www.thestatesman.com | @TheStatesmanLtd FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 12 World | @thestatesmanltd ` 5.00 | People’s Parliament, Always in Session thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR Nation | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | 28 June 2026 S P O RT S IRGC retaliates with strikes on US military positions NIA chargesheets three more in Red Fort blast case Page 9 Page 5 Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 to top Group H, send two-time champions crashing out Page 12 Committed to ensuring fair probe: Ram Temple Trust STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Ayodhya, 27 June The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has issued an official statement on the recent controversies surrounding the Ram Temple, stating that the Trust is deeply saddened and concerned by the incidents that unfolded within the temple complex. The Trust clarified on Saturday that the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Dr Anil Mishra have been received, and a decision will be taken at the Trust’s next meeting. The Trust assured that an impartial investigation is being conducted into the entire matter, and strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty. It also appealed to devotees not to believe any misleading or unverified information. The Trust further stated that the recent incidents in Ayodhya have hurt everyone and that it’s objective is to bring the facts to light and maintain the trust of devotees. It stated that the complete records of devotees who personally donated silver bricks, jewellery, or other valuables to temple officials are safe and secure, and all items are protected. The Uttar Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) following complaints of alleged irregularities in the funds received from the donation box. Following the receipt of the interim report, the Trust filed an FIR, and further legal proceedings are underway. PM Modi begins Seychelles visit, highlights maritime partnership STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE New Delhi, 27 June P rime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Seychelles on Saturday on a three-day state visit, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the strategically important Indian Ocean nation and describing Seychelles as a trusted maritime partner and close friend. Mr Modi was received at the airport by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, marking the start of a visit that coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles. The Prime Minister is visiting the island nation at the invitation of President Herminie and will participate as the Guest of Honour at the country’s Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations. Shortly after his arrival, Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and underscored the significance of the bilateral relationship. “Landed in Seychelles. Deeply appreciate the warm welcome extended at the airport by Dr Patrick Herminie,” Mr Modi said in a post on X. “Seychelles is a valued maritime partner and a close friend in the Indian Ocean. Looking forward to a productive visit aimed at further strengthening our longstanding ties and enhancing cooperation for the benefit of the people of our nations,” he added. During his visit, Mr Modi is scheduled to hold talks with the Seychelles leadership on a range of issues, including maritime security, defence cooperation, development partnerships, climate resilience, capacity building and regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region. The discussions are expected to further deepen a partnership that has grown steadily over the decades. India and Seychelles have enjoyed close diplomatic relations since the establishment of ties, with New Delhi emerging as one of the island nation’s key development partners. Indian assistance has supported projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education and human resource development, while maritime cooperation has become a cornerstone of bilateral engagement amid growing strategic interest in the Indian Ocean. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to environmental conservation, Mr Modi planted a sapling of the rare Coco de Mer palm at the Seychelles National Botanical Garden in the presence of President Herminie. The tree plantation was carried out under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative and highlighted the emphasis both nations place on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Prime Minister and the Seychelles President also visited the Giant Tortoise Enclosure at the National Botanical Garden, showcasing the island nation’s unique biodiversity and conservation efforts. Almost all the accused in Tamanna murder case arrested: Bengal CM Kolkata: Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday expressed happiness over the arrests of almost all the accused in the alleged murder of Tamanna Khatun and said he had kept his promise of ensuring justice to the victim’s family. In a post on his X handle, he said: “Justice for Tamanna is our priority and we are delivering on our promise. I express satisfaction and appreciate the Krishnanagar District Police Personnel for their prompt and lawful action in this case.” Praising the police, the CM said “following my meeting with Tamanna’s grieving mother, the cops have acted swiftly to ensure the culprits face the full force of the law”. Page 2
The Statesman is one of India's oldest English newspapers. It was founded in Kolkata in 1875 and is directly descended from The Friend of India (founded 1818). The Englishman (founded 1821) was merged with The Statesman in 1934. The Delhi edition of The Statesman began publication in 1931. The Statesman Weekly is a compendium of news and views from the Kolkata and Delhi editions. Printed on airmail paper, it is popular with readers outside India. The Statesman (average weekday circulation approximately 180,000) is a leading English newspaper in West Bengal. The Sunday Statesman has a circulation of 230,000.
