Category Archives: Regional

Health, Regional

NBMCH: State sanctions Rs 1 cr for renovation of super speciality block

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MP, 9 July 2024, Siliguri: The Super specialty block of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) is not yet fully operational. However, some wards of the block have been damaged even before they have become operational. False ceilings in many wards are damaged. 
Parts of the false ceiling have come loose and have become a potential risk for patients. According to the sources, the Central agency that did the work denied taking further responsibility. 
Hence, the state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore to renovate the wards. Dr. Sanjay Mallick, the Superintendent of NBMCH said: “The Central agency constructed the building about a year ago. They have already clarified that after the handover, they will not take any responsibility for the building. 
The state government has, therefore sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the renovation work. We will start the indoor wards after the renovation.” In 2014, the Union Ministry of Health sanctioned Rs 150 crore for building the super speciality block in NBMCH premises. The work for which started in 2015. 
In 2018, the government cancelled the contract and blacklisted the company which had been doing the construction work for not completing the work on time. After that, a fresh tender was called. 
The outdoor section of the block was opened in November 2022. Later, the building was handed over to the NBMCH authorities last year. The block is not yet fully operational due to a shortage of equipment. 
Last month, Kaustav Nayek, Director of Medical Education (DME) visited the hospital and had given instructions to shift wards to the new block. It has been decided that the wards will be shifted only after renovation. 
The six-storied building is spread over 15,000 square meters. Different departments will be shifted to this block and the old building will be renovated. 
Courtesy& source- Millennium Post 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/nbmch-state-sanctions-rs-1-cr-for-renovation-of-super-speciality-block-571206
Regional

More rains in forecast for north Bengal: Very heavy rainfall expected till July 11

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PTI, KOLKATA, JULY 9, 2024 : Heavy to very heavy rain is likely till July 11 in northern West Bengal, already affected by torrential downpours over the last several days, the Met Department said on Tuesday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday asked the administration to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the situation.
An active monsoon trough and a cyclonic circulation in northeast Assam are very likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy downpours over northern West Bengal till July 11, the Met Department said.
The intensity of rain in the region is likely to decrease slightly on July 12 and 13, it said. Gajaldoba in Jalpaiguri district recorded the state’s highest rainfall at 180 mm in 24 hours till 8.30 am on Tuesday, it added.
The other places in northern West Bengal which recorded significantly high rainfall during the period are Sevoke (170mm), Buxaduar (150 mm), Nagrakata (140mm), Jalpaiguri town (130 mm) and Bhutanghat (120 mm), the data said. 
Landslides in the hills, damaging roads, including National Highway 10 that connects West Bengal with Sikkim, and waterlogging at various places in the plains, have occurred owing to the unabated rainfall in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri , Alipurduar and Cooch Behar.
Regional, West Bengal

Teesta River erosion leaves hundreds displaced

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Dibyendu Sinha, MP, 5 July 2024, Jalpaiguri: Around 50 to 60 houses have been submerged in the erosion of the Teesta River basin, leaving hundreds homeless. Approximately 500 bighas of agricultural land, including a primary school and an ICDS centre, have been engulfed by the river. 

This incident occurred in the Bahir Char area of Jalpaiguri Sadar Block, within the Bowalmari Nandan Pur Gram Panchayat area. According to local sources, river erosion began last week but intensified significantly over the past two days. 
The issue has been reported to the local Gram Panchayat and block administration. Mihir Karmakar, BDO of Sadar Block, stated that authorities are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, the District Flood Control has issued a yellow alert for the unprotected area of Teesta in Jalpaiguri Domhani and a red alert for the unprotected area in Mekhliganj. 
Jalpaiguri Sadar Block encompasses several basin areas along the Teesta River. Among them, Bahir Char, situated alongside Teesta in the Boalmari Nandanpur Gram Panchayat area, is the largest. This char, measuring 8-km-long and 4-km-wide, is home to 260 families with a population exceeding 2,000. 
While the river’s water level rises every monsoon, recent years have seen exacerbated erosion issues. Last year, 2,000 bighas of land was lost to river erosion, a situation repeated this year. 
Local resident Charan Mandal reported that his house and 20 bighas of land were lost to erosion on Thursday, with Sadhan Sarkar experiencing a similar loss of 15 bighas of land. Most of the damage occurred in the Dhar Para, Kanai Nagar and Kalampur areas. 
Jiten Chandra Biswas, local Panchayat member, lamented: “The Char area previously housed the only primary school in Kalampur. 
On Friday morning, the school was swept into the river, leaving the future uncertain for 50 students. The ICDS centre adjacent to the school suffered the same fate. Residents have demanded a protective ring dam to mitigate river erosion, but no action has been taken yet. If this situation persists, conditions will worsen in the days ahead.” 
Meanwhile, the Sikkim Meteorological department has issued a red alert for five districts in North Bengal. Gopinath Raha, a department official, warned: 
“These districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours, tapering off by Sunday.” 
The Jalpaiguri district Irrigation department’s Flood Control reported periodic releases of water from the Gajoldoba Teesta Barrage, with 3,010 cumec water released on Friday afternoon. 
 https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/teesta-river-erosion-leaves-hundreds-displaced-570747
Regional

गोरुबथानमा युद्धवीर गुरुङको प्रतिमा स्थापना गर्ने योजना

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कालिमन्युज, कालेबुंग, ३ जुलाई २०२४: युद्धवीर गुरुङ जसको नाउँमा गोरुबथानको दुई सम्भवत प्रथम दुई शैक्षिक संस्थाहरू स्थापना गरिएको छ, उनको स्मृतिमा गोरुबथानको मालबस्तीमा प्रतिमा स्थापना गर्ने योजना राखिएको छ | गोरुबथानमा पहिलो स्थापित शैक्षिक संस्थान युद्धवीर मेमोरियल स्कुल थियो, जसलाई पछि युद्धवीर प्राथमिक विद्यालय भनियो र अन्ततः युद्धवीर निम्न बुनियादी पाठशाला(जुनियर बेसिक स्कुल)मा बढोत्तरी भएको थियो।

यसैगरी, यसलाई माध्यमिक शिक्षाको निम्ति युद्धवीर उच्च बुनियादी पाठशाला (सिनियर बेसिक स्कुल)मा बढोत्तरी गरियो, पछि यही उच्च बिद्यालयमा र अन्ततः बढोत्तरी गरिएर युद्धवीर उच्चत्तर माध्यमिक विद्यालय(हायर सेकेन्डरी स्कुल)मा परिणत भएको थियो। यही विधालय नै गोरुबथानको वर्तमान सरकारी कलेजको आधार पनि हो।

गोरुबथानमा शैक्षिक यात्राको विजारोपण गर्ने विद्यालय – जसको नाममा यी दूई विद्यालयहरु स्थापित गरिएको थियो अर्थात् युद्धवीर गुरुङको स्मृतिमा सालिक निर्माणार्थ गठन गरिएको युद्धवीर गुरुङ सालिक निर्माण समितिद्वारा आगामी ८ जुलाई सोमबारको दिन युद्धवीर उच्चतर माध्यमिक विद्यालयमा अपराह्न २ बजे आमसभा आयोजन भइरहेको छ। उक्त सभामा युद्धवीर जुनियर बेसिक पाठशाला, युद्धवीर उच्चतर माध्यमिक विद्यालयमा पठनपाठन गर्ने पूर्व विद्यार्थीलगायत गोरुबथानका बुद्धिजीवी, शुभचिन्तक सबैलाई आयोजक पक्षबाट उपस्थितिको निम्ति हार्दिक अनुरोध गरिएको छ।
उक्त सभामा युद्धवीर गुरुङको सालिक निर्माण, धर्मशालादेखि सेरिकल्चरसम्मको बाटोलाई युद्धवीर गुरुङ मार्ग नामाकरण अनि युद्धवीर गुरुङलाई दस्तावेजीकरण गर्नको निम्ति स्मारिका तयार गरिने विषयमाथि चर्चा, सुझाव, सरसल्लाह हुनेछ। तसर्थ यस महत्वपूर्ण सभामा सबैलाई उपस्थिति भइदिन आयोजक पक्षबाट सभापति पुरण राईले हार्दिक अपिल गरेका छन्।

युद्धवीरका आफन्तहरूले यो बिद्यालयको निम्ति आफ्नो जमिन दान गरेका थिए, जसलाई पछि धर्मशालाबाट शुरु भएको मूल प्राथमिक र माध्यमिक बिद्यालयहरूलाई आजको स्थानमा माल बस्तीमा स्थानान्तर गरिएको थियो।

गोरुबथानको शैक्षिक इतिहासको आधिकारिक दस्तावेज पल्ट्याउँदा शुरुमा नै युद्धवीर गुरुङको नाम स्वर्ण अक्षरले लेखिएको पाउँछौँ। ब्रिटिश इस्ट इण्डिया कम्पनीको जमानामा जहाँ उनीहरूको सन्तान र केही हुने खानेका छोराछोरीलाई मात्र लेख्ने/पढ्ने अवसर थियो। यस्तोमा हुँदा खानेका नानीहरूले पनि शिक्षा आर्जन गर्न पाउनुपर्छ भन्ने सोच राख्ने गोरुबथानका त्यस ताकका विद्वान/विदुषीहरूको परामर्शमा गोरुबथानमा पनि पाठशाला स्थापना गर्ने विचारको विजारोपन भयो। यही परिकल्पनालाई कार्यान्वयन गर्न स्व. डम्बरसिंह गुरुङ अघि आउनुभयो र आफ्नो बाबुको नाममा गोरुबथानको धर्मशाला नजिक एउटा घरलाई युद्धवीर गुरुङ मेमोरियल पाठशाला नामकरण गरी पठनपाठन शुरु गरियो। यही नै थियो गोरुबथानमा ज्ञानको ज्योति बाल्ने प्रथम आधिकारिक पहल।

स्व. युद्धवीर गुरुङकै नाममा स्थापित युद्धवीर बुनियादी पाठशाला, युद्धवीर उच्चतर माध्यमिक विद्यालयले गोरुबथान लगायत डुवर्सको ठूलो भागको शैक्षिक विकासमा गरिमामय योगदान पुराउँदै आइरहेको छ। गुरुङकै दूरदर्शिता एवं नि:स्वार्थ सहयोगकै कारण शिक्षाको भुकभुके उज्यालो पनि छिर्न नसकेको गोरुबथानको शैक्षिक स्तर अहिले लोभलाग्दो अवस्थामा आइपुगेको छ। यसले डुवर्सका मानिसहरूलाई विशेष गरि वरिपरिका १० देखि १५ चिया बगान र २० देखि ३० बस्तीहरुका विद्यार्थीहरुलाई प्राय ८६ वर्षदेखि शिक्षादान दिइरहेको छ |

1938 मा स्थापित युद्धवीर जुनियर बेसिक पाठशालाले 1958 मा सरकारी मान्यता पाएको थियो। जतिबेला स्कुल निरीक्षक पदमा यद्धवीर गुरुङकै नाति कृष्ण बहादुर गुरुङ आसिन थिए। युद्धवीर निम्न बुनियादी पाठशालालाई बढोत्तरी गरेर अहिलेको युद्धवीर उच्चतर माध्यमिक विद्यालय 1948 मा स्थापित गरिएको थियो। जुन वर्ष दार्जिलिङ सरकारी महाविद्यालयको पनि स्थापना भएको थियो।

Regional

Letter to Didi on machine of ‘health hazard’ in Darjeeling district hospital

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 The distributed antenna system is a health hazard with potential health risks. The GTA has initiated an enquiry into this and the initial reports reveal it was installed during the COVID but appears suspicious and alarming, wrote Amar Singh Rai

Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling, 3.07.24 : The Darjeeling District Hospital.: File picture
The chairman of the Rogi Kalyan Samity of Darjeeling district hospital wrote to chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday regarding the discovery of “telecommunication equipment” in the hospital building requesting her to personally look into the matter.

Amar Singh Rai, the chairman of the committee, termed the discovery surprising, suspicious and alarming.

“To everyone’s surprise only the other day, a ‘telecommunication equipment’ was found to have been installed inside the Darjeeling district hospital of which the concerned authorities like the GTA or even myself, as the chairman of the Rogi Kalyan Samity are unaware of,” said Rai.

Sources said that Rajesh Chauhan, deputy chairman, GTA Sabha, who is looking into the administrative affairs of the Darjeeling district hospital came across the distributed antenna system (DAS) for mobile service operators beside the office issuing birth and death certificates on the hospital’s fourth floor while inspecting the building on June 24.

The distributed antenna system is a health hazard with potential health risks. The GTA has initiated an enquiry into this and the initial reports reveal it was installed during the COVID but appears suspicious and alarming,” wrote Rai.

DAS equipment enhances the signals.

Since the discovery of the system installed by a private party inside the hospital, questions have been raised regarding the people who took the initiative to install the system beside the office issuing birth and death certificates on the hospital’s fourth floor.

Also, the memorandum of understanding between the Space Tele Pvt Limited, which is headquartered in Gurugram and the “Darjeeling District Hospital” is signed on plain paper instead of stamped paper and there is no mention of any financial costs.

“How was the equipment installed inside a hospital without the GTA’s knowledge,” said Chauhan.

Soumya Purkait, principal secretary, GTA in a letter to Space Tele Pvt Limited on June 28 has flagged a number of anomalies in the installation process.

The GTA official stated that the equipment was installed on December 16, 2020, without approval from competent authorities and that the memorandum of understanding has been “executed in a plain paper”.

“The pinpoint location/schedule of property under contract for installation is also missing,” the letter states.

The GTA states that the MoU between the company and “District Hospital Darjeeling” for a period of 15 years cannot be considered legal but is considered “illegal and perverse in the eyes of the law.”

Purkait has also stated that “the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to waves emitted by such equipment are well-documented.”

“Given the presence of patients and staff in a hospital environment, the continued operation of this equipment poses a significant safety concern,” stated Purkait and has asked the private company to remove the equipment within seven days.

Abhijit Kumar Prasad, a representative of Space Tele on Monday said that equipment was installed at the behest of a doctor.

“In 2020, during the Covid-19 period, Dr Kumar of the Darjeeling hospital told us connectivity was an issue and patients too facing problems at the hospital. Based on his email, we installed the equipment but he refused to sign the MoU,” said Abhijit.

When contacted Dr Kumar S, refused to acknowledge that he had made the request through an email. “In fact, I was the one to protest when those equipment were being installed then,” said Dr Kumar.
Courtesy & source- The Telegraph
https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/letter-to-mamata-banerjee-on-machine-of-health-hazard-in-darjeeling-district-hospital/cid/2031167
Crime, Regional

Woman ends life after being humiliated in Kangaroo court, four arrested

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MP, 2 July 2024, Siliguri: A housewife took her own life allegedly after being humiliated by a kangaroo court, where the woman and her husband were allegedly beaten up by the villagers. 

The incident occurred in Bakravita area under Fulbari number 1 Gram Panchayat. New Jalpaiguri Police have arrested four people in connection with the case, based on a complaint lodged. She committed suicide by drinking poison.  
The accused were produced at Jalpaiguri Court on Tuesday. The arrested have been identified as Brajen Adhikary, Swapna Adhikary wife of Brajen Adhikary, Sagar Roy and his wife Shibani Roy, all residents of the Bakravita area. The deceased has been identified as Savita Barman. 
According to sources, Savita allegedly had an extra marital affair, therefore, she had left her husband a few days before the incident. Later, she had called her husband, Tapas Barman over the phone and expressed desire to return home with him. 
Accordingly, he brought his wife back and dropped her at her parent’s house. However, some of Tapas’s neighbours asked him to bring Savita to Bakravita. On Friday, when Tapas brought her to the area, a mob consisting of the villagers allegedly began beating her up. When Tapas tried to save his wife, they allegedly beat up Tapas as well. 
On Saturday, Sabita drank poison. Tapas admitted her to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH), where she died on Sunday. 
Later, Tapas and Savita’s brother lodged a written complaint at the NJP Police Station, based on which the four were made. 
On Tuesday, Deepak Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner of Police went to New Jalpaiguri Police station. He said: “Four people have been arrested so far. Investigation is underway.” 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Pist
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/woman-ends-life-after-being-humiliated-in-kangaroo-court-four-arrested-570347
Regional

Call for independent investigation into construction of unauthorized highrises in Darjeeling

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EOI, DARJEELING, JULY 1, 2024 : Questioning the functioning of the Darjeeling Municipality and alleged corruption, the People’s Forum, a non political organization, has submitted a memorandum to the Darjeeling district administration, demanding an independent investigation. The PF has alleged the Darjeeling Municipality is hand in glove with builders, allowing them to construct unauthorized structures. “There is rampant and unauthorized construction of high rises without proper approval.

Building plans have been passed without conversion of land,” PF convener Bhanu Lama said on Monday. Lama highlighted that buildings and other structures were being constructed on public footpaths and drains without proper authorization. “We have nothing to say on how people are constructing their structures. But the onus is on the municipality. How have they allowed such illegal constructions? Public roads, drains and footpaths have been occupied and encroached upon,” said Lama.
Interestingly, the Darjeeling Municipality a few days ago had issued notice to five hotels directing them to clear the public drains on which slabs have been constructed.
The PF convener said construction of massive high rises had turned Darjeeling into a concrete jungle which had the possibility of affecting tourism in the hills. “Key tourist panoramic view points are now blocked by unauthorized structures and buildings. This will affect tourism and the heritage charm of our area. Tourists come to the hills for its greenery and serenity,” said Lama. 
Lama said heritage sites were under threat from illegal high rise and the Land Reform Act of 1955 under section 14 (C) of Tribal Land was being violated. “Apartments and shops have been constructed on tribal land without conversion of land and without obtaining permission from the tribal department. This has disrupted the demographic and cultural balance of the region. Illegal and rampant construction is a threat to the heritage sites of the place,” said the PF convener. 
Lama said to curb such illegal activities within the municipality, an independent enquiry committee be formed to investigate and legal actions be taken on the defaulters.
“The district administration or the West Bengal Government should form an inquiry committee to investigate the activities and decisions of the board members of the Darjeeling Municipality. Strict legal actions should be taken against those found guilty of unauthorized approvals and construction including demolition of illegal structures and order to the registration officer not to entertain any documents for registration of a flat unless the number of floors to be built is specifically mentioned,” he said. 
Lama also advocated for regular monitoring of construction of buildings, preservation of heritage sites and public spaces
Crime, Regional

Malda: Class VIII student kidnapped for Rs 60L ransom

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MP, 30 June 2024, Malda: A Class VIII student of Boronagar Danga area under Kaliachak Police Station was allegedly kidnapped for ransom of Rs 60 lakh. 

The police started an investigation and arrested one in the incident though the 14-year-old abducted boy is yet to be rescued. 
The family and the villagers are in deep anxiety over the situation. The father of the abducted boy, Enamul Hoque, has filed a complaint with the police against his brother and nephew for this. Hoque said: “My son went to the field to graze our goats at around 4.30 pm on Friday but didn’t return though the goats returned on their own. We searched for him but in vain. 
We then received ransom calls asking for Rs 60 lakh for his release else they would kill my son. 
I am merely a door-to-door vendor of readymade clothes, from where will I manage so much money. There’s a family dispute with my brother and sister over ancestral property so I filed a complaint against my brother and nephew.” 
Meanwhile, in another incident three school students of Class IX drowned in the River Ganga at Birnagar under Baishnabnagar Police Station at around 9.30 am on Saturday. 
The deceased have been identified as Akash Mondal (14), Krishna Saha (15) and Tushar Saha (14) of which only the body of Akash could be recovered from the river till Sunday afternoon. The search is still on for the others. 
These students of Birnagar High School had reached the banks of the river in school uniform to bathe. The local fishermen hearing the cry of other students managed to save one though the others could not be found.
A large contingent of police and disaster management personnel reached the spot and started the search with divers and speed boats. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/malda-class-viii-student-kidnapped-for-rs-60l-ransom-570010
Crime, International, Regional

Bangladeshi nationals held for illegally entering India

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MP, 30 June 2024: Siliguri: The Special Task Force (STF) Siliguri, apprehended two Bangladeshi nationals from the India-Bangladesh border for illegally entering India from Bangladesh on Saturday night. 

The accused have been identified as Junait Minia (21 years) and Kabir Hossain (22 years), residents of Bangladesh. 
Police sources said that based on secret information, a special team of STF raided the India-Bangladesh border in Fulbari on Saturday night, where they arrested the accused as they illegally crossed the border without any valid document. 
During the preliminary interrogation, those arrested said that they had come to India from Bangladesh in search of work. 
The accused were produced at Jalpaiguri District Court on Sunday. Meanwhile, the STF West Bengal arrested one more Bangladeshi National named Sarif Mondal (64 years) of Dhaka, Bangladesh from Cooch Behar. 
Sources said, he had entered the North East states of India illegally from Bangladesh and later came to Cooch Behar for some illegal activity. 
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/bangladeshi-nationals-held-570012
Crime, Politics, Regional

BJP demands CBI probe into torture of woman party leader in CoochBehar

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Paul, who led a BJP delegation to the Mathabhanga area of the district, claimed that the woman, president of the local unit’s minority morcha, was beaten and stripped by TMC miscreants on June 25 while she was grazing cattle in the field.

PTI, 29 June 2024, Kolkata: BJP state general secretary Agnimitra Paul on Saturday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged incident of stripping and physical torture of a woman leader of the saffron party in West Bengal’s Coochbehar district, accusing police of inaction against the real perpetrators.

Paul, who led a BJP delegation to the Mathabhanga area of the district, claimed that the woman, president of the local unit’s minority morcha, was beaten and stripped by TMC miscreants on June 25 while she was grazing cattle in the field. 

“Under the regime of a woman chief minister, a woman representing the mothers, sisters, and the minority community of Bengal was beaten, stripped, and verbally abused in public by a local TMC leader and his associates.

“Police and the government are turning a blind eye to such blatant violence against a woman. We have no faith in this administration. We demand a CBI probe,” she said.

Paul and other BJP leaders briefly blocked the road in Choupti near the police lines and later met Additional SP and the woman involved.

However, a police officer said the incident appeared to be a domestic dispute, and seven out of the ten persons named in the FIR have been arrested. The remaining three will be apprehended soon, he added.

TMC spokesperson Partha Pratim Roy countered BJP’s claims, stating that they were politicising a family dispute following their defeat in the Lok Sabha elections in Coochbehar.

BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led government was diverting attention from the incident by suddenly highlighting issues like hawkers encroaching on pavements.

“I have personally spoken to the traumatised woman. She is experiencing pain in her head. We are arranging for her treatment in Kolkata,” Majumdar told reporters.

Another TMC spokesperson Trinankur Bhattacharya told PTI that BJP was trying to politicise every minor incident to disrupt peace in Bengal after their electoral defeat and discredit the state government. “They are making baseless allegations. In every unfortunate incident, police take action and apprehend the culprits. However, these people do not belong to our party,” he added.  
Crime, International, Regional

One more arrest in SIM box case with Bangladesh connection

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MP, 28 June 2024, Siliguri: One more person was arrested in the SIM box recovery case in Fulbari. On Thursday night, the Detective department arrested a man named Abdul Kader from the Berubari area. While interrogating him, police came to know that he used to exchange SIM cards between India and Bangladesh.


Sabbir Ali, the prime accused of the case was arrested on May 16, leading to the recovery of the SIM boxes by the Special Operation Group (SOG), Detective Department (DD) and Police of New Jalpaiguri Police Station at a store in Jatiyakali near the India-Bangladesh border. There, they seized three SIM boxes with numerous slots, 93 SIM cards, technical gadgets, counterfeit voter and Aadhaar cards, licenses and other documents. Police have confirmed that the owner of the store, Sabbir Ali, was running an illegal telephone exchange racket by using these SIM box machines, causing a loss of revenue to the department of Telecom. Later, two more people were arrested in the case. With Abdul’s arrest a total of four persons have been arrested in the case so far. The accused was produced at Jalpaiguri court on Friday.
Courtesy & source- Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/mamata-welcomes-jkhands-former-cm-sorens-bail-569890?infinitescroll=1 
Regional

Mamata Banerjee: Any councillor in whose area public space is occupied by hawkers will be arrested

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 Bengal chief minister continues to read out the riot act in a meeting with stakeholders on encroachments on urban spaces

TT Bureau, Calcutta, 27.06.24 : Two days after bulldozers were pressed into action in different parts of Calcutta and rest of Bengal to clear encroachments, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced she was not in favour of using bulldozers.

“My policy is not to allow settlers and then use bulldozers. I want restrictions to be imposed from the beginning,” she said at the state secretariat in a televised meeting with state ministers, bureaucrats, police and hawkers’ union representatives.

Carrying on with her strong stance against unauthorised occupants and their links with the local police and party bosses, Mamata threatened action.

“Any local councillor or leader in whose areas public space is occupied by hawkers will be arrested,” she said. “One local leader, we got him arrested in Dabgram-Fulbari.”

What Mamata Banerjee said about police, hawkers, and meetings in public spaces
test
She continued to fume over Calcutta’s pavements being occupied by hawkers and encroachments.

“Look at Hatibagan, there is no space left for the pedestrians and vehicles. Just because they can raise money from these people does not mean they can hand over the entire road to anyone. Learn to control your greed,” Mamata advised her party leaders.

“In front of the zoo, the pavement is completely occupied and they have spilled on the road. It is a security hazard. Same with the Grand arcade. Several important people visit the Grand hotel. It is a security risk.”

In two consecutive meetings now, Mamata has accused her party leaders, along with the opposition BJP, of illegally selling government land.

During Thursday’s meeting, she accused the BJP’s ideological parent, the RSS, of filling up a pond in Asansol and erecting a three-storey building.

“I am not saying this without evidence. How could they fill up a pond? Check the papers and find out what happened there,” Mamata instructed the government officials.

Mamata also accused the BJP of running the most number of “illegal parkings”. The chief minister asked Calcutta police chief Vineet Goyal to submit a list of illegal parking in the city.

“The police and local politicians sell parking spots. We will find out if these spots can be legalised. If that is possible, fresh tenders will be floated,” Mamata said.

She also expressed her displeasure with buildings in Siliguri coloured red and saffron.

“Even the Metro stations have been painted saffron. Why? I don’t use my party colours. We have the state colour [white and sky blue]. Send the colour samples to these places,” she said.

On Wednesday, leader of Opposition in the state, the BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, had alleged Mamata’s bulldozer action was limited to areas like Gariahat and Hatibagan in the city area, while other parts like New Market, Rajabazar and Kidderpore were spared.

Mamata, during Thursday’s meeting, instructed Calcutta police, mayor Firhad Hakim, the municipal corporation and others to carry out a survey in Hatibagan and the Grand hotel arcade.

“Don’t take bulldozers. Find out how it can be sorted. If necessary, they have to be shifted. Why are we not building markets for them?” Mamata said.

The chief minister suggested that buildings be identified or built for the hawkers to keep their wares during the night.

“It is not possible for the hawkers to take their wares back home. Many of them live in far-off areas. Buildings should be identified close to the hawking zones so that it is convenient for them,” she said.

The urban and municipal secretaries were asked to visit all districts and identify zones where such buildings can be constructed.

The chief minister said the government has failed to explain the state’s position on unauthorised occupation to the high court.

“A meeting should be arranged with the chief justice so that we can explain the government’s stand,” said Mamata.
Regional

State to streamline online process of building plan sanction

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MP, 27 June 2024, Kolkata: The Panchayats and Rural Development (P&RD) department is further streamlining its online process of building plan sanctions to rule out the involvement of Panchayat officials and employees in the process. 

The move comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in an administrative meeting on Monday accused a section of officials of allowing illegal construction by accepting monetary favour. 
The real estate boom is gradually creeping into Panchayat areas. Banerjee in the meeting alluded to such construction of buildings and said: “Buildings are coming up but in many places there is no space for a fire tender to enter in case of any incident. Some are accepting money and allowing such constructions. There should be a system for curbing this in the panchayat area.” 
Now, though applications for building plans can be made online, there are various steps from application to approval where manual work is involved, thus necessitating reliance on employees and officials. 
Hence, the department is streamlining its online system so that the entire process is in online mode. Building rules in rural areas are being integrated in the online system. Any deviation in the building plan will be detected in the system.
 Senior officials of the P&RD department will be able to monitor the entire process centrally. The common application portal will also have facilities for certificates associated with the clearance of fire, water connection, power etc. 
Now the applicant has to find a building surveyor on his own. With the streamlining of the portal, the state would furnish a list of blockwise licensed building surveyors (LBS). 
The applicant can click on such a list of LBS in his concerned block and get assistance for the preparation of the building plan and submission of the same. The option for downloading the clearance certificate will also be integrated in the online system. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/mamata-stalls-eviction-drive-for-a-month-directs-setting-up-hawker-zones-569736?infinitescroll=1
Regional

Manipur: Women protesters demand solution to ongoing crisis

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PTI, Imphal, Jun 25, 2024 :  Protesters from the women’s wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) on Tuesday staged a rally in Imphal East district, urging both the central and state governments to swiftly resolve the ongoing crisis without compromising the state’s territorial and administrative integrity.


Displaying placards stating “no compromise to state integrity,” the demonstrators also went to the official residence of senior minister Thongam Biswajit in Sanjenthong, but he was not there.

Y Lairikleima, a leader of the women’s wing, criticised the perceived silence of elected representatives from their community.

She emphasised, “If they cannot stand up for the people and defend the state’s territorial and administrative integrity, they should resign.” Additionally, women protesters held another rally in Lamsang area, Imphal West district, and asserted that no village volunteers should face arrest and emphasised their opposition to any proposal for separate administration. 
Crime, International, Regional

बाल यौन दुरूपयोग मुद्दामा रामबहादुर बमजन दोषी ठहर: सजाय निर्धारण असार १७ गते

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सेतोपाटी संवाददाता, काठमाडौं, असार १० : सर्लाही जिल्ला अदालतले बाल यौन दुरूपयोग मुद्दामा रामबहादुर बमजनलाई दोषी ठहर गरेको छ।


सोमबार न्यायाधीश जीवनकुमार भण्डारीको इजलासले दोषी ठहर गरेको स्रेस्तेदार सदन अधिकारीले जानकारी दिए। सजाय निर्धारण भने असार १७ गतेलाई तोकिएको उनले बताए।

उनका अनुसार अन्य दुई प्रतिवादी ज्ञानबहादुर र डिगबाहदुर सफाइ पाएका छन्।

रौतहटकी गंगामाया तामाङले आफू आश्रममा बस्दा बलात्कार गरेको आरोप लगाउँदै बमजनविरूद्ध जाहेरी दिएकी थिइन्।

बालबालिका सम्बन्धी ऐनको हद म्याद अनुसार उनीविरूद्ध मुद्दा दायर गरिएको थियो। आफू बालिका हुँदा भएको यौनशोषण तथा बलात्कारविरूद्ध १८ वर्ष पुगेपछि उजुरी दिन पाइने कानुनी व्यवस्था छ। गंगामायाले यही कानुनी व्यवस्था अनुसार १८ वर्षपुगेपछि जाहेरी दिएकी थिइन्।  बमजनले २०७३ साल साउन २० गते आफूमाथि  बलात्कार गरेको उनको आरोप थियो। उक्त जाहेरी परेपछि प्रहरीले अनुसन्धान अघि बढाएको थियो। प्रहरी अनुसन्धानप्रतिवेदनका आधारमा जिल्ला सरकारी वकिल कार्यालयले बमजनविरूद्ध १२ देखि १४ वर्षसम्म कैद सजाय र मनासिव क्षतिपूर्तिको माग गर्दै मुद्दा दायर गरेको थियो।

१४ वर्षदेखि १६ वर्षसम्मका बालिकालाई बलात्कार गरे १२ देखि १४ वर्षसम्मको कैद सजाय हुने कानुनी व्यवस्था छ।

गंगामायाले पहिलोपटक झण्डै ६ वर्षअघि काठमाडौंमा पत्रकार सम्मेलन गर्दै आफूमाथि बमजनले बलात्कार गरेको आरोप लगाएकी थिइन्। त्यसपछि सेतोपाटीले तीन महिना लामो अनुसन्धानपछि २०७५ साल पुस ११ गते बमजनका कर्तुतको फेहरिस्त तयार पारेर एकैसाथ चार स्टोरी प्रकाशित गरेको थियो।

सेतोपाटीमा समाचार प्रकाशन भएपछि आफ्ना छोरी, छोरा र बावु बेपत्ता पारेको भन्दै पाँचपरिवारले त्यतिवेलै प्रहरीमा उजुरी दिएका थिए।  बमजन विरूद्ध विभिन्न प्रहरी कार्यालयमा आफ्नो आश्रममा बस्ने पाँच अनुयायीलाई बेपत्ता पारेको, तीमध्ये कम्तीमा एक जनाको हत्या गरेको लगायतका आरोप छन्। 

उनलाई प्रहरीले गत पुस २४ गते बूढानीलकण्ठबाट पक्राउ गरेको थियो। पक्राउ परेका बमजनमाथि प्रहरीको केन्द्रीय अनुसन्धान व्यूरोले विभिन्न कसुरमा छानबिन गरिरहेको छ।

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Authorities Confiscate More Than Rs 33 Million in Cash

https://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2024/01/authorities-confiscate-more-than-rs33.html

‘Buddha Boy’ Bomjan to face rape trial at Sarlahi district court 

https://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2024/01/buddha-boy-bomjan-to-face-rape-trial-at.html


रामबहादुर बमजनको बयान लिएपछि पुर्पक्षका लागि थुनामा पठाउने

https://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-post_14.html


पक्राउ परेका बमजनले आफ्ना आश्रममा चलाएको हत्या, हिंसा र

https://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-post_11.html

प्रहरीद्वारा रामबहादुर बमजन पक्राउ
https://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-post.html
Regional, West Bengal

‘Rodents cut wire and caused short circuit’: Holong Bungalow fire probe smells a rat

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‘Those who have stayed in the Holong Bungalow are familiar with the presence of rats. According to the primary report, the rats cut through the electric wires, leading to a short circuit’

Snehamoy Chakraborty, TT, Calcutta, 26.06.24 : 
The Holong Bungalow in Alipurduar’s Jaldapara National Park.: Sourced by the Telegraph.
In Bihar they have acquired a reputation for swilling litres of liquor confiscated by the police. In north Bengal, now, they are becoming fabled as spitfires. Rats. What’s one to make of them?

A primary investigation by the forest department has blamed rats for the June 19 fire that gutted the 57-year-old wooden Holong Bungalow in Alipurduar’s Jaldapara National Park.
A source said a five-member committee, formed immediately after the fire at the bungalow that was once a favourite retreat of former chief minister Jyoti Basu, had suggested that rats had cut the electric wire, causing a short circuit that triggered the devastating fire.

However, the evidence is not conclusive as the building, and all wires, had been destroyed by the fire.
“Those who have stayed in the Holong Bungalow are familiar with the presence of rats. According to the primary report, the rats cut through the electric wires, leading to a short circuit. As the bungalow was made of wood, we got no time to save it,” forest minister Birbaha Hansda, to whom the committee has submitted its report, told The Telegraph.

The fire broke out around 9.30pm on June 19 at the conference hall of the bungalow and spread throughout the entire property.

Hansda said the forest department was waiting for reports submitted separately by the police and the fire and emergency services departments.

“The two agencies are conducting independent probes into the fire incident, and that is why we are waiting for their reports to see if they differ from ours,” she added.

The bungalow on the banks of the Holong stream was built in 1967 as a forest inspection house with eight double-bedded rooms. Five rooms are currently with the state tourism department and the remaining three are dedicated to forest officials on duty.

The Holong Bungalow was the first choice of tourists visiting the Dooars region because of its prime location, with frequent sightings of one-horned rhinos, elephants, leopards and deer. The animals visit the salt pit in front of the bungalow.

Apart from former chief minister Basu, Mamata Banerjee has also stayed at the property several times. Other important persons who have been to the
bungalow are former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, several of his cabinet colleagues, former governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and author Samaresh Majumdar.

Initially, foresters had suspected that a short circuit from air-conditioners could be the source of the fire. However, during the investigation, the probe team found out that all the air-conditioners and geysers had been disconnected from the power source when the bungalow stopped taking in visitors on June 15 in keeping with annual protocol. Forest bungalows in Bengal cannot be booked for three months during the monsoon starting June 15 as this is the mating period for wild animals.

“However, the electricity connection had been kept on to illuminate the building, mainly the facade. After talking to the staff, we learnt that rats had previously created trouble by cutting power wires. That is why we find reason to believe that this time too such a thing has happened, resulting in a spark,” said a forest official.

A senior forest official in Jaldapara said the bungalow was infested with rats. “As the building is made of wood, there is a gap of a few inches between two layers of the walls. Hundreds of rats used to inhabit these spaces. That has been pointed out in the probe report,” a source who has gone through the findings said.

“As the building was old, the wood had become dry. That is why, despite 30 employees reaching the spot within five minutes of spotting the flames, they could not do anything to save it,” he added.

Hansda has said the government will reconstruct the Holong Bungalow and reopen it for tourists. However, a forest official said reconstruction needed permission from the National Board for Wildlife, a body headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Crime, Regional

STF nabs 2 with contraband cough syrup worth Rs 4 cr

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MP, 26 June 2024, Siliguri: Special Task Force (STP) of West Bengal arrested two men with contraband cough syrup worth Rs 4 crore at Jatiyakali area in Fulbari under New Jalpaiguri Police Station. The accused have been identified as Rohit Patel (23 years), Ramakant Kol (19 years), both residents of Madhya Pradesh.

On Monday night, based on secret information, the STF team of the Siliguri unit raided the area and intercepted a 14-wheeler truck loaded with pumpkins. A total of 36,000 bottles of contraband cough syrup were recovered from there.

The approximate market value of the seized contraband is more than Rs 4 crore.

STF sources said that the truck was carrying the contraband cough syrup from Madhya Pradesh to Guwahati, Assam, for delivery by hiding it under pumpkins.

Suspecting police nakas on the way, it started returning from Barovisha in Cooch Behar towards Siliguri. The truck was intercepted by the STF team when it was coming from the Jalpaiguri side. A police case has been started.
Courtesy & source: Millennium Post
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/stf-nabs-2-with-contrabandcough-syrup-worth-rs-4-cr-569423