. NEW DELHI: The Office of the Block Development Officer (BDO), Goalpokher-II, at Chaukulia in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district was vandalised and torched by an agitated mob on Thursday, amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing process. The Block Development Officer has filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Chaukulia Police Station, seeking an inquiry and action against those involved.According to the complaint, the incident occurred between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm on January 15, 2026, when a mob of around 300 people forcefully entered the BDO office premises. The group allegedly destroyed infrastructure across the office and damaged furniture, electronic gadgets and official documents from several sections, including the Relief Section, Social Welfare Section, SHG and NRLM sections.Police personnel reached the spot and attempted to control the situation by closing the main gate, while office staff locked doors and gates to protect themselves. However, more people reportedly joined the mob, which again forced its way into the premises. After ransacking the office, the mob allegedly set fire to broken furniture and torn documents inside and outside office rooms, causing further damage to the building.The FIR estimates that government property worth around Rs 20 lakh was damaged in the attack. Several police personnel, including the Inspector-in-Charge of Chakulia Police Station, were reportedly badly injured while trying to resist the mob. Office staff present at the time were also attacked and rushed to a nearby hospital for safety.In the complaint, the BDO stated: “This is to inform you that an un-precedent incident is happened at the Office of the Block Development Officer, Goalpokher II, Chakulla, Uttar Dinajpur premises from 09:30 A.M to 12:30 p.m. today i.e. on 15.01.2026. A group of agitated mob forcefully entered the office premises (approx, 300 nos) rush to the Office premises at 09:30 A.M. and destroyed various infrastructures of Office premises as well as various sections… Therefore, you are requested to cause an enquiry on this incident overall and lodge an FIR against the miscreants. CC tv footage captured in the whole incidence (avallable) is also been handed over for this purpose.”The complaint further noted that the BDO office had been issuing notices to voters for hearings related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, as per instructions of the Election Commission of India and district authorities. On the day of the incident, 500 hearings were scheduled after 11 am, and around 50 to 60 people had arrived at the office for this purpose. Officials reportedly tried to explain that the process was routine, but the mob was unwilling to discuss the issue or make any representation.During the unrest, several roads connecting Islampur and Dalkhola were also blocked.Also read | BDO office vandalised in Murshidabad: BJP blames TMC’s Manirul, Mamata for ‘instigation’The incident comes a day after a similar case of violence at the Block Development Office in Farakka, Murshidabad district. On Monday afternoon, the Farakka BDO office was allegedly ransacked by a group of unidentified men, leaving a poll official injured.Following the Farakka incident, BJP MLA Gouri Sankar accused ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Manirul Islam of leading the vandalism at the government office. He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of instigating party cadres across the state to indulge in violence.Police have launched an investigation into the Goalpokher-II incident, and CCTV footage from the BDO office has been handed over to assist the probe.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTrump Visa Crackdown Hits India’s Neighbours, US Pauses Immigration For Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal’India Fully Ready For Any Threat And Long Wars Ahead’: COAS Dwivedi Signals Pakistan On Army DayBMC Polls 2026: Inside Mumbai’s Civic Giant Whose Budget Is Bigger Than Many Indian StatesI-PAC Raid Row: SC Halts WB Police FIRs against ED, Seeks Mamata’s ReplyON CAM: 200 Sikhs Rescue 16-Year-Old Girl In London, Say She Was Groomed By Afghan ManPM Modi Positions India As Global South Voice Says Democracy Delivers Stability And GrowthIndia Eyes Rocket Cum Missile Force After Op Sindoor Lessons As China, Pakistan Shape BattlefieldsIran Unrest Worries Families Of Indian Students, Parents Appeal To Govt For HelpUS Senate Hearing Turns Viral After Indian-Origin Doctor Refuses Yes Or No On Men Getting PregnantNSA Ajit Doval’s Speech Rattles Pakistan, Triggers Fury As India Calls It Strategic Anxiety123Photostories50,000 Bengaluru techies to benefit daily: Skywalk from Metro to ITPB opens tomorrowSidharth Malhotra birthday special: Revisiting the films that shaped his rise in Bollywood5 common mistakes to avoid when making Poached EggsFrom Mahhi Vij–Jay Bhanushali to Raqesh Bapat–Riddhi Dogra: TV couples who stayed friends after parting ways6 inventions that were brilliant and problematic at the same timePriyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Ayushmann Khurrana: Bollywood actors who proved their musical talent by singing their own hit songs9 Birth Numbers, 9 Deities And How To Seek Their Blessings in 2026How to make Punjabi Kadhi for lunch at homeChennai: Anna Salai flyover on fast lane, workers rushed in for April finish‘The Bluff’: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Karl Urban starrer’s cast, release date, plot revealed123Hot PicksIran protestsBudget 2026Gold rate todayBank holiday todayAmrit Bharat ExpressPublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingFortnite Update V39 39 Release DateNHL Trade RumorsXavier Worthy InjuryCameron Jordan PodcastPhil Taylor Net WorthTrea Turner WifeKlay Thompson GirlfriendIndia vs New Zealand ODI MatchBengaluru ScamBTEUP Result
NEW DELHI: The Office of the Block Development Officer (BDO), Goalpokher-II, at Chaukulia in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district was vandalised and torched by an agitated mob on Thursday, amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing process. The Block Development Officer has filed a First Information Report (FIR) at Chaukulia Police Station, seeking an inquiry and action against those involved.According to the complaint, the incident occurred between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm on January 15, 2026, when a mob of around 300 people forcefully entered the BDO office premises. The group allegedly destroyed infrastructure across the office and damaged furniture, electronic gadgets and official documents from several sections, including the Relief Section, Social Welfare Section, SHG and NRLM sections.Police personnel reached the spot and attempted to control the situation by closing the main gate, while office staff locked doors and gates to protect themselves. However, more people reportedly joined the mob, which again forced its way into the premises. After ransacking the office, the mob allegedly set fire to broken furniture and torn documents inside and outside office rooms, causing further damage to the building.The FIR estimates that government property worth around Rs 20 lakh was damaged in the attack. Several police personnel, including the Inspector-in-Charge of Chakulia Police Station, were reportedly badly injured while trying to resist the mob. Office staff present at the time were also attacked and rushed to a nearby hospital for safety.In the complaint, the BDO stated: “This is to inform you that an un-precedent incident is happened at the Office of the Block Development Officer, Goalpokher II, Chakulla, Uttar Dinajpur premises from 09:30 A.M to 12:30 p.m. today i.e. on 15.01.2026. A group of agitated mob forcefully entered the office premises (approx, 300 nos) rush to the Office premises at 09:30 A.M. and destroyed various infrastructures of Office premises as well as various sections… Therefore, you are requested to cause an enquiry on this incident overall and lodge an FIR against the miscreants. CC tv footage captured in the whole incidence (avallable) is also been handed over for this purpose.”The complaint further noted that the BDO office had been issuing notices to voters for hearings related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, as per instructions of the Election Commission of India and district authorities. On the day of the incident, 500 hearings were scheduled after 11 am, and around 50 to 60 people had arrived at the office for this purpose. Officials reportedly tried to explain that the process was routine, but the mob was unwilling to discuss the issue or make any representation.During the unrest, several roads connecting Islampur and Dalkhola were also blocked.Also read | BDO office vandalised in Murshidabad: BJP blames TMC’s Manirul, Mamata for ‘instigation’The incident comes a day after a similar case of violence at the Block Development Office in Farakka, Murshidabad district. On Monday afternoon, the Farakka BDO office was allegedly ransacked by a group of unidentified men, leaving a poll official injured.Following the Farakka incident, BJP MLA Gouri Sankar accused ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Manirul Islam of leading the vandalism at the government office. He also accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of instigating party cadres across the state to indulge in violence.Police have launched an investigation into the Goalpokher-II incident, and CCTV footage from the BDO office has been handed over to assist the probe.
![Zoji La [Ladakh] SRINAGAR: Zoji La tunnel, an upcoming strategic corridor that will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is nearing a defining moment, with engineers inching towards a “breakthrough” final blast expected around May 30.Work is progressing at about four meters per day from both ends — Sonamarg (Baltal) in Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh — using controlled drilling and blasting. Only 300 meters of the 13.155km tunnel is left to excavate, Harpal Singh, chief operating officer (COO) of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), told TOI. The Hyderabad-based company is executing the project.“The final blast will bring the excavation phase to a close, completing the tunnel’s core structure,” Singh said, adding the blast will signal the physical connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.According to Singh, this historic milestone will be achieved by reducing tunnel excavation to zero within 30 to 35 days. “Breakthrough will ensure speedy construction of the remaining works, including concrete lining, permanent tunnel drainage, installation of surveillance equipment, control buildings, underground transformers and (traffic) smoke control systems,” Singh explained.The tunnel is still another two-and-a-half years from completion. Before it is opened to the public, the breakthrough will allow construction teams and machines to move seamlessly between two ends, streamlining work. “The teams and equipment can move through the tunnel without any hassle,” Singh said, adding this will help sustain construction through winters when heavy snowfall in Sonamarg halts surface movement.The tunnel will reduce distance between the two ends (Sonamarg and Minamarg) from 49km to 43km and increase vehicle speeds from 30kmph to 70kmph, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123PhotostoriesWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demandArgue without breaking up: 5 simple rules every couple needs to know‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against Israel123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1776198165_photo.jpg "Zoji La [Ladakh] SRINAGAR: Zoji La tunnel, an upcoming strategic corridor that will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is nearing a defining moment, with engineers inching towards a “breakthrough” final blast expected around May 30.Work is progressing at about four meters per day from both ends — Sonamarg (Baltal) in Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh — using controlled drilling and blasting. Only 300 meters of the 13.155km tunnel is left to excavate, Harpal Singh, chief operating officer (COO) of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), told TOI. The Hyderabad-based company is executing the project.“The final blast will bring the excavation phase to a close, completing the tunnel’s core structure,” Singh said, adding the blast will signal the physical connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.According to Singh, this historic milestone will be achieved by reducing tunnel excavation to zero within 30 to 35 days. “Breakthrough will ensure speedy construction of the remaining works, including concrete lining, permanent tunnel drainage, installation of surveillance equipment, control buildings, underground transformers and (traffic) smoke control systems,” Singh explained.The tunnel is still another two-and-a-half years from completion. Before it is opened to the public, the breakthrough will allow construction teams and machines to move seamlessly between two ends, streamlining work. “The teams and equipment can move through the tunnel without any hassle,” Singh said, adding this will help sustain construction through winters when heavy snowfall in Sonamarg halts surface movement.The tunnel will reduce distance between the two ends (Sonamarg and Minamarg) from 49km to 43km and increase vehicle speeds from 30kmph to 70kmph, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123PhotostoriesWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demandArgue without breaking up: 5 simple rules every couple needs to know‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against Israel123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup")
