ED, police raid TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee & Madan Mitra in separate corruption probes
West Bengal witnessed major political developments on Saturday as the state police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out separate investigations involving prominent leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). In Kolkata, police officials searched the residence of TMC national general secretary and MLA Abhishek Banerjee. The operation was reportedly linked to an ongoing investigation in which authorities were searching for Sumit Roy, an associate of Banerjee. The search began in the morning and continued for several hours, while investigators are also expected to question Banerjee as part of the probe. Meanwhile, the ED conducted searches at seven locations linked to TMC MLA and former minister Madan Mitra in connection with the alleged municipal recruitment scam. The agency is examining claims that jobs in certain municipalities were secured through illegal payments rather than merit. Investigators suspect that some candidates may have obtained government positions by paying bribes through intermediaries. As part of the probe, officials are scrutinizing documents, financial records, and transaction details to trace the alleged flow of funds. The twin investigations have sparked a fresh political confrontation in the state. Opposition parties have accused the ruling TMC of corruption, while the TMC has alleged that central investigative agencies are being used for political purposes. Both cases remain under investigation, and no court has determined the guilt or innocence of any individual involved. Authorities are expected to continue gathering evidence and questioning those connected to the probes in the coming days.
IAF AN-32 Aircraft crashes at Jorhat airbase; pilot feared dead
An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft crashed at the Air Force Station in Jorhat, Assam, on Saturday, prompting an immediate emergency response at the military base. According to initial reports, the aircraft went down while attempting to land. Firefighting and rescue teams were quickly deployed to the crash site to contain the situation and assist with emergency operations. Thick smoke was seen rising from the area as personnel worked to secure the site. The pilot is feared dead, although the IAF has not yet officially confirmed any casualties. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and investigating whether any additional personnel were on board at the time of the accident. In an official statement, the Indian Air Force confirmed that an AN-32 transport aircraft was involved in the crash at Jorhat Air Force Station. Emergency procedures were activated immediately, and a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident. The AN-32 is a vital transport aircraft in the IAF fleet, widely used for logistics, troop movement, and operations in remote and challenging terrains across the country. Further details regarding casualties, damage to the aircraft, and the circumstances leading to the crash are still awaited. The Indian Air Force is expected to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.
Lt. General Dhiraj Seth appointed as next Chief of Army Staff
The Centre on Saturday appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), marking a key transition in the leadership of the Indian Army. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Seth will assume office on June 30, 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires from service on the same day. The appointment was announced by the Ministry of Defence. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and a senior Armoured Corps officer, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986. Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has held a wide range of command, staff and strategic appointments across diverse operational environments, including armoured formations, counter-insurgency operations and major strike formations. Lt Gen Seth has commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, served as General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area, and led both the South Western and Southern Commands, a distinction held by only a handful of officers. He took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff in April 2026 and is widely regarded for his contributions to force modernisation, capability development and long-term military planning. With extensive operational and strategic experience, Lt Gen Seth is set to lead the Indian Army at a time of evolving security challenges and ongoing efforts to modernise the force. His appointment ensures continuity in the Army’s leadership as it pursues technological transformation and enhanced combat preparedness.
NEET aspirant arrested for posing as Army Brigadier arrested
A 21-year-old NEET aspirant has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district for allegedly impersonating an Army Brigadier and travelling in a luxury SUV accompanied by individuals posing as National Security Guard (NSG) personnel. According to police, the accused attracted attention near the Shahjahanpur Military Cantonment, prompting officials to question him. During the inquiry, authorities allegedly discovered that he was using forged military insignia and falsely presenting himself as a senior Army officer. Investigators also found that the individuals accompanying him as security personnel were part of the impersonation scheme. Police said the young man had reportedly attempted the NEET examination several times without success. Officials are now investigating how he obtained the military insignia and whether he used the fake identity to gain access to restricted areas or secure other advantages. The SUV used by the accused has been seized, and investigators are examining whether any accomplices were involved in facilitating the deception. A case has been registered, and further inquiries are underway. The incident has raised concerns over the misuse of military symbols and the security risks posed by such impersonation, particularly in the vicinity of sensitive defence installations. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the alleged fraud.