Vehicle with damaged side window through which officer’s PA Chandranath Rath (inset) was shot in North 24 Parganas, Bengal

KOLKATA: Motorcycle-borne assailants shot dead Chandranath Rath, personal assistant of BJP’s Bengal face Suvendu Adhikari, and seriously injured another aide Buddhadeb Bera inside his car in Madhyamgram Lane, near Kolkata airport, around 10.20 pm on Wednesday. Rath, who was close to the officer for at least five years, was on his way home when another vehicle stopped his Scorpio and a gunman on a motorcycle fired several rounds at him and Bera from the front passenger window, police said. The victim, about 40 years old, was declared dead when taken to a nearby hospital. The killing followed an outbreak of post-poll political violence in some parts of the state, prompting the BJP leadership to direct its workers to restore peace on the ground. Investigators said they were unsure about the motive behind the attack on Rath and his aide, adding that they would not rule out personal or political rivalry. The shocking crime happened 48 hours after Bengal gave the BJP a massive mandate with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly. Adhikari, who retained his Nandigram seat and also defeated outgoing CM Mamata Banerjee in Bhawanipur, reached the spot where his colleague was shot dead around midnight, but has still not issued any statement.Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said, “This was expected from Trinamool only. They are responsible for this death.” Trinamool condemned the incident and demanded a “court-monitored CBI investigation” to ensure that those responsible “are identified and brought to justice without any delay”. Rath and Bera were going from Kolkata to their house in Michael Nagar, Madhyamgram when the incident happened. According to the police, the incident took place at 10:20 pm on Jessore Road in Dohariya, Madhyamgram. This place is barely 3 km away from NSCBI Airport. Eyewitnesses said that four bikes carrying eight people were following Rath and Bera’s car after crossing the airport. He said that at Dohariya, which is a bit deserted, a car from the other side stopped the car in which Rath and Bera were travelling. The police has confiscated this car. Two bike riders came near the car and started firing indiscriminately. The bike riders fired about eight-nine rounds, in which three bullets hit Rath’s chest, stomach and head. The blame also fell on Bera. These eyewitnesses claim that the bike riders were not wearing helmets and ran away after the firing. The local people took both Rath and Bera to the local private hospital. Rath was declared dead and Bera is being treated. Police are unable to talk to Bera as he is undergoing treatment. A police officer said, “At this point of time, all we can say is that we have collected some CCTV footage. In the footage, some miscreants riding a bike are seen running away. The pictures are being verified.” “It appears the attackers were specifically targeting the chariot. We are not clear about the motive,” the officer said. Senior police officers of Bengal are currently on the spot. The incident site has been cordoned off.

What reportedly prompted Australia to cancel Sneekko’s visa? The streamer responded with a clear clarification (Image via Getty)

Controversial streamer Nico Sneekko De Balinthazi, known online as Sneekko, became part of a major controversy this week after reports claimed Australia has banned him from entering the country for life. On May 5, 2026, several Australian media outlets reported that the American streamer’s visa had been canceled by Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Reports also claimed that he was banned for life due to comments and online content deemed hateful by authorities. The story first attracted attention Sky News Australia reported that Tony Burke had canceled Sneekko’s visa and barred him from applying for future visas. “Our government has made it clear that we will use every power at our disposal to protect our communities from those who come to this country to spread hate,” Burke said, according to the report.The situation quickly spread on social media, especially after clips of the Australian news broadcast circulated online. Some commentators on television questioned how Sneekko was allowed into the country in the first place, pointing to his past controversies and online bans. The streamer later reposted one of the clips herself, writing sarcastically, “Thanks for having me, Australia.”

While news continued to grow about a lifetime ban, Nico Sneekko disputed the claims on X. The streamer said he was not deported and explained that his trip to Australia had already ended naturally.In a video shared online, Sneekko was seen talking to a fan before boarding his flight. During the conversation, the fan asked how many likes the collaboration would get. Sneekko replied, “One million.” A few moments later, he said, “I have to get on the plane… I have to get on the flight.”The streamer later shared another post from inside the airplane, reacting directly to the reports. “I was not deported from Australia, my South East Asia tour ended and I stopped in Sydney and Melbourne to meet friends and take meetings and then flew home,” he wrote.Sneekko also reposted a headline claiming Australian authorities had deported him from the country. Responding to that report, he simply wrote, “No, I’m just going home.”At this time, Australian authorities have not publicly released additional documents regarding the alleged lifetime ban. Because of that, there is still confusion online as to whether Sneekko will officially face a permanent ban from returning to Australia in the future.

गर्ब्याल ने कहा कि बद्रीनाथ को आध्यात्मिक स्मार्ट हिल टाउन के रूप में विकसित करने के लिए बहुआयामी और चरणबद्ध तरीके से काम किया जा रहा है। जिसका उद्देश्य तीर्थयात्रियों को आधुनिक सुविधाओं के साथ दिव्य एवं व्यवस्थित अनुभव प्रदान करना है। मास्टर प्लान के तहत क्षेत्र के सौंदर्यीकरण, सांस्कृतिक पहचान और आध्यात्मिक महत्व को ध्यान में रखते हुए विभिन्न स्थलों को विशेष रूप से विकसित किया जा रहा है। देव दर्शनी पॉइंट से भक्तों को बद्रीनाथ धाम के भव्य और दिव्य स्वरूप के प्रथम दर्शन होंगे. बद्रीनारायण चौक को प्रमुख आध्यात्मिक एवं सांस्कृतिक केन्द्र के रूप में विकसित किया जा रहा है, जहां श्रद्धालुओं के लिए बेहतर सुविधाएं एवं आकर्षक सार्वजनिक स्थान उपलब्ध होंगे।

उत्तराखंड: सीएम धामी ने साढ़े सात लाख से अधिक पेंशनधारकों को दी राहत, एक क्लिक से खाते में ट्रांसफर की रकम

धाम में आईएसबीटी की दीवार पर स्थानीय कला और धार्मिक विषयों पर आधारित भित्ति चित्रों के साथ क्षेत्र की सांस्कृतिक विरासत को प्रदर्शित किया जाएगा। वसुधा वाटिका कलाकृति के माध्यम से उत्तराखंड की प्रकृति, आध्यात्मिकता और पारंपरिक कला को समाहित करते हुए आकर्षक परिदृश्य बनाए जाएंगे। मास्टर प्लान में भगवान विष्णु से जुड़े प्रतीकों को भी प्रमुखता दी गई है, जिसमें पांचजन्य शंख, कौमोदकी गदा, सुदर्शन चक्र, वैकुंठ द्वार जैसी भव्य कलाकृतियां बनाई जाएंगी.

Chandranath Rath and Suvendu Adhikari (Image/Agencies)

New Delhi: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday described the murder of his close aide Chandranath Rath as ‘heart-wrenching’ and alleged that it was a ‘premeditated murder’ carried out after several days of surveillance. This happened as police continued to investigate the murder in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.Speaking to reporters after the incident, the officer said, “The murder of my colleague Chandranath Rath is heartbreaking; we condemn it. We appeal to everyone not to take the law into their own hands.”The officer also said that he was informed by senior police officers. “The DGP assured me that the police will investigate the brutal murder of my colleague Chandranath Rath. Apart from my colleague, one of our cadres was shot in Basirhat and another was stabbed in Baranagar.”He further alleged that the attack was carefully planned. According to him, both Home Minister Amit Shah and party president Nitin Nabin have been informed about the incident. “This is a pre-planned murder, and this is what the DGP has said. Recce was conducted for 2-3 days and the murder was completely planned. The police have started investigation… We are saddened and have no words to condemn this incident. Our entire leadership from Delhi has taken information about this. Union Minister Sukant Majumdar spoke to (the deceased’s) family and the police… Various leaders and elected MLAs have come here from their constituencies...Police have found some evidence and will investigate,” he said. Taking aim at TMC, Adhikari said, ‘This is the result of 15 years of Maha-Jungle Raj. BJP will start the work of eliminating goons here.Chandranath Rath, the officer’s executive assistant, was shot dead near Dohariya on Jessore Road in Madhyamgram area late on Wednesday night. Police said he was traveling in a car when assailants riding a motorcycle stopped the vehicle and fired at close range.He was taken to a private nursing home where doctors declared him dead.The incident caused huge political reaction with BJP leaders alleging that it was a ‘planned and targeted attack’.BJP leader Sujay Kumar Dey said, “As per our information, four to five people were riding on the motorcycle when they shot the victim… Moreover, four to five motorcycles were involved in the incident.”Read this also Chandranath Rath, close to Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead in Madhyamgram, West Bengal.He said it appeared that the chariot was specifically targeted: “Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant and driver were both present in the car; however, only his personal assistant was targeted and killed.”Another BJP leader Keya Ghosh alleged political motives, saying, “He was targeted out of anger and frustration.”

TMC demands CBI investigation, calls violence ‘unacceptable’

Trinamool Congress (TMC) has condemned the killing of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram and alleged that several violent incidents happened to its workers after the recent elections.In an official statement posted on Twitter, the party said: “We strongly condemn the brutal murder of Chandranath Rath in Madhyamgram tonight, as well as the killing of three other TMC workers in incidents of post-poll violence allegedly by BJP-backed miscreants in the last three days despite the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.”Calling for strict action, the party demanded an investigation into the incident. The statement further said, “We demand the strongest action including a court-monitored CBI investigation in this matter so that those responsible are identified and brought to justice without any delay. Violence and political killings have no place in a democracy and the culprits must be held accountable as soon as possible.”

Police recovered evidence, investigation continues

West Bengal DGP Siddha Nath Gupta said that the police have started a full investigation and have recovered evidence from the spot. “We have started investigating the case. We have seized the 4-wheeler used in the crime… We have recovered live cartridges and spent cartridges from the spot.”Officials said it appeared that the number plate of the vehicle had been tampered with and the CCTV footage was being examined. No arrests have been made yet.

Who was Chandranath Rath? Former Air Force officer becomes chief aide of officer

Chandranath Rath, a close associate of Suvendu Adhikari, was a resident of Chandipur in East Medinipur district of West Bengal. Before entering politics, he served for nearly two decades in the Indian Air Force, where he pursued a career in disciplined administrative and operational roles.After taking voluntary retirement from the armed forces, Rath worked in the corporate sector for some time before gradually shifting to political and organizational responsibilities in Bengal politics.Over time, he became a trusted aide of Suvendu Adhikari and became closely involved in the day-to-day coordination of the office of the leader of the opposition.Party sources said Rath was part of Adhikari’s core team and handled key backroom responsibilities including organizational planning, communication with local party workers and campaign logistics during key election battles in the state.He played an active role in high-level political campaigns, including constituency-level strategies, during crucial elections in West Bengal and was regarded as a reliable and discreet coordinator in party circles.

Bhopal: In a bizarre twist in the missing person case, a Satna man has alleged that the police’s “Goa search trip” to trace his 30-year-old wife, who has been missing since March 11, cost him nearly Rs 65,000. Acting on the complaint, Satna police have removed two constables from active duty and sent them to police lines pending investigation.The woman, a mother of three children including a 3-year-old child, was reported missing at the Civil Lines police station on March 12. Her husband claimed that despite filing a complaint, there was little initial progress. A few days later, he was reportedly told by a policeman that his location had been found in Goa, prompting a trip in the name of a search operation.According to the complainant, he bore the entire cost of the journey and spent around Rs 65,000, but neither his wife was found nor any concrete clue emerged. He further alleged that despite the failed attempt, he was being pressured again to arrange funds for another trip to Goa.The man has also lodged a complaint on the CM helpline, stating that he has been running from door to door, struggling to take care of his children in the absence of his wife.“Following the allegations, an inquiry has been constituted and the deputy SP has been asked to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. Meanwhile, both the constables have been removed from active duty until the investigation is concluded,” SP Satna Hansraj Singh told TOI.However, police sources said that the woman’s location was found in Goa and the location of a minor girl, who was missing, was also found there. The teams were going in search of the minor girl when this woman’s location was also found nearby; Therefore, the complainant was asked to accompany them. He also took some of his relatives; However, the police team managed to find the missing minor girl and the youth who had taken her there the very next day and when they could not locate them, the team returned. Police department sources said that the complainant stayed there with his relatives for a few days and then returned.

ज्येष्ठ माह के प्रथम मंगलवार के अवसर पर अयोध्या जिले के तारुन ब्लॉक मुख्यालय के सामने भव्य भंडारे का आयोजन किया गया। इस कार्यक्रम में सुबह से ही श्रद्धालुओं की भारी भीड़ देखी गई. दूर-दूर से लोग यहां आए और भगवान हनुमान की पूजा-अर्चना कर सुख-समृद्धि की कामना की। पूरे इलाके में भक्ति और सेवा का माहौल था. कार्यक्रम में स्थानीय जन प्रतिनिधियों एवं कार्यकर्ताओं ने भी उत्साहपूर्वक भाग लिया।

मुख्य अतिथि ने कार्यक्रम का उद्घाटन किया
कार्यक्रम का शुभारम्भ अयोध्या के निवर्तमान सांसद माननीय लल्लू सिंह जी ने विधि विधान से भगवान हनुमान जी का पूजन कर किया। इसके बाद उन्होंने आयोजन की सराहना करते हुए कहा कि ऐसे धार्मिक कार्यक्रम समाज को एकजुट करने और लोगों में सेवा की भावना बढ़ाने का काम करते हैं.

पूजन के बाद भंडारा व प्रसाद वितरण हुआ।
हनुमान जी के दर्शन-पूजन के लिए सुबह से ही श्रद्धालु पहुंचने लगे। पूजा के बाद भंडारा का आयोजन किया गया, जिसमें बड़ी संख्या में लोगों ने प्रसाद ग्रहण किया. कार्यक्रम स्थल पर लोगों की लंबी कतारें देखी गईं और सेवा में लगे लोग पूरे उत्साह के साथ भक्तों को प्रसाद बांटते दिखे.

बुध मंगल का धार्मिक महत्व
स्थानीय मान्यताओं के अनुसार ज्येष्ठ माह के पहले मंगलवार को ‘बूढ़ा मंगल’ कहा जाता है। इस दिन हनुमान जी की पूजा का विशेष महत्व है। मान्यता है कि इस दिन सच्चे मन से पूजा करने से सभी कष्ट दूर हो जाते हैं और मनोकामनाएं पूरी होती हैं। यही कारण है कि इस दिन बड़ी संख्या में लोग पूजा-पाठ और सेवा कार्यों में भाग लेते हैं।

कई बड़े लोग सेवा में लगे रहे
इस कार्यक्रम में ब्लॉक प्रमुख प्रतिनिधि फयाराम वर्मा, जिला महासचिव राघवेंद्र पांडे, जिला उपाध्यक्ष राममोहन भारती, भाजपा युवा मोर्चा के जिला अध्यक्ष सुनील मिश्रा, विजय बहादुर तिवारी, केके तिवारी (मंडल अध्यक्ष हैदरगंज), महेंद्र मिश्रा (पूर्व मंडल अध्यक्ष), आईटी सेल जिला संयोजक प्रवेश मिश्रा सहित कई लोग मौजूद रहे। इसके अलावा शैलेन्द्र सिंह, पवन तिवारी, देवेश तिवारी, नरेन्द्र देव पाण्डेय, राजमणि तिवारी, प्रदीप गुप्ता, राम अरज वर्मा, चन्द्र देव सिंह, प्रेम वर्मा, मणीन्द्र शुक्ल, राम राज मिश्र, राज कुमार तिवारी, वैभव सिंह, दीप कुमार गुप्ता, राजेश तिवारी (प्रधान), अनुराग पटेल, उदयभान वर्मा, नरेन्द्र पाण्डेय व गुड्डु गुप्ता सहित बड़ी संख्या में लोग सेवा कार्य में लगे रहे।

(रिपोर्ट:अनूप कुमार अयोध्या)

A social media post by American entrepreneur James Blunt claiming that H-1B visa holders constitute less than 0.5% of the US workforce has triggered an online debate on immigration, tech jobs and data interpretation.Blunt shared a chart on He argued that concerns about foreign workers taking American jobs are exaggerated and driven by emotions rather than facts.“For perspective: Every dot is American workers. The small yellow group are H-1B workers <0.5% of the workforce. This is being framed as a 'crisis.' There is no Indian acquisition. No talented unemployed Americans are being replaced. This debate is being driven more by emotions than actual numbers,” he wrote.He also claimed that even in fields where H-1B workers are most common, such as STEM fields, they only represent about 5 percent of the workforce.However, Blunt’s post did not include any sources for the figures, leading to criticism from other users who argued that the data presentation was misleading. Some said the concentration in specific industries was overlooked when compared to the entire US workforce, while others raised concerns about visa categories and hiring practices.One response came from edtech entrepreneur Hany Girgis, who challenged the interpretation of the data, saying it underestimates the impact of H-1B workers in high-skill sectors.Haney replied on X: “James, lovely dot chart”He added: “You are comparing H-1B workers to the entire US workforce (160+ million people) and pretending this is proof there is “no crisis.” It’s like standing in the living room and saying “There’s no fire in the kitchen”.The majority of recent H-1B approvals have been in technical and IT roles, Girgis said, pointing to federal data. He also argued that in some engineering and software teams, H-1B workers could form a significant portion of the workforce.“The ‘little yellow group’ is concentrated exactly where the high-paying American jobs used to be,” he wrote. He further said that the real debate is not the overall workforce share but job distribution across key industries.He added: “It’s not ’emotion versus numbers’.” It’s a misleading chart versus numbers in the right field.”Girgis is the co-founder and president and owner of Skillstorm, an edtech and workforce training company. He has a background in engineering and consulting and works in technical skills development and job placement.The debate comes as the H-1B visa controversy is unfolding in the US, especially among the MAGA base, which claims visa holders are taking American jobs and replacing local workers in various sectors.