Govt accuses Centre of inaction

Irrigation Minister Rajib Banerjee Monday accused the Centre of inaction after the incessant erosion of the Bhagirathi river bank in Murshidabad district left thousands of lives affected. “The Central government is supposed to provide money to construct an embankment dam at Farakka barrage. I sent five letters to the Centre. Even the CM has written to them but to no avail. I will sit in a dharna now,’’ Banerjee said,adding the erosion has put India’s security in jeopardy. “Because of erosion,the distance between the river and the Narukhaki border outpost has come to 40 metres. The Centre has to do something regarding this.”

HC breather for Pinki Pramanik

The Calcutta High Court Monday stayed the criminal proceedings initiated against athlete Pinki Pramanik over rape charges,saying the case will be heard after Puja vacation. On June 14,2012 the police had arrested Pinki on the basis of a girl’s complaint who had the athlete of raping her. The victim also told the police that Pinki is a male and not a female. The police arranged for Pinki’s medical test and filed a chargesheet in the Barasat court. The athlete’s counsel on Monday moved the plea to cancel the chargesheet,saying it has no merit,after which Justice Ashim Kumar Roy has stayed the criminal proceedings. ENS