Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

04 Oct

ED and IT may be enlisted by Assam CID to look into Shyamkanu Mahanta’s suspected financial crimes

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is considering involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax (I-T) Department in its investigation into alleged large-scale financial irregularities linked to event manager Shyamkanu Mahanta, a key accused in the death of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. The CID, already probing Garg’s mysterious death in Singapore on September 19, has uncovered financial irregularities allegedly spanning over two decades. During raids at Mahanta’s home and office on September 25 and 26, officials seized multiple PAN cards registered under the same firm, nearly 30 stamp seals linked to various companies and government offices, and documents…

29 Sep

Rescheduled to October 5 in order to avoid Durga Puja celebrations, the BTC swearing-in

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The much-awaited swearing-in ceremony of the new Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) government has been postponed to October 5, with authorities rescheduling the date to ensure that the event does not clash with Durga Puja festivities across Assam. The decision reflects a conscious effort to strike a balance between the region’s cultural traditions and its pressing political responsibilities. The ceremony was initially planned for October 3, but senior officials confirmed that the date was reconsidered after consultations between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya. Since the immersion of Goddess Durga is scheduled on the same day,…

27 Sep

The governor of Sikkim showcases drone technology and crop value addition during an agri-workshop

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Friday emphasized the importance of value addition in agriculture, particularly for high-value crops like large cardamom, and highlighted the growing role of drone technology in modern farming. Speaking at a workshop organized by the ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, Guwahati, in collaboration with Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, Mathur urged scientists and researchers to focus on enhancing crop quality and income for farmers through innovative technologies. The workshop, attended by senior officials and agriculture experts, also underlined the need to expand Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Sikkim. These centers serve as…

27 Sep

During the SIT investigation, Zubeen Garg’s management clarifies the singer’s income and calls for dignity

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In the wake of mounting speculation and misinformation over the financial legacy of the late singer Zubeen Garg, his longtime manager Siddhartha Sharma has come forward with a detailed clarification. Through an open letter issued on Thursday, Sharma sought to put to rest rumors about ownership of the artist’s vast body of work and the money he earned from it. According to Sharma, although Garg had recorded an astonishing 38,000 songs during his career, the celebrated singer received only modest, one-time payments for most of them. The rights, he explained, are largely owned by music labels and production houses. “Most…

26 Sep

The BJP demands that the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna beneficiaries be reexamined

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation visited the Rural Development Department (RDD) office in Pakyong District on Thursday to review the implementation of the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojna (SGAY), a flagship housing scheme launched by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. During the visit, the delegation met with RDD officials to raise concerns over the current list of beneficiaries. BJP leader Sangay Gyatso Bhutia emphasized the need for a thorough re-evaluation of the list to ensure that the scheme benefits only genuinely deserving individuals. “Our primary concern is that the housing scheme reaches the truly needy,” Bhutia said. “A strict and…

26 Sep

Sivasagar wants the CBI look into Zubeen Garg’s case and demands justice

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Thousands of citizens in Sivasagar took to the streets on Thursday, demanding a thorough investigation into the sudden death of renowned singer Zubeen Garg. The historic town echoed with slogans of “Justice for Zubeen” as people expressed their grief and sought accountability. The peaceful march began at the Bhupen Hazarika statue in the heart of Sivasagar, where participants paid tribute to the legendary musician before proceeding through the town’s busy streets. Students, youth groups, and ordinary residents joined in solidarity, holding banners and chanting slogans demanding a transparent and impartial inquiry into Garg’s death. Alongside the march, a mass signature…

25 Sep

Road improvements are urgently needed in Sikkim to protect the economy and tourism

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim is seeking immediate restoration and strengthening of its key road networks after severe floods and landslides disrupted the state’s economy and tourism sector. BJP Sikkim State President DR Thapa met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss urgent infrastructure interventions aimed at ensuring reliable connectivity across the state. During the meeting, Thapa highlighted the deteriorating condition of National Highway 10 (NH-10), Sikkim’s primary artery connecting the state with West Bengal and the rest of India. The highway sustained heavy damage from the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood and recurrent landslides…

25 Sep

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma directs the SIT to look into Zubeen Garg’s death, saying that “no one will be spared”

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam plunged into grief and disbelief following the sudden demise of legendary singer Zubeen Garg, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. The announcement came on Wednesday after a high-level meeting at Dispur, where the Chief Minister assured the people that the government would leave “no stone unturned” in uncovering the truth. Addressing the media, Sarma said the SIT would be composed of senior and experienced officers of Assam Police, chosen for their professional integrity and track record. He emphasized that the team would…

24 Sep

Gangtok taxi associations call for a stop to the City Runner minibus service

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Central Joint Action Committee (CJAC), representing 68 taxi associations in Gangtok, has called on the Sikkim Government to immediately suspend the “City Runner” minibus service operated by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT), citing severe impact on the livelihoods of thousands of local taxi drivers. The City Runner service, launched recently, involves 17-seater minibuses operating on city routes and between Ranipool and Gangtok. While authorities have projected the service as an affordable and convenient transport option, local taxi operators argue that it has created unfair competition, reducing passenger demand for taxis. Speaking on behalf of the CJAC, President Karma Tshering Tamang…

24 Sep

Assam will use an online platform to disperse Zubeen Garg’s ashes, and memorial services are scheduled in Kamarkuchi and Jorhat

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam government has announced an unprecedented step to honour the memory of late singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, whose sudden demise on September 19 left millions across the state and beyond in grief. Authorities have decided to make the ashes from his funeral pyre available to organisations and individuals through a specially created online application system. Alongside, permanent memorials are set to come up at Kamarkuchi near Guwahati and Jorhat, the two places closely associated with the celebrated artiste. The announcement was made by Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu at Kamarkuchi, where Garg was cremated with…