Kolkata News Today | Latest Local & Regional Updates

For the second consecutive day, train services across parts of West Bengal have been disrupted after a railway track section sank, prompting emergency repair work. Rail authorities have deployed crews working on a 'war footing' to restore the damaged line. The delay has affected commuters and freight operations, but officials expect the route to reopen shortly, underscoring the need for timely maintenance.

Heavy rain accompanied by 40 km/h winds and frequent lightning struck North Kolkata early today, causing power cuts and waterlogged streets. Residents reported brief outages as the storm moved across the area, while some roads were temporarily closed. Local authorities urged people to stay indoors and avoid open spaces until the weather stabilises. The meteorological department warned of continued showers in the coming hours.

In a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari laid the foundation stone of a new film centre dedicated to the actor’s legacy. The event, held in West Bengal, underscores the state’s commitment to celebrating its cinematic heritage and creating a hub for film education and research. The centre is expected to house archives, host film screenings, and serve as a cultural landmark for both filmmakers and fans.

In a recent statement, former West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denied that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed against a teacher for removing a tilak from a student’s forehead. He asserted that such an action would not occur in Bengal and that the alleged FIR was unfounded. The claim has drawn attention to the ongoing debate over cultural symbols in schools and the legal processes surrounding them. No further details on the teacher or the incident have been released.

West Bengal’s flood situation has been a concern for many residents across the state. In a recent statement, former West Bengal MLA and prominent BJD leader Suvendu Adhikari reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm, noting that water levels are expected to recede shortly. His comments come amid ongoing relief efforts and monitoring by state officials. The announcement was made to address rising fears as monsoon rains continue to impact several districts.

The West Bengal government has directed the vacant of TMC MP Abhishek’s office in Kolkata after discovering violations of fire safety regulations. The directive, issued by the state authorities, requires the office premises to be cleared immediately to address the identified safety concerns. No further details about the specific violations or the timeline for compliance have been released yet.

Heavy rains have caused the ground beneath railway tracks to sink near Farakka, disrupting train services in West Bengal. The subsidence, reported on a Thursday, led to a temporary halt of both passenger and freight trains in the affected sector. Railway authorities have issued advisories and are inspecting the track for safety. The incident underscores the vulnerability of rail infrastructure to extreme weather events in the region.

The West Bengal Minister of Education Jagannath Chattopadhyay has issued a notice to 450 BEd institutions in the state, citing allegations of cash‑for‑degree practices. The notice highlights several major lapses in administrative and academic processes and demands remedial action. It forms part of a state drive to curb corruption in teacher education and to ensure that degrees are awarded based on merit. The institutions are required to submit detailed reports and comply with the ministry’s directives within a specified period.

In a recent incident, the office of Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata was vandalised, prompting a police operation that led to the arrest of six individuals. Authorities have stated that, so far, no political connection has been established with the act. The case remains under investigation, with police monitoring for potential links and motives.

An anti‑corruption panel carried out searches at two companies owned by former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim. The operation, aimed at gathering documents related to alleged irregularities, took place in the city’s business district. Authorities said the search was part of an ongoing investigation into possible corruption. No comments have yet been released by Hakim or his representatives.

Kolkata recorded almost 80 mm of rainfall on Tuesday as heavy showers swept through South Bengal, bringing widespread flooding and traffic disruptions. The sudden downpour led to waterlogging in many localities and prompted authorities to deploy emergency services. Residents were advised to stay indoors and avoid travelling on congested roads. The National Weather Service confirmed the intensity of the storm across the region.

The Enforcement Directorate carried out search operations at 11 locations spread across West Bengal and Jharkhand as part of its investigation into a ₹290‑crore bank fraud. Officials seized documents and other evidence linked to alleged money‑laundering. The probe aims to trace the movement of illicit funds and identify those involved. The investigation remains active.

R G Kar, the former chairman of a Bengal municipality, was taken into custody by police after a pursuit that crossed state lines. The arrest followed a series of investigations into alleged irregularities during his tenure. Police officials said the chase began in one state and culminated in the city where Kar was detained. The case adds to the growing scrutiny of municipal leaders in West Bengal. Authorities are expected to present the case in court soon.

নতুনপাতা নামের একটি নতুন সংবাদপত্রের ৪র্থ সংস্করণ ২০২৬ সালের ৩ সেপ্টেম্বর প্রকাশিত হয়েছে। এতে ‘বলা পারো’ শিরোনামের একটি কলাম রয়েছে, যা অমল কর লিখেছেন। এই সংস্করণটি প্রকাশকের প্রথম কয়েকটি প্রকাশনার অংশ, যা স্থানীয় পাঠকদের জন্য নতুন দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি এনে দিয়েছে।

A TMC office in Kolkata was ransacked in a recent incident that has prompted strong reactions from both parties. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee condemned the attack as a case of thuggery, while BJP officials dismissed the event as a staged act. Police have opened an inquiry and are reviewing security arrangements at the site. The episode adds to the escalating political tensions in West Bengal.

The Malda district administration has launched a large‑scale project to upgrade 3,000 government schools by installing ‘learning walls’. These walls, painted with alphabets, numbers, and solar‑system imagery, aim to enhance visual learning and make classrooms more engaging for students. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize educational infrastructure across the district.

In a public demonstration, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stood on a bulldozer and destroyed 200,000 bottles of illicit cough syrup. The act aimed to highlight the government's crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical distribution and to raise public awareness about the health risks posed by unregulated cough medicines. The event was organized as part of a broader campaign against counterfeit drugs in the state.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at 14 sites across West Bengal and several other states as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged toll fraud on national highways. The operation targeted officials and entities suspected of manipulating toll collection data to siphon off revenue. While specific names and amounts are pending, the raids underscore the government’s focus on curbing corruption in toll administration. Authorities have seized documents and equipment related to the alleged scheme, and further inquiries are expected.

Former footballer Derek O'Brien was taken to a Kolkata police station following a brief scuffle at a Trinamool Congress office billboard. The incident, which occurred on a Tuesday evening near TMC headquarters, involved a dispute over the billboard display that escalated into a confrontation. Police responded, detained O'Brien for questioning, and announced no charges had been filed yet. The event attracted media attention due to O'Brien’s profile and the political context.

The state government has rolled out fresh penalties targeting spitting and littering in public areas as part of a broader cleanliness initiative. The new fines aim to curb the rising litter problem and improve the appearance of streets and public transport hubs across West Bengal, including Kolkata. Authorities will enforce the measures through a network of municipal officers and CCTV surveillance.

The niece of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was discovered dead in her residence in Birbhum district. Authorities have taken the case under investigation, but no details on the cause of death have been released. Family members are reportedly in mourning as local police work to ascertain the circumstances. The incident has drawn attention due to the victim’s connection to the state’s political leadership.

Abhishek Banerjee, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress, was taken into police custody on Tuesday in connection with a street clash that erupted in a Kolkata neighbourhood. While being transported, he was cheered by his supporters who shouted political slogans. The incident follows a series of confrontations involving TMC cadres and opposition groups in the city. Police have not yet released details on the charges or the outcome of the questioning.

The West Bengal government has introduced a new directive requiring senior officials to meet residents in person twice a week. The move aims to cut down on appointment‑based requests and enable quicker resolution of public grievances. Officials will hold open sessions in their respective districts, allowing citizens to bring concerns directly to the desk of a governmental officer. The initiative is part of a wider effort to improve transparency and service delivery across the state.

In a wave of demonstrations, women from several districts of West Bengal have taken to the streets demanding that the Annapurna Yojana – a state welfare program aimed at supporting women – be implemented as promised. Many protestors claim they were denied subsidies, leaving them in debt. The rallies, which began in Kolkata’s Maidan and spread to other towns, call for the government to honor its commitments and provide relief to affected families.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has reiterated a strategy to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in power by focusing on a democratic defeat of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The CM, who has been leading the opposition since 2021, emphasized that the BJP’s future hinges on winning elections through legitimate means rather than force. He called upon his party and supporters to mobilize voters, strengthen grassroots outreach, and maintain discipline across the state. The call comes ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls, where the BJP seeks to expand its foothold against a resurgent TMC.