Voter turnout in the Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls stood at 80.87 per cent and 80.07 per cent, respectively
24-Hour control room at Nabanna, districts
Kolkata Police, hospitals take disabled, ailing kids on puja tours
Airfare @ Rs 8.5k, bus ticket @ Rs 4.5k, puja trip to N Bengal pinches pockets
Bengali diaspora transcends borders, hosts Durga Puja celebrations across Europe, US
Pujas pay tribute to Mahanayak with posters, lobby cards and installations
West Bengal to get four new airports in next two years: K Rammohan Naidu
The airports will come up at Charra, Kalaikunda, Balurghat and Hasimara as the Centre expands air connectivity under UDAN
Ex-Minister Indranil Sen's Bail Plea Rejected By Calcutta High Court
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in a cheating case. Sen is accused of commercialising Durga Puja by selling high-priced preview show tickets through an organisation allegedly linked to him and his family, diverting government funds. The court noted rappings of corruption and the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating.
New BC Roy Mkt opens, 100 of 416 stall owners shift wares
Poster row: Presi probe report in 15 days, wont tolerate such acts, says min
Tanker spill triggers skids, traffic chaos on Jessore Rd
Tata Power plans Rs 2,500 crore investment for 500MW solar project in Bengal
Woman dies after fall from 9th floor
HC rejects Indranils anticipatory bail plea in massArt case
HC okays CPM book stall, warns selective policing breeds anarchy
Mothers name off voter list no ground to stall sons police verification: HC
Sukanta Majumdar Claims Change in Durga Puja Atmosphere After Government Shift in Bengal
Sukanta Majumdar discusses the shift in Durga Puja celebrations and political dynamics in West Bengal following the government change. Sukanta Majumdar Claims Change in Durga Puja Atmosphere After Government Shift in Bengal
Calcutta High Court orders release, repatriation of Bangladeshi convict
SC to hear Mahua's Circuit House plea today
On October 1, the Supreme Court had sought responses from the West Bengal government and others on Moitra's plea seeking adequate protection during her constituency visit.
Waterspout near Gangasagar bathing ghat triggers panic
Dont let anyone spoil festive mood: CM to cops, committees
Kolkata court asks Mahua Moitra to immediately delete objectionable post targeting current Bengal CS
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 15 (IANS) A court in Kolkata on Thursday directed Mahua Moitra, the Trinamool Congress-Mamata Lok Sabha member from Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district of West Bengal, to immediately delete two derogatory social media posts made by her about the current West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal over the latter's role in the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise when he was the State's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). In the social media post, Moita described Agarwal as Vote Chor (Vote Thief). Agarwal first served a legal notice to Moitra over the posts and subsequently filed a defamation suit against her demanding a libel compensation of Rs 10 crore. The matter came up for hearing at a lower court at Alipore in South Kolkata on Thursday and at the end of the hearing the judge of the court said that Krishnagar Lok Sabha MP will not be able to share any new post on social media making any defamatory comments against the Chief Secretary and will also not be able to re-share any old social media post related to the same matter. The court also said that the social media posts that Moitra made on October 3 and October 6 must be deleted within 24 hours of receiving the court order. The Trinamool Congress-Mamata Lok Sabha MP will be given a notice to explain why the court will not uphold the ban on her comments. The judge of the lower court also said that Moitra's posts not just criticised the SIR process but also accused the Chief Secretary of illegal acts as the then West Bengal CEO. However,, the court added that the Krishnanagar MP was unable to present any suitable evidence in the court to support such serious allegations. As a result, the court said that there were doubts about the legal basis of those allegations. The court added that everyone had the right to discuss or criticise the SIR in the scope of public interest but behind that criticism, defamatory comments against any government official were not acceptable at all. In that regard, as per the court's observation, Moitra's social media posts were objectionable and therefore she must delete the post within the next 24 hours. Moitra gave a reaction to the court order on social media. I will be filing a vacating application to reinforce my right to call a 'Vote Chor' a 'Vote Chor', the Trinamool Congres-Mamata Lok Sabha MP in a social media statement said while reacting to the court order.
UCO Bank sees 26.7% growth in net profit
Monsoon withdraws from Tripura with 17% rainfall deficit
WBPSC Miscellaneous Cut Off 2026 Out - Category-Wise Marks and PDF
WBPSC Miscellaneous Cut Off 2026 has been released on 14 October by the West Bengal Public Service Commission for the Miscellaneous Services Recruitment Examination 2023. The General cut-off is 237, OBC 222, SC 188 and ST 182 marks out of 450. Candidates can check category-wise cut-off marks for UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and PwBD, download the official PDF and view Personality Test eligibility details here.
On October 16, 2026, most educational institutions across India are predicted to function normally, as per the latest information. However, certain schools or districts may close due to local holidays or adverse weather conditions. Parents should stay informed through official school announcements or local notices. States like Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh are expected to have schools open, while West Bengal may observe variable vacation schedules because of Durga Puja.
Essar Oil & Gas wins five CBM blocks across three states, adds 6.6 Tcf gas reserves
Essar Oil & Gas has acquired five coal-blend methane blocks across West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana. The company aims to enhance domestic natural gas production while developing approximately 1,281 square kilometers of new acreage. This expansion also includes significant resources of around 6.6 trillion cubic feet of gas-in-place. Essar currently produces nearly 50 percent of Indias CBM production, reflecting its strong position in this sector.
Investigation Underway at Presidency University Following Offensive Remarks
West Bengals higher education minister condemns offensive comments about Swami Vivekananda at Presidency University, promising swift action. Investigation Underway at Presidency University Following Offensive Remarks
Essar Oil & Gas bags 5 coal bed methane blocks across West Bengal, MP and Telangana
The newly awarded acreage will strengthen the companys presence in established gas-producing regions and open up opportunities in Telanganas Godavari valley
Crizac Launches Partner Growth Program to Help Counselling Partners Grow
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 15: Crizac Limited, an AI-native student mobility platform partnering with international universities and education counsellors globally, today announced the Partner Growth Program (PGP), an initiative to help counselling partners grow their businesses.
West Bengal has ordered a probe after motorcyclists reportedly skidded on Kolkatas freshly painted Chingrighata flyover during rain, prompting renewed questions about road safety.
Essar Oil & Gas expands CBM footprint with five new blocks across three states
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) Essar Oil & Gas Ltd. (formerly known as Essar Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Ltd. or EOGEPL), one of Indias leading Coal Bed Methane (CBM) producers, has been awarded five new CBM blocks through the Government of Indias Special CBM (SCBM) Bid Rounds 2025 and 2026. The blocks add 1,281 sq km of new acreage across West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana, with an estimated 6.6 TCF of gas-in-place resources. The contracts for the SCBM-2025 and SCBM-2026 Bid Rounds were formally signed on October 15 at a ceremony chaired by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas. The signing marks an important step in the governments efforts, through the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), to unlock Indias unconventional hydrocarbon potential, attract investment and strengthen domestic exploration and production. The two newly awarded blocks in the Raniganj region of West Bengal, together spanning approximately 330 sq km, will expand Essar Oil & Gas existing 500 sq. km. Raniganj East footprint to around 830 sq. km. The proximity of the new blocks to the companys existing producing asset will create significant synergies in infrastructure, operations, and technical capabilities, enabling the development of an integrated CBM producing field that is expected to become the largest CBM producing field in India. The Singrauli block in Madhya Pradesh further strengthens Essar Oil & Gas presence in an established CBM region, providing an opportunity to leverage the broader ecosystem associated with CBM development in the basin. The blocks in Telanganas Godavari Valley mark an expansion into a new CBM geography, allowing Essar Oil & Gas to apply its established expertise to developing new resource areas. Pankaj Kalra, CEO, Essar Oil & Gas Ltd., said, The award of these five CBM blocks marks a significant milestone in Essar Oil & Gas growth journey and reinforces our commitment to unlocking Indias vast unconventional hydrocarbon potential. Building on our proven track record at Raniganj, we see substantial opportunities to leverage our technical expertise, operational capabilities and established infrastructure to accelerate the development of these resources. Our focus will be on translating this expanded acreage into sustainable production growth, creating long-term value and contributing meaningfully to Indias energy security by strengthening domestic natural gas supplies and reducing dependence on imports. Bhuwan Chandra Tripathi, Chairman, Essar Oil & Gas Ltd. and Operating Partner Energy, Essar Group, said, Natural gas will continue to play an important role in Indias energy mix as energy demand continues to grow. The expansion of Essar Oil & Gas CBM portfolio reinforces our commitment to developing Indias indigenous energy resources. As a Group, we remain focused on supporting Indias energy security through responsible development of domestic hydrocarbon resources, while contributing to the countrys transition towards a more balanced and sustainable energy mix. Essar Group is a global conglomerate with over five decades of entrepreneurial experience in conceptualising, investing, building, and operating world-class assets across the energy, infrastructure, metals & mining, technology & retail sectors. Through Essar Oil & Gas Ltd, the Group is expanding its upstream portfolio across India. Essar Oil & Gas has invested more than Rs 6,000 crore in exploration and production at Raniganj and currently produces approximately 950,000 standard cubic metres of gas per day (SCMD), accounting for nearly 50 per cent of Indias CBM production. The Companys broader ambition is to contribute 5 per cent of Indias natural gas production by progressively developing its CBM portfolio and unlocking additional domestic gas resources. With over 25 years of pioneering experience in CBM exploration and production, Essar Oil & Gas is well positioned to help develop Indias vast unconventional hydrocarbon potential. Around half of Indias natural gas consumption is currently met through imports, making the accelerated development of domestic gas resources critical to strengthening the countrys energy security and supporting its transition towards a gas-based economy.
Bengal CM Credits BSF and Police for Curbing Cross-Border Crimes
West Bengals CM highlights the role of BSF and police in reducing cross-border crimes and urges community support against child marriage. Bengal CM Credits BSF and Police for Curbing Cross-Border Crimes
CM Adhikari credits BSF-police coordination for curbing border crimes in Bengal
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 15 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said improved coordination between the Border Security Force (BSF) and state police had helped curb border-related crimes in the state's districts adjoining Bangladesh, while asserting that barbed-wire fencing work was progressing at a brisk pace. Adhikari also urged people to refrain from child marriage, citing the high incidence of early pregnancies in Murshidabad and assured that lack of funds would not hamper the districts overall development and tourism potential. Adhikari made the remarks while inaugurating a community Durga Puja in Lalbagh in Murshidabad district, a minority-dominated region bordering Bangladesh. Cross-border crimes such as illegal infiltration, cattle smuggling and narcotics trafficking were rampant in this region earlier. Now, the BSF and the state police are working in close coordination. That is precisely why such crimes have already been brought under control to a great extent. At the same time, work on erecting barbed-wire fencing along the border is also progressing in full swing, the Chief Minister said. Referring to the high incidence of child marriage and early pregnancies in Murshidabad, Adhikari appealed to residents not to marry off their daughters or sisters at an early age. He reminded them that child marriage was a punishable offence under the law. Without naming anyone, the Chief Minister also cautioned that certain vested interests might attempt to disrupt the festive atmosphere by engaging in unruly activities during Durga Puja. Both the police and the puja organisers will have to remain alert to such attempts. Recently, two puja pandals in the district witnessed accidents or other unpleasant incidents. Investigations into those incidents are currently underway. I am cautioning the police and the puja organisers in advance. Do not allow anyone to spoil the festive mood of Durga Puja, he said. Adhikari also highlighted Murshidabad's tourism potential and stressed the need for comprehensive development to attract visitors and improve the district's overall prospects. Murshidabad has immense tourism potential. What is required is overall development. From this stage, I guarantee that finance will not be a hurdle to the comprehensive development of the district, he said.
Anupamaa actress Adrija Roy opens up about her emotional connection with Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 15 (IANS) Television actress Adrija Roy, known for her role in Anupamaa, has opened up about her emotional connection with Durga Puja. In an exclusive quote shared with IANS, she said that the festival reminds her of home, family and the little things that make the celebrations special. Adrija said the festive atmosphere brings a unique sense of happiness and positivity that is difficult to put into words unless one has grown up experiencing it. She shared, Durga Puja is very personal to me because it reminds me of home, family and all the little things that make the festival special. There is a different kind of happiness during Puja. The entire atmosphere feels so positive and festive, and I think that feeling is difficult to explain unless you have grown up experiencing it. Looking back, she said the excitement around getting ready, meeting people and being part of the celebrations made Puja particularly memorable. As a child, the excitement was on another level. Wearing new clothes, going to the Puja, meeting relatives and friends, eating good food and just being out for the celebrations made those days so special. Even today, those memories instantly bring a smile to my face, she added. And when it comes to dressing up, Adrija revealed that a saree naturally becomes her favourite choice during Puja. I love wearing sarees during Durga Puja. There is something so beautiful and timeless about dressing traditionally during the festival. If I had no work commitments, my ideal Puja day would simply be getting ready in a beautiful saree, visiting pandals, eating my favourite food and spending the entire day with my loved ones, she concluded. Adrija Roy was born and brought up in Kolkata, West Bengal, in a Bengali family. Before venturing into acting, she represented West Bengal as a national-level sprinter. She later moved to Mumbai to pursue her career in the entertainment industry. Adrija is currently seen playing the role of Raahi in Anupamaa. The show features Rupali Ganguli in the titular role.
Tourism In Shimla Takes A Hit As Unesco World Heritage Toy Train Service Remain Disrupted
The interruption of the toy train service in Shimla comes at an inconvenient time for the tourist-favourite hill station. Tourists from West Bengal, many of who prefer to take a ride on the scenic train route during the Durga Puja holidays are among those who have been affected.
Union Minister Kumaraswamy calls Karnataka CM Shivakumar 'sting samrat', questions his intentions
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 15 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel and JD(S) State President, H.D. Kumaraswamy, on Thursday alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was a sting samrat who believed he could do anything by using his political influence. Addressing a press conference, Kumaraswamy questioned Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge over the ongoing investigation into the alleged sting operation and warned them against targeting him. Mr. Shivakumar and Priyank Kharge, there is God above all of us. At least, fear your own conscience, he said. Kumaraswamy referred to a statement allegedly made in 2024 by former minister and BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, who had suggested that videos involving other political leaders, including former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and former Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, could emerge, drawing a comparison with the controversy surrounding former MP Prajwal Revanna. Recalling Jarkiholi's remarks, Kumaraswamy alleged the BJP leader had indirectly targeted Shivakumar. That is why I called Chief Minister Shivakumar the sting samrat. The Chief Minister's mindset is a matter of concern. I humbly appeal to the people to take note of this, Kumaraswamy alleged. He also criticised Priyank Kharge for his remarks against him and referred to a demand that he undergo brain mapping to establish whether he slept at night. I can fall asleep within two minutes after finishing my work. You people are unable to sleep because you are worried about the IT Department and the Enforcement Directorate. I have nothing to worry about, he said. Kumaraswamy said he had suffered a period of sleeplessness for nearly a year when he was unwell but had since recovered, attributing his improved health to God's blessings. Taking a swipe at the criticism that he is jealous of Shivakumar attaining the Chief Minister's post, Kumaraswamy said he had already served as Chief Minister and enjoyed the position, and was not seeking it again. He accused Congress leaders of repeatedly criticising him to please Shivakumar and challenged them to examine their conscience. If you think that criticising me will make Chief Minister Shivakumar happy, you can abuse me even more. You have been doing it every day, he said. Reiterating his warning to the Chief Minister and the Home Minister, he said political power was not permanent and urged them to remember that they would ultimately be accountable for their actions. Kumaraswamy said he had returned to Bengaluru late at night after attending official engagements in Delhi, including discussions concerning automobile components and the West Bengal tea garden issue. He added that he had advised Siddaramaiah against seeking a court stay and urged him to face the allegations. The JD(S) leader reiterated his demand for an impartial judicial enquiry into the alleged sting operation, insisting that the investigation should establish the facts without political interference and that neither he nor his party workers should be targeted without evidence.
SC to hear Mahua Moitra's plea seeking nod to stay at Krishnanagar circuit house
The Supreme Court will hear TMC MP Mahua Moitras plea seeking permission to stay at a Circuit House during her Durga Puja visit to Krishnanagar in West Bengal. Moitra has alleged that district officials evicted her from the state-owned property despite a booking, prompting her to seek protection and intervention.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 15 (IANS) The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will finalise its list of candidates for the forthcoming urban civic body elections, including those to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), by Diwali, scheduled for November 8. The civic body elections are likely to be held in the last week of November, with results expected to be announced by the first week of December. To minimise dissent and ensure a smooth candidate selection process, the BJP has adopted a multi-tier screening mechanism that combines recommendations from local leaders with applications from professionals, with the final names subject to scrutiny by district- and state-level committees. A BJP state committee member said discussions on the candidates recommended by the party's local leadership would begin immediately after Lakshmi Puja on October 8. The shortlisted candidates are expected to be announced soon after Diwali. The party will draw up its final list from two separate sets of applications. The first will comprise names recommended by local party leaders, while the second will include applications invited from professionals in selected fields, including medicine, law, engineering, media and social work. A drop box has already been placed at the BJP's original headquarters on Muralidhar Sen Lane in north Kolkata to receive applications from professionals interested in contesting the civic polls on the party's ticket. Applicants have been asked to submit their biodata along with their applications. Our central leadership does not want any resentment within the party over the selection of candidates for the civic polls. Therefore, the candidate will not be decided by anyone's single decision. Names will come from the grassroots and then be vetted by the district election core committee and the state-level committee. Only after this process will the final names of the candidates be announced, the state committee member said. The BJP's state leadership will also work on its campaign strategy and identify key issues to be raised during the civic poll campaign. These discussions will take place alongside the exercise to shortlist candidates after Lakshmi Puja.
Operation Toofan: 30 Kg Ganja Seized In Kochi
Kochi police have arrested Abdul Hai Molla and seized over 30 kg of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh, as part of the anti-narcotics drive Operation Toofan. Molla, from West Bengal, is suspected of transporting the ganja from Odisha to Kerala for wholesale distribution.
KP Constable PET Admit Card 2026 Out - Download PMT PET Hall Ticket at prb.wb.gov.in
KP Constable PET Admit Card 2026 has been released on 15 October 2026 by the West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB). Candidates shortlisted for the Kolkata Police Constable and Lady Constable PMT/PET can download their hall tickets from the official website. The physical tests will begin on 28 October 2026. Check the direct download link, test date, venue, reporting time and steps to download the admit card here.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into the Odisha Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Recruitment Exam 2024 question paper leak, uncovering evidence of organized financial fraud and corporate collusion. Investigators from the EDs Bhubaneswar zonal office conducted raids across 12 strategic locations in Odisha and West Bengal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), [] The post Odisha SI Exam Paper Leak: ED Raids 12 Locations in Money Laundering Probe, Uncovers Corporate Racket appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
West Bengal aids 58,000 Durga Puja organisers as festival marks change
The News Mill
After political shift, Suruchi Sangha Durga Puja puts spotlight on Syama Prasad Mookerjee
Loans for SIR hearing, lost wages, but no clarity on voter status for Bengali workers in Bengaluru
More than 3,500 people, according to the Karnataka Bengali Kalyan Samiti, formed by and for West Bengal-based workers in Bengaluru, are under adjudication for logical discrepancy
West Bengal BJP must get rid of its 'garbage': RSS magazine
TCG chairman by his side, CM Adhikari says group to invest Rs 10k crore in Haldia
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Social Messages & Inclusive Infra At Kolkata Pandals
India to be theme country in 50th International Kolkata Book Fair
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SRFTI alumnas A Chronicle of Minor Things wins top Busan awards
Auto curbs leave thousands stranded
STF uncovers illegal arms factory in Kolkata
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HC allows 2 pujas in Sealdah park
BJP to have 5,000 book stalls near puja pandals to reach out to youths, voters
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6k cops help ease Chaturthi traffic jams
Puzzle authors from across the globe share their experiences at 33rd World Puzzle Championship
Kolkata is hosting the 19th World Sudoku and 33rd World Puzzle Championship (WSPC) 2026. The tournament, organised by Logic Masters India (LMI), is showcasing elite mind sports athletes from 35 countries this year
Jatayu returns to Amherst Row through Sukeas St puja theme
Mamata assailant gets bail, CP says charge baseless
Met office assures no dampening of festivities, puja clubs all set to repel rain effect
Chatbot down, KMC birth cert backlog crosses 20k
Vivekananda poster row erupts at Presidency, student unions trade charges
Caught with mobiles, 15 examinees lose enrolment for Higher Secondary 1st part
Eastern Railway bars last-minute platform changes during Durga Puja
Calcutta High Court rejects Soham Chakrabortys anticipatory bail plea
WBBSE president wants biometric attendance
West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to make the state an investment hub within the next year. New industrial and incentive policies will be introduced before Diwali to support this initiative. The HPL Adperma plant in Haldia, the largest of its kind, will enhance domestic chemical production. HPL is investing heavily in the new facility, which aims to strengthen Haldia's chemical manufacturing capabilities.
Watch: Bikers skid on Kolkatas rainbow-painted flyover after rain ahead of Durga Puja
West Bengals sacred soil shapes citys Durga idols
Suruchi Sangha's Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata showcased the life and legacy of Syama Prasad Mukherjee through theme-based decorations, marking the 125th birth anniversary of the political leader. Speaking about this year's theme, Suruchi Sangha secretary Sourav Sikdar said the organisation had chosen to highlight Mukherjee's contribution and legacy. This year, we are celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mukherjee. He was a great leader, and without his contribution, West Bengal might not have remained part of India, Sikdar said. He also highlighted the cultural significance of Durga Puja in the state, describing it as a major festival celebrated on a grand scale. Durga Puja, the biggest festival for Sanatanis, is celebrated on a grand scale here, he said. The theme-based pandal brings together the festive celebrations and a presentation of Mukherjee's life, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with his historical and political legacy during Durga Puja. Mean...
Rediscovered in 2025, rare Borna snakehead fish faces fresh poaching crisis
Native exclusively to the Chel River basin in northern West Bengal, the species was first described in 1845 before virtually disappearing from scientific records for more than 80 years
Jkhand youth held over offensive post on PM
Two killed, two injured as ex-TMC MLAs SUV hits toto
Tusker electrocuted in Jalpaiguri, 4th death in a month
Odisha: ED uncovers organised network behind SI exam paper leak
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, has conducted a search operation at 12 premises located in Odisha and West Bengal between October 9, 10 and 12, in connection with the leakage of the question paper of the Sub Inspector Recruitment Exam-2024 in Odisha, the agency informed on Wednesday. The searches were carried out at the premises of M/s Silicon Techlab Private Limited, M/s Panchsoft Technologies Private Limited, M/s PSIL International Limited, their directors and other associates. During the searches, the ED sleuths unearthed and seized various incriminating documents, electronic devices and records under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The seized materials are under further examination. The case dates back to October 2025, when Odisha Police registered an FIR after intercepting three buses carrying 114 SI recruitment candidates near Ichhapuram on September 30 last year. The case was later taken over by the CBI. Candidates were also allegedly asked to pay Rs 15 lakh to Rs 30 lakh each for leaked question papers. The exam was scheduled for October 56, 2025, the ED said. The ED found that the Odisha Police Recruitment Board (OPRB) assigned the examination to Central PSU ITI Limited, which subsequently outsourced the work to Bhubaneswar-based Silicon Techlab Private Limited (STPL). However, STPL, through its director Suresh Chandra Nayak, allegedly sublet the work of handling sensitive candidate information to Panchsoft Technology Private Limited without the written permission of ITI Limited, in connivance with Panchsoft Technologys director Sankar Prusty. Subsequently, the persons linked with Silicon Techlab and Sankar Prusty approached the candidates and lured them with the promise of providing the confidential information of the exam paper in place of money and mobilised them, the ED noted. The sleuths came across a set of transactions between accused Prusty and STPL even before the commencement of the SI Recruitment Exam-2024 process, which shows their connivance. It is also revealed that PSIL International Limited (formerly Patnaik Steel International Limited) and its directors, Sameer Rath and wife Saswati Mishra, acquired a majority stake in Silicon Techlab under a purported share purchase agreement dated August 5, 2023, which is under further examination. Investigation revealed that the said agreement was never submitted before the Registrar of Companies by either of the two companies, ED stated. The agency found that despite PSIL directors acquiring a controlling stake and management control of STPL, Nayak remained its director and corresponded with ITI Limited on the SI examination without authorisation. Despite knowing that Nayak was handling the examination work without authorisation, Sameer Rath and Swasti Mishra did not inform ITI Limited. Subsequently, Nayak unauthorisedly accessed the examination papers. Investigations and searches conducted so far have unearthed the role of companies/entities which have so far remained outside the investigative net of agencies. Further, searches have also revealed the possible role of other persons, including those associated with OPRB & other companies/ entities. Such entities are intricately linked with the entire examination cycle, ED added. The agency concluded on the basis of evidence collected during searches that the question paper was leaked in an organised manner, generating substantial proceeds of crime through cash collected from candidates.
Kolkata High Court Orders Removal of Old EVM Data Ahead of Local Elections
The Kolkata High Court has directed the West Bengal Election Commission to delete old EVM data in preparation for upcoming urban body elections. Kolkata High Court Orders Removal of Old EVM Data Ahead of Local Elections
West Bengal offers 5,000 and 50 kg rice to families hit by tea garden closures
The festive package will cover workers aged below 60, while the state government also plans to reopen 21 closed tea gardens
Bengal govt: Feed street dogs and cats only at designated spots or face action
4 of family die in Midnapore septic tank
Bengal BJP must get rid of garbage within it, says RSS mag
7th pay panel seeks staff data from state depts
Tripura CM Manik Saha Urges Restoration of Agartala Flight Routes
3 get life term for 2022 beheading over affair
