Calcutta High Court Grants Migrant Workers Family Chance to Prove Citizenship
Green firecracker test on Oct 30, Bazi Bazaar dates await police nod
Kharge Calls Anti-SIR Stir 'Second Freedom Struggle', Seeks Ballot Polls
Governments stolen through 'vote chori' in West Bengal, Haryana, Bihar and Maharashtra must be removed: Mallikarjun Kharge
18-year-old worker from West Bengal dies in accidental fall from 8th floor
Complaint alleges workers were not provided safety belts, nets or helmets at under-construction site in Brahmavar taluk
Worse winter pollution looms as Kol breaches PM10 limit
Boost for Kol-Dubai connectivity as carrier adds new flight
Class 11 student abducted, raped & murdered in Gaighata, 1 held
Eminent painter Jogen Chowdhury dies aged 87; West Bengal CM mourns
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Critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, tagged in Russia, sighted again on Bengal beach
BSF hurls smoke grenades to chase away armed Bangladeshi intruders in Cooch Behar
Ganga & Fulahar flowing dangerously close in Malda, state to take up project to change river course
KMC polls: Oppn parties step up candidate hunt amid grand alliance buzz
TMC-Era investments Were Fraud: Bengal CM
All are welcome, provided they are not fraud: West Bengal chief minister Suvendu Adhikari
10 women among 33 volunteers trained to manage human-tiger interactions in Sundarbans
Jumbo calf rescued from septic tank, reunited with mother
In export push for 4 GI-tagged aromatic rice, Bengal plans 2 hubs
Tripura CM Flags Missing Files Linked to Left-Era Murder Cases
Interstate Ganja Smuggling Racket Busted in Kandhamal; Woman Peddler Held
K. Nuagaon police foiled an interstate ganja smuggling operation, arresting a female smuggler from West Bengal and confiscating 22 kg of ganja, a mobile phone, and 5,000 in cash from her possession. The interception occurred while a police team was conducting routine patrolling near the Daringbadi Chhak. Officers noticed a woman carrying a plastic sack, [] The post Interstate Ganja Smuggling Racket Busted in Kandhamal; Woman Peddler Held appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Kolkata Police compiling list of personnel on duty during stampede for questioning
Kolkata Police is compiling a list of personnel present during the stampede at Chorbagan Durga Puja. This tragic incident occurred on October 17, resulting in 19 fatalities among the crowd. They are particularly focusing on officers responsible for crowd control at entry and exit points. The West Bengal government has established a six-member SIT for a thorough investigation.
CM Suvendu Adhikari, Mamata Banerjee condole demise of Jogen Chowdhury
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 25 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday condoled the death of renowned artist Jogen Chowdhury, saying his contribution in the field of Arts brought international acclaim to the state. Deeply pained and grieved by the passing away of eminent painter and legendary artist, Shri Jogen Chowdhury. A maestro whose distinctive strokes redefined Indian modern art, Shri Jogen Chowdhury was a towering pillar of our cultural world. His immense contributions brought international acclaim to West Bengal. His departure leaves an irreparable void in West Bengal's intellectual and artistic soul, said Adhikari. The Chief Minister further said, On behalf of the Government and the People of West Bengal, I express my profound grief and extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, friends, associates and legions of fans across the globe. Renowned artist and former Rajya Sabha MP Jogen Chowdhury passed away on Sunday morning. He was 87. The artist was admitted to a hospital in Kolkata with blood cancer and urinary tract infection. According to family sources, he breathed his last on Sunday morning. According to hospital sources, Jogen Chowdhury had been suffering from cancer for the past 14 months. He was undergoing chemotherapy. He fell ill on the day of Shasthi (October 16) and was admitted to the hospital. His condition was critical. Symptoms of sepsis were also seen due to the infection. When his condition deteriorated on Saturday, he was put on ventilation. The artist was honoured with various awards at home and abroad. In 2014, the former Trinamool Congress government sent Jogen Chowdhury to the Rajya Sabha as an MP from West Bengal. He remained in that position until 2020. Following his demise, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hailed the artist as the pride of Bengal and India. Jogen Chowdhury was the pride of Bengal and India. A great inspiration to artists worldwide, and me personally. My condolences to his family, friends, and admirers all over the world. He was elected as an AITC Rajya Sabha MP from 2014-20 representing civil society, and was awarded the Banga Bibhushan in 2012. His passing away will create an irreparable void in the world of art and culture, said Banerjee in a post on X.
Delhi Police bust Jamtara-based cyber fraud syndicate, 2 held for credit card fraud
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) Delhi Police have busted an alleged cyber fraud syndicate operating from Jharkhand and arrested two men, including a B.Tech graduate, for allegedly cheating more than 50 people through fraudulent credit card transactions while impersonating as bank officials, officials said on Sunday. The accused were identified as Aftab Ansari, age 24, and Abdul Majid, age 23. The Cyber Police Station of Shahdara district arrested the two in Jharkhands Dhanbad district after a four-day operation. They recovered three mobile phones allegedly containing WhatsApp chats and other digital evidence linked to fraud. According to police, the investigation began after a complaint by Tarnjeet Singh, who alleged that unidentified persons posing as HDFC Bank officials contacted him over the phone and WhatsApp, claiming they could help him update his credit card Know Your Customer (KYC) details. The complainant subsequently discovered unauthorized transactions on his credit cards The police traced a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra worth Rs 1,39,999, purchased using the disputed credit card transactions on JioMart, to a delivery address in the Jharia area of Dhanbad district. After conducting surveillance and field verification for four days, the team devised a trap with the assistance of a delivery agent. Police arranged a decoy mobile phone delivery at a location allegedly used by the suspects. The two accused arrived to receive the purported delivery and were apprehended, officials said. During the operation, two mobile phones were recovered from Ansari and one from Majid. The devices reportedly contained WhatsApp conversations and other digital material relevant to the investigation. According to the police, the accused and their associates used social media platforms, including Facebook, to advertise assistance with credit card KYC updates to lure victims. Interested people were directed to online forms through which their personal and contact details were collected. Mostly, unsuspecting individuals above 50 years of age were targeted by the fraudsters, who posed as bank officials and offered supposed assistance with KYC verification through video calls. In these video calls, victims were asked to display their credit card details, including card numbers and CVV, on camera and share their mobile phone screens under the pretext of completing electronic verification. Police suspect that this enabled the accused to access the one-time passwords received on the victims' devices and carry out unauthorised online transactions. The fraudsters allegedly used compromised credit card details to purchase expensive mobile phones through online shopping platforms. The devices were delivered to locations in Jharkhand and West Bengal, away from the accuseds home district, to avoid detection. Police said the phones were subsequently sold in local markets at comparatively lower prices. Since the devices were sealed and accompanied by a purchase invoice, they appeared legitimate. Preliminary investigation suggests that almost 50 people were deceived like that. Police are still verifying the number of victims and the total number of people involved in the crime, presuming that it could be a whole network of other members. Delhi police have advised the public not to share credit card details, CVVs, OTP or PINs over phone or video calls, or share mobile screens with unknown people.
Independence of Judiciary and Justice Sanjay Kaul
THE REPORT OF RITU SARIN in Indian Express on October 10, 2026, with a screaming headline that As Chief Justice of India, Justice D Y Chandrachud was too deferential to the Government when it came to appointments remind Mahatma Gandhis article, The Hallucination of Law Courts published in Young India on October 6, 1920. Ritu Sarins report is based on the forthcoming book Without Fear ofFavour of justice ((Retd) Sanjay Kaul of Supreme Court being published by Juggernaut later this month. It devastatingly brings out justice Kauls account that at one time, Chandrachud as Chief Justice sought Governments nod before the Collegium had met and, once, even voiced the Governments bizarre query regarding the caste of a minority-faith judge candidate. In such expose that former CJI Chandrachud was deferential to the Government there is an echo Mahatma Gandhis statement in his aforementioned article, The Hallucination of Law Courts . With deep anguish he wrote in it, The worst is that they(law courts) support the authority of a government. They he remarked are supposed to dispense justice and are therefore called the palladile of a nation's liberty. But when they support the authority of an unrighteous Government they are no longer palladile of liberty, they are crushing houses to crush a nation's spirit, he sharply stated. Proceeding further he emphatically and presciently wrote, Let no one suppose that these things would be changed when Indian judges and Indian prosecutors take the place of Englishmen. So, Gandhis utterances of 1920 that The worst is that they(law courts) support the authority of a government and Let no one suppose that these things would be changed when Indian judges and Indian prosecutors take the place of Englishmen are playing out in the expose of justice Kaul that former CJI was deferential to the Government. Nehru on Independence of Judiciary On 24 th May 1949 Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru participated in the discussion in the Constituent Assembly on Article 103 of the draft Constitution (now Article 124 of the Constitution) dealing with the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court comprising Chief Justice and other judges. While doing so he very boldly said, It is important that these judges should be not only first-rate, but should be acknowledged to be first-rate in the country, and of the highest integrity, if necessary, people who can stand up against the executive government, and whoever may come in their way. Executive Court Nehrus words that the judges should have the courage to stand up against the executive government, and whoever may come in their way deserve to be recalled and reiterated particularly when, of late, independence and integrity of people appointed as judges of Supreme Court and High Courts are being questioned with credible material. In his article The Troubling Legacy of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi , Gautam Bhatia charged that the Supreme Court was made to ally with the Government and very sharply remarked, His tenure will be remembered for the rise of the Executive Court, one which has made the Supreme Court indistinguishable from the executive. Justice Kauls remarks that CJI Chandrachud was deferential to the Government reinforces the remark made by Bhatia in his seminal article. Independent Judiciary, Signifies Independence of India Such worrisome developments clearly underline the demolition of independence of judiciary from the executive as mandated by the Constitution. Indira Jaisingh, former Additional Solicitor General of India and Senior Advocate in her interview to the DeKoder, two months back in August this year, candidly stated that The capture of the Supreme Court by the ruling parties worried her the most. Reflecting on crucial importance of independence of judiciary to safeguard of the country she very profoundly said, If You Dont Have an Independent Judiciary, Youre Not an Independent Country. She told that when young lawyers approached her seeking advice how to discharge their duties in such an atmosphere she asked that to work in manner as if they owned the court. What is troubling is that the loss of independence of judiciary because of the deferential attitude of Chief Justices and charge that the SC has become an executive court spells calamitous consequences for the freedom, liberty and independence of India. Look at the remark of Justice Joymalya Bagchi of the supreme court who nonchalantly remarked that 2.7 million voters in West Bengal would vote in next elections because their appeals for getting enrolled in the voter list are being adjudicated by judicial tribunals. And when by elections were conducted recently to two Assembly constituencies and lawyers pleaded that those voters could not vote again in this election cycle as well he famously dismissed by saying this is only by election. One wonders how a judge could be so indifferent and insensitive to the constitutional right to vote guaranteed to all citizens from 18 years of age onwards. SC on Test Indian Express in its editorial The knock on the Supreme Courts door published on October 6, 2026 referred to its expose of September 23 unmasking of malfunctioning of Election Commission headed by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in implementing SIR leading to mass scale disenfranchisement of voters. It then observed The citizens fundamental right to participate in the electoral process has to be protected at all costs. But even as the EC went back on its own record of inclusiveness, even as it shifted the burden of proof onto the vulnerable voter and set up a hurdle race at every stage of the SIR, the Court kept giving it the benefit of every doubt. Going ahead, therefore, not just the EC, the Court is also on test. The crisis of credibility plaguing the Supreme Court is getting accelerated. It would spell disastrous consequences for our Republic. Can the Chief Justice of India and other judges question the Government of the Day and hold it account for its acts of commission and omission egregiously violating the Constitution and rule of law? Only if the CJI and other judges can do so the independence of judiciary can be upheld. Failure to do so would constantly remind the forceful utterances of Indira Jaisingh that, If You Dont Have an Independent Judiciary, Youre Not an Independent Country. It has now become a categorical imperative for the judges to restore the independence of judiciary to save the Constitution and safeguard the independence of India.
West Bengal Chief Minister mourns artist Jogen Chowdhury
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West Bengal CM visits families of Chorabagan stampede victims, provides financial aid
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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.
Such politics no longer acceptable: NDA leaders hit out at Farooq Abdullah
Such politics no longer acceptable: NDA leaders hit out at Farooq Abdullahs Kashmir remarks New Delhi: Several NDA leaders on Sunday criticised National Conference president Farooq Abdullah over his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the Centres actions against terrorism, the abrogation of Article 370 and Indias position on Pakistan. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh [] The post Such politics no longer acceptable: NDA leaders hit out at Farooq Abdullahs Kashmir remarks appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Physicist and Presi alumnus Ashoke Sen first Indian to win Oskar Klein Medal
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
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Firhad opts out of KMC contest, hints at retirement after end of MLA term
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
Cyclone Arnab to trigger rain in city, south Bengal from Tuesday
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
NCC felicitates cadets who aided Chorbagan stampede rescue
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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