Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

15 Dec

Veteran Journalist and Assam Tribune Chairman Prafulla Govinda Baruah Passes Away at 93

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Prafulla Govinda Baruah, one of Assam’s most respected journalists and the long-time Chairman of The Assam Tribune Group, passed away on Sunday night at the age of 93. He breathed his last at around 9.30 pm at a private hospital in Guwahati, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments for the past few days, family sources said. Baruah’s death marks the end of an era in Assam’s journalistic history. Widely regarded as the doyen of journalism in the state, he played a key role in shaping responsible, balanced and principled reporting in the Northeast over several decades. He…

15 Dec

Seven Rohingyas apprehended in Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Seven members of the Rohingya community were detained in Assam's Cachar district while allegedly attempting to cross illegally into Bangladesh from India. The group, comprising one man, three women, and three children, was apprehended at Hilara railway station. Local residents became suspicious of their movements and reported them to the police, who confirmed that the group would be "pushed back" to Bangladesh after necessary verification procedures were completed.

15 Dec

Mukul Dismisses Speculation Over Joining NPP

Sonakshi SarkarIndia

Mukul Sangma, Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, dismissed rumors about joining the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), calling them 'wishful thinking.' He responded to speculation following his presence in New Delhi, coinciding with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong's visit. Mukul asserted he was in his constituency, Songsak, engaging with residents and focusing on strengthening his party amidst poor phone connectivity. He emphasized that interactions with Conrad and Prestone are common among colleagues and do not signify a political alignment, highlighting differences in their political ideologies. Furthermore, he mentioned the challenges…

13 Dec

As accusations of match-fixing emerge, the ACA suspends four former players

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam cricket has come under a serious cloud following allegations of corruption, with the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) suspending four former state players for their alleged involvement in attempts to influence matches during a national tournament. The matter has now reached the Crime Branch, marking one of the most serious crises faced by Assam cricket in recent years. The four former players; Amit Sinha, Ishan Ahmed, Aman Tripathi and Abhishek Thakuri have been suspended with immediate effect after complaints suggested that they tried to influence and instigate members of the current Assam team during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.…

12 Dec

Assam SIT Files India’s Longest Murder Case Chargesheet in Zubeen Garg Probe

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam CID has filed what is believed to be the longest chargesheet ever submitted in a murder case in India. The investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg has resulted in a document that runs into 12,000 pages, far exceeding previous records in similar cases. The chargesheet was submitted at the Kamrup Metropolitan Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, marking an important step in the long-running probe. For comparison, the murder case of journalist Gauri Lankesh had a 9,235-page chargesheet, while the Shraddha Walkar murder case involved around 6,629 pages. Although some major…

12 Dec

Atal Setu marks the start of “Sikkim – The Silk Route Drive,” with 17 supercars roaring through Rangpo

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The high-energy 'Sikkim – The Silk Route Drive', an event designed to revive the historic trade route through a modern motoring experience, was officially flagged off on Thursday morning at the iconic Atal Setu Bridge in Rangpo. The rally, featuring 17 high-performance supercars, drew enthusiastic crowds as engines thundered across the newly inaugurated stretch, marking the beginning of a three-day journey across Sikkim’s breathtaking terrain. The ceremonial flag-off was led by CS Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Sikkim, who launched the drive in the presence of Hondala Gyaltsen and Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, both APS to the Chief…

12 Dec

Soren to Send Special Team to Assam as Tea Garden Adivasis Raise Issues of Wages, Land Rights and Identity

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

An organisation representing Assam’s tea garden workers met Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren this week and highlighted the long-standing social, economic and identity-related struggles faced by Adivasi communities working in Assam’s tea plantations. The delegation from Adivasi Samanvaya Samiti Bharat (Assam) told the chief minister that decades of neglect by successive governments in Assam have left the tea tribe population marginalised in almost every sector of life. According to a statement issued by the Jharkhand Chief Minister’s Office, the group explained how Adivasi workers continue to face barriers in wages, land rights, education, healthcare, and recognition of their identity. The…

12 Dec

Massive Guwahati Commercial Complex Fire Contained After 40 Hours; Safety Checks Underway

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A massive blaze that swept through a commercial complex housing a shopping mall and two SBI branches in Guwahati was finally brought under control on Thursday evening—nearly 40 hours after it began—officials said. Fire tenders from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Guwahati Refinery joined the state fire services in the prolonged operation. The fire broke out around 12.30 am on Wednesday at Swagata Square Complex, located at ABC Point. The building includes the premium and commercial banking branches of the State Bank of India (SBI) as well as the popular shopping mall Sohum Emporia. A senior Fire and…

12 Dec

Govt Extends Financial Grants to 442 Former BLT Cadres Living Beyond BTR Limits

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam government on Thursday distributed financial grants to 442 former Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) members at a ceremony organised by the State Home Department and the Special Branch of Assam Police in Guwahati. Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary handed over the cheques as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate former militants into mainstream society. Senior officials, including Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari, and Special ADGP Hiren Chandra Nath, were present at the event. Each former cadre received ₹2 lakh, aimed at…

12 Dec

Balipara Foundation Awards 2025 Celebrate Kaziranga’s ‘Van Durgas’ for Their Frontline Conservation Work

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve stands strong because of the unwavering dedication of its frontline staff. Among them shines a remarkable group of women known as the Van Durgas — fearless forest frontliners recognised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for their exceptional service to nature. With a force of around 108 women, these frontline heroes work as foresters and forest guards, forming the backbone of Kaziranga’s protection system.Their days begin with anti-poaching patrols and end with addressing human–wildlife conflict, eco-development work, and community engagement. Their courage reflects not only professional discipline but also a deep love for the wilderness…