56 Women Rescued from Trafficking Attempt on Train in West Bengal,₹9 Crore Fake Currency Seized from Sandeshkhali

56 Women Rescued from Trafficking Attempt on Train in West Bengal

In a major rescue operation, 56 women aged 18 to 31 were saved from a suspected trafficking racket on the New Jalpaiguri-Patna Capital Express in West Bengal. All women, from Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar districts, were found without valid tickets or identification. Alarm bells rang for railway staff when they noticed coach and berth numbers stamped on the women’s hands.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and ticket inspectors intervened at New Jalpaiguri station after the women claimed they were promised jobs in Bengaluru but were inexplicably being taken to Bihar. A man and woman escorting them failed to produce any job documents and were immediately detained.

Authorities suspect human trafficking and have launched a detailed investigation. The rescued women were safely sent home. West Bengal’s CID Anti-Human Trafficking Unit is involved in the probe and can be contacted at 033-24506114 for more information or tips.

   Supreme Court Refuses to Stay QR Code Mandate for Eateries Along Kanwar Yatra Route

The Supreme Court has refused to stay the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive mandating QR codes for eateries operating along the Kanwar Yatra route. This decision came after a plea was filed challenging the QR code requirement, citing concerns about discrimination and alleged targeting of specific communities. However, the court declined to intervene, allowing the state’s order to remain in effect.

The QR code system has been introduced to ensure better monitoring and hygiene compliance of food stalls, dhabas, and eateries during the Kanwar Yatra — a significant annual pilgrimage drawing millions of devotees. Authorities argue that the move is aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring food safety during the high-traffic religious event.

The bench, led by Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, stated that the QR code implementation did not warrant immediate judicial interference. The court has issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government seeking a detailed response but emphasized that the scheme would not be stayed in the meantime.

₹9 Crore Fake Currency Seized from Sandeshkhali Guest House in Bengal; 2 Arrested

In a major breakthrough, West Bengal Police seized fake Indian currency worth ₹9 crore from a guest house in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the counterfeit currency racket, which officials believe is part of a larger network operating in the region.

Acting on a tip-off, the police conducted a raid on the guest house and discovered stacks of high-quality counterfeit notes, mostly in ₹500 denominations. The two arrested individuals were caught red-handed while allegedly attempting to circulate the fake currency. Preliminary investigation suggests the fake notes were intended for distribution across multiple districts in Bengal and possibly neighboring states.

Senior police officials have stated that the arrested individuals are being interrogated to uncover the full extent of the operation, including possible links to cross-border smuggling networks. Sandeshkhali, located near the India-Bangladesh border, has previously been under the scanner for illegal activities, making the recovery particularly significant.

Kolkata Declares 12 Major Intersections as No-Hoarding Zones to Curb Visual Clutter

In a significant step toward urban beautification and road safety, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has declared 12 major intersections across the city as “No-Hoarding Zones.” The decision aims to reduce visual clutter, improve traffic visibility, and enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal.

These high-traffic intersections, including key locations such as Park Street Crossing, Shyambazar Five-Point Crossing, and the Esplanade area, will no longer permit the installation of billboards or hoardings, regardless of content. KMC officials stated that excessive hoardings not only mar the cityscape but also pose safety hazards by obstructing drivers’ views and distracting commuters.

The move is part of a broader initiative to regulate outdoor advertisements and bring Kolkata in line with global urban design standards. The KMC is also reviewing existing hoardings in other parts of the city to assess their impact and legality.

Urban planners and civic groups have welcomed the decision, calling it a long-awaited step toward decluttering public spaces. KMC has warned that strict penalties will be imposed on violators found flouting the new regulations.

Neha’ Exposed as Bangladeshi National Abdul Kalam After 28 Years in India

In a dramatic turn of events, a person known for years as ‘Neha Kinnar’ in Bhopal has been identified as Abdul Kalam, a Bangladeshi national who illegally entered India nearly 28 years ago. Kalam is believed to have crossed the border at the age of 10 and lived for almost two decades in Mumbai before relocating to Bhopal.

To avoid detection and evade legal scrutiny, Kalam assumed the identity of a transgender woman and lived under the alias ‘Neha’ for at least eight years in Bhopal. Local residents were shocked by the revelation, as Neha was well-known and reportedly involved in social activities.

Authorities arrested Kalam following intelligence inputs and verification of documents. His case has raised serious concerns about border security, identity verification loopholes, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in detecting long-term illegal immigrants living under assumed identities across India.