Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday said that opposition parties have united to save democracy and accused the BJP of staying in power by stealing votes. He called for fresh elections in Bihar and West Bengal, alleging that the polls held in the two states were fraudulent and raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. His remarks came after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced a nationwide protest programme, saying that INDIA bloc leaders would hold a Save Democracy March at the district level from October 2 to October 8. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, To save democracy, we have all united, and whatever sacrifices need to be made, we will make them. We will fight this battle and save the democracy of the country. BJP people want to end it. Gyanesh Kumar is a prime example of this; laws were altered specifically to shield him. The first law that was changed is that no action can be taken against them for lif...
Bengal: Bajrang Dal attacks prayer meet, assaults Christians
Kolkata: Organisers of a Christian prayer meeting have alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bajrang Dal workers disrupted their Sunday gathering on September 27 in West Bengals Bardhaman district. The Hindutva workers reportedly entered the venue, accusing the organisers of forced religious conversion while the prayer was underway at Lok Gopal Bhavan in the 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 .
Gyanesh Kumar Chor Hai: Mamata Banerjee Targets CEC At INDIA Bloc Meet Amid SIR Row
West Bengal's former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by describing the entire process as a otched up one. Mamata Banerjee made these comments at an INDIA bloc
Ex-Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar Over 'Vote Chori'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intensifies her attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid the ongoing vote chori controversy. In the statement, Mamata alleges irregularities in the electoral process, questions the functioning of the Election Commission and demands the CECs immediate resignation. She also refers to alleged manipulation of votes and raises questions over the use of EVMs and electoral data.
Army, BSF hold strategic seminar in Shillong to strengthen border coordination
Digital Desk | Shillong, Sep 30 (IANS) A crucial seminar between the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) was held in Shillong for better operational coordination. The Army-BSF Synergy Seminar 2026 was hosted by the 101 Area of the Army's Eastern Command. Participants included senior officers from the BSF's Meghalaya, Guwahati, Mizoram, and Cachar and Tripura Frontiers. The BSF is in charge of managing the 4,096 km border with Bangladesh. Of this, 856 km lies in Tripura, 443 km in Meghalaya, 318 km in Mizoram, and 262 km in Assam. The remaining 2,217 km of the border is managed by the South Bengal and North Bengal Frontiers of West Bengal. The terrain through which the border runs makes management difficult. It comprises riverine, forested, and hilly stretches, where fencing is difficult. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, about 3,232.2 km, or approximately 78 per cent of the border, is fenced. There is little possibility of fencing the 174.5 km that has water bodies, marshes and dense forests. Apart from intensive patrolling, the BSF now uses advanced surveillance equipment to keep a check on criminal activities and illegal immigration. While the Army is not directly involved in management of the India-Bangladesh border, some of its vital installations and assets along the northeastern states lie close, requiring greater coordination with the BSF. Regular sharing of intelligence is key to effective border management. In the past, forces inimical to India's interests have used this border. It is a difficult border to manage, given the terrain, similarities in languages and cultures, and other factors. A coordinated effort is required for better handling of the situation, an official said. Espionage and sabotage are issues that both the Army and BSF are extremely concerned about. In the past, the border has been used by agencies of other countries to gather intelligence about Indian military assets and movements in the northeastern states. The 101 Area of the Army plays a crucial role in combat logistics and operational maintenance of units based along the northern border. It is keen to keep all movement details confidential. The seminar focused on enhancing operational coordination, strengthening joint synergy, improving information sharing and fostering an integrated approach to effective border management, the Eastern Command posted on X.
Bengal tops child marriage, underage motherhood concerns, Adhikari vows zero tolerance
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday expressed concern over the high incidence of child marriage and underage motherhood in the state, asserting that his government is committed to eliminating the menace. West Bengal is competing with Jammu and Kashmir for the top position in two areas. The first is the number of girls getting married before they attain the age of 18, and the second is the number of girls becoming pregnant and mothers before turning 18. This trend is deeply concerning. The state must be completely freed from this social evil, and our government is determined to achieve this at any cost, the Chief Minister said. He was addressing a function on Wednesday afternoon to mark the 2027th birth anniversary, according to the Bengali calendar, of iconic educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The function was organised at Bissingha village in West Midnapore district of West Bengal, the birthplace of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Earlier this month, the Chief Minister had announced that, henceforth, husbands would be booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, in cases where their wives become mothers before attaining the age of 18. Following his announcement, the state police have already begun taking action against family members of minors who become pregnant or mothers before attaining the age of 18. Reiterating the warning on Wednesday, Adhikari said the state administration would adopt a zero tolerance approach towards preventing child marriages and minors from becoming mothers before attaining the age of 18. Speaking on the occasion, he also criticised the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government, particularly over the alleged practice of making state-run libraries keep books authored by Banerjee. I will ask the authorities of the libraries in the state to stop keeping those books and instead keep books written by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar there, the CM said. The Chief Minister also said that because of the flawed policies of the previous state government, West Bengal had been lagging behind other states in two crucial areas of education and health. We have to improve the situation at any cost, and the new government is determined to take all necessary steps to achieve this, Adhikari added.
Jharkhand shutdown evokes mixed response, traffic hit by road blockades in several districts
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 30 (IANS) A statewide shutdown called on Wednesday by activists of the separate Jharkhand movement for pensions for agitators, jobs for dependents, among several other demands, evoked a mixed response across the state. Protesters blocked roads and disrupted traffic in districts such as Palamu, Giridih, and Bokaro, while normal life remained largely unaffected in several urban centres, including the state capital Ranchi. The bandh had a relatively stronger impact in Medininagar of Palamu , where agitators carrying bows, arrows and other traditional weapons took to the streets and blocked the busy Redma Chowk. Several protesters sat on the road as a mark of protest, causing long queues of vehicles on both sides. The blockade inconvenienced school children, commuters, and long-distance travellers. In Giridih, activists blocked the Giridih-Dumri main road near the old toll plaza at Paparwatand and raised slogans while sitting on the roadway. The blockade was later lifted following talks with the police. In Bokaro, protesters staged a road blockade at the ITI Mor area in Chas, disrupting the movement of local as well as goods-carrying vehicles for some time. The impact of the shutdown was hardly visible in Ranchi. Protesters briefly disrupted traffic near Albert Ekka Chowk in the morning, but the situation returned to normal after police and administrative officials intervened. The agitators later staged a sit-in at the nearby CPI office premises. Most markets in Ranchi remained open, while buses and autorickshaws continued to operate normally. Reports from Chatra and Garhwa indicated disruptions in the movement of buses and heavy commercial vehicles. In some parts of Ramgarh and Dhanbad, protesters appealed to traders to support the bandh, while local transportation was affected at some locations. The most impacted by the bandh were the long-distance bus services. Some services operating from Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh to Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and various districts within Jharkhand were affected. They remained off roads largely as a precautionary measure. However, train services on major railway routes remained normal. Autorickshaws and e-rickshaws continued to operate in most towns and cities, although traffic congestion at key highway intersections caused temporary disruptions. Leaders of the agitation, including Pushkar Mahto and former MP Bhuvneshwar Prasad Mehta, said that several demands of Jharkhand movement activists remain unresolved even 26 years after the formation of the state. They warned that if the government fails to take a decision on their demands soon, an indefinite hunger strike would be launched across the state from November 15, the Jharkhand Foundation Day.
West Bengal To Facilitate 175 Acres For IOCs Haldia Refinery Expansion And Petrochemical Complex
SC Agrees To Hear on Oct 5 West Bengal's Plea Challenging Interim Bail to Cong Candidate
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear on October 5 the West Bengal government's plea challenging the interim bail granted to Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate, Milan Pradhan, in six criminal cases lodged in 2007. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for
Supreme Court to hear West Bengal plea against bail to Nandigram Congress candidate on October 5
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for West Bengal, said a listing on October 5 would make the petition infructuous. The polling was scheduled the next day, on October 6
Reward CEC with Bharat Ratna for delivering West Bengal to BJP: J&K CM
The Chief Minister said the Election Commission of India (ECI) should do some soul-searching as the charges against the poll panel were not levelled by any political party
After Calcutta HC order, Congresss Nandigram nominee to be out on bail for bypoll
Bengal bypolls likely to decide relationship dynamics between Congress, TMC's Mamata faction
The upcoming October 6 assembly bypolls in West Bengal present a significant test for political alliances. Mamata Banerjee's faction and Congress are exploring electoral cooperation amid their separate contests. In Nandigram, the Congress candidate has gained the support of Banerjee's faction after their candidate withdrew. Rejinagar will show the ability of both parties to hold their political ground independently.
Calcutta HC dismisses AISF plea to restore 'envelope' symbol
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed by the All India Secular Front (AISF) to restore the party's envelope symbol, dealing a setback ahead of the upcoming bypolls in the state. Justice Krishna Rao had reserved the judgment after hearing the matter on September 28. In his judgment, Justice Rao observed that the court did not intend to interfere in the forthcoming bypolls in two assembly constituencies in West Bengal scheduled for next month and hence declined to grant relief to the petitioner. Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district and Rejinagar Assembly Constituency in Murshidabad district are going for bypolls on October 6, and the counting will be on October 9. AISF had fielded a candidate from Nandigram. AISF legislator Nawsad Siddique, the partys lone representative in the West Bengal Assembly, challenged the ECIs decision, arguing that he had successfully contested and won the Bhangar Assembly seat in both 2021 and 2026 on the envelope symbol and that there was no justification for its withdrawal. Earlier this month, the Election Commission of India (ECI) allotted the envelope symbol to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction of Trinamool Congress, which was also allotted the name Democratic Trinamool Congress. AISF has been allotted the almirah symbol this time. Siddique approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the decision. He contended that there was no reason for withdrawal of the envelope symbol when he contested and got elected on that symbol from the Bhangar Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district twice, first in 2021 and then in 2026. On the other hand, the ECI counsel gave a counterargument that envelope was a free symbol and unrecognised political parties like AISF do not have a permanent right to a specific reserved symbol. Now, with the Calcutta High Court dismissing the petition, AISF has no choice but to contest the Nandigram bypoll on the almirah symbol. During an earlier hearing, Justice Rao had observed that the controversy might have been avoided had the ECI opted to freeze the envelope symbol instead of reallocating it. However, the court ultimately chose not to interfere with the poll process.
New Alipore: Where three generations still find their space
Former West Bengal Minister Summoned by ED After Extensive Raids in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen for questioning in a money laundering investigation linked to fraudulent Durga Puja passes. Former West Bengal Minister Summoned by ED After Extensive Raids in Money Laundering Case
The West Bengal government's plea against Milan Pradhan's interim bail will be heard by the Supreme Court soon. Pradhan was granted bail for six criminal cases linked to the 2007 Nandigram anti-land acquisition protests. The Calcutta High Court has allowed him to campaign for the upcoming Nandigram bypoll scheduled for October 6.
West Bengal Police moves SC challenging bail granted to Milan Pradhan to contest Nandigram bypolls
A day after Congress candidate Milan Pradhan from Nandigram granted bail till October 21 to contest bypolls, West Bengal Police on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court challenging the interim bail granted to the Congress candidate....
Chidambaram reiterates CWC demands on SIR, seeks restoration of deleted voter names
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said the Congress Working Committee (CWC) had identified several flaws in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and reiterated the three demands raised by the party. In a statement, Chidambaram said, Yesterday, the CWC identified the various flaws in the SIR and rightly made three demands. He listed the demands as the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the SIR exercise and restoration of 13.30 crore names that he claimed had been removed from electoral rolls. The BJPs response to the CWC resolution and its defence of the CEC are pathetic, Chidambaram said. He said there was no objection to removing the names of deceased voters from electoral rolls, but questioned the removal of names on other grounds. Nobody wants dead voters to remain on the rolls. They can be removed through the usual annual revision on January 1. But what about names removed on the specious grounds of being unable to fill Form 6, not found at the address or logical discrepancy? he added. Chidambaram also questioned the scale of the deletions, saying, The BJP must explain how 14 per cent of the adult population of India has been removed from the rolls in 20 states under SIR. He further cited the outcome of appeals in West Bengal and said the BJP should explain how 91 per cent of appeals against the removal of names were allowed by judges, resulting in the restoration of the names of those affected. Chidambaram also referred to a question raised by Anjali Bhargava of the National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI), asking where the file containing the original decision to conduct the SIR was. There are many more questions. I am sure the entire SIR exercise will unravel in the next few weeks or months, he said. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday, a day after the CWC adopted a resolution seeking Kumars resignation, suspension of the SIR exercise and restoration of voters whose names were allegedly removed from electoral rolls. Congress leaders are expected to raise the issues discussed during the CWC meeting before the broader Opposition alliance. The meeting comes amid differences among Opposition parties over strategy and coordination. The INDIA bloc has faced setbacks in several states since its formation, while JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, who was earlier associated with the Opposition alliance, is now aligned with the BJP-led NDA. The meeting is expected to focus on the Election Commission controversy and discussions on a joint political strategy.
SIT formed to probe September 27 clashes in Kolkatas SRFTI campus
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 30 (IANS) A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the instances of violent clashes that broke out at the campus of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) between members of Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP) and other students on September 27, which left several people injured. The six-member team will be headed by the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) of Kolkata Police, Kunal Agarwal. The SIT members will conduct a thorough investigation into what happened on the SRFTI campus and what prompted the clashes between the students associated with CPI(M)s SFI and ABGP. As per the notification issued by the state Home (police) Department regarding the formation of the SIT to probe the matter, apart from Agarwal, the other five members of the SIT will include Deputy Commissioner (Detective Department of Kolkata Police, Sparsha Nilangi; Deputy Superintendent of the Criminal Investigation Department of West Bengal Police, Koushik Ghosh, Salil Roy, Tusharkanti Ghosh and Hirak Dalpati, the last three being Inspector-ranking officer attached to Kolkata Police. In the notification, it has been further claimed that the SIT was formed on the basis of three separate FIRs registered at Panchasayar Police Station under the East Division of the Kolkata Police, under whose jurisdiction SRFTI comes. Of the three FIRs, one has been filed by the ABGP members and the second by a section of students of SRFTI. The third FIR has been registered suo motu by the police. No one has been detained or arrested so far. The SIT will submit its preliminary report on the matter on October 1. In the notification, the officer heading the SIT has been vested with the authority to seek additional manpower, either from West Bengal Police or the Kolkata Police, for the investigation, if necessary. The violence broke out within the SRFTI campus on Sunday at around 1 p.m, when the ABGP programme was underway there, and a group of activists belonging to the SFI arrived at the venue. SFI activists reportedly questioned the organisers about holding the programme in the auditorium. The organisers accused the SFI activists of tearing down the pictures and banners of Bharat Mata and Swami Vivekananda. However, the SFI activists claimed that the SRFTI management permitted ABGP to hold the programme without informing them. They also accused the organisers of calling them militants and Bangladeshis. They claimed that the SFI members were assaulted for protesting against this. On the other hand, ABGP accused the SFI activists of disrupting their programme without any provocation. They alleged that SFI members raised Azadi slogans. ABGP also claimed that they had permission from the authorities to hold the programme. A large police force, led by the concerned divisional Deputy Commissioner of Police, rushed to the spot after receiving information about the clashes. Tensions escalated further in the presence of the police, with reports of scuffles involving students and event organisers. Some students also accused the police of recording the names and residential details of complainants instead of taking immediate action against those responsible for the violence. They expressed fear of possible harassment and demanded the immediate registration of cases against the accused. A section of students staged a protest around a police vehicle in support of their demands.
SP names Ram Gopal Yadav, Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as RS candidates from UP
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 30 (IANS) The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday announced Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani as its two candidates for the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. The two are scheduled to file their nominations later in the day in the presence of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. The party took to X and made the announcement: Samajwadi Party's authorised Rajya Sabha candidates Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav and Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani will file their nomination papers at 11 am in the presence of the Honourable National President Akhilesh Yadav. The Rajya Sabha elections also come ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. Ahead of the announcement, Uttar Pradesh Minister O.P. Rajbhar took to X and questioned whether the SP chief will make choices of candidates based on the 'PDA' slogan. Akhilesh ji, I've heard you're going to field three candidates for the Rajya Sabha. Tell me, will all three be from your PDA or not? The first one is Professor Sahab. He's from your PDA, P for family. Now, who will it be for D and A? Will there be some wealthy person for D? A criminal for A? Rajbhar questioned. Do tell, because all the backward class folks, Dalit brothers, and Muslim brothers want to know how you're scheming to send family, the wealthy, and criminals from your PDA to the upper house of Parliament, he said. The Minister also advised the SP chief to ot lose the second seat in the pursuit of three. Earlier on September 22, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the biennial elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats, along with a by-election for one seat from West Bengal, on October 16. Of the 11 seats going to the polls in the biennial elections, 10 are from Uttar Pradesh, and one is from Uttarakhand. The West Bengal election will be held to fill a casual vacancy in the Upper House. According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission, the notification for the elections will be issued on September 29, while the last date for filing nominations will be October 6. The scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on October 7, followed by the last date for withdrawal of candidature on October 9. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. In Uttar Pradesh, the terms of 10 sitting Rajya Sabha members are coming to an end. The members whose terms are expiring include Arun Singh, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, Brij Lal, Ram Gopal Yadav, Ramji Gautam, B.L. Verma, Seema Dwivedi, Dinesh Sharma and Hardeep Singh Puri.
Nothing is going to happen: Dilip Ghosh takes swipe at Mamata Banerjee ahead of INDIA bloc meet
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday took a swipe at former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary of the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress, Abhishek Banerjee, over their visit to Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, saying nothing will happen. Speaking in Kolkata, Ghosh said, For the media, the news is only that they are going to Delhi and coming back from Delhi. What is the result? Nothing is going to happen. The INDIA bloc is meeting on Wednesday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi to discuss the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns raised by opposition parties over the functioning of the Election Commission. The agenda for the meeting was finalised following discussions within the opposition alliance. The meeting is expected to focus on the SIR exercise, electoral-roll revisions and the opposition parties concerns regarding the Election Commission. The Congress Working Committee had earlier passed a resolution demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The INDIA bloc is expected to discuss a coordinated political response to the issues at the meeting. Reacting to the oppositions criticism of the Election Commission, Ghosh said the Congress had previously won elections under the same poll panel. Congress ruled for 10 years in between; this same Election Commission made them win. In various states where Congress is in power, they won elections and came to power. So, how did they win there? The Election Commission remains the same. Therefore, a streak of losses has begun. The party president himself has lost, so how will the party win? he said. Ghosh also defended the electoral roll revision process and criticised objections raised over the verification and deletion of voter names. The false voters here have been separated through the SIR process, those who are not citizens of the country or do not have documents. So, crying over them is of no use he said.
Harsh Geonka news: Bharati Mudi from West Bengal has dedicated her life to coaching young girls in football. She established a free football academy in 2009, aimed at empowering girls and providing them opportunities. Mudi's coaching extends beyond the game by building confidence and resilience in her students. Over the years, many girls have achieved success in state and national competitions.
TVK Denies Bengal Office Link, Says Vijay Supporters Set It Up Independently
A group of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) supporters in West Bengal could have set tongues wagging with speculation about the party's expansion beyond Tamil Nadu following the inauguration of an office in Purba Bardhaman. But the party leadership has made it
Weather Today September 30: India will showcase a diverse array of weather conditions across various regions. Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are predicted to receive rainfall and thunderstorms, whereas Delhi-NCR can expect a predominantly dry atmosphere. Meanwhile, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh might experience partly cloudy skies with a chance of rain and brisk winds. In contrast, West Bengal and Punjab are forecasted to enjoy stable weather with minimal precipitation.
Mamata in Delhi to participate in INDIA bloc meetings, Suvendu takes a dig
Our target is the Chief Election Commissioner and his full software team, who cheated and betrayed the people, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said
NIA Arrests Three More in West Bengal Terror Probe, Total of Four Detained
The NIA has arrested three additional suspects linked to terrorism in West Bengal, bringing the total to four in a coordinated operation. NIA Arrests Three More in West Bengal Terror Probe, Total of Four Detained
Puja ticket sale scam: ED raids homes of ex-minister Indranil Sen, relatives
SIR tribunal judge sends quit letter to CJ, cites poor roads and long commute
CBI Arrests Fugitive in West Bengal Post-Election Violence Case
The CBI has arrested Jharna Mistry, a fugitive linked to a murder case from the 2021 West Bengal election violence. CBI Arrests Fugitive in West Bengal Post-Election Violence Case
SRFTI campus on edge as students call for indefinite academic boycott
Voices split: Film school fiasco divides local film industry
62-yr-old S Kol man loses Rs 29L in digital-arrest fraud
Drunk shopkeeper attacks woman, damages her eye
Man, son harass building caretaker, threaten neighbour
Calcutta High Court glare on cops probing custodial torture
Egg therapy for BJP neta after protest against loud music
More Metro Services In Kolkata On Weekends Ahead Of Durga Puja
KMC executive engineer suspended
KMC Starts Night Drive To Repair Roads Before Oct 10
500m Liquor Licence Rule In Place Now, State Issues Circular
Lioness with infection in leg dies at Alipore zoo
Min: Repair roads, pavements, clean manholes before puja
Kolkata wastes 680 tonnes of household food daily: Survey
CU approves 20 marks for internal assessment, 5 for attendance
From forex to retail, Mini Bangla counts losses over a month after fire
WBCUTA organises protest meet against transfer bill
Green hydrogen centre of excellence to be launched at JU
Matangini wasnt given due recognition: CM
TMCs Kunal Ghosh Accuses BJP of Undermining West Bengals Economy
TMCs Kunal Ghosh criticizes BJPs statements on coal project, alleging political motives and highlighting recent violence against party members. TMCs Kunal Ghosh Accuses BJP of Undermining West Bengals Economy
Supreme Court Rejects Plea Against SIR Ahead Of West Bengal Bypolls
The by-elections are scheduled to take place on October 6. Voters in Rejinagar and Nandigram who had applied before the tribunal had been hoping to get some relief from the top court on Monday.
Free bicycle Sarathi from Class 8 now, announces CM, says 12.6 lakh students to benefit
Uttarpara attack: Cops visit MLA Kunals home to record statements
Kolkata MLA and Police Assure Security After Club Vandalism Halt Durga Puja Preparations
HC declines CBI plea to disband SIT in recruitment scam
CPI, BJP, Cong file plaints over Nandigram violence
3 arrested for gang rape of minor in West Midnapore
Prasada stated that the Centre is planning to set up export facility centres in every district across the country so that industrialists can enjoy a seamless experience and greater ease of doing business, rather than having to travel to Delhi.
B'deshi terror group's plot foiled, 13 held from 3 states
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested 13 individuals across Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala for their alleged involvement in a terror conspiracy orchestrated by Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), an offshoot of the proscribed Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The group aimed to radicalise youth and expand its extremist network in eastern and northeastern India through online modules, clandestine meetings, and propaganda.
With the recent formation of the UCC panels in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal, it becomes necessary to revisit the Constituent Assembly debates on the UCC and question the BJPs selective invocation of Ambedkar to legitimise its divisive and majoritarian pursuits.
Amazon Business sales grow 65% in India, bulk orders in West Bengal surge 80%
The B2B platform is expanding its seller base, infrastructure and technology while targeting wider procurement access for businesses across India.
West Bengal Set to Become Hub for Industry and Employment, Central Government Unveils Vision
Central Minister Jitin Prasad highlights plans for West Bengal to emerge as a key industrial and technological hub, boosting employment opportunities. West Bengal Set to Become Hub for Industry and Employment, Central Government Unveils Vision
NIA arrests three more in Bengal for suspected terror links, tally rises to four (Ld)
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 29 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested three more persons from West Bengal for suspected terror links in connection with its probe into suspected terror links, taking the total number of arrests during the day to four. Earlier in the day, the central agency had arrested Piar Mohammad Sheikh, an Imam attached to a mosque in Palishgram village under Mangalkot Police Station in East Burdwan district of West Bengal, as a suspect of having terror links. Later, information surfaced about the arrests of three more persons for suspected terror links. The other three arrested persons have been identified as Jumman Sheikh, Shahrul Purrkait and Abdul Rafiq. The NIA sleuths arrested Jumman Sheikh from Mithapukur, Shahrul Purrkait from Balarampur and Abdul Rafiq from Narendrapur in South 24 Parganas district. Jumman Sheikh worked as a tailor. Abdul Rafiq, originally from Barpeta in Assam, is an active member of a Bangladesh-based satellite terror group Purba Akash (Eastern Sky). The arrests followed coordinated raids by different teams of the NIA, which launched simultaneous raids and search operations at different locations in West Bengal on Tuesday morning in connection with its ongoing investigation to crack the sleeper cells of an underground Bangladeshi fundamentalist-cum-militant outfit, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), in the state. Tuesdays raid and search operations were related to a case registered in neighboring Assam, and the NIAs actions at five locations in West Bengal were based on specific information secured by the central agency sleuths. Last week, the NIA sleuths arrested a youth in Assam on suspicion of being a militant. The investigators found that the arrested youth was an active member of JMB. During interrogation, he admitted that a module of a Bangladesh-based militant organisation was active in West Bengal. His interrogation also revealed that JMB was working to create sleeper cells in West Bengal, where several youths from a particular community were being brainwashed to join that banned Bangladesh-based outfit. The documents seized by the NIA sleuths from the youth arrested in Assam revealed further details about the active JMB module. Armed with that information, the NIA sleuths conducted raids and search operations at different locations in West Bengal since Tuesday morning.
Calcutta HC asks Bengal CM to reply to Mamatas petition on Bhabanipur
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 29 (IANS) Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to submit a written reply to the election petition filed by former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging massive counting irregularities in the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency during the West Bengal Assembly polls earlier this year. Justice Gaurang Kanth asked Adhikari to file his written reply by October 1. In the election earlier this year, Adhikari, contesting as a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, defeated Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress candidate, by 15,105 votes. Following the result, Mamata Banerjee, through her counsel and four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Kalyan Banerjee, filed an election petition at the Calcutta High Court alleging massive counting irregularities at Bhabanipur. Earlier, during a hearing in August, Adhikaris counsel Joydeep Kar sought time to respond, and Justice Kanth granted three weeks. At that time, the court ordered the preservation of election-related documents, including EVMs and CCTV footage. On Tuesday, Kalyan Banerjee was absent from court, and his son, Sirshanyo Banerjee, appeared on behalf of Mamata Banerjee. The petition alleged irregularities at Sakhawat Memorial Girls High School in South Kolkata, where counting was conducted on May 4. Mamata Banerjee claimed her counting agent was beaten and thrown out of the centre towards the end of counting, allowing irregularities to take place. She also alleged that she was prevented from entering the counting centre as a candidate for a long time. Another allegation was that the returning officer for Bhabanipur was a close confidant of Adhikari, who was then the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly.
CBI arrests proclaimed offender Jharna Mistry in 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence murder case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested proclaimed offender (PO) Jharna Mistry, wife of co-accused Sanjay Mistry, in connection with a 2021 West Bengal post-poll violence murder case. The CBI said the accused had been absconding since the FIR was registered in 2021 and had never joined the investigation or trial. The agency had declared a cash reward for her arrest. The FIR was filed on allegations of murdering Sova R Mondal, the mother of the complainant.
West Bengal may replace student mobile phone grants with education tablets
Adhikari raised concerns over students mobile phone use while launching the Sarathi scheme for distributing bicycles to students in Howrah
Bengal: CBI arrests proclaimed offender in 2021 post-poll murder case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 29 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested Proclaimed Offender (PO) Jharna Mistry from Ghoshpara, Santoshpur, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, in the 2021 post-poll violence and murder case. Jharna, wife of co-accused Sanjay Mistry, has been at large since registration of the FIR in 2021, and she never joined the investigation/trial in this post-poll violence case. The CBI had declared a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for her arrest. In compliance with the Calcutta High Court order dated August 19, 2021, the CBI registered the instant case on August 27, 2021, by taking over FIR No. 345/2021 dated May 3, 2021, of Jagaddal Police Station, North 24 Parganas. The FIR was registered based on the allegations of post-poll violence wherein Sova Rani Mondal, mother of complainant and BJP worker Kamal Mondal in Jagaddal constituency, was killed by the accused after the declaration of Assembly election results on May 2, 2021. After investigation, the CBI filed a supplementary chargesheet on December 29, 2021 against a total of 13 accused persons, including Jharna Mistry. As the accused was hiding and evading the process of trial, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Barrackpore, North 24 Parganas District, declared her a Proclaimed Offender vide order dated October 3, 2023. The arrested accused/PO is being produced before the Competent Court at Barrackpore, the CBI said. In March 2023, the CBI announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for information on the accused in the murder case. Though Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had claimed that there was no incident of post-poll violence in the state, an NHRC report had said that there were several cases of rape and murder after the announcement of Assembly election results in 2021. Earlier, on January 28, 2023, the probe agency had announced a similar cash reward of Rs 50,000 for information in the murder case of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar. Sarkar was allegedly strangled to death with a television cable. He was the only BJP worker who died in the state capital in the post-poll violence. Sarkar's family had continuously alleged that the Kolkata Police was not investigating the matter properly and was not arresting the 'Trinamool goons' responsible for the murder, who are not only moving scot-free, but also threatening the family members. Biswajit Sarkar, the elder brother of the victim, has filed petitions to probe Sarkar's death before the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court.
Jamaat in one hand, Dimagi Naxal in other: Suvendu Adhikari targets Mamata over her Delhi visit
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday claimed that the INDIA bloc had ended and alleged that former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to Delhi could involve meetings with people he referred to as Dimagi Naxals and those raising Azadi slogans. Speaking on the INDIA bloc, Adhikari said, INDI alliance ended long ago. What is Mamata Banerjee going to do in Delhi? She is going to plan with the 'Dimagi Naxals' and those who give Azadi slogans. I will tell Delhi to keep a close watch. Do not let any anti-national force meet with her. He further alleged that Mamata has Jamaat in one hand and Dimagi Naxals in the other. Jamaat is now giving the main mantra to the Dimagi Naxals. She has Jamaat in one hand and Dimagi Naxal in the other, he added. Banerjee is set to attend the INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, where opposition leaders are likely to deliberate on a proposed nationwide protest over allegations of electoral irregularities. Amid the ongoing row...
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 29: NIPS Institute of Hotel Management has been recognised as the No. 1 Private Hotel Management College at the Times Now Leaders of Excellence - East 2026, marking a significant milestone for the institute and its continued contribution to hospitality education.
In a pointed critique, Suvendu Adhikari slammed Mamata Banerjee for her planned trip to Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, alleging she is conspiring with CPI(M) leaders on key electoral issues. This collaboration aims to push for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls have heightened political tensions. Additionally, Adhikari expressed support for the Calcutta High Court's ruling on the BJP candidate's nomination affidavit.
ED Searches Premises Of Ex-Bengal Minister Indranil Sen In Puja Fund Probe
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at 15 locations connected to former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen and others, probing alleged financial irregularities in Durga Puja preview shows organised by massArt, an organisation headed by Sen's wife. The investigation under PMLA focuses on the alleged collection and diversion of Rs 50-60 crore and potential links to a private art gallery.
NIA Arrests Imam in West Bengal Over Terror Links
The NIA has arrested an imam in Kolkatas East Bardhaman district for suspected ties to a terrorist network. NIA Arrests Imam in West Bengal Over Terror Links
Imam Arrested in West Bengal Over Terror Links
The NIA has arrested an imam in East Bardhaman, West Bengal, suspected of connections to a terrorist network. Imam Arrested in West Bengal Over Terror Links
Centre sanctions Rs 1,200 crore to 10 states under PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over financial sanction letters worth more than Rs 1,200 crore to agriculture ministers of 10 states under the Prime Minister Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY). The disbursement included Rs 290 crore for West Bengal, Rs 198 crore for Haryana, Rs 181 crore for Chhattisgarh, Rs 154 crore for Arunachal Pradesh, Rs 114 crore for Bihar, Rs 104 crore for Karnataka, Rs 75 crore for Mizoram, Rs 64 crore for Himachal Pradesh, Rs 58 crore for Jharkhand and Rs 43 crore for Punjab. Chairing a meeting attended by Agriculture Ministers and senior officials from various states, Chouhan said the Union Government was not only limiting itself to policy formulation, but also ensuring timely availability of resources to states so that implementation of schemes could begin on the ground without delay. Highlighting the countrys agricultural performance, Chouhan said that since 2015, the agriculture growth rate has increased from 3 per cent to 4.5 per cent. The average annual increase in foodgrain production has also more than doubled, rising from around 40 lakh tonnes earlier to 84 lakh tonnes per year. He further noted that in just two years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26, rabi foodgrain production recorded an unprecedented increase of 205 lakh tonnes. Announcing a new mechanism to further strengthen cooperative federalism, Chouhan said that, on the lines of weekly reviews conducted at the Centre, regular monthly virtual review meetings with states would now be held to continuously assess progress. At the state level, a strong State Agriculture Team will be constituted by bringing together the Agriculture Minister, Agriculture Secretary, state agricultural universities, ICAR institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ATMA and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Monthly meetings will also be held at the district level. Emphasising the need to protect soil health and the environment, Chouhan called for a nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan from October 22 to November 30 this year. Scientists and all key stakeholders will actively participate in the campaign. Based on Soil Health Cards, the campaign will promote balanced use of fertilisers to protect soil fertility and beneficial insects. He also called for large-scale promotion of pulse cultivation in rice fallow areas of eastern India, particularly in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, after the paddy harvest. As part of preparations for the current rabi season, Chouhan stressed that recommendations on crops and improved seeds should be based on soil moisture and water availability. Stating that the availability of seeds and fertilisers in the country is adequate, Chouhan directed states to take strict legal action against fake fertilisers, spurious seeds and sub-standard pesticides. Chouhan said the government is pursuing a multi-dimensional strategy to ensure that farmers receive fair and remunerative prices for their produce. The strategy includes strengthening post-harvest management, scientific warehousing and marketing systems. He said that 100 per cent assured government procurement of tur, urad and masoor at MSP would be undertaken, with arrangements for payment within 48 hours. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision, he said India would also leverage the new market opportunities emerging from international Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to connect Indian agricultural products, fruits, vegetables and foodgrains with global markets. This, he said, would help farmers secure better returns for their produce and enable India to emerge as a major food basket for the world.
Calcutta HC quashes case over 2024 police raid at Suvendu Adhikari
Calcutta HC quashes case over 2024 police raid at Suvendu Adhikaris rented house in Kolaghat Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday quashed an old case related to raids by the West Bengal Police at the rented residence of Suvendu Adhikari, then opposition leader, at Kolaghat in East Midnapore district during Lok Sabha polls in [] The post Calcutta HC quashes case over 2024 police raid at Suvendu Adhikaris rented house in Kolaghat appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Day after firearms' recovery from TMC ex-MLA's home, car, another gun found in garden; driver held
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 29 (IANS) The West Bengal Police on Tuesday arrested the driver of former Trinamool Congress MLA Biswajit Das after another country-made firearm and live bullets were recovered from the garden behind the former legislator's residence in North 24 Parganas district. The arrest of the driver, Keramat Mandal, came a day after Das, the former Bangaon Uttar MLA, was taken into custody following the recovery of firearms from his house and car. The police said the latest recovery was made after investigators questioned Mandal. A team from Gopalnagar police station visited Das' residence late on Monday night and searched the garden located behind the house. During the search, the officers found a country-made firearm and several live rounds. According to investigators, suspicion fell on Mandal after Das was taken to the police station. The police said that the driver returned to the former MLA's residence in Das' car, unlocked the house and entered the premises. He reportedly emerged after a short while, prompting the investigators to question his movements. During interrogation, the police alleged, Mandal admitted that the firearm and bullets had been kept on the dashboard of Das' car. He allegedly removed the weapon and ammunition from the vehicle and threw them into the garden before returning. Mandal was subsequently arrested in connection with the alleged illegal possession of firearms. Das and his driver were produced before the Bangaon Sub-divisional Court on Tuesday. The police sought seven days' custody of both accused for further questioning. Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the weapons. They are also trying to establish where the firearms came from and why they were allegedly kept in Das' possession. Das entered electoral politics with the Trinamool Congress and won the Bangaon Uttar Assembly seat in 2011. He retained the constituency in 2016. Following the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) strong performance in West Bengal in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he shifted political allegiance and joined the BJP ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls. Das contested the 2021 election from Bagdah on a BJP ticket and won. He subsequently returned to the TMC after meeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and was later given charge of the party's Bangaon organisational district. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Das contested the Bangaon seat against BJP's Shantanu Thakur but was defeated. He was fielded again by the TMC in the 2026 Assembly election, but lost to BJP candidate Ashok Kirtania.
NIA arrests Imam in Bengal's East Burdwan for suspected terror links
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 29 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Tuesday, arrested an Imam of a mosque at Palishgram village under Mangalkot Police Station in East Burdwan district of West Bengal on suspicion of having links with terror networks. The arrested individual has been identified as Piar Mohammad Sheikh, who was serving as the Imam of a mosque in Palishgram village under the Mangalkot Police Station limits. He is originally a resident of Kulut village in the Monteswar area of the same district. According to sources, an NIA team, assisted by local police personnel, conducted an operation at the Palishgram Purbapara mosque on Tuesday morning and detained Sheikh from the premises. Investigators subsequently searched the room where he had been staying and seized a diary and a mobile phone. Sources aware of the development said that investigators found the numbers of several Bangladeshis in the diary. He was taken from the mosque to Mangalkot Police Station for interrogation. NIA sleuths are trying to extract as much information from him as possible. Local residents told media persons that Sheikh had been associated with the mosque for the last three years. His arrest took the villagers by surprise. They said they could not even think of his links with terrorist forces based out of Bangladesh. However, the mosque committee member Golam Mustafa and some villagers said that the arrested Imam used to go to Bangladesh frequently. Recently, too, he went to Bangladesh and spent almost six months there. He returned to Palishgram again a few months back, a local villager said. NIA officials are, however, tight-lipped over whether the arrest of the Imam is connected with the parallel raids and search operations conducted by separate teams of the central agency in five locations in different districts of West Bengal since Tuesday morning. NIA is probing alleged sleeper cells of the Bangladesh-based militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Tuesdays raid and search operations were in relation to a case registered in neighbouring Assam, and the NIAs actions in West Bengal were based on specific information secured by the central agency in the matter.
Belagavi woman allegedly killed by husband after seeking divorce
Digital Desk | Belagavi (Karnataka), Sep 29 (IANS) A 31-year-old woman was allegedly killed on Tuesday by her husband after she sought a divorce, in Amaturu village of Bailahongala taluk in Belagavi district. The deceased has been identified as Lakshmi Madamageri, a resident of Gollara Oni in Bailahingala town. Her husband, Raju Madamageri, allegedly attacked her with a stone, killing her on the spot, and fled from the scene. He is currently absconding. According to police, Raju and Lakshmi had fallen in love and got married around five years ago. However, the couple had developed differences over the past few years, following which Lakshmi had reportedly sought a divorce from Raju. Police said Raju allegedly took Lakshmi from her work place near Amaturu on the pretext of dropping her home. He then allegedly attacked her with a stone and bludgeoned her to death before fleeing the spot. Following the incident, Bailahongala police launched a search for Raju and are making efforts to trace and arrest him. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. It can be recalled that in December 2025, in Bengaluru, Bhuvaneshwari, a 39-year-old bank assistant manager, was shot dead on a road in west Bengaluru by her estranged husband, Balamurugan, a week after she sent him a divorce notice. The accused surrendered at the Magadi Road police station. The victim, Bhuvaneshwari, 39, was an assistant manager at the Basaveshwaranagar branch of Union Bank of India and lived in Rajajinagar with her two children. She was shot at close range by her husband, Balamurugan, 40, on 1st Main Road in the Rajajinagar Industrial Area around 6.30 p.m. Police said the accused fired four rounds at close range as she was returning home from work. He used to work at Capgemini, a multinational IT company. In January 2026, a divorced woman named Ranjita was stabbed to death in Yellapur after she allegedly refused a marriage proposal from a man named Rafiq. The accused later died by suicide, and the incident led to local protests. In August 2022, a 24-year-old woman, Chaitra, was hacked to death by her estranged husband, Shivakumar, inside the Holenarsipur court premises in Hassan district immediately following a divorce mediation session.
Kolkata police reported to the Calcutta High Court that a search yielded no incriminating material. The case involves West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and a suo motu FIR. The FIR was related to allegations of weapons and cash being stored at a house. Adhikari's lawyer subsequently decided not to pursue the petition based on the police report. The high court dismissed the petition as it was not pressed further.
States Increase Age Limits for Government Job Aspirants
In a significant move, several states, including Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, and Telangana, have raised the upper age limits for government job aspirants. This change aims to provide relief to candidates who have faced challenges due to age restrictions. The adjustments vary by state and position, with Andhra Pradesh allowing candidates up to 44 years for non-uniformed roles. While this expansion opens doors for many, experts warn that it may also lead to increased competition for the same number of positions. Read on to explore the implications of these changes and how they affect job seekers.
Bengal CM assures Indian Oil of facilitating land for its expansion plan in Haldia
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured Indian Oil Corporation of land for its petrochemical complex. The company requires 175 acres for its expansion, with 85 acres already arranged by the Haldia Development Authority. The remaining land can possibly be sourced from the Haldia Dock Complex. This expansion aims to enhance profitability through the integration of petrochemical projects with the existing refinery.
Bengal CM assures Indian Oil of facilitating land for expansion in Haldia
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured the Indian Oil Corporation of facilitating land for its long-pending plans to develop a petrochemical complex alongside its refinery in Haldia. Noting that the expansion would require 175 acres of land, the chief minister on Monday said the Haldia Development Authority has already arranged 85 acres and the remaining could be facilitated through the Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookherjee Port. Adhikari said he has taken up the matter with the port authorities to ensure that the land is made available to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for its proposed expansion. An official said, If this happens, then the IOC will send the project to the board for consideration. The state-owned oil major said it was considering an expansion at Haldia, which could include a chemical downstream project. The OC has for years sought the 175-acre parcel adjoining its Haldia refinery to expand its operations and develop downstream petrochemica
ED Raids Former West Bengal Ministers Properties in Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate has launched raids on properties of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen over alleged money laundering linked to fake UNESCO tickets. ED Raids Former West Bengal Ministers Properties in Money Laundering Case
West Bengal Minister Warns Against Illegal Fundraising During Durga Puja
West Bengals Dilip Ghosh addresses illegal fundraising during Durga Puja, emphasizing government action against corruption. West Bengal Minister Warns Against Illegal Fundraising During Durga Puja
Bengal Ex-Minister Faces Probe Agency ED Searches In Fund Collection Case
A total of 10 locations across Kolkata including Highland Park are being searched, sources said in the case linked for former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen
NIA Raids 16 Locations Across Assam, Bengal, Keralam In Cross-Border Terror Conspiracy Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched extensive raids at 16 locations across Assam, West Bengal, and Keralam in connection with the Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK) radicalisation case. IMK, identified as an offshoot of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), has been under investigation for orchestrating a cross-border terror conspiracy aimed at spreading extremist ideology in India. Officials... The post NIA Raids 16 Locations Across Assam, Bengal, Keralam In Cross-Border Terror Conspiracy Case first appeared on Northeast Today .
ED raids 10 places linked to ex-Bengal minister in money laundering case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 29 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was conducting raid and search operations at the residence of the former West Bengal Tourism Minister, Indranil Sen, a singer-turned-politician, on Tuesday in connection with the charges against him and his wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, of illegally selling pre-Durga Puja tickets by misusing the name of the UNESCO. A team of ED officials reached Sen's residence in Kasba, South Kolkata, early in the morning. It is learnt that different teams of ED officials were conducting simultaneous search operations at 10 places in the city, including the residence of the former minister at Kasba. Other places where the Central agency operations were being conducted include Hindustan Park and Highland Park, among others. These include the houses of the former minister's relatives. The address where the ED has started searching in Highland Park is the house of a businessman associated with event management. There have been allegations that 'fake passes' were sold in the name of Durga Puja tours, using the UNESCO tag. It is initially estimated that around Rs 60 crore was involved, said sources. A complaint was filed at the Bowbazar police station in June this year against Indranil, his wife Madhuchhanda Sen and an organisation called 'Mass Art'. Madhuchhanda herself is also involved in this organisation. These 'fake passes' were also being sold using the name of 'UNESCO' to gain credibility. The complaint was lodged by Joydeep Mukherjee on behalf of the international organisation. As per the complaint, the said entity, 'Mass Art', was floated within six months of the Kolkata Durga Puja being recognised by UNESCO in 2021. They claim to be UNESCO's 'official partner' in promoting Kolkata's Durga Puja. But this claim was alleged to be false. Apart from that, it was alleged that UNESCO's name, logo, etc., had been used without permission to sell tickets for Puja tours. It is further learnt that passes for about 24 Durga Puja 'preview shows' in Kolkata were sold at high prices. In some cases, the price of these passes ranged from Rs 1,749 to Rs 5,499. The said entity claimed that UNESCO had selected those 24 puja mandap. But so far, no truth has been found in this claim, according to sources aware of the development. It is alleged that money has been embezzled in the name of 'preview show' passes. Initial investigation revealed that about 19,000 people registered to receive these passes in 2022; 34,000 registered in 2023; and 61,000 in 2024. Although the investigation into the matter was initiated by the Kolkata Police, the ED later began its probe into the money laundering angle in the case.
NIA raids 16 locations in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala in IMK case
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NIA raids 16 places in Assam, Bengal, Keralam in IMK radicalisation case
New Delhi [India], September 29 (ANI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting searches at 16 locations across Assam, West Bengal and Keralam in connection with a cross-border terror conspiracy tied to Imam Mahmuder Kafila (IMK), a Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) offshoot, radicalisation case of Assam. Of the 16 places, 10 places are being searched in Assam, five locations in West Bengal and one in Keralam. The move comes three months after the anti-terror agency filed charges against 11 accused persons in connection with the terror conspiracy orchestrated by the IMK. The accused were then charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 in the chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court in Guwahati (Assam). NIA investigations had revealed the active involvement of the accused in the conspiracy of IMK
