News for 'Calcutta'

Kolkata HC orders immediate arrest of Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel in rape case

Kolkata HC orders immediate arrest of Delhi Capitals' Abishek Porel in rape case

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the immediate arrest of Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel in connection with a rape case and instructed police to seize his electronic devices to safeguard the complainant's privacy during the investigation.

SC allows Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment

SC allows Abhishek Banerjee to travel abroad for eye treatment

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has granted Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee permission to travel abroad for three weeks for eye treatment, dismissing the West Bengal government's concerns about his return due to 16 pending cases.

SC extends stay on Abhishek Banerjee's aide's arrest in land-grabbing case

SC extends stay on Abhishek Banerjee's aide's arrest in land-grabbing case

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has extended its order staying the arrest of Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with the Salboni land-grabbing case. The West Bengal government alleged Roy was not cooperating with the probe, while Roy's counsel argued he has a right to silence and the case is politically motivated. The court will review a sealed cover report from the police before further proceedings.

AICC 'Vande' row: Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi's apology

AICC 'Vande' row: Bankim Chandra's descendant seeks Sonia Gandhi's apology

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee, a descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, has demanded an unconditional apology from Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi. This demand follows an alleged incident at the AICC headquarters on Independence Day, where Chatterjee claims there were attempts to prevent the full singing of "Vande Mataram," which he described as a "shameless repetition of a historical mistake."

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

The Man Who Always Played A Woman

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'We often lament that even now no mainstream actor wants to come out as openly gay. But Chapal Bhaduri has not hidden his sexuality. He has been open about his relationship with a man for decades. He could well be our first out mainstream actor.'

IIT Kharagpur Director Calls for Calcutta University to Embrace Global Knowledge Sharing

IIT Kharagpur Director Calls for Calcutta University to Embrace Global Knowledge Sharing

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty urged Calcutta University to become a key player in a globally networked knowledge ecosystem during the university's convocation. He emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing, curiosity, and leveraging science and technology to solve problems.

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Relief for Abhishek Banerjee as HC halts demolition of TMC MP's office

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a status quo on the demolition of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's constituency office in South 24 Parganas. The court's directive prevents further demolition until a new hearing or the end of July, following a petition by Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, a company Banerjee is CEO of. The district administration had initiated demolition citing alleged construction without an approved plan.

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

The BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event, sparking a political row. The Congress denied the charge, stating Gandhi was only seeking a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and clarified the historical context of the song's usage.

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Historic! Vande Mataram sung at Red Fort for the first time on Independence Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

This year's Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort uniquely featured the national song 'Vande Mataram', marking 150 years of its profound legacy and historical significance in India's freedom struggle.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

Calcutta HC Overturns Death Sentence, Criticises Trial Court's Procedure

Calcutta HC Overturns Death Sentence, Criticises Trial Court's Procedure

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Calcutta High Court acquitted a man sentenced to death by a sessions court, citing significant procedural errors and lack of corroborating evidence. The court also acquitted 18 others who had been sentenced to life imprisonment in the same murder case.

Can Cutting Down Sugary Tea, Coffee Help Lose Weight?

Can Cutting Down Sugary Tea, Coffee Help Lose Weight?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

A diabetic can safely enjoy occasional sweets if their overall blood sugar control is good and the portion is small, advises rediffGURU Komal Jethmalani, a nutritionist with nearly three decades of experience.

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

CM Adhikari announces fresh probe into RG Kar rape-murder case

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a fresh investigation into the 2024 rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision follows a request from the victim's mother, now a BJP MLA, and includes a separate probe into alleged cremation irregularities. Adhikari criticised previous police handling and vowed to ensure justice, despite a CBI investigation having already led to a conviction.

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

How Urban Development Shapes Future Cooling Demand

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A new study by IIT Kharagpur researchers, published in Nature Communications, reveals that urban growth patterns significantly influence future cooling demand in cities. The research highlights that a city's "thermal memory," shaped by decades of development decisions, impacts its heat burden and energy requirements, independent of global temperature rises. The study analysed 88 Indian cities and a global sample of 52 cities over two decades.

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Why India Got Freedom At The Stroke of Midnight

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

August 15 was the date of India's Independence, so why did transfer of power happen at the stroke of midnight August 14-15?

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's vehicle was surrounded by protesters, who allegedly hurled mud, slippers, and stones, while shouting 'chor' (thief) and 'dakait rani' (queen of thieves) slogans during her visit to Halisahar.

HC allows Mamata's Martyrs' Day rally, shifts venue

HC allows Mamata's Martyrs' Day rally, shifts venue

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress to hold its July 21 Martyrs' Day rally near the Birla Planetarium instead of its traditional venue in front of Victoria House, citing concerns over traffic flow and law and order.

Calcutta HC Grants Bail to Saradha Scam Accused Sudipta Sen, Ending 13-Year Jail Term

Calcutta HC Grants Bail to Saradha Scam Accused Sudipta Sen, Ending 13-Year Jail Term

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted conditional bail to Sudipta Sen, the main accused in the multi-crore Saradha ponzi scheme, after 13 years of detention. The court cited the right to a speedy trial and Sen's prolonged detention as key factors in its decision.

Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting protest march after clashes

Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting protest march after clashes

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrupting a TMC protest march concerning the Baruipur rape and murder case, alleging that the police acted as an 'arm' of the saffron party by failing to enforce a Calcutta High Court order permitting the rally.

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has appointed a retired judge as a special officer to manage the day-to-day expenses of the Mamata Banerjee-aligned Trinamool Congress (TMC) from three debit-frozen bank accounts. The accounts were frozen following a complaint by a rival TMC faction alleging they held proceeds of crime. The court allowed transactions for party expenses and legal costs, noting that the initial freezing lacked specific material basis and that the complainant had previously benefited from these accounts.

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Calcutta high court has held that voter identity cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards are not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.

TMC leader Jahangir 'Pushpa' Khan arrested near Nepal border

TMC leader Jahangir 'Pushpa' Khan arrested near Nepal border

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan has been arrested near the India-Nepal border in north Bengal on "extortion" charges. The arrest follows the Calcutta High Court vacating his interim protection, with seven FIRs registered against him.

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

West Bengal's annual July 21 Martyrs' Day observance has transformed into an unprecedented political contest, with three rival camps - Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, a breakaway TMC faction, and the Congress - holding parallel programmes in central Kolkata, each vying for legacy and organisational strength.

ED freezes Rs 440 crore in TMC bank accounts amid money laundering probe

ED freezes Rs 440 crore in TMC bank accounts amid money laundering probe

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has frozen bank deposits of the Trinamool Congress worth Rs 440 crore under the anti-money laundering law. This action follows searches in a funds misappropriation case, with allegations of significant transfers to a private aviation company and the purchase of luxury aircraft.

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has urged the Congress and CPI(M) to set aside their differences and unite under the INDIA bloc to fight the BJP in West Bengal. This marks a significant shift in the TMC's stance, which has historically been a bitter rival to the Congress and Left in the state.

Expedite lawyer's voter list appeal, SC tells WB tribunal

Expedite lawyer's voter list appeal, SC tells WB tribunal

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has directed an appellate tribunal to expeditiously decide an appeal filed by a 75-year-old advocate challenging the deletion of his name from the West Bengal voters' list following a Special Intensive Revision exercise. The court noted the petitioner appeared to be a bona fide resident and requested a decision within two months.

Forgery probe: HC grants interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee

Forgery probe: HC grants interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee for three weeks in a signature forgery case related to the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly. Banerjee was directed to appear before the CID for questioning, which he complied with. The case involves allegations by rebel TMC MLAs that their signatures were forged on a party resolution, prompting a CID investigation.

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A Calcutta High Court judge, Gaurang Kant, disclosed that his elder brother is a national spokesperson for the BJP while hearing Mamata Banerjee's petition challenging the Bhabanipur assembly seat poll result. Despite the disclosure, Banerjee's lawyer expressed full confidence in the judge.

ED raids 5 Kolkata locations in TMC plane, helicopter funding probe

ED raids 5 Kolkata locations in TMC plane, helicopter funding probe

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches in Kolkata as part of an investigation into alleged fund routing from TMC's bank accounts for purchasing an Embraer jet and an AgustaWestland helicopter. The probe suggests Rs 160 crore was transferred to Carewell Aviation, with Rs 112 crore used for aircraft. The ED suspects the arrangement was designed to camouflage the true purpose of transactions. This comes amidst frozen TMC bank accounts and ongoing internal party disputes.

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

India Post's Biggest Makeover in 150 Years

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India Post is reinventing itself from a traditional mail service into a modern logistics, e-commerce, and real estate powerhouse. Several post offices situated inside major university campuses, called Gen Z post offices, have received a facelift, with cafe-like decor and wi-fi availability.

Rajdeep Majumder Appointed Additional Advocate General Of West Bengal

Rajdeep Majumder Appointed Additional Advocate General Of West Bengal

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The West Bengal government has appointed Rajdeep Majumder as the state's new additional advocate general, while N G Khaitan will take over as the advocate on record, original side, at the Calcutta High Court.

TMC's Jahangir Khan In Custody Over Extortion Charges

TMC's Jahangir Khan In Custody Over Extortion Charges

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan has been remanded to five days police custody by a Diamond Harbour court on "extortion" and other charges. Khan was arrested near the India-Nepal border after seven FIRs were filed against him, and his interim protection from the Calcutta High Court was vacated.

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

The H-1 B Visa and the Fading American Dream

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The H-1B visa once symbolised the American Dream for Indians, but today's students are increasingly asking whether they need America at all. In 1995, the question was: How do I get to America? In 2026, it may be: Do I need to?

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Battlelines drawn: TMC factions sit separately in West Bengal assembly

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with a severe internal crisis, evident as rival factions occupied separate sections of the opposition benches during the West Bengal assembly's budget session. This public display of disunity follows the party's defeat in the 2026 assembly elections and ongoing legal challenges over leadership.

West Bengal Transfers Land To BSF For India-Bangladesh Border Fencing

West Bengal Transfers Land To BSF For India-Bangladesh Border Fencing

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The West Bengal government has transferred approximately 32 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border, a process that had been pending for several years. The state cabinet also approved proposals for additional land transfers for permanent border outposts and further fencing work in various districts.

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

The Man Who Left Rashtrapati Bhavan To Live In A Hut

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

After living in India's most palatial residence for 12 years, India's first President Dr Rajendra Prasad returned to his simple hut on the banks of the Ganga. He never owned a house of his lifetime.

Mamata Banerjee's Court Visit A 'Political Gimmick', Says BJP Leader

Mamata Banerjee's Court Visit A 'Political Gimmick', Says BJP Leader

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A senior BJP leader has dismissed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's court appearance as a political gimmick, accusing her of seeking public attention after her party's electoral defeat. Banerjee appeared in court regarding alleged post-poll violence.

Supreme Court: Appellate Court Must Decide On Sentencing

Supreme Court: Appellate Court Must Decide On Sentencing

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that an appellate court convicting an accused for the first time in a criminal case must hear the accused on sentencing and cannot delegate the matter to a lower court.

Bengal LoP row: Mamata-led TMC moves HC against Speaker's decision

Bengal LoP row: Mamata-led TMC moves HC against Speaker's decision

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress has moved the Calcutta High Court to challenge the West Bengal Assembly Speaker's decision to recognise Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition, citing that 58 of its 80 MLAs supported him over the party's official nominee. The court has scheduled an urgent hearing for June 11, ahead of the 18th Assembly session starting June 18.