Two killed as bus falls on its side

Kolkata: A private bus turned on its side Thursday evening, killing two and injuring seven people. The incident took place around 8 pm when an Esplanade-bound bus lost control and overturned at Kidderpore, falling on its left side. Two persons died on the spot while seven others were hurt. Passengers were rescued by locals with the help of firemen and police.

Rape cases: HC for fast-track courts

Kolkata: In view of increasing pendency of cases of rape and crime against women, Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Arun Mishra on Thursday directed the state government to establish fast-track courts for speedy trials in such cases. “The Chief Justice has given direction to move the state government for establishment of sufficient number of permanent fast-track courts for trial of rape cases and other cases involving crime against women,” Registrar General of the High Court R K Bag said in a statement. The courts identified for trial of rape cases and involving crime against women will be inaugurated on January 23.

Pranab arrives for three-day tour

KOLKATA: President Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Kolkata on Thursday for a three-day tour of the state. He will attend several functions, including inauguration of a terminal of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport. He will also launch the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda at his ancestral house in north Kolkata on Friday.