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Latest Kolkata news in 60 words — AI-curated, English & Hindi.

• Police Search Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence

  West Bengal police searched Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence for over four hours on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This was in connection with a financial embezzlement case, with police looking for his personal assistant, Sumit Roy. Mamata Banerjee visited her nephew's home but didn't comment. Abhishek Banerjee has multiple summons for other cases, including a signature scandal and a recruitment scam.

  6/13/2026

• 4,000 EVMs Gutted in Kolkata Fire, Sabotage Suspected

  Around 4,000 electronic voting machines (EVMs) were gutted in a fire on June 10, 2026, at a nine-storey government building in Kolkata's Alipore area, housing the South 24 Parganas Zila Parishad office. West Bengal Fire Minister Koushik Chowdhury flagged the possibility of sabotage, noting the fire's unusual spread and delayed fire service notification. The EVMs were used in recent state assembly elections across 10 constituencies. A four-member Special Investigating Team (SIT) has been formed, and forensic experts are examining the site to determine the cause. The incident has led to a political dispute, with the Trinamool Congress questioning the Election Commission of India.

  6/12/2026

• Calcutta High Court Grants Interim Protection to Abhishek Banerjee in Forgery Case

  The Calcutta High Court on June 11, 2026, granted interim protection from coercive action to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in a signature forgery case. He was directed to appear before the CID on the same day by 6 PM for questioning, with protection extended for three weeks from any immediate arrest. The case involves allegations of forged MLA signatures on documents related to the selection of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, with discrepancies noted in meeting dates and signature submissions. The CID will submit an investigation report in two weeks.

  6/11/2026

• Cash, Alcohol, Condoms Seized From Bengal School Amid Embezzlement Probe

  West Bengal police seized ₹1.77 crore in cash, along with alcohol bottles, condom packets, and a bedroom-like room, from the Harnett English Medium School in Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas. The recovery follows a complaint by acting principal Bikash Chandra Pal on June 10, alleging embezzlement and misappropriation of school funds by four individuals, including the accountant. Two individuals have been detained for questioning. The principal claims the cash, collected from students since April, was supposed to be deposited, and expressed shock over the "inappropriate items" found in what was designated a sick room.

  6/11/2026

• Saayoni Ghosh Joins Rebel TMC Camp Amid Deepening Crisis

  TMC's internal crisis escalated as Jadavpur MP Saayoni Ghosh joined the rebel faction led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, citing lack of support and no future within the party. Ghosh, recently appointed chief of the party's women's wing, extended her support and signed documents for the breakaway group. This follows Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev's resignation earlier today and former Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy's exit last week. Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar previously claimed around 20 TMC MPs were looking to align with the NDA, intensifying the challenge for Mamata Banerjee.

  6/10/2026

• West Bengal drops ‘Dham’ from Digha Jagannath Temple

  West Bengal's new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has decided to remove the word "Dham" from the Digha Jagannath Temple's name, acceding to Odisha's request. The decision, announced after a Cabinet meeting, addresses a controversy sparked by the previous Mamata Banerjee government's use of "Dham" for the Digha temple, which was inaugurated in April last year. Odisha, home to the 12th-century Puri Jagannath Temple, considered Puri as the sole Jagannath Dham and argued the Digha temple’s naming hurt religious sentiments and diluted Puri's distinct heritage. The complex will continue to function as a Jagannath cultural centre.

  6/10/2026

• Howrah Illegal Construction Scam Unearths Rs 2000 Crore Fraud

  An alleged Rs 2000 crore illegal construction scam has surfaced in Howrah, West Bengal, implicating officials, former ministers, and councilors. Between 2013 and 2020, over 3000 unauthorized flats were reportedly built and sold by promoters without permits, many on existing 3-story buildings, increasing load and collapse risk. An RTI inquiry, initiated by A.P. Singh of Whistleblowers, revealed the fraudulent regularization of these constructions by Howrah Municipal Corporation after imposing fines, a practice illegal under municipal law. The Calcutta High Court is currently hearing a related PIL, emphasizing that illegal constructions cannot be regularized solely based on buyer investment, raising concerns about potential major accidents.

  6/9/2026

• BSF Provides Aid to 10 Stranded Bangladeshis in No-Man's Land

  The BSF rescued 10 Bangladeshi nationals, including a family, who were stranded for several days in the India-Bangladesh no-man's land near Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, amidst pre-monsoon rains. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had refused them entry, allegedly confiscating their documents, despite earlier discussions with BSF to repatriate them. The Bangladeshis stated they approached the border due to West Bengal's "Detect and Deport" policy for illegal immigrants. The BSF has since moved them to a holding center in Jalpaiguri for shelter and food, while pressing BGB to expedite their verification process for return to Bangladesh.

  6/9/2026

• TMC Faces Major Split as 20 MPs Rebel, Seek Separate Bloc; HQ Also at Risk

  TMC is facing a significant internal crisis with 20 of its 28 Lok Sabha MPs, led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Sukhndu Shekhar Roy, rebelling to form a separate parliamentary group, citing "anarchy and disarray" within the party. This development follows 60 of 80 MLAs already splitting from the party. The rebellious MPs met Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, potentially aligning with the NDA. Additionally, TMC's Kolkata headquarters is now under threat as its landlord has filed a police complaint to reclaim the property after the rental agreement expired in late 2025.

  6/8/2026

• Trinamool Congress Leader Jahangir Khan Arrested in West Bengal

  On June 8, 2026, the West Bengal police's Special Task Force arrested Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, a candidate for the Falta Assembly seat, as he attempted to flee India. Khan had withdrawn from the Falta re-poll on May 21, following allegations of electoral malpractices during the April 29 polling, which led to the Election Commission cancelling the initial election. Khan, an influential leader from South 24 Parganas, has also faced accusations of land grabbing and extortion post-regime change in the state. BJP secured the Falta seat by over one lakh votes in the re-poll.

  6/8/2026

• Ayushman Bharat Scheme to be Implemented in West Bengal from July 2026

  West Bengal will implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) from July 2026, making it the 36th state/union territory to adopt the scheme. This decision, announced by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari following the formation of the first BJP government in the state, will provide health coverage of ₹5 lakh to approximately 6 crore people. An MoU will be signed between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the West Bengal government for its implementation. The state's existing Swasthya Sathi scheme beneficiaries will gradually be transitioned to Ayushman cards, making them eligible for cashless treatment nationwide.

  6/8/2026

• TMC Councillor Bappaditya Dasgupta Arrested Amidst Public Outcry and Egg Attack in Kolkata

  Trinamool Congress Councillor Bappaditya Dasgupta of Kolkata Municipal Corporation's Ward 101 was arrested on June 6, 2026, along with accomplice Sourav Ghosh, following a complaint by advocate Paramita Dey. Dey alleged Dasgupta demanded ₹20 lakh for setting up a legal chamber, forcing her to pay ₹2 lakh, and later vandalized her property with attempted arson after the 2021 Assembly elections. Protests erupted on June 7, 2026, outside Patuli police station, culminating in demonstrators pelting eggs at Dasgupta as police escorted him to Alipore court. The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for extortion, criminal trespass, intimidation, and attempted arson.

  6/7/2026

• Mamata Banerjee’s Meeting Sees Low Attendance Amidst TMC Internal Crisis

  Amidst an escalating internal crisis within the Trinamool Congress, only 8 MLAs and 6 MPs attended a meeting at former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence. This low turnout follows a previous incident where approximately 60 out of 80 MLAs skipped a crucial gathering. Rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, who recently became the Leader of Opposition, claims growing support for his faction, stating their numbers will increase. The party clarified it was a National Working Committee meeting, with some members joining virtually. The situation highlights a significant challenge for the TMC, especially after its loss to the BJP in the recent Assembly elections.

  6/6/2026

• NIA Arrests Ex-TMC MLA Saokat Molla Near Kolkata After Cross-Border Escape Attempt

  The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Saokat Molla near Kolkata after he attempted to escape across the international border. Following intelligence inputs, the NIA alerted the BSF, intensifying surveillance. Molla, abandoning his cross-border plan due to heightened security, went into hiding. Investigators tracked his communications through a third-party mobile phone used to contact his family, leading to his apprehension as he tried to re-enter Kolkata. He is currently in federal custody.

  6/5/2026

• Swarup Biswas, TMC leader and ex-minister's brother, arrested for sexual harassment, extortion

  Kolkata Police arrested Swarup Biswas, brother of former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas and a TMC leader, on June 4, 2026, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Arms Act. The arrest stems from a complaint by makeup artist Simran Pal, who alleged sexual harassment, extortion of over ₹22 lakh from multiple individuals, and an attempt to murder her after she refused sexual advances. Biswas, formerly president of the FCTWEI, was also criticized for a "ban culture" in the Bengali film industry. His brother, Aroop Biswas, faces an FIR for alleged extortion and ticket diversion during Lionel Messi's Kolkata tour.

  6/5/2026

• Rebel Trinamool MLAs Shift Stance, Affirm Mamata as "Supreme Leader"

  Within 24 hours of 58 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs backing expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee for Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, a faction of these rebels has softened its stance, reaffirming Mamata Banerjee as their "supreme leader" rather than just an "advisor." This move contradicts Ritabrata Banerjee's earlier statement of wanting Mamata as "chief advisor." The rebellion appears directed more towards Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC general secretary, and raises questions about the authenticity and secrecy of the 58 MLAs' signatory list. The unity among TMC MPs remains unaffected, with MP Mahua Moitra challenging rebel MLAs to resign and re-contest.

  6/4/2026

• Ritrabrata Banerjee Becomes Bengal Leader of Opposition, Posing Challenge to Mamata Banerjee

  Ritrabrata Banerjee, expelled from the Trinamool Congress, has been elected as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly with the support of over 58 TMC MLAs. This move, seen as a major blow to Mamata Banerjee, makes Banerjee the first leader from another party (CPM) to split TMC by garnering two-thirds of its MLAs. Banerjee, who began his career in SFI, was previously a close aide to both Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and Mamata Banerjee. Reportedly, his rebellion stems from a conflict with TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and the growing influence of the I-PAC consultancy.

  6/3/2026

• TMC Faces Split: 58 MLAs Rebel Against Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal

  Following a defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, 58 Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLAs, led by expelled legislator Ritabrata Banerjee, have declared themselves the "real TMC" and submitted a letter of support to the Assembly Speaker. They allege widespread corruption and express strong disapproval of Abhishek Banerjee's leadership, stating he has no public connect and is responsible for the party's current state. They have requested Mamata Banerjee to remain the chief advisor, while the party has dismissed all its committees in Bengal amidst this rebellion.

  6/3/2026

• Ritabrata Banerjee, Expelled TMC MLA, Becomes Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly

  Expelled Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has been appointed as the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, two days after his expulsion from the party. The Speaker, Rathindra Basu, accepted the letter of support from 58 rebellious MLAs, stating that two-thirds of the MLAs elected on TMC tickets (60 out of 80) are backing Banerjee. Subsequently, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim resigned, citing the state government's alleged efforts to neutralize the municipal corporation, amidst rising dissent within the TMC following their recent electoral defeat. This development signals a significant challenge to Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

  6/3/2026

• Cash and Revolver Found in Kolkata College

  A substantial amount of burnt and partially damaged cash, potentially running into crores, along with a revolver, was discovered inside the Trinamool Congress (TMC) student council office at Kolkata's Surendra Nath College. The police investigation revealed several suitcases filled with currency, raising questions about the money's origin and purpose. Further probe into closed rooms on the fifth floor of a new building, meant for classrooms, revealed them converted into bedrooms with attached toilets, beds, and furniture, intensifying the suspicion of misuse of college premises and potential financial irregularities. This has led to public outrage and calls for a thorough inquiry.

  6/3/2026

• TMC Faces Internal Strife Post-Election Defeat, Factionalism Rises

  Following a recent election defeat, West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with internal dissent and a series of resignations, prompting speculation about its potential split. Two TMC MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, complained to the Speaker about alleged forged signatures on a party resolution, leading to their expulsion. Several leaders have publicly blamed the party's electoral strategy and governance. Mamata Banerjee attributes this instability to BJP machinations, alleging threats and financial inducements to party members, while BJP state president Ritesh Tiwari claims TMC will dissolve naturally due to selfish elements and public disillusionment.

  6/3/2026

• Mamata Banerjee faces rebellion as 50+ MLAs back Ritabrata Banerjee for LoP

  Following an electoral defeat in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee's TMC faces an open rebellion as more than 50 of its 80 MLAs are reportedly backing expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee for the Leader of Opposition (LoP) post, challenging the party's official nominee Sobhondeb Chattopadhyay. The crisis began with allegations of forged signatures on a resolution supporting Chattopadhyay, leading to a CID investigation and Banerjee's expulsion. This internal dissent threatens to split the TMC, with some comparing it to Maharashtra's political ruptures, and comes amid claims of several TMC MPs exploring a shift to the BJP.

  6/2/2026

• Mamata Alleges Police Coercion Against Trinamool MLAs

  Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee accused police, local ICs, and SPs of threatening and coercing party MLAs, preventing them from attending party meetings and pressuring them to defect. This allegation emerged after only 20 out of 80 Trinamool MLAs attended a party meeting on May 31, 2026, leading to its cancellation. Banerjee claimed the BJP was behind these threats, aiming to destabilize the party, and also alleged widespread rigging in 177 seats. The party's scheduled protest in Kolkata was also denied police permission.

  6/1/2026