www.thestatesman.com | @TheStatesmanLtd FOLLOW US: India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 20 | 8th Day Snan Yatra: Journey of Lord Jagannath’s cosmic but human aspect Bengal CM visits family of slain BJP worker, promises swift justice STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Kolkata, 27 June West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday visited the family of slain BJP worker Prashanta Dey in Howrah distict’s Bagnan and vowed to track down and bring to justice all those involved in his alleged lynching. After meeting Dey's family at their residence, Adhikari said a murder must invite the harshest punishment and directed the police to arrest all remaining accused, irrespective of where they may be hiding. "Murder must be punished with the harshest penalty. Even if the accused have gone underground, we will track them down and arrest. As Police Minister, it is my responsibility to ensure exemplary punishment so that no one thinks they can take the law into their own hands," the Chief Minister told reporters. Adhikari said he had been closely monitoring the case since the killing and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted immediately after the incident. "An FIR was registered against 51 people, and 10 have already been arrested. I have instructed that, if necessary, the remaining accused must be brought out from wherever they are hiding and arrested. I have conveyed this to the Superintendent of Police,” he said. "The guilty must receive exemplary punishment so that no one here ever again dares to take the law into their own hands or commit even the slightest act of violence against innocent people. It must be made clear that the rule of law will prevail," he said. @thestatesmanltd ` 5.00 | People’s Parliament, Always in Session thestatesman1875 KOLKATA LC | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR Evolve | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | 28 June 2026 S P O RT S The Statesman: Tale of how a teacher inspires her students with newspaper stories Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 to top Group H, send two-time champions crashing out Page 20 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. Committed to ensuring fair probe, says Ram Temple Trust Ayodhya: 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.