The makers of Bengali television serial Bhole Baba Par Karega have issued a statement following the tragic death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, expressing grief and assuring a transparent inquiry into the incident. Banerjee, 43, passed away on March 29 after allegedly drowning during a shoot at Talsari beach in Odisha’s Baleswar district.

The makers of Bengali television serial Bhole Baba Par Karega have issued a statement following the tragic death of actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee, expressing grief and assuring a transparent inquiry into the incident.Banerjee, 43, passed away on March 29 after allegedly drowning during a shoot at Talsari beach in Odisha’s Baleswar district.As per PTI, in their statement, the production house said, “All members of the cast and crew are in profound mourning.”They added, “We request a few days to gather accounts of the cast and crew present at the time of the tragedy, in a neutral and structured manner, so that we can present a comprehensive and accurate report.”The producers also extended an invitation to the actor’s family and industry bodies to be part of the inquiry process.“We would welcome a representative nominated by the actor’s family, friends or the West Bengal Motion Picture Artists’ Forum to observe the process and ensure fairness,” the statement read.

‘He was rescued alive… reports are in all probability incorrect’

Addressing the sequence of events, the makers shared preliminary findings while also countering certain media claims.“Initial information suggests that Rahul was rescued alive from the water and was attempting to communicate,” they said.“He was first taken to a nearby clinic at Talsari where no doctor was available, and was later shifted to Digha State General Hospital, where he was declared dead.”Refuting some reports, the statement added, “Claims that the actor remained underwater for an extended period are in all probability incorrect.”

‘No possibility of negligence will go unexamined’

The production house stressed that all aspects of the incident will be thoroughly investigated.“All permissions, communications with authorities and relevant documents will be furnished as part of the ongoing investigation,” they said.“No possibility of negligence, however small, will go unexamined.”They further noted that director Saibal Banerjee, who was in Mumbai at the time, rushed to Kolkata upon hearing the news and visited the actor’s residence the same night.Describing Rahul as “not only our colleague but also our friend,” the makers said they remain committed to full cooperation with authorities and will share shooting footage and official records with the family, subject to necessary permissions.

Forum raises concerns over safety measures

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Motion Pictures Artists’ Forum has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the incident.“It is important to understand what exactly transpired during the shoot and whether proper safety measures were in place,” the forum said in its statement.The body added that it is closely monitoring developments and expects a thorough and impartial investigation, stressing that the safety and security of artists on shooting locations must remain a top priority.Banerjee’s death has sent shockwaves across the Bengali entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of the actor, who is survived by his wife, Priyanka Sarkar, and their son.

LUCKNOW: Lucknow’s Chota Imambara witnessed an intense outpouring of grief and reverence on Wednesday night as Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, special representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, addressed a packed Majlis-e-Tarheem. While the gathering reflected mourning, the central thread of Ilahi’s speech was Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei’s deep and enduring love for India and its people, a sentiment that resonated strongly with the audience.Speaking in Persian and translated into Urdu by local scholar Qamar Husnain, Ilahi said Khamenei’s connection with India was not symbolic but deeply personal and intellectual.He recalled how the Supreme Leader fol​lowed Indian scholarship closely, read books by Indian authors, and remained aware of the country’s intellectual traditions. “He knew Indian scholars by name and would often refer to their work,” Ilahi said, underlining the depth of that engagement.Ilahi admitted that for years he had wondered why Khamenei held such affection for India. That question, he said, found its answer only after the leader’s death. “I now understand why he loved India so much,” he told the gathering, pausing as silence spread across the Imambara.He pointed to the widespread mourning witnessed across the country, cutting across religious lines. “I have seen it with my own eyes,” Ilahi said. “Shia, Sunni, Hindu, Sikh, Christian. The grief was not limited to one community. People from all backgrounds expressed sorrow, shed tears, and showed their love.” This shared emotional response, he said, revealed the real bond between Khamenei and India.Describing India as a land of justice, spirituality and humanity, Ilahi said it was natural for people here to feel connected to a leader who stood for dignity and moral values. His remarks triggered visible emotion in the audience, with many attendees quietly weeping and others nodding in agreement.After dwelling on Khamenei’s connection with India, Ilahi turned to other aspects of his life, portraying him as a leader who combined power with simplicity. He said that despite holding the highest office in Iran for decades, Khamenei never owned a personal house. Even his family, including his four sons, continued to live in rented accommodation. The claim drew murmurs of surprise and admiration from the gathering.“He had authority, influence and position, yet chose a life of detachment from material wealth,” Ilahi said, presenting it as a reflection of his character.Narrating a striking episode, Ilahi said that when Khamenei was warned about threats to his life and advised moving to a secure bunker with his family, the leader refused. Instead, he asked how protection could be ensured for millions of ordinary Iranians, especially the poor who had no shelter. “How can I save myself when my people remain unprotected?” Ilahi quoted him as saying, describing it as a reflection of his deep sense of responsibility.He further described Khamenei’s spiritual discipline, saying he would wake hours before dawn for prayers and remain composed even during crises. Ilahi also drew parallels between Khamenei and Imam Hussain, saying both embodied sacrifice, patience and unwavering resolve.As the speech concluded, the atmosphere inside Chota Imambara remained heavy with emotion.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) clocked its highest-ever cargo throughput of 75.15 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2025–26, registering a 9.5% growth over the previous year, underscoring strong operational performance despite global trade uncertainties.Mumbai Port also maintained its lead in cruise tourism, handling 95 cruise calls and over 2.5 lakh passengers. In shipbuilding and repair, it handled 87 vessels for repair and 23 under construction, while advancing plans for a greenfield shipbuilding cluster in Maharashtra.The growth was broad-based, led by liquid bulk cargo, which rose 9.8% to 46.83 MMT, followed by dry bulk, up 14.7% to 22.77 MMT, while break bulk maintained a steady share. Overall cargo composition stood at 63% liquid bulk, 30% dry bulk and 7% break bulk.The port handled 1,850 vessels, including 1,515 cargo ships, indicating increased maritime activity. Stronger logistics, faster cargo handling and cruise growth thus has benefitted trade being a cheaper mode or transport and jobs and commuters.MbPA retained a robust 30% share in coastal cargo (21.9 MMT), reinforcing its role in domestic logistics. A key highlight was a 141% surge in fertiliser and fertiliser raw material imports, supporting the agriculture sector. The port also handled over 80,000 vehicles, including premium and electric models, and continued to grow as a hub for project cargo such as heavy engineering equipment.Rail connectivity saw a significant boost, with rail-borne cargo more than doubling to 5.26 lakh metric tonnes, aiding efficient and sustainable evacuation. Operational efficiency improved, with average vessel turnaround time reducing to 64.05 hours and berth productivity rising to 11,365 MT per berth day.With ongoing infrastructure upgrades and policy support under national logistics initiatives, MbPA has set a target of 80 MMT cargo throughput for FY27, signalling continued growth in India’s maritime trade.

Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs (Image Credit: IPL)

Sameer Rizvi announced himself in style, producing a composed and match-winning unbeaten 70 to guide Delhi Capitals to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Match 5 of IPL 2026. Walking in under pressure with Delhi reeling at 26 for 4 in a modest chase of 142, Rizvi showcased maturity beyond his years. Alongside Tristan Stubbs, he stitched together an unbeaten 119-run partnership that completely turned the game on its head and sealed the chase in just 17.1 overs.Calm under pressure: Rizvi’s maturity shines throughRizvi revealed after the match that clarity in role and backing from the team management played a key part in his performance.“The coaches backed me to bat at number four this season. I just tried to play according to the situation,” he said.Initially looking to play positively, Rizvi had to quickly reassess after Delhi lost wickets in a cluster.”But as soon as in the next over, two wickets fell, the situation changed completely. So I tried to talk to Stubbs. He said, let’s take a little time. There are a lot of overs left and the run rate is also down. We should respect the conditions, so we talked and decided that we would play our game. Not only after reaching fifty, but I tried to put the loose delivery away and that was my plan throughout the innings,” Rizvi concluded.

Partnership that changed the game

The Rizvi–Stubbs stand of 119* not only rescued Delhi from a collapse but also etched itself into IPL history. It is the second-highest partnership after a team was four down for under 30 runs, only behind the 134* stand between Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan for KKR in 2016.It also became Delhi Capitals’ highest partnership for the fifth wicket or lower, surpassing the previous best of 111*.Stubbs played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 39, ensuring there was no further damage while Rizvi gradually shifted gears.Tristan Stubbs reflects on his partnership with Sameer Rizvi, ” Yeah, we kept saying, keep batting normally, keep looking to score. I think the way Sameer plays naturally just against the spin, takes it on, so it made my job a bit easier. Just knock it around, get him on strike. And we always knew it was one over, and then it was down to run a ball, and then take the game away, the shots you need, and yeah, fortunately we got it there. We said at the start of the over, let’s see if it’s spinning. And I think the first three balls went for like 12 or something. ”

Axar backs bowlers and young talent

Delhi skipper Axar Patel credited both the bowlers and the match-winning partnership for the victory.“The new ball was doing a bit. We told our bowlers to exploit that, and they did really well. The key was building one big partnership in the chase, and Rizvi and Stubbs executed it perfectly.”Axar also highlighted the team’s strategy during the innings break.“During the strategic time-out, the message was clear, we were just one partnership away from taking control, the plan was to bring in Rizvi early. He’s been excellent in practice, and it’s great to see him deliver.” Axar added.

Mumbai: The state’s higher and technical education department has floated a proposal of Rs 6,000 crore to improve research infrastructure across public universities and govt institutions, such as VJTI, and College of Engineering Pune. Drawn on the lines of Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme, the proposal for this scheme, termed as CM-USHA, will be directed towards upgrading and modernising laboratories and libraries. This is probably the first time in about 20 years that the govt has taken up the proposal to upgrade research facilities across govt institutions in the state. Help will be sought from IIT-Bombay to replicate their laboratory models.As per the proposal, funding will be provided separately for each specific project, rather than as a fixed or ongoing amount, said an official. The progress of these projects will be closely monitored, and updates will be sought at regular intervals, he added. The proposal, aligned with the long-term benefits envisioned under Viksit Maharashtra, has been already shared with the finance department for consideration.“Many of our institutions continue to rely on outdated equipment, which is limiting students’ employment prospects. For instance, a nanotechnology department at a leading public university is still using equipment purchased two decades ago. The industry is, therefore, often reluctant to hire graduates who lack hands-on exposure to the equipment currently in use and are therefore not job-ready. Government institutions urgently need infrastructure upgrades to provide real shop-floor experience. Many private institutions, on the other hand, are able to offer such exposure through regular investments in research facilities,” said an official. If approved, the proposal is expected to significantly improve placements in the long run, he said.Govt institutions in state, such as the Institute of Chemical Technology, do well in the National Institutional Ranking Framework and therefore, need to be encouraged, said another official. As part of the initiative, the department is planning to tie up with IIT-Bombay and seek their help to modernise laboratories in state institutions.A professor from a govt institution said they have been getting equipment with help from funding through corporate social responsibility. “We also have some centres of excellence where we regularly upgrade research infrastructure. But what our students are exposed to is no match to the exposure that students from IITs and NITs get. These days, most industry equipment is AI-enabled, and therefore, the ones we have are naturally outdated,” said the professor.

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court was on Wednesday told that a 15-year-old girl, seeking medical termination of her over 28-week pregnancy, has decided to deliver her child after JJ Hospital medical board said there is a threat to her life due to severe anaemia.Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande observed that the girl and her family members were made aware of the consequences of MTP and “they agreed that she shall continue the pregnancy, and after she gives birth to a child, it shall be handed over for adoption.”The girl moved the HC through her father, seeking permission to terminate her “forced pregnancy” after the Nashik district civil hospital’s medical board advised against MTP. It cited reasons including haemoglobin level of 9.1 grams per deciliter (g/dl), which may endanger her life during induction of labour. In pregnant women, 11-14 g/dl is considered normal. The judges said JJ board has observed that the girl is severely anaemic with a haemoglobin level of 5.6 g/dl. When she reported to the hospital on Tuesday, she was transfused with one unit of blood by way of primary immediate treatment. She is in an “advanced stage of gestation and an intervention for terminating the pregnancy at this stage is fraught with risk to her life, as also to her long-term wellbeing.”While her condition was discussed with the relatives and the girl herself, “she was found to be comfortable in discussing the issue.” When the option of continuing the pregnancy was put forth, with necessary antenatal care and delivering a full-term baby, which would give sufficient time for the mother’s health to improve, they “unanimously” agreed to follow it. The board remarked “that the family is not perturbed with the hypothetical or ostensible possibility of social stigma, but are more concerned about the victim’s health.” The judges said the board also offered her indoor treatment till delivery, but the family refused. Her advocate, Vivekanand Krishnan, said the family is from Yeola and “it is very far for them” to travel to Mumbai. Dismissing the petition, the judges directed the girl “to complete her full gestation period” and allowed her to “deliver the child at the hospital of her choice.” They preferred the Nashik civil hospital as she was examined by those doctors and “they are aware of her medical condition, including low levels of haemoglobin.“

Delhi Capitals (DC) produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets in Match 5 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Chasing a modest target of 142, DC overcame a shaky start thanks to a brilliant knock from Sameer Rizvi and a composed partnership with Tristan Stubbs.

LSG post below-par total despite fighting contributions

After being put in to bat by DC captain Axar Patel, LSG struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 141 in 18.4 overs. Mitchell Marsh led the scoring with a steady 35 off 28 balls, striking a couple of boundaries and three sixes.

However, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing LSG from capitalizing on starts. Skipper Rishabh Pant failed to make an impact at the top, while Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram couldn’t convert their starts into substantial scores.

A late push from Abdul Samad, who scored 36 off 25 balls, helped LSG cross the 140-run mark. Contributions from the lower order added some valuable runs, but the total still looked slightly underwhelming on a decent batting surface.

DC’s bowling unit delivered a collective effort, with Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan leading the charge with three wickets each. Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with two crucial wickets, while Axar Patel also picked up one.

Mohammed Shami strikes early as DC crumble in powerplay

The chase got off to a disastrous start for DC as Mohammed Shami struck on the very first ball, dismissing KL Rahul for a golden duck. The early breakthrough triggered a collapse, with Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, and Axar Patel also falling cheaply.

At one stage, DC were reeling at 26/4 in just 4.3 overs, with LSG bowlers applying relentless pressure. Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan provided crucial support to Shami, tightening the screws during the powerplay.

Sameer Rizvi helps Delhi Capitals seal the deal

Just when LSG seemed to be in complete control, Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs stitched together a match-winning partnership that shifted the momentum dramatically. Rizvi played a sensational knock of 70 off 47 balls, combining aggression with composure, hitting five fours and four sixes.

Stubbs complemented him perfectly with a well-paced 39 off 32 deliveries, ensuring that DC rebuilt steadily without taking unnecessary risks. Their 50-plus stand not only stabilized the innings but also put the Capitals firmly back in the contest.

As the partnership grew, the pressure shifted onto LSG bowlers, who struggled to find breakthroughs in the middle overs. The duo’s calculated approach ensured that the required run rate remained under control.

With the hard work done by Rizvi and Stubbs, DC comfortably chased down the target in 17.1 overs, finishing at 145/4. Despite an early scare, the Capitals showed resilience and depth in their batting lineup to secure a convincing win.

For LSG, the early breakthroughs provided hope, but the inability to break the Rizvi-Stubbs partnership proved costly. Their bowlers, apart from the initial burst, couldn’t maintain pressure in the later stages.

Also WATCH: IPL 2026 – Mohammed Shami gets pumped up after removing KL Rahul for a golden duck in LSG vs DC clash

Here’s how fans reacted:

SAMEER RIZVI – 70*(47) 🫡

A knock to remember, he has been hyped a lot in domestic region and finally showing his worth in the big stage, the Super star in making for Delhi. pic.twitter.com/okqBtvTLhV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 1, 2026

SAMEER RIZVI – THE IMPACT PLAYER. ⭐️

– 70* (47) with 5 fours and 4 sixes in a 141 run chase! A superb knock by Rizvi, he’s started IPL 2026 on a high note. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MB3QWLyKnI

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2026

Clutch. Impact. Sam. 🤝💪 pic.twitter.com/mCkNgeuhYm

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 1, 2026

What a chase from DC 🌟

– From 26/4 to chase down 142 in 17.1 overs🏏#cricket #LSGvsDC #DelhiCapitals #ipl2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/UVf9vS1kev

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 1, 2026

🚨KEVIN PIETERSEN ON SAMEER RIZVI🚨

He said🎙️- “He’s a highly talented player who finished last IPL strongly and has carried that form forward. Delivered a brilliant knock under pressure when DC were struggling — looks set for a big season.”🔥pic.twitter.com/9vtH2aDIVR

— Sam (@Cricsam01) April 1, 2026

https://twitter.com/Rukshi_khan_/status/2039397581307134000

Sameer Rizvi was too good to watch under pressure!

Incredible innings!

— CenturyStand (@thecenturystand) April 1, 2026

CAPTAIN AXAR PATEL HUGGING HERO OF DC SAMEER RIZVI. #DC #LSG #LSGvsDC #AxarPatel #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/1YExOqwuuU

— Somesh Jangra (@CelebrityGalax) April 1, 2026

🚨Highest 5th Wicket Partnerships in IPL🚨

134* – Yusuf Pathan/Shakib (v GL, 2016)
130* – A Mathews/Owais Shah (v DEC, 2010)
130* – David Miller/R Sathish (v RCB, 2013)
121* – AB de Villiers/M Stoinis (v PBKS, 2019)
119* – 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝘃𝗶/𝗧 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝘀 (v LSG, 20206)… pic.twitter.com/g88Q1XyNPO

— Princeyy (@HarshitFlickss) April 1, 2026

After 26-4 coming as an impact player, Sameer rizvi has played a great knock to take his team through👊
This is a brilliant innings of 70 at this difficult wicket and during that situation🙌
Tristan Stubbs also played a defining innings and built a great partnership!
Well done!

— Pratik Tales (@cricwithme_PR) April 1, 2026

Sameer Rizvi what a innings man 💙

— king_kohli_👑 (@AakashVirat15) April 1, 2026

Sameer Rizvi today pic.twitter.com/XsBpyovehl

— Tarun🏏 (@Tarun113344) April 1, 2026

SAMEER RIZVI – THE IMPACT PLAYER. ⭐️

– 70* (47) with 5 fours and 4 sixes pic.twitter.com/XUWxX238kz

— Crickpaglu (@kyraweb3ai) April 1, 2026

SAMEER RIZVI KEEPING HIS PROMISE ALIVE 🔥

– Fifty from just 37 balls on a tough match for batters, so happy for him, work so hard in Domestics. pic.twitter.com/6b9wdrAiKV

— Vivek (@vivek_sing7845) April 1, 2026

Sameer Rizvi does it again! 🔥 He has completely leveled up his batting game and it clearly shows on the field. The sheer improvement and power hitting are just incredible to watch! 🏏💥

#SameerRizvi #CricketTwitter #PowerHitting #LSGvsDC pic.twitter.com/yrnnol8M36

— Rezaul Masud Barbhuiya (@rezaul_masud_) April 1, 2026

DC get the job done 💙

Clinical bowling effort followed by a match-winning partnership between Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs

Calm under pressure and finished it in style

— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) April 1, 2026

Brilliant Inning by Sameer Rizvi 👏👏💪
– 70 Runs
– 47 Balls
– 5 Fours
– 4 Sixes
– 149 Strike Rate #IPL2026 #LSGvDC #SammerRizvi pic.twitter.com/UjK3ejzmGq

— Akhand Talks Cricket (@AkhandSharma9) April 1, 2026

After 26-4 coming as an impact player, Sameer rizvi has played a great knock to take his team through👊
This is a brilliant innings of 70 at this difficult wicket and during that situation🙌
Tristan Stubbs also played a defining innings and built a great partnership!
Well done!

— Pratik Tales (@cricwithme_PR) April 1, 2026

Also WATCH: Lungi Ngidi outfoxes Nicholas Pooran with a perfect slower delivery during LSG vs DC game at IPL 2026