Mahadev Jankar of the NDA ally Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, who is being dismissed by rivals as an outsider to the region, says he possesses a much better vision for development than local leaders. In conversation with mid-day, he said, “I am a citizen of this country, a resident of Maharashtra and a national leader of my party.” The leader added, “I have long-term plans to bring industry to Parbhani, boost agriculture and have proper business links with agricultural factories that will help boost the overall growth of the constituency.” Excerpts: The Opposition is claiming you are an outsider. Rashtriya Samaj Paksha chief Mahadev Jankar shares the stage with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Pathri in Parbhani on Tuesday. Pic/Nimesh Dave This is a very trivial allegation. I’m a national leader. I’m a citizen of India and a resident of Maharashtra. The Opposition’s candidate [Sanjay Jadhav of the Shiv Sena (UBT)] is also not a local. He hails from Latur. Opponents should talk about their vision for the constituency and what they have done in the past. I have a vision. There are infrastructural issues in Parbhani. People say there is a need to strengthen the railway network and improve roads. Yes, roads in Parbhani city are in terrible condition. I will work to improve them. We will strengthen the railway network and try to increase the frequency of trains and improve connectivity to the other metro cities. If industrialisation starts in Parbhani, the rail network will automatically increase. Farmer suicides are a serious concern in Marathwada. They have been demanding a minimum support price for crops and an irrigation system. We will develop projects that will provide water for irrigation as well as drinking. We are working on an MSP for farmers. I will make sure farmers’ families don’t solely depend on agriculture. We will develop a culture of agriculture-allied business to ensure farmers aren’t dependent on crops and have alternative sources of income. Unemployment and migration of youth are high here due to the absence of the industry. Yes, migration is on the higher side here. Unemployment is also an issue. I have plans to start an industry in every tehsil and will develop industrial zones in the district, which will offer the youth high-tech jobs. I have also been working on starting a defence material and railway coach factory here, which will offer government jobs to locals. You were in talks with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and then suddenly got a ticket from the Mahayuti. Will this not harm your prospects in the election? Not at all. I’ve been in an alliance with the Mahayuti for the past 10 years. Yes, I met NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar who had promised to give me a seat. But it was just a talk and nothing beyond that. Mahayuti went a step ahead. I had also talked with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and demanded that my party should be given three constituencies. But he refused, saying it was not possible. Even Congress leaders told me that it was not possible to give me three constituencies. Now I’m an official Mahayuti candidate. I accepted their offer and they immediately announced me as the candidate. The others had just discussed the matter. You contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Baramati on your party symbol but lost by less than 70,000 votes. That time the BJP had offered you a seat to contest the election as their candidate. Even now you are contesting on your party symbol. Aren’t you afraid? No. Why will I be? I have my party. I’m the president of the party. I want to run my party and grow it. Why should I fight on another symbol? I will win. 48No. of LS seats in state
25 April,2024 06:55 AM IST | Parbhani | Sameer SurveThe Mumbai North East seat will witness a showdown between BJP’s Mihir Kotecha and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Dina Patil. The former, a sitting MLA, says his focus is on development while the latter, a former MP, claims work he had started is yet to be completed. Shiv Sena and Maha Vikas Aghadi candidate Sanjay Dina Patil said his priority remained to shut dumping grounds in North East constituency forever as the area had become Mumbai’s dump in the past ten years and that it was the local issues that mattered the most than anything else. He said he was a people’s worker and the mood on the ground has been in favour of MVA and Uddhav Thackeray. What do you think is the general mood regarding your party given the current political scenario?The mood about us is positive this time. When we approach them, they welcome us, unlike last time when they dodged us. The time for change has come. The BJP is asking for votes in the name of Modi, not the candidate. I am asking residents to vote for me as I will be working here. BJP candidate Mihir Kotecha canvasses for votes in Mumbai North East constituency The BJP and Mahayuti are focussing on developmental works.What developmental works? The constituency has gone to the dogs. They promised to remove the dumping ground to bring in more projects, but nothing has turned into reality. I started work on hospitals in the constituency, which is a need here, but those were also not taken up and followed. The works have remained incomplete. I think I will only have to complete and inaugurate them after I win. What are your key promises for the constituency?The North East constituency is the dumping ground of Mumbai. The garbage generated in all of Mumbai is dumped between Kanjurmarg to Govandi, including medical waste. It is badly affecting the health of residents here. They have developed multi-drug resistance and their lifespan has decreased by 15 to 20 years. Shutting down the dumping ground is the first priority, followed by the Dharavi PAP issue and building hospitals. Mihir Kotecha VS Sanjay Dina Patil The settling of project-affected people (PAP) from Dharavi and elsewhere to Mulund East is contentious. What is your stand on it?Firstly, people from Dharavi don’t want to come here. And it is not just Dharavi, the entire salt pan land, right from Kanjurmarg, Bhandup and Mulund and octroi land has been given up for PAP. We have our MLAs and elected representatives in Dharavi. They told us residents themselves don’t want to come here. We will work on this. What about development?The area spanning Bhandup, Vikhroli and Kanjurmarg was an industrial belt. It has rapidly changed into a residential area with huge towers, complexes and colonies coming up. The problems of drainage and water continue. I will strive to improve them. There is more need for sports complexes, theatres and recreation centres, which will be developed.
25 April,2024 06:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarFraming the city A worker takes a stroll on the Marine Drive promenade near the Coastal Road Project construction site. Chile’s biggest Bollywood fan Ana Patankar reimagines Indian specialties like cream roll as a person; (right) she gives mojito a Bollywood character avatar Kisi chai ki gazal, cream roll,’ sings a cream roll brought to life in South America. But just like its artist, Ana Patankar, the artwork traces its dramatic, Bollywood roots back to India. “I am originally from Satara, and currently reside in Patagonia, Chile,” Patankar shared in an email interaction with this diarist. The foodie, who misses Indian food, is expressing her love for it by doing what she does best — illustrating. In her collection, you will find Cookielaben, who looks exactly like famous Indian soap character, Kokilaben, with a face of a cookie; or Mojitolika, inspired by Munjulika. There is also a vada pav singing, Vade ache lagte hain and Madame Gulabi Solkadi, among others. “I am a hardcore foodie at heart, and living here, at the end of the world, I miss the variety of flavours and infinite-ness of Indian food. And I love Bollywood movies; its multitudes of brilliant characters, amazing songs and a deep well of cult status dialogues. Hence, I decided to experiment by combining both visually,” she shared. To view her artworks, head to @anapatankardraws. Ana Patankar Greening the roundabout Before: The roundabout in 2021. Pic courtesy/Google maps Grant Road East’s once barren and nearly destroyed Rushi Mehta Chowk roundabout, popularly known as Navjeevan Circle by nearby residents, is getting greener by the day. It’s now-active fountain that was installed in the centre of the roundabout months ago, came as a cool summer surprise for this diarist yesterday. Executed by a real estate developer, it was comforting to see that the space sported bougainvillea in full bloom; even the Ashoka trees looked healthier. Talk about a green turnaround. After: The revamped circle with an active fountain. Pic/Devanshi Doshi Sharks meet the kids of Mumbai Sen (third from left) and volunteers gave feedback like real sharks Junoon Foundation, an NGO that aims to uplift the lives of underprivileged children, recently concluded its summer camp. This time, the theme was inspired by Shark Tank. “We trained the children for nearly a week on how to build a product, market and finance it. On the final day, we gave them each a budget of R300. As we were organising this for the first time, we didn’t have high expectations. But the children left us in awe,” shared founder Haimanti Sen. Final products includes old saris upcycled into dupattas, clothes for pets, dual cakes and sugar-free ice cream, among others. The children came up with products like dog feeders K-pop meets Assamese K-pop idol Aoora While the Korean harvest festival of Dano will have to wait till June, K-pop idol Aoora already has an Assamese song to celebrate the occasion. After his take on Jimmy Jimmy and Auva auva, the singer’s latest Indian adaptation is titled Oi nasoni or Oh dancer. A take on the Bihu festival of Assam, the song is a collaboration between Aoora and singer Nilotpal Bora. “When I visited Assam, I had sung a cover of Bora’s song. He approached me to collaborate on this one,” Aoora shared. The Korean and Assamese lyrics are a “celebration of diversity and harmony,” he said.
25 April,2024 06:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayLaw enforcement agencies in India are facing a daunting challenge posed by the rapidly expanding network of the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Sources reveal that despite being imprisoned for long years on multiple serious charges, Bishnoi has been fortifying his network, which is engaged in terror and smuggling operations. He has been collaborating with dreaded prison inmates to provide logistical support to his henchmen on the ground. An officer who worked in Central agencies believes that the Bishnoi gang is on a quest to expand its network in Maharashtra because the gangster said that he is opposed to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, whose network is spread in and around Mumbai. The suspects who were involved in the recent Bandra shooting in police custody in Bhuj. File pic/PTI “See, Bishnoi has been expanding his network despite being imprisoned in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Central Jail. He is an excellent orator who can convince other dreaded criminals to join hands with him,” said the officer. “We assume that the firing incident at Galaxy Apartment might be an attempt to reach prisons in Maharashtra so that Bishnoi can expand his network there,” said the officer, requesting anonymity. The bike abandoned by his henchmen; (right) Actor Salman Khan at his farmhouse. File pic “Though he already has a widespread network in Gujarat, where his younger brother Anmol, who is now abroad, hid after a sensitive murder in Jodhpur in 2017. The jailed gangster has had actor Salman Khan in his crosshairs over the blackbuck incident,” said the officer. “In past, Bishnoi has openly threatened Salman after which the Mumbai police increased the security apparatus around him. Yet something went amiss of late,” he added. Brother takes responsibility Anmol, who is believed to be holed up in Pakistan or Canada, was quick to take responsibility for the firing. “Bishnoi knows that the Mumbai police will take him into their custody for interrogation and after this, he might be kept in a Maharashtra prison. This would fulfil his ultimate plan to expand his nexus,” said the officer.A senior officer in Mumbai police Crime Branch told mid-day, “We are in the process of bringing Bishnoi to Mumbai for questioning in this case, but once the custody period ends, we will send him back.” The apartment in Panvel which the shooters rented. File pic Lawrence, his brothers Sachin and Anmol and associates such as Goldy Brar, Kala Jathedi, Kala Rana, Bikram Brar and Sampat Nehra were also raising funds to carry out terror and criminal activities through smuggling of drugs and weapons and widespread extortion. “To communicate seamlessly with each other and dodge intelligence agencies, the gang members carry Wi-Fi devices and high-end smartphones,” an officer from the Rajasthan police told mid-day. In November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Bishnoi in a case pertaining to a conspiracy hatched by members of a criminal syndicate and gangs based in India and abroad to raise funds, recruit youth to carry out terrorist acts in Delhi and other parts of the country to execute sensational crimes—including targeted killings of prominent persons—to strike terror in the minds of the people of the country. “Terrorist operatives have established a robust nexus with drug smugglers and members of the criminal syndicate overseen by Bishnoi. The gangster has instilled widespread fear and alarm among the public,” said an NIA officer. The criminal acts attributed to him are not isolated local incidents but rather interconnected elements of a far-reaching conspiracy involving terrorists, gangsters, drug smuggling cartels and networks operating both domestically and internationally. “It was found that most conspiracies had been hatched by Bishnoi from behind bars and were being executed by a network of criminal operatives based in India and abroad,” the officer said. Criminal network The arrested gangster is involved and wanted in many cases, including the conspiracy to carry out killings in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi for more than a decade. “Bishnoi’s network is growing in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. We have been keeping a close watch on them,” said a source from Punjab police. Last year, in November, the NIA took significant steps in dismantling the network associated with banned terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International and Bishnoi’s gang, charge-sheeting four accused: Darman Singh alias Darmanjot Kahlon, Parveen Wadhwa alias Prince, Yudhvir Singh alias Sadhu and Vikas Singh. Darmanjot is one of the key links between Canada-based absconder Lakhbir Singh alias Landa, an operative of Babbar Khalsa International, and Bishnoi’s crime syndicate. Operating from the United States, Darmanjot has been involved in a range of criminal activities, including the smuggling of weapons, explosives, and drugs from Pakistan. Prince was a linchpin in the dissemination of vital information among the members of the terror gang. NIA Investigations indicate that he was instrumental in coordinating communication channels, enabling seamless interactions among gang members, even those incarcerated in different jails. Sadhu has figured as the chief arms procurer of the syndicate. His role and expertise extended to facilitating the procurement of arms and ammunition from foreign countries. Vikas Singh has been involved in providing sanctuary to different gang members involved in executing terror attacks and criminal operations across multiple states. Notably, he provided safe harbour to the gang members responsible for the RPG terror attack at the Punjab Police State Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali. Long arm of law The NIA has seized arms, ammunition and other incriminatory digital devices and documents from the accused. The investigations further led the NIA to the hideouts set up across Haryana, Punjab and UP, which were being used to harbour gangsters and store weapons. In another major step towards demolishing the terrorist-gangster-drug smuggler nexus in the country, the NIA in January attached four properties owned by members of Bishnoi’s syndicate. The properties, of which three were immovable and one movable, were attached in a coordinated swoop by NIA teams in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh under the provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The NIA found all these properties to be ‘proceeds of terrorism’. 2022Year NIA arrested Lawrence Bishnoi Aug 2022Month NIA registered case against Bishnoi under UAPA
25 April,2024 06:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar Sharma
Sitting BJP MLA and Lok Sabha candidate for Mumbai North East Mihir Kotecha says his focus in the region will remain on development, stopping PAPs, shifting dumping ground, building Mulund Terminus and a state-of-the-art sports complex in the area. Kotecha said the political equations in Maharashtra had changed for the better as Uddhav Thackeray who decided to breach trust and align with Congress leaving Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology will have to pay. Excerpts from mid-day’s conversation with the leader: Are the BJP and Mahayuti confident given the changing political equations and new alignments?Yes. The political equations in Maharashtra have changed for the better. We are all very confident like never before and will cross the 400 mark and come back to power with a thumping majority. But if there was so much confidence, what was the need to split other parties?Mind you, we have not split any parties. The BJP and the Shiv Sena were in a natural alliance. It was Uddhav Thackeray who decided to breach trust and align with the Congress. This led to a lot of internal unrest in their party and all those who were loyal to Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology joined us. We welcomed them with open hands. Mumbai North East has multiple issues. What are your priorities beyond Mulund where you have been an MLA?The constituency includes areas such as Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Ghatkopar, Bhandup, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg and Mulund. The key issues besides development that I intend to address include addressing pollution and sanitation problems and relocating the dumping ground. Dumping grounds cannot be in the middle of the suburbs like this. The issue of the project-affected people (PAP) from Dharavi and elsewhere being settled in Mulund East has been fiery. What is your stand on it?My stand has been categorical from Day 1. I have been opposing all PAP projects and have engaged in correspondence since the first day with continuous follow-ups. Rehabilitation is best done in situ where it is convenient for all. I will ensure positive results on this. The constituency has a huge Marathi-speaking and Muslim population, which is where the Maha Vikas Aghadi intends to cash in on votes in a few areas in the constituency.It is the language of development and progress that everyone understands. All citizens without any barriers will enjoy the fruits of development without any bias. Our government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always believed in inclusive development and growth. The vast salt pan land is slowly opening up and a major portion lies in this constituency. What is the plan?Yes. I am aware. The Metro car shed is coming up at Kanjurmarg, which will be a big help for citizens in terms of east-west connectivity. We are looking at planned development that will offer citizen-centric benefits, keeping environment and ecology in mind, maintaining a fine balance. What are your key promises for the constituency?Providing halts to Konkan-bound express trains in my constituency at Bhandup-Mulund, which has a large Konkani population and also giving halts for trains heading to the north so that the citizens do not have to move out to far-off places to board trains. I will press for a Mulund Terminus and starting Konkan Express, Kutch Express and trains for Uttar Pradesh. I will also work towards getting Mulund-Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus local trains. A state-of-the-art sports complex for Mulund, addressing the PAP issue and relocation of dumping grounds, station upgrades, connectivity of roads and new infrastructure that will make Mumbai North East shine.
25 April,2024 06:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for April 25. Aries March 21 – April 20It’s a huge relief when a legality or a bureaucratic enquiry comes to an end. Of course accept social invitations, but don’t overdo socializing.Cosmic tip: Work with changing situations instead of against them. Taurus April 21 – May 20Making correct decisions intuitively has always worked; but this time think first, taking a stand, saying enough to make the message clear. Cosmic tip: Accept advice in the spirit in which it is given. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Signing two important contracts/ deals opens up the international market for you. Avoid over straining while exercising and regularly get enough sleep at night.Cosmic tip: Stay well away from unnecessary and avoidable complications. Cancer June 22 – July 23A senior/ a mentor wants to help, but consciously be pro-active, following advice or clearing saying so if you disagree and why.Cosmic tip: Be aware if there are unnecessary disagreements with loved ones. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A business lunch extends for over two hours, leaving you mentally exhausted. Seniors must take care of their heart health.Cosmic tip: Stay out of office politics, not even offering even an innocent comment. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Unresolved issues are lurking around the periphery of an otherwise good relationship, so don’t ignore them. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Don’t agree to a business partnership as previous experience shows it unworkable. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Another legal matter has to be handled carefully and worded with the utmost caution for it to be a quickly closed chapter. Cosmic tip: Carefully listen to an interesting observation made by a client. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22By reviewing investments and financial goals you find a couple of funds aren’t doing so well. Contact the bank to make some changes.Cosmic tip: Make a decision that impacts family in a positive manner. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A discussion with an elder can quickly go downhill if not clear about what you want to convey.Cosmic tip: Don’t blame anyone but yourself when family is busily involved in their own activities. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20By choosing sides wisely where office politics is concerned, you remain perfectly balanced on a razor’s edge. An issue resolves.Cosmic tip: Say what you need to, but in a respectful and kind manner. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A new relationship may be sprinting along too quickly and putting the brakes on now is advisable before it gets out of hand.Cosmic tip: Ignore unasked-for advice, keeping vision long –term and focused. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Side-step any action that pits you against the boss, just concentrating and completing work given to you in a perfect manner. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Work within the legal framework is self-employed.
25 April,2024 12:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseOfficials from the Delhi Crime Branch came to Mumbai on Wednesday to question the two people apprehended in the Salman Khan house firing incident. Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal were questioned for roughly three hours. The Mumbai Crime Branch had previously named criminal Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi as the prime perpetrators of the Salman Khan house firing incident. Following the discovery of significant evidence, both were added to the list of wanted accused, reported ANI. According to the report, a case has been filed against four people in connection with the firing incident at Salman Khan's home, including Anmol and Lawrence Bishnoi. Prior to the shooting, the perpetrators had done reconnaissance on Khan's house several times, including a visit to his farmland. A broken cell phone was confiscated from the accused of the Salman Khan firing incident during their arrest, implying that they may have had other phones in their possession. The Crime Branch is actively looking for these gadgets, the report added. According to the report, the Mumbai Crime Branch also discovered a second pistol, four magazines, and 17 rounds from the Tapi River in Surat. The recovery was made possible by tracking the tracks of shooter Vicky Gupta, who disposed of the weapon and ammo in the river while travelling from Mumbai to Bhuj, Gujarat. The inquiry also revealed that the accused had made financial transactions using their bank accounts, prompting authorities to look for their phones in the river, the report further stated. According to the report, the Salman Khan house firing incident occurred on April 14 when two individuals on a motorcycle fired four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments, where Salman Khan resides, before fleeing the scene. Both suspects were captured on CCTV footage wearing caps and carrying backpacks. The culprits were initially apprehended by Kutch Police and thereafter handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch. A local court gave the Crime Branch custody until April 25. Additional charges under IPC sections 506(2), 115, and 201 have been filed in the case. Anmol Bishnoi had claimed responsibility for the attack in a Facebook post shortly after the Salman Khan house firing incident.
24 April,2024 10:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA total of 2.09 crore voters will decide the fates of 258 candidates competing for victory in 11 constituencies throughout Maharashtra, with polling planned for the third round of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on May 7. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 passed on April 22, reported PTI. According to the report, Raigad has 13 candidates, Baramati has 38, Osmanabad has 31, Latur has 28, Solapur has 21, Madha has 32, Sangli has 20, Satara has 16, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg has nine, Kolhapur has 23, and Hatkanangale has 27, according to government statistics. The electorate has a total of 2,09,92,616 voters, with 1,07,64,741 men, 1,02,26,946 females, and 929 third-gender people. There are 23,036 voting stations spread over 11 seats, the report added. Per the PTI report, one of the highlights of the third phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Maharashtra will be the fierce competition between Supriya Sule of the NCP, who represents Sharadchandra Pawar's faction, and her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar, who is running in Baramati for the rival NCP faction led by her husband, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Furthermore, two members of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj dynasty are running in the elections. Udayanraje Bhosale is running as a BJP candidate in Satara, whereas Shahu Chhatrapati is running on the Congress banner in Kolhapur, the report added. Union Minister Narayan Rane is running for Sindhudurg-Ratnagiri on the BJP ticket. S Chockalingam, Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer, reported that preventive steps had been implemented against 95,250 people in the state as of April 22. In addition, items worth Rs 471.89 crore were recovered, including Rs 43.96 crore in cash, Rs 34.78 crore in spirits and Rs 216.47 crore in narcotics, the PTI report added.
24 April,2024 10:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo persons in Mulund were injured after a tree fell on them following which they wrote a letter to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation regarding the cutting down of the tree. However, it has recently come to light that the BMC had much earlier permitted to trim the tree and it was not. The incident happened on March 29 when Hitesh Saste (30) and Tanvi Kale (28) were passing on their bike when a tree collapsed on them severely injuring them. Mid-day accessed the letter which stated that a private entity had written a letter to cut down the tree in 2018 since it was dangerous; however, the BMC permitted only the branches of the tree to be cut. A BMC official on condition of anonymity revealed, "Near Jay Bharat college, there was a huge banyan tree and we had granted permission for it to be trimmed in 2018 and it was done so twice. It was in good condition after that but it suddenly collapsed since it had rotten from inside." The letter written to BMC in 2018/ Rajesh Gupta "The tree fell when my sister and her friend were travelling; both were trapped under the tree for over 30 minutes. The locals rescued them and took them to a hospital. When we inquired, they said that a letter had been written to BMC requesting permission to cut down the tree but none was granted," said Saurav Kale, Tanvi's brother. He added, "My sister is unable to walk properly and a month on, she's still in the hospital. Such incident would not have happened had the bMC given the permission to fell the tree." Meanwhile, Hitesh Saste, speaking to mid-day, said, "We both got injured in the incident; I injured my spine. I am worried for Tanvi given the mounting medical bills and impending major surgery." Hitesh added that the Kale family had already spent Rs 10 lakhs for her treatment while he was still bedridden. "We approached both the BMC and the police in this regard but there's no headway. The BMC should have permitted the felling of the tree; it would have prevented the occurrence of this mishap," Saste said.
24 April,2024 09:25 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheUnion Minister Narayan Rane, the BJP's contender for the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg parliamentary seat in Maharashtra, has questioned Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray's alleged backdoor meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following an ED notice to his relative. Rane cited an event from 2022 in which the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached the assets of Shree Saibaba Grihanirmiti Pvt Ltd, which was held by Shridhar Patankar, former state chief minister's Thackeray's brother-in-law. The attachment was tied to an alleged money laundering investigation, reported PTI. According to the report, Rane questioned the rationale for the meeting, citing Thackeray's previous criticism of PM Modi during a public address in Delhi. He pointed out that Thackeray had sharply criticised Prime Minister Modi and pushed people to vote him out, making the meeting appear inconsistent. "Uddhav Thackeray harshly criticised PM Modi and even asked people to vote him out. So why did he even hold a backdoor meeting with Modi after an ED notice," Rane had asked. In the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Rane will face Vinayak Raut, a two-term Shiv Sena (UBT) MP. Rane emphasised the importance of political power in constituency development and promised to continue development activities in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts if elected. He emphasised his current position of power, implying that it allows him to carry out development programmes successfully. "You need power to carry out development in your constituency. I am in power, and if I get elected, I will continue my work of development in Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts," Rane was quoted as saying in a PTI report. Rane's criticism of Uddhav Thackeray came after he hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party and dubbed it a "Bogus" Janata Party. The criticism came after the Sena (UBT) which is in the opposition had called out the BJP after the NDA candidate for Baramati Sunetra Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were given a clean chit in the MSCB scam. Additionally, Thackeray raked up the Adarsh Housing Society scam and targeted BJP over the induction of former Congress leader Ashok Chavan. He had said, "The ruling party has also become a part of the multi-crore Adarsh Housing Society scam."
24 April,2024 05:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo persons, on Wednesday, died after falling into a 40-feet-deep septic of an under-construction building in Mumbai's Malad area. Officials said that one other person is in critical condition and is undergoing treatment at Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali. The deceased were identified as Raghu Solanki, aged 50 and Javed Mendi Hasan Shaikh (36). The officials said that the two deceased were pronounced dead. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Akib Mendi Hasan Shaikh is in a critical condition, the officials added. The officials of Mumbai Fire Brigade had previously stated that four persons had fallen into the septic tank in Malad's Pimpripada area and that the incident happened around 3.50 pm. It's not yet ascertained as to how the four persons fell into the septic tank. The MFB officials said that upon reaching the scene, it was discovered that several individuals had fallen into the building's drainage system. Firefighters quickly initiated a rescue effort, plunging into the tank with ropes and breathing apparatus. As of 4:30 pm, the officials had safely retrieved three persons from the septic tank and taken them to Trauma Care Hospital for treatment. However, one person remains unaccounted for, and rescue attempts are underway to find them. Meanwhile, the Dindoshi Police have filed a case and booked a plumbing supervisor of Raheja Constructions under Sections 304 (a) (death by negligence) and 338 (causes grievous hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life) of the Indian Penal Code.
24 April,2024 05:11 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
