A 48-year-old Uber driver from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) was allegedly assaulted and robbed of Rs 59,000 by three men posing as passengers during a late-night trip to Panvel. Police have arrested one of the accused, Mohammad Maishad Jalil Khan, 26, a driver by profession and a resident of Asalpha in Ghatkopar, while two others remain unidentified. The police official stated, "The driver reached Panvel Bus Station around 10.30 pm, after which the men asked him to return towards Mumbai, claiming they were unable to find the location they were looking for." The victim, Sunil Kumar Bachchanlal Agrahari, a resident of Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar in BKC, drives for Uber and private hires. Suspicious call On March 8, Agrahari received a call from an unknown number asking him to pick up a passenger from outside Don Bosco School in Kurla for a trip to Panvel. However, the caller cancelled the ride, claiming his mother’s health had deteriorated. The next night, March 9, the same person again asked him to come to the same location around 9.30 pm for a ride to Panvel. Three men boarded the car and asked him to drive to Panvel. Assault near Kharghar A police officer told mid-day, “The driver reached Panvel bus stop around 10.30 pm, after which the men asked him to return towards Mumbai, claiming they were unable to find the location they were looking for”. While returning near Kharghar railway station, the men allegedly assaulted him, took control of the car and forced him to transfer Rs 59,000 through multiple UPI transactions. They also took R3000 in cash before fleeing near Ghatkopar. Deleted digital trails They allegedly deleted transaction history, removed and broke the SIM card and wiped banking alerts and messages. Case details Victim: Sunil Kumar Bachchanlal Agrahari, 48Loss: Rs 59,000 via UPI + Rs 3,000 cashPolice station: Vinoba Bhave NagarSections invoked: BNS 309(4), 3(5); IT Act 66(D)Status: One accused arrested; two unidentified; investigation ongoing
22 March,2026 08:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA fire broke out on Sunday evening in a residential building in Naupada, Thane (West), causing damage to household appliances but no injuries. According to the Disaster Management Cell of Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident occurred around 5:09 pm at Shree Siddhivinayak Residency, a ground-plus-seven-storey building located near the railway quarters at B Cabin. The fire erupted in Room No. 201 on the second floor, owned by Prafulchandra Ramakant Dandekar, and involved an air conditioner outdoor unit and a washing machine. Upon receiving the alert from the Chief Fire Control Room, fire brigade teams rushed to the spot with one fire engine and a rescue vehicle. Personnel from the Disaster Management Cell, along with teams from Mahanagar Gas and Mahavitaran, also reached the location to assist in the operation. Blaze damages washing machine and AC in flat, no injuries Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire caused damage to the washing machine, AC outdoor unit, and electrical wiring in the flat. The blaze was brought under control and completely extinguished by around 5:40 pm. Authorities stated that the situation is now fully under control. Minor fire breaks out at Navi Mumbai's Bouncing Bunny play zone; no injuries reported A minor fire broke out at Bouncing Bunny, a popular indoor play zone in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on Saturday evening. While the incident caused brief panic among visitors, no injuries were reported as the premises were quickly evacuated. The blaze was reported around 7.15 pm. Given the nature of the establishment, which often hosts young children and families, emergency services were placed on high alert. Swift response by CIDCO fire brigade A team of firefighters from Kharghar Fire Station, under the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), responded promptly and reached the spot within 10 minutes of receiving the distress call. Three fire tenders were deployed at the site. Following a two-hour operation, the fire was completely doused and cooling operations were carried out. The evacuation was carried out swiftly by staff and first responders.
22 March,2026 07:26 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAn eight-year-old boy lost his life after falling into a water-filled construction pit in Malad East, police said on Friday. The incident was reported in the early hours of Friday by Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital, where the child was taken. According to police, the incident took place around 8 pm on Thursday at Chagan Patel Chawl in Ambewadi, Kurar Village. The boy, identified as Divyansh Rajesh Mourya, had reportedly entered the site to retrieve a ball when he accidentally fell into a pit filled with water. The excavation work was being carried out by a private contractor. Personnel from the Mumbai Police rescued the child and rushed him to the hospital in Kandivali. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending medical officer. Officials from Kurar Village Police Station have registered the incident, and further investigation is underway. The victim's father, Rajesh Mourya, said, "We realised that my son was missing around 8 pm. I, along with my family and friends, searched for him across the neighbourhood multiple times. Knowing that this risky pit is there, I had checked the pit also, but due to the lack of light there, I couldn't see him the first time." He further added, "I finally found the body around 3 am at the pit. I just sat there, holding his lifeless body in my arms. My friends took him to the hospital, where they said that he died 2 hours ago. He wouldn't have lost his life if the pit had been properly covered and the building's and chawls' border had been fenced." Residents allege negligence from the developer Residents of the chawl, including family members, claim that the uncovered pit has been there for years. The pit is 15-20 ft deep, and appropriate safety measures like fencing at risky points and covering the pit have not been taken by the builder; instead, the builder allegedly uses the drain water pooled in the pit for his construction requirements. Developer's response Midday tried calling the contact numbers listed on the website of the developer, but the numbers were unreachable. The developer could not reply to Midday's email request for comment by press time.
22 March,2026 06:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaFlamingos were reportedly yet to arrive at Navi Mumbai wetlands as the season kicks off, with the environment activists pointing out at alleged toxic water conditions. The climate activists have raised alarms over a ‘wetland emergency’ in Navi Mumbai, after water tests revealed toxic conditions in three key flamingo habitats, reported the PTI. The DPS, NRI, and T S Chanakya lakes at Nerul serve as satellite wetlands for the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), a Ramsar site, and are crucial for migratory flamingos. Climate activists are demanding swift action to restore tidal flow, improve water quality, and enforce environmental protections to save Navi Mumbai’s wetlands. With flamingos failing to arrive and toxic waters threatening local biodiversity, the situation is being framed as a public health and ecological emergency. Flamingo season in Navi Mumbai runs from November to May, with January to March being the peak period. Bird watchers and enthusiasts gather at these wetlands to see the pink parade, but this year, the flamingos have not arrived, highlighting the ecological stress. Lab results reveal severe water pollution Water samples tested by the NatConnect Foundation showed alarming results. Four basic indicators likeTDS, pH, BOD, and COD which are all pointed to stagnant, over-concentrated water rather than the natural tidal flushing required for a healthy wetland. “The water is not moving as it should in a healthy intertidal wetland,” said B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation. Blocked or restricted tidal flow has turned these wetlands into stagnant, polluted basins as per PTI. Governance failure blamed Activists blamed the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for the decline, citing unchecked development over conservation. Regulators such as the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and the forest department have reportedly “looked the other way,” failing to enforce protections for the public asset. “These wetlands were our pride. Today, they are being destroyed in full view,” said Rekha Sankhala of the Save Flamingos and Mangroves Forum as per PTI reports. Ecological consequences Flamingos rely on algae and microorganisms that thrive in balanced wetland conditions. With water quality deteriorating, the food chain collapses, turning once-thriving feeding grounds into stressed habitats. The absence of flamingos this season suggests that the ecosystem may have crossed a critical threshold. “Flamingos are the canary in our ecosystem’s coal mine,” warned Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society. Activist Pamela Cheema added that CIDCO’s neglect has also put groundwater and biodiversity at risk, urging immediate government intervention. (With PTI Inputs)
22 March,2026 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTrain services were disrupted after a person climbed an overhead equipment (OHE) pole at Kalyan railway station in Maharashtra on Sunday afternoon, officials said. They said that the pole supplies power to platforms 1, 1A and 2. As a safety measure, the power supply on the down local line between Thakurli and Ambivli was switched off. This led to disruption of train services on the route. Trains delayed At least two mail/express trains and three local trains were detained due to the incident, railway officials said. Passengers faced delays as authorities worked to manage the situation. Railway and emergency teams were at the spot, making efforts to safely bring the person down from the pole. Further details are awaited.
22 March,2026 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have urged the BJP-led state government to order an inquiry and take strict action against fake 'godmen'. The demand follows the arrest of self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, the IANS reported. The issue escalated after Rupali Chakankar resigned as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. Her resignation came on the directions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, amid allegations of her association with Kharat. Chakankar is also a trustee of Shri Shivnika Sansthan in Sinnar, where Kharat serves as president, as per the IANS. Kharat was arrested from Nashik on charges of sexual harassment and rape. The controversy intensified after a video surfaced online showing Chakankar washing Kharat’s feet. Congress attacks ruling alliance Congress leader Husain Dalwai criticised Chakankar, alleging that she had supported Kharat, the news agency reported. He also raised questions about the godman’s wealth and influence, calling for a detailed investigation into his assets and activities. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant expressed concern over such incidents in a “progressive state like Maharashtra”. He further alleged that individuals posing as spiritual leaders receive attention and political backing under the current government, as per the IANS. AIMIM seeks thorough probe AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan also called for a comprehensive inquiry. He said the allegations against Kharat were serious and demanded that the truth be brought before the public. Opposition leaders criticised the role of public figures in promoting superstition, arguing that those in positions of authority should work to discourage such practices. They warned that the influence of self-styled godmen could mislead and exploit vulnerable people if left unchecked. Fraud disciples who follow fraud godmen should also face action: Sena (UBT) Following Rupali Chakankar's resignation over her association with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat held for rape, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said "fraud disciples" who follow "fraud godmen" should also face action, reported the PTI. Addressing a news conference, Thackeray referred to the Kharat case and wondered about the level to which Maharashtra will be taken. Pointing out to the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act 2013, Thackeray said, "If those who are following the law are going to follow such fraud godmen then their fraud disciples who are seen in politics should also face action," reported PTI. Thackeray said feckless people resort to visiting people like Kharat. The Shiv Sena (UBT) head also attacked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and said the latter should open a "blanket department" to cover up the wrongdoings of his ministers, reported PTI. Kharat, who had several political leaders visit him over the years, was arrested in Nashik on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years. Under fire from the opposition, Chakankar resigned as the state women's panel on Friday. (With IANS and PTI)
22 March,2026 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway said that its officials made a record collection of fines, their highest-ever earnings, during a half-day 'fortress check' drive at Bhayandar, collecting Rs 4.06 lakh in penalties from ticketless and irregular travellers on Saturday. Officials said the previous highest collection for a similar half-day drive was Rs 3.90 lakh, recorded on April 2, 2025 at Bhayandar. The latest drive has now set a new benchmark. What is a fortress check? A fortress check is a large-scale ticket inspection drive in which multiple teams are deployed across stations and trains simultaneously to catch fare evaders and enforce ticketing rules. Such drives are conducted periodically to improve compliance and deter unauthorised travel. WR collects over Rs 191 crore in fines from ticketless travellers Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Western Railway had stated that it recovered more than Rs 191 crore in fines after detecting nearly 30 lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel during intensive ticket checking drives carried out between April 2025 and February 2026. This is a surge of over 42 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year, Western Railway had said in an official statement issued by Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek on March 5. The statement had stated that the ticket-checking staff, under the supervision of senior commercial officers, carried out extensive checks in Mumbai suburban local trains, long-distance Mail and Express trains, passenger services and holiday special trains. The drives were aimed at curbing ticketless travel, minimising revenue leakage and promoting travel discipline among passengers, it said. Nearly three lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel During February 2026 alone, nearly three lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, leading to the recovery of around Rs 18.50 crore in fines. This marks an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the same month last year. In the Mumbai suburban section, intensive checking drives also yielded significant results. In February 2026, about 87,000 cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, resulting in the recovery of Rs 4.28 crore. Cumulatively, from April 2025 to February 2026, more than 10 lakh cases were detected in the Mumbai suburban network, with total fines amounting to nearly Rs 50 crore, including penalties collected in air-conditioned (AC) local trains. WR also conducted focused checking drives in AC suburban local services to prevent unauthorised travel by passengers holding general tickets. Penalties in Mumbai AC locals Between April 2025 and February 2026, more than 1.16 lakh penalty cases were booked in Mumbai AC local trains, resulting in the recovery of Rs 3.76 crore in fines — an increase of nearly 99 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. Officials had said the drives will continue as part of Western Railway’s efforts to curb ticketless travel and ensure disciplined and authorised travel across its network.
22 March,2026 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA rescued male leopard named Bittu has died after a prolonged illness at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. Forest officials said the six-year-old leopard died on March 21, 2026 despite months of treatment. Bittu had been rescued as a few-day-old cub from the Yeoor range in Thane on December 4, 2019, officials said, adding that since then, he was hand-reared and cared for by veterinary teams and animal keepers at the park. Diagnosed with kidney disease Deputy Director (South), Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, said Bittu had been showing signs of illness for several months and was under continuous medical care. An ultrasound examination indicated Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a serious condition affecting the kidneys. Despite intensive treatment and supportive care, his condition continued to worsen. Post-mortem findings A post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple cysts in the kidneys, indicating advanced renal disease. Veterinarians said the condition led to multiple organ failure, which caused the animal’s death. Samples sent for analysis Biological samples have been sent to Mumbai Veterinary College for further testing and confirmation. Officials added that all standard protocols were followed during treatment and after the leopard's death.
22 March,2026 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai on Sunday morning woke up to clear skies with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting temperatures likely to touch 35 degrees Celsius on March 22. The weather department has predicted mainly clear skies throughout the day on Sunday. Such conditions are typical during this time of the year when humidity remains moderate and skies stay largely cloud-free. According to a weather bulletin, the maximum temperature in Mumbai is expected to be around 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle at approximately 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The weather is likely to remain warm during the afternoon hours, though mornings and late evenings may feel relatively comfortable. Yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar The IMD has predicted hot and humid weather conditions for Mumbai and its adjoining areas on Monday, March 23 and issued a yellow alert for the city, Thane and Palghar areas. A weather bulletin stated that hot and humid conditions were very likely at isolated pockets in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar. A similar alert has also been issued for parts of Maharashtra including Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Thunderstorm, rain in parts of Maharashtra Meanwhile, according to the IMD, some parts of Maharashtra were very likely to witness rains and thunderstorm on March 23. Districts including Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Latur and Dharashiv were likely to witness thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) at isolated place. A yellow alert has been issued for these districts for Monday, March 23. AQI in Mumbai Despite the rising heat, Mumbai’s air quality has improved over the past 24 hours. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Sunday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 10:05 pm and stood at 78. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 89 (Satisfactory) Borivali East: 93 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 84 (Satisfactory) Malad West: 78 (Satisfactory) Andheri: 110 (Moderate) Deonar: 103 (Moderate) Colaba: 71 (Satisfactory) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 84 on Sunday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 98 (Satisfactory), and in Navi Mumbai at 108 was in 'Moderate' category.
22 March,2026 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPlatform extension work for 15-coach Mumbai local trains on the Central Railway line was delayed in the early hours after a rail crane became entangled in overhead wires near Khadavali station, officials said. The work was part of ongoing efforts to extend platforms to accommodate longer trains on the Kasara-Kalyan section in Mumbai division. According to railway officials, a scheduled block had been granted from 2.45 am to 4 am to carry out the work. However, the operation overran after the crane’s zip wire got caught in the overhead equipment (OHE). “The crane block was given for platform extension work from 2.45 am to 4 am, but since the crane zip got entangled in the overhead equipment, the block timing was exceeded,” a Central Railway spokesperson said. An Accident Relief Train (ART) was rushed to the site to manage the situation and help clear the obstruction. The Central Railway teams worked quickly to resolve the issue, and both lines were cleared by around 5.40 am. Services return to normal Train operations resumed soon after, with normal services restored by 6 am, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The block The Central Railway had earlier announced that it will operate a 10-hour special traffic and power block on Mumbai suburban sections between the Mulund-Thane and Diva-Dombivli lines from midnight to 10 am on Sunday, March 22, to facilitate platform extension works at Thane and Dombivli stations for accommodating 15-coach trains. According to a press release issued by Central Railway on Saturday, the block was to be carried out on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Mulund-Thane and Diva-Dombivli, impacting Mumbai local as well as mail and express services. The Central Railway had stated that the suburban services would remain cancelled intermittently during the block period. Several DOWN Slow services from Parel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) between late Saturday night and Sunday morning will be diverted on the Fast line at Mulund and later re-diverted to the Slow line at Thane. These trains will also skip halts at Kopar and Thakurli stations after being diverted via Diva. UP Slow services affected The official statement had stated that the UP Slow services departing Kalyan between late Saturday night and Sunday morning would be diverted on the Fast line and will not halt at Thakurli and Kopar stations. They would be re-diverted between Diva and Thane, and further between Thane and Mulund. During the block period, fast trains in both directions will make additional halts at Kalva, Mumbra, and Diva stations. All local train services between Mulund-Thane and Diva-Kalyan would remain suspended during the block window. Additionally, all services originating from or terminating at Dombivali would remain cancelled on Sunday, it had said. Mail and Express trains affected It further stated that the Mail and Express trains will also be affected. DOWN trains departing CSMT or Dadar would be diverted via the fifth line between Vidyavihar/Thane and Kalyan, while UP trains heading towards CSMT/Dadar would be diverted via the sixth line between Kalyan and Thane/Vidyavihar.
22 March,2026 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWhile India celebrated International Women’s Day recently, the national conversation often highlighted stories of women breaking barriers in boardrooms, laboratories, courtrooms, and sports arenas. Yet, beyond the spotlight of achievement lies a quieter and more troubling reality unfolding in court corridors and police stations across the country. For thousands of women who approach the justice system after experiencing violence, the journey toward accountability is marked not by swift protection but by years of hearings, adjournments, and uncertainty, raising a difficult question: Can empowerment truly be celebrated if justice itself remains delayed? Silent battles behind the applause In the dimly lit corridors of courts across India, a woman waits. She first came seeking protection years ago, her voice trembling as she asked the State to stand beside her. Today, she is still here, clutching her case files, navigating endless adjournments, delayed investigations, and a justice system moving slower than the trauma it was meant to heal. Stuti Galiya, Venkatesh Nayak and Audrey D’mello “Thousands of women continue to fight battles unseen, often alone. Empowerment is celebrated through CEOs shattering glass ceilings, women scientists leading innovations, lawyers reshaping jurisprudence, and athletes redefining limits. But behind the headlines, in police stations and courtrooms, empowerment has a different, quieter face, one defined by resilience against neglect, bias, and delay,” said Advocate Mohini Priya, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court, who has witnessed it all, in her last two decades of legal practice. The numbers that speak in silence In 2022, 4,45,256 crimes against women were registered across India — nearly 51 complaints every hour. The largest category? Cruelty by husbands or relatives. “Rape cases numbered 31,516, and in more than 90 per cent of these, the accused was someone the survivor knew, someone she might have trusted. Homes, workplaces, schools, and neighbour-hoods meant to be their haven are often the scene where a woman’s dignity is ravaged,” points out Advocate Priya. Mohani Priya, Advocate Yet the law, despite its promises, moves at a snail’s pace. Repeated court appearances, adversarial cross-examinations, and prolonged uncertainty transform the very system meant to deliver justice into another form of trauma. “Criminologists call it secondary victimisation, where institutional delays and scrutiny deepen the wounds survivors already carry,” Priya explains. The invisible chains of bias Even when the law is on her side, a woman faces unseen barriers. Gender stereotypes subtly shape investigations and trials. “Questions about her clothing, her behaviour, her past, the very life she lived before the crime are wielded like weapons against her credibility,” said Mohini. This, despite the Supreme Court repeatedly warning against such reasoning, yet patriarchal shadows persists. “For survivors, the fear of disbelief becomes as terrifying as the violence itself. Justice, they discover, is not just about proving guilt; it is about surviving the glare of suspicion,” Priya tells Sunday mid-day. “Even recently, the brutal rape and murder of a young trainee doctor at Kolkatta’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital shocked the nation. The outrage was not only for the crime, but for the haunting questions it raised about institutional response, evidence handling, and the vulnerability of women in professional spaces,” she further added. Weak investigations, says solicitor Stuti Galiya “India’s courts face a mounting backlog, and trials in gender-based violence cases are often delayed, denied, and stripped of dignity due to adjournments, judicial vacancies, and procedural hurdles. For many women, the struggle begins at the police station, where reluctance to file FIRs, weak investigations, and pressure to ‘settle’ cases create early barriers. Even after proceedings start, survivors may face insensitive questioning and repeated testimony, adding to emotional strain. “Empowerment cannot rest solely on visible achievements; it must include timely, dignified justice. True progress is measured in a system that responds swiftly, fairly, and sensitively to every woman seeking accountability.” Worshipped, yet silenced “In our society, women are worshipped as ‘Devi’ and ‘Shakti’, yet often denied the respect these words imply. From birth, girls are subtly taught to be quiet, obedient, and dependent. When they speak about violence, they face compromise instead of justice. India’s laws promise equality, but societal and institutional attitudes lag behind. Women who report abuse often meet disbelief, pressure, and isolation. True empowerment isn’t a symbolic celebration; it’s creating a society where women who raise their voices are supported, believed, and able to reclaim their dignity without fear,” said Advocate Audrey Dmello, director of Majlis. Beyond celebrations “In India, women’s achievements are celebrated every International Women’s Day, yet thousands still face delayed justice after violence. Our 2024 study on the heinous offence of rape and criminal law reforms, following the Nirbhaya case, showed systemic gaps that persist today. Even after recent protests over the murder of a young doctor in Kolkata survivors confront delays, stigma, institutional apathy, and poor rates of conviction. District-level police interventions are ignored, and preventive measures place the burden on women rather than addressing male predatory behaviour. True reform requires courts, institutions, and society to support survivors, eliminate biases, and hold offenders accountable. Only then can laws provide real protection,” said Venkatesh Nayak, director, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), New Delhi. From Representation to Redressal Celebrating women in leadership and entrepreneurship is vital, but true empowerment is measured in how the State responds when a woman’s dignity is violated. Legal reforms and representation mean little if survivors continue to wait, their trauma left unacknowledged, their cases stalled. Experts advocate urgent structural reforms: Statutory timelines for sexual offence trialsStrengthening Fast-Track Special CourtsTime-bound forensic processingDigital dashboards tracking case pendencyInstitutional survivor support and witness protection Mandatory gender-sensitisation across the justice systemThese measures are not ideals — they are necessities, lifelines for women whose voices are too often muffled by bureaucracy and bias. Silent struggle “We are providing pro bono legal representation to two hearing-impaired women, one in Delhi and one in Rajasthan, navigating the justice system after sexual violence and intimate partner abuse. These survivors face multiple barriers: Systemic Communication Gaps: Lack of accessible infrastructure, certified sign language interpreters, and sensitive communication protocols excludes them from interacting effectively with police. Socio-Economic Barriers: Financial dependence on abusers and the responsibility of providing for children create a “survival trap”. Cultural Stigma: The vulnerability of disabled women survivors is compounded by gender, socio-economic status creating barriers to justice.” Karuvaki Mohanty, ProgramManager, iProbono India, New Delhi.
22 March,2026 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonADVERTISEMENT
-1774190022156_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Representational image. File pic")
-1774187655500_d.png "Pic/Special Arrangement")
-1774185207183_d.png "Representational image. File pic")
-1774169165184_d.png "Concerns have been raised ahead of the flamingo season in Navi Mumbai. Representational Pic/File")
