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The North-Eastern Chronicle, Mother Teresa Road, Zoo Tinali, Guwahati (2025)

17/10/2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on October 17 announced a state-wide campaign titled ‘Moiu Zubeen, Amiu Zubeen’ (I am also Zubeen, We are also Zubeen) to honour the legacy of the late singer Zubeen Garg and to push for a fast-tracked investigation into his death. The initiative reflects the emotional bond the people of Assam share with the iconic artist and aims to transform collective grief into a constructive call for justice.

Set to commence on October 23, the campaign encourages citizens to unite peacefully and express solidarity while celebrating Zubeen Garg’s immense contributions to Assamese culture, music, and identity. The government envisions this as both a tribute to his artistic journey and a way to amplify public sentiment surrounding the circumstances of his untimely demise.

Zubeen Garg, who inspired generations through his music and humanitarian efforts, remains one of Assam’s most revered cultural figures. His sudden death has sparked widespread demands for a thorough and transparent investigation, with fans and cultural bodies calling for accountability and truth.

The campaign, according to government officials, will include public gatherings, musical tributes, and awareness activities across districts, urging citizens to remember Zubeen’s spirit of unity and creativity. Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the movement should channel public emotion into positive action, ensuring that Zubeen’s legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

17/10/2025

Shillong is all set to host a historic night of music as British pop sensation BLUE brings their 25th Anniversary World Tour to the city on December 11, 2025.

Organised by Fukra, an Assam-based entertainment company, the concert will mark BLUE’s first-ever live performance in India.

Famed for hits like All Rise, One Love, and Guilty, BLUE will kick off the India leg of their tour in Shillong, a fitting start in the city known as the Rock Capital of India.

The event comes two years after their previously postponed 2023 concert, with organisers promising a larger, upgraded production this time.

Tickets are on sale exclusively via District by Zomato.

12/10/2025

In a horrifying incident, a second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly gang r***d by unidentified men in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district on Friday night. The 20-year-old student, hailing from Jaleswar and studying at a private medical college in Durgapur, was attacked near the campus while returning from dinner with a friend around 10 pm, according to police reports.

Authorities said the victim was forcibly taken to a secluded area near the campus, where three men assaulted her after snatching her phone. The survivor, who is currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, was also reportedly threatened with dire consequences if she disclosed the crime. Police have launched a probe and recorded her statement. A forensic team has been dispatched to the scene to gather evidence, and CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed.

The student’s father, who arrived in Durgapur after receiving a call from his daughter’s friends, expressed shock and grief. “We trusted this college for her safety and education. We never imagined something so terrible could happen here,” he told reporters.

Meanwhile, the incident has triggered massive outrage following remarks made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who questioned why the victim was outside late at night. “How did she come out at 12.30 at night?” Banerjee said, adding that the private college should ensure the safety of its students. Her comments have drawn sharp criticism from women’s rights activists and opposition leaders, who accused the Chief Minister of victim-blaming instead of addressing the state’s growing safety concerns.

As the investigation continues, public anger mounts over the safety of women in educational institutions and the urgent need for accountability and systemic reform to prevent such crimes.

11/10/2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has openly clarified his financial position, asserting that he does not own any property apart from what he earns through his official salary.

The statement came after questions from journalists regarding allegations made by opposition parties about his family’s assets. Responding firmly, Sarma said, “I don’t have property at all. My wife works for her wellbeing, she does not steal or take anything unlawfully. If someone is earning honestly, then what is the issue? Apart from my salary, I do not have anything.”

The Chief Minister’s comments appear to be a direct response to political attacks targeting his family’s business interests. Sarma’s remarks aim to highlight transparency in his personal and professional life, reinforcing his image as a leader committed to integrity and accountability.

This statement follows closely after Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, entrepreneur and wife of the Chief Minister, filed a criminal defamation case against Raijor Dal chief and Sibsagar MLA Akhil Gogoi and others for allegedly making false and derogatory statements about her and her company, Golden Threads of Assam.

With the controversy still unfolding, the Chief Minister’s public declaration is seen as an effort to reaffirm his stand on honest earnings and ethical conduct in public life.

11/10/2025

In a progressive move toward gender-sensitive workplace reforms, the Karnataka government has approved the “Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025” to ensure the health and well-being of women employees and promote inclusivity across government and associated offices.

The policy aims to provide women employees with dedicated leave during their menstrual cycle, recognizing the physical and emotional challenges faced during this period. Officials stated that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of enhancing gender equity and employee welfare.

The move has been widely appreciated by women’s rights groups and labour organizations, calling it a landmark decision that could set a precedent for other states to follow.

Further details regarding the number of days of leave and implementation guidelines are expected to be issued soon by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.

10/10/2025

In a startling revelation, it has come to light that Shyamkanu Mahanta, the main accused in the Zubeen Garg death case continues to hold key positions in multiple government-run academic institutions, despite public disassociation by the Assam government and Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The disclosure has triggered a wave of outrage and demands for immediate action.

Official documents reveal that Mahanta was appointed as a member of the Board of Governors of the Jorhat Institute of Science and Technology (JIST) in September 2018 for a three-year term. The nomination was made through an official notification by the Assam Higher Education (Technical) Department, which also included eminent figures such as Dr. Ranjan Tamuly of IIT Guwahati and Sri Dhirendra Nath Buragohain, former Director of IIT Guwahati.

In addition to JIST, Mahanta continues to remain on the governing body of Arya Vidyapeeth College, a prestigious government-aided institution in Guwahati. So far, no official action has been taken to remove him from the post, despite growing public outcry and mounting evidence of his alleged involvement in the ongoing CID investigation.

Reports further indicate that Mahanta was associated with several other universities in recent years. In 2021, he served as a Professor of Practice at Nagaon University, and was also a member of the Governing Body at Kaziranga University, a position he reportedly lost only a few days ago following media and public scrutiny.

The revelations have cast a shadow over the state’s higher education administration, prompting calls for a thorough review of appointments and affiliations involving individuals currently under investigation. Public sentiment continues to intensify as many question how Mahanta’s official designations persisted unchecked amid serious criminal allegations.

10/10/2025

Shocking revelations have surfaced regarding alleged financial irregularities in the construction of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg’s Jonali Studio at Zoo Road, Guwahati. According to reports, Shekharjyoti Goswami is facing serious accusations of embezzlement linked to inflated costs of studio equipment.

As per CID investigations, a high-end microphone used by Zubeen Garg claimed to be worth ₹16 lakh, was actually purchased for just ₹5,08,474. This discrepancy has raised strong suspicions of financial misappropriation during the studio’s establishment phase.

Sources within the CID have revealed that Shekharjyoti Goswami and Siddharth Sharma, who were responsible for managing the studio’s construction and equipment procurement, allegedly inflated invoices and siphoned off funds. During questioning, both have reportedly confessed to manipulating costs and expenses.

Receipts obtained by Pratidin Time reportedly confirm that the actual purchase costs of multiple studio instruments were significantly lower than what was declared in official records.

Adding to the controversy, it was found that while Shekhar Goswami acquired a three-story building during the same period, Zubeen Garg himself lacked the financial means to build his own residence for years afterward, a fact that has fueled public outrage.

In an earlier interview, Zubeen Garg had proudly described his Jonali Studio as equipped with “high-tech, imported instruments from the U.S.”, including the very microphone now under scrutiny. Over 20 songs were reportedly dubbed using this mic, marking it as one of the studio’s most valuable assets.

The case has ignited widespread anger among fans, who view the alleged mismanagement as a betrayal of Zubeen Garg’s trust and legacy. Investigations are ongoing, and more revelations are expected as the CID deepens its probe into the financial operations behind one of Assam’s most iconic recording spaces.

10/10/2025

The Assam Kaziranga University has officially terminated Mr. Shyamkanu Mahanta from his position as a member of the University’s Governing Body, effective February 8, 2025. The decision was taken in accordance with a resolution passed during the Governing Body meeting held on February 7, 2025.

According to the university’s official statement, Mr. Mahanta had rarely attended any Governing Body meetings during his tenure and was not actively associated with any university functions in any capacity.

The University reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and accountable governance, emphasizing that the Governing Body continues to operate effectively under the leadership of its active members. It further assured that all administrative and academic decisions are taken in the best interests of institutional growth and academic excellence.

10/10/2025

In a startling revelation, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that the Miya community is projected to become the largest demographic group in Assam, comprising nearly 38% of the state’s total population in the upcoming census.

Speaking at a public event, CM Sarma emphasized that this projection is based on population growth trends observed over the past decades. “If the current trend continues, the Miya community will soon outnumber others in the state,” he said, calling it a matter of “serious concern for the cultural and demographic balance of Assam.”

The Chief Minister also indicated that the government is considering implementing stricter population control laws and other measures to address what he termed an “alarming demographic shift.” His statement has since stirred widespread debate and reactions across social and political circles in Assam.

While some sections have welcomed the Chief Minister’s remarks as a necessary warning, others have criticized it as divisive and fear-mongering. Political observers note that the issue of demographic change has long been a sensitive topic in Assam, especially with regard to migration and identity politics.

As discussions intensify, the state awaits the next census results, which could potentially reshape Assam’s socio-political landscape and influence future policy decisions.

10/10/2025

Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ has stormed its way into the record books, crossing an astonishing ₹500 crore gross worldwide in its first extended week. The film, which has captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and rooted mysticism, now stands tall with a total gross collection of ₹509.25 crore, setting the stage for a potentially historic ₹1,000 crore run.

Written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, the movie has become a cultural and cinematic phenomenon, striking a deep emotional chord with audiences across languages and regions. Its universal themes, combined with Shetty’s stellar performance and direction, have helped it sustain an exceptional box-office trajectory.

With this milestone, Kantara: Chapter 1 has now emerged as the second-highest-grossing Kannada film worldwide, trailing only behind Yash’s KGF: Chapter 2. Industry experts predict that the coveted ₹1,000 crore benchmark no longer seems out of reach, and surpassing KGF 2 might soon become a realistic possibility.

The makers shared the exciting update on social media with a celebratory poster, thanking fans for their unwavering love and support. As the film continues its victorious march across theatres, Kantara: Chapter 1 stands as yet another testament to the growing global appeal of Kannada cinema.

10/10/2025

In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the death of Assam’s music legend Zubeen Garg, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested two of his personal security officers (PSOs) — Nandeshwar Bora and Paresh Baishya.

According to official sources, both officers were taken into custody after four consecutive days of questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The two were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court today, where investigators are seeking 14-day police custody for further interrogation.

The arrests come just days after the duo was suspended on October 7 following allegations of serious financial irregularities. The CID had been probing the officers in connection with complaints of mismanagement and possible embezzlement of funds related to the late singer’s finances and personal accounts.

Authorities stated that the decision to arrest the officers followed inconsistencies found in their statements during interrogation and the discovery of new evidence linking them to suspicious financial activity.

The development marks a critical turning point in the ongoing investigation into Zubeen Garg’s mysterious death, as public pressure continues to mount for transparency and justice.

06/10/2025

In one of the most inspiring feats of endurance and courage, para-cyclist Rakesh Banik from Kaliabor has completed a 7,000-km transcontinental cycling expedition from Russia to Assam, overcoming unimaginable challenges along the way. What began as a 16-day journey through Russia became a life-defining odyssey, stretching over multiple countries and testing the limits of human resilience.

Banik, who lost his right leg in a road accident years ago, began his expedition from Moscow in April, pedalling through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tibet, and Nepal before finally reaching Guwahati via Siliguri. Facing visa hurdles, he managed to extend his Russian permit from 16 to 30 days with the help of the Russian Consulate—an early sign of his unwavering resolve to complete what many would have thought impossible.

Sharing the news of Banik’s return, Assam’s Agriculture Minister Atul Bora hailed the achievement as “a truly extraordinary feat.” Bora personally met Banik at Janata Bhawan, congratulating him and lauding his story as a shining example of grit, determination, and inspiration. “His journey is not just about endurance but about the unbreakable human spirit that motivates us all to rise above challenges,” the Minister said.

For Banik, cycling became much more than a sport, it became a way of reclaiming his identity and purpose. Following his accident, he even adopted “Para-cyclist” as his surname, symbolising transformation through adversity. His transcontinental expedition, spanning some of the most demanding terrains and climates, stands today as a living testament to courage without compromise.

Expected to find a place in multiple record books, Banik’s achievement has already found a permanent place in the hearts of millions. From the snow-clad roads of Moscow to the warm embrace of his homeland in Assam, his journey is not just measured in kilometres, it is measured in hope, perseverance, and the limitless power of the human will.

The North-Eastern Chronicle

17/10/2025

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