Drivers of app-based taxis and autorickshaws went on a day-long nationwide strike on Saturday after a union called for a protest to press various demands, including action against illegal bike taxi services and redressal of grievances over panic button installations. Taxi, auto unions begin statewide strike over aggregator fares, bike taxis While speaking to the media, Dr Keshav Kshirsagar, head of Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, said," The strike began across Maharashtra and other parts of the country in the morning. Most autorickshaw and taxi drivers have supported the strike," as per PTI. Although the union claimed that drivers have kept their vehicles off the roads, taxis and autorickshaws have been available for booking on app-based platforms of major companies, including Uber, Ola and Rapido, since the early hours of the day. The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha had earlier said that the strike was aimed at opposing the "arbitrary" fare policies of ride aggregators, seeking strict enforcement against "illegal" bike taxi operations that were affecting the livelihoods of licensed cab and autorickshaw drivers, reported PTI. Gig workers flag panic button costs, income losses amid cab strike The union representing gig workers also alleged that the mandatory installation of panic buttons has become a financial burden for operators. Union of gig workers further stated that, "While there are 140 panic button device providers approved by the Central government, the state government has declared nearly 70 per cent of these companies unauthorised. As a result, cab drivers are being forced to remove previously installed devices and spend approximately Rs 12,000 unnecessarily to install new devices, causing severe financial hardship," as per PTI. The drivers' body also raised concerns over loss of income due to an increase in the number of autorickshaws under the open permit policy, and also alleged that victims of accidents involving illegal bike taxis are denied insurance benefits. Rates quite low, safety concerns: Protesting Ola, Uber drivers in Delhi-NCR share their woes As a union of app-based taxi and autorickshaw drivers announced a one-day strike to press several demands, drivers associated with Ola, Uber and Rapido in Delhi-NCR on Saturday said fares were quite low. They also added that these companies do not provide proper safety measures or fair rates. In Delhi-NCR, drivers linked to app-based ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber and Rapido are currently on a nationwide strike. Speaking to IANS, a driver said, “I drive for both Ola and Uber, and we are on strike today because the companies’ rates are very low and there has been no increase in fares.” Another driver in Delhi said, “Rates are quite low, that’s why we are on strike. Nowadays, it is becoming difficult to even earn Rs 1,000 per day.” The union has placed two main demands before the government An immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, including autos, cabs, bike taxis and other aggregator-based services. The union said these fares should be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions and should align with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. The second is a strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial transport of passengers or goods. According to the unions, the agitation is being organised against the continued failure of the Central and State Governments to notify minimum base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Despite these guidelines, aggregator companies continue to unilaterally set fares, pushing workers into unsustainable working conditions and forcing longer working hours with declining earnings.
07 February,2026 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBJP leader and corporator from ward no. 132, Ritu Tawade, on Saturday filed her nomination papers for the post of Mayor in BMC. Whereas the Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Shankar Ghadi has filed the nomination papers for Deputy Mayor in the civic body. The nomination filing from Tawade and Ghadi marks a key development in the race for the city’s civic body’s administration. Ritu Tawade’s nomination as the BMC Mayor was announced by BJP leader Amit Satam on Saturday. Whereas Sanjay Shankar Ghadi’s name for the Deputy Mayor was announced by Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters. Ghadi will serve as BMC Deputy Mayor for 15 months Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Shankar Ghadi will serve as deputy mayor for 15 months, Shiv Sena secretary Sanjay More has said in a statement, as reported by news agency PTI. Gandhi was one of the senior former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators who switched sides to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. By splitting the deputy mayor's term in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena intends to give an opportunity to four of its corporators. In the polls for the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while Shiv Sena won 29 seats. The ruling alliance, with a combined strength of 118 corporators, is past the halfway mark of 114 and is well placed to secure the mayor's post. Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS failed to impress During the recently concluded BMC election 2026, the Shiv Sena (UBT), which ruled the civic body for 25 years since 1997, won 65 seats, while its allies, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), only managed to win six and one seat, respectively. Among other parties, the Congress won 24 seats, AIMIM eight, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) three, and the Samajwadi Party two. Two independent candidates also won in the high-stakes election, held after a nine-year gap. The BMC commissioner has been serving as the state government-appointed administrator since March 7, 2022, following the end of the previous term. BMC is the country's richest civic body, with its budget for 2025-26 pegged at Rs 74,450 crore, which is higher than that of some smaller states. (With inputs from PTI)
07 February,2026 01:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDo 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 February 7. Aries March 21 – April 20Approaching situations with creative and original solutions is a sure shot way to calm down vibes at work. Cosmic tip: Attract positive energy flow around you by getting rid of what’s not needed. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Circumstances unexpectedly work to your advantage, so use all options available. Take decisions not based on your usual ‘safe’ ideas.Cosmic tip: Unhesitatingly and honestly work through karma. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Treading the safer middle path chooses what’s acceptable, yet within personal ethics. Singles receive marriage proposals.Cosmic tip: Understand everyone’s life can be different. Cancer June 22 – July 23Combining three ideas into a workable synthesis at a committee meeting is a workable way. Singles make a new acquaintance. Cosmic tip: Remain on the spiritual path. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Appreciating a relationship more in its present avatar if due to an appreciation of its strengths and finer points. Don’t make any drastic career changes.Cosmic tip: Notice how life enters a peacefully settled mode. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Plans made earlier are better than recent ones. Being ready to combat competition is a reflection of confidence.Cosmic tip: Depend on inner strength to bring order to some muddled circumstances. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Not doing a slip-shod job; instead aiming for the ultimate paradigm or example of capabilities takes you to the top.Cosmic tip: Re-evaluate a situation to realise certain facts which need to be faced. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Some family property under litigation inches forward; sometimes in your favour. Sunshine in personal life keeps you contented.Cosmic tip: Change and evolve as demanded by the situation and circumstances. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Competitive companies try their best to steal a client from under your nose, but don’t succeed.Cosmic tip: Retain a positive mindset and belief that whatever you do karmically correct is favourable. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Going ahead with plans made instead of questioning ideas frowned on by acquaintances is why plans must never be discussed with anyone. Cosmic tip: Have unshakeable faith in your spouse/partner. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Having had all papers prepared in advance is why there’s an aura of assurance around you. Final draft of a contract has to also be prepared. Cosmic tip: Let go of what’s unimportant and dated. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20This busy time makes you wish the day had more hours; you are so inundated with work.Cosmic tip: First complete what’s crucial for the day, then reach for other work.
07 February,2026 11:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMumbai weather is likely to experience hazy conditions during the morning hours, with the sky gradually clearing by the afternoon and evening, reports by India Meteorological Department (IMD). According to the IMD, the sky will remain clear in the afternoon through the evening, causing temperatures to rise steadily. Day temperatures are expected to hover around 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 20 degrees Celsius, indicating warm daytime conditions with relatively pleasant nights. Data from the SAMEER app indicated that the overall air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai stood at 117 on Saturday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. As per the SAMEER app, pollution levels varied significantly across locations, with Bandra-Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 136, Borivali East 69, Andheri East 132, Chembur 108, Colaba 103, and Kandivali East 108. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 128, Bandra East 167, Malad West 128, and Mazgaon 106. Delhi's air quality improves, AQI recorded at 213 The national capital on Saturday witnessed a slight improvement in the air quality, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 213 at 8, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The improvement in the overall air quality follows Friday, when the AQI was recorded at 226 at 8 am. However, categorically, the Air Quality Index remained in the "poor" category. Delhi's ITO witnessed a busy morning with AQI recorded at 223 in the "poor" category, the AQI at Chandni Chowk was recorded at 232 and was recorded at 239 in RK Puram, in the same category. Despite this improvement, a thin layer of smog persists in parts of the city, and overall air quality remains poor.As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'.The temperature in Delhi is recorded at 13.2 degC with strong surface winds during the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated. The capital city was blanketed in a thick layer of fog this morning. (Inputs from ANI)
07 February,2026 11:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDays after the BMC election 2026 results, the Shiv Sena has appointed Sanjay Shankar Ghadi as their candidate for the post of Deputy Mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Sanjay Ghadi’s nomination for the post of Deputy Mayor in Mumbai's civic body has been made as per the instructions of Shiv Sena Chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, according to an official statement issued by Shiv Sena (Eknath faction). The official statement from the Shiv Sena further stated that all concerned public representatives, office-bearers, and Shiv Sena workers within the BMC limits have been informed of the decision. The development comes at a time when political activity has intensified within the civic body, with parties preparing for the next phase of BMC proceedings and leadership roles gaining significance in shaping the alliance's strategy. Former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar is likely to be the leader of the opposition in BMC Former Mumbai mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) elected corporator from Lower Parel, Kishori Pednekar, is likely to take charge as the Leader of the Opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), according to information from the office of the municipal secretary. The development comes earlier this week after the completion of party-wise registration of corporators following the recent elections. Apart from the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, all political parties had completed their party-wise registrations earlier. However, the 29 corporators of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) have now also completed their registration process. On Tuesday, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) completed the registration of their four corporators at Konkan Bhavan. With this, all 227 corporators have completed their registrations with the Mumbai civic body, the office of the municipal secretary confirmed. BJP appoints Khankar as group leader in BMC Meanwhile, the BJP on Monday this week appointed Ward 7 (Dahisar) corporator Ganesh Khankar as their party leader in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Apart from BJP, Shiv Sena has also appointed Amey Ghole as their leader in BMC. Ghole, during the recently concluded BMC elections, was elected as a corporator from ward 178, Matunga. BJP emerges as the single largest party in BMC elections 2026. The appointment of Ganesh Khankar comes after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded BMC elections 2026, winning 89 corporator seats. The announcement was made at the BMC headquarters during a formal meeting where both the BJP and the Shiv Sena registered their elected representatives.
07 February,2026 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEvery year, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2 handles nearly 55 million passengers. Almost as many people also arrive just to pick up friends and family, making airport access a daily test of patience, timing and parking costs. Last year’s September, mid-day reported about the lack of free pick-up time options at the Mumbai airport. A board displaying fares outside the parking zone at Terminal 2. Pics/Shadab Khan After the report, Mumbai airport operators introduced a 0 to 8-minute free parking window at the T2 parking facility late last year. While the move was meant to offer relief, a mid-day test drive found that the window is often too short to be practically useful, especially during peak hours. Many visitors told mid-day they were unaware such a free window even existed, despite signage now being displayed across the airport. How eight-minute window works The free window applies only within the parking facility, forcing vehicles to enter the P5 parking level, locate passengers, load luggage and exit within eight minutes to avoid charges. A display board at the parking exit shows entry and exit timings along with the parking charge Due to space constraints and the lack of an elevated pick-up road directly from arrival gates, this remains the only free option for visitors. However, mid-day’s on-ground experience suggests the layout leaves very little margin for error. mid-day test drive During multiple visits, mid-day observed that the system works only if the vehicle is already waiting at the parking level when passengers arrive, which is rarely the case. In one instance, mid-day followed a group of arriving passengers from the terminal exit to the P5 parking area. Passengers are being picked up from the parking area at Terminal 2 The passengers spent nearly three minutes locating their driver and another three minutes loading luggage and boarding the vehicle. This left almost no buffer time, especially if the vehicle had entered the parking zone before the passengers reached the level. Exiting also proved challenging. With four exit lanes handling multiple vehicles simultaneously, several cars leaving together risk overshooting the eight-minute limit by seconds, resulting in charges. During high air traffic hours, when several flights land close together, the situation worsens as dozens of vehicles attempt to exit at the same time. Eight minutes too tight “During non-peak hours, it might work, but during busy hours it is impossible,” said Sandeep Kumar, who visited T2 around noon. “At least 15 minutes are needed. If everyone tries to exit within eight minutes, it will create chaos, with only a few vehicles making it out in time.” DK Pal, a professional driver who frequently picks up both passengers and family members from the airport, offered a more balanced view. “The eight-minute window works only when traffic is low, and there is coordination between driver and passenger,” he said. “During peak hours, with multiple flights landing, it becomes difficult because many vehicles are leaving together.” Pal added that familiarity with the airport layout also plays a role. “For those who know the parking flow well, it is manageable. For first-time visitors, it is stressful.” Welcome move, not enough Some visitors said the free window, though limited, is still a step in the right direction. “It is a good start, but navigating through the parking makes it hard to exit in eight minutes,” said Dolly Satpathy, who was at the airport with her daughter, Nysa, to receive relatives. “Extending it to 15 minutes would help. That said, even this free option is better than nothing.” Nysa Satpathy added that space constraints at the airport make the lack of express pick-up lanes understandable. “Given the limitations, the eight-minute window still helps visitors avoid parking charges, even if it is tight.” Airport response awaited mid-day sent queries to Mumbai International Airport Limited seeking clarity on the rationale behind the eight-minute limit and whether an extension is being considered. No response was received from the operators till press time.
07 February,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Ritika GondhalekarA commuter, Nishant Ratnakumar Khatri, lost his left eye while travelling on a Churchgate-bound local fast train on February 3. According to Khatri, there was a commotion in his compartment as two men were arguing intensely. Later, when the train reached Bandra station, one of the men alighted onto the tracks and hurled a stone at the other. But instead of hitting the intended target, the stone hit Khatri on his left eye, injuring him severely. Talking to the media, Khatri said, “After the stone hit my eye, no one helped me, no one pulled the chain to stop the train as it had started moving. I got off the running train and approached an RPF officer, who took me to meet the station master.” Nishant Khatri, victim Khatri alleged he was made to wait for almost an hour for the station master’s arrival, saying, “I had been requesting RPF personnel to get me medical attention, but they said that they couldn’t do so until the station master arrived and a memo was prepared.” After the arrival of his brothers, Khatri was taken first to Bhabha hospital for a wound cleaning and dressing, and later to the Hinduja Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was informed that he had lost his eye completely. Based on the description given by Khatri, Senior Inspector Shahaji Nikam and Police Sub Inspector MB Bachhav, along with the crime detection team, examined the CCTV footage and, with the help of confidential informants, caught the accused in a sting operation in Dadar. The accused, Yogendra Vanshraj Bauddh, a 26-year-old labourer, was taken into custody on February 5 within 36 hours of the incident.
07 February,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturNot everything appears smooth between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), with fresh strain emerging after the latter extended support to the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde in yet another civic body. After backing the Shinde Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, the MNS has now extended similar support in the Nashik Municipal Corporation. The move has upset leaders of the Sena (UBT), who consider Shinde’s faction their principal political rival. A senior leader from the Uddhav Thackeray camp, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS had contested the civic polls together and had aggressively targeted the BJP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena during the campaign. “If the MNS supports Shinde’s party after the elections, it sends the wrong political message,” the leader said. The MNS had won just one seat in the Nashik Municipal Corporation. On Friday, the party’s lone corporator is said to have extended support to Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Old rivalries, new surprises In 2022, Eknath Shinde engineered a split in the undivided Shiv Sena, directly challenging Uddhav Thackeray. Since then, the two factions have remained bitter rivals. The hostility has been so pronounced that Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut once remarked that for his party, Shinde’s Shiv Sena was no different from the AIMIM. This makes the MNS move particularly striking, coming close on the heels of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray publicly burying their nearly two-decade-old differences in the name of Marathi pride and Maharashtra’s identity. During the civic poll campaign, both cousins shared the stage and jointly attacked the Mahayuti government, especially the BJP and Shinde’s Shiv Sena. Pattern repeats Before Nashik, the MNS had extended support to Shinde’s Shiv Sena in the KDMC, which delivered a hung verdict last month. In the 122-member house, Shinde’s Sena emerged as the largest party with 53 seats, followed by the BJP with 51. With 62 seats required to form the civic government, support from smaller parties became decisive. The five MNS corporators backed Shinde’s Sena. At the time, MNS leaders said the decision was taken at the local level and should not be interpreted as the party’s official statewide policy. Discontent within MNS ranks It is not just the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership that appears unhappy. Sections within the MNS are also reportedly upset with Uddhav Thackeray’s party, accusing it of not adequately supporting MNS candidates during the civic polls. At a recent MNS meeting, workers allegedly complained to Raj Thackeray that Sena (UBT) did not extend the cooperation they had expected. Raj Thackeray, however, rejected the allegations and asked party workers to introspect instead of blaming allies for the party’s electoral performance. Will MNS get a nominated seat in the BMC? In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the Sena (UBT) is likely to secure three nominated corporator seats based on its strength. Political observers say the MNS could seek one of these seats, citing its alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s party during the civic polls. Whether Sena (UBT) will part with a nominated seat for Raj Thackeray’s party remains an open question.
07 February,2026 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA male leopard rescued from a residential area in Bhayandar in December last year and later released into Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) was found dead in the Yeoor forest on Monday evening. Forest officials said the exact cause of death will be known after post-mortem and laboratory reports are received. Critical final reports SGNP Deputy Director Pradip Patil said preliminary findings rule out poaching, as all body parts of the animal were found intact. “The leopard’s whiskers, nails, claws and teeth were all intact. A post-mortem has been conducted, and samples have been sent for further examination. The final reports will determine the exact cause of death,” Patil said. No fault in radio collar Officials clarified that there was no technical malfunction in the radio collar fitted on the leopard. “The collar functioned properly from the time it was fitted until the carcass was recovered. There were some intermittent signal interruptions, which are normal and can occur due to dense forest cover or when the animal rests inside a den,” an official said. Carcass found after alert Acting on an alert on Monday evening, forest department officers and staff, along with a team led by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) India’s Niket Surve, rushed to the Nagla zone of the Yeoor forest, where the leopard’s carcass was located. A panchnama was conducted at the site, and officials confirmed that the animal’s claws, canines and vital organs were intact. Due to poor natural light, the post-mortem examination could not be conducted on Monday night. Autopsy conducted next day On Tuesday morning, SGNP veterinary officer Dr Nikhil Bangar, along with Dr Prashant Gadhave from Mumbai Veterinary College, conducted the autopsy as per protocol. Tissue samples of the carcass have been sent for medical and technical analysis, and the exact cause of death will be established once reports are received. Rescue and release history The leopard was rescued from a human-dominated landscape in Bhayandar on December 19, 2025, following repeated sightings. It was then kept under observation at SGNP facilities in Borivli under the supervision of senior forest officials and veterinarians. A committee formed to decide the animal’s fate met on December 22, 2025, and resolved to release it into its natural habitat after fitting it with a satellite collar. Following a medical examination and certification of fitness, the leopard was released into a designated area of SGNP on December 25, 2025, at 9.25 pm. Post-release monitoring Post-release monitoring was carried out by the SGNP wildlife rescue team, forest officials from Borivli and Yeoor ranges, and WCS representatives. Between December 25 and 30, satellite collar data showed the leopard moving within the designated Sasunavghar area in Naigaon near Mumbai, remaining well within forest limits. Did you know? The leopard, released in the Nagla area of the Yeoor forest range, was recorded hunting a dog inside a cave area on December 31. The animal continued to remain within the release zone thereafter. On January 5, 2026, its presence was confirmed through pugmarks and faecal matter. Camera trap footage and satellite collar data indicated that the leopard appeared physically healthy during this period.
07 February,2026 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavCab and autorickshaw drivers across India are set to observe a nationwide one-day strike today, protesting against illegal bike taxi services and what they describe as unfair fare policies of app-based companies, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The strike will involve drivers associated with app-based platforms as well as traditional cab and autorickshaw operators. “The strike will involve drivers associated with app-based platforms as well as traditional cab and autorickshaw operators. Illegal bike taxi services are operating openly across the country despite repeated warnings from transport authorities. Such services have led to fatal accidents in Mumbai, resulting in deaths and permanent disabilities. As bike taxi services are not legally permitted in several states, accident victims are often denied insurance coverage, which unions described as a serious public safety concern,” president of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum, Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar told mid-day. “Also, the Maharashtra transport department has issued multiple written instructions to companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, asking them to follow government-approved rules. However, these companies continue to defy official orders, and no strict action has been taken against them so far,” he added. Speaking about the government’s open autorickshaw permit policy, Kshirsagar explained that it has led to a sharp rise in the number of autorickshaws on the roads, which, in turn, has cut down cab drivers’ income and is leading to traffic congestion. Drivers also raised concerns over the installation of panic button devices, saying they are being financially exploited in the process. While the central government has approved 140 panic button service providers, the state government has reportedly declared nearly 70 per cent of these companies as unauthorised. This has forced drivers to remove previously installed devices and spend around Rs 12,000 to install new ones, adding to their financial stress.
07 February,2026 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA late-night phone call shattered a family’s peace after a 24-year-old man, who had gone to sleep at his home in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai, was found dead several kilometres away on a Kurla road in what police suspect to be a hit-and-run accident. The deceased has been identified as Rishikesh Mangesh Gaikwad, an engineer employed with a firm in Mahape. His uncle and legal guardian, Santosh Gaikwad, 45, said he had been caring for Rishikesh since childhood. “Rishikesh lost his parents at a very young age. His father, my brother Mangesh, was killed in a road accident at the same age as Rishikesh. The similarity is deeply painful for our family,” said Santosh, an advocate by profession. With no clarity on why he stepped out in the middle of the night or how he reached Kurla, the victim’s death has left his family and the police with several unanswered questions. According to the police, the family had dinner together before retiring for the night on Friday. Santosh’s 14-year-old son and Rishikesh went to sleep in the hall, while Santosh retired to the bedroom with his wife. After a while, Santosh received a call from the police, who informed him about the accident and that Rishikesh had been admitted to Bhabha Hospital in Kurla West. “At first we thought it was a prank call because Rishikesh was sleeping in the room next door. But when we peeped in, it was my younger son sleeping alone. That’s when it hit us,” said Santosh. The family rushed to the hospital, where doctors identified the injured man as Rishikesh and declared him dead before admission. During enquiries at the hospital, police recorded statements of two autorickshaw drivers identified as Shane Alam Syed and Farqan Salil Inamdar. In their statement, they said they found Rishikesh lying injured between 1.30 am and 2 am on the Chembur–Santacruz road near CST Bridge in Kurla. The duo told police they first took him to Noor Hospital, where treatment was allegedly refused, following which they shifted him to Bhabha Hospital. “We went to the spot to verify but realised there wasn’t a single CCTV camera in the vicinity. It is a major road connector, yet it remains a dark stretch,” said Santosh. He added that the motorcycle Rishikesh was riding had a severe dent at the rear, while his helmet was completely damaged. “There were no visible external injuries on his body. The post-mortem report mentions internal haemorrhage, indicating a head injury. We suspect his bike was hit from behind, throwing him onto the road,” he said. Santosh further said the motorcycle had been gifted to Rishikesh by him and his wife in 2022 on his birthday. “The vehicle number even matched his birth date,” he added. The family has no clue why Rishikesh left home in the night, that too without informing anyone. CCTV footage from the building (in Ulwe) shows him leaving on his bike at around 1 am. Santosh, meanwhile, added, “The last call was made between 1.34 and 1.36 am by him to his aunt. We got to know this the next day when she contacted us saying she missed two calls from Rishikesh. We are guessing he called his aunt to seek help after the accident.” Vikas Mhamunkar, senior police inspector, Kurla police station, told mid-day that there is no CCTV coverage on the bridge where the accident occurred. “The accident took place in the middle of the stretch, and the timing was such that there were barely any eyewitnesses,” he said. “However, a team has been assigned to investigate the case. We are checking CCTV footage from adjoining roads and examining vehicles that passed through the area around the time of the accident to ascertain what happened and identify those responsible.” Police said they have registered a case against an unidentified driver under sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving and causing death by negligence.
07 February,2026 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerADVERTISEMENT
-1770449804974_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "The strike will involve drivers of app-based platforms as well as traditional taxis and autorickshaws. Representation Pic/Istock")
-1770444256919_d.png "Representational image. File pic")
