Sonakshi Sarkar

In a significant medical advancement, Assam has reported its first confirmed survival from a king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) bite, involving 35-year-old Babul Rabha, who received treatment from a coordinated medical and rescue network. Dr. Surajit Giri, a consultant anaesthesiologist, noted that such survival cases are extremely rare in India, as king cobra bites usually lead to fatal outcomes and are complicated by the lack of species-specific antivenom. The bite incident occurred on December 16 in Nichinpur village, Kamrup district, when Rabha, while clearing bushes, inadvertently grasped the king cobra, resulting in a bite to his right palm. Initially unaware of…

The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressed strong concerns regarding increasing radicalization in Bangladesh, which it views as a direct threat to Assam and the Northeast region. In a statement, the BJP described the situation as a "dangerous, unfolding reality," warning that neglecting this issue would be "wilful negligence," rather than liberalism. The party highlighted Assam's porous borders and past cross-border instability, predicting that the spread of extremist ideology could severely jeopardize security and social harmony. These remarks followed Minister Pijush Hazarika's condemnation of the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, near the Assam border, which…

In Assam, a tragic incident occurred late Saturday night when a high-speed Rajdhani Express train struck a herd of wild elephants in the Kampur area of Nagaon district, resulting in the death of seven elephants and serious injuries to a calf. The elephants were reportedly moving towards human habitation in search of food when Train No. 20507 Down Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express passed through the Jamunamukh–Kampur section. Although this area is not officially designated as an elephant corridor, railway personnel claimed that engineers are vigilant while navigating through wildlife-prone zones at night. At approximately 2:17 am, the loco pilot noticed…

On Friday, fourteen Bangladeshi nationals, recognized as illegal foreigners by the Nagaon Foreigners’ Tribunal, were deported from the Matia Transit Camp in Assam’s Goalpara district back to Bangladesh. After all legal processes were finalized, the Border Security Force (BSF) transported the group in a vehicle around 10:30 am. The tribunal had previously ruled that fifteen individuals were to be declared foreigners, prompting Nagaon District Commissioner Devashish Sharma to direct their deportation within 24 hours. Consequently, the district administration organized the return of 14 detainees, with the status of the fifteenth individual still unconfirmed. The deported group consisted of eight men…

On Thursday, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of using the chargesheet related to popular singer Zubeen Garg's death to undermine the singer's reputation instead of pursuing justice. Gogoi characterized the chief minister's actions as intended to tarnish Garg's public image, whom he referred to as “Assam’s Kanchanjunga.” He warned against any efforts to damage the singer's legacy, suggesting that authorities might go to extreme lengths, including pressuring Garg’s family and supporters. The controversy surrounding the case has intensified following a complaint lodged by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) against Independent MLA Akhil…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Guwahati on December 20 for a two-day visit to Assam. Upon his arrival at approximately 3 pm, he will inaugurate the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, which signifies a significant advancement in the region's connectivity and economic growth. The new terminal, covering around 1.4 lakh square meters, is equipped to handle up to 1.3 crore passengers annually and includes substantial upgrades to airfield infrastructure. Inspired by Assam’s biodiversity, the terminal features a nature-themed design utilizing 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast bamboo and elements reflecting Assamese…

The Assam Cabinet has approved the appointment of Simu Das, a visually impaired cricketer from Nagaon who played a pivotal part in India’s recent Women’s T20 Blind World Cup victory, as a physical instructor under the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision after the Cabinet meeting held on December 18. The move is seen as a significant gesture by the State government to recognise sporting excellence among athletes with disabilities. Das earned national attention earlier this year when she delivered a match-winning performance in the World Cup final against Nepal in Colombo.…

A writ petition has been filed in the Gauhati High Court, challenging the citizenship status of Bijoy Malakar, the MLA representing Ratabari (SC), and seeking his disqualification from the Assam Legislative Assembly. The petition, registered under W.P.(C) No. 7368/2025, invokes Article 226 of the Constitution for the issuance of writs of quo warranto and mandamus regarding Malakar’s eligibility to hold public office. The petitioners, Braja Gopal Sinha and Bijoy Kumar Kanu from Sribhumi district, allege that Malakar and his parents entered Assam after the cut-off date of March 25, 1971, which, according to constitutional provisions, disqualifies him from Indian citizenship.…