“Go back to India”: Indian restaurant owner visa renewal rejected
An Indian restaurant owner who has lived in Japan for nearly 30 years has drawn widespread attention after a tearful video about his rejected visa renewal went viral on social media. In the video, the man says he spent three decades building his life in Japan, establishing a restaurant business, buying a home, and raising a family. He explains that his children speak only Japanese and says he has never had any legal troubles during his time in the country. Overcome with emotion, he questions whether it is fair to deny his visa renewal after dedicating most of his life to Japan. The restaurant owner also says he was told to “go back to India,” a remark he describes as deeply painful given that he has spent most of his adult life living and working in Japan. The viral video has sparked strong reactions online. Many people expressed sympathy for the man, arguing that someone who has contributed to society for decades should not face such uncertainty. Others, however, maintained that immigration policies are ultimately the responsibility of the government and that residency decisions must follow national laws and regulations. The incident has reignited debate over Japan’s immigration system, which is often viewed as strict when it comes to long-term residency and visa renewals. While Japan has gradually opened its doors to more foreign workers in recent years to address labour shortages, obtaining long-term permission to remain in the country can still be difficult. Authorities typically examine factors such as income, financial stability, tax records, and compliance with immigration rules before approving visa renewals. So far, Japanese officials have not publicly commented on the specific case. As the video continues to circulate online, the restaurant owner’s situation has become part of a wider conversation about immigration, belonging, and the treatment of foreign nationals in Japan. For many observers, his story highlights the emotional and legal challenges that long-term immigrants can face despite spending decades building their lives in a country they consider home.
TMC leader Ajit Saha, brother arrested in North 24 Parganas
A Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and his brother were arrested in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district after police raided their residence and allegedly recovered a large amount of cash, liquor and firearms-related items. The arrests were made following a complaint by a businessman, who accused the duo of extorting ₹20 lakh from him. Acting on the complaint, police carried out a search operation at the home of TMC leader Ajit Saha and his brother Sujit Saha. During the raid, officials reportedly recovered ₹27 lakh in cash, 52 bottles of foreign liquor, a sports shooting rifle, an air gun, along with several live cartridges and empty shells. The recovery prompted authorities to launch a broader investigation into the source of the cash and the legality of the weapons and ammunition. Both Ajit Saha and Sujit Saha were taken into custody for questioning. Police are currently verifying whether the recovered firearms were legally licensed and are also investigating whether any other individuals were involved in the alleged extortion case. The incident has triggered political controversy in the state, with opposition parties criticising the ruling Trinamool Congress over allegations involving one of its local leaders. Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine the seized materials, and officials said further legal action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probe.
Kalyan Banerjee launches explosive attack on IPAC & TMC
A major internal rift has emerged within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after senior party leader Kalyan Banerjee openly criticised Abhishek Banerjee and several other leaders following the party’s poor performance in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Kalyan Banerjee accused the party leadership of moving away from grassroots workers and becoming increasingly dependent on outside consultants and strategists. He blamed these advisers for the party’s electoral setback and questioned their growing influence within the organisation. During a press conference, Banerjee also targeted leaders including Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, alleging that poor management, controversies over ticket distribution and excessive centralisation of power had weakened the party structure. The criticism comes at a difficult time for the TMC, which lost power in West Bengal after ruling the state for 15 years. In the aftermath of the defeat, several party leaders have raised concerns over the role of I-PAC, the political consultancy firm accused by some leaders of having excessive influence over candidate selection and campaign strategy. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is reportedly trying to contain the growing unrest within the party as factionalism and infighting continue to intensify. Some leaders have also begun openly questioning the party’s internal functioning and leadership decisions. Political observers see Kalyan Banerjee’s remarks as one of the sharpest public attacks yet on Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership style. Analysts believe the controversy reflects a broader power struggle within the TMC as the party attempts to regroup after its electoral defeat.
Bangladeshis claim TMC’s Mujibur helped them secure jobs
A couple from Bangladesh’s Satkhira district has alleged that a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, popularly known as “Mujibur Member,” helped them secure jobs in government-run corporations in West Bengal despite them allegedly lacking valid citizenship documents. The allegations surfaced as authorities continue verification drives examining citizenship records and public sector employment in parts of the state. According to the couple, they entered India with their parents several years ago before settling in West Bengal. They claimed that Mujibur Member, who they described as being linked to the TMC, assisted them in arranging documents and facilitating employment in state-run companies. The couple further alleged that they obtained these jobs even though they did not possess all the necessary papers at the time. The claims have triggered political controversy, with opposition parties expected to demand a detailed investigation into the allegations and the process through which the appointments were allegedly made. The issue has also raised concerns over document verification procedures and whether illegal immigrants may have secured government jobs through political influence. The statements reportedly emerged during ongoing checks of identity documents and employment records being conducted by authorities. Officials are examining citizenship status, identity records, and recruitment-related paperwork in cases where irregularities are suspected. However, authorities have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the couple’s allegations or disclosed the exact nature of the jobs involved. So far, neither the Trinamool Congress nor the individual referred to as Mujibur Member has publicly responded to the allegations. Authorities have also not announced whether a formal inquiry will be launched into the matter. The controversy has reignited debate around border security, verification of official documents, and alleged political patronage in recruitment processes, particularly in districts near the India-Bangladesh border.