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
KMC wraps up immersions as puja organisers send off over 4,000 idols
Cyclone Arnab to trigger rain in city, south Bengal from Tuesday
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
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
NCC felicitates cadets who aided Chorbagan stampede rescue
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
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
CJP seeks impartial probe into Chorabagan stampede that killed 19 in Bengal
CJP's West Bengal unit on Saturday demanded an impartial probe into the Chorabagan stampede that claimed 19 lives and called for accountability for any negligence established during the investigation. The party organised a condolence programme and a press conference to pay tribute to the victims and express solidarity with the affected families. Addressing the press conference, a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) member called for safety audits, trained personnel, emergency evacuation plans and better coordination among emergency services. In a statement, CJP coordinator Prakriti Sahu outlined the party's demands, including timely financial assistance and medical support for the affected families and injured, stronger safety guidelines for major public gatherings and festival pandals across the state, and regular public updates on the investigation and relief measures. The party said it would submit its demands in writing to the relevant authorities and seek details of the action taken.
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
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.
INDIA Bloc to Rally in Tripura on Oct 30, Demands CECs Removal
The CPI(M) state secretary alleged that the SIR exercise in West Bengal and Bihar was aimed at ensuring the BJP's victory in the two states' Assembly elections.
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.
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.
BJP certain to win upcoming local body elections, Opposition divided: Dilip Ghosh
Digital Desk | Newtown, Oct 24 (IANS) West Bengal Minister, Dilip Ghosh, on Saturday expressed confidence in the BJP's victory in the upcoming local body elections, claiming that the Opposition was divided and lacked public support. He also criticised Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, questioned statements made by Mamata-All India Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh and commented on protests in Kolkata and drug abuse in Punjab. Speaking to reporters, Dilip Ghosh said, The BJP organisation works throughout the year and begins preparing for the elections well in advance. Now that the election time is approaching, decisions are being made and candidate selection is underway. Meetings are being held continuously, in which national leaders, state leaders, and our district in-charges in Kolkata are all working together to prepare the list of candidates, and the names will be announced as soon as the election dates are announced. Responding to statements made by Kunal Ghosh, an MLA from the Mamata-All India Trinamool Congress, Dilip Ghosh questioned the basis of his remarks and the authority under which he was speaking. On what basis is Kunal Ghosh making these claims, and on behalf of which party? Is he the chief spokesperson of any party? He keeps making statements at will. There is no substance or logic in his statements, and there is no logic in it, he said. Meanwhile, on Friday, Kunal Ghosh had said, Regarding what happened at Chorebagan, it is out of fear of the BJP. In the Chorebagan Puja Committee, the top leadership posts are held by BJP individuals and influential people. That is why they didn't catch them. Instead, they started targeting and arresting our workers who had organised the agitation. Harassment started from the morning, and they are arresting people on baseless, useless grounds. Regarding LoP Rahul Gandhi, the West Bengal Minister said discussions surrounding the Congress leader often focussed on his foreign visits rather than his political role, contributions or the electoral performance of his party. Whenever Rahul Gandhi is discussed, the discussion revolves around why he went abroad, when he went, where he went, and when he will return. Why is there no discussion about his role in politics, his contributions, and his party's electoral results, he said. He further said that some people think they can do whatever they want under the banner of the CJP. Some people think they can do whatever they want under the banner of the CJP. No one has such freedom. There is a legal system in the country and India is a democracy. Everyone has the right to protest for their rights and demands, but this must be done within the framework of the system. The police will cooperate, and the government will cooperate. It is not right to protest anywhere, he added. Reacting to a CJP rally in Kolkata, he said protests could be organised across states but claimed that the Opposition in Kolkata was divided and that such demonstrations would not succeed. They will protest not just in Kolkata, but in every state. The Opposition in Kolkata is divided among themselves. Anyone can do anything they want, but no one will succeed. The people here do not support this kind of anarchy, he told reporters. On the issue of drug abuse in Punjab, Dilip Ghosh questioned the Aam Aadmi Party's ability to tackle the problem. He said voters might have supported the party out of frustration with the Congress and other political parties rather than confidence in its ability to eliminate drug abuse. No one expected the Aam Aadmi Party to eradicate drug abuse. Perhaps people voted for them because they were fed up with the Congress or other parties. How can people who are addicted themselves create a drug-free society, he alleged.
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
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
Kayastha, Garhwali , Pathare Prabhu & more: Indias forgotten micro-community kitchens
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
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
New Town Gate restaurant to reopen after fire check
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.
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
Gujarat: Vadodara civic body clears land allotment for Yusuf Pathan
Digital Desk | Vadodara, Oct 23 (IANS) The Vadodara Municipal Corporations (VMC) Standing Committee on Friday unanimously approved the allotment of a 978-square-metre municipal plot to former India cricketer and MP Yusuf Pathan, despite the Gujarat government having rejected his original request in 2014 and the civic body subsequently issuing him a notice over alleged encroachment. The decision was taken without any questions being raised during the meeting, according to sources. All 12 members of the Standing Committee belong to the BJP, which controls the civic body. The Congress, with six corporators in the 69-member VMC, has no representation on the committee. Congress leaders and corporators staged a protest outside the committee hall before the meeting, opposing the proposed transfer and holding placards criticising the BJP and the decision. The plot, identified as Final Plot No. 90 under Town Planning Scheme 22 in Tandalja, is adjacent to Pathans bungalow. Under the approved proposal, 500 square metres will be transferred to him as a gift, while the remaining 478 square metres will be allotted at 55 per cent of the valuation determined by the Vadodara Urban Development Authoritys Valuation Committee. The land was valued at Rs 2.10 lakh per square metre when the civic body considered putting it up for public auction earlier this year, taking the estimated value of the entire plot to around Rs 20.5 crore. At that valuation, the proposed arrangement would give Pathan the 500-square-metre portion without payment and allow him to acquire the remainder at a concessional rate. Standing Committee chairperson Varsha Vyas said the panel had accepted the proposal on the basis of the state governments resolution and the recommendation submitted by the municipal commissioner. She said, The allotment is being considered under the Urban/Area Development Authorities (Disposal of Land and Other Properties) Regulations, 2002, which provide for the disposal of land through sale or the grant of development rights. Vyas added that the government had decided to allot the land in recognition of Pathans contribution to Indian sport and that the committee had acted on the approval conveyed by the state. The dispute dates back to March 3, 2012, when Pathan applied to the VMC for a 99-year lease of the plot without a public auction. The civic body had approved the proposal at the time, but the state government rejected it in June 2014. The VMC subsequently alleged that Pathan had fenced off and occupied the land despite the rejection. In June 2024, days after Pathan won the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal on a Trinamool Congress (TMC) ticket, the VMC served him a notice asking him to remove the alleged encroachment. Pathan challenged the rejection of his allotment request in the Gujarat High Court, but a single judge dismissed his plea in August 2025. He later appealed against the order. The civic body began preparations for a public auction of the plot in July this year. However, the proposal was withdrawn after the VMCs General Board raised questions about the alleged encroachment and said the land should not be disposed of until the dispute was resolved. Pathan withdrew his appeal before the Gujarat High Court on August 31, two days after the VMC received the state governments communication approving the proposed transfer. The allotment proposal was cleared after Pathan and 19 other MPs broke away from the TMC on June 14 and joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), seeking separate seating in the Lok Sabha. The Gujarat governments approval for the land transfer was issued in August, roughly two months after the political split.
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.
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
Chorbagan locals want smaller puja, safety over spectacle
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
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
2 flyers held with Rs 1 cr forex at airport
Fire at Biswa Bangla Gate restaurant on Dashami evening
Kolkata Police ASI held for harassing puja volunteer
Flyers protest at Kolkata airport after 6-hr flight delay
Showroom owner held after explosives found in car
Three families allege assault over conversion to Christianity
IDL commissions bulk explosives silo plant in West Bengal
EC launches BLO App feature in Bengal for pending voter appeals
Chorbagan Durga idol awaits immersion as pandal turns a crime scene
Parents lost, breadwinners gone in pandal tragedy
RSS chief blames human error for Chorbagan stampede, CM concurs
Delhi based content creator arrested for racial slur to Tripura youth
