News from West Bengal — Kolkata, Siliguri, North Bengal and districts
The Income Tax Office in Siliguri organised two significant events, inaugurating the ‘AROGYA’ First Aid Room and hosting ‘SHAKTI VANDANAM Swachhata Evam Shakti Samaroh’. The programme celebrated women empowerment and honoured Safai Karamcharis and other support staff for their contributions.
The West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) recovered firearms, cartridges and suspected weapon-manufacturing tools during a raid in Ayubnagar, Nadiyal, Kolkata. The accused reportedly escaped before the search operation, and a case has been registered under the Arms Act.
The Trinamool Congress has alleged that a woman carrying a knife attempted to approach and attack former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee outside her Kalighat residence on Tuesday evening. TMC MP Dola Sen reportedly lodged a complaint with Kalighat Police Station, raising concerns over the security arrangements.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) conducted a Bhumi Pujan ceremony on Tuesday for its proposed organisational district office in Keutia, along the Barrackpore–Kalyani Expressway. Union Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar, West Bengal minister Arjun Singh and several party leaders attended the event.
Kolkata Police has unveiled its Durga Puja guide map and announced extensive arrangements for traffic control and public safety. Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nanda said 12,000 personnel, including 6,000 police officers and 6,000 home guards, will be deployed across the city. Ambulances will also be stationed at 14 key locations to respond to emergencies.
Samserganj Police in Murshidabad have arrested Selim Sheikh in connection with an alleged adulterated turmeric powder racket. Investigators seized around 30 quintals of materials suspected to be linked to the operation and have sought seven days of police custody for further questioning.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated the Durga Puja celebrations at Tala Pratyay in North Kolkata on October 12, 2026, officially marking the beginning of festivities at the popular puja venue. The inauguration highlighted the importance of traditional rituals and the cultural spirit of Durga Puja.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched eight locations across Kolkata, including Tollygunge and Sarat Bose Road, on Monday as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to alleged investment fraud involving the Amrit Group. Investigators are examining the suspected diversion of funds collected from the public through promises of high returns.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has introduced two special round-trip toy train services between Kurseong and Mahanadi. Featuring the steam-powered Red Panda and diesel-operated Muktadhara, the new rides aim to attract tourists with scenic mountain views and a memorable heritage railway experience.
Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line has taken a major step forward as trial runs begin on the Beleghata–IT Centre stretch. The new section is expected to improve connectivity between southern Kolkata and Salt Lake’s Sector V IT hub, subject to successful testing and mandatory safety clearance.
West Bengal BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya has said that the state government will soon bring a Bill seeking to rename West Bengal as ‘Paschim Banga’. He said the proposed name is intended to reflect the state’s history and identity.
Newly appointed BJP Sikkim State In-Charge and Darjeeling MP Raju Bista addressed party workers in Singtam, stressing grassroots organisation, respect for Article 371F and the need to maintain separate political spaces for Sikkim and Darjeeling.