Land grab probe: Custodial interrogation of Abhishek Banerjees PA needed, West Bengal tells SC
The Supreme Court is hearing Mr. Roy's plea challenging a August 3 order of the Calcutta High Court denying him pre-arrest bail in the Salboni case
BJP received Rs 1472.8 cr, spent Rs 160 cr on 3 state polls: EC
The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) central headquarters received a total of Rs 1,472.8 crore ahead of the last round of assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission (EC). The inflow pushed the partys closing balance to Rs 7,627.2 crore by the time 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 .
Temporary closure notices issued to 919 hotels, guest houses over safety violations in Kolkata
As many as 919 hotels and guest houses in Kolkata have been served temporary closure notices for failing to meet mandatory fire safety requirements, officials said. The action follows an extensive inspection drive launched after a deadly guest house fire exposed serious safety concerns in the city. Joint inspection teams comprising officials from the West Bengal Fire Services, Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police have so far examined around 960 hotels and guest houses across Kolkata. Of these, only 41 establishments were found to have complied with the required fire safety measures, while the remaining 919 were issued notices directing them to temporarily shut operations until they meet the prescribed safety standards, officials said.
Land grab probe: Custodial interrogation of Abhishek Banerjee's PA needed, WB tells SC
The West Bengal government seeks custodial interrogation of Sumit Roy in a land grab case. Huge cash deposits were made by Roy into a bank account, the state informed the court. Roy has been evasive during the ongoing investigation, according to the Solicitor General. The Supreme Court directed the probe agency to produce relevant bank transaction records.
Justice RV Ghuge sworn in as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court
Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, formally taking charge as the head of one of the countrys oldest High Courts. West Bengal Governor R N Ravi administered the oath of office to Justice Ghuge at a ceremony held in Court Room 1, the [] The post Justice RV Ghuge sworn in as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court appeared first on India Legal .
Bengal health department issues stricter guidelines on patients referrals
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sept 9 (IANS): West Bengal health department has made patients referral rules stricter for state-run medical entities, in an attempt to eliminate the age-old menace of referring even the most critical patients coming for admissions to other hospitals. Insiders from the state health department said that after reviewing the critical care units of all the state-run medical establishments, the department had issued a set of fresh guidelines as regards to patients referrals. The first and most important guideline is that no state-run medical establishment should immediately refer any critical patients to other hospitals. The medical establishment concerned should first stabilize the condition of the critical patient and then only refer that patient to any other hospital and that too if absolutely necessary, said a state health department official. The second important guideline on patients referral, according to the official, is the detailed procedure for referral on a case-to-case basis. Before referring a critical patient elsewhere, the critical care unit of the hospital should inform the deputy superintendent or the assistant superintendent of the hospital about the referral decision. The deputy superintendent or the assistant superintendent will then contact the integrated control room at Swasthya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters in Kolkata. It should be ensured that there is a critical care bed at the place where the referral is being made, the health department official. At the same time, he said, such referrals should be restricted in extreme emergency cases where the patients family insist on such referrals. According to him, besides eliminating the age-old disease of unnecessary referrals, the new guidelines will also ensure maximum utilization of critical care units in all state-run medical establishments in the state. Recently, the state health department reviewed its Critical Care Management Information System (CCMIS), where details of all the critical care units in all state-run medical establishments need to be uploaded. Following the review of the portal, it came to the notice of the state health department that the existing critical care unit infrastructure in many state-rune medical establishments were not utilized up to the optimum level. In such a situation, the state health department official said, the new and stricter referral guidelines had been issued. Guidelines have also been set for the critical care units in all state-run medical establishments. Review meetings will have to be held every week to review the condition of the critical care units of all medical establishments. Each critical care unit or intensive care unit will have a specialist doctor with a postgraduate degree, said the department officials. At the same time, he added that there had been frequent cases of infection spreading from critical care units. The health department has set specific 'guidelines' to prevent it, where the infection control nurse of each hospital has been instructed to regularly monitor the infection control status in CCUs.
Two arrested over lynching of man in West Bengal's Howrah on theft suspicion
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) The West Bengal Police have arrested two people in connection with the alleged lynching of a man on suspicion of theft and an attempt to move his body to another location, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. The incident took place in the Liluah area of Howrah district late Tuesday night. The arrests were made in the early hours of Wednesday. According to the police, the deceased was identified as Rajkumar Chauhan, 43, a resident of Uttarpara in neighbouring Hooghly district. The police said Chauhan allegedly entered a factory in an area adjacent to the Liluah police station on Tuesday night. Local residents claimed that he had entered the factory with the intention of stealing and was allegedly caught inside the premises. He was then allegedly assaulted by a group of people. The police suspect that Chauhan died as a result of the severe attack on him. According to the police, an attempt was subsequently made to move the body to another location, allegedly to conceal the crime. After receiving information about the incident, officers from Liluah police station reached the spot and began an investigation. Following a preliminary inquiry, police arrested two youths, identified as Shubhjit Patel and Sumit Paswan, in connection with the incident. Howrah City Police Commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi also visited the spot. Speaking to media persons, Chaturvedi said a murder case had been registered against the accused. Two people have already been arrested. The reason behind the incident is being investigated, he said. A forensic team is expected to visit the site to collect further evidence. The body has been sent for an autopsy. The police said the exact circumstances surrounding Chauhan's death would become clearer after the forensic examination and autopsy reports are received. The incident created tension in the locality. Residents alleged that thefts from factory premises in Howrah and Hooghly districts are common, with equipment and other materials frequently reported missing. However, locals said such an alleged lynching on suspicion of theft was unprecedented in the Liluah area. They demanded strict action against all those involved in the violence.
Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge takes oath as 45th Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge took the oath as the 45th Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court during a formal ceremony held on the court premises here on Wednesday. West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi administered the oath of office to Justice Ghuge in the presence of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, and senior members of the state cabinet. Former and serving judges of various High Courts also attended the oath-taking ceremony. The appointment fills the permanent vacancy created after the retirement of former Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, during which Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty managed the judicial duties of the High Court. There was a demand for the appointment of a permanent Chief Justice for the Calcutta High Court. In the meantime, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, made recommendations in this regard. The Supreme Court Collegium recommended his elevation as the permanent Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on August 6, and his appointment was cleared by the government on September 5. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said on X Handle that the President, in consultation with the Chief Justice, has given his consent to Justice Ghuges appointment as the new Calcutta High Court Chief Justice under the powers granted by the Indian Constitution. Justice Ghuge started his legal career as an advocate in 1990. He has appeared in more than 2,000 cases, a majority of them representing labour unions. Over the years, he has also represented several industrial organisations and multinational companies. He also served as a contributory professor for the PG LL.M course at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) from 2005 to 2008. Justice Ghuge had also served as secretary of the Bar Association of Industrial Lawyers, Aurangabad for five years, as well as its president from July 2010 to December 2011. His judicial career began in June 2013, with his appointment as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court. He became a permanent judge there in March 2016. He was appointed the Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court in June 2026.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will lead a 'Gerua Sanman Yatra' (saffron pride walk) in South Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon to protest against anti-national slogans and graffiti on the Jadavpur University (JU) campus. Adhikari has repeatedly said he is determined to curb what he describes as anti-national activities on the university campus. He has also blamed the previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments in West Bengal for allegedly allowing forces with such mindsets to flourish within JU. The Chief Minister had last month participated in a programme at the university on Raksha Bandhan, where around 10,000 people sang the full version of Vande Mataram. He will now lead another major public rally focusing on the same issue. The Gerua Sanman Yatra is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. from Golpark Crossing in South Kolkata and conclude at the 8B Bus Stand Crossing, near the JU campus. Adhikari is expected to lead the procession throughout its route. As part of the arrangements, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road will be temporarily closed to traffic during the procession. The JU authorities have also decided to keep four of the universitys main gates closed from 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Gate No. 1 will remain open for the entry and exit of students, faculty members, and other university staff. The university authorities have not stated the specific reason for closing the gates. However, the decision is widely seen as a precautionary measure amid apprehensions of possible disturbances inside or outside the campus during the rally. The Kolkata Police have also put in place extensive security arrangements, both to protect the Chief Minister and to prevent any untoward incident during the procession. Tension had escalated at JU last month following a general body meeting, with clashes breaking out between activists of the CPI(M)s student wing, the Students Federation of India (SFI), and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The confrontation triggered protests by both student groups and led to further unrest on the campus. Subsequently, the BJP organised a protest meeting outside the university, which was addressed by Adhikari.
'Not my wife, daughter': Bengal man kills 2, chops bodies, packs them in sacks, dumps in river
Bageshwar Baba faces police complaint in Kolkata over remarks on Bengali identity and food habits
A Congress leader filed a police complaint against Dhirendra Shastri for his remarks. Shastri's comments on Bengali identity and food practices have caused controversy. He questioned the consumption of non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja celebrations. West Bengal BJP leaders and ministers stated meat and fish are part of Bengali culture. The Congress leader demanded an apology and police action against Shastri.
Congress Files FIR Against Dhirendra Shastri in West Bengal: Dilip Ghosh Responds
The Congress party in West Bengal has lodged an FIR against Dhirendra Shastri, prompting a response from Minister Dilip Ghosh. Congress Files FIR Against Dhirendra Shastri in West Bengal: Dilip Ghosh Responds
J&K medical interns end 8-day strike
Srinagar, Sep 8:Eight days after launching their strike over the long-pending demand for enhancement of their stipend, the J&K medical interns today agreed to resume duties after government assurance that the issue would be fixed within 30 days.On August 31, the MBBS interns from across J&K Government Medical Colleges had intensified their agitation over the long-pending demand for revision of their stipend. They protested in the form of sit-ins, exhibited banners and placards and spoke about how their stipend was too low to meet basic needs. The agitation entered a hunger-strike phase as they pressed the government to issue a written order for stipend enhancement.According to the record note of meetings held on September 4 and September 8 (mentioned in official document as September 9) between Health and Medical Education Minister SakeenaItoo and a delegation of medical interns, the government has decided that the matter will be finalized within a period of 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Constituted, and keeping in view the legitimate interests and concerns of the medical interns. The note has stated that the medical interns have agreed to call off the strike and resume their duties, in the larger interest of patientcare and safeguard their academic and professional interests.The meetings, the official note issued from the Personal Section of the Health Minister, have said, were attended by representatives of the medical interns, including the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar and the Deputy Director Planning representing the Director Health Services Kashmir. The delegation raised concerns over the existing stipend structure and pressed for a suitable revision. It had also cited the nature of their duties, workload and responsibilities in the healthcare system.The note states that during the deliberations, the Minister assured the interns that their concerns were receiving due consideration. They were informed that the formation of the committee itself was a proof of the seriousness of the government to examine the issue comprehensively. The agitation had raised concerns over its impact on routine hospital services and patient care.The demand for enhancement of the stipend of medical and dental interns has been pending for seven years in J&K. The interns have repeatedly been seeking a revision in view of the nature of their duties, long working hours and the responsibilities they shoulder in government hospitals.The monthly payment has remained unchanged at Rs 12,300 despite repeated representations and protests. The issue had, reached the government level in 2023, when the Health and Medical Education Department constituted a committee under Government Order No 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023. The committee was tasked to examine enhancement of the stipend.It subsequently recommended increasing the stipend to Rs 25,000 a month. The recommendation remained unimplemented for years. This year in February, the government told the Legislative Assembly that the proposal was under consideration of the Finance Department. The Health Minister has many a times reiterated that the file for revision of stipend has been pending with the Finance Department.The agitation on Monday drew intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said the issue should be resolved at the earliest. He made it clear that the decision of stipend enhancement rested with the Health Department. The CM said the prolonged dispute was affecting the interns work and internship and was not in anyones interest. Its sad. The matter shouldnt have come to this. This is a matter of the Health Department. Until the department takes a decision, no other department can do anything, he said.The disparity with other states has been a key point of contention J&K MBBS interns. J&K currently pays Rs 12,300 a month while interns in several states receive Rs 25,000 or more. It is Rs 44,319 in Odisha, Rs 43,099 in West Bengal and Rs 35,000 in Assam.
Assam Seeks West Bengals Help to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home
Assams Chief Minister requests West Bengals support to acquire and preserve Bhupen Hazarikas iconic residence in Kolkata. Assam Seeks West Bengals Help to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home
SC settles 3-decade-old shareholding dispute in favour of Peerless
Organisers, caterers pray to Devi: Clear puja food cloud ASAP
Water jets, workers at ghats: KMC mulls crane alternatives
All in a day: Sundarbans tiger attack victim, Hooghly deceased set to save multiple lives
Dhirendra Shastri on Bengal politicians' radar for 'Pakhandi', 'Ganda Khana' comment
Controversy erupted in West Bengal over remarks by Bageshwar Dham priest Dhirendra Shastri, who allegedly called Bengalis pakhandis over non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Congress leaders filed police complaints seeking action, while BJP leaders defended Bengals tradition of eating fish and meat, particularly goat meat, during the festival.
Assam Government Seeks Support to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home in Kolkata
Assams Chief Minister requests West Bengals help to preserve Bhupen Hazarikas home, a site of significant cultural heritage. Assam Government Seeks Support to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home in Kolkata
Calcutta High Court allows advocate to retrieve briefs
Calcutta HC warns of lifting interim stay on demolition of Abhishek Banerjee's Amtala party office
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday cautioned that the interim stay on the demolition of the party office of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, at Amtala in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The single-judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh gave this caution after being displeased by repeated seeking for further dates by Abhishek Banerjee's counsel for presenting arguments in the matter. Justice Ghosh also cautioned the Trinamool Congress General Secretary's counsel on the matter. The hearing of the case related to the demolition of the office in Amtala was held on Tuesday. In this court hearing, the counsel of Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banewrjee, asked for time. Justice Ghosh expressed her dissatisfaction with Abhishek Banerjee seeking time in the matter. Thereafter, Justice Ghosh said the next hearing in the matter will be held on September 22 and if on that date Abhishek Banerjee's counsel would not come prepared for argument, the period of the interim stay will not be extended. A person named Sushant Mondal had filed a complaint on May 17 alleging that Abhishek Banerjee's office in Amtala was illegally constructed. The state administration took action in response to that complaint. A part of the Amtala office was demolished on July 18. The demolition work began again on July 19. The Calcutta High Court, which observed a holiday on Sunday, issued a stay order. The office was registered in the name of a corporate entity Leaps & Bounds Private Limited, which is linked to the Banerjee family. The notice sent by the administration was also in the name of that organisation. The Trinamool Congress faction led by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee had accused the administration of beginning the demolition work without serving prior notice in the matter. It also accused the administration of not providing any information about the basis of which the action was being taken. The faction also alleged that the demolition of the office began without giving any opportunity to speak. The court, considering the arguments of both parties, ordered an interim stay on the demolition of the office.
Man duped of Rs 4 lakh with New Zealand job promise
100 ganja packets, two improvised pistols seized
Train diversions, cancellations to end before puja
Youth arrested after underage wife gives birth
Beyond the podium: Exploring new frontiers
Bolpur man regains mobility after rare ankle replacement operation
No contradiction between respect to Ma Durga and our creative freedom: Theme artists
Clean up vacant plots or get ready to pay fine: Minister Agnimitra Paul
Assam govt plans museum where Bhupen Hazarikas timeless songs came alive
Intense spell pounds north, east Kolkata; south escapes with light rain
Kol to get a sanatani mayor soon, says Sukanta
Following strong reactions to the advice of Bageshwar Baba to not sell non-vegetarian food near the idols during Durga Puja, Ministers of the West Bengal government and veteran party leaders support Samik Bhattacharya in rejecting the self-styled godmans advice
Centre approves Rs 1,043cr for six Bengal road projects
Jalpaiguri school headmaster assaulted after students allege beating
2.5 lakh marooned as Ganga breaches danger mark in Malda
Jadavpur road to turn single-lane, varsity to close 4 out of 5 gates
Camac St ruckus: Derek OBrien questioned by cops again, this time for 6 hours
Kolkata food safety drive: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation suspended the food licences of 40 establishments after inspections revealed several hygiene violations. Rotten food, cockroaches and rats were found at several establishments during the drive. Officials also destroyed more than 1,200 kg of non-conforming food items. The licence suspensions are temporary and will initially remain in place for two weeks. Similar food safety drives were also conducted across West Bengal.
Bageshwar Babas Durga Puja Meat Remark Sparks Congress Complaint, BJP Also Rejects His Appeal
A political and cultural controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri appealed to Bengalis to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja and called those eating meat on religious occasions hypocrites. The Congress has filed a police complaint, alleging his remarks could create disharmony and seeking an FIR and action. Interestingly, BJP West Bengal chief Samik Bhattacharya has also rejected Shastris appeal, defending Bengali food traditions. With Durga Puja approaching from October 16-20, the controversy has sparked a wider debate over food, faith and cultural identity.
Big pujas forgo govt grant after CM appeal
Politics over Baba address refuses to die down, Cong lodges plaint
GTA placed under administrator, CM warns of action against corruption in Hills body
Man arrested from West Bengal for Attappady double murder
Provath Das has reportedly confessed to killing the woman and child. He says they were not his wife and child and he had known them for only two months
Dhirendra Shastri vs Bengal Traditions: Congress Demands Action Over Durga Puja Remarks
A war of words erupted in West Bengal ahead of Durga Puja after Bageshwar Dham priest Dhirendra Shastri faced severe backlash from Congress and sharp criticism from political rivals for discouraging people from eating fish and meat on the occasion. Speaking
BJP, VHP welcome Bengal's Ashtami 'dry day' decision, Cong says attempt to divert attention
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday welcomed the West Bengal government's announcement of a complete ban on liquor sales across the state on 'Maha Ashtami' during the Durga Puja festival, while the Congress called it an attempt by the ruling government to divert attention from issues like lawlessness. Earlier, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that since the festival is the state's religious tradition, liquor will not be available even in the pubs and bars on October 19, Maha Ashtami. Speaking to IANS, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar said: During the puja period, we need to exercise a bit of restraint because it is, after all, a sacred ritual. Therefore, the government has made a rule declaring a one-day 'dry day', especially on Ashtami as everyone offers floral tributes to the Goddess on that day. The Vishva Hindu Parishad National Spokesperson Shriraj Nair also welcomed the move, saying: This was the demand of the Hindu community. The previous Trinamool Congress and Left governments had crushed the Hindu sentiments. Moreover, he accused the previous Bengal governments of turning the Hindu festival of Durga Puja into a means of entertainment. Accusing former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to forcefully make Durga Puja a secular festival, he said: Crushing the Hindu sentiments and insulting traditions and seers were normal during the earlier regime. Last year, Banerjee drew criticism after a Trinamool Congress leader sang a song referencing the Kaaba and Medina inside a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal while she clapped along. Nair added: Now a government which respects religious sentiments and traditions has come to power...nobody should have a problem with closing of liquor shops for one day. Backing the decision, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi said: Durga Puja is the soul of Bengal. People from across the country visit Bengal for Durga Puja. The dignity of the festival is not enhanced by alcohol and noise. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said: Just as the food should be pure, the environment should also be free from intoxicants. If people consume or use intoxicants, or drink alcohol during the time of worship, it could disrupt the arrangements. How will the police be able to manage such a large crowd? Therefore, some kind of restriction or regulation is necessary. However, Congress MP Imran Masood said that if such decisions are taken to target Muslims, he community comprises of only 14 per cent of the country's population while 82 per cent of the population are non-vegetarians. Congress leader Rakesh Sinha questioned, whether the move is only symbolic? Further, he accused BJP of diverting attention from real issues under the garb of religion. In Bengal, the Opposition MPs as well as their party offices are not safe. Despite this the administration is silent. This means there is prevalence of 'Jungle Raj' in Bengal...so in order to divert attention from such issues, these topics are being brought in, he told IANS.
19 child labourers rescued from Bengalurus Yeshwanthpur APMC market after CM Shivakumar's visit
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 8 (IANS) As many as 19 child labourers, including children from Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka, were rescued from shops at the APMC Market in Yeshwanthpur following directions from Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday. The operation was launched after the Chief Minister visited the APMC Market within the limits of RMC Yard Police Station this morning and interacted with farmers, labourers and traders. During his visit, members of the public brought to his notice that children were allegedly being employed at some shops. Following the Chief Ministers directions, five special teams comprising Assistant Commissioners of Police, Police Inspectors of the North Division and Labour Inspectors were formed under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Division, to conduct an operation at the market. The teams subsequently rescued 19 child labourers from the APMC Market. Of them, 13 were from Bihar, including 12 boys and one girl; two were from West Bengal; two from Uttar Pradesh; and one each from Rajasthan and Karnataka. Police said four cases have been registered at RMC Yard Police Station against shop owners who allegedly employed child labourers. The cases have been filed under provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. Further investigation is underway. In addition, five cases have been registered against shop owners under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and investigations have been taken up. Separately, 10 children found working on the roadside were also rescued and produced before the Child Welfare Committee, Bengaluru, for further necessary action. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, IPS, and Joint Commissioner of Police (West) C. Vamshi Krishna, IPS. It was led by DCP, North Division, B.S. Nemagouda, IPS, with the assistance of Yeshwanthpur Sub-Division ACP Renuka Prasad B.Y., eight police inspectors, seven labour inspectors and other police personnel. The police said the operation was aimed at preventing the employment of children and ensuring their safety and rehabilitation. CM D.K. Shivakumar had earlier directed the police to arrest, by the evening, those who employed children and those who sent them to work. He warned that if immediate action was not taken, the concerned Circle Inspector, Dy SP, ACP and DCP, along with other police officials, would be suspended.
West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya defended Bengali food habits, saying people cannot be told to give up fish and meat, and cited Swami Vivekananda's reference to mutton being offered to Goddess Kali.
Trinamool remains absent from all-party meeting on Nandigram bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS) As Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal is heading for bypolls on October 6, the Trinamool Congress failed to send any representative to an all-party meeting on the forthcoming bye-elections convened on Tuesday by the East Midnapore District Magistrate, Niranjan Kumar. With the dates for the bypolls at Nandigram Assembly Constituency being announced on Monday, Kumar convened a district-level all-party meeting to discuss how the polls could be conducted peacefully. However, despite all major political parties in the state having sent their representatives at the all-party meeting, there was no representation from Trinamool Congress, which had ruled West Bengal for 15 years from 2011 to 2026. Naturally, speculations have surfaced in political circles in the state on whether Trinamool Congress will at all be in a position to field any candidate for Nandigram bypolls. As it is, in terms of legislative presence from East Midnapore in the West Bengal Assembly, Trinamool Congress tally is zero, with the BJP securing all the 16 seats from that district in the Assembly polls earlier this year. Second, the Trinamool Congress, after the elections, is now trifurcated into three factions. In such a situation, the Trinamool's inability to send any representative to the all-party meeting automatically prompts the question whether the previous ruling party in the state will at all be able to field any candidate for Nandigram bypolls, said a city-based political observer. In the Assembly polls earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari got elected both from Nandigram as well as from Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari got elected by defeating his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Thereafter, CM Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, had been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the bye-elections there.
Rajasthan: Army soldier abducted on returning home from coaching; wife gets Rs 10 lakh ransom call
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 8 (IANS) An Army soldier was allegedly kidnapped by a group of armed men while he was returning home from coaching in Rajasthan's Sikar district a day before, police said on Tuesday. The kidnappers later allegedly used his phone to call his wife and demand a Rs 10 lakh ransom. The soldier, identified as Shriram Sihag (32), was on leave and had been preparing for the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination. The incident took place at around 8 p.m. on Monday near Kerpura bus stand, when five to six unidentified men allegedly intercepted him and forcibly took him away in a vehicle. Shriram's motorcycle and helmet were found abandoned at the spot, raising an immediate alarm among his family and local residents. According to the family, Shriram's wife received a call from his phone at around 11:46 p.m. on Monday. The caller allegedly told her that Shriram was safe and demanded Rs 10 lakh. The caller reportedly said, Shriram is safe with us. We will send the bank details. Transfer Rs 10 lakh to that account. The call was disconnected shortly afterwards. The family then approached the police, following which a search operation was launched. Police said the family has raised suspicion against another Army soldier over a previous financial dispute. Khandela Station House Officer Surendra Singh said Shriram's brother, Sher Singh, lodged a report and told police that Shriram had earlier been involved in a financial transaction-related dispute with another soldier from Karauli district during his posting in West Bengal. The family suspects that the dispute could be linked to the alleged kidnapping. Based on the information provided by the family, police have sent a team to Karauli to investigate the suspected connection. Roadblocks have also been placed in surrounding areas, while teams are searching for the missing soldier. According to his family, Shriram had been on leave for the past three to four months to prepare for the SI recruitment examination. He joined the Army in 2013 and was currently posted in Punjab. Police said they are investigating the case from multiple angles and are working to establish the identity of the suspects, trace the soldier and verify the alleged financial dispute. The discovery of Shriram's motorcycle and helmet at the spot, coupled with the alleged ransom call from his phone, has intensified the investigation.
Assam Govt to preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Kolkata residence: Himanta Sarma
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the state government is taking steps to preserve the Kolkata residence of legendary musician and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika in Tollygunge as part of efforts to safeguard his creative legacy. Sarma said a significant chapter of Hazarikas life was shaped in Kolkata and stressed the importance of preserving the residence as the country observes the centenary of the iconic artists birth. A part of Bhupen Das life was shaped in Kolkata, and we cannot let that chapter fade away, Sarma said in a post on X. He added that as Assam celebrates Hazarikas birth centenary, the state government is taking steps to preserve his residence in Tollygunge and protect what he described as a precious part of the musicians creative legacy. Hazarika, popularly known as Bhupen Da, remains one of Assams most celebrated cultural figures and is widely recognised for his contribution to Indian music, cinema and literature. His songs and compositions reflected themes of humanity, social justice, harmony and the lives of ordinary people. The musician spent significant periods of his life in Kolkata, where he worked in the Bengali film and music industry and developed close associations with several leading cultural personalities. His connection with Kolkata has been an important part of his artistic journey, making the preservation of his former residence significant for admirers of his work in Assam, West Bengal and beyond. The Assam governments move comes as preparations and commemorative activities gain significance around Hazarikas birth centenary. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that locations associated with the legendary musicians life and work are preserved for future generations. Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam. Over a career spanning several decades, he emerged as one of the most influential voices from the Northeast and played a major role in taking Assamese music and culture to a wider national and international audience. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian award, posthumously in 2019. Sarmas announcement highlights the Assam governments broader efforts to honour Hazarikas enduring contribution to the cultural identity of Assam and India. The preservation of the Tollygunge residence is expected to provide admirers and future generations an opportunity to connect with an important chapter of the musicians life and artistic journey.
World War II Mortar Shell Discovered Along Damodar River in Bankura, West Bengal
A World War II mortar shell was found along the Damodar River in Bankura, prompting police and army intervention. World War II Mortar Shell Discovered Along Damodar River in Bankura, West Bengal
Dilip Ghosh Defends Non-Veg Food During Durga Puja, Says
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja has always been a part of Bengal's traditional culture and should not be treated as controversy. Ghosh responded to ongoing debate over non-vegetarian food on Tuesday by saying that
New Durga Puja Rules 2026: West Bengal bans liquor on Maha Ashtami and more
Eating meat here is...: WB Min on Bageshwar Baba's diktat
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.
Bengal: Resort security guard assaults tourist family with lathi
Kolkata: A Muslim family in West Bengals East Midnapore district was allegedly assaulted at a resort on Saturday, September 5, after a dispute over parking escalated. The family said the assault occurred after they parked their car to inspect a room at Swarnamoyee Beach Resort in the coastal resort village of Mandarmani, when an argument 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 .
TMC MP Sougata Roy Criticizes Bageshwar Babas Comments on Bengali Cuisine
TMC MP Sougata Roy responds to Bageshwar Babas remarks on Bengali food and discusses various political issues in West Bengal. TMC MP Sougata Roy Criticizes Bageshwar Babas Comments on Bengali Cuisine
Poor visibility, bad weather force Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikaris helicopter to return to Siliguri
Bengal BJP minister backs non-veg during Durga Puja, pushes back against Bageshwar Baba
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh stated non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial. He referenced Bageshwar Baba's appeal for vegetarianism, noting saints advocate for health. Ghosh defended Bengal's tradition of consuming goat meat as prasad. He criticized past governments for dictating people's food choices. The minister also questioned government funding for community pujas.
Bengal: Durga Puja committees welcome CM Adhikaris call to voluntarily decline state govts grant
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS): A number of mega-budget community Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have responded positively to an appeal from the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for voluntarily declining the state government-provided grant to such committees in the state. On Monday, while announcing a state government grant of Rs 1,00,000 for each of the community Durga Puja Committees for this year, the Chief Minister also issued an appeal requesting the big-budget puja committees, who are capable of running their shows successfully without the state government aid, to voluntarily decline accepting the state government grant. A number of mega-budget Puja Committees have reacted positively to that plea from the Chief Minister. The first Puja Committee to react positively in the matter is that of Santosh Mitra Square Committee in Central Kolkata, whose principal patron is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-legislator, Sajal Ghosh. We have consistently refused government dole and have opposed such measures on principle. But this time, if the benefit is genuinely reaching the people who are truly needy and deserving, it is certainly a welcome step. Most importantly, it feels good that we dont have to oppose a genuinely helpful initiative simply because of ideological differences. When the right people benefit, we should appreciate the good workirrespective of politics BJPs state spokesperson in West Bengal, Keya Ghosh, who is associated with Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha Puja at Kasba in South Kolkata as the committees chairpersons, said that the Chief Ministers argument is absolutely genuine that the state governments Puja grant should be for small-budget Pujas, for whom the donation means a lot. I sincerely thank the Chief Minister for standing by the small and big pujas. A 100 per cent discount on the electricity bill of Puja Committees is undoubtedly a welcome move. We at Rajdanga Naba Uday Sangha have thought differently this time. We will donate the money to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, said Ghosh, a journalist-turned-politician. Some other mega-budget Puja committees who have voluntarily declined the state government grant replying to the Chief Ministers plea included Tala Pratyay Club and Phulbagan Sarbojanin in North Kolkata and Santoshpur Lake Pally Club in South Kolkata.
Durga Puja under BJP rule in West Bengal: A push for vegetarianism and tradition
I want to appeal to Hindus of Bengal that during Navratri, even if you dont keep the idols of the Goddess, do not sell non-veg near the idols, the self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri said while addressing his devotees.
Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastris appeal to people in West Bengal to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja has triggered a political debate, with state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya pushing back against the suggestion. Bhattacharya said no religious leader or politician should dictate what people in Bengal should eat or wear, stressing that food [] The post No one can dictate what Bengalis eat: Bengal BJP chief rejects Dhirendra Shastris Durga Puja non-veg ban appeal appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
West Bengal Bans Liquor on Maha Ashtami, DJs and Scraps Red Road Durga Puja Carnival
Suvendu Adhikari introduces stricter Puja rules, reshaping Bengals festival with tradition, discipline and new celebrations.
Durga Puja guidelines 2026: Suvendu Adhikari announces liquor ban, no DJs and more; check full list
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced significant changes to upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. Liquor sales will be banned on Maha Ashtami, and DJ music is now prohibited throughout the festival. Puja committees must ensure themes respect religious sentiments and Sanatan traditions. Roadshows will replace the immersion carnival, and national highways cannot be blocked for pujas. Cultural programs and special arrangements for visitors will be organized across six major cities.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh confident BJP will win Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls
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Delhi-NCR to see partly cloudy skies, light rain; humidity to remain high
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast generally cloudy weather with light rain or drizzle in Delhi on Tuesday. The national capital is likely to witness partly cloudy skies on September 9 and 10, while another spell of light rain may occur from September 11. Humidity is expected to remain relatively high during the period. The weather department has not issued any warning for Delhi for the coming days. In Noida, partly cloudy conditions are likely to prevail from September 8 to 13. Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to stay around 26 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels could rise as high as 90 per cent. No weather warning has been issued for the city. Gurugram is also likely to experience partly cloudy weather from September 8 to 12, with maximum temperatures ranging from 31 to 33 degrees Celsius. On September 13, the maximum temperature is expected to be around 32 degrees Celsius, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers possible. Humidity may reach 90 per cent, though no weather warning has been issued. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon remains active over several parts of the country. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and other regions on Tuesday. The IMD has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across 17 states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Wind speeds could reach 65-70 kmph in some areas. The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh until September 13. Uttar Pradesh may receive rain between September 9 and 13, while Rajasthan could witness rainfall on September 12 and 13. Uttarakhand is likely to continue experiencing monsoon activity, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may receive rain during September 8-13.
CM: Underage couples, parents to face charges under BNS, Pocso
West Bengal Government Takes Strong Stance Against Child Marriage and Early Motherhood
West Bengals CM announces strict actions against child marriage and early motherhood, including legal action under POCSO. West Bengal Government Takes Strong Stance Against Child Marriage and Early Motherhood
Bengal hikes doles for widows, seniors, disabled to Rs 1,500
Jadavpur Police Seek Records of 18 Students From University in Probe
BJP, cops gear up for Saffron March rally
ED Conducts Raids in West Bengal Linked to
The Enforcement Directorate has raided 12 locations in Kolkata related to a 280 crore bank fraud involving Kohinoor Power Private Limited. ED Conducts Raids in West Bengal Linked to 280 Crore Bank Fraud Case
Bengal UCC panel set to start public hearings: Consultations to be held in five segments
West Bengal's Uniform Civil Code commission will start public hearings soon. Retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai leads this independent commission. The state government will take the report to the assembly after completion. West Bengal aims to be the fourth state to adopt UCC after other states. This move will replace religion-based personal laws with unified civil laws.
Daughters Suicide: Estranged Wife Files Plaint Against Man
On last day of food-safety drive, KMC targets fish, paneer and spice hubs
ISI Accepts State Offer To Be Lead Knowledge Institute
ED searches multiple locations in Bengal in over Rs 280 crore bank fraud
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 7 (IANS) Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Kolkata Zonal Office recently conducted search operations at 12 premises across West Bengal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the investigation into the Kohinoor Power Pvt. Ltd. (KPPL) bank fraud involving default of more than Rs 280 crore, the central probe agency said in a statement on Monday. According to the ED, the investigation was initiated on the basis of the complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) before the 2nd Special Court at Kolkata in respect of the affairs of Kohinoor Power Private Limited (KPPL) and others. Investigation into the affairs of the company was ordered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) pursuant to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) forwarding a list of companies in respect of which the Resolution Professional (RP) had fled applications before the NCLT concerning avoidance transactions. The ED investigation has revealed that KPPL, along with its directors indulged in fraudulent activities, including submission of false information, concealment of material facts, falsification/manipulation of books of accounts and diversion of loan funds, thereby dishonestly inducing the consortium banks to sanction and disburse financial facilities. The ED investigation has further revealed that the company eventually went into liquidation under the IBC and only around Rs 7 crore could be recovered, leading to 97.5 per cent haircut to the banks. Further investigation has revealed possession of dozens of immovable properties in and around Kolkata acquired from the proceeds of crime, from which the promoters were allegedly enjoying rental income of around Rs 26 lakh per month. Search operations have revealed that the promoters of the company Vijay Bothra and Prashant Bothra, are controlling more than 100 shell entities which were allegedly being used for siphoning and laundering the proceeds of crime generated from the bank fraud. Further, large sums have also been invested abroad in the name of relatives and dummy directors. Search operations resulted in freezing of bank accounts of more than 150 shell entities/individuals along with securities and other financial investments, including shares, mutual funds and debt securities. The total value of the bank balances and financial assets frozen during the operations is around Rs 64 crore. Search operations also resulted in seizure of incriminating digital evidences, company records, financial documents, property deeds, etc, have been seized during the search operations, which are being analysed for tracing the proceeds of crime and identifying further assets acquired from them.
Vande Mataram set to be primary theme of International Kolkata Book Fair 2027
Restos to label food, reduce meat, veggie storage time
Rain fails to wash away pollutants, PM2.5 stays above WHO guideline
Uncertainty dogs Bangla artistes travel plans for World Film Fest
Pay hike for 1 lakh contractual staff in Bengal: CM Suvendu Adhikari
KMC-cop drive against illegal hawkers promises relief ahead of festive season
Howrah reels under dengue attack, cases touch 115
Bengal Beckons: West Bengal FM Swapan Dasgupta's 'look east' policy
West Bengal finance minister calls for respecting relative differences of eastern states but acknowledging their commonality
Health dept intensifies dengue surveillance
