SIT raids residences of Zubeen Garg’s event organiser, manager
Assam Police’s Special Investigating Team (SIT), probing the death of singer Zubeen Garg, conducted separate raids at the residences of Northeast India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and his manager Siddhartha Sharma on Thursday, officials said. An SIT team visited the Geetanagar residence of Mahanta, where none of his family members, except for two helpers, were present. Another team went to Sharma’s apartment in Dhirenpara area and found it locked. The apartment’s lock was broken in the presence of a magistrate, and a search was conducted by the team.
Union minister & former Tripura CM to head BJP in Bengal for 2026 Bengal poll battle
In a strategic move aimed at reinvigorating its electoral prospects in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Union Environment and Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav to spearhead the party’s preparations for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for next year. This appointment underscores the BJP’s intention to revamp and intensify its campaign machinery in the state, which has proven to be a challenging battleground in recent years Bhupender Yadav brings with him a wealth of organisational experience, and party insiders believe his leadership will be instrumental in crafting a more effective and cohesive strategy to counter the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The central leadership also appointed former Tripura chief minister and current Member of Parliament, Biplab Deb as assistant of Yadav. Deb’s experience in state-level politics, particularly in the northeastern region, is expected to add tactical value to the BJP’s efforts in Bengal. This leadership reshuffle comes at a time when the BJP is seeking to regain momentum after facing significant setbacks in the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, where it mounted an aggressive campaign but failed to unseat the TMC. Moreover, the party’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections showed a decline compared to its 2019 results, prompting a reassessment of its political strategy in the state. Since 2017, when former BJP president Amit Shah articulated the party’s ambition to establish a stronghold in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Odisha, the BJP has consistently worked to expand its organisational base in Bengal. This has involved deploying national leaders, restructuring the state unit, and deepening engagement at the grassroots level. With elections approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to increase their presence in the state. Notably, Shah is scheduled to visit Kolkata to inaugurate Durga Puja celebrations, and he recently met with Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, to review the party’s preparedness. Meanwhile, the TMC’s general secretary and a key strategist Abhishek Banerjee has been actively conducting district-level meetings to fine-tune the TMC’s campaign, indicating that a fierce electoral battle lies ahead. In parallel moves, the BJP has also appointed Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to oversee election planning in Bihar and senior parliamentarian Baijayant Panda to manage the campaign in Tamil Nadu, reflecting the party’s broader efforts to consolidate power across multiple states.
Monks protest at Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata over idol vandalism
Several Hindu organizations led by Mahamandaleswar Swami Paramatmananda Bhairav, Bengal head of Sri Panchayeti Mahanirbani Akhada in Bengal staged a demonstration outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, protesting the reported vandalism of a Durga idol at Kashim Pure in Bangladesh. The protestors gathered near the mission, chanting slogans and demanding immediate steps to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The groups also submitted a deputation to Deputy High Commissioner officials, urging action and protection for minorities in the neighboring country. In a memorandum handed to the mission, the signatories including Swami Ranjitananda Giri, Mahamandaleswar of Juna Akhada condemned what they described as a “shocking act of intolerance” that deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindus. “This incident has caused widespread anguish among peace-loving people,” the letter stated. “The deputation laid out three key demands: swift punishment for those responsible for the vandalism, preventive measures to safeguard minority communities and their places of worship, and guarantees of security during religious and cultural festivals,” said Swami Paramatmananda Bhairav. Protestors said the targeting of Durga idols, particularly ahead of the upcoming festival season, was alarming and risked sparking further tensions. “We strongly urge the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that Hindus can celebrate their traditions without fear,” one protestor told reporters. The memorandum was also marked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, the Union Home Minister, the External Affairs Minister, the West Bengal government, and the Governor of West Bengal. Organizers said the protest was not only about the Kashim Pure incident but about a broader pattern of alleged attacks on minorities across Bangladesh. They appealed for bilateral intervention to protect religious harmony. There was a strong police presence around the mission to ensure order, and the demonstration remained peaceful. The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission had not immediately responded to the deputation. However, officials have previously said that the government in Dhaka is committed to protecting minority rights and punishing offenders involved in communal violence. For now, Hindu groups in Kolkata say they will continue to monitor the situation and press for assurances that such incidents will not be repeated.
BENGALURU POLICE RECOVER ₹14 LAKH LOST IN ‘DIGITAL ARREST’ FRAUD
Bengaluru police have recovered ₹14 lakh that BJP Chikkaballapura MP K. Sudhakar’s wife, Preeti, lost in a cyber fraud involving a scheme known as “digital arrest,” officials said Tuesday. According to police, the incident took place on Aug. 26, when Preeti, 44, a resident of Basaveshwaranagar, received a WhatsApp video call from fraudsters posing as Mumbai Cyber Crime Police officials. The callers told her money had been illegally transferred from her account and demanded that she send funds to the Reserve Bank of India for “verification.” They claimed the money would be returned within 45 minutes but threatened that she would be arrested if she failed to comply. “By threatening, they got a total of ₹14 lakh transferred from the complainant’s HDFC Bank account to an unknown YES Bank account and committed fraud,” police said in a statement. Preeti lodged a complaint the same evening and also contacted the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal helpline number 1930 within the so-called “Golden Hour,” police said. A case was registered and investigators worked to freeze the account where the money was transferred. On Sept. 3, the 47th Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court directed YES Bank authorities to return the frozen funds to the complainant. Acting on the order, the full amount was restored to Preeti’s account. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Division) Girish S. said efforts are underway to trace the fraudsters. He urged the public not to panic in similar situations and to immediately call the cyber helpline. “If a complaint is lodged within the Golden Hour with the National Cyber Helpline 1930, and a case is registered at the nearest police station without delay, prompt action can be taken to prevent losses,” Girish said. Police said “digital arrest” scams have emerged as a new form of cybercrime in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or enforcement agencies through video calls and coerce victims into transferring money.
Very heavy rain paralyses Kolkata; three electrocuted
Kolkata reeled under torrential overnight rain on Tuesday, with at least three people dying of electrocution in waterlogged areas. The downpour, which began past midnight, inundated major roads and residential complexes, crippling traffic and public transport. Metro services were suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations due to waterlogging, while truncated services ran on other stretches. Eastern Railway suspended train movement in Sealdah’s south section and partially in north and main sections, with services from Howrah and Kolkata terminals also hit. Circular Railway was shut after tracks were flooded at Chitpur yard. Vehicles were stranded for hours in knee-to-waist-deep water at Park Circus, Gariahat, Behala and College Street, while long jams were reported on EM Bypass and AJC Bose Road. Many buses broke down and taxis stayed off the road or overcharged. Several schools declared holidays. According to the KMC, Garia Kamdahari received the highest rainfall at 332 mm, followed by Jodhpur Park (285 mm), Kalighat (280 mm), Topsia (275 mm), Ballygunge (264 mm) and Thantania (195 mm). The IMD warned of more heavy rain in south Bengal districts including Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram and Bankura, with another low-pressure system likely to form over the Bay of Bengal by September 25.
Burdwan University Standoff: VC Locks Registrar’s Chamber Amid Extension Row
In an unusual standoff at Burdwan University, Vice Chancellor Shankar Kumar Nath on Monday locked the chamber of Registrar Sujit Kumar Chowdhury, accusing him of trespassing and illegally occupying the post despite his retirement in January. The confrontation escalated after Chowdhury filed a police complaint against the vice chancellor, alleging he was unlawfully prevented from carrying out his duties. Chowdhury said the state higher education department had granted him an extension in September, allowing him to resume his role as registrar. Nath, however, disputed the claim, saying he had received no official communication about Chowdhury’s extension or reinstatement. “He (Chowdhury) entered the chamber forcefully without following any rules and his conduct is hampering the activities of the university,” the vice chancellor said. Chowdhury countered that he held documentary proof, including an email from the department, confirming his extension. He said he rejoined the post on Sept. 9 after notifying the vice chancellor in writing. Chowdhury had officially retired from the registrar’s post on Jan. 31 but requested an extension from the higher education department. He said the request was approved last month, but the vice chancellor refused to recognize his return. Nath had earlier lodged a separate police complaint against Chowdhury on Sept. 20, charging him with forcefully occupying the office. Police said both complaints are under review.
Acting Chinese Consul General Attends Session on New Framework of China-India Relations in Kolkata
The Consulate General of China in Kolkata and the Tagore Institute of Peace Studies (TIPS) jointly organized an exclusive session on “Shifting Geopolitics: New Framework of China-India Relationship” in Kolkata, where Acting Consul General Qin Yong delivered the keynote address. The session brought together more than 60 participants from think tanks, universities, media houses and other institutions. Among the distinguished speakers were TIPS Founder President Sitaram Sharma, Adamas University Vice Chancellor Prof. Suranjan Das, Prof. Tridib Chakraborti of Adamas University and Prof. Ishani Naskar of Jadavpur University. Joining virtually from China were Prof. Zhang Jiadong of Fudan University and Prof. Huang Yunsong of Sichuan University. In his address, Qin highlighted the new consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their recent meeting in Tianjin. He also reviewed the key outcomes of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit and elaborated on the significance of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi. Qin said the leaders’ meeting and the results of the SCO Summit have opened new opportunities for China and India to strengthen cooperation, manage differences and work toward common development. He emphasized that the Consulate General is ready to enhance exchanges across academic, cultural and economic fields in eastern India to advance China-India friendship. Experts and scholars at the session echoed similar views, noting that the long-standing friendship between China and India reflects the aspirations of both peoples. They called for expanding economic and trade cooperation, boosting people-to-people exchanges and encouraging dialogue between civilizations. Speakers also noted that the Global Governance Initiative aligns with the needs of the current era, providing a framework for emerging economies like China and India to cooperate on global challenges. They stressed the importance of closer coordination between the two countries within international multilateral platforms to safeguard their common interests. The dialogue in Kolkata underscored the importance of academic and policy exchanges at a time of shifting global geopolitics. Organizers said such platforms can help foster better understanding, reduce tensions and explore new avenues of partnership between Asia’s two largest neighbors.
PM Modi Unveils ‘GST Bachat Utsav,’ Calls It Next-Gen Reform to Boost Savings and Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced sweeping cuts in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, calling the move a “next-generation reform” aimed at easing the financial burden on India’s middle class, boosting youth opportunities and accelerating economic growth. In a nationally televised address at 5 p.m., Modi described the reform as a “GST Bachat Utsav,” or “GST Saving Festival,” that will take effect Monday, Sept. 22. The revised rates apply to a wide range of goods, from automobiles to daily consumer products, in what the government says is the most significant indirect tax change since GST was launched in 2017. “This reform is not only about reducing prices but about creating new opportunities,” Modi said. “The savings of our middle class will increase, our youth will benefit, and the entire economy will gain momentum.” He emphasized that cheaper essentials and consumer goods would encourage higher household spending, giving a boost to industries from agriculture to services. “When the purchasing power of people rises, it benefits every sector,” he said, linking the reform to his broader goal of a self-reliant India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had unveiled the rate cuts earlier this month, saying they were designed to spur consumption-driven growth amid global economic uncertainty. Analysts view the tax relief as a timely measure to stimulate demand before the festive season. The announcement also came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees to $100,000, a move expected to hit Indian IT professionals hard. Opposition parties had pressed Modi to respond to Trump’s comments on India-Pakistan and the concerns of visa holders, but the prime minister kept his focus on domestic economic policy. The Congress party accused Modi of sidestepping pressing diplomatic issues. “The government is silent on matters affecting millions of Indians abroad,” a party spokesperson said. Still, Modi underscored that the GST reform was meant to benefit “every household” and provide lasting economic relief. “This is more than a tax cut,” he said. “It is a celebration of savings and growth for every Indian.”
Nepal Airlines to Launch First Direct Kathmandu-Guangzhou Flights Sept. 25
Nepal’s national carrier will launch its first-ever direct flights between Kathmandu and Guangzhou, China, later this week, expanding connectivity between the Himalayan nation and one of China’s largest commercial hubs. Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) announced Sunday that the Kathmandu-Guangzhou-Kathmandu service will begin Thursday, Sept. 25. The airline will operate three flights a week on the route — every Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday — following the inaugural flight. “All necessary preparations have been completed, and we are ready to commence the Kathmandu-Guangzhou flights,” Manoj Kumar Shah, spokesperson for NAC, said in a statement. The initial two flights are scheduled for Sept. 25 and Sept. 28 before the regular thrice-weekly service begins. The state-run carrier has set one-way fares from Kathmandu to Guangzhou at 30,000 Nepalese rupees (about $225) and round-trip tickets at 50,000 rupees (about $375). The new route places NAC in direct competition with Himalaya Airlines, a private Nepali carrier that already operates regular flights between Kathmandu and Guangzhou, and China Southern Airlines, which connects Guangzhou and Kathmandu. Aviation analysts say the addition of NAC flights will provide passengers more options and may help reduce airfare on the busy China-Nepal route, which has grown in demand due to trade, tourism and educational exchanges. With Guangzhou added to its network, Nepal Airlines now operates regular flights to 11 destinations across nine countries, including India, Malaysia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The flag carrier has long sought to expand its international footprint, but competition from private airlines and operational challenges have limited its growth. The Kathmandu-Guangzhou service is being launched at a time when Nepal is working to attract more Chinese tourists and strengthen economic ties with Beijing. China is Nepal’s second-largest source of foreign visitors after India. NAC officials said they are optimistic the route will help boost tourism, especially ahead of the upcoming holiday season, and improve Nepal’s access to southern China’s thriving commercial and industrial region. “This is a milestone for Nepal Airlines and for the country’s aviation sector,” Shah said. “We believe the service will benefit travelers, traders and the tourism industry alike.”
Mamata Inaugurates Puja Pandals, Voices Concern Over Humiliation of Bengalis Outside the State
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday inaugurated three major Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata, but pointedly refrained from entering the marquees to view the idols. “I have come here to inaugurate the pandals, not the idols. From Mahalaya, I will begin inaugurating the idols of the Goddess,” she told reporters. The Chief Minister inaugurated the Hatibagan Sarbojanin, Tala Pratyay, and the crowd-pulling Sreebhumi Sporting Club puja, marking the start of the festive season in the city. While the organisers had hoped she would tour the elaborately decorated pandals, Ms. Banerjee kept her visit brief, limiting herself to lighting lamps and cutting ceremonial ribbons. Her remarks, however, were not confined to the rituals of Durga Puja. Ms. Banerjee used the occasion to highlight what she described as the humiliation faced by Bengalis in other parts of India. “Wherever Bengalis go, they face harassment. We must not forget that Bengalis have made enormous contributions to the country’s culture, politics, economy, and education,” she said. Ms. Banerjee urged puja committees to play Bengali songs during the festival and ensure the state’s cultural identity remained strong. “This is our biggest festival. Let it showcase Bengal’s art, music, and literature. Let the world see our tradition and creativity,” she said, underlining her call for unity around language and culture. The Chief Minister’s comments come at a time when the state government has been promoting Durga Puja as a symbol of Bengal’s cultural pride, especially after UNESCO accorded the festival recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021. Officials said this year’s celebrations are expected to draw record crowds, both domestic and international. Observers noted that Ms. Banerjee’s remarks also carried a political undertone, aimed at countering both the BJP and other critics who have often accused her government of neglecting cultural identity. With elections still more than a year away, she appeared keen to reinforce her image as both custodian of Bengal’s traditions and defender of its people’s dignity. Even as the city prepared for the onrush of pandal-hoppers, police and civic authorities were working to manage crowds and traffic. State officials said more than 10,000 additional personnel would be deployed across districts from Mahalaya onwards. For Ms. Banerjee, the day’s message was clear: Durga Puja is not only about lights, pandals, and festivities, but also about asserting Bengal’s identity in the face of perceived slights.
