HIV accusation judged to be unfounded; Arunachal IAS official placed in 14-day judicial prison

Former Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom has been placed under 14 days of judicial custody in connection with a case involving the alleged suicide of Yekar. The suicide note reportedly accused Potom and another official of sexual exploitation and mental harassment. Police investigations uncovered that Potom swapped his SIM card before absconding, and previous rumors of him being HIV-positive were disproven. The case is under investigation by Nirjuli Police under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Rantu Paniphukan, the leader of the Veer Lachit Sena, was detained in Guwahati during a news briefing.

Veer Lachit Sena chief Rantu Paniphukan was arrested by Assam Police during a press conference in Guwahati. The detention occurred unexpectedly amid accusations linked to a kidnapping and extortion case involving organization members. Paniphukan defended the group’s actions, dismissed political motives, and announced an internal investigation. The arrests followed a ransom kidnapping, with police recovering evidence connecting the accused to Veer Lachit Sena, including signed letters and organizational logos. The investigation continues to reveal the full extent of organizational involvement.

In a new draft, Assam proposes a seven-year prison sentence for polygamy: Himanta Biswa Sharma.

The Assam government will introduce a law against polygamy with a minimum seven-year imprisonment provision, regardless of religion. The bill will be tabled in the Assam Legislative Assembly on November 25 during the winter session. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma made the announcement while launching the second phase of the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina scheme, which has successfully reduced girl student dropouts by providing financial assistance. Sharma also mentioned upcoming bills on “love jihad” and polygamy to be presented in the Assembly.

Crop insurance will shortly be introduced by the Mizoram government. Vanlalruata, Minister of Agriculture.

Mizoram Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister PC Vanlalruata announced that the state government will soon introduce a crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from financial losses due to crop failure, natural disasters, pests, or diseases. A state-level coordination committee on crop insurance has been set up, and a general insurance company has been selected to implement the scheme.

The minister emphasized that the initiative fulfills the ruling Zoram People’s Movement’s 2023 election promise to safeguard farmers and ensure assured procurement. The government has already begun directly purchasing produce from farmers, including continued procurement of ginger under the “Bana Kaih” (handholding) scheme. Around Rs 140 crore has been spent on buying raw ginger, with an additional Rs 50 crore allocated for the 2025–26 fiscal year to sustain the program.

ICSTIP-2025 is being held at Assam Downtown University to encourage sustainability and innovation.

The International Conference on Science, Technology, Innovation and Policy for Global Health and Sustainability (ICSTIP‑2025) began on Monday at Assam down town University, organized by the Faculty of Science. The ceremony opened with the lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana led by Dr. Radali Duarah.

Conference President Dr. Manash Pratim Sarma welcomed delegates and emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle global and national challenges. Vice‑Chancellor Prof. N. C. Talukdar reaffirmed the university’s dedication to building a robust research culture promoting innovation and sustainability.

The Souvenir and Abstract Book containing participant research papers was released. Chief guest Prof. (Dr.) Kamal Malla Bujarbaruah, former Vice‑Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, underlined the need for collaborative research for sustainable progress in Northeast India.

Dr. Suraksha S. Diwan, Scientist‑F from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, delivered the keynote address on “Harnessing Biotechnology for Sustainable Development in the North Eastern Region — India’s Emerging Growth Engine,” highlighting biotechnology’s role in economic growth and environmental protection.

International speakers Marek Zborowski from Poland and Prof. Vera Ferro Lebres from Portugal shared global perspectives on research and innovation. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Convenor Dr. Partha Pratim Kalita, acknowledging all contributors to the successful inauguration.

Amid an increase in extortion and intimidation cases, the Assam chief minister suggests that Veer Lachit Sena groups like ULFA-I may be banned.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma on Monday, October 27, issued a stern warning against the Veer Lachit Sena, saying that the state government is considering strict action, including a possible ban, against the organisation accused of intimidation and extortion. Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sharma said the group has been disrupting peace under the guise of cultural activities and donation drives, adding that the administration will not hesitate to act if necessary. His remarks came after a kidnapping case in Guwahati reportedly linked to individuals associated with the group, prompting intensified surveillance and law enforcement action across the state.

While travelling to Jalpaiguri, six citizens of Bangladesh were detained in Tripura.

“Acting on a tip-off, personnel from the 154th Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday detained six Bangladeshi nationals—including a child—at Ambassa Railway Station in Dhalai district, Tripura. The group, all residents of Bagerhat district in Bangladesh, had allegedly entered Tripura illegally with the help of an intermediary and planned to travel to Jalpaiguri in West Bengal in search of work. During interrogation, one detainee admitted to crossing the border about a month ago after being introduced to a contact in Agartala. Photographs of the group were sent in advance to a Jalpaiguri-based agent. After questioning, the detainees are set to be handed over to Ambassa Police and produced before the court. The incident highlights ongoing challenges of cross-border migration and trafficking in the region.”