email accounts used to send the threats had been operated from Bangladesh and Pakistan. The October 7 email was traced to accounts apparently operated from Bangladesh and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, while the October 27 email appeared to have been operated from Rangpur in Bangladesh and Lahore in Pakistan, the police said. The investigation has also drawn on an earlier case involving similar bomb threats issued in the name of Khalistani organisations. During that investigation, an accused was arrested in West Bengal. Police found that he had sold hacked Gmail accounts to a person based in Bangladesh. During further questioning, the Bangladesh-based individual disclosed that he sold the accounts to a person in Pakistan and received payments in cryptocurrency, according to officials. Investigators found that individuals based in Pakistan were allegedly sending bomb threat emails ahead of festivals and other significant events to create fear and panic among the public. They were also allegedly obtaining previously used or compromised email accounts from individuals in Bangladesh and elsewhere through Telegram and WhatsApp groups. The Cyber Crime Branch said investigations into both cases are continuing in coordination with central agencies.
Bengal soil theft case: Abhishek Banerjees aide now shown arrested
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) Sumit Roy, the executive assistant of Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee, on Wednesday, was shown as arrested by the Diamond District Police in soil theft case. Roy is already serving judicial custody after he was arrested on September 10 this year by the sleuths of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the West Bengal Police, in connection with a multi-crore illegal land-grabbing case at Salboni in West Midnapore district of West Bengal. With the Diamond Harbour Police showing him as arrested in a new case, political observers feel that additional pressure has started mounting both on him as well as his political bosses. Roy had been shown as arrested by the Diamond Harbour District Police in relation to a case registered against him at Kalitala- Ashuti Police Station under the same police district, where he had been accused of involvement in soil theft to the tune of Rs 400 crore. Roy was produced at a lower court in Kolkata on Wednesday with a request to take him into custody. He is already in judicial custody in the Salboni land corruption case. That investigation is ongoing. Therefore, the Diamond Harbour Police District has shown him as arrested in this soil theft case as per the rules and pleaded for his custody, said a district police officer. In the Salboni illegal land grabbing case, the police first arrested former Trinamool Congress legislator Sujay Hazra. During the investigation of Hazra, the name of Roy in relation to the case surfaced, following which he was arrested by the CID sleuths on September 10 after being questioned a number of times. In the chargesheet filed by the CID in the matter, the investigating agency had given details of how money in the Salboni illegal land grabbing case reached the office of Roy. In the midst of that investigation, he had been shown as arrested in another case by the Diamond Harbour District Police.
BJP accuses Congress of trying to incite violence against CEC through 'public impeachment'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday alleged that the Congress was attempting to incite violence against Gyanesh Kumar by organising a public impeachment against the Chief Election Commissioner. This comes after the Congress decided to hold the INDIA Blocs proposed public impeachment of CEC Kumar over allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, at party President Mallikarjun Kharge's official residence on October 30. The event is scheduled to take place ahead of the Opposition alliances joint rally on November 1. Speaking to IANS, BJP National Spokesperson Tuhin Sinha referred to the Opposition's move as mock judiciary campaign. They are challenging our judicial system, mocking and taunting our judicial set-up. At a time when the matter is being heard in the Supreme Courtwhere the Election Commission has submitted its affidavit, and the apex court has granted 10 days to the petitioners to file any objections they may havewhat is Congress trying to demonstrate? Are they trying to show that they have zero faith in the country's judicial system? Do they want to set up kangaroo courts in this country? he asked. Further, Sinha alleged, The Congress is inciting violence against Gyanesh Kumar through such mock impeachment. This proves that the Congress party is harmful for the country and its violent approach is proving to be dangerous for democracy. West Bengal BJP MLA, Rudranil Ghosh, said that the Opposition can bring whatever they want, while cautioning Congress President Kharge over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They are frustrated after having failed to garner support from the people and, therefore, are now resorting to such things, he told IANS. BJP leader Pratul Shah Deo also accused Congress of making a mockery of Indian democracy and its political system. Now when they (Congress) have realised that they cannot win elections on their own, they are making allegations of vote theft...SIR has been conducted by the Congress also during its tenure, there were no such objections back then, he told IANS. He added, This drama of mock Parliament and impeachment is extremely wrong. If they want to take any action against the CEC, they should follow the Constitutional procedure. Deo defended Gyanesh Kumar, saying that the CEC has driven out illegal infiltrators by conducting the SIR. Meanwhile, All India Mahila Congress President, Alka Lamba, backed the INDIA Blocs anti-SIR rally scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. It is a mega rally. Around 10 lakh people are arriving here from every corner of India. The main slogan is 'Save the Vote, Save the Nation, Save Democracy'. Nothing can stop this rally from happening now. If the BJP-led government wants to prevent this, Rahul Gandhi ji has already given a suggestion: Accept Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation before October 30th, Lamba stated.
Indranil Sen, former Bengal minister, arrested by Kolkata Police in money laundering case
Former West Bengal minister and TMC leader Indranil Sen was arrested by Kolkata Police shortly after he came out of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on Wednesday. The...
CBI withdraws pleas in SC seeking transfer of 2021 Bengal post-poll violence cases
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday withdrew its petitions seeking the transfer of cases related to the 2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal to courts outside the state, telling the Supreme Court that it no longer wished to pursue the matter in view of the changed circumstances. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, sought permission to withdraw the transfer petitions before a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. The withdrawal comes after the CBI had earlier sought the transfer of these cases outside West Bengal, claiming that threats and intimidation of witnesses, investigating officials and lawyers were creating an atmosphere unconducive to a fair trial. The Central agency had moved the Supreme Court during the tenure of the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal, contending that the prevailing circumstances in the state could impede the course of justice. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed trial proceedings in the post-poll violence cases pending before various courts in West Bengal while considering the CBI's plea seeking their transfer outside the state. At the time, Additional Solicitor General (ASG), S.V. Raju, appearing for the CBI, had submitted that officials, advocates and witnesses were being openly threatened and intimidated, thereby obstructing the course of justice. He had also contended that no effective action appeared to have been taken by the state authorities despite the matter being brought to their notice. The CBI had relied on a 2021 report prepared by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which recommended that cases investigated by the Central agency be tried outside West Bengal. The FIRs in these cases were registered following an order of the Calcutta High Court directing a CBI probe into post-poll violence incidents involving allegations of murder and crimes against women. In a separate development in June last year, the Supreme Court, while cancelling the bail granted to several accused in a post-poll violence case, described the 2021 violence against BJP workers as a dastardly offence and said it was nothing short of a grave attack on the roots of democracy. The apex court further directed the West Bengal Home Secretary and the Director General of Police to ensure adequate protection for the complainant and material witnesses so that they could depose during the trial without fear or apprehension.
Bengal cabinet clears draft industrial policy, to be announced on Nov 5
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) West Bengal cabinet, at a meeting on Wednesday, cleared the draft industrial policy, saying that the policy will be announced on November 5 at an administration review meeting. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had announced that a comprehensive new industrial policy would be formed within the current year to facilitate investment in the state. Accordingly, a group of ministers was entrusted with the task of forming the new industrial policy in the state in June this year. Finally, the draft policy had been prepared and cleared by the state cabinet in a meeting on Wednesday. The same will be announced on November 5. This new industrial policy will be a gift for the people of West Bengal before the forthcoming Kali Puja and Diwali festivals, said a member of the state cabinet. According to the state cabinet member, the new industrial policy had been prepared with the focus of creating an ideal investment ambience in the state, removing red-tapism in approvals and massive employment generation. Besides approving the draft industrial policy, the state cabinet at Wednesdays meeting also cleared some proposals related to development in sectors like farming and the allied rural economy. The state cabinet also cleared the proposal to change the name of the Krishak Bandhu scheme, which was adopted by the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, to that of Chief Minister Kisan Sanman Nidhi, under which one-time direct financial assistance will be transferred to the bank accounts of 48 lakh registered farmers. The state cabinet also reviewed the expenditure allocation to speed up the administrative infrastructure. The state finance department was directed to immediately release the next instalment of funds to different state government departments that have already spent 35 per cent of their annual budget allocation. Instructions were given to the police department to maintain public safety, peace and order during the festival days, focusing on the forthcoming Kali Puja and Diwali. Ministers have been assigned the responsibility of a specific district to keep a close eye on the situation in those districts during the festival days.
CBI withdraws 20 pleas from SC on Bengal post-poll violence
The CBI has withdrawn approximately 20 petitions from the Supreme Court that sought to transfer cases related to the 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence outside the state. The agency cited changed circumstances for its decision, which comes after the state's CID initiated fresh inquiries and reopened cases concerning the violence.
Kolkata Film Festival Likely at Victoria Memorial, Rajinikanth May Attend
The festival, scheduled to be held from December 16 to 23, will be the first edition organised under the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday withdrew its petitions before the Supreme Court seeking the transfer of trials in cases arising from the violence that followed the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections to courts outside the State. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central agency, sought permission to withdraw the transfer petitions, [] The post CBI withdraws Supreme Court plea seeking transfer of 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence trials outside State appeared first on India Legal .
BJP's Hasirani Rath, Sakharov Sarkar take oath as MLAs in Bengal Assembly
Hasarani Rath and Sakharov Sarkar recently took their oaths as MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly in Kolkata. Their victories in the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls occurred after their predecessors vacated their seats. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attended the swearing-in and highlighted the transparent live-streaming of the events. Adhikari expressed gratitude to voters and affirmed his commitment to fulfilling their promises.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 28 (IANS) Karnataka Minister, Priyank Kharge, on Wednesday said the state government was examining whether more locations in Bengaluru and other parts of the state could be denotified as designated protest sites as per requests by some activists, while ensuring that citizens right to demonstrate peacefully was not curtailed. Speaking to reporters, Kharge said the government had met activists who called for more locations to be denotified in Bengaluru. He implied that denotifying the sites will be done so that the rights of the citizens to protest are not curtailed. He said an affidavit had been filed in the High Court by all parties, including civil rights activists, and the government would examine the matter. We have met some activists who suggested that more locations in Bengaluru and across the state should be denotified. We are looking into the matter, he said. Kharge maintained that the government was not interested in restricting citizens rights but stressed the need to balance the right to protest with the rights of other people who might be affected by demonstrations. I would like to put on record that the government is not interested in curbing citizens rights. While ensuring that people can exercise their rights, we must also consider the rights of other citizens affected by protests. It is a fine balance, and we will work to maintain it, he said. The ministers comments on protest sites come against the backdrop of controversy over the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest location in New Delhi. Opposition leaders had criticised the move, arguing that changing the venue could not diminish public anger or the demand for demonstrations. Kharge had also previously criticised the Centre over the issue, accusing the Modi government of suppressing peaceful protests and alleging that it feared the Gen Z movement by denying protesters permission to demonstrate at the designated site. The minister also launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise favoured the ruling party at the Centre and could exclude the ones who oppose them. Kharge stated that nearly one crore people had been left out of the voter lists in the state and said the Karnataka government would examine the circumstances surrounding their exclusion. He alleged that the pre-printing of Form 7 by BJP workers, was introduced to keep certain sections of voters out of the electoral process. This SIR is a process that favours the BJP. It is very evident in West Bengal, it was very evident in Bihar, and even in Karnataka. Nearly one crore people have been left out, he said. Kharge alleged that the Form 7 issue in Chitapur pointed to a conspiracy to manipulate the electoral process. He claimed that 40 Form 7 applications submitted in the constituency were bogus and emphasised that the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), rather than private individuals, had filed a complaint. It is absolutely a conspiracy. In Chitapur, 40 Form 7s have been given, they are all bogus. The ERO has filed a complaint, not some individuals, he said. Citing another instance of alleged irregularities, Kharge referred to Aland in Karnataka and claimed that 5,994 of the 6,018 forms examined there were fake. He also referred to 22,000 chargesheets, though further details about the cases and the nature of the chargesheets were not immediately available. We have exposed vote theft in Aland. Out of 6,018 forms, 5,994 forms are fake and 22,000 chargesheets have been filed, he said. Kharge said the government would scrutinise the voter lists and investigate how the alleged exclusions and irregularities had occurred. He also argued that the process undermined the Oppositions ability to contest elections on a level playing field.
Heavy rain warning for south Bengal as cyclone Arnab disrupts air travel, several flights cancelled
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) Even as Cyclone Arnab is making landfall in Andhra Pradesh, its impact on West Bengal has remained limited so far. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of south Bengal over the next two days and warned of thunderstorms across several districts. According to the weather office, heavy rain is likely on Wednesday in four south Bengal districts -- South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the remaining districts. Gusty winds with speeds of 30-40 km per hour may affect most south Bengal districts, including Kolkata. Thunderstorms have also been forecast across all south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, on Thursday. While weather conditions are expected to improve from Friday, a yellow alert for thunderstorms remains in place for East Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia districts. The cyclonic system has also affected flight operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Three IndiGo flights arriving in the city and two departing flights were cancelled due to Cyclone Arnab. In East Midnapore district, scattered heavy rainfall was recorded on Tuesday afternoon. Strong winds have been reported from coastal areas, including Contai and Ramnagar, since Wednesday morning. The tidal surge in the Bay of Bengal has remained significantly above normal levels, prompting authorities to step up precautionary measures. Announcements are being made through public address systems in coastal areas near Tajpur and Shankarpur, while sea bathing has been prohibited as a safety measure. Meanwhile, north Bengal is also expected to witness adverse weather conditions. Heavy rainfall has been forecast in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts on Thursday and Friday. A yellow alert for thunderstorms has been issued for the remaining north Bengal districts. The Meteorological Department has cautioned that persistent rainfall could trigger landslides in the hill areas of north Bengal.
Vedanta's Anil Agarwal keen to invest in Bengal, to meet CM Suvendu Adhikari
Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta group, is eager to invest in West Bengal. He plans to hold a meeting with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to discuss investment proposals. Agarwal believes in the potential of the state and acknowledges the presence of intellectual talent. He emphasized the importance of women empowerment and financial independence for women across the country.
Samserganj encounter: Inspector fired at accused to save his senior, say cops
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) Samiul Sheikh, the murder accused killed in a police encounter at Samserganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on Tuesday afternoon, targeted a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) ranking officer before he was killed in counter-firing by an Inspector ranking officer, insiders from the state police confirmed on Wednesday. State police insiders said that Sheikh, an accused in the murder of local BJP leader in Samserganj, was taken on Tuesday afternoon to the scene of the crime to recreate the sequence of events when he suddenly snatched the firearm of an escorting cop and also fired two rounds towards the police personnel. After both his targets missed, sources said, the accused specially targeted the DSP, leaving no other option for the Inspector to resort to counter-firing, killing Samiul Sheikh. It is learnt that Samiul Sheikh was hit on his head by a bullet, which ultimately led to his death. He was rushed to the local Jangipur Sub-divisional hospital where he was declared dead. This was the second encounter on Tuesday, the first being at Gaighata I North 24 Parganas district on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, when Prahlad Das, an accused in the rape and murder of a minor girl in his locality, was killed in a police encounter. In this case also, Das allegedly tried to escape after snatching the firearm of an escorting cop and also fired at the on-duty police personnel. Although some human rights activists' groups have condemned the twin encounters and described them as extra-judicial executions, top members of the West Bengal Cabinet including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, justified the police actions in these two cases. The Chief Minister of the BJP government in the state had claimed that he had given a free hand to the police to tackle the twin social evils of crimes against women and narcotics trafficking. The state Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development Minister, Dilip Ghosh had claimed that at times cops have to do some unpleasant work for the sake of larger public interest. The state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister, Agnimitra Paul, has written a poem and posted the same on the wall of her social media handle, indirectly backing the Gaighata and Samserganj encounters.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 27: Integrated communications agency Nico Digital partnered with Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad for its Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations at Central Park, Salt Lake, managing
SIR Is A Process To Favour BJP: Priyank Kharge Alleges Conspiracy To Exclude Voters
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was aimed at favouring the BJP and keeping the opposition out of electoral contests, claiming that nearly one crore voters had been left out of the process. Kharge alleged that the exercise had raised concerns in West Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka, and said the state government would examine the exclusion of voters and the alleged bulk printing of Form 7 applications.
Delay in delimitation work may push Bengal civic polls by a month
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 28 (IANS) The polling for seven urban civic bodies in West Bengal, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), is likely to be delayed by around a month due to pending delimitation-related ward-wise rearrangement of voters, sources in the West Bengal State Election Commission (WBSEC) have said. As per the initial schedule, polling for the seven civic bodies was expected to be held in the last week of November, with results slated for announcement in the first week of December. However, officials indicated that the voter rearrangement exercise linked to delimitation remains incomplete in quite a few wards. According to sources in the West Bengal State Election Commission, the ward-wise voter redistribution process is still pending in around 100 wards under the KMC area and is expected to take additional time to finish. As a result, conducting the elections before the third or fourth week of December may not be feasible. All attempts will be made to complete the process by the third week of December so that the counting process and declaration of results can be completed before the year-end. However, by any chance if the polling is conducted in the last week of December, the results will be declared before the first week of January next year, a WBSEC source said. A delay in elections to the KMC and HMC would also affect polling for five other municipalities scheduled to vote simultaneously: Haldia Municipality in East Midnapore district, Dhupguri Municipality in Jalpaiguri district, Bally Municipality in Howrah district, and Kalimpong and Kurseong municipalities in the hill districts of Kalimpong and Darjeeling. The issue was discussed at an all-party meeting convened by the WBSEC on Tuesday. Most opposition parties urged the Commission to conduct the elections using the voter lists that existed before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alleging that many eligible voters were excluded during the revision process. According to sources, representatives of the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, the CPI(M)-led Left Front, and the Congress expressed concern that a large number of voters had been dropped from the electoral rolls during the revision process. The representatives from three political outfits claimed that during the SIR exercise names of many eligible voters were deleted from the voters list, with the fates of many of them hanging at the end of the Appellate Tribunals. They contended that in such a situation it would be unfair for those voters if the polling for the urban civic bodies were conducted based on the post-SIR voters list
Second police encounter in 12 hours: Accused in BJP workers murder shot dead in West Bengal
On October 27 Prahlad Das, accused of raping and murdering a minor girl in North 24 Parganas was shot dead in an encounter; almost 12 hours later Samaul Sheikh, was shot dead in a gunfight with police in Murshidabad
India targets 5 million metric tonnes annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) India aims to develop 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030, an official factsheet said on Wednesday. This transition can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen the countrys long-term energy security. The National Green Hydrogen Mission marks an important step towards building a cleaner, more self-reliant and globally competitive energy economy. The Mission is expected to reduce cumulative fossil fuel imports by approximately Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030. Beyond energy security, the Mission seeks to create new opportunities for industrial growth, investment and employment. It is expected to mobilise over Rs 8 lakh crore in investments and generate more than 6 lakh jobs across manufacturing, infrastructure, research, and project development. The production and use of the targeted green hydrogen quantum could also help avert nearly 50 MMT of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the factsheet. Moreover, six States have notified dedicated green hydrogen policies, complementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal are the States with notified dedicated policies. Four more states are finalising their dedicated green hydrogen policies. Haryana, Punjab, Bihar and Kerala are working on the draft policies. Seven States have integrated hydrogen into their existing industrial and renewable energy policy frameworks. These include Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh. Moreover, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), directly or through the National Institute of Solar Energy, has signed MoUs, Letters of Intent or Joint Declarations of Intent. The partners are Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Uzbekistan. An MoU on renewable energy has been signed with the Netherlands. An IndiaUS Hydrogen Task Force has been formed under the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership. Green hydrogen is a focus area of the IndiaUS New and Emerging Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform (RETAP). The MNRE launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India in April 2025. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) accredits agencies for monitoring, verification and certification. A dedicated portal went live in June 2026 for transparent certification and compliance. Credible certification will help Indian producers compete with confidence globally. Through these efforts, the government aims to accelerate industrial decarbonisation, strengthen domestic manufacturing and position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, use and exports. This will contribute to Indias broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Cyclone Arnab affects West Bengal coast as Digha witnesses strong winds and heavy rainfall
BJPs Newly Elected MLAs to Take Oath in West Bengal Today
Two BJP MLAs elected from Nandigram and Rezinagar will take their oaths today in West Bengals assembly. BJPs Newly Elected MLAs to Take Oath in West Bengal Today
On October 28, Indias weather forecast indicates a mix of conditions across several states. Heavy rains are likely in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha, driven by a cyclonic system. In contrast, the Delhi-NCR region could experience partly cloudy skies. Residents in these areas are advised to stay updated and heed safety guidelines as thunderstorms may develop.
After Behala naked mob justice, cops parade 3 accused semi-naked to reconstruct crime
In 1 day, Bengal sees 2 crime scene encounter deaths
500 kg waste collected in Elliot Park plogging drive
Trains & flights to avoid Arnab path, travel disruptions likely
Dim lights, improvisation queries for Chorbagan pandal theme artist
A month on, stir spills over to other campuses as SRFTI students launch nationwide protests
Rain hits Kolkata before cyclone Arnab makes landfall
MCH boys death due to intestinal rupture: Report
Dad, son assaulted in Santoshpur over parking dispute
No one helped trio being paraded naked, all were busy filming them
Baguiati minor alleges rape at Hooghly hotel
IIM-C clocks 100% summer internship placements
Pioneer behind Kol vector-control programme dies
Trinamool rebels, NCPI eye old fiefdoms for sons, daughters
BJP applications top 6,000 for civic polls
Delimitation queries across party lines at all-party meet to hand over draft rolls
Civic bodies tell puja clubs to pay booking fee if pandals remain in community parks
Diwali light markets stay open late, even on Sundays, to meet demand
47 cases on Mon, 472 last week: Kolkata sees drink-drive spike
West Bengal Police Driver Recruitment 2026: Apply Now
The West Bengal Police is conducting a recruitment drive for drivers on a contractual basis across various districts. Candidates must have completed at least the eighth grade and possess a valid driving license along with two years of driving experience. The age limit for applicants is between 21 and 40 years. Interested candidates can find more details and apply through the official West Bengal Police website. Ensure to check the specific requirements for your district before applying.
