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.
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.
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.
Global Tourists to Arrive as ISKCON Mayapur to Celebrate Janmashtami 2025 with Grand Festivities
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will mark the 5,252nd anniversary of the divine appearance of Lord Sri Krishna with grand celebrations at its global centres, including its headquarters in Sri Mayapur, Nadia district, West Bengal. The event will be observed with full religious devotion, traditional rituals, and a series of cultural programmes, ISKCON Public Relations Officer Rasik Gauranga Das confirmed. In Sri Mayapur, the Janmashtami festival will be held on Saturday, 16 August 2025, followed the next day, Sunday, 17 August, by the Nandotsav celebrations and the 129th birth anniversary of ISKCON’s founder-acharya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to gather for the festivities, with elaborate security arrangements in place to manage the large crowds. According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna, revered as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra, over 5,000 years ago in Mathura. His birth took place in the prison of King Kansa, a tyrant whose reign brought fear and injustice. At that moment of deep crisis, Krishna manifested in his four-armed form, holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus, to protect humanity and re-establish dharma (righteousness). The teachings, ideals, and life of Lord Krishna—marked by his triumph over demonic forces and his message of love, friendship, and peace—remain relevant even today. In the current world scenario, where oppression of the weak, political selfishness, and erosion of human values persist, his example continues to inspire millions. ISKCON Mayapur’s celebrations will feature kirtans (devotional chanting), discourses on Krishna’s pastimes, temple decorations, abhishek (ceremonial bathing of the deity), and distribution of sanctified food (prasadam) to thousands of devotees and visitors. The celebrations will culminate at midnight with the symbolic reenactment of Krishna’s divine birth. On Janmashtami, devotees will offer prayers seeking the Lord’s blessings to remove unrighteousness, restore peace, and guide humanity towards spiritual fulfilment, just as he did thousands of years ago.
Two Freight Trains Derail in Jharkhand, Disrupting Rail Traffic
At least 10 wagons from two freight trains derailed between Chandil and Nimdih stations in Jharkhand early on Saturday, disrupting rail traffic on both up and down lines, railway officials said. No casualties have been reported so far, but several passenger trains, including the Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express, Tatanagar-Katihar Express and Katihar-Tatanagar Express, have been cancelled, they said. The incident occurred at around 2:45 a.m. when a Tatanagar–Purulia-bound freight train derailed shortly after passing Chandil station in Adra division. A second freight train approaching from the opposite direction on an adjacent track then collided with the derailed wagons, causing it to derail as well, the officials said.
Kapil Sharma’s Canada café attacked twice in a month after inviting Salman Khan to comedy show – industry body seeks Amit Shah’s intervention
Indian comedian Kapil Sharma has been placed under heightened security after his café in Canada came under gunfire for the second time in a month, allegedly by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, police said. In an audio clip circulating online, gangster Goldy Dhillon, identified as a Bishnoi gang member, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out because of Sharma’s closeness to Bollywood actor Salman Khan. “In future, anyone working with Salman will face dire consequences. Next time, we will aim straight at the chest,” the message warned. Mumbai Police have stepped up surveillance around Sharma’s residence and are reviewing CCTV footage. The attackers have also reportedly threatened to strike in Mumbai. The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) condemned the shootings, calling them a “premeditated attack on the dignity and freedom of India’s film industry” reminiscent of the 1990s, when Bollywood faced extortion threats and violence from underworld syndicates. “This is not just about Kapil’s café. Recent incidents targeting Salman Khan, Baba Siddique, and Saif Ali Khan point to an alarming pattern,” AICWA said in a Facebook post. “Such acts are designed to intimidate stars, erode their creative freedom, and deliberately weaken the backbone of Indian cinema.” The body urged Home Minister Amit Shah to take up the matter with the Canadian Prime Minister and ensure the safety of Indian citizens and celebrities abroad. It warned that the incidents were spreading fear among millions who depend on the film industry for their livelihood.
BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi’s Election Fraud Allegation as “Calculated Deceit”, Accuses Congress of Undermining Democracy
India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday hit back at opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging electoral fraud, calling his remarks a “calculated deceit” and part of a broader Congress conspiracy to undermine democratic institutions. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, had earlier accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to manipulate voter data in a Karnataka constituency during the 2024 general election, terming it a “criminal fraud”. “There is a huge criminal fraud being perpetrated across the country by the Election Commission and the party in power,” Gandhi told reporters, without naming the BJP directly. Reacting sharply, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned the comments as “irresponsible and shameless”, saying Gandhi was attacking a constitutional body out of “frustration and anger” over repeated electoral losses. “You are insulting the people of the country who voted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his work, honesty and leadership,” Prasad told reporters at the Parliament complex. “Calling the Election Commission a fraud crosses all limits.” Prasad also accused Gandhi of adopting “double standards” by questioning the poll panel only when the Congress loses elections. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan echoed the criticism, calling Gandhi “Bayan Bahadur” (a habitual statement-maker) and accusing the Congress of systematically targeting constitutional institutions. “In the agony of losing power, Rahul Gandhi has completely lost his composure,” Pradhan said in a post on social media platform X. “This calculated deceit points to a larger conspiracy against India’s democracy and Constitution.” He added that the Congress party’s “ideological hollowness” and history, including the imposition of the Emergency in the 1970s, reflected its “authoritarian mindset”. Pradhan also questioned Gandhi’s silence when the Election Commission had invited political parties to raise concerns about the State-wise Information Reports (SIR) in Bihar, suggesting the Congress had failed to act at the appropriate time. “People of Bihar and across India are ready to give a fitting reply to such opponents of democracy,” he said. The BJP’s pushback comes amid rising political tensions as the opposition ramps up its scrutiny of electoral processes following the party’s third consecutive win in the general elections. Gandhi and the Congress have accused the BJP of misusing institutions to retain power — a charge the BJP has consistently denied.
Mamata Banerjee targets voter list overhaul, Bengali identity ahead of 2026 polls
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India and the central government over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, warning that the exercise could be a veiled attempt to disenfranchise voters, especially from marginalised communities. Speaking at an event marking World Adivasi Day in Jhargram, Banerjee alleged that the central government was attempting to manipulate the voter list under the guise of bureaucratic formalities. She also pledged to resist what she described as a conspiracy against Bengali identity, indicating that the twin issues of voter disenfranchisement and linguistic pride would shape her campaign in the 2026 state assembly elections. “If someone tells you to fill out a form promising benefits, don’t do it without understanding. Your details could be used to remove your name from the voter list. Then they will send you an NRC notice,” Banerjee warned, referring to the controversial National Register of Citizens. The Chief Minister alleged that the new voter list norms require individuals born before or in 2002 to produce their parents’ birth certificates. “Only 60% had birth certificates back then. How can those born after 2004 be expected to provide their parents’ certificates?” she questioned, calling the demand discriminatory and impractical. Banerjee further alleged that the Election Commission had changed rules arbitrarily, saying, “Just possessing an EPIC card isn’t enough anymore. You need to cross-check your name in the new voter list.” She accused the Centre of targeting state government officials for resisting these changes. “Two of my officers were suspended and sent notices yesterday. On what basis? The elections haven’t even been announced yet. I won’t let anyone be punished unjustly,” she said. Earlier this week, the Election Commission had recommended FIRs against two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in West Bengal for alleged lapses in the voter list revision process. The Commission also wrote to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant urging disciplinary action. Banerjee also turned her fire on BJP leaders for comments allegedly questioning the legitimacy of the Bengali language. “If Bengali is not a language, then in what language was the national anthem written? What language did Tagore, Swamiji, Raja Rammohan Roy, and Vidyasagar speak?” she asked, adding, “Language is identity. Language is pride.” In a pointed criticism of the BJP, Banerjee said, “These people were born with silver spoons in their mouths. They don’t understand the struggles of the working class.” Banerjee’s remarks mark a sharp escalation in political rhetoric ahead of the 2026 state elections, with the Trinamool Congress positioning itself as the defender of both voter rights and Bengali cultural identity.
