"west-bengal"

A 14-year-old girl from Gangtok, Sikkim, staged her own kidnapping and demanded Rs 3 lakh from her parents. She was rescued in Siliguri, West Bengal, and police investigations confirmed the ransom calls and voice notes were self-generated

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar warned against the misuse of AI-generated deepfakes during election campaigns while announcing Assembly poll dates for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, where 17.4 crore voters are eligible to cast ballots.

Zoological Survey of India scientists discovered two new lichen moth species—*Caulocera hollowayi* and *Asura buxa*—in the eastern Himalayas. The findings, published in *Zootaxa*, enhance understanding of India’s moth biodiversity and aid ecological monitoring of sensitive ecosystems

The West Bengal government submitted a report to the Union Home Ministry responding to queries on alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Bengal. The state denied lapses, saying local officials followed procedures, amid political tensions and criticism over the visit

A sharper decline in women voters following West Bengal’s electoral roll revision has introduced a new political variable ahead of the Assembly polls. Analysts say even marginal shifts in the crucial women electorate could influence outcomes in tightly contested constituencies.

The Centre has sought an explanation from the West Bengal government over alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit. Questions were raised over venue changes, low turnout, absence of senior officials and violations of Blue Book rules governing presidential security.

The Election Commission of India received a report from West Bengal’s CEO flagging deliberate delays by electoral officers during the Special Intensive Revision. The office recommended disciplinary action, while a dispute erupted with the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Officers’ Association

The Election Commission of India will publish West Bengal’s final voters’ list, categorising names as “approved”, “under adjudication”, or “deleted”, with lakhs under judicial scrutiny and multiple online and offline verification options available to electors

The Election Commission of India estimates 2,500 CAPF companies may be needed for a single-phase West Bengal Assembly poll. Final decision on phases depends on feasibility, balancing security deployment with preventing voter intimidation and reducing multi-phase election complexity

Security agencies arrested eight suspects from West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, uncovering an alleged ISI-backed terror plot linked to Bangladesh-based groups. Investigators suspect plans targeting Delhi and northern temples, with possible Lashkar-e-Taiba involvement. The accused will be questioned further

Priyanjali Neogi, wife of former Forward Bloc MLA and Congress leader Ali Imran Ramz, accused him of long-term physical, mental, and financial abuse. She appealed to Congress leadership and Mamata Banerjee for intervention; he denied allegations

Union Budget 2026 allocates funds for the Dankuni–Surat freight corridor, East Coast Industrial Corridor, tourism under Purvodaya, and 4,000 e-buses, drawing political debate as West Bengal prepares for Assembly elections, with TMC dismissing the moves as campaign-driven.

The Election Commission of India clarified that hearing notices sent to celebrities and prominent figures in West Bengal, including Chandra Kumar Bose, Dev, and Mohammed Shami, were routine due to incomplete voter linkage details. Hearings continue until February 7 before Assembly poll dates are announced

In Beldanga, Murshidabad, West Bengal, police and Rapid Action Force maintained strict vigil after two days of protests over alleged migrant worker deaths. Violence included roadblocks, stone pelting, and assaults on journalists, leading to 30 arrests, including four linked to attacks on media personnel

Hanamkonda police arrested three members of an inter-state gang from West Bengal involved in daylight robberies across multiple states. The gang, addicted to narcotics, targeted houses in Karimnagar and Hanamkonda, stealing gold, silver and cash.

Jharkhand issues alert after two suspected Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Health ministry mandates strict surveillance, rapid reporting, and public awareness to prevent outbreak. Union Health Minister assures full central support to West Bengal for containment and monitoring

The political storm in poll-bound West Bengal, triggered by multiple ED raids, once again blurs the line between criminal investigation and electoral politics

BJP criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for allegedly threatening Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his Kolkata visit, calling her rule “tanasahi.” Party leaders also accused TMC of past attacks on BJP activists and undermining democracy in the state

The Election Commission of India will closely scrutinise domicile certificates issued in West Bengal after July 2025 during hearings on the draft voters’ list. The move follows opposition complaints of irregular issuance, with two-level verification ordered ahead of Assembly elections

West Bengal MLA Humayun Kabir, recently suspended by the TMC, launched a new political party, Janata Unnayan Party, ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. He named candidates, unveiled the party flag, and challenged Mamata Banerjee, prompting reactions from BJP and TMC.