Drunken devotees kill student for protesting against eve-teasing during Saraswati idol procession

February 2, 2015

Kolkata, Feb 2: A 20-year-old college student, who slipped into a coma after being assaulted for protesting against eve-teasing in West Bengal's Howrah district, succumbed to his injuries Monday.

Arup Bhandari, who was comatose since being hospitalised Jan 29, died this morning, an official of the nursing home where he was admitted, said.

The incident happened Jan 28 when several residents of Hrishikesh Ghosh Lane were taking a Saraswati idol for immersion.

Bhandari was assaulted by several drunken devotees of Saraswati idol after he protested against their making lewd gestures at girls who were part of the procession.

Bhandari's family members and civil society activists have alleged inaction on the part of the police.

"We have filed a FIR against five people but the police have so far not made even a single arrest. While my loss will never be fulfilled, at least the administration should ensure that his efforts don't go waste and the perpetrators are arrested," said Arup's brother.

Jadavpur University professor Ambikesh Mahapatra, who was earlier arrested for circulating emails concerning Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, slammed the Trinamool Congress government for patronising criminals.

"When it comes to arresting innocents, the police are active. In this case, almost a week has passed but the police have done nothing. The attitude of this government is steadily emboldening criminals," said Mahapatra.

Painter Samir Aich and woman activist Bolan Ganguly, too, criticised police inaction.

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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