Kolkata, Nov 17: The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police on Monday seized cash amounting to Rs 5 crore from a car near Akanksha Crossing in New Town and arrested two persons, including the vehicle’s owner.

The seizure was made following a tip-off from a confidential source.

Two people, including the owner of the car, have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said, adding that an investigation is underway.

Police said that the money was being brought from the New Town area. Sources said Bengal STF is searching for the source of the money.

The recovery of such a large amount of money while checking the car has raised concerns, especially ahead of next year’s state Assembly polls.

According to police, the recovery of such huge cash has raised eyebrows, especially in the backdrop of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of West Bengal’s electoral rolls by the Election Commission.

The police are investigating where this money came from, where it was being taken, and what the purpose was.

“Cash worth Rs 5 crore has been recovered from a car after conducting a raid. The cash has been seized. Two people have been arrested. An investigation has started to find out the source of the money,” said a police official.

Last week, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recovered large sums from the residence of a businessman in the Taratala area during searches connected to the municipal recruitment scam.

Earlier this month, ED teams carried out raids at around 10 locations across the city, including Salt Lake and Beliaghata. ED sleuths searched the house of a businessman in the Taratala area in connection with the municipal recruitment corruption case.

Investigators recovered a huge amount of money from the house then too.

With the latest STF recovery, investigators are also examining whether any organised syndicate or corruption network is active in the region. Further questioning of the arrested duo is underway.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Samajwadi Party and MLA Abu Asim Azmi has expressed grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Indian pilgrims in a road accident during Umrah in Saudi Arabia and has demanded that the Indian government help bring the bodies of the deceased pilgrims to India. Muslims are saddened and mourning after the video of this tragic accident went viral on social media. Abu Asim said that after visiting the house of Allah, Mecca, the pilgrims’ bus met with an accident while traveling to Medina and this accident was so terrible that 42 pilgrims died in it. Abu Asim said that this tragedy with Indian pilgrims who went for Umrah is very sad. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of all the martyrs. May Allah Almighty grant them a high place in Paradise, grant patience to the bereaved families and grant a speedy recovery to the injured Amen.

‎We demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jaishankar to immediately provide all possible assistance to the families who have to bring the bodies of their loved ones back to India.

‎And if anyone wishes to go to Saudi Arabia to perform the last rites of their loved ones, they should be issued emergency visas immediately and the injured should be provided with the best medical facilities.

Mumbai: witnessed something truly remarkable as Khyaal’s 50Above50 mega event wrapped up its two-day celebration at NESCO, Goregaon, on Sunday.

The festival started on November 15, turning the venue into a vibrant cultural hub, proving that age is no barrier to enthusiasm, creativity, or joy. The festival welcomed over 5,500 seniors and their families, many of whom had traveled from various parts of India to participate in the celebration.

Rohini Hattangadi, national award and BAFTA award-winning actress, who is the brand ambassador of Khyaal 50Above50, inaugurated the festival along with other personalities like Rakesh Bedi, Yasmin Sait, Mangesh Gawade, and Mansur Dalal. Their presence set the perfect tone for a weekend filled with inspiration and entertainment.

The audience was thrilled by the performances by celebrities. The day’s lineup featured a diverse range of artistic expressions, including soulful classical music by Krishna Bongane; rhythmic brilliance from tabla maestro Ustad Taufiq Qureshi; and an energetic performance by the RD Warriors Dance Group. Additionally, world whistling champions, Nikhil Rane and Girija Marathe, who have a musical legacy, added to the event’s charm. When stand-up comedian Atul Khatri took the stage, the hall was filled with laughter.

The event was not just about performances, but also about how to lead a meaningful and secure life after 50. There were sessions that focused on every important aspect of ageing. The event included financial planning, health, legacy creation, and life purpose. Experts from organisations like Ready to Retire, Tulips Hygiene, Axis Max Life Insurance, HDFC Mutual Fund, and Aasaan delivered insightful talks.

The interactive zones brought a sense of nostalgia and fun. Seniors enthusiastically participated in caricature art, pottery, mehendi, tattoos, bangle-making, and indoor sports. The VR experience zone introduced many to new-age technology, while the Golden Tambola, complete with gold prizes, kept spirits high on both days. A curated brand exposition showcased products tailored for senior living, further enhancing the experiential feel of the event. Seniors enthusiastically participated in indoor sports, mehendi, art and more such events. The sessions added depth to the festival, making it not only enjoyable but also enriching.

Atul Khatri’s performance at the event was one of the biggest highlights. With his signature style and effortless storytelling, he had the entire audience laughing, from seniors to younger family members. What made his act truly special were his jokes about everyday life, society, aging, and his own life experiences. His performance helped us realise that our problems and challenges seem small when viewed from a different perspective, suggesting that this might be the best way to face life’s challenges.