No direct impact of Cyclone 'Arnab' in Bengal, says weather office
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 25 (IANS) The Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata on Sunday said there would be no direct impact of Cyclone 'Arnab' in West Bengal. However, under its influence, scattered rain along with thunderstorms will occur from October 27 to 30. The Meteorological Office said the depression that has formed over the east-central and adjacent southeast Bay of Bengal is moving southeast at a speed of eight kilometres per hour. By 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, its position was 470 kilometres north-northwest of Srivijayapuram in Andaman, 860 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 950 kilometres east-southeast of Kakinada, 1,060 kilometres east of Machilipatnam and 1,130 kilometres east of Bapatla. On Sunday, it will gradually move southwards and turn west-north-westwards over the east-central Bay of Bengal. After that, it will move in that direction and turn into a cyclone by Monday morning. If the cyclone forms, it will be named 'Arnab' and is going to gather more strength over the sea and turn into a severe cyclone by Tuesday morning. The severe cyclone may gradually move north-westwards and take the form of a very severe cyclone. It will reach the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning. The cyclone is going to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast between Vapatala and Visakhapatnam in an 'extremely severe' form by Wednesday afternoon. At that time, the storm speed will be 115 to 125 kilometres per hour, and may reach 140 kilometres per hour. Due to the influence of the low-pressure system and cyclone, strong winds will blow over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal. The wind speed has started increasing over the sea since Sunday. An alert has been issued on the coast of West Bengal from Tuesday, and fishermen have been asked to stay away from the sea after Tuesday. Those who are there have been asked to return by Tuesday. The wind speed will be 35 to 55 kilometres per hour from Tuesday on the coast of West Bengal. The sea will be rough due to the influence of the low-pressure system and the cyclone. Heavy rain will occur in some districts of South Bengal due to the influence of the Cyclone. Heavy rain is likely in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram districts on Wednesday and Thursday. Apart from this, heavy rain is likely in Purulia and Bankura on Thursday. Scattered rain, thunderstorms and lightning are likely in Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly on Wednesday and Thursday. It will continue in North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia districts from Wednesday to Saturday. In North Bengal, heavy rain is likely in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts from Thursday. Scattered rain with thunderstorms and lightning will occur in the remaining North districts. There will be no major change in the temperature in West Bengal for the next three days. After that, the mercury may drop by two to three degrees. The minimum temperature in Kolkata on Sunday morning was 23.4 degrees Celsius, 0.4 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature in the city on Saturday was 31.2 degrees Celsius, 0.5 degrees below normal.
West Bengal Chief Minister mourns artist Jogen Chowdhury
The News Mill
West Bengal CM visits families of Chorabagan stampede victims, provides financial aid
The News Mill
Major Ganja Seizure In Angamaly, One Arrested
A West Bengal native, Jownal Abeed, was arrested on Sunday in Angamaly, Kerala, after police seized eight kg of ganja from his possession. The contraband was reportedly procured from Odisha, transported via Bengaluru, and intended for sale in the Perumbavoor area of Ernakulam district.
Cyclone Arnab to hit Andhra coast by October 28; heavy rain forecast in parts of Bengal
West Bengal CM visits victim family, gives Rs 25 lakh after stampede
The News Mill
Over 150 Dengue Cases Reported In A Week In Howrah
Demand-Supply Gap: Fruit & Veggie Prices Soar On Lakshmi Puja Eve In Kolkata Markets
Recycle route: Durga pandals to host Jagaddhatri, Kali idols
Rs 500 For 7-Inch Lakshmi Idol, Prices Double This Year
West Bengal Chief Minister Urges Child to Limit Mobile Use During Heartfelt Encounter
West Bengals Chief Minister advised a child to focus on studies over mobile use while visiting a grieving family in Howrah. West Bengal Chief Minister Urges Child to Limit Mobile Use During Heartfelt Encounter
Chorbagan victims families struggle to cope with loss of loved ones
A week on, Chorbagan neighbourhood mourns in silence
KMC wraps up immersions as puja organisers send off over 4,000 idols
Kolkata sees surge in hand, foot and mouth disease in children
Watchtowers, wide lanes to manage book fair crowd
Three weeks after release, Buxa tigress ventures towards Assam
2 cousins drown in Barasat pond
Salt Lake eateries shut after food safety raid
Track block may hit rail ops today
Christian families in West Bengal get police protection after alleged attacks to renounce religion
An FIR was registered at the Chandrakona police station based on a complainant which accused 13 persons connected with the Bajrang Dal of attacking Christian families and pressured them to return to Hinduism
Naseeruddin Shah criticises SRFTI administration as fresh graffiti appear on campus walls
In sombre farewell, Chorbagan bids adieu to idol after stampede tragedy
Cops seek voice samples of 2 announcers, move HC for nod
Chorbagan tragedy a lesson to make future pujas safer: CM
Firhad opts out of KMC contest, hintsat retirement after end of MLA term
Bharnobari tea garden lockout leaves 1,800 jobless
BJP to give its old guard spl attention in civic body polls
Abhaya forum seeks fresh RG Kar inquiry
Bomb threat on Phuket-Kolkata flight leaves 188 passengers stranded on tarmac for 2 hours
CPI(M) book stalls sales cross 1 crore across 12 West Bengal districts amid targeted attacks
It became about bulldozers vs. books, and people showed up for the books, says senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty.
BJP Aims for Success in Jharkhand, Inspired by West Bengals Achievements
BJP President Nitin Naveen outlines plans for Jharkhand, drawing inspiration from West Bengals success during a meeting in Ranchi. BJP Aims for Success in Jharkhand, Inspired by West Bengals Achievements
Rs 1,200cr for Sundarbans, Muriganga bridge by 2029: CM at Kakdwip
BJP Set to Win Kolkata Municipal Elections, Claims Minister Dilip Ghosh
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh predicts a decisive BJP victory in upcoming municipal elections, echoing earlier assembly results. BJP Set to Win Kolkata Municipal Elections, Claims Minister Dilip Ghosh
Attack on Bengali Christians: Arrest the accused, Congress to Shah
Kolkata: Congress MP KC Venugopal on Saturday, October 24, wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging him to immediately arrest those accused of assaulting three Christian families and allegedly forcing them to renounce their faith in West Bengals Paschim Medinipur district. Venugopal, who is also the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PC), described 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 .
Naseeruddin Shah, filmmaker Payal Kapadia stand in solidarity with agitating SRFTI students
Naseeruddin Shah and filmmaker Payal Kapadia expressed support for Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute students. The students have been protesting against violence allegedly perpetrated by RSS-affiliated organizations on campus. Shah criticized the ruling BJP in West Bengal, claiming they are targeting dissenters. Kapadia emphasized the need for action against those responsible while urging for student safety. SRFTI students demand accountability from the administration regarding campus security and rights.
BJP workers will make mission Jharkhand a success, just like in Bengal: Nitin Nabin
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 24 (IANS) BJP President Nitin Nabin on Saturday expressed confidence that the party would replicate its organisational success in Jharkhand, just like it did in West Bengal. Addressing a meeting of the BJP Jharkhand State Working Committee in Ranchi, he said the party is committed to ensuring that the saffron flag flies from the panchayat level to Parliament. Drawing a parallel with West Bengal, Nabin said BJP workers worked tirelessly to strengthen the party's base in the state and now is the time for Mission Jharkhand. He urged party workers to speed up efforts to expand the party's reach and strengthen its grassroots presence. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Nabin said the country is fortunate to have a leader who has not only provided a new direction to the BJP and India but also enhanced the nation's standing globally. He said 1.4 billion Indians placed their hopes, aspirations and trust in the Prime Minister. He alleged that certain forces within the country, as well as elements operating from abroad, are attempting to obstruct India's rapid progress and development. However, he asserted that the people of India continued to stand firmly with PM Modi. Launching a sharp attack on the Congress and the opposition, Nabin accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of promoting disorder and undermining constitutional institutions. He said those invoking the Constitution today should remember history. Congress, in the past, had weakened constitutional values through the imposition of the Emergency and President's Rule in states, he said. He further alleged that the Congress governed the country according to the interests of a single family rather than the principles of the Constitution. Nabin also claimed that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress are functioning as a oolkit for anti-national and foreign forces. Citing Bihar as an example, he said Congress leaders levelled allegations of irregularities during the voter list revision exercise but failed to file claims or objections in any district. Nabin said he regretted that Jharkhand, a state where he had spent a significant part of his life and which he described as his birthplace, was currently not governed by the BJP. He said BJP workers have already taken to the streets and are determined to end an oppressive system and establish a welfare-oriented BJP government in the state.
Kolkata stampede: Police seek voice samples of 2 accused over loudspeaker announcement, move court
A loudspeaker announcement that a portion of the Chorbagan puja pandal was collapsing allegedly sparked panic among revellers, triggering a stampede-like situation
KC Venugopal Writes to Shah, Suvendu Over Attacks on Christians in WB
Barely a few months after the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, we see a fresh wave of violence to drive the BJP-RSS divisive and destructive agenda in the state,he said
Social activist Sabir Ahamed speaks about the consequences of SIR in West Bengal. How fate of more than three and half million people are struck at Tribunals which are working at a tardy pace. Mr. Ahamed who had analysed the SIR data says that India should learn from West Bengal experience that the revision of voter list has a major impact on people access to social welfare schemes.
The objections reportedly concerned changes to statutory Form 6 without authorisation, centralisation of the electoral database, the filing of appeals in West Bengal without approval and orders relating to the allocation of work
Cyclone threat looms over Bay of Bengal, heavy rain alert for south Bengal from Wednesday
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 24 (IANS) A cyclone is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days, raising the prospect of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across several districts of West Bengal from Wednesday, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata said on Saturday. The developing system is likely to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across large parts of south Bengal over the coming week, prompting the meteorological department to issue an advance weather warning. The meteorological office said a low-pressure area formed over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday, accompanied by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. The system is expected to intensify into a depression on Saturday and move west-northwestwards. It may further strengthen into a deep depression on Sunday, with the possibility of developing into a cyclone over the sea by Monday morning. The system is likely to gain strength over the following two days and move towards the coastal areas of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. Its influence may bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to several parts of south Bengal from Wednesday. Kolkata is likely to experience scattered light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds from Wednesday to Friday. Wind speeds may reach 30 to 40 kmph during this period. Similar conditions are forecast for Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, East Burdwan, West Burdwan, Birbhum, Murshidabad and Nadia districts. Heavy rainfall is also likely in several districts of south Bengal. South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore may experience continuous heavy rain from Wednesday to Friday. Purulia and Bankura are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. Scattered rain is forecast in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore and West Midnapore on Tuesday. There is no weather warning for the West Bengal coast until Monday. However, fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea from Tuesday, when a red warning will come into effect. Wind speeds along the coast are expected to range between 40 and 50 kmph, with gusts reaching 60 kmph. The sea is likely to remain rough. North Bengal may also witness unsettled weather later in the week. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. Other northern districts may experience scattered rain and gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph on both days. Meanwhile, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 23.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday morning, 0.1 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature on Friday stood at 32.2 degrees Celsius, 0.5 degrees above normal.
Jammu police arrest three suspected drug peddlers, seize contraband
Digital Desk | Jammu, Oct 24 (IANS) Police in Jammu have arrested three suspected drug peddlers and seized around 500 grams of a ganja-like substance during a patrol operation in the Sainik Colony area, officials said. According to police, the arrests were made on October 20 when a team from Police Post Sainik Colony intercepted the accused opposite Sainik Public School near Dussehra Ground in Sector D. The accused have been identified as Eashar Ali, a resident of West Bengal, and Ajay Ahirwar and Manoj Bansal, both residents of Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. All three were reportedly residing in Sector D, Sainik Colony, Jammu. During a search, police recovered approximately 500 grams of a suspected ganja-like substance, which was seized following due legal process. In this connection, FIR No. 276/2026 under Sections 8, 20, 25, 27 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered at Police Station Channi Himmat, Jammu. Further investigation is underway to establish the source of the seized substance and identify the forward and backward linkages of the suspected drug supply network. Authorities in J&K have been aggressively acting against drug smugglers, peddlers and traders. The stringent action under a new standard operating procedure (SOP) includes revocation of passports, driving licences, Aadhaar cards and arms licences of those involved in drug trafficking. Law enforcement has attached 125 immovable properties worth Rs 98.28 crore, seized 60 movable assets worth approximately Rs 7.04 crore, and frozen multiple bank accounts linked to drug proceeds under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Lookout circulars and strict tracking measures are actively issued for absconding drug peddlers and smugglers. Thousands of medical and chemist shops across Jammu and Kashmir have been inspected, resulting in the suspension or cancellation of licenses for establishments violating rules. Hundreds of drug peddlers and traffickers have been booked and arrested under the NDPS Act in sustained operations led by the J&K Police and security agencies.
Maoist couple carrying Rs 7 lakh combined bounty surrenders before Kolkata cops
A Maoist couple identified as Mangal and Malati surrendered before Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand on Friday and handed over their weapons. The pair, originally from West Bengal and active in Jharkhand, carried a combined bounty of Rs 7 lakh
Bengal Congress rules out seat sharing in upcoming urban civic polls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 24 (IANS) The West Bengal Congress has ruled out any seat-sharing arrangement with either the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction or the CPI(M)-led Left Front in the state's upcoming elections for seven urban civic bodies, scheduled for next month. Sources in the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) said that although the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has sent informal signals about the possibility of a seat-sharing arrangement, the top state leadership has rejected the idea. The state party leadership claimed that the upcoming urban civic body polls are not the right platform for such an experiment. According to the state Congress president, Subhankar Sarkar, any seat-sharing arrangement for the forthcoming urban civic body polls will be meaningless, since past experiences show how such local body polls are transformed into a farcical exercise due to the combined influence of the ruling party and the state administration. This time also there will be no difference, and in all probability BJP candidates will win from almost all the wards in these seven municipal bodies, taking advantage of its leverage. In that case, BJP will have the opportunity to claim victory as a spontaneous public support against united opposition. So, the urban civic body polls are not the ideal opportunity to try this seat-sharing arrangement, Sarkar said. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) leadership has also made it clear that despite being part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc at the national level, in local body polls, the Left Front will contest independently without any seat-sharing arrangement with any other political force in the state. The question of having any seat-sharing arrangement with any faction in Trinamool Congress is out of the question. At the same time, any understanding with Congress at this point is also not desirable, since we believe that the forthcoming urban civic body polls will be the best opportunity for us to understand where we stand in terms of our organizational strength, said a CPI(M)s central committee member who did not wish to be named. Meanwhile, the Democratic Trinamool Congress, the faction in Trinamool Congress led by Ritabrata Banerjee, made it clear it will contest the upcoming urban civic body polls without any understanding with anyone. On the other hand, the bloc of 20 Trinamool Congress-turned-National Citizens Party of India (NCPI) Lok Sabha members, who claim to be part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is keen for a seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP for the civic polls. The tentative schedule for polls for the seven urban civic bodies, including Kolkata and Howrah Municipal Corporations, is in the last week of November, and the results will be declared in the first week of December.
West Bengal farmers cut area under early potato varieties due to unremunerative price
Currently, truck-loading prices at cold storage gates for the Jyoti potato are ruling at a 500 per quintal, some 100 lower than the same period last year
Bengal to end extended Durga Puja holidays for govt hospital staff from 2027: State Health Minister
West Bengal will end extended Durga Puja holidays for staff at state-run hospitals from next year and introduce duty rosters to ensure round-the-clock healthcare services, Health Minister Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay said. Staff will be assigned duties from Saptami to Dashami, while doctors and nurses must remain available as required.
Kolkata stampede: Death in the time of Durga Puja
On October 17, a stampede broke out at a Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata, claiming 19 lives. The pandal, erected in a narrow space with dim lighting, was filled with people soon after it started raining. Shrabana Chatterjee and Shiv Sahay Singh report on the lapses that led to the tragedy and the questions it has raised about accountability in West Bengal, where the new governments first Durga Puja celebrations have been marred by controversy
Will start putting 27 puja safety plans in place a year in advance: CM
Kolkata airport sees 3.5L festive flyers during 6 puja days
Midnight liquor sales spike after dry Ashtami
Metro ferries 61.5 lakh; Sasthis 12L highest ever
Bay system may strengthen into cyclone, rain alert for Bengal
Handwritten note at airport sparks bomb scare, turns out to be hoax
2-week internship by SRFTI, Spears Corps
Students sit-in against SRFTI vice-chancellor continues, Cannes award-winner backs protesters
Hooghly high tide helps ghat clean-up before Fri immersions
ER clocks 2.6 cr footfall in Sealdah div
Kolkata Restaurants See Record Sales In 8 Years
KMC draft voter list likely on Oct 26, to reveal post-delimitation ward, booth slotting
North or South Kolkata, Durga Puja revelry stays low in decibels
Kolkata Couples Pandal-Hopping Reel On Real Happiness Wins Hearts Online
Cops arrest 2nd announcer whose Pandal-is-collapsing call triggered panic
Kolkata Durga pandal stampede: CM blames 'human error'
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede, which killed 19 people, was primarily due to human error. He visited victims' families, assured assistance, and announced an inquiry by a retired judge, with the report expected within three months. The CM also plans to meet puja committees on October 26 to discuss future safety measures.
CM promises jobs, hands over financial aid to two victims families
SIT allows Chorbagan immersion, other pujas take out silent marches
West Bengal CM announces Rs 27 lakh aid for Chorbagan stampede victim
The News Mill
Bengal didnt elect BJP for TMC netas to change shirts: Samik
Arup rejects civic poll alliances, Madan differs
Malda BJP leaders murder: Two accused remanded to 10-day judicial custody
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 23 (IANS) Shatru Ghosh and another accused, Chhotan Ghosh, the two main accused in the murder of Samir Ghosh, a local Bharatiya Janata Party leader in Malda district of West Bengal, were remanded to 10 days of judicial custody on Friday. Both the accused, who were arrested on Thursday, were presented at a district court in Malda district on Friday and at the end of the hearing, the judge of the district court remanded them to 10 days of judicial custody. On Wednesday night, when the people were busy with Durga idol immersion, Samir Ghosh was first brutally hacked and then shot from close range, resulting in his death on the spot. His family members claimed that he was killed because of his active involvement with the BJP for a long time and also alleged that the assassins were closely associated with the former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee-led faction in the Trinamool Congress. However, the Trinamool Congress leadership in Malda district denied the allegations. The Malda District Police started an investigation in the matter and arrested the two prime accused in the case. The incident took place on Wednesday night in the Ramkeli area of English Bazar police station in Malda district. Allegedly, while the people were busy with idol immersion, some people entered Gosh's house. It is alleged that before anyone realised anything, he was attacked with sharp weapons. After that, he was also shot at close range to ensure his death, his family members alleged. The brother of the deceased BJP worker said that his brother had been receiving threats in various ways for a long time for his association with the BJP, and he was even asked to leave the locality. He also claimed that the deceased was alone at home at the time of the incident. The miscreants took advantage of that opportunity and entered the house and committed the brutal act. He also claimed that this murder had been planned for a long time.
Lawyer-neta Nazias security upgraded
Gangetic West Bengal has transitioned to a temperate climate zone, influencing the rainfall and agricultural patterns. The recent study indicates a notable decline in annual rainfall over the region from 1981 to 2020. This change has been linked to ocean temperature patterns, which also affect long-term agricultural planning.
Jhargram under Shahs ambit, says CM, sets 6-month makeover target
West Bengal: Madan Hints At Exiting Politics
This was the first time I, as a four-time MLA, could not visit those who elected me: Mr Mitra
Chorbagan stampede: Human error led to 19 deaths, says Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari
Army officers widow loses Rs 15 L in digital arrest scam
Puja 2028 dates set for split, 2 almanacs point to to Sept & Oct celebrations
Bengal has moved out of tropical climate zone over 70 years, IMD study finds
Last of Bengals Maoists surrender, police claim no active cadres left
TMC man held in 2023 case, party claims bid to silence Chorbagan protests
Bengal: NCC cadets receive accolades for their selfless service during Durga Puja
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 23 (IANS) National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets of the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate received appreciation on Friday for their service during Durga Puja in Kolkata and the districts of West Bengal. Maj Gen APS Chahal, ADG, NCC, West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate, appreciated the dedication, discipline and sense of responsibility displayed by the cadets at a ceremony held at the Corps Directorate in New Alipore, Kolkata. More than 8,000 cadets, both boys and girls, assisted local police in crowd management, regulating the movement of visitors, facilitating the smooth functioning of pandal operations and helping elderly citizens and other members of the public during the six days of the Pujas. The cadets rendered valuable assistance to the local police and civil administration in ensuring the smooth and orderly conduct of the festivities. Despite the tragic incident at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal, the NCC cadets displayed remarkable courage, commitment and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Rising to the occasion, the cadets continued to turn up for their assigned duties and extended wholehearted support to the administration, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to public service during this challenging period, an official said. Their disciplined conduct, alertness and willingness to serve contributed significantly to the efforts of the administration in managing the large influx of devotees and pandal hoppers, he added. The cadets exemplified the core values of the National Cadet Corps discipline, selfless service, leadership, commitment and service to the nation. Their conduct during the Puja festivities reflected the spirit of 'Unity and Discipline' and demonstrated how young citizens can make a meaningful contribution to society, particularly during demanding circumstances, he added. Maj Gen Chahal commended the readiness of the cadets to assist the police and civil administration and their commitment to the safety, convenience and well-being of the public, even in the aftermath of an unfortunate incident. Highlighting the overall effort and impetus being given to strengthen NCC in West Bengal, the ADG mentioned that the directorate has been actively engaging with the state government for requisite support in terms of budget, staff, infrastructure and incentives for the cadets. The general officer appreciated the positive approach and the vision of the new government in the state to expand NCC to all institutions of West Bengal. He assured that the NCC Directorate is committed towards grooming the youth of the state, appreciating the role of cadets, associate officers, permanent instructors and the Group Headquarters in ensuring effective coordination and the successful execution of their assigned responsibilities. The selfless service rendered by these young cadets stands as a testament to the NCC's enduring commitment to nation-building, community service and the development of responsible citizens, the official said. Their actions have brought laurels to the organisation and reaffirmed the vital role of the NCC in fostering the spirit of service and solidarity within society, he said.
Cyclone likely to form over Bay of Bengal, heavy rain expected in West Bengal from October 28
A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, will bring heavy rainfall to the coastal and western districts of West Bengal from October 28, the weather...
Congress Must Reassess Its Leadership, Says West Bengal Minister in Response to PM Modis Remarks
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh comments on PM Modis critique of Rahul Gandhi, urging Congress to reconsider its leadership strategy. Congress Must Reassess Its Leadership, Says West Bengal Minister in Response to PM Modis Remarks
Kolkata stampede: Accused changed SIM cards to hoodwink police
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 23 (IANS) Sanjib Raha a.k.a. Sentu, the person who was first detained and then arrested by Kolkata Police as a suspect of making the misleading announcement on a microphone on October 17 that triggered panic among devotees at the Durga Puja pandal of Chorbagan Sarbojanin in North Kolkata, had changed his mobile phone SIMs several times to hoodwink police before he was finally arrested. Raha, the treasurer of the organising committee for the community Durga Puja of Chorbagan Sarbojanin, was detained by the Kolkata police from Nadia district of West Bengal and brought to Kolkata for interrogation. Thereafter, after his marathon interrogation at the Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar in central Kolkata, he was finally arrested on Thursday night, an official said. Immediately after the tragedy, Raha disabled his original mobile SIM, left Kolkata and went underground. However, he had been interacting with his family members and friends in Kolkata using other SIMs. Investigators tracked eight such suspicious numbers he used to contact his family members and friends since the tragedy took place. Based on that information, our men finally detained him first from Nadia on Thursday and then arrested him after integration, said a city police officer. Following his interrogation, the investigating officers also found that the misleading public announcement was made from a separate room outside the pandal, which was exclusively reserved for organising committee members and special guests. During the interrogation of Raha, the investigating officials found another person who was with him when he made the misleading announcement. That person, also a neighbour of Raha in North Kolkata, is also missing since the tragedy, and the cops are trying to track him as well. The misleading announcement was made at a time when chaos had already started surfacing within the pandal because of the rain, with those outside trying to get inside the pandal to save themselves from the rain and those within the pandal refusing to go out for the same reason. At that time, a misleading announcement was made, asking people to evacuate the pandal immediately for fear of the structure collapsing, triggering extreme panic and prompting the pilgrims to rush out, with some even moving towards the entry gate to exit, ultimately leading to the stampede. Currently, two parallel probes are being carried out into the stampede tragedy. The first probe is by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Kolkata Police, headed by an assistant commissioner-rank officer attached to the detective department (DD) of the city police. The second probe is being conducted by a judicial probe panel, constituted by the state government, headed by Justice Anindita Roy Saraswati (retired). The judicial panel is supposed to complete its investigation and submit a report to the state government within the next three months.
Only sanatanis will touch idols during immersion: Suvendu
Anatomy of a disaster: Gate shut,collapse warning, narrow passage
A tragedy foretold: At 91-year-old Chorbagan Puja, main office-bearers this time were first-timers
Man saves kids trapped during stampede, loses own son
Book sales surge in Left stalls near puja pandals
