Three days after killing of Bengal CM aide Chandranath Rath, police yet to nab accused

Kolkata, May 10, 2026
Even 72 hours after the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the assailants remain at large, with police yet to make any arrests.

Investigators say their biggest challenge is tracking the attackers’ escape route due to a lack of usable CCTV footage. Several cameras along the route adjacent to Doharia-Mathpara in Madhyamgram, through which the miscreants are believed to have fled, have been out of order for a long time, a senior police officer said on Sunday.

The shooting took place on Wednesday night in the Doharia area of Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district, where the assailants stopped Rath’s car mid-road before opening fire. After the attack, the attackers are believed to have fled the scene on motorbikes via an alley road towards Peyara Bagan. A search is underway along that route, but the absence of effective CCTV coverage at key locations has hampered the investigation.

Police investigations have revealed that many CCTV cameras in the area have been non-functional for a long time, while some installed on light poles were positioned incorrectly. As a result, no clear visuals of the attackers’ movements are available. CCTV cameras at roadside shops have also yielded no clues, as most establishments were closed at the time of the incident.

A section of investigators believes the assailants deliberately waited for darkness to fall so that faces and number plates would not be clearly captured as they sped away on their bikes, the officer said.

Meanwhile, a red car has emerged as a new mystery in the case. CCTV footage shows the vehicle following Rath’s Scorpio from Birati intersection to Jessore Road and remaining close behind even after entering the Doharia area. Investigators suspect the car may have been tailing Rath from the start, and a vigorous search is underway to trace it.

A special investigation team has been formed to probe the case, which police believe was executed in a well-planned manner.(Agency)

Hockey India announces 31-member Senior Women’s National coaching camp

New Delhi, May 10, 2026
Hockey India announced the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held from 11th to 20th May 2026.

The preparatory camp is important as the team will travel to Australia for an exposure tour ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, which will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, from 15th to 21st June.

This is an important camp for the women’s team as it will provide them with an opportunity to assess their strengths ahead of key fixtures later this year, including the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands from 15th to 30th August, and the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan from 19th September to 4th October 2026.

The camp also holds added significance as the winner of the FIH Nations Cup will earn direct qualification for the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League. Furthermore, the winner of the 2026–27 FIH Hockey Pro League will secure direct qualification for the LA 2028 Olympics.

The upcoming camp will feature the same set of 31 players who were part of the previous national camp held in April under Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne. It will serve as another important phase in the team’s build-up, with the focus expected to remain on strengthening combinations, improving fitness levels, and sharpening tactical aspects of the game.

The squad for the Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp will comprise experienced campaigners and promising talents across all positions. The goalkeeping department will include Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bansari Solanki, and Bichu Devi Kharibam, the recipient of the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025.

Meanwhile, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas will add a blend of defensive solidity and experience to the defensive line.

Captain Salima Tete, alongside Sushila Chanu, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Phalke, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, and Ishika, will occupy the midfield, offering versatility and control in the middle of the pitch. The forward line will comprise Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam, and Sangita Kumari, offering a blend of seasoned attackers along with youthful exuberance.

Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming camp, Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “This will be a short camp ahead of our upcoming tour to Australia. The integral focus of the camp will be on the fitness aspects of the game and improving in those areas. We want to be consistent in this regard and take the next step as a team.”

Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s 31-member Senior National Coaching Camp:

Goalkeeper:

1. Savita

2. Madhuri Kindo

3. Bichu Devi Kharibam

4. Bansari Solanki

Defenders:

5. Nikki Pradhan

6. Ishika Chaudhary

7. Jyoti Singh

8. Lalthantluangi

9. Jyoti

10. Udita

11. Shilpi Dabas

Midfielders:

12. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam

13. Manisha Chauhan

14. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke

15. Sakshi Rana

16. Sunelita Toppo

17. Salima Tete

18. Neha

19. Ishika

Forwards:

20. Deepika Soreng

21. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal

22. Baljeet Kaur

23. Navneet Kaur

24. Deepika

25. Annu

26. Beauty Dungdung

27. Hina Bano

28. Sonam

29. Lalremsiami

30. Mumtaz Khan

31. Sangita Kumari.(Agency)

Vijay sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, ends six-decade Dravidian parties dominance

Chennai, May 10, 2026
Actor-cum-Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, marking a historic political shift in the state, which saw an end to nearly six decades of alternating rule by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Vijay at a grand ceremony held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here.

Nine ministers were also sworn in alongside him as part of the new council of ministers.

The event was attended by several national and regional political leaders, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, film personalities, party workers, and thousands of supporters, prompting authorities to enforce massive security arrangements in and around the venue.

Chennai city police deployed heavy security, intensified vehicle checks and imposed strict access control measures around the stadium ahead of the ceremony.

Special seating arrangements were made for prominent guests attending the swearing-in function.

In the front row, seats were reserved for Vijay’s parents, veteran filmmaker S.A. Chandrasekhar and Shobha Chandrasekhar. Actor Trisha Krishnan and her mother were also allotted seats in the same row, drawing considerable attention from the media and fans gathered at the venue.

Vijay assumes office after the TVK-led alliance secured the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 118 required to form the government.

While the TVK emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded Assembly elections, it fell short of an outright majority, triggering intense political negotiations over the last few days.

The uncertainty finally ended on Saturday evening after the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) extended their support to the Vijay-led formation.

Earlier, the Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), and the Communist Party of India-Marxist had also backed the TVK, enabling the actor-turned-politician to stake claim to form the government.

Following the securing of support, Vijay met Governor Arlekar at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on Saturday night and submitted letters of support from all five allies – the Congress, the CPI, the CPI-M, the VCK, and the IUML. The Governor subsequently appointed Vijay as Chief Minister-designate and invited him to form the ministry. He has also directed the new Chief Minister to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly on or before May 13.

The swearing-in of Vijay marks a watershed moment in Tamil Nadu politics, as a non-Dravidian party has come to power in the state for the first time since 1967. Political observers view the development as a major realignment in the state’s political landscape, long dominated by the DMK and AIADMK.(Agency)

Bengal: Trinamool announces LoP, Deputy LoPs and chief whip

Kolkata, May 9, 2026
Trinamool Congress, on Saturday, announced veteran party leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. He was elected this time from the Ballygunge Assembly constituency in south Kolkata.

Trinamool Congress General Secretary and party Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee, who is also the nephew of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, issued a statement on Saturday night announcing the name of Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition in the 18th West Bengal Assembly.

Incidentally, the Leader of the House, by virtue of being the Chief Minister of West Bengal, is Suvendu Adhikari.

Adhikari was sworn in on Saturday morning as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal and the first Chief Minister of a Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government in the state since Independence.

Chattopadhyay was the state Agriculture Minister as well as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister in the last Trinamool Congress-ruled and Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal Cabinet from 2021 to 2026.

Earlier, he had also served as the state Power Minister.

In the statement issued by the Trinamool Congress, two women have been named as Deputy Leaders of the Opposition.

One of them is actress-turned-politician Nayna Bandyopadhyay, the Trinamool Congress legislator from Chowringhee Assembly constituency in north Kolkata, who is also the wife of veteran Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member from Kolkata Uttar constituency, Sudip Bandopadhyay.

The second Deputy Leader of the Opposition, as announced by the Trinamool Congress, is Asima Patra, the party’s elected legislator from Dhaniakhali Assembly constituency in Hooghly district.

Finally, as per the statement, Firhad Hakim’s name has been announced as the Chief Whip of the Trinamool Congress legislative party in the West Bengal Assembly.

Hakim, popularly known as Bobby, is currently the Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation and was the state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister in all three terms of the previous Trinamool Congress regime from 2011 to 2026.(Agency)

Harbouring U17 World Cup qualification dreams, India brace for Uzbekistan challenge

Jeddah, May 9, 2026
Just one match remains. One game for the India U17 men’s team to fulfil their dream of being the first from the land to qualify for a World Cup.

The equation is simple – defeat Uzbekistan at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Sunday, May 10, and India could progress, should Uzbekistan drop points against Australia. A draw could also be enough, if Australia defeat Uzbekistan by a margin of more than four goals.

For India U17 men’s national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes, it has always been a dream to see India play on merit at a World Cup. He was, in fact, one step away from such a dream back in 2018, when the Blue Colts made it all the way to the quarter-finals of the AFC U16 Championship in Malaysia; they were one victory away from World Cup qualification.

“World Cup qualification is a dream that we have been chasing for some time now. We came close in 2018, but I felt that on all the previous occasions, we had the capability to go all the way,” said Fernandes. “This is something that’s close to all of our hearts, and we have been feeding the same energy to all the boys. I feel the group, as a whole, is fully focused on doing everything possible to get to our ultimate target.”

India have used their three days of rest to prepare for the final stand against Uzbekistan.

“The staff did a really good job in preparing the players. Every player was analysed, and all the information was given to the team so they understood the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition,” said Fernandes.

“Now we’ve had three days to rest and prepare for the game against Uzbekistan. I know it will be a similar game to that we had against Australia, because they are quite physical as well. But we are aware of that, and we are going to deal with it.”

Fernandes recalled the India U17s’ other preparatory matches against other such teams like Türkiye and Korea Republic of Korea, and feels that the boys are well-equipped to deal with such challenges.

“We have faced physically strong teams in the past and performed well against them. We just need to remind ourselves of what we did in those matches. I am confident the boys will do well against Uzbekistan,” said Fernandes.(Agency)

Gujarat Police seize illegal arms from MG Hector on Rajasthan ATS input

Jaipur, May 9, 2026
As part of a special ongoing campaign against illegal arms, the Gujarat Police, acting on precise intelligence provided by the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad, arrested an accused identified as Krishna Kumar Agarwal (46), son of Ramratan Agarwal and a resident of Goregaon East, Mumbai, officials said on Saturday.

A ‘Made in USA’ shotgun, a country-made firearm and 35 cartridges were recovered from his possession.

The accused was allegedly transporting the weapons in an MG Hector vehicle.

Dinesh M.N., Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Terrorism Squad, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, and Anti-Gangster Task Force), stated that a team constituted under the supervision of Anti-Terrorism Squad Inspector General Rajesh Singh and Deputy Inspector General Yogesh Yadav, and led by Superintendent of Police Gyanchand Yadav, received intelligence on Friday regarding illegal weapons being transported in an MG Hector bearing registration number MH-47-AU-0117.

The intelligence was received by Assistant Sub-Inspector Kulveer Singh and Head Constable Suresh Kumar.

Acting on the input, the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad analysed relevant Closed-Circuit Television footage and other data to trace the vehicle’s movements.

The investigation revealed that the vehicle was travelling from Jaipur towards Palanpur, Gujarat. The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad subsequently shared the intelligence with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad.

Based on this information, the Banaskantha Police in Gujarat intercepted the MG Hector vehicle.

During the search, officers recovered a ‘Made in USA’ shotgun, a country-made firearm and 35 cartridges.

The vehicle owner and driver, Krishna Kumar Agarwal, was arrested for allegedly possessing and transporting illegal arms.

The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad has appealed to the public to share any information regarding the transportation, sale, purchase, or possession of illegal weapons through the Anti-Terrorism Squad helpline at 0141-2610949.

The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, and suitable rewards will be provided.(Agency)

Israel destroys Islamic Jihad weapons facility in northern Gaza

Jerusalem, May 9, 2026
The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday claimed that it had destroyed a Palestinian Islamic Jihad weapons production site and weapons storage facility in northern Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces stated that “the site had been used by the organisation’s production array, as well as by Hamas for the production of explosive devices and the storage of additional weapons intended to harm Israeli civilians and Israel Defence Forces troops.”

The Israel Defense Forces under the Southern Command are deployed in the area.

The Israel Defense Forces also attacked weapons depots and a drone launch site, which Hezbollah used to launch drones towards Israel Defense Forces operating in southern Lebanon, on Saturday.

The Israel Defense Forces attacked two launchers loaded and ready to launch in southern Lebanon.

According to the war diary published by the Israel Defense Forces, one of the launchers had previously launched attacks at its forces operating in southern Lebanon, while another launcher had previously fired rockets at Israel.

It also reported several incidents of explosive drones launched by Hezbollah that fell in Israeli territory near the Lebanese border.

In one of the incidents, a reserve Israel Defense Forces soldier was seriously wounded, along with a reserve officer and a reserve soldier who were moderately wounded.

The soldiers were evacuated to receive medical treatment at the hospital, and their families were notified, it added.

The Air Force intercepted several launches fired by Hezbollah towards Israel Defense Forces operating in southern Lebanon, with no casualties reported.

The Israel Defence Forces claimed that it had struck more than 85 Hezbollah infrastructures from the air and land.

It claimed that the infrastructures struck included weapons storage facilities, launchers and buildings used for military purposes.

In the Bekaa Valley, the Israel Defense Forces struck an underground site that was used by Hezbollah to manufacture weapons intended to harm Israel Defence Forces personnel and Israeli civilians, the Israel Defense Forces stated on X.(Agency)

Madras HC to hear DMK leader’s plea against TVK MLA-elect over one-vote win

Chennai, May 9, 2026
The Madras High Court is set to hear on Sunday an urgent petition filed by former Tamil Nadu Minister and senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader K.R. Periyakaruppan seeking to restrain Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam candidate Srinivasa Sethupathi from taking oath as a Member of the Legislative Assembly after a dramatic one-vote victory in the recently concluded Assembly elections.

The case, listed before the vacation bench comprising Justice L. Victoria Gowri and Justice N. Senthilkumar, is scheduled to come up for hearing at around 10.30 a.m. on May 10.

The legal battle stems from the fiercely contested Tiruppathur Assembly constituency in Sivaganga district, where the result emerged as one of the closest in Tamil Nadu’s electoral history.

According to the official results declared by the Election Commission of India, TVK candidate Srinivasa Sethupathi secured 83,365 votes, edging out Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate K.R. Periyakaruppan, who polled 83,364 votes, a margin of just one vote.

Alleging serious irregularities in the counting process, Periyakaruppan approached the High Court seeking a recount of votes and an interim injunction restraining Srinivasa Sethupathi from assuming office as a legislator until the dispute is resolved.

In his petition, the former minister has claimed that certain postal ballots for the Tiruppathur constituency in Sivaganga district were mistakenly transferred to another constituency of the same name in Tirupathur district.

Seeking immediate intervention from the court, Periyakaruppan has requested directions to retrieve and secure the allegedly misplaced postal ballots and include them in the final count for the Tiruppathur constituency in Sivaganga district.

He has also urged the court to direct the Election Commission to produce video recordings related to the recount verification process conducted during the counting of votes.

The petition has gained political significance amid the rapidly changing political landscape in Tamil Nadu following the Assembly election results, with TVK emerging as the single-largest party and moving towards government formation.

Legal experts said the High Court’s decision on the interim plea could have important implications, particularly because the margin of victory is only a single vote, making every postal ballot crucial in determining the final outcome of the election.(Agency)

Probe intensifies into Kota hospital deaths; 24 medicines banned

Jaipur, May 9, 2026
The Rajasthan government has initiated major administrative action following the deaths of two women after Caesarean deliveries at Kota Medical College and reports of several other patients falling critically ill.

As a precautionary measure, the Drug Control Department has banned the use, sale and distribution of 24 medicines and medical devices across the state until further orders.

The restricted items include injections, glucose bottles, IV sets, syringes, catheters and other medical supplies commonly used during surgeries and postnatal treatment.

Drug Controller Ajay Phatak has issued directives to the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) and medicine vendors across the state, instructing them not to use or distribute the medicines and devices whose samples have been sent for laboratory testing.

The department clarified that these medicines and devices would not be used in any government hospital or medical college until the test reports are received.

According to officials, 15 of the 24 medicines and medical devices under scrutiny had been supplied to Kota Medical College by RMSCL, while the remaining nine items were procured locally by the hospital administration.

Samples of all medicines and devices have been sent for laboratory examination, and their supply and use will remain suspended till completion of the investigation.

The controversy surfaced after two women died following Caesarean operations at Kota Medical College, while several other patients reportedly developed serious health complications.

As public concern mounted, the Medical Department ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

Preliminary findings reportedly pointed towards negligence by doctors and nursing staff, following which disciplinary action was initiated against several officials and employees.

Dr Shraddha Upadhyay, who was serving on an Urgent Temporary Basis (UTB), has been removed from service in connection with the case.

Two nursing staff members and Dr Navneet Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Surgery Department, have also been suspended.

In addition, show-cause notices have been issued to the ward in-charge and other medical personnel.

The inquiry reportedly found that senior doctors were absent from the post-gynaecology ward, leaving patient care largely in the hands of resident doctors.

State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar said a detailed investigation into the incident was underway and assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty.

Meanwhile, the Congress has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to examine the matter and sought a report within three days.(Agency)

DNA evidence helps Ahmedabad Crime Branch solve 34-yr-old murder case; 2 held

Ahmedabad, May 9, 2026
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has solved a 34-year-old murder case through forensic investigation and DNA evidence, leading to the arrest of two persons accused in the killing of a woman who went missing from the Vatva area of the city in 1992, officials said on Saturday.

The deceased was identified as Farzana Radhanpuri.

According to police officials, the case was reopened after the Crime Branch received specific inputs suggesting that human remains had been buried in the Qutubnagar locality of Vatva.

Acting on the information, investigators carried out excavation work on April 29 at Survey No. 768, Plot No. 10, in the presence of executive magistrates, panch witnesses and officials of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

Human skeletal remains were recovered from a depth of around 18 feet.

The remains were sent to the Department of Forensic Medicine at B.J. Medical College for post-mortem examination, while DNA samples were forwarded to the FSL centre in Meghaninagar.

Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed a match between the recovered remains and DNA samples collected from Farzana’s brother, thereby establishing the identity of the deceased.

Investigators said witness statements, local inquiries, physical evidence and scientific findings revealed that Farzana was married to Shamsuddin Khedawala.

Police alleged that disputes arose during the marriage over Farzana’s personal conduct, leading to prolonged domestic discord.

Investigators further alleged that Shamsuddin, along with his brother Iqbal Khedawala, Abdul Karim Javarawala and Saliyabibi Pathan, conspired to kill her.

According to police, Farzana was allegedly called to Saliyabibi’s residence in Qutubnagar in 1992, where she was strangulated to death.

Police said her body was buried at the same location in an attempt to conceal the crime and destroy evidence.

The case remained unsolved for more than three decades until the Crime Branch revisited old records and developed fresh leads.

A Crime Branch official told IANS: “The discovery of the crime only happened when a couple of people were discussing it during a casual gathering. Our informer heard about it and subsequently passed on the information. It was purely based on human input.”

Officers also travelled to Farzana’s native place in Dholka, where statements of family members and acquaintances were recorded to help reconstruct the sequence of events.

Police said one of the accused, Saliyabibi, died around 14 years ago, while another accused, Abdul Karim, is also deceased.

Legal proceedings have now been initiated against the surviving accused — Shamsuddin, 61, a resident of Jamalpur in Ahmedabad, and Iqbal, 63, a resident of Danilimda in Ahmedabad. Both have been arrested.

The case has been registered under IPC Sections 302, 201 and 120(B).

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Bharat Patel said: “This case was extremely challenging as it was 34 years old. However, the Crime Branch, using technical surveillance, old evidence, witness statements and DNA technology, solved the entire murder mystery.”

“Scientific investigation has made it possible to trace the perpetrators even in such an old case,” he added.

Further investigation is underway.(Agency)

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