Embracing the social media trend, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently shared a photograph on platform X (formerly known as Twitter) featuring the scenic Kolia Bhomora Setu bridge over the Brahmaputra with the Himalayas in the backdrop.

The majestic pictures was captured by a photographer named Gautam Deka displaying the crystal clear view of the magnificent mountain range located near the Arunachal-Tibet border.

According to the chief minister, the crystal clear view was enabled due to the low Air Quality Index and a pollution-free environment in the state. Sharing the picture on his personal X handle, CM Sarma captioned, “What a majestic view! The mighty Himalayas visible on a winter morning from Kolia Bhomora Setu, Tezpur.

Low AQI & a pollution-free environment enable this crystal clear view, captured by Gautam Deka, of the magnificent mountain range located near the Arunachal-Tibet border.”

The prime accused in the gruesome double murder case of her husband and mother-in-law in Guwahati’s Noonmati locality, Bandana Kalita, has been granted bail on Friday.

In a recent judgement, the Kamrup Metropolitan District and Sessions Judge Court granted bail to Bandana Kalita on specific terms and conditions after hearing case number 91/23.

Furthermore, Bandana’s accomplice, Dhanti Deka, has also been granted bail by the court.

As per sources, the court has ordered Bandana to appear at Noonmati Police Station two days a week and along with that, she has also been restricted from leaving her district without prior order from the court.

It may be mentioned that Bandana Kalita murdered her husband, Amarjyoti Dey and mother-in-law, Shankari Dey, with the help of her two accomplices, Arup Deka and Dhanti Deka, in Guwahati in July 2022. Earlier in the month of October Bandana’s second accomplice Arup Deka was granted bail.

Continuing their pursuit of medical excellence, the Neurosurgery team led by Dr. Shameem Ahmed performed a highly advanced procedure at Apollo Hospitals in Guwahati wherein a patient underwent D7 vertebral biopsy and stent replacement.

The advanced procedure, also known as vertebra stentoplasty, was registered as the first of its kind in the North Eastern region. Notably, a 25-year-old man was referred to the Apollo Hospitals from a local corporate house after evaluation at a regional medical college as he was not responding well to usual medical management.

The patient presented with chronic worsening mid-back ache, however, there was no prior history of fall or trauma/injury, radiating pain, weight loss or any other sign of illness. Upon arriving at the Apollo Hospital, there was no focal neurological deficit either and the limps were fully functional.

Further investigation revealed presence of swollen lymph nodal mass comprising of dead tissues with possible involvement of the D7 vertebra while MRI and PET Scan also revealed an isolated lesion of the D7 vertebra with altered signal intensity.

After preoperative optimization, the patient successfully underwent minimally invasive surgery under ERAS protocol (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery). ERAS programs are evidence-based protocols designed to standardize and optimize perioperative medical care. In the vertebral body stenting procedure, an expandable cage made of titanium is inserted into the collapsed/fractured vertebra. The cage is then expanded inside lifting the collapsed bone and restoring the height. The stents are left inside and finally, the vertebral body and the stents are filled with bone cement. The patient made a good recovery and was discharged within 24 hours of surgery. The patient’s heart rate and blood pressure were stable at the time of discharge.

Biswanath police recently busted a gang of five, including a woman involved in making fake currency notes. Along with the arrest of the five accused, a fake currency note-making machine has also been seized from their possession.

As per sources, the police team raided a night bus after receiving information regarding a man who was on his way to Guwahati from Lakhimpur carrying a fake currency note-making machine, following which they immediately detained the person.

Later, based on the information provided by the person, the team raided a vehicle, after which they were able to arrest four people, including a woman. The arrested individuals have been identified as Fulzar Hussain, Minara Begum, Ajay Vishwakarma, Ajit Gogoi and Babul Hussain.

According to the police, Babul Hussain is the mastermind of this racket. It may also be mentioned that among the arrested individuals, several journalists from a news portal in Assam have also been arrested. The rise of certain media portals in the state, using their press cards as a shield while engaging in unlawful activities, has raised concerns among the people.

Assamese actor and producer Jatin Bora filed an official complaint against individuals engaged in online defamation of his latest film, Raghav. As per reports, a section of people have been spreading negative publicity about the movie since its release a few weeks ago.

Following the incident, the actor filed a complaint at the cyber crime branch of the Assam Police against those spreading negative publicity surrounding the film on social media platforms.

According to sources, the Assam Police has prepared a list of people engaged in online defamation of the film on social media platforms.

As per sources, a person identified as Dhiru Gogoi was detained by the cybercrime branch in connection with the incident under Sections 120B/153(A)/507/509 R/W 66/66D of IT Act 2000.

Dhiru Gogoi alleged that the actor filed the complaint as he was incurring losses from his latest movie due to negative publicity surrounding the film on social media platforms.

With just a couple of days to go before Diwali, a large number of traders of the state are yet to receive their permits to set up shop. Although the local administration had accepted applications from traders for temporary licences for selling firecrackers via the Sewa Setu portal of the state government, the licences have not been issued till the filing of this report.

With very limited time left for the upcoming festival of lights, the traders who applied for the licence to sell firecrackers are still waiting for permission. Many have mentioned that they had applied online and even submitted the requisite fee of Rs 500 for the same. After the applications were received, the local police stations verified the necessary details before forwarding the same to the respective Deputy Commissioner of Police under the Guwahati Police Commissionerate.

The traders were required to show multiple documents, including identity proof, tax receipts, trade licences, and fee receipts, in order to collect the licences, but due to unknown reasons, the same has not been provided yet. Many of the applicants expressed their unhappiness regarding the matter.

In a shocking incident in Dhekiajuli, of Sonitpur district in Assam, two youths, identified as Baloram Basumatary and Jajiya Narzary, found themselves on the receiving end of vigilant justice after reportedly attempting to extort Rs 7 lakh from local resident Dalong Mampha. The duo allegedly posed as members of the banned militant outfit, United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), adding an ominous layer to their criminal activities.

Dalong Mampha, residing in Panbari, Dhekiajuli, became a target when the two youths demanded a substantial sum from him, accompanied by physical assault and threats, including brandishing a gun. Mampha, unable to meet their extortion demands, fell victim to their aggression. The situation took a turn when, on a subsequent visit to Panbari, the duo was apprehended by alert locals who decided to take matters into their own hands. The villagers, enraged by the attempted extortion and violence, administered a thrashing to Basumatary and Narzary before alerting the police.

Law enforcement swiftly responded, taking both accused individuals into custody. The seized gun used by the perpetrators added a dangerous dimension to the unfolding investigation. Authorities are now probing the authenticity of the duo’s claimed association with ULFA-I, underscoring the complexity of the case. This incident highlights the resilience of communities against criminal elements, showcasing a collective stand against extortion and intimidation. The villagers’ swift and decisive action serves as a reminder that communities can play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, even as investigations continue into the veracity of the youths’ alleged militant connections.

Guwahati Commissioner of Police Diganta Barah has urged the residents to revel in the festivities of Diwali and Kali Puja while strictly adhering to guidelines set by the administration. In a press conference held in Guwahati yesterday Barah emphasized that disobedience of the prescribed rules would be dealt with sternly. Expressing optimism about the enthusiastic celebration of the festivals, Barah highlighted the importance of following guidelines established by the Supreme Court and Kamrup district administration. He specifically addressed the ban on crackers containing barium nitrate, permitting only the use of green crackers as defined by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).

Barah provided insight into identifying green crackers, explaining that they have reduced shell size, omit ash, and minimize the use of raw materials such as aluminum, barium, potassium nitrate, or carbon. Customers were advised to check for the CSIP and NEERI logos on firecracker packaging, both labeled in green, to ensure compliance with green standards. He further outlined the types of crackers falling under the ‘green’ category, including flower pots, pencils, sparkles, chakkars, and bombs, with a noise level below 125db. Shop owners intending to sell firecrackers were directed to obtain permission from the district Deputy Commissioners of Police in the three police districts—Dispur East, Dispur Central, and Dispur West.

Barah appealed to the public to refrain from bursting crackers in silent zones within the city and to limit the activity to the designated time frame of 8 pm to 10 pm. This measured approach aimed to balance the enjoyment of the festive season with environmental and safety considerations. The Commissioner’s proactive stance on responsible celebration not only ensures a safer and quieter festive season but also reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability. As Guwahati gears up for Diwali and Kali Puja, the call for adherence to guidelines underscores the importance of collective responsibility in making celebrations joyous yet mindful of community well-being.

In a significant development, the Assam state government announced during a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday that it has decided to make a substantial investment of at least Rs. 135 crore in the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF). The primary objective of this substantial investment is to facilitate the construction of ten state-of-the-art cancer hospitals, each aimed at providing critical healthcare services to the people of Assam.

The ambitious project is planned in two phases. In the initial phase, three cancer hospitals will be constructed, while the second phase will witness the development of an additional seven such healthcare facilities. These hospitals will serve as essential healthcare hubs, offering comprehensive cancer care services to the local population. For the first phase, the construction of three hospitals is underway in Silchar, Guwahati, and Diphu. The estimated cost for these initial three hospitals is approximately Rs. 135 crore, which will be funded and disbursed by the state government. This financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to improving the healthcare infrastructure and services in the region, with a specific focus on cancer treatment and care.

The second phase of this commendable project aims to establish seven more cancer hospitals across various districts in Assam. These hospitals will be strategically located in Dhubri, Nalbari, Goalpara, Golaghat, Nagaon, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia. This expansion of cancer care facilities will play a pivotal role in ensuring better access to advanced healthcare services for individuals residing in different parts of the state.

Jayanta Malla Baruah, the state minister for tourism, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. He highlighted that once completed, the ten cancer hospitals will generate a significant number of employment opportunities, with an estimated minimum of 8,000 jobs. This not only underscores the project’s commitment to healthcare but also its potential to boost the local economy by creating jobs and promoting economic growth.

In addition to the substantial investment in cancer care, the council of ministers has also taken steps to address the healthcare needs of the impoverished population in the state. The government has resolved to disburse Rs. 133 crore under the “Free Drugs and Consumables for Government Hospitals” initiative. This program is aimed at providing essential medications and healthcare supplies, including those required by Tea Garden Hospitals, to ensure that even the most vulnerable and underserved communities have access to vital healthcare resources. The Assam state government’s decision to invest Rs. 135 crore in the Assam Cancer Care Foundation for the construction of ten cancer hospitals marks a significant step toward improving healthcare services in the region. The project’s two-phase approach, job creation prospects, and the commitment to providing free drugs and consumables highlight the government’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of the people of Assam.

In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has undertaken a widespread series of raids across eight states and two Union Territories, aimed at unraveling the intricate web of human trafficking activities under investigation. The extensive operations, conducted on Wednesday, spanned Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, Puducherry, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir.

The NIA’s probe into human trafficking cases recently gained momentum after the apprehension of Mohammad Imran Khan from Tamil Nadu, who was allegedly involved in facilitating the illegal stay of several Sri Lankan nationals in India. However, it remains uncertain whether the current wave of raids is directly linked to this particular case or if they represent broader efforts to combat human trafficking.

As the investigations unfold, the NIA has promised to release more details regarding these ongoing operations. Notably, the NIA maintains a specialized unit dedicated to the examination of human trafficking cases with international ramifications. In 2022, the agency undertook a comprehensive inquiry into the trafficking of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi Muslims into India, with a focus on their settlement using forged documents. The NIA’s recent actions signal its continued commitment to addressing this critical issue on a national scale.

Earlier, based on input, the Special Task Force (STF) conducted a raid at the dump in Bhagadattapur under Dispur PS jurisdiction and apprehended two habitual drug peddlers. The two have been identified as Akash Ali (19) and Md. Jainal Ali (25) both from Nopara Pump under Mukalmua Police Station. On further investigation, the team also seized stolen property, along with 50 vials containing suspected heroin weighing about 64.5 gms, Rs. 12,000 in cash, six mobile phones suspected to be stolen, 900 empty vials, and one Pulsar Bike RS200 bearing registration number AS 25 V 7615.