Why Indians behave better at sacred sites
The tranquil and indescribably beautiful environs of Kamarpukur and Joyrambati, the birthplaces of Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa and Maa Sarada Devi in the verdant plains of West Bengal, are truly balms for the soul. Green-gold vistas of ripening rice fields criss-crossed by a myriad of small rivers and dotted with distant sleepy hamlets greeted the eye as a friend and I headed there from Kolkata. And the early morning autumn sun cast a golden, almost divine glow.It was a world away from the pollution-spewing trucks and buses, factories and warehouses that crowd the suburbs of Kolkata beyond the graceful Vidyasagar Setu arching over the Hooghly. Once the cacophony of the Durgapur Expressway was left behind, there was a perceptible change in mood. Anyone who lives in a frenetic big city these days would vouch that stress is endemic and heading out, away from the madding crowds, leads to an instant lowering of tension.And peace is the overwhelming feeling upon entering the impeccably maintained compounds in both villages that contain not only the quaintly thatched huts where the two elevated souls came into this world, but also prayer halls, offices, bhog areas, dispensaries, guesthouses and flower-filled gardens. Given that thousands - exceeding 20,000 on important days - visit Kamarpukur and Joyrambati daily and stay on for bhog prasad, the compounds' serenity is hard to believe.And their cleanliness stuns. Forget jhalmuri packets, tissue papers or plastic water bottles, not even fallen leaves or dust mar the pathways and gardens. It is not as if there are armies of sweepers on hand to pick up detritus either; visitors are simply more mindful while on the premises. How come? After all Indians these days are notorious for being loud, littering gits, on par with British lager louts. It seems that it all depends on whether places inspire respect and restraint.In the expansive hallowed campuses of Kamarpukur and Joyrambati, these same people - Indians - did not talk loudly; they did not try to scratch their initials on pillars; they did not drape themselves on walls or amid the flowers to take selfies; they did not throw trash into the ponds; and they did not let their children turn into screeching, high-speed, wrecking balls. Polite attendants firmly told the few infringers to abide by the rules. And they all willingly complied.I have seen a similar all-pervasive calm at the Belur Math of the Ramakrishna Mission near Kolkata, the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and the Golden Temple in Amritsar, thousands of miles apart. There are more such places around India where desi visitors are anything but the kind of Ugly Indian Tourist that locals complain about from Goa to Gangtok, Kashmir to Kanyakumari. That just begs the question why Indians are so badly behaved in many other places.An overwhelming majority of those who come to Kamarpukur and Joyrambati are devotees. They, therefore, know the sanctity of those places and behave accordingly. The same is true of the sacred precincts at Belur, Pondicherry and Amritsar. But why is the same courtesy not extended to all places they visit? Do only the divine merit courtesy, cleanliness and calm? The public's behaviour at these places show that Indians can be model visitors when we want to be.At Kamarpukur and Joyrambati it is hard to be anything but ideal visitors, though. There's something about the cumulative effect of their soothing tranquillity broken only by birdsong and trees rustling in the autumn breeze, the fresh flowers artfully arranged around the statues of Sri Ramkrishna and Maa Sarada Devi, and the smiling sanyasis telling stories of the divine couple's limitless humanity and humbleness... On the journey back to Kolkata, our hearts were full.
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Fresh FIR registered against Abhishek Banerjee; summons served for questioning on Nov 20
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) A fresh First Information Report (FIR) was registered on Friday against Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee at the Girish Park Police Station in North Kolkata, accusing him of making derogatory remarks and threatening a serving Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. A notice summoning Banerjee for questioning was served at his residence late Friday evening, directing him to appear at the Girish Park Police Station by 12 noon on November 20. According to police sources, the case was registered based on a complaint lodged by a local woman who alleged that Banerjee, nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had obstructed police functioning by issuing threats and making derogatory comments against a serving IPS officer and other police personnel in the state. The controversy stems from remarks made by the Diamond Harbour MP last month regarding state police officials, including West Midnapore Superintendent of Police Papia Sultana, without explicitly naming them. During a public interaction caught on camera last month, Banerjee had warned that the names of allegedly biased police officers were being noted and that necessary action would be taken against them in the future. He had also made personal remarks directed at the West Midnapore SP without naming her, alleging that she was framing TMC leaders and workers in false cases to appease Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. There was no immediate reaction from Banerjee or the Trinamool Congress leadership regarding the fresh FIR and summons at the time of filing this report.
Kolkata Durga Puja pass scam: Court extends police custody of mass art executive till Nov 17
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) A lower court in Kolkata on Friday extended till November 17 the police custody of Dhrubojyoti Basu, alias Subho, a top executive of Mass Art, the corporate entity through which fake UNESCO-tagged Durga Puja passes were allegedly sold. Basu was arrested on November 4 and remanded to police custody until Friday by the same court on November 5. Following a hearing on Friday afternoon, the court extended his remand for four more days. During the proceedings, Basu's counsel did not move a bail petition, informing the court instead that his client was willing to cooperate with the ongoing police investigation. Seeking an extension of custody until November 18, the public prosecutor submitted that investigators had conducted searches at multiple locations, including Basu's office, during his initial remand. A total of 21 documents were seized. The investigating officers have received sufficient evidence. After questioning Dhrubojyoti, the names of some organisations have surfaced, which need to be investigated, the prosecutor told the court. Mass Art is owned by Madhuchhanda Sen, the wife of former West Bengal Tourism and Information & Cultural Affairs Minister Indranil Sen. The singer-turned-politician was arrested by the Kolkata Police on October 28 for his alleged involvement in the fake pass racket and is currently remanded in judicial custody. Both his wife and daughter, Avery Sen, have also been questioned by city police in connection with the probe. Alongside the Kolkata Police investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting a parallel money laundering probe against the former minister. Sen was arrested by city police on the evening of October 28 immediately after exiting the ED's Salt Lake office following hours of interrogation by central agency officials. The police investigation was initiated based on an FIR registered at the Bowbazar Police Station following a complaint lodged by Joydeep Mukherjee, who accused Sen and his associates of orchestrating the scam. Meanwhile, Mukherjee's counsel on Friday moved a plea before the same court seeking police protection for his client, alleging that the complainant has been receiving death threats since Sen's arrest. The court has sought a report from the police on the matter.
Constable Shot In Birbhum, Accused Flees
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Tejashwi Yadav targets Samrat Choudhary govt over crime, corruption and land grabbing in Bihar
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 13 (IANS) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Working President and Bihar's Leader of Opposition (LoP), Tejashwi Yadav, on Friday launched a fresh attack on the Samrat Choudhary-led NDA government, accusing it of failing to control crime, corruption and land grabbing in the state. In a detailed post on social media platform X, Tejashwi alleged that ruling NDA legislators and Ministers were themselves involved in criminal activities and exploiting the public. Targeting Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the LoP alleged that the protection extended by those in power had emboldened legislators and Ministers to indulge in criminal activities. He claimed that government land encroachment, murder of officials, corruption, extortion, robbery and dacoity were increasing rapidly in Bihar. There is effectively no government left in Bihar, Tejashwi remarked, alleging that NDA MLAs were now involved in looting the public and that corruption and crime had crossed all limits. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the allegations against NDA legislators, asking them to explain their silence. Tejashwi cited several incidents to substantiate his allegations, including a controversy over the alleged encroachment of government and public land in the Tardih block of Darbhanga district. He accused BJP MLA Maithili Thakur and her father, Ramesh Thakur, of illegally occupying government land allegedly worth several hundred crore rupees, besides public roads, community funeral and ritual grounds, and private plots. The RJD leader claimed that the administration had verified complaints regarding the alleged encroachments. He also took a swipe at the BJP legislator over the issue. Referring to a major robbery in Darbhanga, Tejashwi alleged that a driver working for a bullion trader from West Bengal was shot at and around 62 kg of silver, along with cash, was looted. He claimed that Vishal Mahaseth, who has been arrested or named as an accused in the case, had links with certain Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. He questioned why the Bihar government and NDA leaders had not responded to the incident. Tejashwi also raised the issue of alleged arms and ammunition smuggling in Bihar. He claimed that 44,000 live cartridges had been recovered from individuals associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He also alleged that the smuggling network had trafficked several tonnes of bombs and ammunition. Targeting legislators of Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, Tejashwi accused the party's Belsand MLA of grabbing land worth crores of rupees in Muzaffarpur and Sitamarhi districts. According to him, police records indicate that a gang of around 50 people was operating in the area to carry out land grabbing and extortion. He also alleged that an LJP-Ram Vilas MLA's name had surfaced in connection with the murder of the executive officer of the Dehri-Dalmianagar Municipal Council in Rohtas district. Citing allegations made by the deceased officer's wife, Tejashwi claimed that the murder was linked to the non-payment of a commission. He further accused an LJP-Ram Vilas MLA in Bhagalpur of forcibly occupying land after firing 10 rounds. The RJD leader also raised allegations involving a Bihar government Minister. He claimed that an incident of alleged misconduct involving a young woman had taken place at a five-star hotel in Delhi and that a financial transaction was subsequently made to suppress the matter. Linking these allegations to what he described as the NDA government's actics, character and true face, Tejashwi questioned the functioning of the state administration and accused the ruling coalition of failing to ensure accountability. Through his social media post, the RJD leader sought to put the NDA government on the defensive by citing a series of alleged incidents involving BJP and LJP-Ram Vilas leaders. The allegations, however, remain claims made by Tejashwi, and responses from the leaders concerned and the state government are awaited.
Odisha CM highlights Kudumi heritage, reaffirms commitment to communitys development
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Nov 13 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday lauded the Kudumi communitys ancient traditions, hard work and love for nature, and assured it of the state governments firm commitment to its economic, social and cultural development. CM Majhi made the remarks while addressing a mega cultural programme of the Kudumi community, National Bandana Parab-2026, organised in Mayurbhanj district on Friday. On the auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister extended his warm greetings and congratulations to all members of the Kudumi community. He reaffirmed the government's firm commitment to the social, economic, educational and cultural development of the Kudumi community as part of the State's inclusive development model. Speaking on the occasion, Majhi said, Bandana is not merely a festival but a living poem of the deep bond between nature, the soil, cattle wealth and human relationships. This symbol of nature worship, reverence for agrarian culture and devotion to the soil is the very soul of our culture. He further said the Kudumi community are son of the soil, and their dedication and hard work in making the land fertile and productive offered valuable lessons for society. The unique way in which this community worships nature as a mother and lives in harmony with trees and plants, hills, rivers and streams, and the animal kingdom offers a guiding example for the entire human society, Majhi noted. Praising the bond between the Santhal and Kudumi communities in the Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj regions, the Chief Minister said brotherhood has always occupied a place of prominence in tribal culture. Recalling his childhood days growing up alongside Kudumi families in his village, he shared fond memories of visiting Dhenguan, a traditional community procession or ritual associated with the Bandana festival and enjoying traditional pithas (rice cakes). He also acknowledged the significant role played by members of the Kudumi community as his associates in the political sphere. The Chief Minister highlighted the Kudumi communitys history and social contributions, noting that it is spread across Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. He said Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar emerged as the principal settlements of the community after the formation of the separate Odisha province, while Baripada came to be known as the unofficial capital of Odisha's Kudumi community. Describing the Kudumis as self-respecting, loyal and patriotic, he said the community believes in overcoming challenges through hard work and has made its mark in agriculture, trade and other professions. He also referred to the community's long-standing demands for ST status and inclusion of Kudumali in the Constitutions Eighth Schedule.
Bengal special summary revision draft roll to be out on Nov 23
Kolkata: The Election Commission will publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on November 23, with the final voters list scheduled to be released on January 16, 2027, as part of a Special Summary Revision (SSR), a statement said on Friday, November 13. The revision will be conducted with January 1, 2027, as the 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 .
The Election Commission of India (ECI) will publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on November 23, 2026, with the final voters list scheduled for release on January 16, 2027, as part of its Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise. According to an official statement issued by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) [] The post West Bengal Draft Voter List to Be Published on November 23, Final Electoral Rolls on 16 January 2027 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Bengal draft voter list on Nov 23, final electoral rolls on Jan 16
The Election Commission will publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on November 23, with the final voters' list scheduled to be released on January 16, 2027, as part of a Special Summary Revision (SSR), a statement said on Friday. The revision will be conducted with January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date, allowing those who turn 18 by then to enrol as voters, it said. According to the schedule announced by the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office, electors can submit claims and objections between November 23 and December 22. The disposal of applications will be completed by January 8. Special campaign days will be held at designated polling stations across the state on November 28 and 29, and December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 to facilitate public participation, the statement said. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be available at polling stations on these days to assist voters with fresh enrolment, correction of particulars and submission of claims and objections. Boot
Amit Shah to chair 28th meeting of Eastern Zonal Council in Odisha on November 29
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CID to probe fake beneficiaries, recommenders in ex-Trinamool govt housing scheme: CM Adhikari
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state police will investigate the fake beneficiaries and their recommenders in the 'West Bengal Awas Yojana', the state governments own housing scheme during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress regime, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Friday. The scheme was named Banglar Bari during the previous Trinamool Congress regime, which was renamed 'West Bengal Awas Yojana' after the new BJP-ruled state government led by Adhikari took over. The SIT announcement was made by CM Adhikari in the afternoon at the state secretariat of Nabanna in a programme on the distribution of financial assistance provided to over seven lakh genuine beneficiaries of West Bengal Awas Yojana. Already, 57,000 fake beneficiaries have been identified, and all of them will be punished. So far, 1,000 fake beneficiaries have returned the money they received. I am asking those who are not the rightful and genuine recipients to return the money. We will form an SIT of the CID to investigate the matter. If anyone at the official level is involved in recommending the fake beneficiaries, departmental action will be taken against them, the Chief Minister said. He also said that an instalment of Rs 60,000 under the West Bengal Awas Yojana will be deposited in the accounts of seven lakh beneficiaries on Friday. Earlier, 10 lakh beneficiaries received the second instalment of housing, CM Adhikari said. He also launched a scathing attack against the previous ruling dispensation for carrying out false propaganda before the Assembly election earlier this year, that all welfare schemes in the state would be stopped if the BJP came to power. The previous ruling party claimed that if the government changed, all welfare schemes in the state would be stopped. We have proved that it is false. We do not give money based on caste, religion, or community. We want those who left their housework half-done to be able to complete it. The previous government claimed that we will not form a new pay commission or give dearness allowances to state government employees. We have proved that wrong, the Chief Minister said. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister also claimed that the District Magistrates have been directed to ensure that those who build houses with West Bengal Awas Yojana funds do not have to spend more than Rs 1,200 to purchase sand.
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Following the bulldozer action at Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's residence, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Friday asserted that any form of illegal encroachment was being removed, adding that Banerjee was ot intentionally targeted. The West Bengal minister also flagged the shortage of roads and footpaths in Kolkata, and said that illegal constructions are being demolished in many places. Speaking to ANI, he said, Any form of illegal encroachment is being removed. There is a shortage of roads and footpaths in Kolkata; if someone constructs a building in such areas, it causes inconvenience to the general public. This is happening everywhere
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday took strong exception to remarks made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee allegedly suggesting that a section of the judiciary was acting under the influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Justice Krishna Rao, while hearing Banerjees petition challenging the West Bengal governments decision to downgrade his security [] The post Name the judges who are with BJP: Calcutta High Court questions Abhishek Banerjee over remarks against Judiciary appeared first on India Legal .
Bulldozer Action Outside Abhishek Banerjees Home Sparks Controversy in Kolkata
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh defends bulldozer action against illegal constructions, stating its a broader issue beyond Abhishek Banerjee. Bulldozer Action Outside Abhishek Banerjees Home Sparks Controversy in Kolkata
Kolkata Police file chargesheet in hotel fire case, name three
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) Kolkata Police informed on Friday that their investigating team probing the devastating fire at Hotel Shikha Inn on Mirza Ghalib Street, which killed nine people, including a child, on the intervening night of August 18 and 19, had submitted the chargesheet in the case. In the chargesheet filed at a lower court in Kolkata on Thursday, three persons have been named. The first name in the chargesheet is Bireshwar Moitra, the original owner of the hotel Shikha Inn, where the fire tragedy happened. The second person named in the chargesheet is Abu Zafar, who took the hotel on lease from Moitra. The third person named in the chargesheet is Abus wife, Saba Zafar, who was the last to be arrested by the city police last month after she had been absconding since the tragedy took place. The chargesheet contains recorded statements of 90 witnesses, said a city police official. The accused have been charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to involuntary murder, attempted involuntary murder, endangering life and conspiracy. A forensic report has also been submitted along with it. The 350-page chargesheet also highlights the horror of the incident. The chargesheet mentions how the originally bigger hotel rooms were demolished and converted into multiple smaller rooms. Almost every room had AC. Installing so many ACs without following any rules resulted in an overload of electricity. The fire spread from the board and started consuming the rooms, the city police officer said. The chargesheet also stated that the building, which housed several hotels, including Shikha Inn, was actually a residential complex that was illegally converted into a hotel later, without the permission of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the West Bengal Fire Services Department authorities. The fire broke out on the third floor of the building housing Hotel Shikha Inn and several other lodges. The hotel rooms quickly filled with thick smoke, causing most of the nine victims to die of suffocation. The majority of those who lost their lives were Bangladeshi nationals visiting Kolkata for medical treatment. The original hotel owner, Bireshwar Moitra, initially fled after the incident but was arrested shortly after at his residence in Behala, on Kolkata's southern outskirts. During interrogation, he disclosed that he had leased the hotel to Abu Zafar and his wife, Saba Zafar, for a monthly rent of Rs 40,000. While police arrested Abu shortly after, Saba managed to evade capture until her arrest on October 28.
Bengal man arrested in Delhi in Anjali Sau death case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 13 (IANS) West Bengal Police have arrested the boyfriend of 26-year-old Anjali Sau from Baranagar in North 24 Parganas, outside a railway station in Delhi, in connection with the murder of Sau, state police informed on Friday morning. Police sources said the arrested youth is named Dharambir. He was reportedly arrested outside Delhi's Anand Vihar railway station. He has been identified as the main accused in the incident. The operation to arrest Dharambir was led by a sub-inspector of Baranagar police station. Barrackpore Police Commissariats Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Kuntal Banerjee said the accused is being brought from Delhi on Friday, and more details will be revealed after getting information from the arrested accused. Saus body was recovered on the night of November 10, from the residential flat of a five-storey housing cooperative on the night of November 10. The body was recovered in a lying position. There were also injury marks. The cause of death was a mystery. It is learnt that the deceased's sister and brother-in-law had been living in that flat for the last four years. The brother-in-law is now a resident of Sreerampore in Hooghly district, and Sau used to live in that flat in Baranagar from time to time. Her own house is in the nearby Dunlop area. Her brother-in-law also used to visit the flat from time to time. On Monday, the flat owner, i.e., Sau's brother-in-law, left the flat key with a neighbour. On November 10, in the afternoon, Sau entered the flat after taking the key from the neighbour. A couple of relatives of the deceased woman told police about their suspicion that her boyfriend might be involved in the mysterious death. He had been absconding since the body was recovered. Based on the location of the mobile tower and information from confidential sources, the investigators came to know that Dharambir had fled from Kolkata to Delhi. A special team of the police reached Delhi. Finally, the police were able to arrest Dharambir on the premises of Anand Vihar station in Delhi. The police suspect that Dharambir was visiting the young woman's flat because of his previous acquaintance. Investigators are investigating the exact reason for this brutal murder. They are trying to find out whether it was a personal grudge or some other mystery hidden behind it.
SBI General Insurance steps up road safety initiatives in Ladakh
Leh, Nov 12:SBI General Insurance has launched a road safety and emergency healthcare initiative in Ladakh in collaboration with humanitarian organisation Doers, the Ladakh Police and the Health Department to strengthen emergency medical response and promote safer roads in the region. As part of the initiative, the company handed over a fully equipped Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance to the Health Department on October 28 to ensure timely medical assistance to road accident victims during the critical golden hour. The ambulance was flagged off at Sonam Norboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh under the project titled Road Safety: Ambulances in the Indian Himalayan Region. Recognising the challenges posed by Ladakhs high-altitude terrain, long distances between settlements and extreme weather conditions, the initiative also focuses on accident prevention and improving road safety infrastructure. Under the programme, 40 retro-reflective road safety warning signboards have been installed at accident-prone locations identified in coordination with the Ladakh Police. The signboards are aimed at alerting motorists to potential hazards and encouraging safer driving practices, particularly on vulnerable stretches used by residents, tourists and other travellers. The flag-off ceremony was attended by Dr Laltinkhuma Franklin, IAS, Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Union Territory of Ladakh. Dr Rinchen Chosdol, Chief Medical Officer, Leh; Shatrughna Singh, Head of Compliance, SBI General Insurance; and Anuradha Bhardwaj, Head of Programmes, Doers, were also present, along with representatives of the concerned departments and organisations. Speaking on the initiative, Rathin Lahiri, Head-Marketing and CSR, SBI General Insurance, said timely emergency support could save lives in a region like Ladakh, where difficult terrain and long distances often delay access to medical care. He said the companys responsibility extended beyond providing insurance to supporting communities through interventions addressing critical needs on the ground. Through the initiative, SBI General Insurance aims to strengthen emergency response mechanisms and promote safer roads in Ladakh, while working in partnership with Doers, the Ladakh Police and the Health Department. The programme will also be extended to six other Himalayan statesHimachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Uttarakhandto strengthen road safety measures and emergency medical response across the Himalayan region.
Search operations launched across south Kashmir
Srinagar, Nov 12:Security forces on Thursday launched and intensified search operations across south Kashmir in the wake of the terror attack on a CRPF checkpoint near Mir Bazar in Kulgam district, even as the joint cordon-and-search operation at the main site entered its second day with an expanded area under cordon. The primary operation, which was suspended overnight due to darkness, resumed at first light in the Nowpora Akhran area. Additional forces have been deployed, barricades strengthened and vehicle checks intensified along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and approach roads to seal escape routes. Armoured vehicles and Quick Reaction Teams remain in position as teams comb the forested and rural belts. GOC 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, visited the spot to review the operations and take stock of the ground situation. Senior officers of the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police are supervising the search, which is being guided by human and technical intelligence inputs. Parallel search and area-domination efforts have been activated at multiple locations across south Kashmir as part of a coordinated response. The attack occurred around 2:15 pm on Wednesday when two heavily armed assailants emerged from a dense cluster of trees and opened fire on a CRPF naka of the 46th Battalion, deployed as a bridge guard roughly 1 to 2 km off the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway near Mir Bazar. Security personnel returned fire, but the attackers fled into the adjoining forested area. The injured personnel have been identified as Head Constable Somveer Singh (Madhya Pradesh), Constable RakeshDass (Assam) and Constable Santosh Chandru (West Bengal). Somveer Singh sustained a bullet injury to his arm and RakeshDass to his leg; both were reported stable. Chandru suffered gunshot wounds to the abdomen and spine and was initially critical. Two of the injured personnel have since been discharged from hospital after treatment. The critically injured jawan was airlifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for advanced care. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the hospital to enquire about his condition and interacted with the treating doctors. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohiuddin had earlier visited the injured at GMC Anantnag. This is the third terror-related incident reported in south Kashmir in recent months. Forces have maintained a tight vigil across the region while the expanded searches continue.
Baramulla, Nov 12:The season's first snowfall at the famous tourist resort of Gulmarg has brought cheer to visitors, offering them a glimpse of winter's magic as snow-covered mountain peaks transformed the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland. Snowfall in the upper reaches of Kashmir overnight on Wednesday and continuing into Thursday brought a noticeable chill to the Valley, while Gulmarg's snow-draped slopes offered visitors a spectacular glimpse of the winter season. At Gulmarg, tourists were seen soaking in the beauty of the snow-covered mountains, with many stepping outdoors to experience the snowfall and capture the moment on their phones. The cold breeze, white mountain slopes and occasional snowflakes made the experience particularly memorable for visitors. Kongdori, a popular tourist destination accessible through the Gulmarg Gondola, received a good amount of snowfall, adding to the excitement among tourists. Visitors were seen enjoying the falling snowflakes, clicking photographs and capturing videos against the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains. For several tourists, witnessing snowfall was an experience they had been eagerly waiting for. Many described themselves as fortunate to have visited Gulmarg at a time when the first flakes of the season were falling, saying the unexpected winter spectacle had made their trip even more special. Seeing snowfall for the first time is a great experience. We feel lucky to be among those who got the opportunity to witness it, said Yogesh, a tourist from West Bengal. A hotlier while talking to Greater Kashmir said that from the last two days, the tourist flow has abruptly increased. He said scores of vehicles full of tourists had thronged the Gulmarg and the fresh snowfall has drawn huge enthusiasm among the tourists. The tourist flux has increased suddenly. The snowfall experience is always tourists first choice, he said. The fresh snowfall has also added to Gulmarg's winter appeal, with the resort expected to attract more visitors as temperatures continue to fall. With the onset of winter and fresh snowfall, Gulmarg traditionally witnesses an increase in tourist arrivals, particularly among visitors keen to experience snow and enjoy the resort's scenic surroundings. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir on November 12 and 13 under the influence of a western disturbance. The weather department has also warned of isolated heavy rainfall on Thursday, while thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph, with gusts up to 60 kmph, are likely at isolated places. The IMD has forecast a significant fall in daytime temperatures, with the mercury expected to drop by 6-8 degrees Celsius during the two days. The precipitation is likely to continue over higher reaches, bringing further snowfall to the mountains.
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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday said it has attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.78 crore of ex-DCP Kolkata, Santanu Sinha Biswas, and his family members and associates in the case of history-sheeter Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu and others. The attached properties include three flats located in Kolkata and land at Kandi in West Bengal's Murshidabad as Proceeds of Crime under PMLA 2002. The properties were attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. ED's Kolkata Zonal Office-II provisionally attached immovable properties of Santanu, his family members and associates in the case. ED investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered by West Bengal Police against Sona Pappu and others involving complaints of murder, extortion and land-grabbing. Earlier, ED had conducted searches at multiple premises on April 1, April 19, April 26 and May 22 in Kolkata and nearby places, including the residential premises of Santanu, Jay S...
Bengal Police launch probe into Gaighata encounter incident
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The West Bengal Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will investigate the encounter of rape and murder accused Prahlad Das in Gaighata of North 24 Parganas district, a government official said on Thursday. A CID delegation led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officer inspected the crime scene earlier in the day. According to the government official, the investigators are trying to understand where the shooting took place and how the accused tried to escape. On October 25, the body of a 17-year-old girl was recovered in Gaighata. On October 24, the victim had gone to a jalsa near her home where her friends and family members were also present. The jalsa went on until late at night. Her family claimed that the girl received a call at around 11:30 p.m. on October 24. After receiving the call, she left the event following which she went missing. The girl's naked and injured body was recovered the next morning. The victim's family claimed that she was raped and murdered. After the initial investigation, the police arrested Prahlad Das, a distant relative of the girl, on the day the body was recovered. The police suspected that the youth had offered the girl physical intimacy. When the girl did not agree, he hit her on the head with a heavy object. When the girl lost consciousness, the accused tortured her. The youth fled the area leaving the girl in a bloody state. Police sources claimed that there were scuffles, nail scratches, etc. on her body. Police reconstructed the incident with the accused in the middle of the night. Police sources claimed that the accused attacked the policemen while returning after the reconstruction phase of the incident on the night of October 27. At one point, Prahlad snatched the policeman's revolver and ran away. Police claimed that he fired three rounds in which a policeman was injured. However, it is not known whether the policeman was shot or not. However, the police vehicle in which the accused was taken has a bullet mark. The source claimed that the police also fired four rounds in self-defence. Prahlad died in retaliatory fire by the police. This time, the CID has launched an investigation into the incident.
ED attaches assets worth Rs 2.78 cr belonging to ex-Kolkata Police DCP in Sona Pappu case
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Kolkata Zonal Office has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 2.78 crore belonging to former Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Santanu Sinha Biswas, his family members, and his associates in connection with the Sona Pappu money laundering case. In a statement issued on Thursday, the central agency confirmed that the assets, comprising three flats in Kolkata and parcels of land at Kandi in Murshidabad district, were attached as proceeds of crime under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED initiated its investigation based on multiple FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police against alleged criminal Biswajit Podder, alias Sona Pappu, and his associates involving charges of murder, extortion, and land-grabbing. Earlier in the probe, ED sleuths conducted coordinated raids across Kolkata and adjoining areas, searching the residences of Biswas, Jay S. Kamdar, and Podder. Those searches resulted in the seizure of Rs 1.64 crore in cash, gold jewellery, a Toyota Fortuner car, an unlicensed revolver, and various incriminating documents and digital devices. Following the raids, the agency arrested all three accused, who are currently remanded in judicial custody. According to the agency's findings, the proceeds of crime were generated through extortion, illegal real estate grabbing, and unauthorised construction carried out via entities controlled by Podder, Kamdar, and their associates. Investigators revealed that Biswas, who previously served as the Officer-in-Charge of Kalighat Police Station before his elevation as DCP, developed a close nexus with Kamdar during his stint at Kalighat and actively facilitated his illicit operations. Through this association, Kamdar allegedly wielded significant clout within the police establishment. The ED statement further noted that Biswas directly and indirectly acquired, concealed, and possessed proceeds of crime amounting to at least Rs 2.89 crore.
Calcutta HC expresses anguish over Abhishek Banerjee's derogatory remarks against judiciary
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) A single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday expressed anguish over some reported derogatory comments made by the Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee accusing a section of the Judiciary as iased. The occasion was the final hearing on a petition by Abhishek Banerjee, also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking restoration of his -Plus security. The final hearing was taking place at the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Krishna Rao. During the hearing in the matter, the state government Counsel and the state's Additional Advocate General, Billawdal Bhattacharya, drew the attention of the court to a recent social media message made by the Diamond Harbour MP accusing the Kolkata Police of maintaining constant surveillance around his residence and snooping on him. Bhattacharya claimed that in the social media message, Abhishek Banerjee made some remarks that directly challenged the country's judicial system and the dignity of the courts, and therefore he should be booked under contempt of court charges. I am submitting an interview of the plaintiff to the court. That interview amounts to contempt of court. He has insulted the judges, even mentioned their names. The court cannot be fooled like this. This is contempt of court. Criminal action should be taken against him (Abhishek Banerjee), the Additional Advocate General said. Thereafter, Abhishek Banerjee's Counsel said that his clients' comments were in the context of certain developments where petitions filed by him were pending before the the court for several months. Thereafter, Justice Rao expressed his displeasure after this comment. In very strict language, Justice Rao ordered Abhishek Banerjee's lawyer to submit a complete list of which judges are with the Bharatiya Janata Party and which are with the Trinamool Congress. Ask your client (Abhishek Banerjee) which judges are with the BJP and which are not! He thinks he is very intelligent. Ask him to give a list; I will look into it, Justice Rao said.
Calcutta HC reserves order on Abhishek Banerjee's plea for restoration of 'Z Plus' security
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) The hearing on the petition from Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, seeking restoration of his -Plus security was completed at a single-judge vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday. However, the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Krishna Rao had kept the judgement on reserve. Abhishek, also the nephew of the former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, had been enjoying the Plus security granted to him by the previous Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal led by his aunt since he became the Lok Sabha MP from Diamond Harbour for the first time in 2014. However, after the new Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government came to power in the state, Abhishek Banerjee's -Plus security was withdrawn and he was granted the security entitled to him as a Lok Sabha member as per protocol. Recently, the Diamond Harbour MP approached the Calcutta High Court with the plea for restoration of his -Plus security apprehended lie threats considering that already some assassination attempts had been made on him in the recent past. The hearing in the matter was completed on Thursday, and Justice Krishna Rao had reserved his judgment in the matter. During the hearing on Thursday, Justice Rao raised questions about the state administration's role in the state's security review process and the subsequent allegations of multiple attacks. The state government told the court that the decision on the category of security to be granted to anyone was their prerogative and it was not binding on the administration to explain its decisions in the matter. Thereafter, Justice Rao said that while the court will not direct which category of security should be granted to whom, since the plaintiff claimed that there was an attack on him and his security requirements were not reviewed, the court could seek explanations in the matter. Abhishek Banerjee's Counsel then said that till the time the security requirements of his client were not reviewed, till that time -Plus security should be granted to him.
West Bengal Chief Minister Accuses Opposition of Undermining Hindu Culture
CM Suvendu Adhikari criticizes previous governments for damaging Hindu traditions and vows to isolate political opponents. West Bengal Chief Minister Accuses Opposition of Undermining Hindu Culture
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the appointment of coordinators within municipal wards starting December 1. He criticised opposition parties for obstructing the electoral process due to fear of defeat and highlighted long-standing civic service deprivations. Adhikari pledged to approach the Supreme Court regarding delays in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections. Municipal officials are unable to fully substitute elected representatives, according to the Chief Minister.
'Bulldozers cannot silence me': Abhishek Banerjee defiant after demolition outside residence
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Nov 12 (IANS) Mamata-Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday vowed to continue his political fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led West Bengal government, declaring that no bulldozer could silence him, even as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) demolished three structures allegedly encroaching on footpaths outside his residence in Kolkata's Kalighat. No number of bulldozers can silence my voice or break my resolve. I will continue my fight against the Bangla Birodhis. I will neither retreat nor budge an inch until my last breath, he said in a social media post, shortly after the demolition drive was completed. The operation assisted by the Kolkata Police began on Thursday morning, with a makeshift bamboo structure outside the residence being razed first. The structure had reportedly been used as a seating arrangement for security personnel when Abhishek Banerjee enjoyed Z-plus security cover provided by the state government during the previous Trinamool Congress government led by his aunt and former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. An iron gate outside the residence, which also allegedly encroached on the footpath, was subsequently demolished. A Trinamool Congress Martyrs' Memorial, constructed with concrete and iron beams, was also razed as part of the operation. All three structures were brought down using a bulldozer. The removal of the bamboo shed had initially been undertaken by Trinamool workers on Wednesday evening. However, the exercise remained incomplete until KMC personnel, accompanied by police officers and a bulldozer, arrived at the spot on Thursday morning and completed the demolition. The temporary shed had become a subject of controversy over the past few days. Tensions had flared in Kalighat during the intervening night of November 6 and 7, when a large gathering assembled outside Abhishek Banerjee's residence for his birthday celebrations. Several people were seen taking shelter under the temporary structure. The presence of the shed subsequently drew objections from local residents, who reportedly complained that the construction was obstructing pedestrian movement on the footpath. The demolition drive also came a day after Abhishek Banerjee accused the Kolkata Police of keeping his residence under constant surveillance and snooping on him. In a social media post on Wednesday, the Mamata-Trinamool Congress leader had questioned the police surveillance arrangements around his residence. Soon after this social media post, party workers began dismantling the bamboo structure. The KMC-led operation on Thursday, however, extended beyond the shed to include the iron gate and the party's memorial. Abhishek Banerjee's remarks following the demolition indicated that he viewed the action as part of the continuing political confrontation with the BJP government in the state.
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'Chilling Reminder': Mamata Attacks BJP After TMC Leader Ujjal Biswas' Death
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of pursuing a politics of vengeance, intimidation and persecution in Bengal following the death of senior TMC leader and former minister Ujjal Biswas, aged 72.In a post on X, Banerjee recalled Biswas' alleged ordeal, claiming he was brutally attacked, implicated in false cases and kept in custody for 49 days. She described his death as a deeply personal loss and criticised what she called the BJP's politics of political retribution.Biswas, a three-time MLA from Krishnanagar South, died at a Kolkata hospital on November 11 following multiple health complications.
Calcutta High Court reserves order on Abhishek Banerjee
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday reserved its order on a petition filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee challenging the West Bengal governments decision to downgrade his security cover from Z+ to X category following the change of government in the State. Justice Krishna Rao, while hearing the plea, questioned the State government [] The post Calcutta High Court reserves order on Abhishek Banerjees plea challenging downgrade of Z+ security cover appeared first on India Legal .
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) Following the terrorist attack in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress on Thursday termed the incident serious and expressed concern over the targeting of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, saying the Centre must take additional precautions to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region. Speaking to reporters, Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot said, This is serious, and I believe that regardless of who claims responsibility for law and order in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India has a responsibility to live up to those claims. Jammu and Kashmir is a very important and sensitive region. A terrorist attack of this nature, particularly the attack on the CRPF, is extremely dangerous. I believe the Government of India will have to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of lives and property in the region. Meanwhile, Congress leader Surendra Rajput termed the attack extremely tragic and wished a speedy recovery to the injured security personnel. He also held the BJP-led government responsible for the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned its handling of counter-terrorism operations. It is extremely tragic news. We wish a speedy recovery to all the soldiers who are injured. And the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power there. The BJP governs internal security there. The BJP is responsible for the protection of that area. What are they doing? Before demonetisation, they said terrorism had ended. Then incidents happened after Pulwama. After that, the Pathankot incidents happened. Then the Uri incidents happened. After that, incidents in Baisaran in Pahalgam, 26 people were killed. Kashmiri Hindus are being targeted. What is happening during the BJP's rule? Is the government during the BJP's rule so weak, so cowardly, and so incompetent that we are not even able to protect our own soldiers? If the Bharatiya Janata Party has any shame, if the Home Minister has any shame, he should resign after this incident, Rajput said. On the other hand, BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana blamed Pakistan for continuing its alleged anti-India activities and said such attacks were aimed at diverting attention from its internal situation. ...Pakistan has still not stopped its despicable activities. It carries out such heinous acts to divert attention from its internal situation. It has already learned a lesson from Operation Sindoor. When the time comes, it will receive a response, he said. West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said terrorism in Kashmir had almost come to an end, but acknowledged that some terrorists could still be hiding in the vast and difficult terrain. Terrorism in Kashmir has almost come to an end, but it is still a vast and difficult terrain, where some terrorists may be hiding. An investigation is underway. During a checking operation, terrorists attacked the Army personnel, who responded effectively. Any terrorists still hiding in the area will be tracked down, Ghosh said.
West Bengal: Passenger apprehended after threat alert on Kolkata-Mumbai Air India flight
One passenger was apprehended and handed over to the airport police following a threat alert involving an Air India flight scheduled to operate from Kolkata to Mumbai, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said in a press note on Thursday. The incident involved Air India flight AI 2772 (Kolkata-Mumbai) on Wednesday (November 11). Following the threat alert shortly before its scheduled departure, the aircraft was moved to the isolation bay at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata as a precautionary measure. Security agencies immediately reached the spot and initiated necessary security checks in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs). According to sources, the aircraft had received a threat alert, following which airport authorities shifted it to the isolation bay to ensure the safety of passengers, crew members and airport personnel. The situation was subsequently assessed by the concerned security agencies. In an update issued on...
Suvendu-Abhishek feud keeps political temperatures high in West Bengal
The exchanges have drawn a direct challenge from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who has dared Mr. Abhishek to contest from Diamond Harbour in 2029, saying he would defeat him by a margin greater than the one by which he was elected in 2024
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Thursday expressed gratitude to the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving the state an opportunity to host the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Kolkata from January 7 to 9, 2027, describing the event as a major opportunity to showcase a new Bengal before the world. Speaking to reporters in Kolkata, Ghosh said that following the political changes in West Bengal, the state had attracted global attention and that hosting the prestigious convention would provide an opportunity to strengthen its image. This is a great opportunity for Bengal. Following the changes that have taken place in Bengal, the entire world has its eyes fixed here. I thank the central government and Prime Minister Modi for giving Bengal the opportunity to host this event... The cooperation of all is needed to build a new Bengal. This is a major opportunity for us, he said. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that Prime Minister Nar...
West Bengal Weather Update: Light Rain Likely in Several Districts, Temperatures to Drop by 2
Kolkata, November 12, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Most districts of West Bengal are expected to experience dry weather on Thursday. However, isolated areas of South Bengal may receive light West Bengal Weather Update: Light Rain Likely in Several Districts, Temperatures to Drop by 23C
West Bengal News | Bulldozer Action Outside TMC MP's Residence In Kolkata
Bulldozer action was carried out outside the residence of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP in Kolkata's Kalighat area, as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) moved to remove a bamboo structure.
Former West Bengal Minister Ujjal Biswas Dies At 72
The former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had announced the death of her former cabinet colleague in a social media statement and condoled the death of Biswas.
Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles
Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles Kolkata: Former West Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas expired on Wednesday after a prolonged illness at the age of 72. The former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had announced the death of her former cabinet colleague in a social media statement and condoled the [] The post Former Bengal Minister Ujjwal Biswas dies at 72, Mamata Banerjee condoles appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
3 CRPF personnel injured in Kulgam terror attack: Police
Srinagar, Nov 11:Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured on Wednesday afternoon when terrorists opened fire at a checkpoint in the Nowpora Akhran area near Mir Bazar in south Kashmirs Kulgam district. The attack occurred around 2:15 pm at a naka (checkpoint) manned by personnel of the CRPFs 46th Battalion, located roughly two kilometres off the National Highway. Officials said the personnel were part of a bridge guard deployment when the attackers carried out hit and run assault, firing a burst of rounds before fleeing the scene. Security forces returned fire, however terrorists managed to escape from the spot. The injured personnel have been identified as Constable Rakesh Dass (son of Arun Dass of Assam), who sustained a bullet injury to the leg and is stable, Constable Santosh Chandru (son of Mahavir of West Bengal), who received gunshot wounds to the abdomen and spine and was critical. He was initially taken into the operation theatre at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag; as his condition deteriorated, he was later airlifted to the 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar for advanced treatment and Head Constable Somveer Singh (son of Mahaveer of Madhya Pradesh), who suffered a firearm injury to the left arm and is stable. All three were immediately evacuated to GMC Anantnag. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Bilal Mohiuddin, visited the hospital, met the injured jawans, and enquired about their condition and well-being. Police, Army, and paramilitary forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale joint cordon-and-search operation with Quick Reaction Teams deployed. Senior officers from the three forces reached the spot to supervise. Additional forces have been deployed, barricades strengthened, and a general alert sounded in Kulgam and adjoining areas. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby locations. A CRPF spokesperson confirmed the firing on CRPF Naka at Kulgam, adding that operations are underway to nab the perpetrators and that the best possible treatment is being provided to the injured. This is the third terror-related attack in South Kashmir in the last three months. On July 22, Head Constable Aashiq Hussain Qureshi of the J&K Police was shot dead near Lal Chowk in Anantnag while on Amarnath Yatra duty. On July 31, two migrant labourers from Chhattisgarh were killed at a brick kiln in Kulgams Kilam (Kellam) area. The Resistance Front had claimed the July attacks. Parts of Kulgam, including Mir Bazar, Qazigund, and Shamsipora, lie near key transit corridors; checkpoints and road-opening parties have periodically been targeted in hit-and-run incidents. The districts forested upper reaches have also served as hideouts, prompting extended joint operations. The incident occurred on the same day Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was in Kulgam to inaugurate the three-day Veshow Festival at Government Degree College. Officials confirmed the festival venue was not near the attack site. The festival celebrates the regions Rishi-Sufi heritage, literature, art, and handicrafts. The attack also follows the November 8 arrest of two suspected terror associates Muneeb Yaseen Rather and Tahir Bilal, both of Bugam, Kulgam from whom a pistol, ammunition, and hand grenades were recovered during a joint checkpoint operation. VIRAL CLAIM OF USE OF MOTORCYCLE FOUND FALSE: POLICE A claim circulating on social media linking a motorcycle to the attack on a CRPF checkpoint in south Kashmirs Kulgam district has been found to befalse following verification, Police said. In a verification report, shared SSP Kulgam Anayat Ali Choudhary ,clarified that the Avengers motorcycle bearing registration number JK18A-5431, allegedly used by terrorists during the attack and reportedly owned by Yasir Yousuf of Qaimoh, was not being used by the attackers. The verification established that the motorcycle was being used by Yasirs brother, Shaukat Yousuf, son of Muhammad Yousuf, who was working at a nursery located on their own land near the incident site. Officials said the viral claim suggesting that the motorcycle was used by terrorists was contrary to the facts established during verification. The clarification comes amid heightened security measures and an ongoing investigation into the attack on a CRPF checkpoint in the Nowpora Akhran area near Mir Bazar, in which three CRPF personnel were injured after motorcycle-borne attackers opened fire on Wednesday afternoon. Officials have urged people to avoid circulating unverified information on social media.
Fox on runway and hijack alert, passengers had a harrowing time at Kolkata Airport
A Chennai to Kolkata flight was diverted to Andal in Durgapur after pilot spotted fox on a runway during touch down, while a hijack note was found by the cabin crew inside the lavatory of a Kolkata to Mumbai flight, delaying the departure by several hours
