CBI to File Supplementary Chargesheet in RG Kar Doctor’s Death Case, Focuses on Evidence Theft and Cover-Up Attempt

February 27, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 26, 2025, Kolkata : The tragic case involving the rape and murder of a female doctor working at RG Kar Hospital continues to unfold, with the court recently announcing the punishment for the main accused. However, the investigation is far from over. A supplementary chargesheet is set to be filed by the CBI regarding the second aspect of the case: evidence theft.

According to CBI sources, this supplementary chargesheet will detail evidence obtained from the CCTV footage of RG Kar Hospital and Tala police station. The chargesheet is also based on the testimony of approximately 180 individuals who were questioned during the investigation. The CBI is set to file this chargesheet in the court of the Sealdah Additional Judicial Magistrate on March 3.

A CBI official revealed that there was an attempt to cover up the true cause of the young doctor’s death, with claims that her death was initially portrayed as a suicide. New information gathered during the investigation has led to the discovery of critical evidence, which will be admissible in court. This evidence is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming supplementary chargesheet.

Earlier in the case, the CBI had arrested two individuals—former RG Kar Hospital principal Sandeep Ghosh and former OC of Tala police station Abhijit Mondal—on charges of evidence destruction. However, both individuals were granted bail after the chargesheet was not submitted on time.

As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to the forthcoming supplementary chargesheet, which aims to provide further clarity on the efforts to obscure the circumstances surrounding the doctor’s tragic death. The outcome of this new chargesheet may offer further insight into the conspiracy behind the case and the individuals involved in the cover-up.

West Bengal

Jagannath Temple in Digha Set to Inaugurate on Akshaya Tritiya; Rath Yatra to Begin This Year

February 27, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 26, 2025, Kolkata : After much anticipation, the Jagannath Temple in Digha is set to be inaugurated on April 30, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Following the temple’s grand opening, the Rath Yatra will also commence in Digha for the first time this year. This marks a significant milestone for the region, bringing an important cultural and religious event to the coastal town.

In a notable development, a trust has been established to oversee the management of the Jagannath Temple. The trust was formally approved in the cabinet meeting today. State Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has been appointed as the chairman of the temple trust. The trust’s 27-member committee includes representatives from various prominent organizations, such as ISKCON, Puri’s Jagannath Temple, Digha’s Masir Bari, Kalighat Temple, and the Ramakrishna Mission.

During the same meeting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also announced that the Kalighat skywalk would be inaugurated soon. She emphasized that she did not wish to create unnecessary hype but preferred to work within her capacity to deliver results for the people.

In her address, Mamata Banerjee also brought up the recent tragedies at the Kumbh Mela, which resulted in several deaths due to stampedes. She expressed concern over the incidents, stating, “Yogi Babu may be angry, but I have to tell the truth.” The Chief Minister highlighted that many individuals were trampled while taking a dip in the holy river, and additional accidents occurred during the event. She called on the government to ensure that victims receive compensation for the tragedies, reminding them of the steps taken to prevent similar incidents, particularly concerning the safety measures around the Ganges.

The inauguration of the Jagannath Temple and the commencement of the Rath Yatra will certainly be significant events for the people of Digha, marking a new chapter in the region’s cultural and spiritual life.

Politics, West Bengal

CPM State Committee Meeting Concludes, Mohammad Selim Reappointed as State Secretary

February 27, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 26, 2025, Kolkata : The 27th state committee meeting of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] concluded recently, with Mohammad Selim being reappointed as the state secretary. The meeting, which saw the inclusion of 14 women in the new committee, made significant decisions, although there were no major surprises. Notably, the meeting raised several key issues concerning the party’s performance and future direction.

Questions were raised about the CPM’s declining voter share in the Main Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Party members discussed the reasons behind this decline, asking why Mamata Banerjee’s vote share continues to rise, while Left votes seem to be shifting towards the BJP. These issues were at the center of intense discussions during the conference.

The reappointment of Mohammad Selim as state secretary had long been expected, and it was confirmed at the meeting. Under his leadership, the CPM will again contest the 2026 Assembly elections. The state conference, which began on February 22 in Dankuni, concluded on Tuesday. The conference also saw the induction of 11 new members into the state committee, including Hooghly trade union leader Tirthankar Roy.

While the conference was hailed as a success, it did not go without controversy. Several veteran leaders, including Sushant Ghosh, senior Bankura leader Amiya Patra, Vikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, and North Bengal CPM leader Jeevesh Sarkar, were removed from the state committee. This move surprised many within the party.

Sushant Ghosh’s removal follows a controversy involving a woman’s complaint, after which the party distanced itself from him. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Amiya Patra’s exclusion was due to his age, as he has now been made a special invitee member. Vikas Bhattacharya was also removed from the state committee for the same reason. There were also speculations that Kaltan Dasgupta might be included in the state committee this time. However, he was not kept, as it is believed that his arrest during a movement over the RG tax case tarnished the party’s image.

The reshuffle reflects ongoing tensions within the CPM, particularly with factions that have shown resistance to the party’s leadership and strategies. The CPM will now look to rebuild its base under Selim’s leadership as it prepares for the upcoming elections in a changing political landscape.

Politics, West Bengal

Trinamool Congress Makes Special Arrangements for State Convention, Ensures Broad Participation

February 27, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 26, 2025, Kolkata : As the 26th assembly elections approach, the Trinamool Congress is taking significant measures to ensure that its booth-level party workers can attend the state convention and watch the speech of leader Mamata Banerjee at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, which will outline the party’s overall strategy. The state convention, set for Thursday, February 27, will host over 19 thousand delegates, including the party’s MPs, public representatives from the panchayat level, and district-level leadership from all branch organizations.

To facilitate the participation of workers who cannot attend in person, more than 20 giant screens will be set up around the Netaji Indoor Stadium and the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. These screens will broadcast Mamata Banerjee’s speech directly to workers across the city and district offices of the Trinamool Congress. The conference will begin at 11 am and conclude at noon with the leader’s speech, with the goal of ensuring delegates from distant districts can return home the same day.

Delegates from various districts began arriving in Kolkata on Wednesday, where they are reaching out to Trinamool Bhavan to collect their delegate cards. On Tuesday, state leadership, including state president Subrata Bakshi, visited Netaji Indoor Stadium to finalize the seating arrangements for the main stage and representatives from various levels of the party. Bakshi also designated the seating for the state leadership, including MPs, MLAs, district presidents, and branch organization leaders.

In addition to the previously listed delegates, instructions have been sent to district presidents to include members from the SC and OBC cells, ST cells, minority cells, farmers and agricultural laborers cells, as well as the Trinamool Youth, Women’s, and INTTUC presidents of Kolkata. Furthermore, members of the state committees of the Trinamool Youth Congress, Trinamool Mahila Congress, State Education Cell, INTTUC, SC-ST-OBC, Kisan Khet Majur, Minority Cell, Media Cell, and IT Cell will also be able to access the indoor venue as representatives. This extensive participation is aimed at unifying the party’s various branches and ensuring that all members are informed and involved in the party’s ongoing strategy.

Politics, West Bengal

Trinamool Grapples with Internal Factionalism Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata: With the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, all political parties, including the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), have begun internal restructuring to strengthen their organizational framework. However, factional conflicts within the TMC have emerged as a significant challenge alongside opposition pressure. Many party leaders have acknowledged that these internal disputes could impact the party’s performance in the upcoming elections. In response, the leadership has intensified efforts to address factionalism at the district level well in advance of the polls.

The process of selecting leaders and workers to ensure party discipline and cohesion has already begun, aiming to prevent internal sabotage during the elections. The urgency of this issue was underscored by Arup Chakraborty, the TMC Member of Parliament from Bankura and the party’s organizational district president in the region. While addressing a meeting of the Women’s Trinamool in Bikna, Bankura, Chakraborty publicly warned against disloyal elements within the party ranks.

“There are many dishonest individuals and traitors who might attempt to betray the party during the elections while remaining under the umbrella of Trinamool,” he stated. Emphasizing party unity, he further cautioned, “Those who create discord against Jora Phool (the party symbol) before the elections will find themselves isolated in their villages.”

Reiterating his stance, Chakraborty later remarked, “If you want to build a party, you have to commit to one party. We do not need workers who remain with the TMC throughout the year but switch allegiance if they do not receive a ticket during elections. The process of identifying such elements has already begun.” His statements signal a decisive move by the TMC to ensure loyalty within its ranks as it prepares for the electoral battle.

Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized the TMC’s approach, highlighting alleged internal conflicts within the ruling party. Former Union Minister Subhash Sarkar claimed that disputes over financial matters have severely undermined trust among TMC workers. He also took a dig at the decision to isolate dissenting members, suggesting that the infighting within the TMC has reached unprecedented levels.

As West Bengal heads toward the crucial 2026 assembly elections, the political landscape remains charged. The TMC faces the dual challenge of resolving its internal rifts while countering opposition attacks. How effectively the party manages these issues will play a crucial role in shaping its electoral prospects in the coming months.

Health, West Bengal

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Hold Crucial Meeting with Doctors Amid Healthcare Concerns

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata : Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to hold a significant meeting with doctors from government and private hospitals in the state on Monday. The meeting gains importance in the wake of the Ajikar scandal, sparking speculation across various quarters regarding the discussions at Dhandhanya Sabhagriha. Informed circles are questioning whether issues concerning the state’s medical infrastructure will be addressed, while a large section of doctors anticipate discussions on complaints about intimidation practices in medical colleges.

The Grievance and Redressal Committee of the state health department has conducted extensive visits across districts, engaging with doctors associated with medical colleges and district health departments. These discussions have surfaced numerous complaints regarding shortages of resources and medical staff. While some of these concerns have been addressed at the college, district health organization, and chief health officer levels, several systemic issues persist and have been forwarded to the Chief Minister for resolution.

The committee has engaged with doctors from the State Health Service, 24 government and two medical colleges, ESI hospitals, and Kolkata Municipality health facilities. Additionally, discussions have been held with doctors from select private hospitals. The committee has received complaints regarding inadequate infrastructure in district medical colleges, lack of transparency in the posting of doctors, and disruptions in services due to insufficient staffing and equipment. Students and doctors from multiple institutions have also raised concerns about hostel mismanagement, inadequate playgrounds, and substandard toilet facilities. Most of these complaints and recommendations have been formally relayed to the Chief Minister for review.

Committee Chairman Dr. Saurabh Dutta stated that while discussions on institutional concerns have been extensive, the details of what was communicated to the Chief Minister remain confidential and will be disclosed only at her discretion.

Ahead of the meeting, the West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors has submitted a letter to the Chief Minister highlighting critical vacancies in the healthcare system. The letter points out that approximately 40 percent of doctor positions and nearly 70 percent of support staff posts, including Karmabandhu roles, remain unfilled. Notably, no medical organization has been invited to this crucial meeting between the Chief Minister and representatives from government and private hospitals. The meeting’s outcome is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s healthcare landscape as the government seeks to address mounting concerns ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

Politics, West Bengal

Trinamool Strengthens Social Media Efforts Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata : With the 2026 assembly elections approaching, the ruling Trinamool Congress has intensified its social media efforts to shape its electoral strategy. Speculation has arisen regarding Trinamool’s reliance on social media campaigns and whether it is shifting focus from AIPAC to alternative organizations for digital outreach. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a counter-attack, questioning Trinamool’s evolving digital strategy.

To lay out a structured approach for the upcoming elections, Habra Assembly MLA Jyotipriya Mallick convened an emergency meeting with an organization called FAM at a function house in the Habra Hijal Pukur area on Sunday. This organization has been tasked with promoting Trinamool’s development initiatives across social media platforms. The effort aims to strengthen the party’s presence in the digital space and counter misinformation while engaging with voters effectively.

FAM will operate in 24 wards of Habra Municipality, with five Trinamool workers from each ward collaborating with the organization to enhance the party’s digital reach. This initiative marks an intensified effort by Trinamool to establish a structured online campaign ahead of the assembly elections. The ruling party is taking proactive steps to ensure that its achievements and initiatives are effectively communicated to the public while addressing concerns over misleading narratives circulating on social media.

Following the meeting, MLA Jyotipriya Mallick emphasized that this organization would extend its activities across various parts of the district. The move underscores Trinamool’s commitment to leveraging digital platforms for voter engagement and ensuring that its political messaging reaches a broader audience in a strategic and coordinated manner.

Politics, West Bengal

Concerns Over Fake Voter Surge in West Bengal Prompt Government Action

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata : Concerns over fake voters have emerged in West Bengal, following previous reports of similar issues in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have noted an unexpected surge in voter numbers across multiple panchayat areas, raising suspicions of electoral malpractice. In response to a complaint from the Chief Minister, Nabanna has issued stringent directives to rectify voter lists and ensure accuracy in the electoral rolls. The state’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, has ordered District Magistrates to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent fraudulent voter registrations.

The Uttar Pradesh administration is also under pressure regarding this issue. On Saturday, the Chief Secretary convened a virtual meeting with District Magistrates from all districts and secretaries of various departments to address the matter. Officials have been instructed to meticulously verify all voter applications. In cases where an unusual surge in voter card applications is observed within a specific area, additional scrutiny must be conducted to rule out any irregularities.

The controversy has fueled political tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), with both parties accusing each other of electoral fraud. The BJP claims that TMC is orchestrating the influx of minority voters from Bangladesh to manipulate voter demographics, whereas TMC alleges that BJP is bringing in fraudulent voters from Bihar to gain an electoral advantage.

According to sources, authorities have already identified some fraudulent voters. A particularly suspicious case was discovered in the Champahati panchayat of Baruipur. During the last Lok Sabha elections, the number of registered voters in the area ranged from 18,500 to 19,000. However, recent data indicates a sharp increase, with the voter count reaching 22,400. This unexpected rise has raised serious concerns, prompting Nabanna to issue an urgent warning and implement corrective measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

West Bengal

Tragic Road Accident Claims Six Lives En Route to Kumbh Snan

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata: The sacred pilgrimage of Kumbh Snan remains an unfulfilled dream for many, as fate intervenes in unforeseen ways. In a tragic incident, six devotees from West Bengal lost their lives in a horrific road accident near Dhanbad, Jharkhand, while en route to Prayagraj for the auspicious Kumbh Snan. Three of the deceased were residents of Nalpa village in Garbetar, Paschim Medinipur, while the remaining three hailed from the Goghat police station area in Hooghly. Additionally, three others sustained severe injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Patliputra Medical College Hospital in Dhanbad.

The fatal accident occurred around 1:30 AM on Friday on Rajganj Road near Dhanbad. Among the deceased were Pranab Saha (42) of Garbetar and his wife, Shyamoli Saha (34), who died on the spot. Tragically, Pranab’s sister-in-law, Piyali Saha (32), a resident of Satberia in Goghat, and their driver, Sheikh Rajab Ali (46) from Bhadur in Goghat, also lost their lives. The tragedy deepened as Piyali’s daughter, Agamoni Saha (6), and Shyamoli’s daughter, Anvesha (5), succumbed to their injuries later at the hospital. Meanwhile, Piyali’s husband, Biswaroop (43), and Shyamoli’s son, Amal (15), remain in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care.

Following the devastating accident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her heartfelt condolences through social media. She assured that the state administration has been directed to provide all necessary assistance to the grieving families and facilitate the return of the deceased to their hometowns.

Politics, West Bengal

Shuvendu Adhikari’s Frequent Visits to Bhabanipur Spark Political Speculation

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 23, 2025, Kolkata : The political landscape of West Bengal is abuzz with speculation regarding BJP leader and Nandigram MLA Shuvendu Adhikari’s increasing focus on Bhabanipur. His repeated visits, meetings, processions, and rallies in the constituency have raised questions about his political strategy and future electoral plans.

On Sunday, Adhikari attended the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program in the Theater Road area of the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. His continuous presence in the region has led political analysts to believe that he may have a strategic interest beyond his current constituency. Adhikari has previously stated that contesting from Bhabanipur would be more favorable for him compared to Nandigram, citing the significant presence of non-Bengali voters in the area.

His recent activities include leading a procession in the Rash Behari-Tollygunge area, adjacent to Bhabanipur, in protest against alleged attacks on party workers. Furthermore, he raised the issue of Bhabanipur during a speech at the Assembly gates, urging Hindu voters to unite and participate actively in the political process.

Will Shuvendu contest from Bhabanipur constituency in 2026? This question is also circulating in the political circles. Although the opposition leader has not explicitly stated that he will contest from Bhabanipur, he has hinted at an interest in Mamata Banerjee’s constituency. At one time, Shuvendu primarily held 90 to 95 percent of his programs in Nandigram, occasionally conducting events outside. Regarding this, Shuvendu remarked, “We were holding a procession. In front of Taj Bengal and the Animal Hospital. There were no Trinamool people there. I came here and saw the reading room of the National Library. I had tea and snacks. For me, Bhabanipur is much easier than Nandigram.”

Adhikari’s repeated engagements in Bhabanipur have led to speculation about whether he intends to contest from this key constituency in the future. Political circles are closely watching his moves, as his potential candidature from Bhabanipur could significantly impact the state’s political dynamics. However, no official announcement has been made regarding his electoral plans, leaving room for further conjecture and debate within West Bengal’s political corridors.

Northeast, Politics

Reshuffle in Manipur under Prez Rule, 11officials transferred

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

PTI, IMPHAL, FEB 22, 2025 : Days after President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur, the state government on Friday transferred 11 officials, including six police officers, according to an official statement. Among the top officials who were transferred,

Superintendent of Police of Tamenglong district Babitarani Swain was given a new posting as SP of Chandel district, while the SP of Chandel was transferred to the post in Tamenglong.

Inspector General of Police (Internal/Narcotics and Affairs of Border) Kabib K was given a new posting as IGP Zone-III, while DIGP (NAB) Ningshen Worngam was transferred as IGP (Int/NAB) on promotion, the statement said.

Commissioner cum Secretary (Secretary to Chief Minister, Manipur/Social Welfare) and Special Secretary (Cabinet) N Geoffrey has been given a new place of posting as Commissioner cum Secretary (Social Welfare).

President’s Rule was imposed in strife-torn Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his post, which led to political uncertainty in the northeastern state.

The Manipur assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

Politics, West Bengal

Mamata-Abhishek Social Media Group Holds Key Event in Hooghly, Discusses Future Political Strategy

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Mamata-Abhishek Soci

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 22, 2025, Kolkata : A special event in Hooghly District saw the newly appointed Vice President of Hooghly Serampur Organizational District, Debashree Banerjee, and Mamata-Abhishek Social Media Group Hooghly District host a free health checkup camp and a reception for eminent personalities and journalists. The event took place at the Chunchura Garbati Swimming Club Ground, with numerous distinguished guests and members of the media in attendance.

The occasion was graced by a variety of notable figures, including Mohan Singh Roy, Executive President of the State Committee of Social Media, Hemant Pal, State Coordinator Abhishek Gupta, Municipal Chief Amit Roy, Chunchura Town President Sanjeev Mitra, Social Media’s Heart of India Mamata Abhishek District President Swapan Dutta, and several Hooghly councilors, including Jhantu Biswas, Rita Dutta, and Devyani Dutta. Other attendees included Trinamool Chhatra Parishad President Vaishali Duttagupta, South Kolkata Vice President Jayanti Bose, Arambagh Assembly President Satya Ranjan Patra, along with over a hundred members of the social media and Trinamool Congress communities. Additionally, more than a hundred journalists were present to cover the event.

Alongside the health camp, a special discussion meeting was organized focusing on strategies for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections, with an emphasis on ensuring Mamata Banerjee’s re-election as Chief Minister for the fourth term. During the event, Debashree Banerjee addressed the media, highlighting the important role of social media and journalism in showcasing the work being done by the government and the people. She emphasized the significant contribution of both platforms in advancing national awareness and fostering communication.

This initiative reflects the continued efforts of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in reaching out to the public, engaging with the media, and gearing up for the upcoming electoral challenge.

Crime, West Bengal

Chopper Attack Survivor Receives Life-Saving Treatment at SSKM After Ambush in Beniapukur

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 22, 2025, Kolkata : A young man from Beniapukur, who narrowly escaped death after a brutal ambush attack, has recovered after five months with the swift intervention of doctors at SSKM Hospital. The life-threatening attack left Ramzan with severe injuries to both his hands, which were nearly severed by a chopper in a targeted assault.

The incident began on the night of August 15, 2024. Ramzan had a heated argument with Chhatan Kallu, a local resident, over a football game. While the argument was resolved with the help of area residents, Chhatan was determined to take revenge. The next day, on August 16, Ramzan was sitting inside a factory in the area, chatting with his friends, when Chhatan and several hired goons ambushed him.

Around 3 pm, the attackers struck Ramzan with a chopper, injuring both of his hands severely. When Ramzan tried to defend himself by shooting a gun, the weapon malfunctioned, and the bullets failed to fire. Amidst the chaos, local residents rushed to the scene, forcing the attackers to flee. They immediately took Ramzan to SSKM Hospital, where he received emergency treatment.

The Beniapukur police have filed a murder case and are investigating the incident. Ramzan’s miraculous recovery, after months of treatment at SSKM Hospital, has helped the police proceed with the investigation and advance the case further.

Education, West Bengal

Madhyamik Pariksha Candidates Disqualified After Alleged Use of AI and Mobile Phones During Secondary Examination in Kolkata

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 22, 2025, Kolkata : In a shocking turn of events, a candidate from a Kolkata school has had all their exams cancelled after being accused of using artificial intelligence (AI) apps to answer math questions during the ongoing secondary examinations. This incident comes alongside allegations involving five other candidates who were reportedly using mobile phones during the exams, despite the strict rules set by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education.

The Board had explicitly stated at the beginning of this year’s examinations that the use of mobile phones or any electronic gadgets by students within the examination halls would result in the cancellation of all their exams for the year. The rules extended to teachers as well, who were prohibited from using mobile phones during the exam process.

However, the discovery of students using mobile phones for unauthorized assistance has raised questions about how such incidents occurred despite these stringent regulations. Furthermore, the use of AI apps has added another layer to the controversy. One particular incident involved a candidate from Badartala High School in South Kolkata, who was reportedly sending math questions to an AI app while seated at Battala High School. The app would then provide immediate solutions, which the candidate was using during the exam. Complaints have also emerged from the same examination center, alleging that some students were sending their question papers to external contacts and receiving answers via their phones.

In response to these allegations, the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education confirmed that 19 candidates had their mobile phones seized during the exams, while one candidate was caught using a smartwatch. As a result of these infractions, all the exams for these accused students have been cancelled, ensuring they will not be allowed to sit for the remaining papers of this year’s secondary examination.

This series of incidents has sparked concerns among educational circles regarding the effectiveness of the Board’s measures and the growing influence of technology in examination malpractice. The Board has vowed to further tighten security and monitoring during future examinations to prevent similar violations.

National, Politics

Prashant Kishor Calls for Reform in Election Commission Appointment Process, Questions Credibility Amid Opposition Allegations

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 22, 2025, Kolkata : Amid growing allegations of bias against the Election Commission, Jan Suraj Party chief Prashant Kishor has demanded a reform in the appointment process of the Election Commission to restore its credibility. Kishor’s remarks came today in response to recent criticisms and concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the impartiality of the Election Commission, especially after the recent appointment of an Election Commissioner.

Speaking to reporters, Kishor highlighted a change in the law regarding the Election Commissioner’s appointment, which he believes undermines the credibility of the process. He stated, “The Supreme Court had previously ordered that the Chief Justice should be included in the appointment committee. However, Modi has changed the law on this issue. If two out of the three members of the appointment committee are Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, the process is questionable, especially since Rahul Gandhi is not the third person.”

This statement comes in the wake of mounting allegations from the opposition about the Election Commission’s bias, with some questioning the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Kishor addressed this concern, acknowledging that the impartiality of the Election Commissioner could indeed come under scrutiny due to the questionable nature of the appointment process. He suggested that the inclusion of the Chief Justice in the committee would have safeguarded the Commission’s credibility.

Kishor also commented on the ongoing debate about the integrity of EVMs, asserting, “I am not the kind of person to complain about rigging in EVMs. However, those who are making these complaints should be honest in their statements. When you win, the EVMs are right, and when you lose, the cards in the EVMs are silent. If there is doubt about the EVMs, then those who complain should boycott the elections.”

His comments reflect the growing concerns within the political landscape about the perceived bias and fairness of the electoral process. Kishor’s call for a change in the election process and appointment procedures aims to restore public confidence in the integrity of the system.

Education, West Bengal

Tensions Escalate at Kolkata University Event Following Alleged Incident, Leading to Disruptions and Conflict Between Student Organizations

February 23, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 22, 2025, Kolkata : A disturbing incident at a university event has led to intense disputes between two prominent student organizations, resulting in disruption to university activities and the cancellation of a performance by renowned musician Abhijit Barman.

Manjishtha Basu, a third-year student at the university, took to social media to allege that Ahan Karmakar, a former student, molested a second-year mathematics student during the fresher’s event ‘Icon,’ which was organized by the IC student group. In her post, Basu further accused Karmakar of forcibly taking the microphone from the student and physically assaulting her. The allegations sparked heated verbal altercations and physical confrontations between members of two rival student organizations, the SFI and the IC.

Amid the turmoil, IC members claimed that Roy, a roof member of SFI, attacked one of their own with the microphone. The escalating tension led to a standstill at the event, and the invited musicians, including Barman and his team, were unable to perform.

The chaos extended beyond the immediate aftermath of the event on Friday night, with visible signs of discord on campus the following Saturday. The disturbance caused a significant disruption to university operations, effectively halting academic activities. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students, as well as the increasing polarization within the student community.

University authorities are expected to review the situation and take appropriate actions in response.

Crime, West Bengal

Kolkata Police Arrest Man in Multi-Crore Investment Fraud Case

February 21, 2025 Kalimpong News Leave a comment

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 21, 2025, Kolkata : The Kolkata Police Cyber Cell has arrested Rajdeep Sinha, a resident of Nandanpalli in the Dattapukur area, on charges of being involved in a large-scale investment fraud. The arrest followed a complaint filed by a victim, Hamid Ansari, who had been swindled out of over one crore rupees through a fraudulent investment scheme.

According to police sources, the fraud was discovered after investigators tracked a series of suspicious transactions in Sinha’s bank accounts. The accused allegedly contacted Ansari via WhatsApp and later added him to a group. Within the group, Sinha presented fake documents purportedly from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), convincing Ansari to make a series of payments for a supposed investment opportunity.

The total amount defrauded from Ansari was approximately 1 crore 12 lakh 44 thousand rupees. Police further uncovered that the victim had transferred an initial sum of 14 lakh 32 thousand rupees as part of the scam. Following the complaint, authorities launched a thorough investigation, which ultimately led to Sinha’s arrest.

The police are now exploring whether other individuals are involved in the fraud scheme, with further inquiries underway. Investigators are working to identify the full scope of the operation and any other potential victims. The arrest marks a significant step in combating cyber fraud in the region, and authorities have urged the public to remain cautious of similar scams.