Migrant worker from West Bengal found dead in Kerala, family alleges murder
A 27-year-old migrant worker from West Bengal was found dead in Kerala, prompting his family to allege that he was murdered, local officials and relatives said on Sunday. The victim, identified as Abul Hossain from College Para in Ward 7 of Falakata municipality in Alipurduar district, had travelled to Kerala on July 27 to work as a house painter, his family said. His body was recovered on Friday from bushes in the Kottakkal police station area, reportedly with his hands and feet tied. “We have been told the body was found bound. This is a murder. The police are investigating, and we demand a high-level probe,” said his uncle, Aminul Haque. Hossain’s relatives travelled to Kerala to identify the body. His funeral was held there on Sunday, according to family members. The incident has sparked concern in Falakata. Local Trinamool Congress leader Subhabrata Dey and Ward 7 councillor Bhagirath Mondal visited the family, pledging support. Mondal said the family is “very poor” and that the circumstances raised questions about possible harassment of Bengali workers in other states. The death comes amid heightened political debate over alleged mistreatment of Bengali-speaking migrants across India, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of fostering a hostile climate in some states. Police in Kerala have not yet confirmed the cause of death.
Delhi-bound Air India flight carrying MPs diverted after technical fault, says Venugopal
An Air India flight carrying several MPs, including senior Congress leader K C Venugopal, was forced to divert to Chennai on Sunday evening after a suspected technical issue, the airline has said. Flight AI2455, operating from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi, took off shortly after 20:00 local time (14:30 GMT) but landed in Chennai at 22:35, according to the tracking website Flightradar24. Venugopal, who is chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, described the experience as “harrowing” and claimed the aircraft “came frighteningly close to tragedy”. In a post on social media platform X, he said the Airbus A320 experienced “unprecedented turbulence” shortly after take-off. About an hour later, the captain announced a “flight signal fault” and diverted the aircraft to Chennai. “For nearly two hours, we circled the airport awaiting clearance to land, until a heart-stopping moment during our first attempt—another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway,” Venugopal wrote. He credited the captain’s “quick decision to pull up” for avoiding disaster, adding: “We were saved by skill and luck.” The Congress leader urged India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate the incident and “fix accountability”. Air India disputed parts of Venugopal’s account, saying the diversion was a “precautionary” measure due to the suspected technical fault and poor weather. “A go-around was instructed by Chennai ATC (air traffic control) during the first attempted landing, not because of the presence of another aircraft on the runway,” the airline said in a statement. “Our pilots are well-trained to handle such situations and followed standard procedures throughout the flight.” The aircraft landed safely in Chennai, where it will undergo checks. Air India said alternative travel arrangements were being made for passengers and apologised for the inconvenience. The airline has faced several incidents in recent weeks involving technical snags on its aircraft.
Israeli strike kills five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza; IDF claims Hamas links
An Israeli air strike on Gaza City late on Sunday killed five journalists working for Al Jazeera, the Qatar-based news network said, in an attack that also claimed two other lives. The network said the journalists – reporter Anas al-Sharif, Mohamed Krikeh, cameraman Ibrahim Zaher, Moamen Aliwa and Mohamed Noufal – were inside a tent for reporters near the main gate of Al-Shifa Hospital when the strike hit. Al Jazeera condemned the killings, calling them an attack on journalists carrying out their duty. The National Press Club in Washington also expressed condolences. Al-Sharif, 28, had been reporting from northern Gaza for years and was a well-known figure in Middle East journalism. A final message posted on his social media account after his death read: “If these words reach you, know that Israel has killed me and silenced my voice.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged targeting Al-Sharif, calling him a “terrorist” and alleging he was a senior operative in Hamas’s military wing. “Hamas terrorist Anas al-Sharif, who presented himself as an Al Jazeera journalist, was targeted. Intelligence, training rosters and payroll documents confirm his affiliation,” the IDF said in a statement. Al Jazeera has rejected such claims in the past, saying its journalists are being targeted for their reporting. The strike drew condemnation from rights groups and governments worldwide. Australia, which plans to recognise Palestine as an independent state next month at the United Nations General Assembly, also voiced concern over attacks on journalists.
West Bengal man linked to recruitment scam arrested in Noida for running fake police station
Delhi Police in Noida have arrested a man from West Bengal previously questioned in a recruitment corruption case for allegedly running a fake police station to extort money, officials said on Sunday. Bibhas Adhikari, a former local leader in Birbhum district with past links to the ruling Trinamul Congress party, was detained along with his son, Arghya, and four associates in a raid late on Saturday in Sector 70, police said. Officers seized three mobile phones, multiple bank cheque books, 16 rubber stamps, nine identity cards, visiting cards, official letterheads, several ATM cards and Rs 42,300 in cash. They also recovered forged documents allegedly bearing the names of central government ministries, as well as claims of links to Interpol and the International Human Rights Commission. Police allege the group set up an office under the name “International Police and Crime Investigation” and put up a board resembling that of a police station about 10 days ago. The suspects posed as government officials and used fake IDs to threaten and defraud people, said Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police Shakti Mohan Avasthy. Adhikari, once close to jailed Trinamul strongman Anubrata Mondal, had been questioned multiple times by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a teachers’ recruitment scam that led to the arrest of former state education minister Partha Chatterjee and former primary education board chairman Manik Bhattacharya. The other arrested men were identified as Babulu Chandra Mondal, Pintu Pal, Samapad Mal and Ashish Kumar, all from West Bengal. The suspects have been remanded in judicial custody and face charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.
Air India Express launches ‘Freedom Sale’ with 5 million discounted seats
Air India Express has announced a major discount campaign to mark India’s 79th Independence Day, offering five million seats at reduced fares across its domestic and international network. The airline – which has been expanding rapidly in the wake of a previous Air India accident – says fares start from ₹1,279 ($15) for domestic routes and ₹4,279 ($51) for international flights. Tickets will be on sale on the airline’s website and mobile app from 10 August, and across other booking channels between 11 and 15 August. Travel under the offer will be valid from 19 August 2025 to 31 March 2026, covering India’s festive season including Onam, Durga Puja, Diwali and Christmas. Air India Express says it aims to “redefine affordable air travel” through a range of fare types. Its zero check-in baggage “Xpress Lite” option is priced from ₹1,279 domestically, while the standard “Xpress Value” fare with baggage starts from ₹1,379. Business class-style “Xpress Biz” seats – with up to 58 inches of legroom – are now available on over 40 new aircraft added as part of the airline’s expansion. Loyalty programme members will get extra benefits including 25% off Xpress Biz fares, 20% off additional baggage, discounted hot meals, seat selection, and priority services. Special fares remain in place for students, senior citizens, armed forces personnel and their dependents. With a fleet of 116 aircraft operating more than 500 flights daily, the carrier serves 38 domestic and 17 international destinations, with a strong focus on routes linking India and the Middle East. The airline’s “Tales of India” campaign sees each aircraft tail painted with indigenous textile patterns such as Bandhani, Ajrakh, Patola and Warli, which it says reflects both India’s traditions and its “vibrant modern spirit”.
Mother of RG Kar rape victim discharged from hospital after alleged police assault
The mother of a doctor raped and murdered last year in Kolkata was discharged from a private hospital on Sunday, a day after she was injured during a protest demanding justice for her daughter, sparking political uproar over allegations of police assault. The woman left the hospital around 3 p.m. in an ambulance accompanied by her husband and other family members. Hospital officials said her condition was stable, swelling on her forehead had reduced, and she had been given antibiotic injections. She was advised to consult neurologists later. A hospital statement said she had slept well overnight, had no headache, and was able to walk under medical supervision in the morning. However, her husband expressed anger that the medical report did not mention any assault by police. The incident occurred during a march to the West Bengal state secretariat, Nabanna, on Saturday, marking one year since the killing of the RG Kar Medical College doctor. The victim’s parents joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers in the protest, during which police allegedly manhandled the woman and pushed her husband. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari accused police of beating the woman and shoving her husband. She was taken to a hospital shortly after the protest. Her husband alleged on Sunday morning that hospital authorities had initially been reluctant to admit her due to pressure from the state government, a claim the hospital has not responded to. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, after visiting injured police personnel at SSKM Hospital, told reporters that an investigation had begun into the allegations. “Whether the claim that she was assaulted is true or false will be examined,” he said, adding that police would proceed even without a formal complaint from the woman. The case has drawn renewed political attention to the murder, which remains under investigation a year after the incident triggered widespread outrage in West Bengal.
BJP, TMC workers clash at Dum Dum station during AC local train launch
Supporters of the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday clashed at Dum Dum railway station during the launch of a new air-conditioned local train service between Sealdah and Ranaghat, officials said. Union Minister and former state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar, along with BJP MPs Shantanu Thakur and Jagannath Sarkar, was travelling on the train from Sealdah when the incident took place. As the train reached Dum Dum, a group of TMC-affiliated INTTUC supporters entered the station premises holding party flags and shouting “Go back” slogans at Majumdar, accusing him of being “anti-Bengali” and alleging that the BJP was behind attempts to harass Bengalis outside the state. BJP supporters present at the station protested against the slogans, leading to a scuffle between the two sides, the officials said. An INTTUC supporter alleged that BJP workers, led by local leader Tamegnya Ghosh, attacked them. Ghosh denied the charge. Speaking to reporters, Majumdar said, “If Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has the courage, let her remove all non-Bengali MPs and leaders from her party. TMC is so afraid of the SIR that it sent goons to disrupt a government programme at the station.” He also accused TMC workers of misbehaving with BJP women activists and criticised the state Government Railway Police (GRP) for “remaining mute spectators”. A TMC supporter claimed that several non-Bengali railway officers were executing the BJP’s agenda and working against the interests of Bengalis. Large contingents of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and GRP were deployed at the station to disperse both groups and restore order. No arrests have been reported so far, the officials added.
Villagers in flood-hit Uttarkashi reject ₹5,000 compensation, demand promised ₹500,000
Anger is mounting in disaster-hit villages of Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district after the state government handed out ₹5,000 (about $60) in interim compensation to families promised ₹500,000 ($6,000) following last week’s flash floods. Residents of Dharali and Harsil villages, devastated by a cloudburst and sudden flooding on August 5, say the token amount is too little to rebuild homes or livelihoods lost in the disaster. Many refused to accept the cheques, accusing the administration of downplaying the scale of destruction. “This money is nothing. We have lost our homes, our land, everything. How can we survive on ₹5,000?” said one Dharali villager, standing amid piles of debris where his house once stood. Local officials said the payment was an “immediate relief measure” while a full damage assessment is conducted. “We are giving ₹5,000 as an interim step. A complete list of losses will be prepared, and proper compensation will be provided,” Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya told reporters. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had announced ₹500,000 each for families whose homes were destroyed, as well as for the kin of those killed in the disaster. A three-member committee has been formed to assess the damage and submit a report within a week. According to local sources, 35 families in Dharali lost everything in the deluge, which tore through the Harsil Valley, sweeping away houses, farmland, and livestock. Similar devastation was reported in Harsil village. Residents say they have no idea how they will rebuild. The state disaster management authority said 825 people had been rescued from affected areas as of Saturday, though access remains difficult in some locations due to damaged roads and bridges. Relief teams are continuing to distribute food, water, and temporary shelter. For many villagers, the government’s initial payout has deepened frustration rather than providing solace. “We are not begging. We are only asking for what was promised,” said a resident of Harsil, clutching the uncashed cheque. “Our lives have been washed away – not just our houses.”
Kolkata airport marks Rakshabandhan with CISF, security forces
Staff at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport tied rakhis to Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel on Saturday, marking the Hindu festival of Rakshabandhan with a show of gratitude for those safeguarding the facility. The event was organised by Kalyanmayee, the Airports Authority of India’s women’s welfare association, along with the airport administration. Participants also distributed national flags under the government’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign to encourage citizens to display the tricolour ahead of India’s 79th Independence Day on Aug. 15. “Our security personnel work tirelessly, often away from their families, to ensure the safety of passengers and airport operations,” Airport Director Dr. Beuria said. “Celebrating Rakshabandhan with them is our way of expressing gratitude and affection.” Kalyanmayee, which conducts social and charitable activities across Indian airports, said the celebration sought to reinforce unity and patriotism within the airport community.
RG Kar protesters lathicharged, victim’s mother says Mamata’s cops assaulted her
Clashes in Kolkata as RG Kar doctor’s parents lead the protest march. Police in Kolkata have clashed with demonstrators during a rally led by the parents of a young doctor who was raped and murdered last year at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The unrest broke out on Saturday when the march, which had been given a designated protest site, diverted towards Park Street in central Kolkata. Protesters attempted to breach police barricades in a bid to reach the West Bengal secretariat, Nabanna. Police used batons and water cannons to disperse the crowd, which included senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders such as Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. Mr Adhikari alleged that more than 100 people, including BJP legislators and the victim’s parents, were injured. The victim’s mother accused the police of physically assaulting her. “Mamata Banerjee’s police roughed me up without provocation and broke my bangles,” she said. “All we want is to reach the secretariat and seek justice for my daughter.” In January, a CBI court convicted Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, of the rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor, whose body was found inside the hospital’s seminar hall in August 2024. A post-mortem report confirmed she had been throttled and smothered. The case sparked widespread protests and led to the resignation of the hospital’s principal. Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in areas around Nabanna, and traffic restrictions were enforced on major roads and bridges, including Howrah Bridge. Some protesters attempted to dismantle 10-foot-high barricades in both Kolkata and Howrah, while others scaled them or used blunt tools to break through. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul and other party workers were seen climbing onto barricades. The Kolkata Police said they had deployed heavy security, including the Rapid Action Force, and placed large containers and multi-layered barricades to prevent marches from reaching sensitive locations. Another rally is planned from Hazra crossing to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat.
