Kolkata: North Bengal, a Congress stronghold where the Trinamool is on a sticky wicket, came for particular attention from Mamata Banerjee. In the recent past, she has come under fire from Congress leaders for ignoring the region.
Apart from new trains and services, Mamata announced water-bottling plants under the PPP mode at Malda and Farakka, apart from a number of hospitals. Of the four multi-disciplinary training centres to be set up across the country, two will be in Cooch Behar and Malda.
New Jalpaiguri will get a rail axle factory that will reduce the railways’ dependence on imports.
Of the 94 Adarsh stations planned across the country, 28 are in Bengal alone. Bolpur and Kharagpur have joined the list of stations that are to be developed into world-class terminals. As many as 22 stations in the state will be converted into multi-functional complexes.
A coach factory will be set up at Kanchrapara, and a diesel multiple unit (DMU) factory under JV/PPP mode at Sankrail, Howrah. The Kharagpur workshop will be developed into the country’s first centre of excellence in wagon prototyping, Mamata announced. Work on the eastern leg of the dedicated freight corridor will start in Dankuni in Hooghly this year.
Locations in Bengal figured in almost every paragraph of Mamata’s speech. Every time, an MP objected to the “Bengal centric budget”, Mamata would brush it off in her street-fighter way.
At least one of Mamata’s announcements evoked a sense of nostalgia among the elderly who have travelled by train from the Northeast to Kolkata before 1971. She announced a rail link between Akhaura in Bangladesh and Agartala, and a special train — Sanskriti Express — from Kolkata to Dhaka on the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore. This will provide a shorter route from Bengal to the North-East via Bangladesh. She also announced a new line from Jogbani to Biratnagar in Nepal.
In a bid too woo urban voters, Mamata announced four extensions of the Kolkata Metro and more suburban trains on the Howrah and Sealdah sector and two more women specials.
The list of trains for Bengal seems to be an unending one. Five of the 16 Bharat Tirth trains will start from Howrah. The state has also got three Duronto trains and 17 of the 53 express trains. Five of the nine new railway line projects are also in Bengal.
It was not just about trains, tracks and factories. Mamata crossed boundaries to announce a sports academy in Kolkata (one of five across the country) and two museums on Rabindranath Tagore at Howrah and Bolpur.
Finally, she came good on her promise to give a job to each family that gives up their land for the freight corridor...published in TOI on 25.02.10
Friday, February 26, 2010
Ghani family divided over sops
Team TOI
One hailed it as “visionary”, the other was “utterly disappointed” — Mamata Banerjee’s Railway Budget, which was hailed across North Bengal for its potential to impact the region in a way son of the soil Ghani Khan Chowdhury’s budget did during his tenure in the ’80s, seemed, rather ironically, to have caused a vertical split in the family of the late Congress stalwart.
Just like the geographical division of their constituencies, Malda North MP Mausam Noor and Malda South MP Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury were sharply divided in their reaction to Didi’s budget doles. While Noor, who is Ghani Khan’s niece, chose to look beyond immediate gains, Abu Hasem, his brother, found the budget sops paltry and laced with politics.
But Mamata, who was accused of ignoring North Bengal last year, did make a special attempt to reach out this time. Across cities that dot this region, there was spontaneous cheer as Mamata read her budget speech in Parliament, announcing a slew of projects that ranged from a packaged drinking water plant
in Jalpaiguri’s New Mal to railway training centres in Malda and Cooch Behar and a super speciality hospital in Malda. Two projects — a coach repairing shed proposed at New Jalpaiguri and laying of new tracks between Haldibari and Changrabanda via Mekhliganj — drew the loudest cheers. While the former will generate employment, the latter will augment infrastructure in the region.
Noor congratulated the railway minister for focusing on employment generation, something “baromama (Ghani Khan)” would do. “This rail budget definitely has more vision than immediate gains,” said Noor, adding: “With stress on infrastructure growth, Mamatadi has moved the Indian Railways a step further. Both the hospital and the institute will help create jobs. After baromama, no one has paid any heed to employment generation here.”
But her uncle railed against Mamata’s disregard for a list of proposals he had given her. “None of them (proposals in the list) was sanctioned. I’m utterly disappointed”, said Abu Hasem. “I wanted a Rajdhani express touching Malda, a superfast train between Malda and Kolkata and a train from Malda to Mumbai, among others. But nothing was approved.” ...published in TOI on 25.02.10
One hailed it as “visionary”, the other was “utterly disappointed” — Mamata Banerjee’s Railway Budget, which was hailed across North Bengal for its potential to impact the region in a way son of the soil Ghani Khan Chowdhury’s budget did during his tenure in the ’80s, seemed, rather ironically, to have caused a vertical split in the family of the late Congress stalwart.
Just like the geographical division of their constituencies, Malda North MP Mausam Noor and Malda South MP Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury were sharply divided in their reaction to Didi’s budget doles. While Noor, who is Ghani Khan’s niece, chose to look beyond immediate gains, Abu Hasem, his brother, found the budget sops paltry and laced with politics.
But Mamata, who was accused of ignoring North Bengal last year, did make a special attempt to reach out this time. Across cities that dot this region, there was spontaneous cheer as Mamata read her budget speech in Parliament, announcing a slew of projects that ranged from a packaged drinking water plant
in Jalpaiguri’s New Mal to railway training centres in Malda and Cooch Behar and a super speciality hospital in Malda. Two projects — a coach repairing shed proposed at New Jalpaiguri and laying of new tracks between Haldibari and Changrabanda via Mekhliganj — drew the loudest cheers. While the former will generate employment, the latter will augment infrastructure in the region.
Noor congratulated the railway minister for focusing on employment generation, something “baromama (Ghani Khan)” would do. “This rail budget definitely has more vision than immediate gains,” said Noor, adding: “With stress on infrastructure growth, Mamatadi has moved the Indian Railways a step further. Both the hospital and the institute will help create jobs. After baromama, no one has paid any heed to employment generation here.”
But her uncle railed against Mamata’s disregard for a list of proposals he had given her. “None of them (proposals in the list) was sanctioned. I’m utterly disappointed”, said Abu Hasem. “I wanted a Rajdhani express touching Malda, a superfast train between Malda and Kolkata and a train from Malda to Mumbai, among others. But nothing was approved.” ...published in TOI on 25.02.10
Malda family wants to sell child for Rs 10K
Subhro Maitra | TNN
Malda: An impoverished couple in Malda has decided to sell one of their five children to anyone who pays Rs 10,000. Kayesh Sheikh and his wife Arina Bibi of Sailpur, 20 km from Malda town, have been putting up placards announcing this at their village. Hundreds of villagers are mute spectators to this “shame”, but little has been done to alleviate their condition.
Kayesh and Arina have three sons and two daughters. Kayesh had worked as a migrant labourer in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and earned enough for sustenance. However, tragedy befell him three years ago in Hyderabad, when he fell from a mobile tower and broke his spine. “I returned home but never fully recovered,” said Kayesh. The cost of treating Kayesh, combined with running their seven-member household, proved too much for the couple. “We had to sell every household item to feed the children,” said Arina.
The couple had to depend on neighbours’ help, but it wasn’t enough. “They help us out, but how much can they do?” said Kayesh. Daughter Khosenur and son Anwar sometimes help out as agricultural labourers, and thus have little formal education. “If any couple offers us Rs 10,000, I’ll sell one of my children to treat my husband,” said a weeping Arina.
“Their condition is pathetic,” said Tafijul Hossain, gram panchayat member of Narhatta. “But they don’t have their names registered on the BPL list, which would have ensured some help.”
Malda SDO Prakash Pal said: “The administration is ready to take the responsibility of the children if the parents find them a burden,” he said, assuring that he would send teams to the village to look into the matter...published in TOI on 26.02.10
Malda: An impoverished couple in Malda has decided to sell one of their five children to anyone who pays Rs 10,000. Kayesh Sheikh and his wife Arina Bibi of Sailpur, 20 km from Malda town, have been putting up placards announcing this at their village. Hundreds of villagers are mute spectators to this “shame”, but little has been done to alleviate their condition.
Kayesh and Arina have three sons and two daughters. Kayesh had worked as a migrant labourer in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and earned enough for sustenance. However, tragedy befell him three years ago in Hyderabad, when he fell from a mobile tower and broke his spine. “I returned home but never fully recovered,” said Kayesh. The cost of treating Kayesh, combined with running their seven-member household, proved too much for the couple. “We had to sell every household item to feed the children,” said Arina.
The couple had to depend on neighbours’ help, but it wasn’t enough. “They help us out, but how much can they do?” said Kayesh. Daughter Khosenur and son Anwar sometimes help out as agricultural labourers, and thus have little formal education. “If any couple offers us Rs 10,000, I’ll sell one of my children to treat my husband,” said a weeping Arina.
“Their condition is pathetic,” said Tafijul Hossain, gram panchayat member of Narhatta. “But they don’t have their names registered on the BPL list, which would have ensured some help.”
Malda SDO Prakash Pal said: “The administration is ready to take the responsibility of the children if the parents find them a burden,” he said, assuring that he would send teams to the village to look into the matter...published in TOI on 26.02.10
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Malda Thalassaemia Patients Promised Free Blood Transfusion
Ray of hope after death wish
Prithvijit Mitra & Subhro Maitra | tnn
Kolkata/Malda: Driven to desperation by poverty and an incurable disease — thalassaemia — that afflicts all four members of his family, Saidur Rehman of Malda decided to seek mercy killing. In a letter to chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Rehman had said that as neither the state nor he could bear the expenses of treatment, they should be allowed mercy killing rather than made to die a slow and painful death. That was four months ago.
Now, the farm labourer is clinging on to fresh hope. He is ready to withdraw his appeal and make a new beginning, thanks to assurances of help that have eventually come through. While the district administration has assured him of free blood transfusion and transport, a research organisation and a charitable institution have arranged for treatment of the family.
Forty-year-old Saidur, his wife Marjina Bibi (35) and their children Mostakim Rehman and Mamoni Khatun, aged 12 and eight years, respectively, will arrive in Kolkata later this month.
“We had visited Malda for a cancer treatment and awareness camp in December when we came across the family. All four of them needed treatment urgently but couldn’t afford it. We have made arrangements for their treatment at our hospital and they will be provided with free medicines by a trust. Saidur has been asked to reach Kolkata by the end of February,” said Ashish Mukhopadhyay, director, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute.
The letter written to the chief minister had moved government officials but action was painfully slow. Even though Saidur was forced to stop visiting the district hospital for transfusion as he couldn’t even afford the bus fare, nothing was done. Things started moving in January after a letter from Writers’ Buildings reached the district magistrate, seeking to know what has been done to help the family. It was passed on to the BDO of Bamongola, Anjan Ghosh, who has been in touch with the family. “We have provided them with free passes for bus travel. Arrangements have also been finalised for free transfusion and a certificate that entitles them to it. But we are yet not aware of the family’s plans to go to Kolkata for treatment,” said Ghosh.
Residents of Samsabad village under Bamongola block, 40 km from Malda town, Rehman and his family are expected in Kolkata next week. “We had done a few primary examinations in Malda last month. We need a thorough investigation but it is clear that two of them, including Saidur, were suffering from beta thalassaemia while the other two had e-beta thalassaemia. We are planning to do a splenectomy to reduce their need for transfusion but a final decision will be taken after they are admitted to the hospital,” said Mukhopadhyay.
Local MLA Khagen Murmu claimed he had contacted Saidur after he sought euthanasia. But the family never got back to him for help or assistance. “I had arranged for their free blood transfusion but they stopped visiting the hospital. If they couldn’t afford to travel, they could have told me so. It is not possible to provide financial help but we could have worked out something,” said Murmu.
In his letter to the chief minister, Saidur had written that even though he knew it was against the law to commit or ask for death, he wanted the permission as he couldn’t bear the cost of treating his wife and children.
Saidur sent copies of the appeal to the district magistrate, block development officer and the chief medical officer of health.
Prithvijit Mitra & Subhro Maitra | tnn
Kolkata/Malda: Driven to desperation by poverty and an incurable disease — thalassaemia — that afflicts all four members of his family, Saidur Rehman of Malda decided to seek mercy killing. In a letter to chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Rehman had said that as neither the state nor he could bear the expenses of treatment, they should be allowed mercy killing rather than made to die a slow and painful death. That was four months ago.
Now, the farm labourer is clinging on to fresh hope. He is ready to withdraw his appeal and make a new beginning, thanks to assurances of help that have eventually come through. While the district administration has assured him of free blood transfusion and transport, a research organisation and a charitable institution have arranged for treatment of the family.
Forty-year-old Saidur, his wife Marjina Bibi (35) and their children Mostakim Rehman and Mamoni Khatun, aged 12 and eight years, respectively, will arrive in Kolkata later this month.
“We had visited Malda for a cancer treatment and awareness camp in December when we came across the family. All four of them needed treatment urgently but couldn’t afford it. We have made arrangements for their treatment at our hospital and they will be provided with free medicines by a trust. Saidur has been asked to reach Kolkata by the end of February,” said Ashish Mukhopadhyay, director, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute.
The letter written to the chief minister had moved government officials but action was painfully slow. Even though Saidur was forced to stop visiting the district hospital for transfusion as he couldn’t even afford the bus fare, nothing was done. Things started moving in January after a letter from Writers’ Buildings reached the district magistrate, seeking to know what has been done to help the family. It was passed on to the BDO of Bamongola, Anjan Ghosh, who has been in touch with the family. “We have provided them with free passes for bus travel. Arrangements have also been finalised for free transfusion and a certificate that entitles them to it. But we are yet not aware of the family’s plans to go to Kolkata for treatment,” said Ghosh.
Residents of Samsabad village under Bamongola block, 40 km from Malda town, Rehman and his family are expected in Kolkata next week. “We had done a few primary examinations in Malda last month. We need a thorough investigation but it is clear that two of them, including Saidur, were suffering from beta thalassaemia while the other two had e-beta thalassaemia. We are planning to do a splenectomy to reduce their need for transfusion but a final decision will be taken after they are admitted to the hospital,” said Mukhopadhyay.
Local MLA Khagen Murmu claimed he had contacted Saidur after he sought euthanasia. But the family never got back to him for help or assistance. “I had arranged for their free blood transfusion but they stopped visiting the hospital. If they couldn’t afford to travel, they could have told me so. It is not possible to provide financial help but we could have worked out something,” said Murmu.
In his letter to the chief minister, Saidur had written that even though he knew it was against the law to commit or ask for death, he wanted the permission as he couldn’t bear the cost of treating his wife and children.
Saidur sent copies of the appeal to the district magistrate, block development officer and the chief medical officer of health.
Monday, February 22, 2010
TOI’s stellar show in journalism awards
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Kolkata: On Sunday evening, it was the turn of those who stay alert 24X7 to give you the news, day after day, to be in the news themselves. Presented by the KKN Group, in association with Candid Communication, Journalism Awards 2009 paid tribute to the noble profession of journalism.
Veteran photojournalist Durgadas Chatterjee was given the lifetime achievement award for his contribution to journalism.
Journalism Award 2009 also awarded journalists and photojournalists in 18 categories, of which four was bagged by the Times Of India. Subhro Niyogi was declared winner in the feature (English) category, Subhro Maitra in district reporting, Nilesh Bhattacharya in Sports (English) while Sayantan Ghosh in the news photography section. In all, there were 13 nominees from TOI.
The award for general news in English, Bengali and Hindi went to Rajib Chakrabarty of The Statesman, Tapas Pramanik of Bartaman and Anand Kumar Singh of Prabhat Khabar. Prizes for feature section Bengali was won jointly by Mouli Misra of Sangbad Pratidin and Indranil Roy of Anandabazar Pratika while Archana Sharma of Sanmarg won it in the Hindi section.
Pratim Ranjan Bose of Hindu Business Line won the prize for business reporting. The award in lifestyle & cinema section in English and Bengali were given to Satarupa Bose of Hindustan Times and Gautam Bhattacharya of Anandabazar Patrika. The award for district reporting was won by Manas R Banerjee of The Statesman with Subhro Maitra of TOI.
In the photography section,
the award in the feature section went to to Debajyoti Chakraborty of Rashtriya Sahara; Swapan Mahapatra of PTI won for lifestyle. Subhendu Ghosh of Hindustan Times won in the sports section.
The panel of judges for the award included ace photographer Raghu Rai, film director Prabhat Roy, sport commentator Kishore Bhimani, veteran footballer Prasun Banerjee, industrialist Pawan Ruia, veteran journalist Manojit Mitra and Sudama Prasad Singh....published in TOI on 22.02.10
Kolkata: On Sunday evening, it was the turn of those who stay alert 24X7 to give you the news, day after day, to be in the news themselves. Presented by the KKN Group, in association with Candid Communication, Journalism Awards 2009 paid tribute to the noble profession of journalism.
Veteran photojournalist Durgadas Chatterjee was given the lifetime achievement award for his contribution to journalism.
Journalism Award 2009 also awarded journalists and photojournalists in 18 categories, of which four was bagged by the Times Of India. Subhro Niyogi was declared winner in the feature (English) category, Subhro Maitra in district reporting, Nilesh Bhattacharya in Sports (English) while Sayantan Ghosh in the news photography section. In all, there were 13 nominees from TOI.
The award for general news in English, Bengali and Hindi went to Rajib Chakrabarty of The Statesman, Tapas Pramanik of Bartaman and Anand Kumar Singh of Prabhat Khabar. Prizes for feature section Bengali was won jointly by Mouli Misra of Sangbad Pratidin and Indranil Roy of Anandabazar Pratika while Archana Sharma of Sanmarg won it in the Hindi section.
Pratim Ranjan Bose of Hindu Business Line won the prize for business reporting. The award in lifestyle & cinema section in English and Bengali were given to Satarupa Bose of Hindustan Times and Gautam Bhattacharya of Anandabazar Patrika. The award for district reporting was won by Manas R Banerjee of The Statesman with Subhro Maitra of TOI.
In the photography section,
the award in the feature section went to to Debajyoti Chakraborty of Rashtriya Sahara; Swapan Mahapatra of PTI won for lifestyle. Subhendu Ghosh of Hindustan Times won in the sports section.
The panel of judges for the award included ace photographer Raghu Rai, film director Prabhat Roy, sport commentator Kishore Bhimani, veteran footballer Prasun Banerjee, industrialist Pawan Ruia, veteran journalist Manojit Mitra and Sudama Prasad Singh....published in TOI on 22.02.10
16 kids rescued at Malda station
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Malda: Sixteen children — aged between eight and 12 — were rescued at Malda station on Friday night while they were on their way to Uttar Pradesh to work as child labourers. One person was arrested in this connection.
The children are residents of villages like Rajaramchak under Gajole PS and Chator under Ratua PS. They said a resident of Chator, Samaul Ali, was taking them to Jainpur in UP to work as labourers. Samaul took them to Malda Town station on Friday and they were to board the Delhibound Farakka Express.
The train, however, was much behind schedule. Naturally, the children were waiting on the platform. Other passengers smelt a rat on seeing so many children together. The passengers informed English Bazaar police, who rushed to the spot and caught Samaul. The children were also rescued. On being interrogated, Samaul conceded that he was taking the kids to Jainpur for railway construction work.
One of the children, Morsalim, said he had been to other states earlier, too, to work as a labourer. “I have no option as I have lost my parents early. This time, I was told that I would be paid Rs 2,200 per month,” he said. Police suspect the contractor might have had other intentions as well.
They are now trying to contact the children’s families. However, not surprisingly, most of the children said they have no one to go home to or
that they are extremely poor.
Samaul was produced in court on Saturday and remanded in seven days’ police custody. “It is a shame for us that we have not been able to reach the basic facilities to all families so that children are not robbed of their childhood. I’ll certainly look into the mater and provide these kids all possible help to continue with their studies,” said SDO Prakash Pal......published in TOI on 21.02.10
Malda: Sixteen children — aged between eight and 12 — were rescued at Malda station on Friday night while they were on their way to Uttar Pradesh to work as child labourers. One person was arrested in this connection.
The children are residents of villages like Rajaramchak under Gajole PS and Chator under Ratua PS. They said a resident of Chator, Samaul Ali, was taking them to Jainpur in UP to work as labourers. Samaul took them to Malda Town station on Friday and they were to board the Delhibound Farakka Express.
The train, however, was much behind schedule. Naturally, the children were waiting on the platform. Other passengers smelt a rat on seeing so many children together. The passengers informed English Bazaar police, who rushed to the spot and caught Samaul. The children were also rescued. On being interrogated, Samaul conceded that he was taking the kids to Jainpur for railway construction work.
One of the children, Morsalim, said he had been to other states earlier, too, to work as a labourer. “I have no option as I have lost my parents early. This time, I was told that I would be paid Rs 2,200 per month,” he said. Police suspect the contractor might have had other intentions as well.
They are now trying to contact the children’s families. However, not surprisingly, most of the children said they have no one to go home to or
that they are extremely poor.
Samaul was produced in court on Saturday and remanded in seven days’ police custody. “It is a shame for us that we have not been able to reach the basic facilities to all families so that children are not robbed of their childhood. I’ll certainly look into the mater and provide these kids all possible help to continue with their studies,” said SDO Prakash Pal......published in TOI on 21.02.10
Friday, February 19, 2010
Woman tortured over 3rd daughter
Lodges Complaint Against In-Laws After Being Rescued By Neighbours
Subhro Maitra | TNN
Malda: Delivering a third girl child was crime enough for a man and his mother to start thrashing his wife regularly and even with a smouldering piece of wood. Even the newborn was not spared and singed with a bidi. At her tether’s end, Taslima finally lodged a complaint with police on Friday after being taken to hospital by neighbours.
Taslima of Moslempur village got married to Alam Sheikh, owner of a small shop in neighbouring Krishnapur village under English Bazaar PS, around five years ago. After two years of marriage, Taslima gave birth to a girl — Sabina, who is now four years old — but things were fine, she said. Even a second daughter — Rakeya, now two — kept Alam silent. But she did not know that he was hoping for better luck next time.
All hell broke loose when Taslima delivered the third girl child around 40 days back. Alam and his mother Malijan Bewa allegedly started beating up Taslima brutally. “Alam started pressuring my daughter to bring money from us to bring up the girls. We have little, but tried our best to satisfy them,” alleged Taslima’s mother Jahanara Begum.
“Since my third daughter’s birth, Alam began to torture me mentally and physically. He never even picked her up in his lap,” narrated Taslima. “On Thursday, things went to an extreme. I was cooking and my husband and mother-in-law started cursing me. I, too, reacted by saying that I’d leave the house. This infuriated them. My husband first singed my newborn with a bidi. When I rushed to save her, he struck me with a burning piece of wood.”
Taslima’s cries brought in neighbours like Nurul Islam and Ansarul Mandal, who informed her parents and took her to hospital. Islam confirmed that of late, Taslima was tortured by her in-laws. In hospital, too, Alam allegedly threatened Taslima with dire consequences if she dared open her mouth before police.
On the basis of Taslima’s complaint, police have registered cases against Alam, his brother and mother under sections 326, 307, 498A IPC, which includes attempt to murder by burning and torture on wife. Alam is absconding. Police sources said raids are on to nab him....published in TOI on 20.02.10
Subhro Maitra | TNN
Malda: Delivering a third girl child was crime enough for a man and his mother to start thrashing his wife regularly and even with a smouldering piece of wood. Even the newborn was not spared and singed with a bidi. At her tether’s end, Taslima finally lodged a complaint with police on Friday after being taken to hospital by neighbours.
Taslima of Moslempur village got married to Alam Sheikh, owner of a small shop in neighbouring Krishnapur village under English Bazaar PS, around five years ago. After two years of marriage, Taslima gave birth to a girl — Sabina, who is now four years old — but things were fine, she said. Even a second daughter — Rakeya, now two — kept Alam silent. But she did not know that he was hoping for better luck next time.
All hell broke loose when Taslima delivered the third girl child around 40 days back. Alam and his mother Malijan Bewa allegedly started beating up Taslima brutally. “Alam started pressuring my daughter to bring money from us to bring up the girls. We have little, but tried our best to satisfy them,” alleged Taslima’s mother Jahanara Begum.
“Since my third daughter’s birth, Alam began to torture me mentally and physically. He never even picked her up in his lap,” narrated Taslima. “On Thursday, things went to an extreme. I was cooking and my husband and mother-in-law started cursing me. I, too, reacted by saying that I’d leave the house. This infuriated them. My husband first singed my newborn with a bidi. When I rushed to save her, he struck me with a burning piece of wood.”
Taslima’s cries brought in neighbours like Nurul Islam and Ansarul Mandal, who informed her parents and took her to hospital. Islam confirmed that of late, Taslima was tortured by her in-laws. In hospital, too, Alam allegedly threatened Taslima with dire consequences if she dared open her mouth before police.
On the basis of Taslima’s complaint, police have registered cases against Alam, his brother and mother under sections 326, 307, 498A IPC, which includes attempt to murder by burning and torture on wife. Alam is absconding. Police sources said raids are on to nab him....published in TOI on 20.02.10
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Northeast children return after Chennai ordeal
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Malda: Seventy-six boys from the northeast, who had left home for Chennai in the hope of education, food and a better life two years ago, are on their way back. And they are not complaining. For, the life they got in Chennai was far removed from what they had been promised.
On Wednesday, the kids were given refreshments and food by local NGOs at Malda station. The boys were returning to their respective hometowns and villages in the northeast by the Chennai-Guwahati Express. Intervention by a government agency and an NGO has given these children a fresh lease of life.
More than 100 children — all belonging to the 6-12 age group — were taken to Chennai two years ago by an organisation whose details have not been disclosed by the authorities in Tamil Nadu. The kids were told that they would be put up at a children’s home and properly looked after. But the dream soon turned sour and the children had to cope with shabby living conditions, poor and irregular food, and no education. The hapless Uttams, Rajus and Roberts did not know where to go.
“We did not get regular meals or treatment when we fell ill,” said Uttam. A few months ago, a raid by the Child Welfare Committee of Tamil Nadu, along with NGO Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL), blew the lid off the kids’ condition. “The home did not provide basic facilities to the children and the government decided to close it down”, said CACL activist Amit Sanyal.
Accordingly, the children were rescued and arrangements made for their return. Some of the kids had reportedly fled earlier. However, Sanyal could not say whether the government took any legal action against the authorities of the children’s home.
Among the 76 children rescued, 24 are from Assam and 52 from Manipur. The kids will be handed over to police in the two states and sent home. “The government must take responsibility,” said Sanyal...published in TOI on 18.02.10
Malda: Seventy-six boys from the northeast, who had left home for Chennai in the hope of education, food and a better life two years ago, are on their way back. And they are not complaining. For, the life they got in Chennai was far removed from what they had been promised.
On Wednesday, the kids were given refreshments and food by local NGOs at Malda station. The boys were returning to their respective hometowns and villages in the northeast by the Chennai-Guwahati Express. Intervention by a government agency and an NGO has given these children a fresh lease of life.
More than 100 children — all belonging to the 6-12 age group — were taken to Chennai two years ago by an organisation whose details have not been disclosed by the authorities in Tamil Nadu. The kids were told that they would be put up at a children’s home and properly looked after. But the dream soon turned sour and the children had to cope with shabby living conditions, poor and irregular food, and no education. The hapless Uttams, Rajus and Roberts did not know where to go.
“We did not get regular meals or treatment when we fell ill,” said Uttam. A few months ago, a raid by the Child Welfare Committee of Tamil Nadu, along with NGO Campaign Against Child Labour (CACL), blew the lid off the kids’ condition. “The home did not provide basic facilities to the children and the government decided to close it down”, said CACL activist Amit Sanyal.
Accordingly, the children were rescued and arrangements made for their return. Some of the kids had reportedly fled earlier. However, Sanyal could not say whether the government took any legal action against the authorities of the children’s home.
Among the 76 children rescued, 24 are from Assam and 52 from Manipur. The kids will be handed over to police in the two states and sent home. “The government must take responsibility,” said Sanyal...published in TOI on 18.02.10
Police heat on illegal FM stations
RADIO ROW
Three Men Arrested In Malda
Subhro Maitra | TNN
Malda: The airwaves are free — and anyone with the technical knowhow can tap it. Happy with this knowledge, a band of ‘enterprising’ people in Malda and North Dinajpur have started illegal FM stations, dishing out popular songs all day. Though neither district has a single legal FM channel, there are at least 20 such radio stations operating only in Malda.
But the part-time RJs — who actually work as radio and cellphone mechanics — got a rude shock when three of them were arrested on Tuesday. Not only is permission from the information and broadcasting ministry necessary to run such stations, police were also worried that these illegal radio channels could be used by anti-national elements in these sensitive border districts.
An investigation was started after Malda district magistrate Sridhar Ghosh received a confidential report from the Chanchal SDO on these illegal FM channels. “I do not know how they are using frequency modulation without permission. I have urged the police to look into the matter,” the DM said.
A police raid on Tuesday led to two arrests and the seizure of electronic equipment from three radio stations in the Manikchak police station area. Another person was arrested from the Chanchal area. More raids are being carried out. “The crackdown will continue till the last one is brought to book,” said Malda additional SP Mr Kalyan Mukherjee.
The villagers though couldn’t care less about I&B strictures or security concerns. Residents of Bangitola, Chanchal, Manikchak and other areas were enjoying the service. “We are being able to hear some of our favourite songs. What’s wrong with it?” asked Kurban Ali of Bangitola.
“There is a growing demand, especially in the rural areas, for FM radio. As the district officially has no such station, local youths have started channels illegally,” acknowledged a senior police officer. Some of these channels even operate through the night. One of the operators got his trade license from the Englishbazaar Municipality. However, during the investigation, police found that he had actually got the licence for trading in electronic goods but later started using it for running the FM station.
Former information and broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Das Munshi had laid the foundation stone for setting up an FM radio station in September 2008, but the project had gone into the freezer after his illness.....published in TOI on 12.02.10
Three Men Arrested In Malda
Subhro Maitra | TNN
Malda: The airwaves are free — and anyone with the technical knowhow can tap it. Happy with this knowledge, a band of ‘enterprising’ people in Malda and North Dinajpur have started illegal FM stations, dishing out popular songs all day. Though neither district has a single legal FM channel, there are at least 20 such radio stations operating only in Malda.
But the part-time RJs — who actually work as radio and cellphone mechanics — got a rude shock when three of them were arrested on Tuesday. Not only is permission from the information and broadcasting ministry necessary to run such stations, police were also worried that these illegal radio channels could be used by anti-national elements in these sensitive border districts.
An investigation was started after Malda district magistrate Sridhar Ghosh received a confidential report from the Chanchal SDO on these illegal FM channels. “I do not know how they are using frequency modulation without permission. I have urged the police to look into the matter,” the DM said.
A police raid on Tuesday led to two arrests and the seizure of electronic equipment from three radio stations in the Manikchak police station area. Another person was arrested from the Chanchal area. More raids are being carried out. “The crackdown will continue till the last one is brought to book,” said Malda additional SP Mr Kalyan Mukherjee.
The villagers though couldn’t care less about I&B strictures or security concerns. Residents of Bangitola, Chanchal, Manikchak and other areas were enjoying the service. “We are being able to hear some of our favourite songs. What’s wrong with it?” asked Kurban Ali of Bangitola.
“There is a growing demand, especially in the rural areas, for FM radio. As the district officially has no such station, local youths have started channels illegally,” acknowledged a senior police officer. Some of these channels even operate through the night. One of the operators got his trade license from the Englishbazaar Municipality. However, during the investigation, police found that he had actually got the licence for trading in electronic goods but later started using it for running the FM station.
Former information and broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Das Munshi had laid the foundation stone for setting up an FM radio station in September 2008, but the project had gone into the freezer after his illness.....published in TOI on 12.02.10
20 killed as bus collides with lorry on NH-34
Subhro Maitra | TNN
Malda: Twenty people, including nine women and two children, were killed and 30 injured when the private bus they were travelling in collided head-on with a sand-laden lorry on NH-34 on Thursday afternoon.
The accident took place at Rahatpur under Karandighi police station in North Dinajpur district, around 40 km towards Siliguri from Raiganj town. Thirteen passengers of the Hili-Siliguri private bus died on the spot and another seven died later in hospitals.
Those who have been identified are Biwi Tariza (35) of Chakulia, Soumen Kundu (19) and Shyamal Kundu (50) of Hili in South Dinajpur, Kundo Rishi (14), Parameswar Sarkar (40), Sanjib Das (40) of Raiganj and Mina Saha (30) of Raiganj. North Dinajpur SP Milan Kanti Das said most of the victims are yet to be identified.
“From preliminary investigation, we came to know that both the lorry and the bus were moving at a high speed.” However, an intensive probe has been started. North Dinajpur DM Ramanuj Chakraborty also visited the spot.
The injured passengers were sent to Karandighi Gramin Hospital first and then to Raiganj District Hospital. Chairman of Raiganj Municipality, Mohit Sengupta, was among the first to rush to the hospital.
Mainul Hoque, a resident of Rahatpur and an eyewitness of the accident, said the bus was speeding. “When it reached Rahatpur, a cyclist suddenly appeared before the bus. The driver swerved right to save the cyclist and collided head on with the lorry,” he narrated.
One of the injured passengers, Uttam Barman, a resident of Koartore village in Hemtabad of North Dinajpur, said from Raiganj District Hospital: “I boarded the bus from Raiganj with my two-year-old daughter and was going to Islampur. The bus was moving at a high speed. When it reached Rahatpur, we felt the bus turn right. Then we heard a sound. I Immediately held my daughter tight. So, she escaped unhurt. But I was injured on the head.”
Malda: Twenty people, including nine women and two children, were killed and 30 injured when the private bus they were travelling in collided head-on with a sand-laden lorry on NH-34 on Thursday afternoon.
The accident took place at Rahatpur under Karandighi police station in North Dinajpur district, around 40 km towards Siliguri from Raiganj town. Thirteen passengers of the Hili-Siliguri private bus died on the spot and another seven died later in hospitals.
Those who have been identified are Biwi Tariza (35) of Chakulia, Soumen Kundu (19) and Shyamal Kundu (50) of Hili in South Dinajpur, Kundo Rishi (14), Parameswar Sarkar (40), Sanjib Das (40) of Raiganj and Mina Saha (30) of Raiganj. North Dinajpur SP Milan Kanti Das said most of the victims are yet to be identified.
“From preliminary investigation, we came to know that both the lorry and the bus were moving at a high speed.” However, an intensive probe has been started. North Dinajpur DM Ramanuj Chakraborty also visited the spot.
The injured passengers were sent to Karandighi Gramin Hospital first and then to Raiganj District Hospital. Chairman of Raiganj Municipality, Mohit Sengupta, was among the first to rush to the hospital.
Mainul Hoque, a resident of Rahatpur and an eyewitness of the accident, said the bus was speeding. “When it reached Rahatpur, a cyclist suddenly appeared before the bus. The driver swerved right to save the cyclist and collided head on with the lorry,” he narrated.
One of the injured passengers, Uttam Barman, a resident of Koartore village in Hemtabad of North Dinajpur, said from Raiganj District Hospital: “I boarded the bus from Raiganj with my two-year-old daughter and was going to Islampur. The bus was moving at a high speed. When it reached Rahatpur, we felt the bus turn right. Then we heard a sound. I Immediately held my daughter tight. So, she escaped unhurt. But I was injured on the head.”
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