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We break down local and global headlines, decode complex stories, and deliver the truth without the noise. Siliguri is the main commercial city of the North Bengal and its importance comes from its strategic location near international and state borders. It is situated on the banks of the river Mahananda. Spread across the foothills of the Himalayas, it is an important transport, trading and educa

tional centre. History of Siliguri - The railway route

From 1878 the railway route to Siliguri was north for 185 km on the broad-gauge. In 1881 the meter-gauge was joined at Siliguri. In 1915 two new narrow-gauge lines were added to the DHR from Siliguri, to the north-east up the river Teesta valley towards Kalimpong and Sikkim and to the south-west. Also in 1915 the Hardinge Bridge was built across the river Ganges, and in 1926 the meter-gauge north of the bridge was converted, so the whole Calcutta - Siliguri route became broad-gauge. With the partition of India with religion as the primary consideration in 1947, the broad-gauge route from Calcutta was severed, since part of it ran through East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. This also cut off India’s province of Assam from the rest of the Indian railway network. The route to Siliguri became more circuitous: broad-gauge (Calcutta - Barsoi), meter-gauge (Barsoi - Kishanganj), and narrow-gauge (Kishanganj - Siliguri). In 1949 Kishanganj - Siliguri was converted from narrow-gauge to meter-gauge and extended north-east into Assam. This duplicated part of the narrow-gauge Teesta Valley line, and after a washout in 1950 it was not repaired. The North Bengal Railway route from Calcutta, truncated by partition, had become an isolated section of broad-gauge (Siliguri - Haldibari), so this stub was converted back from broad-gauge to meter-gauge. From about 1949 a new Siliguri Junction station, north of Siliguri Town, became the main station in the area, with three meter-gauge lines (south-west to Kishanganj and Barsoi; north-east to Assam; south to Siliguri Town and Haldibari) and two narrow-gauge lines (north to Darjeeling; south to Siliguri Town). The narrow-gauge steam shed was moved from Siliguri Town to Siliguri Junction and the narrow-gauge Siliguri c - Siliguri Town section became freight-only. In the early 1960s a more radical change was made. Indian Railways created a new broad-gauge rail link from Calcutta, and on a green field site south of Siliguri Town built an entirely new through broad-gauge station, New Jalpaiguri. The new broad-gauge route continued from New Jalpaiguri east and for more than 10km used the formation of the Haldibari line, so the New Jalpaiguri - Haldibari section was converted yet again - from meter-gauge to broad-gauge for the second time, its fourth incarnation! New Jalpaiguri became a triple-gauge station, being served by the meter-gauge in the shape of the Siliguri Town - New Jalpaiguri section of the former Haldibari line, suitably realigned but not regained, and by a new Siliguri Town - New Jalpaiguri extension of the narrow-gauge DHR. From about 1964 New Jalpaiguri became the main station in the area, with two broad-gauge lines (west to Calcutta; east towards Assam with branch to Haldibari), a meter-gauge line (north to Siliguri Town and Siliguri Junction, diverging thence south-west to Kishanganj and Barsoi, and north-east to Assam) and a narrow-gauge line (north to Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction and Darjeeling). The narrow-gauge steam shed was again moved, from Siliguri Junction to New Jalpaiguri. With interchange between main-line and Darjeeling trains at New Jalpaiguri, the narrow-gauge New Jalpaiguri - Siliguri Town - Siliguri Junction section became a passenger line. The layout is again changing, for the 1949 meter-gauge route to Assam is also being converted to broad-gauge. In early February 2003 meter-gauge track had been lifted, and broad-gauge track was being laid, from New Jalpaiguri north through Siliguri Town and Siliguri Junction at least as far as the bridge over the river Teesta. For the moment, Siliguri Junction retains one meter-gauge line (south-west to Kishanganj and Barsoi) and two narrow-gauge lines (north to Darjeeling; south to Siliguri Town and New Jalpaiguri) but the future of what is now a Barsoi - Kishanganj - Siliguri Junction meter-gauge branch must be uncertain since for some 150km it runs virtually parallel to the broad-gauge main line, which has been doubled since the late 1980s. When broad-gauge arrives at Siliguri Junction, it would be possible to concentrate interchange. Geography of Siliguri

Siliguri is situated at the base of the Himalaya Mountains in the plains. It is the largest city in the area of North Bengal and the second largest city in West Bengal. It connects the hill station towns of Gangtok, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik with the rest of India. The Mahananda River flows past Siliguri. Siliguri has three main seasons, summer, winter and monsoons. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 38°C. It is considerably cooler than the southern and central regions of West Bengal. During this season, tourists from all over India stop in Siliguri en route to the cooler climes of the northern hill stations. Winters are relatively cool and temperatures range from a high of 15°C to a low of about 3°C. Light rain and dense fog are seen during this season. During the monsoon season between June and September, the town is lashed by heavy rains often cutting access to the hill stations and Sikkim. The climate is suitable for growing tea and the surrounding region has many tea gardens. Tourist attractions of Siliguri

Siliguri lies in between the north eastern Himalayas and the Dooars region of West Bengal. There are a number of wild life sanctuaries, heritage places, hill stations and scenic riverbanks that feature among the tourist attractions in Siliguri. Some of the tourist attractions include:

Jaldapara

124 kms away from Siliguri, this wild life sanctuary is home to the rare one-horned rhino and many other species of animals and birds. With the beautiful river Torsa running through the forest, it is one of the biggest attractions in Siliguri. Garumara

This is also a Wild life sanctuary only 84 kms from Siliguri. Here too, one finds a huge diversity of varies species of animals and birds. Coochbehar

Lying close to Siliguri, Coochbehar was one a princely state. Beautiful palaces, lakes and temples still exist with an old charm of ancient times and those glorious days. Mirik

A picturesque hill resort close to Siliguri is ideal for trekking and adventurous sports. Tourists can even enjoy the cool and peaceful atmosphere of the place. Kalijhora

The scenic spot of Kalijhora lies 27kms away from Siliguri Along the river Teesta. Mahananda Weir Sukna

This is also a wild life sanctuary close to Siliguri offering a wide variety of flora and fauna.

05/12/2025

Bodh Gaya Wedding Turns Violent After Rasgulla Shortage; Ceremony Called Off

A wedding in Bodh Gaya took a shocking turn when a dispute over sweets escalated into a massive brawl between the bride and groom’s families. CCTV footage from the hotel venue shows both sides exchanging blows, throwing chairs, and engaging in fistfights after guests complained about a shortage of rasgullas during the ceremony.

The altercation broke out moments before the couple was set to take the traditional seven pheras around the sacred fire. What began as a verbal disagreement quickly turned violent, forcing the venue staff to intervene.

Following the chaos, the wedding was cancelled. According to local reports, the bride’s family later lodged a dowry harassment complaint against the groom’s relatives. No arrests have been made so far.

The incident has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism and disbelief. Many users expressed shock that a celebration meant to unite families ended abruptly over sweets, while others pointed to deeper issues of social pressure, dowry demands, and the fragility of wedding traditions.

The police are reviewing the CCTV footage as part of their investigation.

04/12/2025

13-Year-Old Executes Convicted Killer Before Massive Crowd in Afghanistan; UN Condemns Act

A disturbing video from Khost, eastern Afghanistan, has emerged showing a public ex*****on witnessed by nearly 80,000 people. In a shocking scene, a 13-year-old boy shot dead a man convicted of murdering 13 members of his family, including nine children.

Taliban officials confirmed that the ex*****on was carried out with the formal approval of Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. This marks the 11th judicial ex*****on since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, as the regime continues to enforce strict public punishments under its hardline justice system.

The United Nations strongly condemned the ex*****on, calling it “inhuman” and “contrary to international law.” Human rights organisations have also criticised the Taliban for normalising public punishments, warning that such practices violate global human rights standards and further entrench fear among the population.

The incident has reignited international concern about Afghanistan’s deteriorating human rights situation under Taliban rule.

04/12/2025

Absconding Son-in-Law Arrested in Siliguri for Violent Attack on Aunt-in-Law

The Matigara police, operating in plain clothes, have arrested the absconding accused who allegedly carried out a violent attack on his aunt-in-law after being denied a meeting with his wife.

The accused, identified as Noor Alam of Phansidewa, was arrested from Lenin Colony in Matigara on Tuesday.

The assault occurred last Wednesday around 8 p.m. in a dimly lit lane of Ram Krishna Para, Matigara, where a woman named Ranju Khatun from Bhanga Pool was attacked with a sharp weapon. The incident triggered panic in the locality. Ranju, critically injured, was rushed to a private hospital in Matigara, where she has been undergoing treatment for several days.

Based on CCTV footage and the victim’s statement, police identified Noor as the prime accused. Investigations revealed that the attack was rooted in ongoing family disputes.

According to police, Noor had married the daughter of Ranju’s elder sister a few months ago despite already being married. After his first wife left for her parental home, he remarried. However, his second wife too left the house later.

Police added that Noor had recently seen photos of his wife with Ranju on social media. On the night of the incident, he went to Ranju’s house demanding to meet his wife. When she refused, an argument broke out, after which Noor, in a fit of rage, attacked her with a sharp weapon and fled the scene.

Following several raids, police received information that Noor had arrived at a relative’s residence in Lenin Colony. Acting quickly, officers surrounded the area and apprehended him. The sharp weapon used in the attack has not yet been recovered.

Noor will be produced before the Siliguri court on Wednesday, where police will seek remand. The investigation is currently underway.

04/12/2025

Illegal Loading and Unloading by Outstation Buses Penalised; Goods Seized in Siliguri

With four-lane road construction underway in Siliguri, illegal loading and unloading of goods by outstation buses along the Champasari adjoining service road has become a recurring issue. To curb this growing problem, the Siliguri Junction Traffic Guard carried out a special drive on Wednesday.

During the operation, traffic personnel seized goods that were being offloaded and loaded illegally from buses stationed on the service road. Challans were issued against the offending vehicles as part of the enforcement action.

According to police officials, such activities not only obstruct smooth traffic movement but also pose serious risks to road safety. Authorities have emphasised that strict measures will continue against buses found engaging in loading or unloading while parked along the service road.

The police have further warned bus operators to adhere to traffic norms without fail and avoid any actions that may disrupt traffic management or compromise public safety.

04/12/2025

Special Programme Organised by Bhakti Nagar Traffic Guard on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Bhakti Nagar Traffic Guard organised a special programme in collaboration with the children of Prerna School. Siliguri Traffic Police DCP Quazi Samsuddin Ahamed graced the event as the chief guest.

During the programme, the DCP distributed essential items to the children as gifts and delivered an inspiring message highlighting the importance of the day. He spoke about the rights of persons with disabilities and stressed the need for greater awareness, sensitivity, and inclusion within society.

In addition to the DCP (Traffic), the OC of Bhakti Nagar Traffic Guard, along with the OCs of Saalugara Sub-Traffic Guard and Ashighar Sub-Traffic Guard, were also present to support the initiative.

The event aimed at boosting the confidence of specially-abled children, encouraging them, and spreading awareness about equality and inclusive rights in society.

04/12/2025

32,000 Primary Teachers’ Appointments Declared Valid; Celebrations Erupt in Siliguri

In a major relief for thousands of educators, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday upheld the appointments of 32,000 primary teachers, overturning a previous order that had declared the recruitment process illegal.

The division bench set aside the 2023 ruling issued by former High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who had earlier called the recruitment irregular and directed the cancellation of the appointments. The matter was later taken to the division bench for review.

As the favourable verdict was announced, an atmosphere of jubilation swept through Siliguri. Hundreds of primary teachers assembled at Baghajatin Park, celebrating with colours, sweets, and cheers after years of uncertainty over their jobs. Many expressed immense relief, calling the judgment a long-awaited justice that restored their dignity and livelihood.

The verdict has brought a sense of closure for the teachers, who had been anxiously awaiting the final outcome of the prolonged legal battle.

03/12/2025

Ex-Army Men Join Jadavpur University’s Security Squad to Boost Campus Safety

In a major step toward strengthening campus safety, Jadavpur University (JU) has inducted a team of ex-Army personnel into its security squad. The initiative comes in response to rising concerns over student safety, recent disturbances on campus, and persistent demands for a more disciplined security framework.

According to university officials, the newly appointed former Army servicemen will work alongside the existing security team, bringing with them specialized training, crisis-management experience, and enhanced vigilance capabilities. Their presence is expected to improve patrolling efficiency, quick response to emergencies, and better coordination during high footfall events or potential unrest.

The move follows several safety-related controversies in recent years, prompting the administration to reevaluate its security infrastructure. Students and faculty have welcomed the decision, expressing hope that professional oversight will help build a safer and more accountable campus environment.

University authorities said additional measures including upgraded CCTV coverage, stricter entry protocols, and digital ID verification are also being explored to further improve campus security.

03/12/2025

Election Commission Flags 2,208 Bengal Booths With Zero Dead or Duplicate Voters During SIR Drive

In a significant development ahead of upcoming electoral exercises, the Election Commission (EC) has identified 2,208 polling booths in West Bengal that reported zero dead or duplicate voters during the ongoing Super Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

According to officials, the SIR drive aimed at ensuring the accuracy and integrity of voter lists revealed an unusually clean record in these booths. While the absence of discrepancies might indicate efficient voter-list management, the EC has flagged these booths for special scrutiny, noting that a “zero discrepancy” status is statistically uncommon in large-scale electoral rolls.

Sources within the EC stated that such cases often warrant closer examination to confirm whether field verification has been conducted thoroughly. Revising authorities are now expected to conduct re-verification, including door-to-door checks, to ensure that no omissions or overlooked entries remain.

West Bengal has been under heightened monitoring by the Commission in recent years due to recurring concerns over electoral roll anomalies, including instances of deceased voters, duplication, and address mismatches. The SIR exercise is part of a larger nationwide effort to improve voter-roll accuracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The final report on the flagged booths is expected after the completion of the verification process later this month.

03/12/2025

Mysterious Death of Youth in Siliguri; Police Launch Investigation

Siliguri : A young man was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Siliguri late Monday night, sending shockwaves through the local community. The deceased has been identified as Saddam Hussain, a resident of the Dangipara area.

According to police sources, a patrol van of the Anti-Crime Wing of Siliguri Police spotted the blood-soaked body near the Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das Flyover. Officers immediately recovered the body and sent it to Siliguri District Hospital for post-mortem examination. His mobile phone and other documents helped the police trace and notify the family.

Family members said that Saddam had attended a wedding ceremony the previous day and was returning home around midnight. The exact cause of death remains unclear, leaving the family devastated. He is survived by a child.

Police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. CCTV footage from the surrounding areas is being examined to determine what led to the tragic death. Officials said all possible angles are being explored.

03/12/2025

Siliguri Mayor Meets Family of Schoolchild Killed in Tragic Eastern Bypass Accident

Siliguri : Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb visited the grieving family of a schoolchild who lost his life in a tragic accident near Baneswar More on the Eastern Bypass two days ago. The heartbreaking incident has sparked widespread concern over road safety in the area.

During his visit, the Mayor spoke with the child’s mother, who described the circumstances surrounding the accident. Mayor Deb expressed his condolences and assured the family that the civic body would extend all possible support during this difficult time.

He further stated that he would discuss traffic management issues on the Eastern Bypass with the police administration, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to prevent similar tragedies.

Speaking to the media, Mayor Gautam Deb urged residents to remain extra vigilant on the roads and highlighted the urgent need for proper street lighting along the bypass. He emphasized that improved lighting and stricter safety measures could significantly reduce the risk of such accidents in the future.

03/12/2025

Siliguri DCP (Traffic) Quazi Samsuddin Ahamed Holds Key Meeting With Private Schools on School Bus Safety

Siliguri : In an important initiative to strengthen school transportation safety, DCP (Traffic) of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, Quazi Samsuddin Ahamed, held a meeting on Tuesday with representatives of various private schools across the city. The discussion focused on bus movement, operational discipline, and safety measures for schoolchildren.

During the meeting, the DCP conducted detailed reviews of the number of school buses, their operational routes, and trip schedules. He reiterated that the safety of students remains the top priority, and warned that any negligence in school bus operations would invite strict action.

Highlighting the major traffic challenge posed by school buses, the DCP noted that Siliguri has over 50 major schools operating around 714 buses, each making nearly four trips daily—totalling about 2,800 bus trips every day. He stressed that such heavy movement within the city requires coordinated management between schools and the traffic department.

To ease congestion, DCP Ahamed urged schools to minimize the unnecessary use of large buses and to opt for smaller vehicles where possible, especially within narrow or crowded city zones.

The DCP also issued several critical safety directives, including:

Verification of driver licenses and background checks

Joint identification of designated bus stops by police and school authorities

Installation or strengthening of CCTV cameras and GPS tracking in buses

Deployment of female attendants on buses

Ensuring the availability of a fully equipped first-aid box

Officials stated that these measures aim to enhance the protection of schoolchildren while improving traffic flow across Siliguri.

03/12/2025

Traffic Police Launch Drive to Clear Sidewalks on S.F. Road in Siliguri

Siliguri: To free up sidewalks along S.F. Road—one of the busiest stretches in the city—the Jalpai More Traffic Police on Tuesday carried out a special enforcement drive targeting illegal encroachments and unauthorized parking restrictions.

The action follows multiple complaints that several shopkeepers had installed unauthorized “No Parking” boards within designated government parking zones, disrupting public parking facilities and causing inconvenience to commuters.

During the drive, traffic personnel issued a one-day deadline to the shopkeepers, asking them to submit relevant municipal documents to justify the installation of such boards. Officials warned that failure to produce valid documents would result in the immediate removal of the unauthorized signs.

Simultaneously, the police took strict action against shopkeepers encroaching on sidewalks, confiscating various items placed outside shops that hindered pedestrian movement.

Traffic officials stated that such enforcement drives will continue regularly to ensure clear sidewalks, smoother traffic flow, and enhanced pedestrian safety across the city.

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