A deadly fire tears through a five-storey building housing several hotels in central Kolkata, killing nine people, including a four-year-old child. Five of the victims were Bangladeshi nationals. Around 80 people are rescued, while questions emerge over alleged fire-safety violations, emergency exits, hotel licensing and electricity connections. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari blames the previous TMC government, alleging that unsafe or illegal hotels were allowed to operate under the earlier administration.

The investigation into the horrific gangrape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur has taken a dramatic turn after the main accused died in a police encounter during crime scene reconstruction. According to police, the accused allegedly snatched a firearm from an officer, opened fire on the investigating team and attempted to escape. Officers then returned fire, leaving the accused critically injured. He was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The encounter comes days after the brutal crime shocked West Bengal. The young victim's body was recovered from a pond in Baruipur, and the post-mortem examination confirmed sexual assault. Police subsequently registered a case under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act and murder charges. WATCH