Kolkata, Aug. 13 -- The West Bengal government on Thursday withdrew and annulled the Banga Bibhushan honour conferred on Nagendra Ray alias Ananta Maharaj on February 21.

In an order, the Information and Cultural Affairs Department said that certain facts and circumstances that emerged after the conferment of the honour raised questions over its continued retention.

After considering the material on record, the competent authority concluded that retaining the honour was inconsistent with its dignity, prestige, and purpose.

The order said the matter was considered by the competent authority, which concluded that retaining the honour was not consistent with the dignity, prestige and purpose of the award.

"Upon such consideration, the co...