A significant divergence has surfaced in the judicial proceedings concerning the alleged sexual assault at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in its submission to the Calcutta High Court, has challenged the initial assertion of a gang rape, presenting forensic evidence that points to a single perpetrator.
This revelation, based on meticulous DNA analysis conducted at the crime scene, indicates that the victim, while undeniably subjected to sexual assault, was attacked by one individual, contradicting previous reports.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, presiding over the case, has demanded a comprehensive account from the CBI, specifically requesting the detailed list of witnesses interrogated, their respective testimonies, and the original case dossier compiled by the Kolkata Police. The court’s directive, issued during a recent hearing, mandates the agency to furnish this information within the next two weeks.
Discrepancies and Judicial Scrutiny
The CBI, through its legal representative Rajdeep Majumdar, presented its findings in a sealed report to the court. This submission was in response to the court’s earlier queries regarding the nature of the assault—whether it was an act of gang rape or a single-perpetrator crime—the potential involvement of individuals beyond the convicted Sanjay Roy, and the rationale behind the ongoing inquiry.
The agency has reaffirmed its position, stating that the forensic evidence unequivocally supports the conclusion of a lone assailant, dismissing the initial claims of a gang rape. Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, had been initially arrested by the Kolkata Police. However, the High Court subsequently transferred the case to the CBI, which ultimately filed a charge sheet naming only Roy, leading to his conviction and life imprisonment by the Sealdah Court.
Justice Ghosh further scrutinized the CBI’s methodology, questioning whether the DNA analysis was confined to the accused or extended to other potential suspects. The CBI clarified that the DNA profiling yielded only one matching profile, conclusively ruling out the involvement of other individuals.
Pursuit of Collateral Investigations
During the court proceedings, the CBI revealed that its investigation has extended to questioning medical personnel and nurses at R.G. Kar Hospital, ensuring a thorough examination of all facets of the case. The agency also disclosed its exploration of a potential conspiracy, aiming to identify individuals who may have attempted to manipulate or tamper with evidence.
Justice Ghosh also sought clarity on the timeline of the investigation, to which the CBI responded that the sheer volume of recorded statements made it challenging to provide a precise completion date. Expressing concern over potential delays, the court directed the agency to provide a progress update at the next hearing.
Legal Framework and State Intervention
The West Bengal government, while not opposing a reinvestigation, raised pertinent legal questions regarding the validity of such actions at this stage. Government counsel Kalyan Bandyopadhyay argued that only the trial court possesses the jurisdiction to address such issues post-conviction.
The case, initially handled by the Kolkata Police, was transferred to the CBI following concerns raised before the Supreme Court regarding the integrity of the initial investigation. The High Court, having received the case diary from the Kolkata Police, has now requested its production for review.
Familial Advocacy and Parallel Proceedings
The victim’s family, dissatisfied with the CBI’s findings, has advocated for a more comprehensive investigation. Their efforts to seek further scrutiny before the Sealdah Court’s verdict were initially declined by Justice Ghosh, pending Supreme Court authorization. However, the apex court recently ruled in their favor, allowing the High Court to proceed with hearings based on their petition.
Following this ruling, the first hearing took place last Monday, with the CBI submitting its status report on Friday. In a parallel development, the CBI also submitted a separate status report to the Sealdah Court, providing an update on its investigation into the related rape and murder case at R.G. Kar Hospital.
Popular English Football Club Manchester City also referred to as Man City FC will be setting up a football academy in The City of Joy Kolkata which is known across the world for its love and passion for the sport! The academy will be named Manchester City Football School which will be launched in collaboration with the Techno India Group, a leading academic institution group in Bengal.
A Memorandum-of-Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Techno India Group and Manchester City on the sidelines of an interactive session on opportunities in West Bengal attended by Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in London. Announcing the news of the MoU, CM Mamata Banerjee highlighted the popularity of football across West Bengal among all age groups from 8 to 80 and how this collaboration will strengthen the state’s sporting ecosystem.
Football training to children and teens aged 3 to 17
The objective of the initiative is to nurture young talent from across the country by offering players a unique blend of world-class football coaching and a strong sports foundation. The proposed football school will cater to athletes aged 3 to 17, providing them with top-tier training led by full-time Manchester City coaches who will be handpicked by City Football Group.
The Manchester City Football School in Kolkata will provide students an authentic and creative football education program inspired by the coaching philosophy and methodology of the world-leading football club who were recently crowned Premier League champions for a fourth successive season.
Manchester City coaches will train kids in Kolkata
The Football School, based in Kolkata, West Bengal will benefit from the expertise of official Manchester City coaches who will relocate to the city from Manchester to deliver a bespoke football programme tailored for the personal development of Techno India Group’s students.
Manchester City and Techno India Group had announced the news of the upcoming Manchester City Football School in Kolkata in September last year.
“We are delighted to be opening our first Manchester City Football School in Kolkata with Techno India Group, who are a leading education provider to children and young adults throughout West Bengal. We are looking forward to creating a first-class educational experience, through the presence of fully training, full-time Manchester City coaches, based on the same approach and methodology that we use in our programs in Manchester, tailored to the level of each player,” Jorgina Busquets, Managing Director – Football Education, Recreation and Partner Clubs for City Football Group had stated in an official announcement.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah with Mr. A.M. Naik, Group Chairman, Larsen & Toubro
Amit Shah Bihar Visit: केंद्रीय गृह मंत्री अमित शाह शनिवार यानी आज से दो दिवसीय बिहार दौरे पर रहेंगे। इस दौरान वे मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार समेत बीजेपी नेताओं से मुलाकात करेंगे और कुछ समारोहों को संबोधित करेंगे। अमित शाह अपने बिहार दौरे में सूबे को कई सौगातें भी देने जा रहे हैं। शाह के इस दौरे के बारे में भाजपा की बिहार इकाई के अध्यक्ष दिलीप जायसवाल ने शुक्रवार को कहा, ‘अमित शाह के शाम 7.45 बजे पटना हवाई अड्डे पर पहुंचने की संभावना है। वे पार्टी विधायकों से बातचीत के लिए सीधे भाजपा मुख्यालय जाएंगे। इसके बाद देर रात पार्टी कोर कमेटी की बैठक होगी।’ उन्होंने कहा, ‘रविवार को पटना में सहकारिता विभाग के एक समारोह को संबोधित करने के बाद शाह गोपालगंज जिले में एक रैली के लिए रवाना होंगे।’
बिहार भाजपा अध्यक्ष ने कहा, ‘गोपालगंज से लौटने के बाद शाह राजग की महत्वपूर्ण बैठक के लिए मुख्यमंत्री के आवास पर जाएंगे, उसके बाद वह अपनी वापसी की उड़ान भरेंगे।’ भाजपा के पूर्व अध्यक्ष का यह दौरा बिहार विधानसभा चुनाव से कुछ महीने पहले हो रहा है और इस बैठक में उनकी पार्टी भाजपा, मुख्यमंत्री नीतीश कुमार की जद(यू) के साथ-साथ केंद्रीय मंत्री चिराग पासवान की लोक जनशक्ति पार्टी (रामविलास) तथा जीतन राम मांझी की हिंदुस्तानी आवाम मोर्चा शामिल होंगे।
Amit Shah Bihar Visit: बिहार को अमित शाह देंगे ये तोहफे
गृह मंत्री सह सहकारिता मंत्री अमित शाह आगामी 29-30 मार्च को बिहार के दो दिवसीय दौरे पर रहेंगे। अमित शाह 30 मार्च को पटना के बापू सभागार में सहकारिता विभाग की कई योजनाओं का तोहफा देते हुए उनका उद्घाटन भी करेंगे। बताया जा रहा है कि अमित शाह के बापू सभागार वाले कार्यक्रम में बिहार के 5350 पैक्स, मत्स्यजीवी सहयोग समितियों, बुनकर सहयोग समितियों, 1000 दुग्ध उत्पादक सहयोग समितियों, 300 ब्लॉक लेवल सब्जी उत्पादक सहयोग समितियों और 300 हैंडलूम वीवर्स समितियों के प्रतिनिधि मौजूद रहेंगे। इस दौरान वे मखाना प्रोसेसिंग सेंटर का भी तोहफा देंगे।
A day after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, was at the epicenter of the quake. According to the Burmese state media, the incident was so severe that it claimed over 1,000 lives. However the rescue efforts are still ongoing and the death toll is expected to rise. The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned that fatalities could exceed 10,000.
Tremors felt till Bangkok
Furthermore, the impact of the tremors was felt as far as Bangkok, nearly 900 kilometers away from the epicenter point. The authorities also reported significant structural damage, including the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper in Bangkok. Following the destruction, a state of emergency has been declared in both the regions, Myanmar and Thailand. At least 10 people have died, and 100 construction workers went missing on Friday.
7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar
Bangkok authorities announced that they have received 2,000 reports of structural cracks in buildings across the city. The Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said: “Despite the collapse of one under-construction building, no completed buildings have suffered structural failure.”
Rescue Efforts ongoing
The after effects of the quake have left severe damage to property and resources. Rescue teams in Myanmar are working tirelessly day in and day out. The workers are using their bare hands to search for survivors amid the rubble and destroyed properties. The earthquake has left thousands injured and many displaced from their homes. Hospitals in big cities like Naypyitaw are overwhelmed, turning into mass casualty centers.
Rescue Efforts ongoing
PM Modi declares Assistance
Following the disaster PM Narendra Modi declared assistance to Myanmar. India sent 15 tonnes of relief materials, including solar lamps, food packets and kitchen sets, to Myanmar on an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft.
In a post on X he wrote, “Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search & rescue teams are being expeditiously dispatched to the affected areas as part of #OperationBrahma.”
Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material,…
India launched “Operation Brahma,” sending relief materials, including food, tents, and medical supplies to Yangon. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India acts as a First Responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by yesterday’s massive earthquake.”
President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. was going to help with the response, but some experts were concerned about this effort given his administration’s deep cuts in foreign assistance. United Nations allocated $5 million to start relief efforts in Myanmar.
Other countries join the fray
Other countries have also joined hands in assistance including China and Russia dispatching aid and rescue teams. Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, issued a rare global appeal, urging international assistance.
According to a report from the Russian state news agency Tass, Russia’s emergency ministry dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and supplies. Malaysia’s foreign ministry said the country will send 50 people on Sunday to help identify and provide aid to the worst-hit areas.
Mohammed Riyas, the International Rescue Committee’s Myanmar director, stated that “We fear it may be weeks before we understand the full extent of destruction caused by this earthquake”.
Wider Impact and Aftershocks
According to reports the tremors of the quake were not confined to Myanmar alone. Shortly after the quake, a 4.0 magnitude tremor was reported in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills, with mild shocks felt in Kolkata and Imphal region. Furthermore, China’s Yunnan province also experienced a 7.9 magnitude jolt.
Meanwhile, the search and rescue operations are ongoing, with survivors recount harrowing tales of survival. Many still remain missing, and the deadly disaster has further deepened Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.
Mumbai, India: Pokiddo Junior, a premier indoor adventure zone exclusively for kids, one of South Mumbai’s most popular and expansive entertainment venues, is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Foundation, India, to bring smiles to the faces of children battling critical illnesses. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Pokiddo Junior hosted a special event dedicated to fulfilling the heartfelt wishes of these young warriors, creating an unforgettable day filled with fun, laughter, and cherished memories.
The event, held at Pokiddo Junior’s state-of-the-art play zone, welcomed children from Make-A-Wish Foundation, India, providing them with an immersive and joyous experience. The kids had immense fun engaging in various activities such as enjoying the ball pit, go-karting, dressing up in beautiful princess costumes, exploring the farmland, playing in the arcades, and sliding through exciting play structures.
The wish ceremony took place at Pokiddo Junior, where a total of 17 wishes were granted. Big and small dreams came true, from cycles and TV sets to gear cycles and battery-operated cars, making their day even more special. Each wish created magical moments that will be treasured forever, bringing happiness and hope to these courageous young dreamers. Some children arrived straight from hospital sessions, while others left to make it to their appointments. But for a while, this wasn’t just a playground; it was a haven of happiness, a moment of respite between treatments, reflected in their beaming smiles.
These kids came from far and gathered for the occasion, traveling from states and cities like West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Nanded, Jalna, Belapur, Solapur, and Madhya Pradesh, adding to the diversity and joy of the celebration.
“Seeing the pure joy on a child’s face reminds us why we do what we do. Play has the incredible power to heal, to uplift, and to bring light even in the darkest times. Partnering with Make-A-Wish Foundation, India has been a deeply moving experience—creating moments of laughter, wonder, and happiness for these brave children. Giving them a space where their imaginations can run free and their smiles can shine brightest is truly priceless,” said Prasuk Jain, the founder of Pokiddo Junior.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation has been a beacon of hope for children with critical illnesses for decades, granting transformative wishes that bring joy, strength, and optimism. The organization’s mission is to enrich the lives of young dreamers by creating extraordinary experiences that inspire courage and resilience. Through this collaboration with Pokiddo Junior, the foundation granted countless wishes.
“We are immensely grateful to Pokiddo Junior for their generosity and dedication in making this day so special. Seeing the joy and excitement on the children’s faces was truly heartwarming, giving children a much-needed break from their daily routine of shuttling between the hospital and home,” said Sophia Falcao, Program Head, Make-A-Wish Foundation, India.
The initiative reinforces Pokiddo Junior’s commitment to giving back to the community and using the magic of play to make a positive impact. By continuing to support such meaningful causes, Pokiddo Junior aims to spread happiness and inspire more organizations to contribute to society.
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Andhra Pradesh, India: Paramesu Biotech Limited, one of the largest manufacturers of maize-based specialty products in India, has demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by donating Rs. 50 lakhs to the Smart Andhra Pradesh Foundation. The donation was formally presented by the company’s Managing Director, Ananda Swaroop Adavani, to Lokesh Nara, (Minister of Human Resources Development department in the Government of Andhra Pradesh) at his Undavalli residence, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to improving educational standards in the region.
Smart Andhra Pradesh Foundation (SAPF) is an independent body with an eminent advisory board comprising corporate and social development leaders. SAPF aims to promote the Brand Andhra Pradesh with a focus on an inclusive, sustainable society under the visionary leadership of Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu.
This philanthropic gesture underscores Paramesu Biotech Limited’s vision of contributing to societal development beyond its core business operations, particularly in enhancing educational opportunities and infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh.
With a strong presence across 14 states and 4 union territories, and exports to other countries, Paramesu Biotech Limited has established itself as a recognized Two Star Export House. The company’s production facility in Devarapalli, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, serves as a testament to its strategic commitment to the region.
Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.
Mumbai, India: Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, has been officially recognized as a Dual Awarding Body (AB -Dual) under the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). This significant recognition, formalized through an agreement, empowers Tata Power to assess, certify, and award qualifications to learners trained at its skill development arm, Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI)- premium institute supported by Tata Power, which is also equipping youth with expertise for the booming energy sector .
The agreement was signed by Mr. Alok Prasad (Head – TPSDI) on behalf of Tata Power and Col. Gunjan Chowdhary (Director – NCVET) on behalf of NCVET, in the gracious presence of Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari (Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Chairperson, NCVET), and Mr. Himal Tewari (President – Group HR, CHRO, Chief – Sustainability & CSR). The recognition aligns with Skill India Mission and Tata Power’s ongoing efforts to bridge the skill gap in the power sector. The NCVET accreditation will help TPSDI to expand its skilling initiatives by certifying individuals in key domains such as rooftop solar installations, energy storage, green hydrogen, and pumped hydros, which are aligned with India’s rapidly evolving green energy ecosystem.
To facilitate this, the company is set to scale up its training infrastructure, ensuring greater accessibility to industry-aligned skilling programs across the country. TPSDI, which has already trained over three lakh individuals, will now be able to directly award industry-recognized certifications for its approved or adopted qualifications across its owned or fully managed campuses. This recognition will significantly enhance the credibility and employability of TPSDI-certified professionals, strengthening India’s green workforce for the future.
The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, serves as the national regulator for vocational education and training. It is responsible for setting standards, formulating regulations, and enhancing the quality and impact of skilling initiatives across the country. NCVET oversees the recognition and regulation of awarding bodies and assessment agencies, ensuring the development of a highly skilled workforce to meet evolving industry demands.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief – Sustainability & CSR, Tata Power, said: “Becoming an awarding body under NCVET marks a defining moment in Tata Power’s journey towards workforce transformation. With this recognition, we are poised to skill and certify professionals through our 11 centers, ensuring a pipeline of industry-ready talent equipped with the skills necessary for India’s clean energy transition. As we look ahead, our focus remains on expanding our reach and impact, developing expertise in future-forward domains, and contributing meaningfully to India’s vision of a sustainable, self-reliant energy future.”
With a growing emphasis on green jobs, TPSDI will focus on training programs in emerging domains such as solar and wind energy, energy storage, grid modernization, and sustainable power solutions.
Through this association , Tata Power further strengthens its role as a key driver of industry-aligned skill development, equipping professionals with practical, hands-on expertise in the evolving energy sector. This initiative reinforces Tata Power’s commitment to nation-building, workforce development, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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A curfew has been imposed in part of Kathmandu on Friday after two people, including a camera person, died and over a dozen got injured in clashes between supporters of the former king and the police. The supporters demanded the restoration of the monarchy abolished in 2008 to give way to democracy in Nepal. Ex-King Gyanendra’s supporters held demonstrations and clashed with the police forces. The police retaliated with water cannons, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
The Left Front
In a separate rally organised by the left front, former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Madhav Kumar Nepal addressed the crowd and ended the gathering on a peaceful note with a warning to Gajendra that his ambitions of regaining the throne could prove costly to him.
The pro-monarchy rally in the Tinkune area began around 11:30 AM yesterday, by the police intervened. The crowd had already started to move towards the Parliament House, where prohibitory orders were in place.
The government has declared Durga Prasai, the designated leader of the rally, as the man responsible for the violence and has issued an arrest warrant against him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the RSS headquarters this Sunday, something no other Prime Minister has ever done. While Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bhawankule insisted that there is nothing political about the visit to Nagpur, this visit can be seen as an attempt to ease tension between the BJP and the RSS.
PM’s Schedule
“The PM will lay the foundation stone of the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre building and share the dias with Mohan Bhagwat (RSS Chief) during this event. The PM will also visit the Hedgewar Smruti Mandir, which is the RSS headquarters. After this, he will go to Deekshabhoomi where B R Ambedkar and his followers embraced Buddhism,” told Bawankule to reporters.
The Hedgewar Smriti Mandir has memorials dedicated to RSS founder Keshav Balaram Hedgewar and MS Gowalkar, the second sarsanghchalak of the RSS. Ex-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited the memorial in 2007 for the centenary celebrations of Gowalkar. During this time, he had stepped down as prime minister after the BJP lost the elections in 2004.
Modi himself last visited the RSS headquarters in September 2012 to attend the funeral of late RSS chief K S Sudarshan. Back then, he was serving as the Gujarat chief minister.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha adopted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 on Friday by passing a resolution to this effect. The act was enacted by the centre, amid criticism by environmentalists. The Punjab Cabinet approved the amended law on February 27 and became the 19th state to adopt the law.
The legislation was enacted by the Parliament on February 15, 2024, and was implemented by Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the Union Territories.
Opposition to the Act
Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh moved the resolution, which was passed amidst opposition from the Congress. The act will replace a decade-old statute and will decriminalise several violations relating to water pollution. The act will also introduce financial penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹ 15 lakh against the previous provisions that allowed for imprisonment of up to six years. According to the new rules, the committee electing the chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) will now also have a representative from the centre.
Congress member Avtar Henry Jr. opposed the resolution, stating that the central act was an attack on the federal structure. He also opposed the abolition of provisions of punishments in the new legislation. Jaskirat Singh, an environmental activist of the Public Action Committee, said that the passing of the law was shocking. Singh also added that the resolution should not have been read in CM’s absence.
“It is his daughter’s first birthday. Today, he was busy organising a function in the evening where many officers, leaders and others are invited.”
