Inspired By Money Heist, Fraudsters Con 300 People Of Rs 150 Crore Across India

Delhi Police raided several places in UP's Noida and West Bengal's Siliguri and arrested three gang members who named themselves after characters from 'Money Heist'.

Bhangar mans suicide adds to what TMC says are eight deaths linked to SIR fears in West Bengal

Two men in West Bengals North and South 24 Parganas districts allegedly died by suicide this week and last week, with their families and political leaders linking the deaths to anxiety over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the 2026 assembly polls, according to PTI reports. The Trinamool Congress has alleged that as many as eight people in the state have died by suicide due to fear over the SIR, though the figure is yet to be independently verified. In the South 24 Parganas district, 57-year-old Safikul Gazi, originally from Ghushighata in North 24 Parganas, was found hanging at his in-laws home in Jaypur, Bhangar, on Wednesday. Family members said Gazi, who had been mentally disturbed following injuries in a recent accident, became increasingly anxious after the SIR process began. He was terrified about not having valid identity papers. He kept saying he would be thrown out of the country. He had even fallen ill out of fear. This morning, after having tea, he went to tie the goats and later we found him hanging with a gamchha (towel) in the goat shed, his wife told reporters. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) claimed this was the eighth such incident in the state linked to fears surrounding the SIR process. Canning East MLA Shaukat Molla, who visited the family, said: Till Tuesday, seven people had died due to fear over the SIR process. Now, Bhangar has joined that list. This is happening because of the BJP's conspiracy to intimidate and disenfranchise poor people. The BJP dismissed the claim as politically motivated drama, saying the SIR is a routine Election Commission exercise and that law and order is the responsibility of the state government, not the party. A similar incident occurred last week in North 24 Parganas, when 57-year-old Pradeep Kar was found hanging at his residence in Panihati, Barrackpore. Police said a suicide note mentioned the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and it has been noted that Kar had been reportedly depressed after the announcement of the SIR on Monday. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of spreading fear through its campaign around the NRC, which she said had tormented innocent citizens and created panic leading to the tragic death. She called it venomous propaganda and reiterated that Bengal would never allow NRC while protecting the rights of its people. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya had countered that Banerjees remarks were lies and theatrics, stressing that the cause of Kars death should be determined by investigating agencies, not political rhetoric. He also noted that there is currently no NRC in the country and accused the TMC of exploiting public fear ahead of the SIR exercise. TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee dismissed Malviyas comments, highlighting that the suicide note was written in Bangla. The Election Commission has yet to comment on the incidents. The SIR, aimed at updating electoral rolls, has sparked tension in several districts, with the TMC alleging it is being used for silent voter deletion while the BJP insists it ensures clean and authentic voter lists. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

West Bengal: Man Commits Suicide Over 'Fear of Exclusion from Voter List'

West Bengal: Man Commits Suicide Over 'Fear of Exclusion from Voter List'

Mamata pays tribute to Deshbandhu CR Das on his birth anniversary

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday paid tribute to Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das on his birth anniversary and recalled his enduring legacy of unity and sacrifice. Banerjee described Deshbandhu as one of the pioneers of Indias independence movement and extended her salutations to the legendary leader. On the birth anniversary of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SIR: More than 70 lakh forms distributed on first day of enumeration process in West Bengal

The month-long exercise began in West Bengal on November 4 and will continue till December 4

SIR Phase 2: Three-member ECI team to visit West Bengal border districts from November 5 -8

A dedicated team from the Election Commission of India has arrived in West Bengal to oversee updates to the voter lists. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls throughout the state. Booth Level Officers are engaged in a thorough house-to-house verification process, taking place across several states and union territories.

West Bengal SSC Result 2025: Higher Secondary teacher results to be declared on November 7? Here's all you need to know

The tests were held on September 7 and 14, and the results for the higher secondary level are expected to be announced soon. Read here to know more details.

Election Commission begins Phase 2 of voters list revision

More than 16 lakh enumeration forms distributed in West Bengal by booth level officers till 4 pm on Tuesday

West Bengal Schools Announce 8,477 Non-Teaching Vacancies

The examination process will be written, followed by an interview, including a typing cum computer proficiency test.

Ranchi Diary | Land registration fee for Olympians exempted

Jharkhand government has exempted registration fee for the pieces of land allotted to Olympian hockey players Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan in Ranchi. The state housing board had allotted 3,750 sq ft plots to them at Harmu Residential Colony. CM Hemant Soren had in January handed over the papers for the plots in Ranchi to the Olympians. They were honoured by the Soren government for bringing glory to the state and the country. Fulfilling a long-standing promise, the state recognised the contributions of the two players and made their dream of owning a home in Ranchi a reality. HC refuses to release ministers passport The Calcutta High Court has refused to release Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansaris passport after the West Bengal government contended that he may not return to India. Ansaris passport has been deposited with the court since September 25, 2024 though he was granted conditional bail in case of Rs 50 lakh cash seizure. Ansari had moved the Calcutta HC to seek temporary release of his passport from November 1 to 15 so that he could attend the World Travel Market event in London from November 4 to 6. He had even attached the Jharkhand governments approval for the visit. Blood donation camp on states silver jubilee A statewide blood donation camp will be launched from November 12 to 28 to mark the silver jubilee of the Jharkhand Foundation Day. The state government has directed officials to create awareness in both urban and rural areas to ensure success of the campaign. Blood donation must be transformed into a mass movement. Social media and local publicity channels should be used to the maximum extent, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said. All the blood centres have been directed to update data on e-RaktKosh portal to fill the staffing gap at the earliest. Jharkhand was founded by the Bihar Reorganisation Act on November 15, 2000. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com

Joint INDIA bloc action missing in anti-SIR fight

NEW DELHI: While some Opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal have intensified their protest against the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the INDIA bloc is yet to come up with a collective strategy on the issue. The DMK government in Tamil Nadu moved the Supreme Court on Monday challenging the SIR exercise, while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit the streets on Tuesday. The Kerala government is holding an all-party meeting to discuss the future course of action on the electoral roll revision. However, the INDIA bloc parties havent had a joint meeting or discussion ever since the EC announced the SIR for 12 states and Union Territories on October 27, a senior Opposition leader told this paper. 'Assault on people's rights': TN adopts resolution against SIR at all-party meeting, to move SC As the principal Opposition party, the onus lies with the Congress, the leader said. The actions are now limited to the state level and there is no coordination between Opposition parties at the national level. The SIR exercise has already begun in some states and there is hardly any time left, said the leader, pointing out that the INDIA bloc leadership could have planned joint press conferences or protests in the national capital. Speaking to this paper, a senior Congress leader said that the party is likely to discuss the matter after the Bihar election. Significantly, the monsoon session of Parliament was a near washout the Congress-led Opposition insisted on a discussion on Bihars SIR. Nationwide SIR rests on flawed legal reasoning Although the Trinamool Congress (TMC) was part of the protests against the SIR during Parliaments monsoon session, the party now seems to be in no mood to be together with the INDIA bloc on this. TMCs Lok Sabha MP Saugata Roy told this paper that the TMC will fight this battle alone. Another Opposition leader told this paper that the Congress is not taking the initiative as the SIR is not taking place in any of the Congress-ruled states. In other states, they are only allies, he said. SIR sparks panic in West Bengal's Matua belt; BJP and TMC stare at losses

Mamata Banerjee slams SIR bias; questions BJP for exempting Assam from drive

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a strong warning to the central government. She stated that if the names of genuine voters are removed, the people of Bengal will be urged to remove the government at the Centre. Banerjee questioned the selective implementation of SIR in poll-bound states. She vowed to protect the Constitution and Bengal's identity.

SuvenduAdhikari leadsParivartan Yatra rally, demands proper execution of SIR in West Bengal

This comes on the on the same day that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a rally in Kolkata against the SIR process

Mamata leads TMC anti-SIR stir in Kolkata, Suvendu dares CM to stop exercise

Kolkata: Rallies, counter-rallies, and fiery speeches from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her chief critic, Suvendu Adhikari, escalated the states already hyper-charged political atmosphere on Tuesday which marked the effective start of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The political activities, coupled with fresh reports of multiple deaths during the day Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

NCW calls for overhaul of cyber laws, seeks tougher safeguards for women online

NEW DELHI: Aimed at addressing the legal and institutional gaps in Indias response to cyber offences targeting women, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has urged a comprehensive review of existing cyber laws and sought stricter provisions to protect women from cyberbullying and harassment. The Commission has proposed harsher penalties for cybercrimes against women and children, penal action for threats to share private and obscene content, a mandatory victim compensation fund and the appointment of district-level psychologists and forensic experts. The NCW has submitted its report, which includes changes in IT Rules, 2021, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and others, to the Union Ministries of Law and Justice, Electronics and Information Technology, Women and Child Development, and Home Affairs. The Commission also recommended protecting the complainant's identity in cyber offences, including cyberbullying, trolling, deepfakes, and privacy violations, and requiring intermediaries to remove harmful content within 36 hours. The recommendations, which were the outcome of its year-long national consultation aimed at reviewing and reforming Indias cyber legal framework through a gender-sensitive lens, have also suggested longer user data retention (360 days) and stronger protections for victims' anonymity. The NCW said that the recommendatory report for law review 202425 represents one of the most comprehensive national reviews undertaken by the Commission to modernise legal protections for women in cyberspace. The report combines statutory review, stakeholder insights, and comparative global analysis to propose reforms that strengthen digital rights and privacy protections for women, promote platform accountability and transparency, enhance forensic and law enforcement capacities, and foster digital literacy and preventive awareness through education and community engagement, the NCW said. Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson, NCW, said, The digital world has opened infinite doors for women - of learning, enterprise, and expression - but it has also given rise to new frontiers of threat and intimidation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that technology becomes an instrument of empowerment, not exploitation. Through this report, NCW envisions a cyber-ecosystem where laws do not merely punish offenders, but protect dignity; where awareness replaces fear; and where every woman can step into the digital world without hesitation - confident, informed, and secure. The Commissions recommendations span several major legislations and digital governance frameworks, including making it mandatory to account for the verification and inclusion of AI-manipulated imagery in rules, and introducing new provisions on gender-based harassment, platform transparency, AI audits, victim support, and cross-border content regulation. The apex national organisation that protects and promote the interests of women in India has also suggested defining sensitive personal data and gender-specific damage, to adopt stricter consent norms and 24-hour breach reporting, to mandate the removal of non-consensual content within 12 hours, to implement tiered penalties for gendered data misuse, and to provide anonymous reporting options under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The Commission has also sought to extend protection against digital harassment and remote workplaces; digital evidence protocols and tech support for Internal Committees (ICs) under the Mental Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, or the POSH Act, 2013. Under the Indecent Representation of Women Act, 1986, the Commission has suggested that it should cover online and OTT content, provide swift 48-hour recourse for digital offences, hold intermediaries accountable, and establish a victim compensation fund. Under the POCSO Act, it has suggested recognising digital manipulation and online grooming as offences, increasing penalties and child anonymity protection; social media accountability for failure to report abuse. Under Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, the Commission suggested recognising metadata and temporary files as key digital evidence, ensuring fast-track forensic analysis and chain of custody for cybercrimes. It also proposed that, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, victim statements be recorded promptly, charge sheets and judgments shared without delay, and procedures for seizing and handling digital evidence be strengthened. As part of its national consultation, the NCW held eight regional consultations in Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, followed by two rounds of national consultations at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and at the National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati. The final consultation was attended by Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who appreciated NCWs proactive efforts to drive reforms that safeguard women in the digital space. Hundreds of experts, including judges, senior advocates, technology specialists, police officers, academicians, and members of civil society, participated in the consultative process. Their collective insights culminated in a comprehensive set of over 200 actionable recommendations aimed at addressing the legal and institutional gaps in Indias response to cyber offences targeting women, the Commission said.

SIR 2.0 begins in 12 States, Union Territories

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges silent, invisible rigging, while the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu moves SC, terming the exercise arbitrary, unreasonable, and prone to disenfranchising voters

1st Day Of Voter Roll Revision In Bengal Sees Tech Glitches

The SIR of electoral rolls began across West Bengal on Tuesday, with over 80,000 booth-level officers visiting homes to distribute enumeration forms, kicking off a politically sensitive exercise ahead of the 2026 assembly polls

TMCs Abhishek attacks PM over SIR, warns of mega protest in Delhi over deaths linked to exercise

Kolkata, Nov 4 (PTI) TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, alleging that the BJP-led Centre was using the exercise to intimidate and disenfranchise ordinary voters. He urged people to be prepared to hit the streets in New Delhi in protest against what he called the deaths of so many Bengalis due to SIR fear. In the last seven days, we have lost seven lives due to the fear of SIR in Bengal. All of them were eligible voters. Their family

Mamata Banerjee tears into BJP, EC over SIR; warns of Modi govt's fall if one eligible voter struck off rolls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee fiercely criticized the BJP and the Election Commission, alleging a silent, invisible rigging through the voter list revision ahead of the 2026 polls. She warned of the BJP government's downfall if any eligible voter is removed, accusing them of bias against opposition-ruled states and demanding accountability for potential errors.

SIR Brings 'Missing' West Bengal Man Back Home After 35 Years

Karim said, I returned home because I need my voter ID and land documents for the SIR of the voters list

West Bengal: TMC hits streets as SIR Phase 2 begins; BJP urges ECI to act on fake documents

BJP government will fall if even one eligible voter is removed in Bengal: CM Mamata

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that the fall of the BJP-led government at the Centre would be inevitable if even a single eligible voter was omitted from the electoral rolls. She accused the saffron party and the Election Commission (EC) of allegedly using the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) as a political tool to intimidate voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. Leading a massive anti-SIR rally in Kolkata, CM Mamata charged that the Election Commission was selectively conducting the revision drive in opposition-ruled states while sparing BJP-ruled ones. The EC is conducting SIR in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, but not in BJP-ruled Assam, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief alleged. Assembly elections are due next year in these four states. The Election Commission must also reply why there is no SIR in BJP-ruled Assam, Tripura and other northeastern states, she demanded, calling it clear discrimination aimed at helping the ruling party at the Centre. The last SIR in West Bengal in 2002 had taken at least two years to be completed, she said, wondering why the EC was in a hurry to finish it this time in just a month. CM Mamata branded the current exercise as hurried and politically motivated. If a single eligible voter is removed from the electoral rolls, we will ensure the fall of this BJP government, CM Mamata declared to thunderous applause from her supporters. Challenging the BJPs repeated claims of illegal voters in West Bengal, CM Mamata asked, How many Rohingyas or Bangladeshis were found in Bihar after the SIR there? She asserted that merely speaking in Bengali does not make someone a Bangladeshi and accused the saffron party of spreading fake news and communal propaganda to malign Bengalis. Taking a swipe at the ruling party, the TMC supremo said, The BJP does not want to win on the basis of votes, but on the strength of notes. If this electoral roll is fake, then how did the BJP win previous elections held on the basis of the same list? CM Mamata alleged that SIR stands for silent, invisible rigging and that the BJP is using it to instil fear among voters. Do we have to prove our citizenship before the BJP after being born and brought up in this land? she asked, evoking strong support from the crowd. CM Mamata, who was accompanied by her nephew and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during the protest march, said the TMC would take the fight to Delhi if needed.

TMC slams ECs special voter list revision as con job; exercise begins in 12 states, UTs

NEW DELHI: The Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list commenced on Tuesday across nine states and three Union Territories, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) dubbing the exercise a con job by what it alleged to be a compromised poll body. The electoral roll cleanup exercise has also drawn opposition from the ruling DMK and its allies in Tamil Nadu. According to the Election Commission (EC), its booth-level officers (BLOs) have begun visiting households to distribute semi-filled enumeration forms to electors and assist them in completing the required documents. As per the schedule announced by the poll authority, the SIR will begin with the enumeration stage and continue until 4 December. The EC will release the draft electoral rolls on 9 December, while the final rolls are scheduled to be published on 7 February. The 12 states and Union Territories where this second round of SIR will be conducted are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal are slated to go to polls in 2026. In Assam, another state where elections are due in 2026, the revision of electoral rolls will be announced separately as a Supreme Court-supervised exercise to verify citizenship is currently underway. A separate provision of the Citizenship Act also applies to the state. After Bihar, this marks the second round of the SIR. The final voter list in Bihar, containing nearly 7.42 crore names, was published on 30 September. The SIR began in West Bengal amid heightened political tensions surrounding the exercise in the state. It has evolved into a political battleground, pitting the BJPs call for transparency and the ECs administrative efforts against the TMCs grassroots-level opposition ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. While the BJP has welcomed the SIR as a step towards ensuring greater transparency in the electoral rolls, the ruling TMC has questioned its timing and intent, alleging that the EC is acting under pressure from the saffron party to manipulate the voter list ahead of next years state elections. With both parties viewing the SIR as a precursor to the 2026 Assembly elections, the contest has turned into what many in political circles describe as the battle of two forces the administrative and the organisational. TMC leader Derek OBrien termed the SIR exercise a con job organised by the Extremely Compromised body. Separately, the DMK, in its plea before the Supreme Court challenging the SIR, described it as a de facto NRC and questioned its constitutional validity. The ruling party in Tamil Nadu has sought to quash the ECs notification on the SIR dated 27 October 2025. However, the main opposition, AIADMK an ally of the BJP has expressed its support for the exercise. In Uttar Pradesh, the drive was launched under the theme Shuddh Nirvachak Namavali Majboot Loktantra (Clean Electoral Roll Strong Democracy).

WBSSC recruitment 2025: Registration begins for 8,477 Group C and Group D posts, check direct link to apply here

The West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) has announced 8,477 non-teaching vacancies for Group C (Clerk) and Group D roles. Applications are open from November 3 to December 3, 2025, with a written exam tentatively scheduled for January 2026. This recruitment drive offers a significant opportunity for job seekers in West Bengal.

SIR of electoral rolls begins in Bengal ahead of 2026 Assembly elections

Kolkata: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls began across West Bengal on Tuesday, with over 80,000 booth-level officers (BLOs) visiting homes to distribute enumeration forms, kicking off a politically sensitive exercise ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The month-long house-to-house enumeration process, which will continue till December 4, began on a largely peaceful Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SIR of voter rolls begins across West Bengal with 80,000 BLOs on ground

West Bengal's electoral roll revision is underway with BLOs conducting house-to-house visits. The process has seen allegations of irregularities, including issues with identity cards and political party involvement. A BJP delegation met the WB-CEO with concerns about birth certificate fraud and dead voters. Trinamool Congress claims several SIR-related deaths and one attempted suicide.

'Be ready': Mamata leads TMC's rally against SIR; Abhishek claims 'revision fear claimed 7 lives'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a massive protest in Kolkata against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging silent invisible rigging by the BJP and Election Commission. The TMC claims the revision, the first since 2002, is a ploy to manipulate voter lists before the 2026 Assembly elections, while the BJP hails it as a transparency measure.

Domestic worker brutally assaulted by seven cops in Bengaluru

A group of four male and three female police officers allegedly assaulted a 34-year-old domestic worker and her husband in Bengaluru after her employer accused her of stealing a diamond ring from her on October 30. Sundari Bibi, who is originally from West Bengal, filed a complaint with the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, stating Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

West Bengal school recruitmentscam: School Service Commission publishes list of tainted non-teaching staff

3000 Untainted question why they are being punished even when WBSSC has the list of tainted candidates; raise concern over non-payment of salary over last 8 months

Cough syrup tragedy: SIT arrests wife of accused doctor in MP case

CHHINDWARA: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the cough syrup tragedy that claimed the lives of 24 children in Madhya Pradesh has arrested the wife of accused Dr Praveen Soni, an official said on Tuesday. Dr Soni, based in Chhindwara, was arrested last month for alleged negligence after prescribing the contaminated cough syrup Coldrif to several ailing children who later died due to kidney failure. His wife, Jyoti Soni, another accused in the case, was arrested from her residence in Parasia town of Chhindwara district on Monday night, according to Sub-Divisional Officer of Police and SIT in-charge Jitendra Jaat. She is the proprietor of a medical shop from where the cough syrup was sold to several of the victims, the official added. So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the tragedy. Following the deaths, the Tamil Nadu government revoked the licence of the cough syrups manufacturer, Sresan Pharma. Those arrested include Sresan Pharmas owner G. Ranganathan, medical representative Satish Verma, chemist K. Maheshwari, wholesaler Rajesh Soni, and pharmacist Sourabh Jain. A total of 24 children in Madhya Pradesh, most under the age of five, reportedly died from suspected kidney failure after being administered Coldrif cough syrup. At least three similar deaths were reported in neighbouring Rajasthan. The tragedy prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to issue an alert against three substandard oral cough syrups identified in India, Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife. The cough syrup catastrophe On October 2, the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control found that Coldrif samples were not of standard quality. Three days later, Madhya Pradesh authorities reported that one sample of Coldrif contained 48.6 per cent diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical, far exceeding the permissible impurity limit of 0.1 per cent. The Madhya Pradesh police subsequently arrested Dr Praveen Soni for alleged negligence. Following the deaths, the sale of the syrup was banned in Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, West Bengal, and Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that those responsible would not be spared. The state government also suspended the drug controller and assistant drug controller for negligence in testing random samples of the medicine, and formed the SIT to investigate the case. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has sealed Sresan Pharmas manufacturing unit after the deaths came to light.

West Bengal SIR: What voters need to know before BLOs visit their homes

KOLKATA: As part of the implementation of the much-anticipated and politically charged Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will start visiting voters homes from Tuesday. Here are answers to some common questions about participating in the exercise: 1. How to identify Booth Level Officers (BLOs)? Will they be accompanied by representatives of political parties? All BLOs will carry identity cards with QR codes, which can be scanned to verify the officers details on the Election Commission website. The enumeration forms will also display the name and phone number of the BLO assigned to your booth. Given the political sensitivity of the exercise, Booth Level Agents (BLAs) assigned by political parties may accompany the BLOs. 2. How would I know when a BLO will visit my address? What if I am not at home? BLOs will have information about all voters in their respective booths. You will receive some form of advance notice before the officer visits. If you are not home during the first visit, the BLO will make repeat visits, at least three times, to ensure no voter is left out of the roll revision exercise. 3. What will a BLO ask me to do? What documents should I have ready? A BLO will give you two sets of enumeration forms for every voter in your family. You must complete both sets and sign them; the BLO will countersign both. The officer will keep one form for the Election Commission of India (ECI) and return the other to you with a stamped acknowledgement for future reference. You should have your current EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card or Voter Card), Aadhaar card, two current passport-size photos, and the 2002 electoral roll reference (if your or your parents or grandparents names appear on it). The 2002 roll can be accessed at https://ceowestbengal.com/ . You do not need to attach copies of any documents with the forms. If your name does not appear on the 2002 list, you will later be issued a notice to provide citizenship credentials from the ECIs list of 11 indicative documents and to have your name included in the final electoral roll, which will be published next year after the SIR exercise is completed. 4. What does the enumeration form look like? Any tips for filling it out? The form is a simple single-page document divided into two parts. The upper part requires details of the voter as per the current EPIC. The lower part has two boxes: Left: For voters listed in the 2002 electoral roll. Right: For voters whose names do not appear in 2002 but whose parents or grandparents names do. Only fill the box relevant to you. Retain the exact spelling, relationship status, and other information from the 2002 rolls, even if there were errors. Leave the boxes blank if neither your name nor your family members names appear in the 2002 list. Do not fill out forms from multiple locations; doing so may lead to cancellation. 5. Can I fill forms for family members currently away from home? Yes, any family member can fill out forms for those absent, provided the required documents are available. The person filling the form must sign accordingly and may be asked to respond to queries later about the voter. 6. Who should I submit the forms to? Your BLO will collect the completed forms. The house-to-house enumeration will continue until December 4, and draft rolls will be published on December 9. Claims and objections can be raised from December 9 to January 8. Notices, hearings, and verifications will take place between December 9 and January 31. The final electoral rolls will be published on February 7. 7. Can I fill the forms online? Yes. If you or family members are not home to meet a BLO, forms can be downloaded, filled, and uploaded as instructed on the commissions website. Online forms are not yet available due to technical issues, but officials are working to resolve them. 8. Will the SIR exercise affect my citizenship status? The SIR exercise is only to determine your eligibility as a voter. The Election Commission of India has no authority to decide your citizenship.

Guru Nanak Jayanti 2025: Are schools closed on 5 November? Check state-wise holiday list across India

Schools across several Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, will remain closed on 5 November 2025 to mark Guru Nanak Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The festival, celebrated with devotion and community service, holds immense significance in Sikhism. However, states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal will keep schools open, while Uttar Pradesh allows district administrations to decide holiday observance locally.

Bengal SIR Explained: What to expect when BLOs knock on your door starting today

Booth level officers are visiting homes in West Bengal for electoral roll revision. Citizens will receive forms to update voter details. This process aims to ensure all eligible voters are included. The exercise involves verification and submission of documents. Final electoral rolls will be published next year. This is a crucial step for voter registration.

Bank holiday on Guru Nanak Jayanti: Will banks remain closed on November 5? Check state-wise list

Banks across numerous Indian states will be closed on Wednesday, November 5, for Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima. Customers in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal will face branch closures. While digital banking services remain operational, in-person transactions will be unavailable.

Bengal SSC publishes list of 'tainted' non-teaching staff of scrapped 2016 panel

The West Bengal School Service Commission has released a list of 3,500 tainted non-teaching staff. These individuals are part of the 26,000 jobs invalidated by a Supreme Court order. The Supreme Court had cancelled 25,753 appointments from the 2016 recruitment process. Tainted individuals are now barred from fresh recruitment tests.

BJP delegation meets ECI officials, demands vetting of Bengal governments citizenship documents for SIR

The memorandum submitted by the BJP leadership to the ECI stated that ground realities in West Bengal are different from Bihar and alleged that the State has witnessed large-scale issuance of backdated and forged documents which should be vetted during SIR

EC team to visit Bengal to review roll progress

A three-member Election Commission team will visit Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri districts from November 5-8. They will monitor the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Over 80,000 Booth Level Officers will conduct house-to-house visits until December 4. This process aims to update voter lists across West Bengal's assembly constituencies. Helpdesks are also available for voter assistance.

SIR is a hurried exercise that aims to terrorise people of West Bengal, says TMC

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a rally in protest against SIR in Kolkata on Tuesday, while the LoP Suvendu Adhikari will be lead a rally in Panihati supporting the SIR

BJP`s dig at Mamata Banerjee`s post congratulating Team India goes viral

On Monday, the West Bengal CM took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud the Indian womens cricket team, writing, Today, the entire nation is incredibly proud of our Women in Blue for their feat in the World Cup final. Her post received a cheeky reply from West Bengal BJP, which indirectly took a dig at her earlier comment

Bengals Swasthya Sathi scheme crosses 1 cr hospitalisations: Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said the states flagship health assurance scheme, Swasthya Sathi, has crossed a significant milestone of one crore hospitalisations as of October 31. She said under the scheme, residents have received cashless medical treatment worth Rs 13,156 crore, fully funded from the state budget, she said. Swasthya Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Stray dog menace: Chief Secretaries of States, UTs tender 'unconditional apology' in SC for not filing compliance affidavit

NEW DELHI: Complying with earlier directions, the Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories appeared before the SC and tendered an 'unconditional apology' for not filing a compliance affidavit on the menace of stray dog bites. Taking into record the appearance of the Chief Secretaries, athree-judge special bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Vikram Nath, comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice N V Anjaria, said it will pass appropriate directions on November 7 in the case. Apart from recording the appearance and affidavits, we will also be issuing a few directions with respect to institutional menace -- the employees supporting and feeding the dogs in government institutions, public sector institutions and other institutions. We will definitely be issuing directions, said the top court. During the course of a brief hearing, the top court impleaded the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) as a respondent in the case. It also clarified that Senior Advocate Guarav Agarwal will continue as the amicus curiae to assist in the matter. In its last hearing on October 31, the SC had refused to allow the request of Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta seeking personal exemption of physical appearance of Chief Secretaries of States and Union Territories in the case, remarking let them come. Stray dogs case: No respect for court's order; chief secretaries to appear physically, says SC During the hearing on Friday, the bench had said that there was no respect for the order of the court, as it made itclear that the chief secretaries will have to appear physically before the court on November 3 in thestray dogsmenace case. The top court had even rejected the plea of SG Mehta, who requested a direction from the court for the Chief Secretaries to appear through the video conferencing mode in the case. Sorry, they have to come physically to the court, the court added. The court had also pointed out that, we asked them (State Chief Secretaries) why no compliance affidavit had been filed, but they were seeking personal exemption. Your officers don't read newspapers? They don't read social media? Do they want a formal notice to be issued to them? the bench, led by Justice Nath, had said. Jammu and Kashmir grapples with canine threat, nearly 150 stray dog bite cases reported every day Bihar and many other states allegedly failed to file the compliance affidavit in the case, following which, the top court decided to direct Chief Secretaries for their personal presence on November 3. It said all chief secretaries, except those of Telangana and West Bengal, should be present before it on November 3. Otherwise, we will hold the court in the auditorium, it had said. The court had, on August 22, reversed its earlier order directing the authorities to move allstray dogsto shelters and said that they can be released to the same area from where they were captured after proper sterilisation and immunisation, exempting dogs infected with rabies or exhibiting aggressive behaviour. It also barred the feeding of thedogsin public places, too. The August 22 order expanded the scope of thestray dogscase beyond the Delhi NCR and directed that all states and Union Territories be made parties in the matter, and instructed them to file a compliance affidavit. 47,000 stray dogs in Bhubaneswar, triple the national average: Census

SC commences hearing in stray dogs case

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday commenced hearing in the stray dogs case in which it had directed the chief secretaries of all the states and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it. A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria was told Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

SC to issue directions on feeding stray dogs in institutions on November 7

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will issue directions on November 7 regarding the problem of stray dogs in institutions, including government and public sector offices, where employees have been feeding and encouraging the animals. The matter was being heard by a three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria. Justice Nath stated, Apart from recording appearances and affidavits, we will also be issuing directions concerning the institutional menace faced by government offices, public sector institutions, and other workplaces where employees are supporting, feeding, and encouraging dogs. Directions will definitely be issued in this regard. When one of the advocates requested an opportunity to be heard before any directions were issued, Justice Mehta replied, For institutional matters, we are not going to hear any arguments at all. Sorry. The top court had earlier directed the chief secretaries of all the states and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it on Monday, to explain why compliance affidavits were not filed despite the court's August 22 order. The Bench was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that most of the states have filed their compliance affidavits. The bench also noted the presence of the Chief Secretaries of the States/Union Territories, who were asked to appear for their failure in filing affidavits showing compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules. The bench noted that compliance affidavits have been filed by the States. The bench dispensed with the personal presence of the Chief Secretaries on the next dates, with a warning that if there is any future default, it will be ordered. The Court also impleaded the Animal Welfare Board of India as a respondent in the case. The apex court had earlier expressed displeasure over the non-compliance of its order and observed that by October 27, compliance affidavits were not filed by the states and UTs, except West Bengal, Telangana and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The apex court's August 22 order expanded the scope of the stray dogs case beyond the Delhi NCR and directed that all states and Union Territories be made parties in the matter, and instructed them to file compliance affidavits. (With inputs from PTI)

Supreme Court to pass order in stray dogs case on November 7

The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will pass order in the stray dogs case on November7 7. The top court had earlier directed the chief secretaries of all the states and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it on Monday, to explain why compliance affidavits were not filed despite the court's August 22 order. A three-judge special bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that most of the states have filed their compliance affidavits. The bench also noted the presence of the Chief Secretaries of the States/Union Territories, who were asked to appear for their failure in filing affidavits showing compliance with the Animal Birth Control Rules. The bench noted that compliance affidavits have been filed by the States. The bench dispensed with the personal presence of the Chief Secretaries on the next dates, with a warning that if there is any future default, it will be ordered. The Court also impleaded the Animal Welfare Board of India as a respondent in the case. The apex court had earlier expressed displeasure over the non-compliance of its order and observed that by October 27, compliance affidavits were not filed by the states and UTs, except West Bengal, Telangana and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The apex court on August 22 asked the states and UTs about the steps being taken for compliance of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. (With inputs from PTI)

West Bengal: TMC MLA Jyotipriyo Mallick attacked by stranger; accused arrested

The youth told interrogators he was a resident of the Habra area in the North 24 Parganas district and wanted to talk to Mallick for a job

TMC MLA Jyotipriya Mallick assaulted at his residence in Bengal; accused arrested

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress MLA and former West Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick was allegedly assaulted by a man who intruded into his residence in the Salt Lake area, a senior police officer said. The man, aged around 30, was later arrested and is being interrogated, police added. According to officers, the accused entered Mallicks residence around 9 pm on Sunday and suddenly pounced on him, punching him in the lower abdomen and leaving him stunned. As Mallick raised an alarm, his security personnel and others nearby rushed in and overpowered the attacker, who was then handed over to the Bidhannagar Police. During interrogation, the accused reportedly told police that he was a resident of Habra in North 24 Parganas district and wanted to speak with Mallick about a job. Mallick represents the Habra constituency in the West Bengal Assembly. Police said the man had been undergoing psychiatric treatment at a state-run hospital in Kolkata and had conducted several recces around Mallicks house earlier in the day. Speaking to reporters, Mallick said he initially believed the man was a visitor and was taken aback when the attack occurred. I am not sure if he was in an inebriated condition. I had never seen him before. It is unimaginable that someone from Habra would assault me, the ruling party MLA said, describing the incident as an isolated case. Mallick had previously been arrested by central agencies in connection with a corruption case around two years ago, when he was serving as the forest minister. The case related to his earlier tenure as the food and civil supplies minister. Following his arrest, he was removed from his post, and Birbaha Hansda took charge as forest minister.

Aadhaar count exceeds Keralas population

KOCHI: Kerala is reportedly facing a perplexing situation where the total number of Aadhaar registrations has exceeded the states actual population. As against the total population of 3,60,63,000 in the state, the number of Aadhaar cards assigned as of September 30, 2025, is 4,09,68,282, which is over 49 lakh more Aadhaar cards, reveals an RTI reply provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). While such a variation is seen in several other states, the difference is comparatively higher in Kerala. This anomaly highlights a significant issue with data hygiene in the unique identification system. A primary contributing factor to this disparity is the lack of a systematic mechanism to cancel or deactivate the Aadhaar of deceased individuals promptly, said Kochi-based RTI activist Raju Vazhakala. Despite recent efforts by the UIDAI to integrate with death registration data and introduce a reporting portal, a comprehensive, mandatory, and seamless system is still awaited. The gap leaves the door open for potential misuse and fraud of the identity documents belonging to the deceased, necessitating urgent policy intervention to ensure data accuracy and security, Raju pointed out. In fact, the Aadhaar count exceeds the population when the scenario of the whole country is taken. As against the population of over 1.41 crore people in India, the total number of Aadhaar cards issued was over 1.42 crore. Besides Kerala, the oddity is reflected in states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Meanwhile, the UIDAI is taking proactive steps to maintain the accuracy of the Aadhaar database and prevent identity fraud by deactivating the Aadhaar numbers of deceased residents. A crucial measure involves collaboration with the Registrar General of India (RGI), which has provided approximately 1.55 crore death records from 24 states/UTs via the Civil Registration System (CRS). Following validation, over 1.17 crore Aadhaar numbers have been successfully deactivated. A similar exercise is underway for non-CRS states/UTs, it said in a statement. Additionally, UIDAI launched the new Reporting of Death of a Family Member service on the myAadhaar portal on June 9, 2025. It allows family members to report a death using the deceaseds Aadhaar and Death Registration Number for subsequent validation and deactivation. Residents are strongly encouraged to report the death of family members on the myAadhaar Portal after obtaining the official death certificate, it added. UIDAI is also exploring sourcing death records from banks and collaborating with state governments to verify the status of centenarians. India Total population: 141,22,25,700 Aadhaar cards issued: 142,95,78,647 Difference: 1,73,52,947

Trinamool MLA Jyotipriya Mallick Attacked At His Home, Accused Arrested

Trinamool Congress MLA and former West Bengal minister Jyotipriya Mallick was assaulted by a youth who intruded into his residence at the Salt Lake area on Sunday night, a senior police official said.

'Doesnt Belong To Either Gender': IUML Leader's Remark On Kerala CM Sparks Outrage

IUML state general secretary PMA Salam made compared the Kerala Chief Minister with his Tamil Nadu and West Bengal counterparts

48 Bangladeshi infiltrators held for trying leave to India

They were leaving India following the announcement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal, according to a BSF officer

Trains Run Over 3 boys in West Bengal

Four boys were walking across the railway tracks at Shibnagar village in Shamsherganj to take bath at Bhagirathi river

Training For Roll Revision Sees Protests Over Duty Hours, Security In West Bengal

Training exercises for Block Level Officers for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Kolkata and other districts saw disruptions on Saturday after government employees raised several demands, including a central security cover.

West Bengals model to fight type 1 diabetes emulated globally: Mamata

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said the state has attracted international attention in diabetes treatment, as the West Bengal model to fight type 1 diabetes has turned into a global model for others. Banerjee, in a post on X, cited the recognition given to the state-run SSKM hospital by an internationally known expert Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

West Bengal's model to fight type 1 diabetes emulated globally: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal's approach to Type 1 diabetes treatment has gained international acclaim. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state's model is now a global benchmark. An expert from Harvard Medical School visited SSKM Hospital and praised the initiative. This state-led program is a pioneering effort in India. The Chief Minister congratulated everyone involved in this significant project.

Tea production falls 5.9 per cent in September 2025

KOLKATA, Nov 2: Tea production during September 2025 has declined 5.9 per cent at 159.92 million kilogrammes as against 169.93 million kilogrammes in the similar previous period. According to Tea Board data, production of the crop in Assam during September 2025 remained almost stagnant at 94.76 million kilogrammes as compared to 94.03 million kilogrammes in the same period of 2024. Production of the crop in West Bengal declined to 40.03 million kilogrammes in September 2025 from 48.35 million kilogrammes in [] The post Tea production falls 5.9 per cent in September 2025 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SC To Hear Stray Dogs Case On Nov 3; Chief Secretaries Of States, UTs To Appear In Court

New Delhi, Nov 2: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on November 3 the case concerning stray dogs in which it had directed the chief secretaries of all the states and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it. While hearing the matter on October 27, the top court had directed the chief secretaries to remain present before it on November 3 to explain why compliance affidavits were not filed despite the courts August 22 [] The post SC To Hear Stray Dogs Case On Nov 3; Chief Secretaries Of States, UTs To Appear In Court appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SC to hear Stray Dogs Case on Nov 3; Chief Secretaries of States, UTs summoned for non-compliance

New Delhi, Nov 2: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on November 3 the case concerning stray dogs in which it had directed the chief secretaries of all the states and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it. While hearing the matter on October 27, the top court had [] The post SC to hear Stray Dogs Case on Nov 3; Chief Secretaries of States, UTs summoned for non-compliance appeared first on Northlines .

SIR in Bengal: BLOs hold protests in Kolkata over three-point demand

Kolkata: A section of the teaching staff in state-run schools in West Bengal, who have been selected as booth-level officers (BLOs) for the special intensive revision (SIR) in the state, on Saturday, held protests in Kolkata over three-point demands for participation in the electoral revision exercise. The first phase of the three-stage SIR in West Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

CPI(M) deploys red volunteers to assist electors with SIR in West Bengal

Red volunteers rose to prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic and cyclone Amphan, which ravaged parts of the State in 2021

Man Lynched For Allegedly Eating 3 Boiled Eggs At Event In Bengal

A man was beaten to death by members of a local club in the Kamarpukur area of West Bengal's Hooghly district allegedly for eating three boiled eggs during a social gathering, the police said on Saturday.

Second Phase of Electoral Roll Revision: Check Out Documents Needed for Registration

Among all these states and Union territories, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry will go for Assembly Elecftions in 2026.

Duration, frequency of Uttarakhand Assembly sessions among the lowest in country: Report

DEHRADUN: As Uttarakhand prepares to celebrate its Silver Jubilee year, a stark data-driven report released by the Dehradun-based advocacy group, SDC Foundation, has raised serious questions about the functioning of the State Assembly. The findings indicate that the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly is among the least active in the country, significantly trailing national averages. According to the analysis, while the Assemblies of 31 Indian states convened for an average of 20 days in 2024, Uttarakhands session lasted a mere 10 days. Furthermore, the total sitting duration in Uttarakhand amounted to only 60 hours, placing it 22nd out of 28 states analysed in terms of legislative activity. The SDC Foundations factsheet, titled Comparative Performance of Uttarakhand Assembly: Gaps and Challenges, relies on annual reports from PRS Legislative Research, a respected national body working on democratic governance. It is a matter of deep concern that both the frequency and duration of the Uttarakhand Assembly sessions are among the lowest in the country, Anoop Nautiyal, Founder of the SDC Foundation, told TNIE. The soul of democracy lies in accountability, and when our government and representatives meet barely a few days a year, it signals a severe crisis in governance and democratic responsibility. The data reveals a consistent pattern of low legislative engagement. In 2024, Odisha had sessions for 42 days, followed by Kerala (38 days) and West Bengal (36 days). However, Uttarakhand, alongside Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh, managed only 10 days of sittings, securing a joint position near the bottom of the ranking. This follows 2023 trend, wherein Uttarakhand held the lowest number of sessions nationally, meeting for only 7 days (44 total hours). Between 2017 and 2024, the Uttarakhand Assembly sat for an average of only 12 days annually, starkly contrasting with Keralas 44-day average or Odishas 40 days. Nautiyal emphasised that the Assembly exists not just as a formality but for legislative work, passing laws, and debating policy matters of public interest. The government often excuses itself by claiming there is no 'business' for the house, but the reality is that hundreds of issues in the state require policy and legislative intervention, he added. Nautiyal also questioned the governments decision to hold the upcoming special session on November 3 and 4 in Dehradun instead of Gairsain, suggesting the latter location would lend greater impact and legitimacy to the proceedings. Concluding his remarks, Nautiyal stated that Uttarakhand must transform from a state of celebration to a state of accountability and action. He stressed that the future role of the Assembly must be a platform for responsibility, not just ceremonial events.

As EC launches training for SIR, BLOs in Bengal protest over lack of official duty status, security cover

As the Election Commission of India (ECI) began the training programme for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal on Saturday for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, several participants pointed out flaws in the administrative and security arrangements during the sessions. A section of BLOs flagged the lack of transparency regarding their duty status and demanded formal recognition, proper documentation, and additional security measures. Teachers deputed as BLOs protested the decision of school authorities to mark them as absent in attendance registers during the training period. They insist that their participation in the BLO assignment be officially recorded as on duty. In addition, a large section of BLOs has demanded central security cover for both training and fieldwork, warning that they will abstain from duty unless safety measures are strengthened. At Nazrul Mancha, participants alleged that the EC failed to issue any valid proof of attendance or training documentation that could be presented at their respective departments. Similar protests were reported from the sub-divisional office (SDO) in Durgapur, where BLOs jointly demonstrated their grievances. The form we were given today does not mention any official reference to the BLO training. We cannot present this at our schools as proof of attendance. Earlier, proper documentation was provided. We demand similar certification for today as well, a teacher said. Another participant added, We are willing to work, but the Commission must provide us with proper documentation and security. Without these, we cannot continue. Some participants claimed that while earlier sessions included proper certification, the forms distributed on Saturday lacked any official mention of the training. A teacher remarked, Without an official certificate, we cannot prove in our schools that we were attending BLO training. Sources at the EC said central security deployment will not be provided during the training period. The commission further stated the state administration will be responsible for ensuring security, and also rejected the proposal to appoint two BLOs in larger booths. The training programme would be completed by November 3, with the start of the house-to-house enumeration the next day. From November 4 to December 4, BLOs will visit households to carry out voter verification and form-filling work. In all, 80,861 BLOs were trained for the SIR across the state today. They were trained on how to review enumeration forms, coordinate with voters, and upload info on the BLO app. The training was focused on acquainting BLOs with the technicalities and log-in systems of the app and handling the enumeration forms, an official said. Each BLO was being provided with a kit, including identity cards and a cap, the official added. The EC has issued a 16-point guideline for BLOs as part of the SIR exercise, and introduced a new mobile app to streamline field operations. On Friday, the Commission held training programmes of over 3,000 election registration officers (EROs), assistant EROs, and district election officers (DEOs) across the state. The EC would train Booth Level Agents (BLAs), representatives of political parties, on Sunday and Monday. The District Election Officers have been instructed to organise and complete the trainings of BLAs within November 3. If names are submitted later, additional trainings will be organised later, a senior official said. (With inputs from PTI)

Prashant Kishor Wants Name Deleted From Bengal Voter List Amid Row: Sources

Days after he was sent a notice to explain his name appearing in voter lists in two states, Jan Suraaj party founder Prashant Kishor has submitted an application for its deletion in West Bengal, Election Commission sources have said.

West Bengal SIR: Protests in Kolkata by a section of BLOs

In Bengal, Booth Level Officers are gathering to protest against the obligatory House-to-House training. They are calling for improved security measures and official 'on-duty' recognition to enable a focused approach to the SIR initiative. The BLOs express frustration over their attempts to balance teaching responsibilities during the day with demanding evening visits.

Right to Work is a Right to Life

As the apex court upholds the Calcutta High Courts order to resume the rural employment scheme in West Bengal while maintaining the right of the centre to keep probing irregularities, the judiciary has shown that governance cannot mean starvation as retribution. When the centre denies work and wages to the poorest for three years, it violates not just law, but humanity The post Right to Work is a Right to Life appeared first on India Legal .

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to hit the streets in Kolkata against SIR on November 4

Trinamool Congress has also sent a complaint to the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) West Bengal alleging that Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari has issued threats to Booth Level Officers (BLOs)

BJP MP's remark on removing border fences with Bangladesh sparks row in West Bengal

BJP Ranaghat MP Jagannath Sarkar can be heard saying that if the BJP wins the elections, then there will be no border fence with Bangladesh. Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has sought action against the BJP MP.

SIR sparks panic in West Bengal's Matua belt; BJP and TMC stare at losses

KOLKATA: As West Bengal braces for a fresh voter roll revision, panic, anger, and suspicion are rippling through the Matua heartland, leaving both the BJP and TMC cornered in their most crucial refugee bastion amid fears of mass disenfranchisement under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). For the Matuas, a Hindu refugee community with a decisive presence in over 40 assembly seats across the border districts of North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and parts of South 24 Parganas, the Election Commission's decision to conduct the first SIR since 2002 to remove duplicate, deceased, and ineligible voters has revived anxieties over identity and citizenship. Those not on the 2002 voter list must now furnish documents to prove eligibility. Thousands of Matuas have migrated from Bangladesh over decades, often without proper documentation, unsettling not only the community but also the TMC and BJP, long locked in a tug-of-war for their support. Union minister and Bongaon MP Shantanu Thakur, the BJP's most prominent Matua face, attempted to reassure them, saying, There is no need to worry if names of refugee Matuas are deleted. They will get Indian citizenship under the CAA. However, the statement failed to calm nerves. His aunt, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Bala Thakur, who leads a rival faction of the Matua 'first family', has called a meeting of community leaders at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district on 2 November to chart next steps. Names of Matuas will be deleted as many who arrived after 2002 lack documents and will lose voting rights. The Matuas have been voting for us after realising the BJPs citizenship jumla, she told PTI. BJP MLA Subrata Thakur, Shantanu's brother, said, Those who arrived between 2002 and 2025 wont be able to produce the required papers. If they apply under the CAA, we can appeal to retain their names, but there is no guarantee as the EC is an autonomous body. Subrata estimated that 3040 lakh refugees across the state may qualify under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, adding that the government is proceeding cautiously to ensure genuine victims of persecution get citizenship, not infiltrators or Rohingyas misusing the process. Most Matuas have Aadhaar and voter cards, but they fear these could become meaningless during the SIR exercise. If they apply for CAA, they will first be branded foreigners and lose voting rights. And in SIR, they will lose their voting rights anyway, said political analyst Suman Bhattacharya. Internal mapping suggests 2540 per cent of voters in assembly segments under Bongaon and Ranaghat Lok Sabha seats could be affected if Matuas fail to link their names to the 2002 rolls. In parts of Krishnanagar and Ranaghat, where Matua voters form nearly 60 per cent of the population, leaders are voicing similar concerns. The situation is one of confusion and anxiety. Both governments are talking, but neither is offering a clear solution, said Mahitosh Baidya, general secretary of the Matua Mahasangha. He accused both the Centre and state governments of confusing and misleading refugee Hindus. There is no clarity even for those who arrived before 2014. Suppose someone came in 2005 or 2013, they dont have names in the 2002 voter list. Those who arrived after 31 December 2014 cant even apply under the CAA. What will they do? Baidya said that while around 400500 citizenship certificates have been issued in North 24 Parganas, the number is negligible compared to an estimated one crore eligible applicants. Even after decades, Matuas are still waiting for something as basic as certainty, the certainty of belonging to the land they have lived in for generations, he added. Even within the BJP, cracks are visible. A CAA camp organised by the party in Kalyani was recently vandalised, allegedly by a rival faction. Matua leader and BJP MP Asim Sarkar warned the party could face a backlash. Nearly 15 lakh Matua and refugee people, who voted earlier, may lose their rights this time. Around 10 lakh of them voted for us, and others voted for TMC. The TMC that spread canards against CAA, stopping refugees from applying for it, must answer, he said. While the TMC has publicly opposed the SIR, it remains wary of losing further ground in Matua-majority areas such as Bongaon, Gaighata, Swarupnagar, Ashoknagar, and Krishnanagar assembly seats, where the BJP made deep inroads in 2019 and 2021. The SIR is unnecessary harassment of genuine citizens. People who have been voting for decades will now have to prove they are citizens. Were reaching out to Matua families to assure them that the state will protect their rights, said TMC leader Biswajit Das. The BJP has also launched a massive outreach campaign, holding 1,000 CAA camps across border districts, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Cooch Behar, and Uttar Dinajpur. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said, No Hindu refugee will be left behind. The TMC has spread misinformation about the CAA for years. Party insiders noted that these four districts alone accounted for over half of the 77 assembly seats BJP won in 2021. The strategy is to reassure refugees that even if their names are removed during SIR, they can reclaim rights under CAA and later return to the voter list. However, Das countered, You cant first erase someones name from the voter list and then promise to restore it through another law. Thats not reassurance; thats recycling uncertainty.

No bail for man who brought 400 Bangladeshis into Bengaluru

BENGALURU: A city court refused to grant anticipatory bail to Alauddin, who has allegedly brought more than 400 Bangladeshi nationals illegally into Bengaluru, and facilitated their settlement. Judge Shirin Javeed Ansari, 69th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court, passed the order, rejecting the anticipatory bail application filed by Alauddin (45), residing in Electronics City in Bengaluru. The court noted that the petitioner had brought more than 400 Bangladeshi nationals illegally into Bengaluru and facilitated their settlement. If proved, this is not only a grave statutory violation, but also an act prejudicial to the safety and sovereignty of the State. The offence, under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, is cognizable and non-bailable, with the objective of protecting the territorial and demographic integrity of the country. Grant of pre-arrest bail in such cases may dilute the law and hamper the investigative process, the court observed. The court said evidence points towards potential acts of national infiltration and impersonation. Releasing the petitioner on anticipatory bail would be against the interests of justice and security of the state. The apex court has categorically held that in cases where national integrity, illegal immigration and cross-border infiltration are involved, courts must exercise restraint while invoking discretionary powers for anticipatory bail, the court added. The special public prosecutor filed objections, stating that the applicant has two identity documents -- an Aadhaar card issued in India in the name of Alauddin bin Abdul Latif and another a National ID card issued by the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh in the name of Alladin Howladhr. These have a different date of birth and spelling. He is in contact with several Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in India, and has facilitated the entry of over 400 illegal migrants from Bangladesh. He has been using international communication applications such as IMO to contact persons in Bangladesh, and his CDR details indicate frequent communication with foreign nationals illegally residing in India, the prosecutor pleaded. Independent allegations Seeking anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest by CCB police, in connection with offences under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act and Sections 6 and 12 of the Passport Act, Alauddin claimed he is a bona fide Indian national, originally from West Bengal, residing in Bengaluru and working as a mason. He is being repeatedly called for an inquiry by CCB police and Bannerghatta police on suspicion of being an illegal Bangladeshi migrant. A similar FIR was registered in 2019 by the Gautam Budh Nagar police station in Uttar Pradesh, and he was granted bail. The court said it appears the Karnataka police are taking action in connection with independent allegations arising within this jurisdiction, particularly in Bengaluru.

Petition in Calcutta HC seeks court-monitored SIR

A petition has been filed in the Calcutta High Court seeking a court-monitored Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal. The court has admitted the plea and is considering extending the revision period. The petitioner wants the Election Commission of India to explain the necessity of the exercise.

Help Desks, Hitting The Streets: How Trinamool Plans To Tackle Bengal SIR

In a bid to ensure that no genuine voter is left out of the voter list after the SIR in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress has said it will set up area-wise help desks from Tuesday, when the Booth Level Officers will begin visiting homes.

Trinamool and BJP trade charges of threatening BLOs in West Bengal

This comes amid many BLOs in the State refusing to work citing threats and BLO associations asking for added securityto carry out the SIR process

Video: Bengal cop faces outrage over remarks on women drinking

A senior police officer from West Bengal has sparked controversy over remarks suggesting that women drinking alcohol during festivals are harming society. Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Laltu Haidar, from Ranaghat Police District, made the comments while addressing a meeting with Jagaddharti Puja organisers. The festival, dedicated to Goddess Jagaddharti, who is believed to sustain Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Check List Of School Holidays In November 2025

Cyclone Montha has led to school closures in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and West Bengal, affecting millions and causing significant damage.

WBCHSE WB HS Semester 3 Result 2025 declared at result.wb.gov.in; how to download West Bengal 12th result scorecard PDF

West Bengal Class 12th Result: Students can download WBCHSE HS 3rd semester result through the official website- result.wb.gov.in. WBCHSE Uchha Madhyamik third-semester exam was conducted between September 8 and 22.

Bengal Cops To Get AI Cell To Enhance Efficiency, Transparency

The Director General of Police of West Bengal, Rajeev Kumar, has issued an order to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cell in the police department with the aim of enhancing efficiency, transparency, and service quality.

WBCHSE HS Result 2025 Declared: West Bengal 12th Result Link at result.wb.gov.in; scorecards available from 2 PM

WB HS Result 2025 Out: The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education has declared the WB HS Semester 3 Result 2026. Students can check their scores and download marksheets from the official website starting at 2 PM today. The results were announced at a press conference. This marks a significant milestone for students awaiting their academic progress.

Stray Dogs Case: No Respect for Court's Order; Chief Secretaries to Appear Physically: SC

While hearing the stray dogs matter on October 27, the top court had directed the chief secretaries of all the states, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it on November 3 to explain why compliance affidavits were not filed despite the court's August 22 order

Stray dogs case: No respect for court's order; chief secretaries to appear physically, says SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to accept the request of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that chief secretaries of states, except West Bengal and Telangana, be allowed to appear virtually before the court on November 3 in the stray dogs case. Mehta mentioned the matter before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, which made it clear that the chief secretaries will have to appear physically before the court on November 3. When we require them to come and file compliance affidavit, they are just sleeping over it. No respect for the order of the court. Then alright, Let them come, Justice Nath said. Mehta urged the bench that instead of appearing physically, the chief secretaries be allowed to appear before the court virtually. While hearing the stray dogs matter on October 27, t he top court had directed the chief secretaries of all the states, except West Bengal and Telangana, to remain present before it on November 3 to explain why compliance affidavits were not filed despite the court's August 22 order. On August 22, the apex court expanded the scope of the stray dogs case beyond the confines of Delhi-National Capital Region, and directed that all states and UTs be made parties in the matter. It had directed the municipal authorities to file an affidavit of compliance with complete statistics of resources like dog pounds, veterinarians, dog-catching personnel, and specially-modified vehicles and cages available as on date for the purpose of compliance of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The bench had also impleaded the states and UTs in the matter while observing that application of ABC Rules was uniform all over India. The apex court is hearing a suo motu case which was initiated on July 28 over a media report on stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children, in the national capital.

Three die as car falls into ditch in Darjeeling hills

KOLKATA: At least three persons were killed and five others injured when a vehicle rolled into a ditch on way to Kurseong from Darjeeling in West Bengal, a senior police officer said Friday. The accident occurred in the hills on Thursday night when the driver failed to negotiate a sharp bend. While two persons died on the spot, another succumbed later. The injured are being treated in a hospital, the officer said. The hill region was lashed by rain on Thursday, and the Met Office predicted heavy showers in some pockets on October 31. A probe is underway to ascertain factors behind the accident, the officer said.

'Society Heading Towards Ruin': Bengal Cop's Controversial Remark On Women Consuming Alcohol

West Bengal ASP Laltu Halder, in a controversial remark, has said he felt ashamed to see women drinking alcohol, calling it a sign of moral decline.

Today weather forecast: IMD issues heavy rainfall alert for Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and Madhya Pradesh. Check full list

Weather today: India braces for widespread rain and thunderstorms until November 2, driven by two significant weather systems. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in several regions, including Sikkim and West Bengal, with Gujarat also facing strong winds and lightning. Other areas like Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of the Northeast will experience moderate to heavy showers.

Mamata urges people not to get provoked by SIR, says no legitimate citizen will be left out

The West Bengal Chief Minister who had dubbed the SIR as National Register of Citizens through back door, reiterated that her government will not allow NRC to be implemented in Bengal neither through the front door, nor through the back door

Chargesheet submitted in gang-rape of medical college student in West Bengals Durgapur

The chargesheet comes after 20 days of the horrific crime; charges have been pressed against the six accused for rape, gangrape, extortion, dacoity among other sections of BNS

Kin of a 2nd West Bengal man claim suicide due to 'SIR fears'

All 143 Bengal BLOs report for duty after EC ultimatum; WB CEO site logs one crore hits, adds features to manage surge in SIR load

All 143 block-level officers have resumed their duties. SIR-related camps are now underway in Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, and Darjeeling. The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's website has seen one crore hits. Special steps are being urged for former enclave residents to ensure their voting rights.

Bihar polls: ECI reviews security in inter-State borders to ensure fair, peaceful voting

NEW DELHI: To ensure free and fair voting for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections on November 6 and 11, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday reviewed the prevailing security situation in the state. It directed senior officials in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal to ensure heightened vigilance in areas bordering the poll-bound state with enhanced checks to monitor movement of people, materials and money, including arms, anti-social elements, liquor, narcotics and freebies from across the international border with Nepal. The officials said that the Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar gave the direction at a coordination meeting on inter-State border issues in Bihar held with the Chief Secretaries, DGPs and Principal Secretaries (Home) of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, along with officers from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railways and all other enforcement agencies. CEC Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, reviewed law-and-order arrangements in Bihar and its neighbouring states to monitor movement of people, materials and money, including arms, anti-social elements, liquor, narcotics and freebies also from across the international border with Nepal, they said. A special focus was placed on bordering districts and sealing of borders to maintain peace and order, the officials said. During the meeting, Kumar underscored the Commissions commitment to free, fair, peaceful and inducement-free elections, calling upon all stakeholders to work seamlessly to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, a senior ECI official said. The Commission also reviewed compliance with voter-facilitation directions to ensure a pleasant and smooth experience for voters on the day of polling. The Chief Secretaries and DGPs, along with heads of central agencies, were directed to ensure a peaceful and inducement-free election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar. The Chief Secretaries and the DGs of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were instructed to ensure heightened vigilance in areas bordering Bihar, with enhanced checks at inter-State posts. Central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Income Tax Department, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), were directed to intensify efforts in the run-up to the polls and maximise seizures, acting upon intelligence.

Sightings of 'shadowy figure' trigger panic among security guards in Bengal assembly

KOLKATA: An unusual scare has gripped the security personnel at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly after reports of a shadowy figure being seen on the premises at night, sources said. Several guards have allegedly expressed reluctance to take up night duty following the incident. According to the sources, night shifts were recently introduced as part of enhanced safety measures. However, some guards claimed to have seen the shadow of a young girl while on duty, leading to panic among the staff, a source said. The matter has reportedly been brought to the notice of Speaker Biman Banerjee, who confirmed being informed about the guards' concerns. It's a vast building, and it's natural for people to feel anxious when only a few are on duty at night. It could be psychological pressure. Whether it's something supernatural, I cannot say, Banerjee said. Officials at the Assembly said that while the latest fears have caused some unease, the authenticity of the reported sightings remains unverified.

Kochi set for a grand 10-day fest of books and ideas

The city is set for one of its grandest literary events the Kochi International Book Festival, a 10-day celebration of literature, art, and ideas that will cover a wide array of subjects ranging from renaissance to terrorism. Organised by the Kerala International Book Fair (KIBF), the festival will be held from November 1 to 10 at the Ernakulathappan Ground. This 28th edition promises a vibrant confluence of literature, culture, and dialogue, featuring distinguished writers, artists, academics, and performers. The festival will be inaugurated by the Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, along with the West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, who will receive the Malayalaratnam Puraskaram for Book of the Year. The inaugural session will also see the release of 14 of Ananda Boses works in an event with former Union minister and noted journalist M J Akbar and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan among the dignitaries. The opening day will include a session titled Mahakavi Akkitham @ 100, commemorating the Jnanpith laureates centenary, followed by a discussion titled Defence More Insights led by military veterans and scholars, and a musical tribute to Mahakavi Ulloors Premasangeetham. French author Claire Le Micheal will engage in a cross-cultural conversation with Chettoor Lakshmi Sreekumar on the same day. This year's theme is about how books are linked to every aspect of our lives. Proving this link, we have seminars on the environment, and we will also have a talk on food and health by Chef Nalan.The festival will have around 265 stalks and have over 200 publishers present. Around 50 books will be released at the festival this time, says E N Nandakumar, president of the festival. The following days will bring a wide range of engaging events, including a Kendra Sahitya Akademi symposium on Tradition and Modernity in Malayalam Poetry and literary competitions for young talents. The evening of November 2 will feature a session honouring renowned Malayalam lyricist I S Kundoor, chaired by Justice R Bhaskaran. Environmental awareness will take centre stage on November 5, with a seminar led by experts from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies and the Cochin University of Science and Technology. Another major highlight, Kochi Literature Festival, will be inaugurated by filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan on November 6. The day will also feature a conversation with former bureaucrat and poet K Jayakumar, and an interactive film session with director Lal Jose and sound engineer M R Rajakrishnan. On 7 November, Pathinettu June Oru Krantiyathra, the Malayalam translation of the noted Konkani work Athara June Ek Kranthiyatra by freedom fighter and writer Laxmidas Borkar, will be released. The session will be inaugurated by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, making the festival a unique event that will mark the presence of three Governors, informs E N Nandakumar. On the same day, Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu will present the Balamani Amma Award to M M Basheer, acclaimed literary critic and former head of the Malayalam department at the University of Calicut. Basheer, who has authored over 50 works including poetry and short stories, will be honoured for his significant contribution to Malayalam literature. The evening will conclude with a musical performance and a tribute to M T Vasudevan Nair. The concluding days will feature lively discussions on education, civil service, and the centenary of the communist movement in India. The festival will draw to a close on November 10 with the Madambu Kunjukuttan Puraskara Sabha and the Bahubhasha Sahithyakara Sangamam, which will bring together writers. At a Glance When: November 1 to 10 Venue: Ernakulathappan Ground, Kochi Timings: 10 am to 8.30 pm. Highlights: Book releases, cultural evenings, literary seminars, workshops, awards, and tributes Inauguration : 11 am, November 1 by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel & West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose Kochi Literature Festival: November 6 to 10, inauguration by Adoor Gopalakrishnan Closing Ceremony: November 10 Madambu Kunjukuttan Puraskara Sabha and multilingual literary meet