News for '-kolkata'

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'violating' HC order

FIR against Mamata Banerjee for 'violating' HC order

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Kolkata Police have registered a suo motu FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) organisers. The FIR alleges violation of Calcutta High Court conditions for a TMCP foundation day event, including breaching barricades, jostling with police, and disrupting traffic. The court had set conditions for attendance and maintaining law and order.

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Gangster Mainpal Dhilla gets 12-hr parole to marry Cambodian girlfriend

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Notorious gangster Mainpal Dhilla, currently jailed, was granted 12-hour custody parole to marry his Cambodian partner, Meta Chan, in Jhajjar. Dhilla had met Chan in Cambodia after fleeing India in 2018 using a fake identity, where they had children. He was extradited last year after an international operation involving CBI and Interpol.

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Abhishek Banerjee's office ransacked, six held; TMC blames BJP

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has accused armed BJP men of vandalising the party's Camac Street office in Kolkata, damaging property and stealing items. The BJP has denied the allegations, calling them staged. The incident further intensifies the political confrontation between the two parties in West Bengal, following a recent dispute over a billboard at the same premises.

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.

BJP spent more in Bengal poll than Cong did across 5 state polls

BJP spent more in Bengal poll than Cong did across 5 state polls

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The BJP spent Rs 286.99 crore on the West Bengal elections, surpassing the Congress's total expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across five states and a Union territory. The report details spending by major parties in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, highlighting significant financial disparities and campaign outlays.

East Bengal face tough AFC Women's Champions League Group

East Bengal face tough AFC Women's Champions League Group

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

East Bengal FC has been drawn into Group B of the AFC Women's Champions League, alongside strong teams from South Korea, Vietnam, and North Korea. Kolkata will host this group stage in November 2026, marking a significant milestone for Indian football.

Gurgaon To Goa: Bappa Brings Hope, Positivity

Gurgaon To Goa: Bappa Brings Hope, Positivity

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Thank you, Dear Readers, for sharing your pictures of Lord Ganesha.

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

The Importance Of Veer Guardian

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The political confidence required to place high-end Japanese aircraft and personnel on Indian soil is itself a data point.
It indicates a level of trust that would have been difficult to imagine when India-Japan defence ties were largely symbolic, explains Varun Arya.

Trinamool Congress Councillor Arrested For Extortion In Kolkata

Trinamool Congress Councillor Arrested For Extortion In Kolkata

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A Trinamool Congress councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation was arrested on Tuesday on charges of extortion, cheating, and allegedly collecting kickbacks from beneficiaries of various projects.

Congress's Nandigram candidate to stay in custody, can't canvass

Congress's Nandigram candidate to stay in custody, can't canvass

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Congress's Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan has been remanded to judicial custody in connection with old criminal cases, including murder charges from 2007. This development effectively prevents him from campaigning for the upcoming by-election. The Congress party has questioned the timing of the arrest, alleging political motives behind the revival of these long-pending cases.

Kolkata TMC Councillor Arrested On Molestation Charges

Kolkata TMC Councillor Arrested On Molestation Charges

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), Biswajit Mondal, has been arrested on charges of assaulting and molesting a woman. The arrest follows a complaint filed on June 1, detailing an incident from March 2024, and comes amidst a series of arrests of KMC councillors on various charges.

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata, West Bengal, is set to be dismantled due to safety concerns after being found unstable in the wind.

First Indian Coach At CSK! Can Zaheer Revive Men In Yellow?

First Indian Coach At CSK! Can Zaheer Revive Men In Yellow?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

New head coach Zaheer Khan's biggest challenge at CSK will be to decide on the future of talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who incidentally recommended him for the top post.

Happy 76th, Modi,ji!

Happy 76th, Modi,ji!

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

From a milk abhishek and aarti in Patna and Vadnagar to blood donation camps in Delhi, sand art tributes in Puri and Agartala, and havan pujas in Jammu, BJP leaders and others nationwide honoured the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday with prayers, service drives and tributes.

SC asks Bengal govt to ensure Milan Pradhan contests Nandigram bypoll

SC asks Bengal govt to ensure Milan Pradhan contests Nandigram bypoll

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Calcutta High Court has verbally directed the West Bengal government to allow Congress' Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan to contest the election properly, provided he secures bail in five criminal cases. Pradhan was recently arrested in connection with multiple long-pending cases, raising questions about his ability to campaign for the upcoming bypoll.

ED Conducts Raids In Kolkata Money Laundering Investigation

ED Conducts Raids In Kolkata Money Laundering Investigation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches at multiple premises in West Bengal as part of a money laundering probe linked to arrested Kolkata Police officer Shantanu Sinha Biswas and an alleged criminal Biswajit Poddar alias Sona Pappu.

Real Madrid's Valverde headlines Uruguay squad for India friendly

Real Madrid's Valverde headlines Uruguay squad for India friendly

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Uruguay has announced a star-studded squad, including Real Madrid's Federico Valverde and Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, for an international friendly against India in Kolkata on October 6. The match will also mark Diego Forlan's debut as head coach for Uruguay, who will also face Panama and Brazil in other friendlies.

Mamata moves SC against EC order on party name, symbol

Mamata moves SC against EC order on party name, symbol

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's interim decision to freeze the Trinamool Congress' name and party symbol. The EC had allotted separate names and symbols to two rival TMC factions ahead of upcoming bypolls, a move Banerjee has strongly criticised as a "black day" for democracy.

Kolkata Businessman Arrested In Land Grab Case

Kolkata Businessman Arrested In Land Grab Case

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Biswajit Poddar, also known as 'Sona Pappu', following an extensive interrogation related to a money laundering investigation. The probe is linked to alleged illegal land dealings and extortion activities in south Kolkata.

What's Behind 70% Of SIR Exclusions?

What's Behind 70% Of SIR Exclusions?

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The prominence of migration highlights a longstanding problem for India's electoral system.

'Uttam Kumar Showed Us The Journey Of A Superstar'

'Uttam Kumar Showed Us The Journey Of A Superstar'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'It's a matter of pride for us that a man from Bengal is ruling hearts all over the world.'

Kerala Boosts Anti-Drug Efforts With New Investigation Team

Kerala Boosts Anti-Drug Efforts With New Investigation Team

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Kerala has formed a new Anti-Narcotics Investigation Team to intensify its anti-drug drive, Operation Toofan. This team will focus on high-value drug cases with interstate and international connections, operating from three units across the state. The announcement follows significant drug seizures and arrests, including a major MDMA haul and the apprehension of key network members involved in other serious crimes.

After Kashmir, US envoy Sergio Gor visits Manipur, meets CM Khemchand

After Kashmir, US envoy Sergio Gor visits Manipur, meets CM Khemchand

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor met Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh during a two-day visit to the state. They discussed strengthening relations between the US and Manipur, with Gor also visiting local cultural sites and expressing appreciation for the focus on North East India's development.

Eggs hurled at two arrested TMC councillors in Kolkata

Eggs hurled at two arrested TMC councillors in Kolkata

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

In south-eastern Kolkata's Patuli, hundreds of residents gathered outside the local police station to protest against Councillor Bappaditya Dasgupta, who was arrested on Saturday evening, on charges, including extortion, criminal trespass, criminal intimidation and attempted arson.

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan arrested ahead of Nandigram bypoll

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan arrested ahead of Nandigram bypoll

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Congress candidate Milan Pradhan for the Nandigram assembly bypoll was arrested for alleged involvement in the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement. Another party leader, Subhasish Bhattacharya, was also arrested. The Congress alleges political vendetta by the BJP, especially as Pradhan had successfully filed his nomination. The party has questioned the timing and legality of the arrest, particularly during the model code of conduct, and plans demonstrations.

EC bars Trinamool factions from using party name, symbol for Bengal bypolls

EC bars Trinamool factions from using party name, symbol for Bengal bypolls

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has issued an interim order preventing rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), led by Mamata Banerjee and Arup Roy, from using the party name and its "Flowers and Grass" symbol during the upcoming West Bengal by-elections. Both groups have been directed to submit preferred names and symbols by Friday morning for recognition and allotment for the bypolls, as the EC undertakes a substantive determination of the party dispute.

TMC rebels challenge Mamata, field candidates for Nandigram, Rejinagar

TMC rebels challenge Mamata, field candidates for Nandigram, Rejinagar

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A rebel Trinamool Congress faction, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has named candidates for two assembly bypolls in West Bengal, directly challenging the Mamata Banerjee-led camp. This move escalates the internal party battle, particularly over the 'twin flowers' symbol, which both factions claim. The Election Commission is currently reviewing the dispute, and the bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar will serve as a crucial electoral test for both sides.

Coming Up, Southern CMs' Dasara Conclave

Coming Up, Southern CMs' Dasara Conclave

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Five southern states are stepping up coordination on delimitation, tax devolution and language issues, reviving calls for a stronger collective South platform.

Another Mamata candidate withdraws, retracts hours later

Another Mamata candidate withdraws, retracts hours later

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, Mamata Banerjee's party's candidate for the Rejinagar by-election, initially announced his withdrawal from the contest due to harassment of workers and symbol unfamiliarity, but retracted his statement within hours after intervention from the party's top leadership and Mamata Banerjee herself, confirming he will now contest the October 6 poll.

Viraj Madappa Secures Fourth Professional Title At Chennai Open

Viraj Madappa Secures Fourth Professional Title At Chennai Open

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Kolkata's Viraj Madappa overcame a three-shot deficit with a bogey-free 64 in the final round to win the Rs 1 crore Chennai Open golf tournament. This marks his fourth professional title, earning him Rs 15 lakh and significantly improving his standing on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit. Ajeetesh Sandhu finished runner-up, while Amardeep Malik and Rashid Khan also secured top positions.

Thousands stretch with Modi at Kolkata's iconic Red Road to mark 12th Yoga Day

Thousands stretch with Modi at Kolkata's iconic Red Road to mark 12th Yoga Day

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led thousands in a yoga session at Kolkata's Red Road to celebrate the 12th International Day of Yoga, actively participating and assisting attendees. Several dignitaries also joined the mass demonstration, continuing a tradition Modi has upheld since the event's UN adoption in 2015.

When Bhagat Singh Wrote About Love

When Bhagat Singh Wrote About Love

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Did love make Bhagat Singh a weaker revolutionary? In a heated argument once, Sukhdev accused him of allowing his fascination with a woman to come in the way of revolutionary duty. Bhagat Singh's answer, in a letter days later, was a defence of love as a revolutionary's strength, not a weakness. On Bhagat Singh's 119th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra looks at the friendship, arguments and ideas that bound him and Sukhdev together.

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

India Vs Panama Football Friendly Date Changed Due To Marathon

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

India's international football friendly against Panama in Bengaluru has been advanced by a day to September 25 due to the Bengaluru Marathon. The match at Sree Kanteerava Stadium will be a significant test for the Blue Tigers against a 2026 World Cup participant, preceding other high-profile friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.

Delhi-Guangzhou direct flights to resume after 6 years as Modi-Xi meet

Delhi-Guangzhou direct flights to resume after 6 years as Modi-Xi meet

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

China Southern Airlines is set to resume its Guangzhou-New Delhi passenger service from September 21, ending a six-year suspension. This move is part of a broader normalisation of India-China relations, following recent high-level diplomatic meetings and previous flight resumptions by other carriers.

RBI Deputy Governor: UPI MDR won't trigger shift back to cash

RBI Deputy Governor: UPI MDR won't trigger shift back to cash

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

RBI Deputy Governor S C Murmu stated that the introduction of merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI transactions is unlikely to cause a shift back to cash, despite some concerns, emphasising that MDR will help the payments ecosystem recover costs.

India vs Brazil: Where and how to buy match tickets

India vs Brazil: Where and how to buy match tickets

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The All India Football Federation has announced a series of high-profile international friendly matches for the Indian men's national team. India will host Panama on September 26 in Bengaluru, followed by five-time world champions Brazil on October 3 and two-time world champions Uruguay on October 6, both in Kolkata. These matches represent a significant step for Indian football, offering the team a chance to compete against top-ranked global opponents.

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim has resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), citing an inability to function properly. His resignation, approved by Mamata Banerjee, comes amidst significant political turbulence within the TMC following recent election defeats and a wave of councillor resignations, raising questions about the party's urban political structure.

Mystery fire destroys 4,000 EVMS stored in Kolkata govt building

Mystery fire destroys 4,000 EVMS stored in Kolkata govt building

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury on Thursday said that around 4,000 EVMs were gutted in a government building fire in Kolkata, as the police launched an investigation following the registration of an FIR in connection with the incident.

70-foot Messi statue in Kolkata taken down over safety concerns

70-foot Messi statue in Kolkata taken down over safety concerns

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi was removed from Kolkata's Lake Town area on Monday after concerns were raised about its safety.

ED Seizes Gold, Diary During Raid In Kolkata

ED Seizes Gold, Diary During Raid In Kolkata

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized gold worth nearly Rs 4 crore and recovered a 'suspicious diary' during searches at the residence of arrested businessman Jay S Kamdar in Kolkata.