BJP MLA Manoj Oraon allegedly attacked in Alipurduar in North Bengal
Another tribal MLA from BJP Manoj Kumar Oraon was attacked while distributing relief materials in his Alipurduar constituency in North Bengal, a day after BJP MP Khagen Murmu was badly assaulted in the neighbouring district of Jalpaiguri.The BJP blamed the Trinamool Congress supporters for orchestrating the attacks on Oraon, which was denied by the West Bengal ruling party. According to party sources, Oraon was distributing relief material to flood-affected villagers in his constituency Kumargram when he and his entourage were surrounded and assaulted by a violent mob. The attackers allegedly hurled stones, vandalised vehicles and snatched weapons from security personnel providing protection to the lawmaker representing the Alipurduar constituency. Oraon sustained injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Speaking from the hospital, he claimed, “While trying to help flood-hit people, I was suddenly surrounded and attacked. This is the state of democracy under the TMC.” Oraon was also attacked yesterday while distributing the materials to the flood hit people. The attack on Oraon happened barely 24 hours after BJP MP from Malda Uttar Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh were assaulted by a mob at Nagrakata in Jalpaiguri. Murmu was undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Siliguri. “A group of TMC workers attacked me and my supporters when we were distributing relief items among flood-affected villagers in Kumargram,” Oraon alleged.
Woman, swept away by swollen Damodar river, rescued 45 km downstream in Bengal
In what locals described as a miraculous escape, a 65-year-old woman who was swept away by the swollen Damodar River amid heavy rains and water discharge from the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was rescued alive nearly 45 km downstream, police said on Monday. Police said, “The incident took place at Jakta village in Burdwan’s Rayna area. The woman, identified as Maturi Tudu (65), had gone to bathe in Damodar river alone on Sunday afternoon. However, due to strong currents following DVC’s water release and rains, she was swept away.” With the combined efforts of police and villagers, she was rescued 45-50 km downstream and was taken to Jamalpur Rural Hospital, where doctors said she had fallen ill after being in the water for a prolonged period, police added. Later, she was shifted to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. “I went to bathe in the river when suddenly the current increased, and I was swept away. I somehow managed to hold onto something until villagers rescued me,” Tudu said. Jamalpur Block Trinamool Congress president Mehemud Khan said, “The elderly woman was admitted to hospital and later handed over to her family after police confirmed her identity. She survived purely by luck.”Police later escorted Tudu safely back to her home in Rayna. and rains,” he said.
Mamata blames Damodar Valley Corporation for floods; announces Rs 5 lakh solatium, job for kin of deceased
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for the flooding in the state, describing the north Bengal floods as “man-made”. She announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a government job to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the North Bengal disaster. Before departing for Bagdogra airport on her way to the flood-affected region, Banerjee told reporters that she had received information about 23 deaths in north Bengal. “Rs. 5 lakh and a government job in the Home Guard will be given to the kin of the deceased. Though money cannot compensate for the loss of life, this is our social obligation,” she said. The Chief Minister said Mirik and Nagrakata were the worst affected areas, while Dhupguri, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Jorebunglow, and Kalimpong also suffered extensive damage. Banerjee announced that 45 Volvo buses would be requisitioned for the safe passage of stranded tourists, with the government bearing all related expenses. She added that upstream water from Bhutan and Assam had inundated large parts of north Bengal. “We had requested the Bhutan government to release water slowly. They responded, though it was not exactly an apology,” Banerjee said. She further alleged that the DVC was trying to save Jharkhand by releasing water into Bengal. “I have no problem with that, but how much water can we contain? What happened in north Bengal is a combination of man-made floods and excessive rainfall,” she remarked. Banerjee questioned the utility of dams such as Panchet, Maithon, and Durgapur barrage if their water releases continued to flood the state each year. “It is better not to have such dams from the DVC and let the waters flow on their natural course, so that every state shares the flow evenly,” she said, adding that the situation might have been better without the dams. She also pointed out that there had been no de-siltation of Farakka, Maithon, Panchet, and Durgapur barrage for the past 20 years.
BJP slams Mamata Banerjee over attack on party leaders, criticises handling of North Bengal floods
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today condemned the alleged attack on its leaders Khagen Murmu and Shankar Ghosh in West Bengal, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of having “crossed all limits” and dismantling law and order since assuming power. Speaking at a press conference here, BJP MP and National Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised the Mamata government for its alleged negligence in addressing the severe floods and landslides in North Bengal, pointing out the Chief Minister’s attendance at a Tollywood music carnival in Kolkata instead of focusing on the crisis. “Violence and the breakdown of law and order have become normal in West Bengal since TMC came to power. The insensitivity of the West Bengal Government and Mamata Banerjee has crossed all limits,” said Trivedi. “While much of North Bengal is grappling with floods, there are videos of the Chief Minister dancing at a carnival in Kolkata. These contrasting images are heart-wrenching. The attack on our leaders is both dangerous and unfortunate.” Trivedi further remarked, “If this dastardly incident is said to be the swan song of democracy, it would not be inappropriate.” BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra echoed the criticism, terming the situation in West Bengal as “jungle raj” and alleging that TMC leaders had incited party workers to assault Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh during their flood relief visit, causing serious injuries.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner advises women to be cautious in digital space
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has advised women to be cautious in the digital space and avoid sharing private photos or sensitive information online.He gave the advice while interacting with women entrepreneurs at Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) Connect 2025 here. Sajjanar, who took over as the Police Commissioner last week, posted on ‘X’ on Sunday that he was delighted to interact with inspiring women entrepreneurs at JITO, calling them true symbols of resilience, leadership, and innovation that define today’s India. ” I shared how proud I am that nearly 50% of my team consists of women IPS officers who excel in dual roles every day — managing their homes and fulfilling their demanding professional duties with exceptional dedication and discipline. Women are a source of inspiration and strength for the entire world,” wrote the IPS officer. “However, I also reminded everyone to be cautious in the digital space. Avoid sharing private photos or sensitive information online, as these can be easily misused. Many women fall prey to online fraudsters who conceal their true identities,” said the top cop. “Even after realising they have been deceived, some continue to communicate, which only increases their risk. Stay alert, verify before you trust, and let’s work together to make the digital world safer for everyone,” added the Police Commissioner. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 3 inaugurated JITCO Connect 2025, the three-day exhibition of networking, knowledge and entertainment. With over 600 stalls and six grand arenas, the exhibition features Build Mart, Business Bay, Property Pavilion, Bridal Story, Lifestyle Lane, and AI & Startup Arena. The organisers called it a one-stop hub for business, innovation, fashion, lifestyle, and future technologies The event brought together over 50 eminent speakers from spiritual icons like Baba Ramdev and Kamlesh Patel (Dadaji) to cinema legend Boman Irani, cricket star Surya Kumar Yadav, former Union Minister Smriti Irani, and several financial stalwarts.
Tourists Stranded in Darjeeling as Drivers Hike Fares Amid Landslide Chaos
What has brought devastation for many has turned into an opportunity for some. As North Bengal reels under landslides and torrential rain, tourists stranded in the hills are facing not only nature’s fury but also exploitation from a section of transport operators. “Never imagined our holiday would end like this,” said a tourist from Dum Dum, Kolkata, who came to Darjeeling with 16 family members for the Durga Puja vacation. “The usual car fare from Darjeeling to Siliguri is ₹3,500. Now they’re demanding ₹15,000!” According to several visitors, taxi drivers have sharply increased fares for the 63-kilometer stretch between Darjeeling and Siliguri, claiming roads are blocked due to landslides. “Even after pleading with folded hands, they refused to lower the rate. One driver bluntly said he wouldn’t drive for less than ₹12,000,” the tourist said. The family, who had booked return tickets on the Uttarbanga Express for Sunday, had to cancel them after the calamity struck Saturday night. “We spent the entire night awake at the hotel. Thunder, lightning and heavy rain shook the hills,” said the woman. “On Sunday morning, when we went to the taxi stand at Chowk Bazaar, we found drivers unwilling to go down to Siliguri.” Drivers cited multiple landslides near Pankhabari and Dilaram and said they would have to take risky detours. However, tourists alleged that many vehicles were still plying — only for those ready to pay exorbitant rates. “We’ve run out of money after four days of sightseeing. Two vehicles are needed for our group, but paying ₹24,000 is impossible. We’re stuck,” the woman said. With train and road communication disrupted, hundreds of tourists remain stranded in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. State authorities have advised visitors to stay indoors and avoid travel until restoration work is completed.
Mamata Banerjee to visit North Bengal tomorrow to review flood and landslide situation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that she will be visiting North Bengal tomorrow to personally assess the situation caused by continuous heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides that have wreaked havoc across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and adjoining districts. Speaking to media over the phone, Banerjee said, “I will be travelling to North Bengal tomorrow along with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant. By afternoon, I will reach Siliguri and monitor the situation from there.” For now, the Chief Minister has been stationed in the control room in Nabanna, keeping a close watch since this morning. She added that she had already held a virtual meeting with officials of five North Bengal districts and has been monitoring developments since 6 am. Torrential rain has battered Darjeeling and Kalimpong, triggering multiple landslides, road blockages, and rising river levels since yesterday evening. At least 13 deaths have been reported so far from Darjeeling district alone. Nine people were killed when an iron bridge collapsed in Mirik, seven lost their lives in Sukhiapokhri, and another was reported dead in Bijanbari. Tourists remain stranded as several key roads have been cut off, and communication with Kalimpong and Sikkim has been completely disrupted, officials said. Banerjee attributed the worsening conditions to heavy rainfall in Bhutan, which has swelled rivers in North Bengal. “The rainwater from Bhutan has flooded our region. This calamity is extremely unfortunate. Disasters are beyond human control, but we are deeply distressed,” she said. The Alipore Meteorological Department had already issued a warning of heavy rainfall in Darjeeling, and by Saturday night, the region was lashed by continuous downpours. The Teesta river has risen sharply, flooding stretches of National Highway 10 near 29 Mile Balukhola in Teestabazar, leading to the closure of the crucial road link. In addition, part of the iron bridge between Mirik and Doodhia collapsed, cutting off connectivity between Siliguri and Mirik, as well as severely hampering access to Darjeeling town — an unusual occurrence. Rescue operations are underway, though officials admitted that bad weather has made the task extremely challenging. The Additional Superintendent of Police (Kurseong) said that five bodies had already been recovered from Mirik, with two more earlier, and four confirmed dead in Sukhiapokhri. “Roads via Rohini and Dilaram are completely blocked. We are trying to rescue those stranded in Mirik and evacuate residents from affected areas,” the official said. Police later confirmed at least 13 deaths, warning that the toll could rise further. Landslides near Dilaram have also blocked the main road leading to Darjeeling, while routes towards Kalimpong and Sikkim remain closed. Wild animals have also been displaced by the floods, with two deer rescued after straying into villages. Several rivers are now flowing above the danger mark. Meanwhile, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) issued an advisory on Sunday morning, temporarily closing popular tourist spots like Rock Garden and Tiger Hill. Visitors have been urged to exercise caution amid the continuing natural disaster. Banerjee is expected to chair high-level meetings in Siliguri after reaching North Bengal on Monday and coordinate further relief and rescue operations.
Four killed as heavy rain triggers landslides, floods in north Bengal; red alert issued
Incessant rainfall over the past few days has triggered landslides and flash floods across north Bengal, claiming at least four lives and severely disrupting normal life, officials said on Saturday. A major landslide struck Mirik in Darjeeling district, leaving four persons dead and several others injured. The 10th National Highway, connecting Siliguri with Darjeeling, has been blocked at multiple points due to landslides, cutting off road connectivity between the plains and the hills. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall till Monday morning. Several tourists have been stranded in the hills as vehicular movement remains severely restricted. The bridge at Dudhiyara, linking Mirik and Siliguri, has suffered extensive damage, while portions of the 29 Mile area and Baluwakhani have been submerged by the overflowing Teesta river. In Siliguri’s Porajhar area, a breach in an embankment led to inundation of vast tracts of land and several houses. Rivers including the Teesta, Mahananda, Jaldhaka and Torsa are flowing above the danger level, triggering fears of worsening flood conditions. District administrations have started evacuating residents from vulnerable zones to safer locations and initiated relief operations. Officials said the situation may deteriorate further if the rain continues unabated over the next 24 hours.
Left Front stages protest rally in Kolkata against Israeli actions in Gaza
Kolkata witnessed a massive rally on Saturday as the Left Front and its affiliated organisations marched from Rabindra Sadan to Lenin’s Statue at Esplanade, raising their voice against the recent Israeli attack on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza. The protesters also demanded the immediate release of internationally renowned activists, including environmentalist Greta Thunberg, who have reportedly been detained for standing in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.The rally, called by Left parties, was marked by a sea of banners, posters and placards condemning Israel’s actions. The demonstrators carried slogans demanding an immediate end to what they described as “genocide in Gaza” and condemned the United States for providing continuous support to what they termed “war crimes” by Israel. Senior Left leaders, including Left Front chairman Biman Bose, CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty, and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) general secretary Srijan Bhattacharya, were present at the forefront of the rally. They walked shoulder to shoulder with a large number of activists, students, workers, and common citizens who had gathered in solidarity with the people of Palestine. Speakers at the rally strongly criticised the Israeli government for launching repeated assaults on civilian populations in Gaza, as well as the attack on the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid. “The attack is not only an assault on the people of Gaza but also on international humanitarian principles,” Sujan Chakraborty said. He further alleged that such actions were possible only because of unconditional backing from the United States, which continues to shield Israel on international platforms. The rally reiterated the student community’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and demanded the immediate release of Greta Thunberg and other activists who had stood up against what they called “ecological destruction and human rights violations in the name of war.” The rally saw hundreds of participants chanting slogans such as “Stop genocide in Gaza,” “Free the detained activists,” and “Down with US-backed Israeli war crimes.” The protest concluded at Lenin’s statue in Esplanade, where participants took a pledge to continue mobilising public opinion in support of Palestine. The leaders announced that similar rallies and meetings would be held across districts in West Bengal in the coming days to sustain the momentum.
Murshidabad explosion kills man while making crude bombs
A middle-aged man, identified as Usman Biswas, was killed while manufacturing crude bombs in West Bengal’s border district of Murshidabad, barely 24 hours after a woman died in a similar incident in the same district, police said today. The explosion took place late last night at Chhatiani village under Raninagar police station limits. Biswas died on the spot under a bamboo grove. The incident took a dramatic turn as Biswas, who had left home last evening after being summoned by three friends on a motorcycle, went missing after the blast shook the area. Police said the explosion triggered panic in the locality, prompting an immediate response from Raninagar police. Several crude bombs and bloodstained bamboo were recovered from the site, though one bomb was found nearby. After Biswas’s wife, Samira Bibi, reported him missing, police launched a search. One suspect, identified as Waz Karim, was arrested and confessed that Biswas’s body had been buried in a nearby bush. The body was unearthed this morning. SDPO of Beldanga, Uttam Garai, confirmed that Biswas was killed in the blast and that his associates attempted to conceal the crime by burying the body. Police said more suspects are being traced. Yesterday, a 38-year-old woman, Siddhatun Khatoon, was killed in a massive explosion while making crude bombs at her home in Nischintapur village under Domkal block of Murshidabad district.
