Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen sent to 13 days police custody
Indranil Sen served as thetourism and culture minister during the Mamata Banerjee era
No sky lanterns allowed without formal permission from the fire department, says DGP West Bengal
West Bengal minister asks to organise Kali puja at every police station
Businessman killed in bike accident in Dum Dum, rider flees
BTech student, male friend feign kidnap, extort Rs 1.5 cr from doctor father
Sarsuna victims ashamed, scared to step out of home
Pandals miss dismantling deadline in Kolkata as well
Rights Body Seeks Report In Two Weeks
HC: Oldest surviving bldgs are citys pride, all must ensure their protection
Centre approves Rs 430cr for dredging at Kolkata, Haldia ports
Over 30L Swasthya Sathi beneficiaries untraceable
Shocked to hear about attack on JU, freedom from violence is a right that we all share: Amartya Sen
State will review HS sem system: Min
Stabilty cert must for Kali Puja pandals
SRFTI students union writes to VC on cop presence, intimidation
Alert sounded in Alipurduar after Bhutan lake outburst
West Bengal bars new teachers from contesting elections
The move, aimed to improve quality of education in State-run and aided schools, has sparked criticism from several teachers associations
Bengal: Revenue Inspector arrested in Aushgram bribery case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Investigators from the West Bengal Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a state government revenue inspector on Wednesday evening for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 4,000 to issue an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate in East Burdwan district, an official confirmed on Thursday. The accused official, posted at the Land and Land Reforms Office in Aushgram, was apprehended during a trap operation following persistent complaints from residents regarding illicit extortion and bribery at the office. According to ACB officials, the agency launched an investigation after receiving a specific complaint detailing that the revenue inspector had demanded Rs 4,000 as a bribe to process an official EWS certificate. Acting on the complaint, a special team of the Anti-Corruption Bureau laid a trap at the Aushgram Land and Land Reforms Office on Wednesday evening. ACB officers executed a sudden raid on the premises and caught the official red-handed at the exact moment he accepted the bribe money from the complainant. The surprise raid caused brief commotion across the government facility. The ACB has initiated formal legal proceedings under specific sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the arrested employee. Investigators are currently probing whether other officials or network links within the department are involved in similar corrupt practices. Underlining its zero-tolerance stance against public sector extortion, the ACB issued a statement affirming that strict enforcement measures will be intensified across state departments to ensure transparent, bribe-free government service delivery for citizens.
West Bengal Considers One Class, One Teacher Policy for Primary Schools
West Bengal plans to implement a One Class, One Teacher policy to enhance education quality in primary schools starting next academic year. West Bengal Considers One Class, One Teacher Policy for Primary Schools
Invariz partners with IEM Kolkata to launch AI centre of excellence
Calcutta HC declines to intervene in case against KMC delimitation
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Calcutta High Court on Thursday refused to intervene in a case challenging the delimitation of wards under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), which is scheduled to go for polls by the year-end. As per the draft delimitation proposal, the number wards under the KMC are slated to be increased to 209 from the current figure of 144. A petition was filed at the Calcutta High Court earlier this month challenging the basis of the delimitation proposals, where the petitioner claimed that the delimitation exercise was not conducted as per the prescribed rules. The matter came up for hearing on Thursday at the bench of Justice Hiranmaya Bhattacharya and at the end of the hearing his bench refused to intervene in the matter for the time being. However, Justice Bhattacharya did not reject the petition altogether and instead directed both the West Bengal government and petitioners to file their respective affidavits in the matter. As per the court's order on Thursday, the state government should file its affidavit in the matter within the next four weeks, and the petitioner will file its counter affidavit in the matter within two weeks from the time the state government will file its affidavit. The matter will come up for hearing again after six weeks following which the court will receive affidavits from both the parties. The polling for seven urban civic bodies in West Bengal, including that of KMC is likely in December this year. Before that, complications arose over the ward realignment. Many thought that the impasse would be resolved after Thursday's hearing. Now with the court refusing to intervene in the matter for now, the decision on ward realignment remains in place. The petition challenging the delimitation had claimed that reasonable adjustments were not made in the redrawing of ward boundaries and factors like population, geographical location and administrative consistency of the wards were not properly considered in the delimitation process. The petitioner also questioned the rationale behind the delimitation.
Slain BJP councillors father alleges death threats
West Bengal UDMA Signs MOUs for Kolkata urban renewal, Rs 3,000 cr waste project
'Silence is not an option': Mamata Banerjee backs INDIA bloc's November 1 rally against 'vote chori'
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (October 29)extended her support to the INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Dilli' marchagainst alleged vote theft, scheduled to be held at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1.
West Bengal Introduces New Guidelines for Fireworks During Kali Puja and Chhath Festival
West Bengal government imposes new restrictions on fireworks for Kali Puja and Chhath to balance celebration, safety, and environmental concerns. West Bengal Introduces New Guidelines for Fireworks During Kali Puja and Chhath Festival
Former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen Arrested in Alleged Durga Puja Pass Scam
Indranil Sen, ex-West Bengal minister, faces multiple charges in a scam involving fake Durga Puja passes linked to UNESCO. Former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen Arrested in Alleged Durga Puja Pass Scam
Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil reviews Ganga basin flood control initiatives
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil reviewed the planning and implementation of measures to address flood, erosion and drainage problems in the Ganga basin during the 19th meeting of the Ganga Flood Control Board (GFCB), an official said on Thursday. Patil led discussions on preparation of risk-based basin Master Plans, assessment of the adequacy of waterways and ventways under bridges, improving the quality of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), timely implementation of flood management projects and application of modern technologies in flood management, the official said in a statement. During the review meeting held on Tuesday, the Union Minister emphasised coordination among Union Ministries, state governments and other stakeholders, particularly in addressing issues relating to river morphology, drainage congestion, infrastructure development and flood resilience, the statement said. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of an integrated, risk-informed and technology-enabled approach to flood management, supported by effective Centrestate cooperation, improved technical standards and coordinated implementation of flood management measures across the Ganga basin, it added. The Union Minister also highlighted importance of modern survey techniques, sound technical investigations, appropriate statutory clearances and timely resolution of project implementation bottlenecks. The meeting was attended by Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Minister of West Bengal; Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; K. V. Raju, NITI Aayog member; Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister; Swatantra Dev Singh, Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister; representatives of the Ganga basin states; senior officials of the Central and state governments; and representatives of the concerned agencies, the statement said. The Board, chaired by the Union Jal Shakti Minister, provides a high-level institutional platform for strengthening Centrestate cooperation and coordinated flood management across the Ganga basin. The meeting chaired by C.R. Patil on Tuesday provided an opportunity to review ongoing initiatives, strengthen interstate coordination and deliberate upon emerging approaches for effective flood management. The Board, constituted by the Union government on April 18, 1972, comprises representatives of the concerned Central Ministries and Chief Ministers of the Ganga Basin states or their representatives, with the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) Chairman Er. Sher Singh, serving as its Member Secretary, the statement said.
Tripura inaugurates first Tea Auction Centre to boost marketing, ensure better prices for growers
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 29 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday inaugurated the states first tea auction centre in Agartala, making it the second state in the Northeast after Assam, and the fifth in the country, to have such a facility. The Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited (TTDCL) Chairman, Samir Ranjan Ghosh, said the tea auction centre aims to strengthen the marketing network for Tripura tea, reduce transportation costs and the time required to sell tea consignments, and help growers secure competitive prices for their produce. State Industries and Commerce Minister Santan Chakma attended the inauguration ceremony, held at the Pandit Nehru Complex in Gurkhabasti, on the outskirts of Agartala city. The foundation stone for the tea auction centre was laid in March 2024 as part of efforts to strengthen the states tea industry and improve marketing facilities for local producers. According to Ghosh, Tripura currently has 54 large tea gardens and around 2,800 small tea growers, collectively producing approximately 9 million to 10 million kg of tea annually. He said the state had so far depended on auction centres outside Tripura to market a substantial portion of its tea production, with nearly 60 per cent of the produce being sold through external auction facilities. The establishment of the new centre is expected to provide tea producers with more direct access to buyers, improve marketing opportunities for small tea growers and reduce the time required to sell tea consignments, he said. The TTDCL chairman said that selling a tea consignment currently takes around 44 days, but the corporation expects the new auction facility to reduce the time by approximately 40 per cent. To ensure the successful operation of the centre, the corporation has held several rounds of discussions with buyers and brokerage firms in Kolkata and Guwahati to encourage their participation in the Agartala tea auctions, Ghosh said. Several reputed brokerage firms and buyers from different parts of the country have already expressed interest in participating in the auctions, he added. The participation of buyers and brokers will be crucial to ensuring competitive bidding, strengthening market linkages and expanding the reach of Tripura tea, which has traditionally depended on external trading centres for a significant share of its sales. The new facility is also expected to improve coordination between tea producers, traders and buyers, while providing a more accessible platform for marketing locally produced tea. However, the long-term effectiveness of the auction centre will depend on sustained buyer participation, competitive bidding and the extent to which reductions in marketing time and transportation costs translate into better returns for tea growers. TTDCL Managing Director Rajesh Kumar Das, who was also present at the inauguration ceremony, described the occasion as a defining moment for the state's tea industry and its stakeholders, including growers, manufacturers, bought-leaf factory operators, tea estate owners, workers and traders. The Agartala Tea Auction Centre has been established with one clear purpose, to place the tea stakeholders of the state at the centre of a transparent, efficient and rewarding marketing system, Das said. At present, a major portion of Tripura's tea is transported to auction markets in Guwahati and West Bengal for sale, resulting in additional transportation expenses and higher marketing costs for producers. The establishment of an auction centre within the state is expected to facilitate better coordination between sellers and buyers, reduce transportation expenses and improve price realisation for tea producers and others associated with the sector. Tripura's 54 tea gardens include estates operated by the state-owned Tripura Tea Development Corporation Limited, the Tripura Cooperative Society and private owners. Alongside these large tea estates, around 2,800 small tea growers play a significant role in the state's tea industry, contributing nearly 30 per cent of its total tea production, which stands at approximately 90 lakh kg annually. More than 60 per cent of the state's tea production is currently marketed through auction centres outside Tripura, highlighting the importance of developing an effective local auction system. With the inauguration of the Agartala Tea Auction Centre, the state is seeking to strengthen its tea marketing infrastructure, reduce dependence on external auction markets and create better opportunities for growers to obtain competitive prices for their produce. The initiative is expected to provide a major boost to Tripura's tea industry by bringing key marketing activities closer to producers and creating a more efficient trading environment within the state.
No one will be worse than me: Suvendu Adhikari warns against cow slaughter in Bengal
Suvendu Adhikari emphasized the protection of cows in West Bengal during a public event while making clear his stance against cow slaughter. He pledged to deport illegal infiltrators and assured processing citizenship for Hindu refugees under the Citizenship Amendment Act. Adhikari asserted that no Hindu refugee should be imprisoned in the state, urging applications for citizenship. His administration is focused on preventing anti-national activities in border areas.
I-PAC raid row: SC reserves order on ED plea for CBI probe against Mamata Banerjee
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on a plea filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe and registration of an FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior police officials over alleged interference in search operations at the office of political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) in Kolkata. A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and N.V. Anjaria reserved its order on the limited question of whether the matter should be referred to the CBI or left to the newly elected West Bengal government to decide on the investigation. During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Banerjee, argued that with a change in the government in West Bengal, there was no longer any impediment to a state-level decision on transferring the investigation to the CBI. He questioned the need for a judicial direction, submitting that the state government was competent to refer the matter to the Central agency on its own. The Justice Mishra-led Bench also questioned why the West Bengal government could not refer the matter to the CBI in the changed circumstances, observing that the situation prevailing at the time the ED approached the top court might no longer exist. However, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S.V. Raju, appearing for the ED, opposed leaving the matter to the state government, arguing that such a course could invite allegations of mala fide action. ASG Raju submitted that the matter involved allegations against not only the former Chief Minister but also senior police officers, making it necessary to ensure an independent and fair investigation. He further argued that since cross-cases were involved, the investigation should be entrusted to a single agency to ensure that both sides of the dispute were examined together. The Centres law officer maintained that an independent investigation was necessary to address concerns about the fairness of the probe and prevent allegations of collusion between the ED and the state government. The Justice Mishra-led Bench observed that Sibal's argument was that the state government could itself transfer the case to the CBI, without requiring an order from the Supreme Court. Responding to the submissions, Raju said the ED had approached the apex court seeking an independent investigation and that leaving the decision to the state government could give rise to further controversy over the manner in which the case was handled. The arguments concluded with the Supreme Court reserving its order on the limited issue. The matter arises from search operations conducted by the ED on January 8 at the I-PAC office and the residence of its co-founder, Pratik Jain, in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged coal smuggling scam. The federal anti-money laundering agency has claimed that Banerjee, accompanied by police personnel and senior officials, entered the premises while the searches were underway and interfered with the investigation. The ED has sought registration of FIRs against Banerjee, the then West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, among others, besides seeking transfer of the probe to the CBI. Banerjee has denied the allegations, maintaining that she visited the premises to retrieve confidential and proprietary data belonging to the Trinamool Congress, which she claimed was linked to the party's electoral strategy. On January 15, the Supreme Court stayed FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against ED officials in connection with the searches and directed the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital records relating to the premises. Earlier, the apex court had orally observed that alleged interference by a sitting Chief Minister in an ongoing investigation could put democracy in peril.
Former Bengal minister Indranil Sen booked under seven BNS sections in Durga Puja pass scam
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The Kolkata Police have registered a case under seven sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against former West Bengal minister and singer-turned-politician Indranil Sen, who was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours. A senior city police official said the charges include Section 316 (criminal breach of trust), Sections 336(2) and 336(3) (forgery and forgery for cheating), Section 338 (forgery of valuable security and other specified documents), Section 318 (cheating), Section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), and Section 340(2) (using a forged document or electronic record as genuine). According to preliminary findings, financial irregularities involving several crores of rupees allegedly took place between 2022 and 2025 in the name of UNESCO and Durga Puja celebrations through Mass Art Society, a corporate entity owned by Sen's wife, Madhuchhanda Sen, police sources said. Investigators have also found indications that the former minister allegedly withdrew substantial sums from various organisations in the name of UNESCO by using his influence, the sources added. Our sleuths are currently examining other angles in this massive financial forgery, including the floating and use of shell companies to divert funds, a city police official said. After his arrest on Wednesday evening, Sen was taken to the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar in central Kolkata, where investigators questioned him on the basis of documents seized during the probe. The interrogation continued until late at night. Police sources claimed that Sen repeatedly attempted to evade uncomfortable questions or gave inconsistent answers during questioning. The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation, and their veracity is yet to be established. The Kolkata Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been conducting parallel investigations into the alleged scam involving passes for UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja tours. The city police arrested Sen after he emerged from the ED's Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon. He had undergone prolonged questioning by officials of the central agency in connection with the case. Investigators are examining the alleged financial transactions, the role of organisations involved and the possible use of shell companies to route funds. The probe is also seeking to establish how the alleged irregularities were carried out and whether other individuals or entities were involved.
Magnitude 5.1 earthquake reported in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil chairs 19th meeting of Ganga Flood Control Board in New Delhi
The 19th Meeting of the Ganga Flood Control Board (GFCB) was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Thursday under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C R Patil. The meeting was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari. According to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives, strengthened interstate coordination and deliberated on emerging approaches for effective flood management. During the meeting, the Jal Shakti Minister launched the Punah Bharan Mobile App, developed by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics in collaboration with the National Water Mission. The application aims to facilitate scientific identification of suitable locations for artificial groundwater recharge interventions. The Board deliberated on the revised mandate and restructuring of the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC), which includes strengthening basin-level flood management planning, appraisal o...
'Encouraging anarchic ideas': NDA attacks Naseeruddin Shah over 'Dimagi Naxal' remark
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Thursday came down heavily on Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah over his 'Dimagi Naxal' remark, accusing him of encouraging ideas that seek to create anarchy in the country. This comes after the actor launched a scathing attack on the government, sharing a video of himself talking to the camera as he flaunted his badge of 'Dimagi Naxal' and called himself 'proud Dimagi Naxal', a term coined by Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day address in August. Speaking to IANS, BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh said: The kind of language Naseeruddin Shah has used recently, along with his past statements that have been anti-national and supportive of Pakistan, and the way he has spoken about West Bengal this time, shows how his thinking is encouraging ideas that seek to create anarchy in the country. While acknowledging Shah's craft, BJP MLA Ram Kadam said: We fully respect his art. However, we cannot forget how he praised Pakistan during the release of a book in 2015. How can we forget that Naseeruddin Shah supports Mughal invaders who came to this country, persecuted people, and destroyed temples? You live in India, earn your livelihood and respect here, yet praise Pakistan. He is not 'Dimagi Naxal', rather, he is 'Dimagi Pakistani', Kadam remarked while speaking to IANS. Union Minister and RPI-A chief Ramdas Athawale also acknowledged that Naseeruddin Shah is a good film actor who possesses a social conscience, while adding: He should not have a Naxalite mindset. He has the right to suggest measures to the government for the welfare of society, but he has no right to criticise the BJP. Naxalism has been eliminated from the country, so making such remarks is not right, he told reporters. Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly rebuked the veteran actor, calling him extremely harmful to India's democracy. Reacting to Rijiju's criticism, Congress MP Jebi Mather said: Anybody who says anything the BJP doesn't like, they come up with many terms, like Tukde-Tukde, Urban Naxal... that is their way of functioning. So, nothing is surprising about this. Trinamool Congress-Mamata MP Saugata Roy also backed Naseerudin Shah, saying that the actor has just expressed his views. This (expressing views) is not liked by the BJP; that is why Kiren Rijiju criticised it, he told IANS.
Bengal warns of strict action for firecracker norms violations, urges people to exercise restraint
The West Bengal government is initiating strict measures against firecracker violations during Kali Puja and Diwali. Authorities emphasize the importance of self-awareness and adherence to pollution-control guidelines this festive season. Residents are urged to respect silence zones near sensitive locations like hospitals and old-age homes. Vigilance will be heightened for illegal firecracker sales and safety inspections at firecracker markets.
Indranil Sens financial links with private event management entities also under scanner
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Besides the alleged involvement of former West Bengal Minister, Indranil Sen, in an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours, Kolkata Police is also probing the financial links of a corporate entity owned by Sens wife Madhucchanda Sen, with a couple of event management entities when the singer-turned-politician was serving as the Minister of State for Information & Cultural Affairs. Insiders from the city police said that during Sens tenure as minister, an event management tender on behalf of the department worth Rs 53.46 crore was granted to an event management entity GIDI Creation. The administration, according to city police, then overlooked complaints that the tender was granted to that event management entity just because the firm, which did not have sufficient experience in the related field, was owned by a childhood friend of Sen. Later, as per information gathered by the Investigating Officers in the matter, GIDI Creation outsourced the work, for which the tender was granted to another event management entity Third Line Creation, which is completely inoperative now. At that point in time, GIDI Creations had transferred an amount of Rs 50.31 crore to the accounts of Third Line Creation. Subsequently, substantial funds were transferred to the Madhucchanda Sen-owned entity Mass Art Society, through which the UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja passes were sold. At the same time, city police insiders said, the accounts of two other entities namely ISCAPE and Myra, both owned by close relatives of Sen, are also under the scanner of the Investigating Officers. Both the Kolkata Police and Enforcement Directorate (ED) had been conducting parallel investigations in the alleged UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja passes scam. In fact, the cops of Kolkata Police arrested Sen after he came out of EDs Salt Lake office on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon after facing a marathon interrogation by the central agency officials in the matter. Sen will be presented at a lower court in Kolkata later on Thursday and the Public Prosecutor will seek his police custody for further interrogation. The police are trying to track other beneficiaries in the alleged scam.
Chorbagan stampede: Abhishek demands arrest of top functionaries of Durga Puja committee
Abhishek Banerjee has called for the interrogation of officials from the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee. Nineteen lives were lost in a stampede on October 17, raising concerns over the investigation. Banerjee questions the lack of accountability among committee leaders with political affiliations. The West Bengal government has set up a Special Investigation Team to investigate the incident thoroughly.
West Bengal State Health & Family Welfare Samiti (WBSH&FW Samiti) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for the post of Legal Assistant. The online application process will be conducted from 29 October 2026 to 07 November 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, wbhealth.gov.in.
Rain lashes Bengal as Cyclone Arnab turns into depression
Kolkata: Rain and squally winds lashed parts of West Bengal on Thursday, October 29, as the very severe cyclonic storm Arnab weakened into a depression and lay centred over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression is likely to weaken to a well-marked low pressure by Thursday 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 .
Restore previous elected govt in West Bengal, says TMCs Abhishek Banerjee after SCs SIR observations
The Supreme Court said it has not yet adjudicated the legality of the ECIs use of the logical discrepancy category to scrutinise voters' details durins SIR
West Bengal police encounters: the events and the questions they raise | Explained
Since the BJP government came to power in Bengal in May, five people three of them accused of murder and two charged with sexual assault of minors have been killed in police encounters
Oregon city declares October Bengali Heritage and Cultural Month during first Durga Puja celebration
CPI(M) to legally challenge govt's move to bar would-be teachers in Bengal from contesting polls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) The CPI(M) leadership has decided to challenge any move by the West Bengal government to bar teachers recruited henceforth in the state-run schools from contesting any election for panchayats, municipal bodies, Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies. The challenge by the CPI(M) leadership comes amid an announcement by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday, saying that a new clause will be introduced in the recruitment rules of the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) barring would-be teachers from contesting polls. A proposal on this count was cleared at a meeting of the state cabinet on Wednesday. However, the Chief Minister, at the same time, made it clear that the clause will not be applicable to those serving teachers who are already elected public representatives. Reacting to the Chief Ministers announcement on this count, former CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate, Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, said once this proposal is formally implemented in the recruitment rules of the WBSSC, he will take up the matter legally. It will not be easy to suppress the democratic rights of the common people. Any attempt to do this will be opposed legally, said Bhattacharya, also the former Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). He also said that the decision to bar teachers from contesting the polls is unconstitutional. So let the decision be officially implemented. I will take up the matter at the Calcutta High Court, said Bhattacharya. Even a section of the service teachers has opposed the idea and claimed that they do not subscribe to the Chief Ministers argument that the move to bar would-be teachers from contesting polls is aimed at depoliticising the education sector. Had the Chief Minister been serious about depoliticising the sector, he would have removed political persons from different education-related committees. But that did not happen. The laws and regulations related to education in West Bengal do not prevent schoolteachers from engaging in active politics. If this decision is implemented without changing that law, there will be obstacles from the legal angle, said a headmaster of a state-run higher secondary school, who refused to be named.
Delhi Police bust bank account impersonation syndicate, arrest two; assets worth Rs 2.5 crore seized
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) Delhi Police's Central District has busted a syndicate involved in impersonation of bank account holders and arrested two accused for defrauding bank officials of Rs 22.56 lakh through fraudulent Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) instructions, officials said on Thursday. Assets worth approximately Rs 2.50 crore, including gold jewellery, 101 gold coins, cash and a SUV, have been seized in the present and connected cases. One of the arrested accused was also found to be a proclaimed offender who had been absconding for more than seven years in a forged currency case, police said. The case originated from a complaint filed by the Branch Manager of Bank of India, Rajendra Place, New Delhi. On August 5, a person impersonating Deepak Malhotra, a director associated with multiple corporate entities maintaining accounts at the branch, contacted bank officials. According to the police, the caller initially discussed creating a Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) worth Rs 1 crore to gain the officials' confidence. He later contacted them, claiming that the company needed to make a payment but had exhausted its cheque book. He requested that the transaction be processed through email. The accused sent a forged payment request using an email ID closely resembling the company's registered address. The email, bearing a forged company letterhead, instructed the bank to transfer Rs 22,56,922 to another account. When bank officials sought mandatory indemnity documents, the caller pressured them by claiming that similar transactions had been processed earlier and stressing the urgency of the payment. The bank subsequently processed the fraudulent RTGS transfer. An e-FIR was registered at the Cyber Police Station of Central District under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During the investigation, police traced the defrauded amount to a mule bank account maintained with Bandhan Bank in West Bengal. Technical analysis of telecom records, digital evidence and communication details helped investigators identify the suspects. A police team led by Sub-Inspector Kamlesh Kumar arrested the accused, identified as Vinay Kumar Yadav, 36, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Anil Kumar Sehgal, 65, a resident of Noida. The investigation revealed that the accused used forged company letterheads, deceptive email IDs, social engineering and mule accounts to target corporate bank transactions. The money was subsequently diverted into other assets, including gold purchased from a jeweller in West Bengal. Police said both accused had previous criminal involvement in financial fraud cases across several locations, including Ghaziabad, Saharanpur, Ayodhya and Faridabad. They allegedly became acquainted while in jail and had previously been associated with cheque-related frauds involving so-called magic pens. The arrests have also helped police work out six similar cases registered in Gurugram, Palwal and Delhi, involving fraud amounts ranging from Rs 16.65 lakh to Rs 2.98 crore, along with an attempted fraud of Rs 88 lakh.
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee raised concerns about the electoral legitimacy of the current BJP government in West Bengal. He urged the Supreme Court to restore the previous government and conduct fresh elections within six months. The Supreme Court is evaluating the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Banerjee emphasized the need to reinstate all eligible voters excluded from the rolls.
Arrested ex-Bengal Minister Indranil Sen to be produced in court today
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 29 (IANS) Former West Bengal Minister Indranil Sen, who has been arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with an alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam linked to UNESCO-tagged festival tours, will be presented at a lower court on Thursday, and the public prosecutor will seek his police custody for further interrogation. He was arrested on Wednesday evening. An insider from the city police said that first he will be taken for medical examination from the Kolkata Police headquarters, and thereafter he will be presented at the city court. A detailed interrogation of the former state minister is necessary to know about other beneficiaries not just in the fake Durga Puja pass scam, but also in other cases of financial irregularities where he got involved during his tenure as a member of the state cabinet during the previous regime. Hence, the public prosecutor will seek his custody, said an insider of the city police associated with the investigation against Sen. In fact, immediately after his arrest, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari gave a subtle hint when he said that other influential persons who were beneficiaries in the alleged scams in which Sen had been accused would not be spared. The CM also indirectly targeted his predecessor and the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, without directly naming the latter. Sen made his fortune taking advantage of his ministerial position and using his proximity to the former West Bengal Chief Minister. Sen and the former Chief Minister used to sing duets in government programmes. Surely, Sen is not the only one in the previous cabinet who had made his fortune using the ministerial position. The share surely had reached the higher levels. They will not be spared either. Just wait and watch, CM Adhikari said, reacting to Sens arrest. Kolkata Police and Enforcement Directorate (ED) were conducting parallel probes into the alleged fake Durga Puja pass scam. Sen was arrested on Wednesday evening as he came out of the EDs Salt Lake office in the northern outskirts of Kolkata after facing a marathon interrogation in the matter. Earlier this month, the ED issued a statement naming former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in connection with a transaction involving Sen-owned Octave Records. According to the agency, nearly Rs 30 lakh was allegedly transferred from the companys accounts to Banerjee through banking channels. Sen, however, maintained that the payment was made as royalty. Separately, a judicial inquiry commission constituted by the state government to investigate alleged institutional corruption during the previous Trinamool Congress regime has initiated an inquiry involving Sen. The commission is examining alleged multi-crore irregularities in the tendering process of the states Information and Cultural Affairs Department, where Sen had served as Minister of State. The inquiry is separate from the money laundering investigation being conducted by the ED
'Changed circumstances': CBI withdraws pleas to transfer 2021 West Bengal poll violence trials
The CBI's recent decision to withdraw its petitions for relocating the trials of post-poll violence in West Bengal marks a pivotal moment in the state's political dynamics. With BJP's Suvendu Adhikari now at the helm post-2026 elections, initial fears of unfair trial conditions seemed less pressing.
5 flights, long-distance trains cancelled due to cyclone
Arnab tail: Met predicts light rain in city today
Dont neglect mild attack: Docs on World Stroke Day
Most Salt Lake puja clubs miss park-clear deadline
KMDA seeks Jadavpur University help for eco-friendly dredging at Rabindra Sarobar
Teacher attacked during morning walk in Siliguri
No frisking, no CCTV surveillance: MBBS exam shows up pre-RG Kar movement faults
On makeover mode: KIFF set to get new trophy, Sandip Ray redesigns logo
3-minute chaos window killed 19 in Chorbagan, organisers ignored obvious risks, cops tell court
CM reviews safety prep for upcoming festivals
HC calls notices abrupt, six more New Market hotels reopen
First In Bengal: ICMR Pat For IPGMER Endocrinology Department
New KMC ward list: 8 have 20,000+ voters, 12 fewer than 10,000
Cops enter SRFTI campus at night after torchlight march
Kolkata Police investigate woman's body found in Behala pond
Girls statement holds key to Behala strip probe
Teen assaulted in Hastings road rage
Vedanta chief meets Suvendu, explores investments in West Bengal
Anil Agarwal says he will leave no stone unturned to invest in Bengal if the right opportunity presents itself; CM says the industrialist made a specific proposal to set up a unit in Asansol
Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen arrested in Durga Puja ticket scam
He faces allegations of financial irregularities and had been reportedly avoiding the police for a while
Meet Toran Sheikh: Bengal road worker has donated blood 105 times in 28 years
Toran Sheikh, a dedicated road worker hailing from West Bengal, has made an impressive mark in the realm of philanthropy by donating blood over 100 times since he turned 18. His altruistic journey began when he helped a colleague recover from a devastating accident. Sheikhs commitment extends beyond personal donations; he has spearheaded blood donation drives in underserved villages, advocating the necessity of this lifesaving act.
Fortis Healthcare acquires Suguna Hospital in an all-cash 277-crore deal
Commissioned in 2006, Suguna Hospital is a 110-bed facility on Dr Rajkumar Road in Rajajinagar, north-west Bengaluru
Vedanta explores Rs 80,000 crore investment in West Bengal, says Anil Agarwal
In a bold move, Vedanta Group's Anil Agarwal announced an investment strategy of Rs 70,000-80,000 crore in West Bengal, set to foster job creation for around 10,000 individuals. He conveyed confidence in the state's manufacturing potential and the necessity of leveraging local resources. This announcement came during a key meeting at Nabanna, highlighting Agarwal's commitment to positioning India as a manufacturing powerhouse on the global stage.
STF likely to take over Samserganj encounter probe; Samauls wife seeks compensation
The group would examine the viability of setting up the projects in the State
Ex-WB Minister Held For Durga Puja Entry Pass Scam
Former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen was arrested by the Kolkata Police: Reports
Farmer found with throat slit in Gaighata field; 1 detained
CBI Withdraws Bengal Poll Violence Pleas in SC
The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department has since initiated fresh action in cases relating to the 2021 violence, launching 458 inquiries and registering 181 fresh FIRs.
Extraordinary situations demand tough decisions
Can you punish laxity by forfeiting the right to vote forever, Supreme Court asks ECI
Form 6 is cast in stone and cannot be changed, says SC, adding that the Bihar judgment is not a binding precedent and that it allowed logical discrepancy in West Bengal as an interim arrangement; top court tells ECI to extend Delhi SIR
Can you punish laxity by forfeiting the right to vote forever, SC asks EC
Form 6 is cast in stone' and cannot be changed. The Bihar judgment is not a binding precedent. Allowed logical discrepancy in West Bengal as an interim arrangement. Dont stick to timelines in Delhi SIR.
Vedanta explores Rs 80,000 crore investment in Bengal for power, aluminium projects: Anil Agarwal
In a promising development, Vedanta's Chairman Anil Agarwal has signaled interest in investing up to Rs 80,000 crore in West Bengal, concentrating on energy and aluminium manufacturing. This venture could generate thousands of jobs, with Asansol identified as a pivotal site due to its resources and infrastructure. Moreover, Agarwal is committed to fostering smaller businesses for downstream industry growth, with thorough feasibility studies to ensure the project's potential success.
Suvendu raises Chandranath murder in assembly, questions source of Rs 2 crore contract
Bijoya visit sparks BJP face-off
SC says legality of EC's 'logical discrepancy' checks in SIR remains undecided
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said its earlier decision allowing the Election Commission to use the category in West Bengal was only an interim measure. It also clarified that the courts ruling on the SIR exercise in Bihar had not settled every legal question surrounding the revision process.
Suvendu advises Mamata to rest at home, raises allegations over aides murder
Defending his decision to vacate Nandigram and retain Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told the West Bengal Assembly he did not want to give Mamata Banerjee another chance to contest a byelection
Sarvamangala 2026 Marks the Fifth Year of its Inception with the Sublime Theme of Dharagni
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 28: Sarvamangala 2026 marked the fifth year of its inception with the sublime theme of Dharagni, depicting Earth and Fire coming together in a symbiotic
