Leaving behind a comfortable life in Switzerland to work in one of India's most challenging regions, Sandra Lavie Gojkovic has spent around 15 years working with communities in the Sundarbans of West Bengal.

What began as a simple intention to help people gradually turned into a long-term effort focused on education, women's empowerment and social awareness.

The Sundarbans is far removed from the image of an easy tourist destination. The region is regularly affected by cyclones, floods and changing tides, while reaching remote villages can itself be difficult. Yet these challenges did not stop Sandra from returning after a serious health setback and continuing her work with local communities.

A Difficult Journey to the Sundarbans

Sandra's journey to the remote parts of the Sundarbans involved travelling by train from Kolkata before continuing by boat.

For communities living in the region, boats are often an essential means of transport, with their movement influenced by the tides. Cyclones and flooding can further disrupt daily life, making access to basic services difficult.

After reaching the area, Sandra began spending time with villagers and understanding the problems they faced.

She soon realised that financial assistance alone would not address many of the challenges. Education, local participation and sustainable community-based initiatives were equally important.

Education Became the Starting Point

One of the biggest concerns she encountered was the lack of reliable educational opportunities for children.

Although government schools were present in the region, villagers raised concerns about the quality and regularity of education. Many children also lacked a suitable environment for consistent learning.

Sandra eventually decided to help establish a primary school.

The initiative began on a modest scale. Instead of waiting for a large project or substantial funding, she focused on arranging the basic resources needed to create a functioning learning environment for children.

Malaria Forced Her to Return Home

Her work in the Sundarbans was interrupted when Sandra contracted severe malaria.

Her condition became serious enough for her to return to Switzerland for treatment. Doctors reportedly warned her about returning to such a challenging environment.

But after recovering, Sandra decided to come back to India.

For her, leaving permanently would have meant abandoning work that had already begun. She therefore returned to the Sundarbans and continued working with the community.

Winning the Trust of Families

Starting a school was only the first challenge. Convincing families to send their children regularly was another.

Initially, some parents were hesitant about sending their children to school. Local teachers and members of the team played an important role in addressing these concerns by visiting families and explaining the importance of education.

Gradually, community confidence grew and more children began attending classes.

The initiative's focus also expanded beyond simply enrolling students. Efforts were made to improve the quality of education and prepare children for higher levels of schooling.

According to the information available about the initiative, the board examination performance of students associated with the programme improved from around 50 per cent to 100 per cent.

Awareness Campaigns Reach Thousands

Sandra's work was not limited to education.

Awareness campaigns were also conducted across around 30 villages in the Sundarbans on issues including child marriage, human trafficking and domestic violence.

The initiative reportedly sought to reach more than 20,000 people, with particular attention given to women and children.

The aim was not only to inform communities about these issues but also to encourage people to recognise their rights and speak out against practices that threaten their safety and future.

Helping Women Become Financially Independent

Women in the villages also became part of the initiative.

Training programmes, including skills such as sewing, were introduced to help women develop potential sources of income.

The objective was to move beyond providing short-term assistance and instead help women gain greater economic independence.

An important part of the model has been the involvement of local residents. According to the available information, much of the work is now managed with the help of local teams.

A 15-Year Journey Continues

Sandra's story stands out because her work did not begin as a large development project.

She came to the Sundarbans with an intention to help, but the needs she encountered convinced her to stay and work with the community for much longer.

Over the years, she faced serious illness, difficult weather conditions and the everyday challenges of working in a remote region.

Yet she continued to return and work alongside local people.

Her journey highlights a broader lesson about sustainable community development: lasting change is more likely when local communities themselves become part of the process.

Sandra's work has grown from a small educational effort into initiatives involving children's education, women's skills training and social awareness.

After 15 years in the Sundarbans, the most significant part of her contribution may not simply be the school she helped establish, but the local participation and confidence that have allowed the work to continue.

The West Bengal government has announced that all pending applications under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be processed within the next six months, with the state administration asserting that the law is intended to grant citizenship rather than revoke it.

Speaking at a citizenship certificate distribution programme in New Town on Saturday, Suvendu Adhikari said the implementation of the CAA had formally begun in the state and that eligible applicants would receive citizenship after completion of the prescribed process.

Around 300 members of the Matua community from North 24 Parganas were handed citizenship certificates during the event.

'CAA Grants Citizenship, Does Not Take It Away'

Addressing beneficiaries, the Chief Minister said the Citizenship Amendment Act was enacted to provide Indian citizenship to eligible refugees and should not be viewed as a law that strips existing citizens of their nationality.

He also alleged that the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government had created confusion regarding the legislation for political reasons.

Over 2.3 Lakh Applications Received

According to the Chief Minister, 2,30,605 applications have been received under the Citizenship Amendment Act across West Bengal.

He said 23,956 citizenship certificates have been issued so far, including 5,966 certificates distributed during the past 11 weeks.

District-wise, Nadia has recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 10,191 certificates issued, followed by North 24 Parganas, where 8,930 applicants have received citizenship documents.

State Begins CAA Implementation Process

The Chief Minister said the state has initiated the legal process for implementing the Citizenship Amendment Act and assured eligible applicants that they would receive protection under the law.

He stated that people belonging to communities covered under the Act who entered India before the prescribed cut-off date would be eligible to apply for citizenship through the online application process.

Border Security Measures Announced

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government had handed over 27 kilometres of land along the India-Bangladesh border to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing and security infrastructure.

He said the remaining land transfer process would be completed within two weeks and assured that additional land required for border security would also be made available whenever necessary.

What the Citizenship Amendment Act Provides

The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) provides a pathway to Indian citizenship for members of the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who migrated to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistanafter facing religious persecution and entered the country before the notified cut-off date under the Act.

Eligible applicants are required to submit their applications online. Under the Act, the minimum residency requirement for eligible refugees has been reduced from 11 years to five years.

The implementation of the CAA has remained a politically significant issue in West Bengal, where refugee communities, particularly the Matua community, constitute an important voter base.

The West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) has alleged that a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operative arrested in East Bardhaman district was part of a larger conspiracy to infiltrate and disrupt a student protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

According to STF officials, Hameem Mandal was acting on instructions from handlers based in Pakistan and had allegedly planned to enter the protest disguised as a police officer to create unrest. The allegations are part of the agency's ongoing investigation and have not yet been tested in court.

STF Claims Pakistan-Based Handlers Directed Operation

Addressing a press briefing, STF Inspector General Gaurav Sharma said investigators believe Mandal was assigned multiple tasks by Pakistan-based operatives.

Besides the alleged plan to infiltrate the protest, the STF claimed Mandal had also been instructed to monitor the movements of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and gather information related to his security arrangements.

Mandal was arrested earlier this week in East Bardhaman and has been remanded to 14 days of STF custody for further interrogation.

Girlfriend Arrested From Jharkhand

The STF has also arrested Arpita Sarkar from Sahibganj, Jharkhand, alleging that she was involved in the conspiracy.

A court has remanded her to 13 days of police custody.

Investigators claim both accused were working under the directions of a Pakistan-linked network allegedly associated with gangster Shahzad Bhatti.

Honey-Trap and Extortion Plot Under Investigation

According to the STF, Mandal and Sarkar allegedly conspired to honey-trap the son of a West Bengal state minister.

Officials claim the plan involved developing a personal relationship with the minister's son, kidnapping him and demanding ransom from the family.

The agency said it is investigating the individual roles of both accused and examining whether additional people were involved in the alleged conspiracy.

Radicalisation Through Social Media

Investigators allege Mandal became radicalised through social media before establishing contact with Pakistan-based operatives.

The STF said international SIM cards linked to the United Kingdom and Mexico were recovered during the investigation and suspects they were used for encrypted communication with handlers and sleeper cells.

According to investigators, Mandal and Sarkar first connected through Instagram around four years ago before meeting in person. The agency claims they were instructed to cultivate relationships with influential individuals to gather sensitive information.

Investigation Began After Minister's Complaint

The STF said the probe began following information about an alleged conspiracy to extort money from a state minister and kidnap his son using a honey-trap.

During the investigation, officers reportedly tracked a social media account operated by Arpita Sarkar, which eventually led them to Mandal.

Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying possible links to a wider network and verifying the extent of the alleged terror module's activities.

The allegations made by the STF are currently under investigation, and the accused have not been convicted of the offences alleged.

Police in West Bengal's Birbhum district recovered more than ₹28.5 crore in cash and around 15 kg of gold during a raid on Wednesday night, taking the estimated value of the total seizure close to ₹50 crore. The raid was conducted at the residence of Minar Mandal, who was subsequently arrested. According to the information available, the volume of cash was so large that five currency-counting machines reportedly stopped working during the overnight counting exercise. Police initially recovered around ₹20 crore, but as counting continued through the night, the figure increased to more than ₹28.5 crore. The cash was seized in around 25 bags and later packed into iron trunks before being taken to Mohammad Bazar police station. It is expected to be deposited in a bank as part of the investigation. Along with the currency, police recovered 14 gold bars weighing one kilogram each and 10 smaller gold biscuits weighing 100 grams each. The gold has been valued at approximately ₹21.5 crore.

Minar Mandal had earlier worked as a bus driver with the state transport department before becoming associated with the stone business. He is described as the manager and brother-in-law of absconding stone businessman Tulu Mandal, also known as Mohammad Najibuddin. According to the information provided, Minar told police during questioning that the seized cash and gold belonged to Tulu Mandal. Investigators are now trying to establish the source of the money and precious metal and determine whether other individuals were involved. Tulu Mandal has attracted attention in the past as well, including after reportedly organising an extravagant wedding for his daughter in 2024 that was estimated to have cost around ₹100 crore. He is also described as having been close to former TMC leader Anubrata Mandal. The political background surrounding the case has added further attention to the seizure. West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari praised law-enforcement agencies for the operation and also shared photographs from the raid on social media, according to the details provided.

Police are examining whether the Birbhum cash and gold seizure has links to alleged irregularities involving revenue collection from stone quarries. Investigators suspect that at least part of the recovered money could be connected to government revenue collected from mining operations but allegedly not deposited in the state treasury. Around 2016-17, Tulu Mandal was reportedly involved in DCR collection related to stone quarries in Birbhum. Allegations subsequently emerged of large-scale irregularities in the collection and deposit of government taxes. The BJP has claimed that only around ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh per day was earlier being deposited into government accounts from such collections, compared with revenue of about ₹83 crore per month now. These claims form part of the wider allegations and have not been presented here as judicially established findings. Tulu Mandal has previously been on the radar of central investigative agencies as well. The CBI raided premises linked to him in 2022 in connection with a cattle-smuggling investigation, while the Enforcement Directorate later summoned him to Delhi for questioning. No final judicial finding on those allegations has been mentioned in the information provided. The immediate investigation is now centred on tracing the source and ownership of the ₹28.5 crore cash and 15 kg of gold and determining why such a large quantity was allegedly being kept at Minar Mandal's residence.

The court's directions come in connection with allegations made by a woman who has accused the 23-year-old Bengal wicketkeeper-batter of establishing a physical relationship with her on the promise of marriage and later subjecting her to threats and intimidation.

According to the complaint, the woman and Porel first came into contact in January 2023. She has alleged that the cricketer took her to his apartment in Mankundu, where he assured her of marriage before entering into a relationship with her.

The complainant further claimed that she later discovered Porel was allegedly involved with other women and that the relationship subsequently deteriorated.

Among the more serious allegations are claims that private moments were recorded and that she was later threatened. The woman has also accused the cricketer of isolating her, restricting her movements and subjecting her to mental distress during the course of their association.

The complaint reportedly refers to an incident in Delhi in April 2026, after which the woman said her health condition worsened and she required medical treatment.

The matter was registered at Mogra Police Station in West Bengal on June 23, 2026, following which an investigation was initiated.

During the hearing, the High Court observed that digital evidence could play a crucial role in the case. The court noted that a pen drive containing potentially relevant material had already been seized and expressed concern that electronic data could be altered, destroyed or circulated if immediate action was not taken.

As a result, the court directed investigators to confiscate the accused's electronic devices and secure digital evidence connected to the case.

In its observations, the court stated that the seizure of electronic equipment was necessary to prevent any alleged private photographs, videos or other digital material from being further distributed while the investigation remains underway.

The court also took note of submissions indicating that efforts had already been made by police to locate and apprehend the accused. However, investigators had reportedly not succeeded in making an arrest so far.

Consequently, the High Court instructed law enforcement authorities to intensify their efforts and ensure that investigative steps, including the preservation of digital evidence, are carried out without delay.

The development has attracted considerable attention within cricket circles because Porel is regarded as one of Bengal's promising young cricketers.

The wicketkeeper-batter has represented Bengal extensively in domestic cricket and has also featured for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. He has emerged as a notable performer in recent seasons and was retained by the franchise ahead of IPL 2026.

During the latest IPL season, Porel appeared in four matches and scored 108 runs, continuing his rise within India's domestic cricket structure.

The cricketer has denied all allegations against him.

In earlier statements, Porel reportedly described the accusations as false and maintained that he had committed no wrongdoing. He has asserted that the claims made against him are baseless and has rejected the allegations in their entirety.

At this stage, the High Court's directions relate to the investigation process and do not amount to a determination of guilt. The allegations and counterclaims are expected to be examined further as investigators gather evidence and record statements.

With the court now pushing for stronger investigative action, attention is likely to remain focused on the progress of the case and the findings that emerge from the digital and forensic examination of the evidence.

Further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks as the investigation continues.

 The Supreme Court has clarified that the removal of a person's name from the electoral roll does not result in the loss of Indian citizenship. The court observed that voting rights and citizenship are two distinct legal issues, and the final authority to determine a person's citizenship rests solely with the Central Government under the due process of law.

The observation came during the hearing of petitions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, where several individuals alleged that their names had been removed from the voter list without proper justification.

Background of the Case

During the SIR exercise conducted in West Bengal in May 2026, numerous complaints emerged regarding the deletion of names from the electoral rolls. Several affected individuals approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the removal of their names from the voter list was being wrongly linked to questions over their Indian citizenship.

Taking note of these concerns, the apex court stressed that electoral eligibility and citizenship are governed by separate legal frameworks.

What the Supreme Court Said

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that while the Election Commission has the constitutional authority to conduct a limited verification of citizenship for the purpose of preparing accurate electoral rolls, such verification does not amount to a determination of citizenship.

The court clarified that any action taken by the Election Commission in this regard is limited to electoral eligibility and cannot be interpreted as a declaration that an individual has lost Indian citizenship.

Election Commission Cannot Decide Citizenship

The Bench further stated that the Election Commission's powers are confined to maintaining electoral rolls. The authority to decide whether a person is an Indian citizen lies exclusively with the Central Government under the provisions of the Citizenship Act and other applicable laws.

The judges reiterated that citizenship can only be taken away through a legally prescribed procedure and not merely because a person's name no longer appears on the voter list.

Significance of the Ruling

The Supreme Court's clarification is expected to provide relief to individuals whose names have been removed from electoral rolls during revision exercises. It also reinforces the distinction between electoral rights and citizenship, preventing unnecessary confusion among voters.

Legal experts believe the observation will serve as an important judicial precedent in future disputes involving voter registration and citizenship, while also clearly defining the constitutional roles of the Election Commission and the Central Government.

The ruling underscores that the absence of a person's name from the electoral roll may affect the right to vote, but it does not, by itself, affect the person's status as an Indian citizen.

Her remarks came shortly after Rajya Sabha MP and Bengali actor-turned-politician Koel Mallick resigned from the Upper House, adding to the series of setbacks for the TMC following the party's defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.

Addressing party workers, Banerjee said those who wished to leave the Trinamool Congress should do so before the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, one of the party's biggest annual political events. She alleged that several leaders were facing political pressure to switch sides but maintained that the party would move forward regardless of individual departures.

"Those who want to go may leave before July 21," Banerjee said, adding that the party would chart a new course after the commemorative rally. The TMC observes July 21 every year to remember the 13 people killed during a Youth Congress protest in Kolkata in 1993, an event that has become central to the party's political identity.

The latest controversy erupted after Koel Mallick resigned from the Rajya Sabha only a few months after taking oath as a Member of Parliament. Although she has not publicly disclosed the reason behind her resignation, her subsequent meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav fuelled speculation about her future political plans.

Koel's resignation has intensified concerns within the Trinamool Congress, which has witnessed multiple high-profile departures in recent weeks. Reports indicate that several former TMC MPs and leaders have either resigned or shifted political allegiance, reducing the party's strength in Parliament and triggering debate over internal unity.

Banerjee, however, attempted to project confidence despite the developments. She suggested that leaders leaving the party were doing so under external pressure and asserted that the organisation remained focused on rebuilding after its electoral setback. According to party sources, preparations for the July 21 rally are continuing as scheduled despite the political turbulence.

The developments have also prompted sharp political reactions. Opposition leaders have claimed the resignations reflect growing dissatisfaction within the TMC, while Banerjee's camp has rejected those allegations, insisting the party remains united and capable of overcoming the current phase.

Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial for West Bengal politics. Any further resignations before July 21 could influence the political narrative ahead of the rally, which is expected to serve as a platform for Banerjee to outline the party's strategy after the Assembly election defeat.

For now, attention remains firmly on whether more TMC legislators or parliamentarians decide to quit before the deadline set by the party chief, or whether the July 21 gathering succeeds in restoring confidence among the party's rank and file.

It's not a national holiday
Rath Yatra is a regional festival, and July 16 doesn't qualify as a nationwide school closure. In states where the festival isn't widely celebrated, schools are expected to run as usual unless a separate local order says otherwise.

Where closures are likely
Odisha, as the epicentre of the celebrations centred in Puri, is the state most likely to see government schools, colleges and other educational institutions shut for the day, with lakhs of devotees expected to take part in the chariot procession. West Bengal and Manipur — where the festival is observed as Kang Chingba, or the Kang Festival — are also likely to see closures on a significant scale, though this will still depend on notifications from respective state governments and district authorities.

A more localised picture in Gujarat and Jharkhand
In Gujarat, particularly Ahmedabad, which hosts one of the country's largest Rath Yatra processions, schools situated along or near the procession route may close for the day or simply run on revised timings — a decision typically made at the local authority level rather than statewide. Jharkhand is also listed among states likely to see holidays in areas where the festival is observed on a larger scale.

Delhi-NCR stays open
Schools in Delhi-NCR have historically not closed for Jagannath Rath Yatra, and this year is expected to follow that same pattern.

What parents should actually do
Because holiday declarations can vary even between districts within the same state, the safest approach is to check directly with your child's school or the local Directorate of Education notification before assuming a closure — don't rely on assumptions based on what a neighbouring district or a previous year did.

Other holidays coming up in July
July 16 also brings the Harela festival in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, subject to state notification. Later in the month, Guru Purnima on July 29 is expected to bring school closures across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand, while July 31 is a scheduled holiday in Punjab and Haryana for Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day. Beyond festival dates, regular weekend closures fall on July 19, 25 (fourth Saturday) and 26.

Given how much this varies by district, the one thing every parent can rely on is checking their own school's official notification rather than a general state-level assumption.

Odisha is set to witness one of India's largest religious gatherings as the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra begins on Thursday, with nearly one million devotees expected to visit Puri over the next nine days. As preparations enter the final stage, the three grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are receiving their finishing touches ahead of the ceremonial procession, which will continue until July 24.

The massive influx of pilgrims has triggered an unprecedented demand for accommodation across Puri. Hotels and lodges have been fully booked for months, with local authorities confirming that reservations began as early as February 2026.

Hotel Tariffs Witness Sharp Spike

Accommodation rates have surged dramatically as the festival approaches. Properties located near the Jagannath Temple and along the Rath Yatra route are commanding premium prices due to their strategic location.

Hotel rooms that usually cost between ₹1,500 and ₹2,000 per night are reportedly being offered for as much as ₹50,000 for a three-day stay, particularly those providing direct views of the procession. According to local estimates, Puri has nearly 1,200 hotels, most of which are operating at full capacity during the festival.

Officials attribute the price rise to exceptionally high demand from pilgrims arriving from across India and abroad.

Final Preparations Underway

Artisans and temple authorities are completing the final decorative work on the three iconic wooden chariots, which are rebuilt every year following centuries-old traditions. Security arrangements, crowd management systems and medical facilities have also been strengthened to handle the expected surge of visitors during the annual festival.

The Rath Yatra remains one of Hinduism's most significant religious events, symbolising Lord Jagannath's annual journey from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.

A Unique Rath Yatra in Howrah

While Puri prepares for its grand celebration, a remarkable tradition in Howrah, West Bengal, continues to draw attention for its message of communal harmony.

Unlike conventional Rath Yatras where devotees pull elaborately decorated chariots, Dr Sheikh Maqbool Islam, a professor in the Bengali Department of St. Paul's Cathedral Mission College, Kolkata, carries the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan in his lap during a 400-metre procession.

The event sees participation from members of Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities, reflecting the inclusive spirit associated with Lord Jagannath.

Faith Beyond Religious Boundaries

Dr Islam has been researching Lord Jagannath since 1992 and has authored more than 14 books on the deity. He installed Lord Jagannath's idol in his residence in 1996 and has organised this distinctive procession every year since 2009.

Explaining the philosophy behind the tradition, Dr Islam cites a verse from the Kathopanishad, which describes the human body as the chariot and the soul as its master.

According to him, when the human body itself serves as the divine chariot, there is no need to construct a separate one.

A strict vegetarian, Dr Islam also prepares 35 varieties of sattvic offerings for Lord Jagannath following the traditional rituals observed at the Puri temple.

Devotion Takes Centre Stage

As lakhs of devotees converge on Odisha and celebrations begin across different parts of the country, this year's Rath Yatra once again highlights both the grandeur of one of India's oldest religious traditions and the enduring message of faith, unity and cultural harmony associated with Lord Jagannath.

The death toll in the Bay of Bengal fishing trawler tragedy rose to nine after rescue teams recovered multiple bodies from a sunken vessel off the coast of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal, eight days after it went missing. Authorities said six fishermen remain untraceable, with search operations continuing in the region.

The trawler, Jai Maa Kali, had left Shankarpur fishing harbour in East Midnapore district on July 2 with 15 fishermen on board. Contact with the vessel was lost after July 6, prompting a large-scale search involving the Indian Coast Guard, police and local fishing communities.

Bodies Recovered From Sunken Vessel

After an extensive eight-day search, the sunken trawler was located near Bagher Char, around 35 kilometres off the Bakkhali coast, on Saturday.

Officials said the vessel was brought to the Sitarampur coast in Patharpratima on Sunday with assistance from several fishing boats. Rescue personnel then carried out an overnight operation, recovering nine bodies trapped inside the trawler.

Authorities said the bodies had remained underwater for several days and were in an advanced state of decomposition, making visual identification impossible.

DNA Testing To Confirm Identity

Officials confirmed that the identities of the deceased will be established through DNA testing.

Family members of the missing fishermen have gathered outside the Kakdwip Sub-divisional Hospital mortuary, awaiting confirmation of the victims' identities.

The prolonged exposure to seawater has complicated forensic identification, officials said.

Six Fishermen Still Missing

Rescue teams continue to search for the remaining six missing fishermen, with support from the Indian Coast Guard and local authorities.

Among those yet to be traced are three brothers from Odisha's Balasore district—Ravindra Majhi (52), Jayaram Majhi (49) and Jagannath Majhi (45).

According to a family member, the three brothers had regularly travelled to Shankarpur for fishing assignments over the years.

Officials also revealed that although 16 fishermen were initially scheduled to board the trawler, one individual did not join the voyage, reducing the final crew strength to 15.

The remaining missing and deceased fishermen belong to East Midnapore, Howrah and Nadia districts of West Bengal.

Bad Weather Suspected

Preliminary findings suggest the trawler may have capsized due to adverse weather conditions in the Bay of Bengal.

However, authorities have said the exact cause of the accident will only be determined after the completion of a detailed investigation into the sinking.

PM Announces Ex-Gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia assistance of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives.

Search and recovery operations remain underway as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing fishermen and complete the investigation into the incident.

A resident of Madhya Pradesh's Rewa has allegedly been duped of ₹1 lakh in a cyber fraud after fraudsters lured him into downloading a malicious APK file on the pretext of booking a doctor's appointment. The scammers allegedly accessed the victim's financial information, prematurely withdrew money from a fixed deposit and transferred the amount to a bank account in West Bengal.

Following the complaint, Civil Lines police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the cyber fraud.

Doctor Search Led to Fraud

According to police, the victim, Rajeshwari Prasad Dwivedi, was searching for the contact details of Dr. Devesh Agrawal through the Justdial platform. Shortly after making the enquiry, he received a phone call from a person claiming to assist with the doctor's appointment.

The caller sent a link asking the victim to download an APK file, claiming it was required to generate an appointment receipt for a nominal payment of ₹5. Trusting the caller, the victim downloaded the application.

No money was deducted immediately, leading the victim to believe the process was genuine.

Fraud Detected the Next Day

The following day, the caller informed the victim that the doctor would not be available because it was Sunday and that the appointment would instead be scheduled for Monday.

Soon afterwards, another call raised the victim's suspicion. He checked his financial records and discovered that ₹1 lakh had been withdrawn from a ₹2 lakh fixed deposit held in his son's name with Muthoot Finance.

Police said the fraudsters had managed to prematurely encash part of the fixed deposit and transfer the money to a bank account in West Bengal.

Money Withdrawn Through ATM

Preliminary investigation revealed that after receiving the funds, the accused withdrew ₹70,000 through ATMs in Kolkata, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining amount and identify those involved in the transaction.

Investigators are examining the digital trail and coordinating with financial institutions and cybercrime agencies to identify the beneficiaries of the fraudulent transfers.

Police Warn Against APK Downloads

Civil Lines Police Station in-charge Ashish Mishra said the fraud was executed after the victim unknowingly installed a malicious APK application on his mobile phone.

"Initial investigation has confirmed that ₹1 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn from the fixed deposit and transferred to a bank account in West Bengal. Around ₹70,000 has already been withdrawn. The investigation is continuing," Mishra said.

Advisory for Citizens

Police have advised citizens not to download APK files received through SMS, messaging apps or unknown links, especially when shared by unverified callers claiming to offer banking, healthcare or customer support services.

Officials have also urged people to verify appointment bookings only through hospitals' official websites, verified mobile applications or authorised contact numbers. Anyone suspecting cyber fraud has been advised to immediately contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and report the incident through the official cybercrime reporting portal to improve the chances of recovering the stolen money.

Authorities continue to remind the public that cyber criminals frequently exploit online service requests by impersonating legitimate organisations and convincing victims to install malicious applications capable of accessing sensitive financial information.

The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal, will organise a special commemorative programme in Kolkata on Monday to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Bharat Kesari Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, launching a series of events as part of the Centre's two-year nationwide celebration dedicated to the eminent nationalist leader.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will attend the event as the chief guest. The programme will also be attended by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, senior state leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.

The day's events will begin with Amit Shah paying floral tributes at Dr Mookerjee's ancestral residence in Bhowanipore, Kolkata. He will later visit Eco Park, where he will perform the ground-breaking and foundation stone laying ceremony for a proposed 125-foot statue of Dr Mookerjee, envisioned as a tribute to his enduring contribution to the nation.

A major attraction of the event will be a special exhibition showcasing Dr Mookerjee's life and legacy. Featuring rare photographs, archival documents and multimedia presentations, the exhibition will highlight his role as a statesman, educationist, parliamentarian and nationalist leader, while tracing his contributions to India's political, educational, cultural and industrial development.

The commemorative programme at Milan Mela Grounds will begin with a collective rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by a grand musical tribute titled "Sur, Sanskriti Evam Rashtra", presented by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT).

The performance will feature 57 accomplished artists representing Indian classical, folk and traditional music traditions. Directed by Padma Shri Tarun Bhattacharya, the musical presentation aims to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage while reflecting Dr Mookerjee's ideals of cultural nationalism, national integration, education and civilisational values.

The Ministry of Culture will also screen a short documentary on Dr Mookerjee's life and achievements. In addition, a special video highlighting the proposed 125-foot memorial statue will be released during the programme.

The Union Government had announced the two-year nationwide celebration in 2025 to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The initiative seeks to honour his lasting legacy and inspire future generations through his contributions to nation-building, public service and national unity.

Officials said the commemorative programme reflects the Government of India's commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of one of the country's prominent nation-builders, whose vision continues to influence India's democratic and developmental journey.