Will uproot forces raising anti-national slogans, says West Bengal CM
Adhikari leads Gerua Samman Yatra from Golpark to Jadavpur attended by hundreds of saints and seers dressed in saffron
115 free zones set to become fee parking lots before pujas
Cops hunt for more parking spaces near Durga Puja pandals
Buses can now park on roads at night for Rs 700 per month
KMDA to engage agency for College Street heritage book district plan
Hazarika home: Assam CM writes to Bengal CM
West Bengal Government Seeks Eden Gardens Booking for Durga Puja Celebrations
The West Bengal government is arranging Eden Gardens for Durga Puja festivities from September 25 to October 15, 2026. West Bengal Government Seeks Eden Gardens Booking for Durga Puja Celebrations
BJP state panel: Suvendu to look over Tamluk
Manipur Secures BC Roy Trophy by Defeating West Bengal in Junior Boys National Football Championship
Manipur triumphs over West Bengal 3-1, retaining the BC Roy Trophy in the Junior Boys National Football Championship in Bengaluru. Manipur Secures BC Roy Trophy by Defeating West Bengal in Junior Boys National Football Championship
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday vowed to uprootforces allegedly raising slogans such as Kashmir Mange Azadiand ed salute to Kishenjiat Jadavpur University, saying he would not tolerate what he described as an insult to the saffron colour or the country.
JU attendance dips, classes cancelled, some go online on CM rally day
ECI to meet both Trinamool factions on Sep 12, decision on name & symbol may be resolved
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI), which had already consented to meet a five-member delegation of the ebel but majority faction in Trinamool Congress led by the party's expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee on September 12, had now also given the consent to meet the original but minority faction of the party led by the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the same venue in New Delhi on the same day. While the time fixed for the meeting with the Ritabrata-led faction is 11 a.m. on September 12, the time allotted for the Mamata Banerjee-led faction is 12 noon on the same day. The venue of the meeting with both the factions of Trinamool Congress is India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIDEM) in New Delhi. Although in the communications to both the factions of Trinamool Congress, the Commission had not specified the agenda of the meetings, however, ECI insiders said that the discussions will be in relation to the arguments of both the delegations in favour of their claims for the party name and symbol. In the communications to both the factions, the ECI Secretary Ashwani Kumar Mohal had sought the names of the members of the delegations of both the factions as well as their vehicle numbers for necessary arrangements. It is learnt that the Commission will decide on the fate of the party name and symbol only after hearing both the factions. In the letter, Mohal had Ritabrata Banerjee to intimate the names of the members of delegation along with their vehicle details to ECI for making necessary arrangements. In the letter, ECI had specified that the number of delegation members will be five. The letter from ECI Secretary on Wednesday is in response to a previous communication sent to the Commission from the Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction seeking appointment. However, Commission insiders said that the decision will be made surely before September 16, which is the last date for filing nominations for the bypolls for Nandigram and Rejinagar Assembly constituencies in West Bengal. Political observers say that the ECI has two options amid the forthcoming bypolls for these two constituencies. The first option is allotting the official 'grassroots' symbol to any of the two rival Trinamool Congress factions. In that case, the faction to whom the symbol will be allotted will be able to contest the bypolls with that official symbol. The second option is not allotting the symbol to any of the factions for the time being before a final decision in the matter is taken. In that case, neither of two factions will be able to contest the bypolls with that official symbol, a city-based observer noted.
JU acting registrar, finance officer removed
Lightning strikes kill 2 in Jalpaiguri
Tarapith readies for Kaushiki Amabasya with 200 firemen, robot fire tenders, 4,000 cops
Probe ordered into Jalpaiguri school headmaster assault
Six from Tripura arrested for murdering West Bengal native near Coimbatore
The body was found in a shallow pit with one arm sticking out; police say altercation over liquor led to the killing
Six from Tripura arrested for murdering West Bengal native near Coimbatore
The body was found in a shallow pit with one arm sticking out; police say altercation over liquor led to the killing
14 injured in attacks by stray horses in East Burdwan
Dr. Vivek Pathak, Founder Director, NIPS Institute of Hotel Management Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 9: Never go for shortcuts. It was perhaps the simplest message Chef Nimish Bhatia gave
Left (File pic) Sundeep Bhutoria; Right PIB Picture: Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Education, Jayant Chaudhary at the International Literacy Day in Delhi Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 9:
Threat to Sundarbans: Barclays faces complaint in UK over link to power project
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari led a procession in south Kolkata on Wednesday. He asserted that those raising 'Kashmir wants freedom' slogans would be uprooted. The 'Gerua Samman Yatra' began at Golpark and concluded near Jadavpur University. Monks and seers joined the procession, chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' and carrying saffron flags. This march aimed to protect the dignity of the saffron colour and its associated values.
Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge sworn in as 45th Calcutta HC Chief Justice
Jayakumar takes charge as NCL CMD
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 9: The weight of the Indian schoolchild's bag - a subject that social and cultural activist Sundeep Bhutoria has pressed with the Union Ministry of Education through the past week - was raised from the national stage on 8 September, when Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Education, spoke about the School Bag Policy, 2020, at the International Literacy Day celebration in New Delhi. The Minister's office also posted a short video on X and thanked Shri Bhutoria for highlighting this important matter.
West Bengal: KMC Suspends Licences Of 40 Restaurants
The KMC has suspended the licences of 40 eateries and sweet shops for two weeks after a city-wide safety drive.
Tripura VC polls: BJP skips over 57% seats despite hill alliances
Calcutta HC extends interim bail by a month for CPI-M leader arrested in Baruipur violence case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday extended the interim bail period for Cooomunist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Md. Lahek Ali, who was arrested in July this year by the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police in connection with the massive unrest at Baruipur in South 24 Parganas over the rape and murder of a girl. Lahek was granted interim bail till September 10 by the single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh on September 2 on grounds of the serious medical conditions of his mother. On that day, Justice Ghosh directed the West Bengal Police to submit to his bench on September 9 the video footage regarding Lahek's public statements instigating violence over the rape and murder of the minor. The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday afternoon at Justice Ghosh's bench and the state police failed to submit to the court the necessary video footage in the matter. During the hearing in the matter on Wednesday, the Public Prosecutor Kallol Mandal, told the court that it had not yet been possible to bring the pen drive containing the video footage of the day of the incident from the police station. Thereafter, the public prosecutor sought more time from the court in the matter. Following the submission of the public prosecutor, Justice Ghosh extended the interim bail period for Lahek by more than a month till October 12. The next hearing on the matter will be on held on October 10. Tension broke out in Baruipur in July this year over the rape and murder of a minor girl. The local people resorted to major ruckus in the area and lynched a local youth suspecting him of being involved in the crime. Later, the lynched youth turned out to be innocent. Ali, the CPI-M's South 24 Parganas district committee member, was accused by the police of being one of the principal masterminds behind instigating and mobilising people to take the law into their own hands. The police registered 26 cases against him. Finally, on the night of July 12, he was arrested at his residence. The CPI-M leadership, however, described his arrest as a reflection of 'political vendetta'. The Suryapur area of Baruipur witnessed widespread unrest after the body of the minor girl was recovered on July 5. Since the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has visited Baruipur twice. Besides, assuring strict punishment for those accused in the alleged rape and murder of the minor, the Chief Minister also warned of action against those accused of inciting violence during the protests. Several arrests have already been made in connection with the unrest. Allegations that Lahek had incited violence had been raised from the outset, following which police arrested him. Pravas Mondal, one of the key accused in the crime of rape and murder, was killed in a police encounter after he tried to escape by snatching the firearm of an on-duty police officer.
Land grab probe: Custodial interrogation of Abhishek Banerjees PA needed, West Bengal tells SC
The Supreme Court is hearing Mr. Roy's plea challenging a August 3 order of the Calcutta High Court denying him pre-arrest bail in the Salboni case
BJP received Rs 1472.8 cr, spent Rs 160 cr on 3 state polls: EC
The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) central headquarters received a total of Rs 1,472.8 crore ahead of the last round of assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission (EC). The inflow pushed the partys closing balance to Rs 7,627.2 crore by the time 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 .
Temporary closure notices issued to 919 hotels, guest houses over safety violations in Kolkata
As many as 919 hotels and guest houses in Kolkata have been served temporary closure notices for failing to meet mandatory fire safety requirements, officials said. The action follows an extensive inspection drive launched after a deadly guest house fire exposed serious safety concerns in the city. Joint inspection teams comprising officials from the West Bengal Fire Services, Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police have so far examined around 960 hotels and guest houses across Kolkata. Of these, only 41 establishments were found to have complied with the required fire safety measures, while the remaining 919 were issued notices directing them to temporarily shut operations until they meet the prescribed safety standards, officials said.
Land grab probe: Custodial interrogation of Abhishek Banerjee's PA needed, WB tells SC
The West Bengal government seeks custodial interrogation of Sumit Roy in a land grab case. Huge cash deposits were made by Roy into a bank account, the state informed the court. Roy has been evasive during the ongoing investigation, according to the Solicitor General. The Supreme Court directed the probe agency to produce relevant bank transaction records.
Justice RV Ghuge sworn in as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court
Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, formally taking charge as the head of one of the countrys oldest High Courts. West Bengal Governor R N Ravi administered the oath of office to Justice Ghuge at a ceremony held in Court Room 1, the [] The post Justice RV Ghuge sworn in as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court appeared first on India Legal .
Bengal health department issues stricter guidelines on patients referrals
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sept 9 (IANS): West Bengal health department has made patients referral rules stricter for state-run medical entities, in an attempt to eliminate the age-old menace of referring even the most critical patients coming for admissions to other hospitals. Insiders from the state health department said that after reviewing the critical care units of all the state-run medical establishments, the department had issued a set of fresh guidelines as regards to patients referrals. The first and most important guideline is that no state-run medical establishment should immediately refer any critical patients to other hospitals. The medical establishment concerned should first stabilize the condition of the critical patient and then only refer that patient to any other hospital and that too if absolutely necessary, said a state health department official. The second important guideline on patients referral, according to the official, is the detailed procedure for referral on a case-to-case basis. Before referring a critical patient elsewhere, the critical care unit of the hospital should inform the deputy superintendent or the assistant superintendent of the hospital about the referral decision. The deputy superintendent or the assistant superintendent will then contact the integrated control room at Swasthya Bhavan, the state health department headquarters in Kolkata. It should be ensured that there is a critical care bed at the place where the referral is being made, the health department official. At the same time, he said, such referrals should be restricted in extreme emergency cases where the patients family insist on such referrals. According to him, besides eliminating the age-old disease of unnecessary referrals, the new guidelines will also ensure maximum utilization of critical care units in all state-run medical establishments in the state. Recently, the state health department reviewed its Critical Care Management Information System (CCMIS), where details of all the critical care units in all state-run medical establishments need to be uploaded. Following the review of the portal, it came to the notice of the state health department that the existing critical care unit infrastructure in many state-rune medical establishments were not utilized up to the optimum level. In such a situation, the state health department official said, the new and stricter referral guidelines had been issued. Guidelines have also been set for the critical care units in all state-run medical establishments. Review meetings will have to be held every week to review the condition of the critical care units of all medical establishments. Each critical care unit or intensive care unit will have a specialist doctor with a postgraduate degree, said the department officials. At the same time, he added that there had been frequent cases of infection spreading from critical care units. The health department has set specific 'guidelines' to prevent it, where the infection control nurse of each hospital has been instructed to regularly monitor the infection control status in CCUs.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin to visit Bengal on Sep 15; focus on party revamp, civic poll strategy
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s national president Nitin Nabin is scheduled to reach West Bengal for a two-day visit next week with a packed organisation schedule, party sources confirmed on Wednesday. He is scheduled to arrive in the state on September 15. He will hold several organisational meetings with the state party leadership. He will be accompanied by the party's all-India general secretary (organisation), B.L. Santhosh. From the formation of a new state committee to the necessary reshuffle in the organisation, several issues are likely to be discussed in the meetings, said a state committee member of the BJP. He also said that during the two-day visit, both Nabin and Santhosh are expected to give guidelines for ensuring coordination between the partys organisation and the state government. It is learnt that while the BJPs organisational strength in the districts has improved substantially since the party came to power in the state following the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly elections, several organisational lapses in the state have also come to the notice of the partys state and central leadership. Questions have already started surfacing over the role of a section of the grassroots-level party leaders and workers. Apart from allegations of corruption, there have been reports of conflicts also emerging between new and old party workers in several pockets. These issues may also be discussed in the meetings chaired by Nabin later this month, said the partys state committee member. At the same time, the state committee member said the issue of finalising party strategy for the forthcoming crucial elections later this year for a number of urban civic bodies, including municipal corporations and municipalities, might also be discussed during Nabins visit. The state BJP is very serious about the urban civic body polls especially that for Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Howrah Municipal Corporation. The party has started planning its strategy for these elections. Our state leadership is constantly giving messages for building up better organisational coordination among the party's grassroots leaders and workers. Now our national president is also expected to give a message on this count, said the state committee member.
Two arrested over lynching of man in West Bengal's Howrah on theft suspicion
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) The West Bengal Police have arrested two people in connection with the alleged lynching of a man on suspicion of theft and an attempt to move his body to another location, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. The incident took place in the Liluah area of Howrah district late Tuesday night. The arrests were made in the early hours of Wednesday. According to the police, the deceased was identified as Rajkumar Chauhan, 43, a resident of Uttarpara in neighbouring Hooghly district. The police said Chauhan allegedly entered a factory in an area adjacent to the Liluah police station on Tuesday night. Local residents claimed that he had entered the factory with the intention of stealing and was allegedly caught inside the premises. He was then allegedly assaulted by a group of people. The police suspect that Chauhan died as a result of the severe attack on him. According to the police, an attempt was subsequently made to move the body to another location, allegedly to conceal the crime. After receiving information about the incident, officers from Liluah police station reached the spot and began an investigation. Following a preliminary inquiry, police arrested two youths, identified as Shubhjit Patel and Sumit Paswan, in connection with the incident. Howrah City Police Commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi also visited the spot. Speaking to media persons, Chaturvedi said a murder case had been registered against the accused. Two people have already been arrested. The reason behind the incident is being investigated, he said. A forensic team is expected to visit the site to collect further evidence. The body has been sent for an autopsy. The police said the exact circumstances surrounding Chauhan's death would become clearer after the forensic examination and autopsy reports are received. The incident created tension in the locality. Residents alleged that thefts from factory premises in Howrah and Hooghly districts are common, with equipment and other materials frequently reported missing. However, locals said such an alleged lynching on suspicion of theft was unprecedented in the Liluah area. They demanded strict action against all those involved in the violence.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 9 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will lead a 'Gerua Sanman Yatra' (saffron pride walk) in South Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon to protest against anti-national slogans and graffiti on the Jadavpur University (JU) campus. Adhikari has repeatedly said he is determined to curb what he describes as anti-national activities on the university campus. He has also blamed the previous Left Front and Trinamool Congress governments in West Bengal for allegedly allowing forces with such mindsets to flourish within JU. The Chief Minister had last month participated in a programme at the university on Raksha Bandhan, where around 10,000 people sang the full version of Vande Mataram. He will now lead another major public rally focusing on the same issue. The Gerua Sanman Yatra is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. from Golpark Crossing in South Kolkata and conclude at the 8B Bus Stand Crossing, near the JU campus. Adhikari is expected to lead the procession throughout its route. As part of the arrangements, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Road will be temporarily closed to traffic during the procession. The JU authorities have also decided to keep four of the universitys main gates closed from 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Gate No. 1 will remain open for the entry and exit of students, faculty members, and other university staff. The university authorities have not stated the specific reason for closing the gates. However, the decision is widely seen as a precautionary measure amid apprehensions of possible disturbances inside or outside the campus during the rally. The Kolkata Police have also put in place extensive security arrangements, both to protect the Chief Minister and to prevent any untoward incident during the procession. Tension had escalated at JU last month following a general body meeting, with clashes breaking out between activists of the CPI(M)s student wing, the Students Federation of India (SFI), and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The confrontation triggered protests by both student groups and led to further unrest on the campus. Subsequently, the BJP organised a protest meeting outside the university, which was addressed by Adhikari.
'Not my wife, daughter': Bengal man kills 2, chops bodies, packs them in sacks, dumps in river
Bageshwar Baba faces police complaint in Kolkata over remarks on Bengali identity and food habits
A Congress leader filed a police complaint against Dhirendra Shastri for his remarks. Shastri's comments on Bengali identity and food practices have caused controversy. He questioned the consumption of non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja celebrations. West Bengal BJP leaders and ministers stated meat and fish are part of Bengali culture. The Congress leader demanded an apology and police action against Shastri.
Congress Files FIR Against Dhirendra Shastri in West Bengal: Dilip Ghosh Responds
The Congress party in West Bengal has lodged an FIR against Dhirendra Shastri, prompting a response from Minister Dilip Ghosh. Congress Files FIR Against Dhirendra Shastri in West Bengal: Dilip Ghosh Responds
J&K medical interns end 8-day strike
Srinagar, Sep 8:Eight days after launching their strike over the long-pending demand for enhancement of their stipend, the J&K medical interns today agreed to resume duties after government assurance that the issue would be fixed within 30 days.On August 31, the MBBS interns from across J&K Government Medical Colleges had intensified their agitation over the long-pending demand for revision of their stipend. They protested in the form of sit-ins, exhibited banners and placards and spoke about how their stipend was too low to meet basic needs. The agitation entered a hunger-strike phase as they pressed the government to issue a written order for stipend enhancement.According to the record note of meetings held on September 4 and September 8 (mentioned in official document as September 9) between Health and Medical Education Minister SakeenaItoo and a delegation of medical interns, the government has decided that the matter will be finalized within a period of 30 days on the basis of recommendations of the Stipend Enhancement Constituted, and keeping in view the legitimate interests and concerns of the medical interns. The note has stated that the medical interns have agreed to call off the strike and resume their duties, in the larger interest of patientcare and safeguard their academic and professional interests.The meetings, the official note issued from the Personal Section of the Health Minister, have said, were attended by representatives of the medical interns, including the Principal of Government Medical College Srinagar and the Deputy Director Planning representing the Director Health Services Kashmir. The delegation raised concerns over the existing stipend structure and pressed for a suitable revision. It had also cited the nature of their duties, workload and responsibilities in the healthcare system.The note states that during the deliberations, the Minister assured the interns that their concerns were receiving due consideration. They were informed that the formation of the committee itself was a proof of the seriousness of the government to examine the issue comprehensively. The agitation had raised concerns over its impact on routine hospital services and patient care.The demand for enhancement of the stipend of medical and dental interns has been pending for seven years in J&K. The interns have repeatedly been seeking a revision in view of the nature of their duties, long working hours and the responsibilities they shoulder in government hospitals.The monthly payment has remained unchanged at Rs 12,300 despite repeated representations and protests. The issue had, reached the government level in 2023, when the Health and Medical Education Department constituted a committee under Government Order No 538-JK(HME) of 2023, dated June 27, 2023. The committee was tasked to examine enhancement of the stipend.It subsequently recommended increasing the stipend to Rs 25,000 a month. The recommendation remained unimplemented for years. This year in February, the government told the Legislative Assembly that the proposal was under consideration of the Finance Department. The Health Minister has many a times reiterated that the file for revision of stipend has been pending with the Finance Department.The agitation on Monday drew intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He said the issue should be resolved at the earliest. He made it clear that the decision of stipend enhancement rested with the Health Department. The CM said the prolonged dispute was affecting the interns work and internship and was not in anyones interest. Its sad. The matter shouldnt have come to this. This is a matter of the Health Department. Until the department takes a decision, no other department can do anything, he said.The disparity with other states has been a key point of contention J&K MBBS interns. J&K currently pays Rs 12,300 a month while interns in several states receive Rs 25,000 or more. It is Rs 44,319 in Odisha, Rs 43,099 in West Bengal and Rs 35,000 in Assam.
Assam Seeks West Bengals Help to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home
Assams Chief Minister requests West Bengals support to acquire and preserve Bhupen Hazarikas iconic residence in Kolkata. Assam Seeks West Bengals Help to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home
40 restaurants, sweet shops shut in Kolkata over safety norms
SC settles 3-decade-old shareholding dispute in favour of Peerless
Water jets, workers at ghats: KMC mulls crane alternatives
All in a day: Sundarbans tiger attack victim, Hooghly deceased set to save multiple lives
Dhirendra Shastri on Bengal politicians' radar for 'Pakhandi', 'Ganda Khana' comment
Controversy erupted in West Bengal over remarks by Bageshwar Dham priest Dhirendra Shastri, who allegedly called Bengalis pakhandis over non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Congress leaders filed police complaints seeking action, while BJP leaders defended Bengals tradition of eating fish and meat, particularly goat meat, during the festival.
Assam Government Seeks Support to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home in Kolkata
Assams Chief Minister requests West Bengals help to preserve Bhupen Hazarikas home, a site of significant cultural heritage. Assam Government Seeks Support to Preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Historic Home in Kolkata
Calcutta High Court allows advocate to retrieve briefs
Licence suspension: Restaurants stare at business loss ahead of festive season
Calcutta HC warns of lifting interim stay on demolition of Abhishek Banerjee's Amtala party office
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday cautioned that the interim stay on the demolition of the party office of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, at Amtala in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. The single-judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh gave this caution after being displeased by repeated seeking for further dates by Abhishek Banerjee's counsel for presenting arguments in the matter. Justice Ghosh also cautioned the Trinamool Congress General Secretary's counsel on the matter. The hearing of the case related to the demolition of the office in Amtala was held on Tuesday. In this court hearing, the counsel of Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banewrjee, asked for time. Justice Ghosh expressed her dissatisfaction with Abhishek Banerjee seeking time in the matter. Thereafter, Justice Ghosh said the next hearing in the matter will be held on September 22 and if on that date Abhishek Banerjee's counsel would not come prepared for argument, the period of the interim stay will not be extended. A person named Sushant Mondal had filed a complaint on May 17 alleging that Abhishek Banerjee's office in Amtala was illegally constructed. The state administration took action in response to that complaint. A part of the Amtala office was demolished on July 18. The demolition work began again on July 19. The Calcutta High Court, which observed a holiday on Sunday, issued a stay order. The office was registered in the name of a corporate entity Leaps & Bounds Private Limited, which is linked to the Banerjee family. The notice sent by the administration was also in the name of that organisation. The Trinamool Congress faction led by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee had accused the administration of beginning the demolition work without serving prior notice in the matter. It also accused the administration of not providing any information about the basis of which the action was being taken. The faction also alleged that the demolition of the office began without giving any opportunity to speak. The court, considering the arguments of both parties, ordered an interim stay on the demolition of the office.
100 ganja packets, two improvised pistols seized
Train diversions, cancellations to end before puja
Youth arrested after underage wife gives birth
Beyond the podium: Exploring new frontiers
Bolpur man regains mobility after rare ankle replacement operation
No contradiction between respect to Ma Durga and our creative freedom: Theme artists
31 stretches repaired, 45 more to go before pujas
Clean up vacant plots or get ready to pay fine: Minister Agnimitra Paul
Intense spell pounds north, east Kolkata; south escapes with light rain
Kol to get a sanatani mayor soon, says Sukanta
Following strong reactions to the advice of Bageshwar Baba to not sell non-vegetarian food near the idols during Durga Puja, Ministers of the West Bengal government and veteran party leaders support Samik Bhattacharya in rejecting the self-styled godmans advice
Centre approves Rs 1,043cr for six Bengal road projects
Jalpaiguri school headmaster assaulted after students allege beating
2.5 lakh marooned as Ganga breaches danger mark in Malda
Controversial Remarks on Bengali Cuisine Spark Police Complaint in West Bengal
The West Bengal Congress filed a police complaint against a religious leader for comments on Bengali food during Durga Puja. Controversial Remarks on Bengali Cuisine Spark Police Complaint in West Bengal
Jadavpur road to turn single-lane, varsity to close 4 out of 5 gates
Kolkata food safety drive: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation suspended the food licences of 40 establishments after inspections revealed several hygiene violations. Rotten food, cockroaches and rats were found at several establishments during the drive. Officials also destroyed more than 1,200 kg of non-conforming food items. The licence suspensions are temporary and will initially remain in place for two weeks. Similar food safety drives were also conducted across West Bengal.
Bageshwar Babas Durga Puja Meat Remark Sparks Congress Complaint, BJP Also Rejects His Appeal
A political and cultural controversy has erupted in West Bengal after Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri appealed to Bengalis to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja and called those eating meat on religious occasions hypocrites. The Congress has filed a police complaint, alleging his remarks could create disharmony and seeking an FIR and action. Interestingly, BJP West Bengal chief Samik Bhattacharya has also rejected Shastris appeal, defending Bengali food traditions. With Durga Puja approaching from October 16-20, the controversy has sparked a wider debate over food, faith and cultural identity.
Big pujas forgo govt grant after CM appeal
Politics over Baba address refuses to die down, Cong lodges plaint
GTA placed under administrator, CM warns of action against corruption in Hills body
TMC regime corruption: GoM constituted to place white paper holds 3rd meet
Man arrested from West Bengal for Attappady double murder
Provath Das has reportedly confessed to killing the woman and child. He says they were not his wife and child and he had known them for only two months
BJP, VHP welcome Bengal's Ashtami 'dry day' decision, Cong says attempt to divert attention
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday welcomed the West Bengal government's announcement of a complete ban on liquor sales across the state on 'Maha Ashtami' during the Durga Puja festival, while the Congress called it an attempt by the ruling government to divert attention from issues like lawlessness. Earlier, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that since the festival is the state's religious tradition, liquor will not be available even in the pubs and bars on October 19, Maha Ashtami. Speaking to IANS, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar said: During the puja period, we need to exercise a bit of restraint because it is, after all, a sacred ritual. Therefore, the government has made a rule declaring a one-day 'dry day', especially on Ashtami as everyone offers floral tributes to the Goddess on that day. The Vishva Hindu Parishad National Spokesperson Shriraj Nair also welcomed the move, saying: This was the demand of the Hindu community. The previous Trinamool Congress and Left governments had crushed the Hindu sentiments. Moreover, he accused the previous Bengal governments of turning the Hindu festival of Durga Puja into a means of entertainment. Accusing former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to forcefully make Durga Puja a secular festival, he said: Crushing the Hindu sentiments and insulting traditions and seers were normal during the earlier regime. Last year, Banerjee drew criticism after a Trinamool Congress leader sang a song referencing the Kaaba and Medina inside a Kolkata Durga Puja pandal while she clapped along. Nair added: Now a government which respects religious sentiments and traditions has come to power...nobody should have a problem with closing of liquor shops for one day. Backing the decision, Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi said: Durga Puja is the soul of Bengal. People from across the country visit Bengal for Durga Puja. The dignity of the festival is not enhanced by alcohol and noise. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said: Just as the food should be pure, the environment should also be free from intoxicants. If people consume or use intoxicants, or drink alcohol during the time of worship, it could disrupt the arrangements. How will the police be able to manage such a large crowd? Therefore, some kind of restriction or regulation is necessary. However, Congress MP Imran Masood said that if such decisions are taken to target Muslims, he community comprises of only 14 per cent of the country's population while 82 per cent of the population are non-vegetarians. Congress leader Rakesh Sinha questioned, whether the move is only symbolic? Further, he accused BJP of diverting attention from real issues under the garb of religion. In Bengal, the Opposition MPs as well as their party offices are not safe. Despite this the administration is silent. This means there is prevalence of 'Jungle Raj' in Bengal...so in order to divert attention from such issues, these topics are being brought in, he told IANS.
19 child labourers rescued from Bengalurus Yeshwanthpur APMC market after CM Shivakumar's visit
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 8 (IANS) As many as 19 child labourers, including children from Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka, were rescued from shops at the APMC Market in Yeshwanthpur following directions from Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday. The operation was launched after the Chief Minister visited the APMC Market within the limits of RMC Yard Police Station this morning and interacted with farmers, labourers and traders. During his visit, members of the public brought to his notice that children were allegedly being employed at some shops. Following the Chief Ministers directions, five special teams comprising Assistant Commissioners of Police, Police Inspectors of the North Division and Labour Inspectors were formed under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, North Division, to conduct an operation at the market. The teams subsequently rescued 19 child labourers from the APMC Market. Of them, 13 were from Bihar, including 12 boys and one girl; two were from West Bengal; two from Uttar Pradesh; and one each from Rajasthan and Karnataka. Police said four cases have been registered at RMC Yard Police Station against shop owners who allegedly employed child labourers. The cases have been filed under provisions of the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. Further investigation is underway. In addition, five cases have been registered against shop owners under the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and investigations have been taken up. Separately, 10 children found working on the roadside were also rescued and produced before the Child Welfare Committee, Bengaluru, for further necessary action. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, IPS, and Joint Commissioner of Police (West) C. Vamshi Krishna, IPS. It was led by DCP, North Division, B.S. Nemagouda, IPS, with the assistance of Yeshwanthpur Sub-Division ACP Renuka Prasad B.Y., eight police inspectors, seven labour inspectors and other police personnel. The police said the operation was aimed at preventing the employment of children and ensuring their safety and rehabilitation. CM D.K. Shivakumar had earlier directed the police to arrest, by the evening, those who employed children and those who sent them to work. He warned that if immediate action was not taken, the concerned Circle Inspector, Dy SP, ACP and DCP, along with other police officials, would be suspended.
West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya defended Bengali food habits, saying people cannot be told to give up fish and meat, and cited Swami Vivekananda's reference to mutton being offered to Goddess Kali.
Trinamool remains absent from all-party meeting on Nandigram bypolls
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 8 (IANS) As Nandigram Assembly Constituency in East Midnapore district of West Bengal is heading for bypolls on October 6, the Trinamool Congress failed to send any representative to an all-party meeting on the forthcoming bye-elections convened on Tuesday by the East Midnapore District Magistrate, Niranjan Kumar. With the dates for the bypolls at Nandigram Assembly Constituency being announced on Monday, Kumar convened a district-level all-party meeting to discuss how the polls could be conducted peacefully. However, despite all major political parties in the state having sent their representatives at the all-party meeting, there was no representation from Trinamool Congress, which had ruled West Bengal for 15 years from 2011 to 2026. Naturally, speculations have surfaced in political circles in the state on whether Trinamool Congress will at all be in a position to field any candidate for Nandigram bypolls. As it is, in terms of legislative presence from East Midnapore in the West Bengal Assembly, Trinamool Congress tally is zero, with the BJP securing all the 16 seats from that district in the Assembly polls earlier this year. Second, the Trinamool Congress, after the elections, is now trifurcated into three factions. In such a situation, the Trinamool's inability to send any representative to the all-party meeting automatically prompts the question whether the previous ruling party in the state will at all be able to field any candidate for Nandigram bypolls, said a city-based political observer. In the Assembly polls earlier this year, current Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari got elected both from Nandigram as well as from Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata. At Bhabanipur, Adhikari got elected by defeating his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a margin of more than 15,000 votes. Thereafter, CM Adhikari retained the Bhabanipur constituency, thus necessitating bypolls for Nandigram. Since 2021, Nandigram, because of Suvendu Adhikari, had been a virtual fortress for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Therefore, political observers are not in two minds about the results of the bye-elections there.
Rajasthan: Army soldier abducted on returning home from coaching; wife gets Rs 10 lakh ransom call
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 8 (IANS) An Army soldier was allegedly kidnapped by a group of armed men while he was returning home from coaching in Rajasthan's Sikar district a day before, police said on Tuesday. The kidnappers later allegedly used his phone to call his wife and demand a Rs 10 lakh ransom. The soldier, identified as Shriram Sihag (32), was on leave and had been preparing for the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination. The incident took place at around 8 p.m. on Monday near Kerpura bus stand, when five to six unidentified men allegedly intercepted him and forcibly took him away in a vehicle. Shriram's motorcycle and helmet were found abandoned at the spot, raising an immediate alarm among his family and local residents. According to the family, Shriram's wife received a call from his phone at around 11:46 p.m. on Monday. The caller allegedly told her that Shriram was safe and demanded Rs 10 lakh. The caller reportedly said, Shriram is safe with us. We will send the bank details. Transfer Rs 10 lakh to that account. The call was disconnected shortly afterwards. The family then approached the police, following which a search operation was launched. Police said the family has raised suspicion against another Army soldier over a previous financial dispute. Khandela Station House Officer Surendra Singh said Shriram's brother, Sher Singh, lodged a report and told police that Shriram had earlier been involved in a financial transaction-related dispute with another soldier from Karauli district during his posting in West Bengal. The family suspects that the dispute could be linked to the alleged kidnapping. Based on the information provided by the family, police have sent a team to Karauli to investigate the suspected connection. Roadblocks have also been placed in surrounding areas, while teams are searching for the missing soldier. According to his family, Shriram had been on leave for the past three to four months to prepare for the SI recruitment examination. He joined the Army in 2013 and was currently posted in Punjab. Police said they are investigating the case from multiple angles and are working to establish the identity of the suspects, trace the soldier and verify the alleged financial dispute. The discovery of Shriram's motorcycle and helmet at the spot, coupled with the alleged ransom call from his phone, has intensified the investigation.
Assam Govt to preserve Bhupen Hazarikas Kolkata residence: Himanta Sarma
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 8 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that the state government is taking steps to preserve the Kolkata residence of legendary musician and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika in Tollygunge as part of efforts to safeguard his creative legacy. Sarma said a significant chapter of Hazarikas life was shaped in Kolkata and stressed the importance of preserving the residence as the country observes the centenary of the iconic artists birth. A part of Bhupen Das life was shaped in Kolkata, and we cannot let that chapter fade away, Sarma said in a post on X. He added that as Assam celebrates Hazarikas birth centenary, the state government is taking steps to preserve his residence in Tollygunge and protect what he described as a precious part of the musicians creative legacy. Hazarika, popularly known as Bhupen Da, remains one of Assams most celebrated cultural figures and is widely recognised for his contribution to Indian music, cinema and literature. His songs and compositions reflected themes of humanity, social justice, harmony and the lives of ordinary people. The musician spent significant periods of his life in Kolkata, where he worked in the Bengali film and music industry and developed close associations with several leading cultural personalities. His connection with Kolkata has been an important part of his artistic journey, making the preservation of his former residence significant for admirers of his work in Assam, West Bengal and beyond. The Assam governments move comes as preparations and commemorative activities gain significance around Hazarikas birth centenary. The initiative is aimed at ensuring that locations associated with the legendary musicians life and work are preserved for future generations. Hazarika was born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya, Assam. Over a career spanning several decades, he emerged as one of the most influential voices from the Northeast and played a major role in taking Assamese music and culture to a wider national and international audience. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, Indias highest civilian award, posthumously in 2019. Sarmas announcement highlights the Assam governments broader efforts to honour Hazarikas enduring contribution to the cultural identity of Assam and India. The preservation of the Tollygunge residence is expected to provide admirers and future generations an opportunity to connect with an important chapter of the musicians life and artistic journey.
West Bengal Law University Changes Reservation Categories For 2027 Admissions
West Bengal Law University has changed the seat matrix and reservation categories for CLAT 2027 Undergraduate and Postgraduate admissions.
World War II Mortar Shell Discovered Along Damodar River in Bankura, West Bengal
A World War II mortar shell was found along the Damodar River in Bankura, prompting police and army intervention. World War II Mortar Shell Discovered Along Damodar River in Bankura, West Bengal
Dilip Ghosh Defends Non-Veg Food During Durga Puja, Says
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja has always been a part of Bengal's traditional culture and should not be treated as controversy. Ghosh responded to ongoing debate over non-vegetarian food on Tuesday by saying that
New Durga Puja Rules 2026: West Bengal bans liquor on Maha Ashtami and more
Eating meat here is...: WB Min on Bageshwar Baba's diktat
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh asserted that eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja is not controversial, countering Bageshwar Dham head priest Dhirendra Shastri's call for vegetarianism. Ghosh highlighted Bengal's traditions, including goat sacrifice as prasad, and criticised attempts to dictate food choices or government involvement in community pujas. He also touched upon a controversy regarding an 11-handed Durga idol.
Bengal: Resort security guard assaults tourist family with lathi
Kolkata: A Muslim family in West Bengals East Midnapore district was allegedly assaulted at a resort on Saturday, September 5, after a dispute over parking escalated. The family said the assault occurred after they parked their car to inspect a room at Swarnamoyee Beach Resort in the coastal resort village of Mandarmani, when an argument 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 .
