Lightning Strikes Digha Temple Flag; Opposition Leader Blames ‘Irregular Rituals, Political Interference’
DIGHA, 14 July – A lightning strike during heavy rains on Sunday morning set ablaze the ceremonial flag atop the Jagannath Cultural Centre temple in the coastal town of Digha, West Bengal, triggering a political and religious row. Eastern Midnapore district, including Digha, has been experiencing intense rain and thunderstorms since early morning. The lightning struck amid the downpour, damaging the sacred flagpole of the seaside temple. West Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, reacted sharply to the incident, alleging religious impropriety and political misuse of faith. In a post on social media, Adhikari claimed that “divine displeasure” may have caused the lightning strike, citing what he described as repeated violations of religious norms at the temple. He accused the state government of politicizing religion, allowing non-Hindus unrestricted access to the temple premises, conducting rituals improperly, and desecrating religious items such as walking over the Rath Yatra ropes with shoes. “For political appeasement, they are using Mahaprabhu Jagannath, and that is unacceptable. But as the saying goes, ‘Chakshu Aankhi Sab Dekhuchi’ (The Lord sees everything),” Adhikari wrote. His remarks sparked fresh debate, especially after Rajesh Dwaitapati, a servitor from the Jagannath Temple in Puri, echoed some of the concerns. “Ritual disruptions could indeed lead to such incidents,” Dwaitapati said. “If the temple protocols were not followed properly, that may have contributed. We are looking into all aspects.” While there has been no official response yet from the West Bengal government, the incident has reignited the ongoing discourse around the intersection of faith and politics in the state, particularly in religious festivals and temple administration. The damaged flagpole is expected to be restored soon, temple authorities said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. An inquiry into the lightning strike and associated claims is likely, amid calls from religious groups for stricter adherence to temple customs.
No Technical Fault in Crashed Air India Jet, Preliminary Probe Finds; Pilot Body Raises Concerns
NEW DELHI, July 15: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Monday said that the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the July 12 crash of a Boeing 787 jet found no evidence of mechanical or maintenance failure, raising questions over possible human error. Speaking on the findings of the AAIB’s initial report, Wilson stated, “There is no indication of any aircraft or engine malfunction in the crash involving the Air India flight. The report confirms that the aircraft was airworthy and well-maintained.” The aircraft was operating a scheduled international flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed just seconds after take-off, plummeting into a densely populated area. The accident claimed 260 lives, including both passengers and people on the ground, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. The AAIB released its preliminary findings on Saturday, ruling out mechanical failure as a cause. The focus has now shifted to human factors, including pilot error, which has triggered sharp reactions from pilot associations. The pilots’ union expressed concern over what it described as a “narrative push” implicating the crew without conclusive evidence. “It appears the investigation is prematurely pointing toward pilot error,” the association said in a statement, demanding that their representatives be allowed to participate in the inquiry process as observers. The union also questioned the transparency and objectivity of the probe, calling for a broader, multi-stakeholder review to ensure fairness. “This is a complex incident that requires comprehensive analysis, not speculation,” the statement added. The AAIB has not yet made any official comment on the pilot union’s concerns but has indicated that a full report will be published after a complete forensic and operational analysis. Meanwhile, Air India continues to cooperate with investigators and has assured full support to the families of the victims. “We remain committed to uncovering the full truth behind this tragedy,” Wilson said. Breaking news
Nine Killed, Ten Injured as Mango-Laden Truck Overturns in Andhra Pradesh
AMARAVATI, India, July 14: At least nine people were killed and ten others injured after a truck carrying a heavy load of mangoes overturned in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, police said. The accident occurred near Reddy Cheruvu Katta in Pullampeta mandal, around 60 kilometers from Kadapa city, when the truck veered off the road and overturned, trapping workers sitting atop the mango heap underneath the cargo. Among the deceased were five women, officials confirmed. Police said the injured were rushed to the government hospital in Rajampet and are currently undergoing treatment. According to the truck driver, he lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid an oncoming car, causing the truck to overturn. The driver survived the crash. Eyewitnesses and local residents told authorities that the truck was carrying an estimated 30 to 40 tonnes of mangoes. When it flipped, several workers who had been seated on the fruit cargo were crushed under its weight. Rescue operations were carried out using heavy machinery, including JCB earthmovers, police added. Eight people died on the spot, while one more succumbed to injuries later at the hospital. Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy expressed condolences and assured full support to the families of the victims. An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
India’s BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari Sparks Row with Call for Hindus to “Prepare Weapons”
KOLKATA, July 14: Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, triggered a political firestorm on Monday after urging Hindus to “prepare weapons” during a protest rally in Khejuri, in the state’s East Midnapore district. The comments have drawn sharp criticism and are expected to intensify political tensions in the state ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Leading a BJP-organized protest march from Janaka to Vidyapith, Adhikari accused the state police of protecting members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), particularly from a “special community,” while allegedly framing Hindus in false cases. Referring to recent deaths of two BJP workers in Khejuri—Sujit Das and Sudhirchandra Paik—Adhikari alleged they were “killed in a planned manner” and promised legal support to their families. Addressing the crowd, Adhikari said: “Hindus must prepare bamboo sticks soaked in oil… More such sticks must be made. Unite the Hindus.” He accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party’s “nephew gang” of orchestrating a narrative to shield “their peace-loving boys” while allegedly suppressing Hindus. The remarks came during a bandh (shutdown) called by the BJP in protest over the deaths. Adhikari also handed over financial aid to the bereaved families and assured them of full legal assistance. Ratcheting up political rhetoric, the BJP leader challenged the TMC’s dominance in East Midnapore, stating, “The more you jail the people of Nandigram and Khejuri, the more united they will become. In 2021, East Midnapore gave 44% votes to Narendra Modi. In 2026, we will give him all 16 assembly seats.” In a controversial statement, Adhikari further suggested that “Hindus could be killed by TMC’s minority supporters in the days to come,” hinting at potential communal polarization. The remarks have sparked backlash from political opponents and civil society groups, who accused Adhikari of promoting communal unrest. The TMC has yet to issue an official response, but sources within the party condemned the speech as “provocative and dangerous.” West Bengal has witnessed frequent political clashes between BJP and TMC supporters, particularly in rural areas like East Midnapore, where both parties are competing for influence ahead of crucial electoral contests.
India’s CBI Court Frames Charges Against Former Hospital Head in Corruption Case
KOLKATA, July 14: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Alipore has framed charges against five accused, including the former principal of Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, in a multi-crore corruption case involving alleged irregularities in medical procurement and tender allocations. The accused—Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, Afzar Ali, Biplab Singh, Suman Hazra, and Ashish Pandey—are facing charges under sections 420 (cheating), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 467, 468 (forgery), and section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. All five are currently in judicial custody. The trial is scheduled to begin on July 22. The investigation was launched following a directive from the Calcutta High Court after allegations surfaced of large-scale financial misconduct over a span of more than three years at the state-run hospital. The chargesheet, filed on November 29 last year, accuses the former principal of facilitating tenders for close associates, bypassing due process. According to a former deputy superintendent of the hospital, multiple instances of procurement fraud were reported, where tenders for medical equipment and supplies were allegedly manipulated to favor specific vendors. Dr. Ghosh was the first to be arrested in connection with the case after being summoned multiple times by the CBI for questioning. The other four accused were taken into custody in the months that followed. The corruption scandal gained further public attention after a separate but related incident last August, when the body of a postgraduate medical student was found in the hospital’s emergency department seminar hall. A civic volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was arrested and later sentenced to life imprisonment for rape and murder. During the investigation, the CBI also detained Dr. Ghosh and former Tala police station officer-in-charge Abhijit Mondal for allegedly attempting to tamper with evidence. They were granted bail in that case last December. However, Dr. Ghosh remains behind bars in connection with the corruption charges. The case has underscored growing concerns over governance and accountability in public healthcare institutions in West Bengal.
India’s Foreign Minister Calls for Candid Talks with China Amid Lingering Tensions
BEIJING– Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, currently on a visit to Beijing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, on Monday emphasized the need for “open and candid dialogue” between India and China, as the two Asian giants navigate a complex bilateral relationship strained by military and geopolitical tensions. In his first visit to China since the deadly 2020 border clash in Galwan Valley, Jaishankar met with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries amid global uncertainty. “In a turbulent world, it is vital for India and China to engage in frank conversations and support each other,” Jaishankar said, adding that he was “keenly looking forward” to meaningful exchanges during his stay. While border tensions have somewhat stabilized since the Galwan standoff, diplomatic friction persists. India has expressed concerns over China’s support to Pakistan during India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, as well as ongoing disputes related to the Dalai Lama. Jaishankar’s visit follows recent high-level engagements, including trips by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, signaling renewed efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to thaw icy ties. Highlighting a possible thaw, Jaishankar announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—a sacred pilgrimage route through Tibet—after a five-year suspension. “This step has been widely appreciated in India,” he said. He also recalled last year’s informal meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, which he said had contributed to a positive shift in bilateral ties. “I am confident this visit will further build on those discussions,” Jaishankar noted. During his Beijing visit, the minister is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart and hold bilateral talks with other foreign ministers attending the SCO summit. The visit is being closely watched in diplomatic circles, as both countries continue to jostle for influence in the region while attempting to manage their contentious relationship.
