News for 'The Bengal Files'

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the establishment of independent appellate tribunals, led by former high court judges, to address appeals related to voter list exclusions in West Bengal, while also cautioning against undermining judicial officers involved in the process.

Bengal's Murshidabad tense after Ram Navami clashes; security beefed up

Bengal's Murshidabad tense after Ram Navami clashes; security beefed up

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Tension gripped parts of Murshidabad district in West Bengal after clashes broke out during Ram Navami processions, with stone-pelting, vandalism and arson reported.

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Bangladesh turns to China on Teesta: Should India be concerned?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Dhaka and Beijing on Thursday agreed to strengthen cooperation on the management of the Teesta and other rivers and signed 13 agreements to bolster bilateral ties following talks between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Divide Bengal Through Voter Deletions

Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Divide Bengal Through Voter Deletions

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of manipulating voter rolls to divide the state, alleging a conspiracy to deprive Bengali-speaking people of their voting rights. She claims the Election Commission is complicit in deleting lakhs of names from voter lists.

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the 'hostage' situation involving seven judicial officials in West Bengal's Malda district, demanding explanations from state officials and authorising the Election Commission to seek a CBI or NIA probe.

Advocate Mamata Banerjee Faces 'Thief' Slogans At Calcutta High Court

Advocate Mamata Banerjee Faces 'Thief' Slogans At Calcutta High Court

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee personally argued a case in the Calcutta high xourt regarding attacks on Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal.

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of presenting a misleading picture of West Bengal's development and employment situation during a rally in Kolkata, alleging that he is acting more as a BJP campaigner than as the Prime Minister.

Mamata expels two MLAs for anti-party activities

Mamata expels two MLAs for anti-party activities

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has expelled two of its Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Sandipan Saha and Ritabrata Banerjee, for allegedly engaging in anti-party activities.

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court alleging police inaction during post-poll violence in West Bengal and sought judicial intervention to protect citizens.

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.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

Choose between Abhishek and me: Mamata loyalist's ultimatum TMC crisis

Choose between Abhishek and me: Mamata loyalist's ultimatum TMC crisis

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has issued an ultimatum to party chief Mamata Banerjee, asking her to choose between him and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, whom he blames for the party's recent turmoil. This comes as the TMC faces significant internal strife, including multiple Rajya Sabha MP resignations and claims of widespread defection among MLAs and MPs.

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.

Why Was TMC's Sujit Bose Summoned By The ED?

Why Was TMC's Sujit Bose Summoned By The ED?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Former West Bengal minister and TMC leader Sujit Bose appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged municipality recruitment scam. This is not the first time Bose has been summoned, with previous notices issued during the West Bengal Assembly election period.

Malda Violence: NIA Nabs Two For Road Blockades, Attacks

Malda Violence: NIA Nabs Two For Road Blockades, Attacks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Maulana Imran Ali and Rinku SK in connection with the April violence and protests in Malda, West Bengal. The arrests are part of 12 ongoing cases related to road blockades, illegal detention of judicial officers, and attacks on police during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Mamata Banerjee Booked For Hurting Religious Sentiments

Mamata Banerjee Booked For Hurting Religious Sentiments

Rediff.com27 May 2026

An FIR has been lodged against former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint by a lawyer.

Why Mamata Banerjee's Court Appearance Is Under Scrutiny

Why Mamata Banerjee's Court Appearance Is Under Scrutiny

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The BJP has criticised Mamata Banerjee's appearance in the Calcutta High Court as an advocate, calling it a political stunt. The Bar Council of India has requested a report on her enrolment and practice status, leading to a debate over her legal credentials and the norms governing legal practice.

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

In a strategic move for the upcoming West Bengal elections, the BJP has announced its first candidate list, highlighted by Suvendu Adhikari challenging Mamata Banerjee in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur.

Two BSF jawans get 42-yr jail term for gang rape, acid attack in Mizoram

Two BSF jawans get 42-yr jail term for gang rape, acid attack in Mizoram

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A court in Mizoram's Aizawl district on Tuesday sentenced two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans to 42 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a woman and attacking her with acid in 2017.

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

This marks a significant step towards legally safeguarding the cultural and spiritual identity of one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage centres.

Why CBI Is Now Investigating Suvendu Adhikari Aide's Murder

Why CBI Is Now Investigating Suvendu Adhikari Aide's Murder

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The CBI has registered an FIR in the alleged murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, taking over the investigation from the state police following a request from the state government.

Police Search TMC MLA's Homes Over BJP Worker Threats

Police Search TMC MLA's Homes Over BJP Worker Threats

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Police in West Bengal have launched search operations at the homes of TMC MLA Dilip Mondal following allegations of him making threatening remarks against BJP workers in a purported video.

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the people of Diamond Harbour have been unable to exercise their voting rights for a decade. He assured people that the scenario has now changed, and the May 21 repolling in the Falta Assembly seat will re-establish voter rights.

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.

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.

CBI To Investigate Suvendu Adhikari Aide's Murder

CBI To Investigate Suvendu Adhikari Aide's Murder

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The CBI has registered an FIR in the alleged murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, taking over the investigation from the state police following a request from the state government.

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the CID's investigation into alleged signature forgery by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, following complaints from within his own party.

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The West Bengal government has filed FIRs against five state government employees for alleged lapses in electoral roll revisions, following an Election Commission ultimatum. The action comes after the EC directed the state to initiate criminal cases against the accused for adding fictitious names to voter lists.

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Why Modi Wouldn't Bother Targeting CPI(M), Explained

Why Modi Wouldn't Bother Targeting CPI(M), Explained

Rediff.com27 May 2026

BJP leader V Muraleedharan dismisses claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would strike a deal with the Congress to target the CPI(M), stating Modi has 'better things to do'. He also questioned Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's concern over ED raids if he has done nothing wrong.

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Massive Mahapanchayat In Bihar Against Encounter Killing

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Bharat Tiwari, a self-proclaimed social worker, was shot by an STF team after he surrendered near his Bilauti village but succumbed to injuries few hours later on June 17.

Suvendu suspends 3 senior IPS officers for mishandling RG Kar rape-murder probe

Suvendu suspends 3 senior IPS officers for mishandling RG Kar rape-murder probe

Rediff.com15 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has suspended three senior IPS officers for alleged mishandling and dereliction of duty during the initial investigation into the RG Kar hospital rape-murder case.

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

Rediff.com3 May 2026

TMC workers allege that cars bearing the BJP's flag were allowed entry to the compound where EVMs are kept, a day ahead of the counting of votes in West Bengal. The Election Commission has denied any irregularities.

Vivek Agnihotri announces new film on Operation Sindoor

Vivek Agnihotri announces new film on Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Bhushan Kumar and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri have announced their new film 'Operation Sindoor,' inspired by India's military strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack. The film is based on Lt Gen K.J.S. 'Tiny' Dhillon's book and aims to reveal the untold story of India's deep strikes inside Pakistan.

Suvendu Adhikari's PA Murdered: What We Know

Suvendu Adhikari's PA Murdered: What We Know

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari's personal assistant, Chandranath Rath, was shot dead in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district. The incident has heightened political tensions in the state.

CBI Nabs Absconding Accused In Tripura Chit Fund Scam

CBI Nabs Absconding Accused In Tripura Chit Fund Scam

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Sanjit Chakraborty, a proclaimed offender allegedly involved in two chit fund scam cases in Tripura involving over Rs 7.75 crore. Chakraborty was arrested in Kolkata after being absconding since 2013.

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

What began with an apparently chance encounter between rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Banga Bhavan on May 22 ended on Wednesday with 58 MLAs wresting control of the party's legislature wing, electing Ritabrata as their leader and securing recognition from the assembly Speaker.

Why Rahul Gandhi Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Aiding BJP

Why Rahul Gandhi Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Aiding BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Rahul Gandhi accuses Mamata Banerjee of not directly fighting the BJP, alleging that this indirect approach benefits the ruling party. He also criticised her government's performance on job creation and handling of corruption.

CISF Jawan Injured In Firing Near BJP Candidate's Residence

CISF Jawan Injured In Firing Near BJP Candidate's Residence

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A CISF jawan was injured in a firing incident outside the residence of BJP candidate Pawan Singh in West Bengal, prompting an Election Commission report. The incident occurred amidst tensions between TMC and BJP supporters, with both parties trading accusations of instigating violence.

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in its probe into an alleged coal-pilferage scam. The ED claims Banerjee removed key evidence during raids on I-PAC offices and the premises of its director, Pratik Jain.