VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Meet Sonselasuchus: The two-legged crocodile relative from 215 million years ago that defies evolution rules Watch: How is the US Navy enforcing blockade amid Hormuz deadlock Photo credit: ANI NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday termed the proposed delimitation exercise “political demonetisation” and criticised the Centre for linking implementation of women’s reservation to the expansion of Parliament and constituency redrawing based on the Census.Participating in a Lok Sabha debate on three bills related to amendments in the women’s reservation law and the constitution of a Delimitation Commission, Tharoor said the government had unnecessarily tied a widely supported reform to a highly contentious political process.”Delimitation will turn out to be political demonetisation. Don’t do it,” Tharoor said.He said there was near-unanimous political support across parties for women’s reservation and argued that the measure should be implemented immediately without being made dependent on delimitation.”Today we stand at a threshold where there is near unanimous political consensus in favour of women’s reservation. Every major party realises that the time for tokenism is over and the era of collective partnership must begin and yet I am finding myself deeply perturbed by the legislative exercise before us,” he said.Tharoor referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks supporting women’s representation, but said the proposal had been burdened with unnecessary conditions.”The prime minister says he has brought ‘nari shakti’ the gift of justice but he has wrapped it in barbed wire, tethering the implementation of women’s reservation to the expansion of Parliament, to numbers from the 2011 census and an exercise of delimitation… Why must we entangle a moral imperative with a demographic minefield,” he asked.He said women’s reservation was ready to be enforced on the basis of the current parliamentary strength and did not require waiting for a future restructuring of constituencies.”Women’s reservation, he said, is ready for harvest and can and should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.”Warning of the wider political impact of redrawing constituencies, Tharoor said delimitation was not merely an administrative process but a shift in the balance of political power.”Delimitation is not a mere bureaucratic rearranging of maps, it is a profound shift in political power that is intended….Any delimitation exercise is fraught with complications that could tear at the very fabric of our federalism,” he said.He also criticised the speed with which the government was moving the legislation, comparing it to the rushed rollout of demonetisation.”You have proposed delimitation with such haste, the same haste that you showed on demonetisation. Unfortunately, we all know what damage that did to the country. Delimitation will turn out to be political demonetisation. Don’t do it,” Tharoor said.Tharoor added that the opposition supported the principle of women’s reservation but believed it should not be made contingent on a future delimitation process. He called for wider consultations with all political parties, saying both women’s representation and delimitation carried significant consequences for India’s electoral structure and federal balance.The debate took place after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, aimed at modifying the women’s quota law, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes.Two additional ordinary bills, the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, were also introduced to facilitate implementation of the proposed amended women’s quota law in the Union Territories of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir.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 MediaVideos’Political Demonetisation’: Shashi Tharoor Blasts Govt For Linking Women Quota To DelimitationRed Fort Blast Probe Twist: White Collar Module Used JeM Name To Mask Bigger Terror Revival PlanPakistan Reacts After India’s Delimitation Bill Includes Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & KashmirTCS Nashik Row Takes Twist As Accused’s Kin Calls Case Scripted, Alleges Bajrang Dal’s Involvement’International Law Must Be Respected’: India Urges Restoration Of Safe Navigation In Hormuz At UNGA’Pakistan’s Role Discussed’: Shashi Tharoor On Foreign Secretary Briefing On West Asia Conflict‘I Am Warning Govt’: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Says Delimitation Could Become ‘Permanent Wound’’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters123PhotostoriesApril New Moon 2026: Manifest your desires on New Moon night; based on your numberImportance of food safety and hygiene: 9 key guidelines for school level kitchens under Mid-Day Meal SchemeRicky Ponting’s ₹173 crore ‘trophy home’ in Toorak, Melbourne screams luxury with a private tennis court, designer pool, and cricket memorabilia10 unforgettable souvenirs from Nepal trip that capture the spirit of the Himalayas7 places where nature’s loudest sounds can be heardChef Ranveer Brar appointed Odisha Brand Ambassador: What makes Odisha’s Temple Cuisine so sacred and special12 research-backed habits highly intelligent people avoid but most people do every day5 Japanese wisdom quotes to help kids stay strong and keep goingViswanathan Anand’s Chennai home: A blend of simplicity, legacy, and chess8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaDelhi Brigadier Assualt CaseMadhya Pradesh Rape NewsPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods New Zealand 160/4 in 34.0 Overs MHT CET PCB admit card 2026 released at cetcell.mahacet.org: Direct link to download hall ticket here Manisha Koirala pens emotional note for her grandmother Sushila Aama, recalls cherished childhood memories Too tired to cook? Try the viral Savory Girl snack plate trend everyone is obsessed with IPL 2026: Amid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Priyansh Arya noise, Prabhsimran Singh is quietly ‘raising the bar’ File photo NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to extend transit anticipatory bail protection for Congress leader Pawan Khera, asking him instead to approach a competent court in Assam in connection with a case linked to allegations against the wife of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar rejected Khera’s plea seeking extension of relief till April 20 to enable him to move a court in Assam.Court clarifies earlier orderWhile declining relief, the apex court clarified that its earlier order staying the Telangana high court’s grant of transit anticipatory bail would not prejudice the jurisdictional court in Assam.“The court deciding the application shall not be adversely influenced by any order granting transit bail or otherwise,” the bench said, adding that any anticipatory bail plea must be decided on its own merits, uninfluenced by prior orders, as per news agency ANI.The court also said Khera is at liberty to approach the appropriate court and, if required, seek assistance from the registry if the court is not functioning.“In view of the above, the respondent is at liberty to approach the appropriate court. In case the court is not functioning, a request may be made to the court registry, and the same shall act in accordance with law. With the aforesaid observations, the plea stands disposed of”, the Court noted.Background of the caseThe development comes after the Supreme Court earlier stayed the Telangana high court’s order granting Khera one week’s transit anticipatory bail, effectively making him vulnerable to arrest by Assam Police.During the earlier hearing, the court had questioned the Telangana high court’s jurisdiction in entertaining Khera’s plea in a case registered in Assam. The state had argued that Khera engaged in “forum-shopping” by approaching a court outside the state where the FIR was filed.The case pertains to allegations that Khera made false statements against the Assam chief minister’s wife.The controversy stems from a press conference held on April 5, where Khera alleged that Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, held multiple passports and owned foreign property that were not disclosed in the chief minister’s election affidavit for the April 9 Assembly polls. Both Sarma and his wife rejected the claims as “false and fabricated”.Following the remarks, a case was registered against Khera at the Guwahati Crime Branch police station under sections 175 (false statement in connection with an election), 35 and 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya SanhitaWith Friday’s order, the Supreme Court has reiterated that Khera must seek relief from a court in Assam, which will independently assess his anticipatory bail plea.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 MediaVideosRed Fort Blast Probe Twist: White Collar Module Used JeM Name To Mask Bigger Terror Revival PlanPakistan Reacts After India’s Delimitation Bill Includes Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & KashmirTCS Nashik Row Takes Twist As Accused’s Kin Calls Case Scripted, Alleges Bajrang Dal’s Involvement’International Law Must Be Respected’: India Urges Restoration Of Safe Navigation In Hormuz At UNGA’Pakistan’s Role Discussed’: Shashi Tharoor On Foreign Secretary Briefing On West Asia Conflict‘I Am Warning Govt’: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Says Delimitation Could Become ‘Permanent Wound’’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok Sabha123PhotostoriesRicky Ponting’s ₹173 crore ‘trophy home’ in Toorak, Melbourne screams luxury with a private tennis court, designer pool, and cricket memorabilia10 unforgettable souvenirs from Nepal trip that capture the spirit of the Himalayas7 places where nature’s loudest sounds can be heardChef Ranveer Brar appointed Odisha Brand Ambassador: What makes Odisha’s Temple Cuisine so sacred and special12 research-backed habits highly intelligent people avoid but most people do every day5 Japanese wisdom quotes to help kids stay strong and keep goingViswanathan Anand’s Chennai home: A blend of simplicity, legacy, and chess8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaDelhi Brigadier Assualt CaseMadhya Pradesh Rape NewsPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 finale explained: The emotional Dr. Robby and Baby Jane Doe moment and what it means ‘Jana Nayagan’ online leak EXPLAINED: All about the latest controversy surrounding Thalapathy Vijay’s film | ExtraEmily under fire for alleged viewbotting after viral clip Harivansh Narayan Singh Re-elected as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman for Third Term | India News Apr 17, 2026, 12:30 IST Supply shortage of gold, silver? Banks stop import orders as metals stuck at customs, says report Assam HS Class 12 Result not releasing today, Minister clarifies: Here’s the expected date BLACKPINK Jisoo under fire after alleged brother’s sexual assault scandal: Fans call out Jisoo to cut ties with him Virat Kohli’s instagram ‘like’ sparks meme storm, fans revive ‘Algorithm’ joke NEW DELHI: Though the Dowry Prohibition Act criminalises both taking and giving of dowry, the givers — which means the bride and her family members — would be shielded from prosecution if they are aggrieved persons, Supreme Court on Thursday said, reports Amit Anand Choudhary.SC’s clarification came on a plea of a man who submitted that an FIR should be lodged against his wife and in-laws also as they had admitted in their harassment complaint against him that dowry was given at the time of the wedding. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and K Vinod Chandran, however, said that Section 7(3) was introduced in the Act to address such kind of situations.SC said Section 7(3) was introduced in the Dowry Prohibition Act to address such kind of situations to protect the aggrieved parties who have to confess to giving bribes while filing complaints of domestic violence and dowry harassment after marriage.The top court noted that the amendment in the law to introduce Section 7 (3) was brought on the basis of joint parliamentary committee report, which suggested that the giver of the dowry should not be dealt with on equal footing as the taker and that the giver of dowry is forced to do so by societal and customary norms.One of the recommendations of the committee was that the givers of dowry, i.e., the parents, should not be equated with those who take the dowry, as the givers are victims rather than criminals, as parents are compelled to give dowry and they do not do so out of their free will.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods IPL 2026 | Niggle behind slump? Mahela Jayawardene opens up on Jasprit Bumrah’s struggling form Gold price prediction: Why are gold prices seeing weakness on April 17, 2026 & what should investors do? ICAI CA Inter, Final May 2026 admit card released at eservices.icai.org: Direct link to download hall ticket here RJ Balaji reveals the reason for AR Rahman’s exit from Suriya’s ‘Karuppu’, Here’s how Sai Abhyankkar stepped in Updated Yezdi Scrambler set for April 23 debut: What to expect Delimitation: Between constitutional statesmanship and political expediency Amit Shah NEW DELHI: Home minister Amit Shah on Thursday presented in Lok Sabha the expected share of five southern states following the proposed delimitation to assert that their strength wouldrise from the existing 23.76% to 23.89%.Calling the opposition’s claims on the Constitution amendment bill for women’s quota a “misleading narrative”, Shah said Lok Sabha seats from Karnataka would rise to 42 from 28, and from Andhra Pradesh to 38 from 25. He added that a similar 50% jump would take the tally to 26 from 17 in Telangana, to 59 from 39 in Tamil Nadu, and to 30 from 20 in Kerala.Overall, the southern states would have 195 constituencies in the proposed LS strength of 816 as against 129 in the current 543, Shah said soon after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed govt’s move in her speech.Retorting to Congress MP K C Venugopal’s questioning who was saying this as the bill did not mention the figures, Shah said, “I, the home minister of India, am saying so as I am piloting the (delimitation) bill.” The minister said that on Friday, he would offer a detailed reply that was so simple that even a KG student would understand it.With most opposition speakers charging govt with planning to redraw boundaries of parliamentary seats for political benefit, he said delimitation would be done in accordance with the same law that was followed by various Congress govts.“You might have manipulated it but I can assure you that we will not do it,” Shah said, adding that all assembly elections till 2029 would follow the existing pattern.“Those who think we can manipulate the mandate of 130 crore people are overestimating our strength. If it could have been done, then we would never have won when you were in office. History shows that even Emergency could not manipulate popular mandate. Nobody has the strength to finish off democracy in the country. Those who tried were finished instead,” he said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women QuotaNo More Russian Oil Waiver: What The US Decision Means For India’s Energy Needs Amid West Asia CrisisAustria’s Chancellor Calls India Key Partner, Pushes India-EU Trade Deal Amid Global TurmoilLok Sabha Erupts As Sawant Names Sengar, Brij Bhushan; Dubey Hits Back With Aaditya Thackeray Claim‘Not A Backdoor Exercise’: Tejasvi Surya Counters Opposition On Delimitation, Flags Representation Risks123Photostories8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantly5 Signs of high emotional intelligence that instantly set you apart from others5 things couples do before calling it quitsWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!‘Are we eating all our mangoes’: Why despite being the largest producer of mangoes, India is able to export just 1 percentGold vs lab-grown diamonds: What should you really buy this Akshaya Tritiya?123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTCS NashikTrump-Modi callSouth Delimitation ImpactAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods Wipro shares slide up to 4% after weak Q4, muted outlook dents sentiment BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and BLACKPINK Jennie spark dating rumors again: Netizens debate possible relationship Dubai just revealed world’s first air-taxi station near Dubai International Airport (DBX); promises faster, traffic-free travel across the city 1.5 lakh collision alerts for Indian satellites in 2025 Nepal’s Government Launches Historic Probe into Assets of Former Leaders and Officials | World News NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Friday carried out searches at premises linked to Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora. The raids were carried out at multiple locations connected to Arora in Ludhiana and elsewhere as part of an ongoing investigation, officials said. The AAP leader had also faced agency action in 2024, when the ED alleged that companies linked to him and others caused losses to the state exchequer and generated large proceeds of crime through the alleged misuse of industrial land for residential projects.Ex-Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvid Kejriwal criticised the raids, noting that it marked the second raid on an Aam Aadmi Party leader within three days. Writing on X, he questioned whether any “black money” had actually been recovered in the numerous raids targeting AAP figures.Reacting to the development, senior AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj wrote on X: “ED has now raided Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora. This is a clear pattern. This is how BJP starts its preparation for a state election.” His remarks come amid back-to-back action involving AAP figures in Punjab over the past two days.Earlier this week, the ED conducted searches at the residence of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal in Jalandhar, along with premises linked to his educational institutions in Punjab and Haryana under FEMA provisions. The raid drew attention as it came soon after Mittal was appointed the party’s deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.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 MediaVideosTCS Nashik Row Takes Twist As Accused’s Kin Calls Case Scripted, Alleges Bajrang Dal’s Involvement’International Law Must Be Respected’: India Urges Restoration Of Safe Navigation In Hormuz At UNGA’Pakistan’s Role Discussed’: Shashi Tharoor On Foreign Secretary Briefing On West Asia Conflict‘I Am Warning Govt’: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Says Delimitation Could Become ‘Permanent Wound’’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women Quota123PhotostoriesChef Ranveer Brar appointed Odisha Brand Ambassador: What makes Odisha’s Temple Cuisine so sacred and special12 research-backed habits highly intelligent people avoid but most people do every day5 Japanese wisdom quotes to help kids stay strong and keep goingViswanathan Anand’s Chennai home: A blend of simplicity, legacy, and chess8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantlyWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaDelhi Brigadier Assualt CaseAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods ICC ACU to investigate alleged corruption in 2026 T20 World Cup | Cricket News New Zealand 49/1 in 12.2 Overs | Bangladesh vs New Zealand Live Score, 1st ODI: Shoriful Islam removes Nick Kelly early in Dhaka Is APAAR ID mandatory for school admissions? NCERT clears the air, says no child can be denied entry Victoria Beckham breaks silence on feud with son, Brooklyn Beckham, says ‘we love our children’ Numerology horoscope today, April 17, 2026: What your name’s first letter reveals today US naval blockade: What’s on the menu for sailors, Marines onboard warships; new pictures surface Iran Mocks Trump: ‘Building castles in the air’: Iran mocks Trump’s ‘will get free oil, free Hormuz’ claim amid deadlock ED questions TMC MLA in Kolkata land-grabbing case; I-T raids home, poll office ahead of Bengal vote NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar in an alleged land-grabbing and illegal construction case in Kolkata, questioning him multiple times while the Income Tax Department conducted raids at his residence and election office on Friday.Kumar, who is seeking re-election from the Rashbehari Assembly constituency in south Kolkata, was summoned by the ED on April 1, 3 and 9. He appeared before investigators at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on all three occasions.Income Tax officials on Friday searched Kumar’s residence on Manoharpukur Road and his election office, with simultaneous operations beginning around 6 am.The ED investigation is linked to around 17 FIRs filed against a real estate firm accused of duping investors by promising high returns. Searches were earlier conducted on March 28 at the company’s office and residences of its officials, during which Kumar’s name allegedly surfaced.According to agency sources, investigators are examining allegations that a construction group encroached on land parcels across south Kolkata with alleged municipal assistance.Officials are probing whether businessman Amit Gangopadhyay and his associates obtained disputed property records, created forged documents for contested land parcels and sold them at inflated prices.Some of the properties under scrutiny are reportedly linked to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), where Kumar serves as Member-Mayor-in-Council (MMIC).Investigators have reportedly seized phone chats in which photographs and details of disputed land were allegedly shared with Kumar. The ED is also examining whether any money trail or financial transactions connect him to the deals.The agency is further probing the possible involvement of KMC employees and how information related to disputed properties was allegedly accessed.The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies to target opposition leaders ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.“BJP is using the central investigating agency against our leaders before the upcoming polls. It is a political vendetta,” TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said.TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar said the probe was politically motivated and alleged the BJP was misusing federal agencies before elections.Bengal BJP chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar said, “Why is ED questioning Kumar and not you or me? TMC should stop making the same baseless allegation whenever there is an ED or CBI operation.”Voting in the Rashbehari constituency will take place in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.The searches triggered protests outside Kumar’s residence, where TMC workers raised slogans against the Centre. Central forces personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.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 MediaVideosTCS Nashik Row Takes Twist As Accused’s Kin Calls Case Scripted, Alleges Bajrang Dal’s Involvement’International Law Must Be Respected’: India Urges Restoration Of Safe Navigation In Hormuz At UNGA’Pakistan’s Role Discussed’: Shashi Tharoor On Foreign Secretary Briefing On West Asia Conflict‘I Am Warning Govt’: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi Says Delimitation Could Become ‘Permanent Wound’’Never Be Forgiven’: PM Modi Dares Opposition On Women Quota Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Questions Timing‘Won’t Reduce South’s Share’: Amit Shah Clarifies On Delimitation, Calls Oppn Claims ‘Misleading’Hal’s Light Utility Helicopter Explained: Specs, Altitude Edge And Why It Matters‘PM Modi Only Flag Bearer Of Feminism’: Kangana Ranaut Targets Congress Over Women Quota Bill In Lok SabhaPM Modi, French President Macron Stress Urgent Need To Restore Hormuz Safety During Phone Call’If Chanakya Were Alive…’: Priyanka Gandhi’s Swipe At Amit Shah Over Delimitation, Women Quota123PhotostoriesChef Ranveer Brar appointed Odisha Brand Ambassador: What makes Odisha’s Temple Cuisine so sacred and special12 research-backed habits highly intelligent people avoid but most people do every day5 Japanese wisdom quotes to help kids stay strong and keep goingViswanathan Anand’s Chennai home: A blend of simplicity, legacy, and chess8 rare baby boy names that start with the letter ‘K’Exclusive – Kiku Sharda opens up about his kids’ reaction to his female roles, Sunil Grover’s talent, and his bond with Kapil Sharma5 Japanese food rituals that could fix your eating habits instantlyWhy your heirloom Kanjeevaram saree feels so different from a modern silk shirt8 most unusual monkeys in the world: From capuchins to mandrillsStep inside Chris Gayle’s ₹20 crore lavish Jamaica mansion with private nightclub, infinity pools and unbelievable ocean views!123Hot PicksIran warWipro buyback planPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaDelhi Brigadier Assualt CaseAmit ShahPriyanka GandhiUK Flea Treatment RulesAlex ManningerCody RhodesCharlie Kirk ControversyTiger Woods Haryana Police Constable PMT admit card 2026 released at hssc.gov.in: Direct link to download hall tickets here Jacob Elordi needs to do ‘another role that demands more of him’: Director Pedro Almodóvar shares his thoughts on the star | Fresh workers’ protest erupts in Noida over salary hike demand, police deployed UK: Church in Wales approves bill for same-sex marriage blessings with majority backing | World News Women’s quota a cover for gerrymandering: Congress | India News Apr 17, 2026, 10:49 IST Babar Azam creates history for Pakistan, joins Virat Kohli in elite T20 list Rohtak girl scores 99.8% in CBSE class X, aims for IIT Vignesh Raja raises alarm after ‘Jana Nayagan’ leak; ‘Kara’ director says even trusted platforms may not be safe NASA’s secret Moon base plan revealed: 73 landings and the challenges of building life on the Moon