New Delhi: Captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Rajat Patidar the opening batsman said Phil Salt He is fit ahead of the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala on Tuesday, but said the team management has not yet decided whether he will be part of the playing eleven or not.Salt missed the latter half of the league stage due to injury after appearing in the first six matches of the season. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday, Patidar said that the England batsman is under observation. “Salt is fit, he is under observation. But we have not decided on our playing XI yet. We will look at the wicket and then decide.”RCB topped the points table with 18 points from 14 matches, with GT getting the edge on net run rate after both teams finished level on points. The winner of Qualifier 1 will directly advance to the IPL final, while the losing team will have another chance through Qualifier 2 against the winner of the eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals on Friday.Patidar said that RCB is directly focused on qualifying for the finals.“Win and go to the final. That’s what we’ve talked about since day one. Topping the table was something we demonstrated. If we win this match, we’ll be relaxed,” he said.Despite being on top in the points table, Patidar described the match against GT as a draw.“On any given day, the team that performs better under pressure will win. We just need to keep our composure.”RCB will face Gujarat’s bowling attack which has been one of the most consistent this season. However, Patidar backed his own bowlers to mount a strong response after a forgettable outing against SRH in the last league game.Bhuvneshwar Kumar His performance in that match was costly, but Patidar said the experienced fast bowler remains vital to RCB’s plans.“He is an experienced bowler. The last game didn’t go the way we wanted but bowling is our strength and the way we bowled in the powerplay, I think it will be very important (against GT). So we are looking for early wickets and that is what we have done so far. Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasik are doing the same. So we hope to continue the same process.”

Rating: 4/5 As the large-screen TV segment continues to expand, mini-LED technology is no longer limited to flagship price points. Xiaomi’s new TV S Mini LED (2026) series steps into this arena with QD mini-LED panels, Google TV powered by Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support, DLG 120Hz, and PatchWall interface.

With this combination, the company is targeting this TV lineup at users who like to not only watch streaming content and sports but also play casual games on their TV. Starting at Rs 51,999, this TV series promises to be a viable option for buyers looking for a larger display without paying a premium price. We tested the 75-inch model (priced at Rs 99,999) in streaming, daily viewing and gaming scenarios to understand how it performs. Here is our experience:

design and construction

The Xiaomi TV S Mini LED (2026) follows a practical design approach with thin bezels around the 75-inch display. Narrow borders help keep attention on the screen while maintaining a clean appearance suitable for larger living spaces. The black finish keeps the overall look understated.At 83mm thick without the stand, the TV maintains a relatively slim profile for wall mounting. 400 x 300 mm wall mount support adds flexibility depending on the setup preferences of the room. During use, the included stand kept the TV stable despite the large display size.

The unit weighs 22.7 kg without the base, which gives the impression of a sturdy structure. The construction focuses more on functionality than decorative elements. The ports for accessibility are distributed and include three HDMI ports, two USB ports, Ethernet, optical output, AV input and other connectivity options.

Display and Audio

The Xiaomi TV S Mini LED (2026) uses a QD mini-LED panel with 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), paired with a 34W speaker system that includes two tweeters and two full-range drivers. Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Filmmaker Mode, Dolby Audio, DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X promises to create a more immersive viewing experience in movies, TV series and sports content.

During testing, the display delivered sharp visuals with good detail retention. The brightness level which can reach a peak of 1200 nits helps maintain visibility in well-lit rooms. Color reproduction appeared balanced, supported by Xiaomi’s Vivid Picture Engine 2 and DCI-P3 coverage of up to 94%, with skin tones generally looking natural.The Last of Us showed how TV handles darker scenes. Shadow details remained visible without making bright highlights appear harsh, while quiet dialogue sequences remained clear against environmental sounds. In Sandman, dimly lit settings preserved texture detail in costumes and backgrounds, while dialogue and background music remained distinguishable.

While watching Squid Game Season 3, we noticed the panel’s ability to handle bright color contrasts and layered scenes. Crowd scenes and fast-changing sequences maintained separation between foreground subjects and background, while the audio setup kept background effects and conversations fairly distinct.Movies like Dune: Part Two benefited from the TV’s HDR handling, with desert landscapes showing visible texture and balanced transitions between brighter and darker parts of the frame. The accompanying soundtrack had enough depth for everyday viewing, although users expecting strong low-frequency output may still prefer an external sound system.

Similarly, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning highlighted the TV’s motion handling during high-speed chase sequences, where fast-moving scenes remained relatively smooth with MEMC and DLG 120Hz enabled. Engine sounds, background effects and dialogue maintained reasonable separation through the built-in speaker setup.Portrait mode also made a noticeable difference depending on the content. Filmmaker mode slowed down processing and provided a more natural appearance when watching movies like Dune: Part Two, preserving color balance and contrast closer to the source material.

The Standard mode worked better for everyday streaming and news content, while the Brighter preset made sports broadcasts and live events appear brighter, especially in well-lit room conditions.We also spent time watching IPL matches to assess live game performance. Fast ball movements, camera transitions throughout the stadium and replay sequences remained smooth, while team jerseys retained distinct colors under different lighting conditions. Score overlays and on-screen graphics appeared sharp without affecting overall clarity. Commentary remained clear against crowd noise, and heightened moments like the boundary ceremony made enough of an impact for casual viewing, though users who frequently watch games may still benefit from a dedicated soundbar for wider sound output.

Viewing angles remained stable, with limited variations in brightness or color when viewed from the edges. The Dynamic Backlight System and built-in light sensor further adjust brightness based on surrounding conditions, helping to maintain consistency in different viewing environments. For movies, streaming content and games, the combination of display performance and built-in audio provides a balanced everyday experience, while eARC support allows easy integration with external sound systems.

Software and other features

The TV runs Android 14 TV OS-based Google TV with Xiaomi’s PatchWall interface on top. Navigation remained stable during use, backed by a quad-core A55 processor, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. Apps opened without noticeable delay in regular use.PatchWall focuses on content discovery and includes Xiaomi TV+ for access to free live channels. Universal search and Kids Mode with parental controls add family-oriented functionality.Voice commands through the built-in Google Assistant worked reliably to launch apps or adjust settings. Casting support is extensive, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Miracast. Streaming content from smartphones and tablets remained fairly simple during our testing.

Gaming and Connectivity

The TV also includes gaming-oriented features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and DLG 120Hz. Smooth gaming sessions benefited from smooth transitions and responsive controls. While the native refresh rate is 60Hz, DLG support provides additional motion management capabilities in supported scenarios.Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, three HDMI ports with one supporting eARC, two USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, and optical audio output. The range of ports should accommodate gaming consoles, streaming devices, and external storage without any major limitations.

decision

Priced at Rs 99,999, the Xiaomi TV S Mini LED (2026) 75-inch combines mini LED display technology, HDR support, smart features, and gaming tools in a larger screen format. The display offers balanced colors and brightness levels suitable for mixed use, while the software experience remains stable during daily operations. Audio performance is adequate for regular viewing, although enthusiasts may still prefer dedicated external speakers. Features like Dolby Vision, PatchWall, Google TV, and casting support make the package practical for streaming-focused homes. For users considering a 75-inch TV with Mini LED technology and modern smart TV capabilities, Xiaomi’s offering at under a lakh is worth considering, as a feature-focused option in the premium large screen category.

Ex-SNP chief Peter Murrell

The former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period, in one of Scotland’s biggest political finance scandals in recent years.Murrell appeared before the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday, where prosecutors said she spent party funds between 2010 and 2022 on a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars, a high-end motorhome, jewellery, cosmetics and expensive personal purchases.The 61-year-old, who is also the estranged husband of Scotland’s former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, agreed to reduced charges after reaching a deal with prosecutors.

luxury spending exposed

According to court documents, Murrell used SNP money to buy a Jaguar, a VW Golf, a luxury motorhome worth approximately £124,000, designer items, electronics, gardening tools, binoculars, Kindle devices and women’s cosmetics.Investigators alleged that he submitted false bills, manipulated party accounts and used SNP credit cards to conceal spending, some of which were allegedly issued in the names of party staff.Judge Lord Young described the crimes as a “gross breach of trust” and remanded Murrell in custody immediately after the hearing. He is due to return to court on June 2 and will be sentenced on June 23. He may face a long prison sentence.

Who is Peter Murrell?

Born in Edinburgh in 1964, Murrell has been one of the most influential people behind the scenes in Scottish politics for more than two decades. He joined the SNP in the late 1980s and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chief Executive of the party in 2001.Murrell was widely credited with helping to modernize the SNP’s organization and election machinery, playing a major role in the party’s rise to power and its historic victory in the 2007 Scottish Parliament election.His position was under scrutiny after his wife Nicola Sturgeon became SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland in 2014. Critics within and outside the party questioned whether it was appropriate for a married couple to hold the two most powerful positions in Scottish politics.Murrell resigned as chief executive of the SNP in March 2023 amid controversy over misleading membership figures during the party’s leadership contest following Sturgeon’s resignation.

operation branchform check

The case emerged from Operation Branchform, a long-running police investigation launched in 2021 following complaints of missing SNP funds and concerns over donations raised for a second Scottish independence campaign.Questions were raised over donations of more than £660,000 allegedly earmarked for the independence campaign which did not clearly reflect in the party accounts. The controversy triggered resignations within the SNP, including among its finance committee members and party treasurer Douglas Chapman.Police Scotland said Murrell went to “great lengths” to conceal the fraud, which ran for more than a decade.Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said Murrell “abused his privileged position” and spent party funds “to support the lavish lifestyle he wanted but could not afford”.

Sturgeon distanced herself

After the guilty plea, Sturgeon said she had no knowledge of the misuse of party funds.“I am completely shocked that he did this and can’t understand why,” she said. “These are not my crimes. Like others, I too was misled,” he said.Sturgeon herself was arrested and interrogated during the investigation in 2023, but was later acquitted without charge. Former SNP Treasurer Colin Beattie was also investigated and released without trial.Murrell and Sturgeon separated following his arrest and later revealed divorce proceedings.The scandal is expected to deepen scrutiny of the SNP’s internal governance and financial oversight as the party attempts to rebuild credibility ahead of future elections.Murrell, once considered the architect of the SNP’s political machine, now faces the prospect of prison after admitting one of the most damaging financial scandals in the party’s history.

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday reviewed India’s preparedness and response measures ebola virus disease Noting recent outbreaks in parts of Africa, the World Health Organization has warned that the pandemic is “outpacing” response efforts.However, the Health Ministry said that no case of Ebola has been reported in India so far.News agency ANI reported that the review meeting was attended by the Health Secretary, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Additional Secretary (Public Health), Director of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and other senior officials of the ministry.It comes as WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday that there had been 220 suspected deaths in the current outbreak and warned that delays in detecting infections had hampered containment efforts.“We are urgently scaling up operations, but at the moment the pandemic is ahead of us,” Tedros said, urging countries bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak, to take immediate action.Tedros said he would travel to Congo on Tuesday and said tackling the rapidly spreading outbreak was particularly difficult because Ituri and North Kivu provinces remained highly vulnerable and there were no approved vaccines for the Bundibugyo strain.Earlier in the day, Uganda recorded two more cases of Ebola in the capital Kampala, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to seven.Meanwhile, Uganda’s neighbor and center of the current outbreak, Congo, has reported more than 900 suspected infections so far, AFP reported.WHO has declared the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a public health emergency of international concern, while the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified it as a public health emergency of continental concern (PHECS).

Aliko Dangote’s trade expansion into East Africa, now linked by proposed pipeline corridors through Ethiopia and Djibouti, is often discussed in terms of scale and strategy. But the deeper story behind these moves extends far beyond recent headlines. It traces a long, uneven journey that began in a wealthy business family, progressed through small-scale entrepreneurship and gradually evolved into one of Africa’s most powerful industrial empires. Even today, as his net worth is reportedly in the tens of billions, the structure behind that wealth is still shaped by early family influences, reinvestment habits, and decades of high-risk expansion decisions.

Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote’s journey from business roots to billion-dollar empire

For Aliko Dangote, the road to business did not begin in isolation. He was born into a prominent business family in Kano, Nigeria, where commerce was already part of everyday life. That environment is often cited as a quiet but important foundation for what came later.While studying at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, he reportedly developed a keen interest in structured trading and large-scale commerce. After returning to Nigeria, he initially started with small trading operations, trading basic commodities before gradually moving into manufacturing and industrial production.Over time, this shift from trading margin to production scale became the defining characteristic of his business philosophy.

Aliko Dangote’s family background and personal structure

Behind the corporate scale, Aliko Dangote’s personal life has been relatively low-profile compared to his business visibility. He comes from a well-established Muslim family in Northern Nigeria, with a history rooted in trade and community business networks.He has been married and divorced and is the father of three children. Despite his global business footprint, he is often described as maintaining a private and tightly controlled family structure, with limited public involvement in his personal affairs.This separation between personal visibility and corporate expansion is often seen as part of their broader business discipline – focusing on long-term industrial properties rather than public lifestyle branding.

East African expansion and infrastructure challenges

Aliko Dangote’s alleged involvement in discussions around a potential pipeline corridor linking Ethiopia and Djibouti has brought his expansion strategy back into focus, Bloomberg reports. According to Bloomberg, the plan falls within a broader effort to improve regional energy transportation, starting with refined fuels and possibly later expanding to the movement of natural gas and crude oil.On paper, this route appears to provide Ethiopia with a long-awaited logistics solution, while cementing Djibouti’s role as a major transit hub in the Horn of Africa. Such coordination has historically proven difficult in large African infrastructure projects. Even within Nigeria, Dangote-led ventures have faced delays and gradual stagnation.

Aliko Dangote’s net worth

As reported by Forbes, his net worth is approximately $32.7 billion as of May 25, 2026. Aliko Dangote’s rise from a business background to a global billionaire has often been framed as a classic business success story. But the structure of that asset tells a more complex story.The majority of their net worth is tied to long-term industrial assets such as cement production and refining infrastructure, meaning it is closely linked to operating performance, commodity cycles, and national economic conditions.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay; Congress MP Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: In a development that may strain relations between new allies Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and Congress, the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government on Monday held consultations with Cauvery water and legal experts on the proposed foundation stone laying ceremony announced by neighboring Karnataka for the Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river.Incidentally, Karnataka is ruled by the Congress and has proposed construction of the Mekedatu dam, giving rise to new political and inter-state sensitivities over the river water-sharing issue.Also read: Tone may soften due to Congress support for Vijay, no Kaveri tension between Karnataka-Tamil Nadu!According to a press note from the Tamil Nadu government, the meeting chaired by the new Chief Minister and actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay was called to uphold “state rights” and protect the welfare of farmers.“Taking into account the details of the Supreme Court judgment and detailed legal consultation, CM Vijay advised that immediate follow-up legal measures should be taken expeditiously,” the statement said.The statement further said that since the proposed Mekedatu Dam is contrary to the Supreme Court judgment, the then Tamil Nadu government had filed petitions in the Supreme Court on November 30, 2018, and June 7, 2022, opposing the project.It was further informed that during the hearing on November 13, 2025, the Supreme Court had not given permission for the Mekedatu Dam and found that it was still in the initial stage. The court also said that only the expert body, the Central Water Commission, can determine whether the project falls within the scope of its earlier decision or not, and accordingly ordered closure of the cases.Also read: DMK, political parties condemn Karnataka government for Mekedatu dam remarksChallenging the decision, the erstwhile Tamil Nadu government filed a review petition on December 11, 2025. The press release said the petition was put up for consideration in chamber in the Supreme Court during the previous government, the judgment was reserved and has now been dismissed.CM Vijay’s meeting came after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the detailed project report (DPR) for Mekedatu will be submitted to the Center soon, adding that the foundation stone ceremony will be planned after obtaining the central government’s approval.Shivakumar told reporters, “The DPR for the Mekedatu project has been prepared, and a project office has been opened. We are identifying alternative land to compensate for the forest area that is going to be submerged. The DPR will be submitted to the Center soon. After getting the Centre’s approval, we will conduct the bhoomi puja for the project.”Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry have long been in dispute over the waters of the Kaveri River, with the issue being particularly sensitive in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and sometimes triggering violent protests.Kerala also now has a Congress government, while Puducherry is led by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).(With ANI inputs)

To counter the growing threat from Azerbaijan, Armenia is building strong defense ties with India, which is supported by both Pakistan and Turkey. A high-ranking delegation of the Armenian Army visited the School of Artillery in Nashik district of Maharashtra. The three-member delegation was briefed about the training facilities and methodology adopted at the School of Artillery. The visiting delegation also witnessed a live artillery firing practice.Late last month, during a visit to Delhi, Armenia’s First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Edward Asarian held high-level talks with Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief of Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.In February 2026, India’s Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan visited Yerevan to deepen bilateral cooperation, inaugurate defense research facilities and emphasize joint training in modern warfare. The visit underlined India’s emergence as Armenia’s most trusted arms supplier at a time when Moscow, traditionally Armenia’s primary source of military equipment, has reduced deliveries as it focuses on the war in Ukraine.Azerbaijan, with the support of both Pakistan and Turkey, launched two conflicts against Armenia in 2020 and 2023. Islamabad has signed a deal with Baku for 40 JF-17 Block III aircraft, the largest ever export order for these fighters. Other operators of the JF-17, including Myanmar and Nigeria, use the aircraft in much smaller numbers. During these conflicts, the Azerbaijani military deployed Turkish-origin systems against Armenian forces. This prompted Yerevan to seek more reliable air defense capabilities, ultimately leading the Caucasian country to purchase India’s Akash surface-to-air missile system.Since 2020, Armenia has signed defense contracts worth about $2 billion with India, including deals for Swati weapon-detection radar, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) and advanced anti-drone systems. In 2022, Yerevan became the first foreign buyer of India’s Akash missile system in a $720 million deal, significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities.Delivery of the Akash system begins in 2024, increasing Armenia’s ability to counter UAV and missile threats. Armenia has increasingly turned to India for advanced weapons systems, military training and potential joint production initiatives, making New Delhi a key player in the strategic balance in the South Caucasus.

An RAF jet carrying British Defense Secretary John Healey

An RAF jet carrying British Defense Secretary John Healey reportedly had its GPS signals jammed for nearly three hours as it flew close to the Russian border, raising fresh concerns over Moscow’s increasingly aggressive electronic warfare tactics.According to a report in The Times, Hayley was returning to the UK on Thursday after meeting British troops stationed in Estonia when the incident occurred.The aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 900LX, is believed to have suffered deliberate electronic interference, which is suspected to have originated from Russia.

Pilots were forced to change navigation systems

The jamming attack reportedly disabled the aircraft’s GPS system for the duration of the flight, forcing RAF pilots to rely on alternative navigation methods.Passengers on board, including journalists and photographers, were informed that the aircraft was safe to operate despite the disruption.The interference also affected connectivity onboard, leaving smartphones and laptops unable to access internet services during the flight.“This is reckless Russian interference, but the RAF is well prepared to deal with this activity,” Britain’s Defense Ministry told AFP news agency.

Was Healy deliberately targeted?

Authorities have not confirmed whether Healy himself was the intended target. However, reports said the plane’s route was publicly visible on flight-tracking platforms, potentially making it easier to identify.The incident comes amid rising tensions between NATO allies and Russia over military activity near Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

Dangerous Russian encounter on the Black Sea

The GPS jamming episode came to light after Britain revealed that two Russian fighter jets that shot down an RAF surveillance plane over the Black Sea last month were “dangerous” by the Ministry of Defence.According to the MoD, a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 flew close enough to trigger the spy plane’s emergency systems and disable its autopilot.Another Sukhoi Su-27 reportedly made six attacking passes, at one point coming within just six meters of the nose of the RAF aircraft.The British aircraft involved was a Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint Reconnaissance Aircraft operating as part of a NATO patrol mission monitoring Russian military activity.

‘Will not stop Britain’s commitment’: Healey

Responding to the recent Russian air encounters, Healey praised the professionalism of RAF personnel and stressed that Britain would continue to support NATO operations despite increasing provocations.“Let me be absolutely clear: this incident will not affect Britain’s commitment to NATO, our allies and our interests to protect them from Russian aggression,” the BBC quoted Healey as saying.

Repetition of 2024 event

This is not the first such case involving senior British officials. In March 2024, an RAF plane carrying former UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps also experienced GPS interference while flying near Russian territory after a visit to Poland.That disruption lasted about 30 minutes and was widely linked to Russian electronic warfare capabilities.

New Delhi: A new demolition drive was launched targeting alleged illegal structures linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders were attacked in West Bengal’s Hooghly district on Monday, days after a similar action near Howrah railway station, triggering a major political confrontation in the state.Bulldozers were reportedly used to clear structures built on government land, as civic authorities, backed by heavy police deployment, intensified their crackdown on unauthorized constructions in several parts of Bengal, according to PTI.The latest action comes amid an escalating war of words between the BJP and TMC, which the opposition has termed “bulldozer politics”.Earlier on Sunday Chief Minister of West Bengal And TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the Centre, accusing it of promoting “state terrorism” and targeting the poor in the name of the demolition drive.Addressing party workers and supporters, Banerjee compared earlier rehabilitation efforts under her government to the ongoing demolition.He said, “When the Kalyani Express Bridge was built, 43 houses on the road were affected, and we built exactly the same 43 houses to rehabilitate them. Now, there is looting, vandalism and an attempt to erase all traces.”“When you fall from power in Delhi, you will have to face the consequences of your actions – we are waiting for that day,” he said.Banerjee also appealed to the judiciary, saying, “I want to remind the judiciary that they are the true protectors of the law… I will continue to fight the legal battle against state terrorism. I will see who has more power – the Constitution or the tip of the gun.”In recent times the demolition drive has expanded in Kolkata and surrounding areas. On Sunday, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) launched a drive in Tiljala, Kasba and Beleghata against buildings allegedly constructed in violation of civic norms.In Ward 66 of Tiljala, which is represented by TMC councilor Faiyaz Ahmed Khan, civic officials demolished unauthorized parts of buildings amid tight security arrangements.Another demolition was carried out on East Kuria Road in Beleghata area, where a partially constructed building allegedly belonging to local TMC leader Raju Naskar was razed.“A notice was issued on May 21 asking the owner to produce the relevant building documents within 48 hours. “With no response from the owner, the demolition squad continued the operation today,” a KMC official said.Meanwhile, another demolition drive was carried out in Kasba in connection with arrested land scam accused ‘Sona Pappu’ amid allegations of constructing a five-storey building without necessary approvals.BJP leader and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul, who visited one of the demolition sites, alleged rampant corruption under the previous administration.“During the previous regime, corruption flourished unchecked. Illegal constructions took place with the knowledge of civic officials and under the patronage of influential politicians in exchange for money,” he said.He said, “Even if the police wanted to take action, they would not be able to do much. Strict action will be taken against all those involved in illegal construction as well as those who promote such irregularities.”Also read: Payloader demolishes ‘TMC party office’, owner gets land back