Nine killed in Kolkata hotel fire; seven more dead in separate Birbhum blaze

Indian-Origin Man Charged with Sexual Assault at Canadian Park

A 40-year-old man of Indian origin has been arrested in Canada following an alleged groping incident in a park in British Columbia. Authorities identified the accused as Kurana, who now faces two Criminal Code charges approved by the British Columbia Prosecution Service. The charges include one count each of sexual assault and sexual interference. The alleged victim is described as a young woman. The case is currently being processed through the Canadian legal system.

India News Live Updates, 19 August 2026: ED raids Jauhar Trust, university linked to Azam Khan in Uttar Pradesh

Nine Dead in Kolkata Hotel Fire, AC Blast Suspected as Cause

A fire broke out at a hotel in Kolkata, killing nine people, some of whom were Bangladeshi nationals. Initial reports indicate the blaze may have been triggered by an air-conditioner explosion, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause. The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety standards in the city's hospitality establishments. Investigations are currently underway to determine the precise origin of the fire.

Consumer Commission Orders Greenline Travels to Pay Rs 73,000 After Bus Detour Costs Passenger Flight

A consumer commission has ruled against Greenline Travels after one of its buses took an unplanned route, causing a passenger to miss his flight to Delhi. The affected passenger was an M.Phil. student who needed to reach Delhi to attend his course. The commission determined that the bus company was deficient in service due to the unexplained route deviation and resulting delay. Greenline Travels has been ordered to pay Rs 73,000 to cover the cost of the missed flight, accommodation expenses, and compensation for mental distress.