Eleven senior Naxalites carrying a collective reward of Rs 82 lakh surrendered before Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla in Gadchiroli district on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported, quoting officers. Four of the cadres were in ‘uniform’ when they laid down their arms before the DGP, a police release said. According to the police, a large number of Naxal cadres have become disillusioned by what they termed the “hollow Maoist ideology,” frustrated by the violence inflicted on civilians, and drawn towards the state’s surrender-and-rehabilitation policy implemented since 2005. Owing to sustained operations by the Gadchiroli Police and the Central Reserve Police Force, 112 Maoists have surrendered in the district this year alone, PTI reported, quoting the release. Those who surrendered on Wednesday include divisional committee members Ramesh Lekami (57) of Gadchiroli and Bhima Kowasi (35) and platform party committee members Poriye Gota (41), Ratan Oyam (32), and Kamal Veladi (30), all from Chhattisgarh. Others who gave up arms are area committee members Poriye Veladi (36) and Ramaji Pungati (35), and platoon members Sonu Kato (19), Prakash Pungati (22), Sita Pallo (22), and Sainath Made (23). As per the state’s rehabilitation policy, if a group of Maoists surrenders together, they are eligible for collective assistance of Rs 10 lakh announced jointly by the Central and Maharashtra governments. In all, 146 hardcore Naxalites have surrendered in Gadchiroli since 2022. Four Naxalites with Rs 23-lakh bounty surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker Four Naxalites — including one involved in the 2009 Madanwada-Korkoti ambush in which 29 security personnel were killed — surrendered before police and Border Security Force (BSF) officers in Kanker District on Wednesday, a senior police officer said. The cadres, including two women, collectively carried a reward of Rs 23 lakh, Kanker Senior Superintendent of Police IK Elesela said. They surrendered under the “Poona Margem” initiative, which aims at rehabilitation and social reintegration of Maoist cadres. The programme launched by the Bastar Range Police is emerging as a transformative effort to bring lasting peace and development across the seven districts of the region, Elesela added. Of those who surrendered, Kajal alias Rajita Vedada (19), a member of Company No 10 in the Gadchiroli division of Maoists, carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh. The remaining three — Manjula alias Laxmi Potai (37), Vilas alias Chaitu Usendi (42) and Ramsai alias Lakhan Marrapi (42) — carried a bounty of Rs 5 lakh each, he said. Between 2006 and 2025, Potai, a member of technical team of West Bastar Division, was involved in 16 Naxal incidents, including the 2009 Madanwada-Korkoti ambush in which the then Rajnandgaon District Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Choubey and 28 other security personnel were killed, he said. (With PTI inputs)
10 December,2025 05:55 PM IST | Gadchiroli | mid-day online correspondentThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at five places in Maharashtra's Pune and Baramati as part of its money-laundering investigation into an alleged Rs 10-crore cheating case linked to investment schemes in the dairy sector, officials said. Officials said the action was taken after complaints that several businessmen had been tricked with promises of unusually high returns. According to ED sources, officers searched two locations in Pune and three in Baramati. The searches targeted properties linked to Vidyanand Dhairi and Anand Lokhande, residents of Jalochi in Baramati taluka, who are under investigation for their suspected involvement in the fraudulent investment scheme. The probe began after allegations that a couple had collected money from several businessmen in Mumbai and Pune by promoting a dairy-investment plan that supposedly offered attractive profits. ED sources said some senior government officials had also invested in the scheme and were allegedly cheated, which led to a deeper financial inquiry. Baramati Dairy Private Limited had earlier filed a complaint accusing Lokhande and others of cheating the company of Rs 10.21 crore. The ED is now examining the flow of money, bank transactions and property documents to determine how the funds were moved and whether more people or organisations were involved. An ED officer said the searches focused on securing financial records, digital data and other evidence related to the suspected diversion of investor funds. The agency is expected to issue further summons after analysing the seized material. The investigation is still in progress.
10 December,2025 05:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilRailway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha on Thursday that more than 1,300 railway stations across India are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He described it as the world’s largest station redevelopment programme and said it has transformed how India plans and upgrades railway infrastructure. Vaishnaw said that the initiative, started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has moved far beyond the earlier practice of only repainting or minor repairs. He said that 160 stations have already been fully redeveloped, while work is ongoing at many others. Each station is being redesigned with a long-term master plan that includes local architectural styles, entry points on both sides, spacious passenger halls and foot overbridges. The aim, he said, is to prepare stations for the next 50 years. Vaishnaw added that the redevelopment is also improving station surroundings. This includes better access roads, larger parking areas and more efficient passenger-handling facilities. He gave the example of the holding area at New Delhi Railway Station, which helped thousands of passengers wait comfortably during the Diwali and Chhath Puja rush. He also noted that cleanliness at stations has improved significantly compared with the situation 15 years ago, setting a new benchmark for public spaces. Earlier in June, PM Modi launched redevelopment work for another 103 stations from Bikaner, Rajasthan, through video conferencing. These stations will feature modern facades, improved circulation space and sustainable designs, as well as integration with other transport systems. The government says the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is helping create modern, world-class railway hubs across the country. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament on Wednesday that the number of "consequential train accidents" has dropped from 135 in 2013-14 to 31 in 2024-25, and further down to only 10 in 2025-26 up to November this year, reported the IANS. He said that between 2004 and 2014, Indian Railways recorded 1,711 such accidents, which was an average of 171 accidents every year. The current numbers show a major improvement in safety. The minister also pointed to a key safety indicator, the Accidents Per Million Train Kilometre (APMTKM). This has reduced from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in 2024-25, showing about 73 per cent improvement, according to the IANS. Vaishnaw said that the government has greatly increased spending to improve railway safety. The budget for safety measures has almost tripled, rising from Rs 39,463 crore in 2014-15 to more than Rs 1.16 lakh crore for 2025-26. To prevent accidents caused by human error, modern electrical and electronic interlocking systems with centralised signal operation have been installed at 6,656 stations as of October 2025. Level crossing gates have also been interlocked at 10,098 locations to strengthen safety. Track circuiting -- which helps verify track occupancy through electrical systems — has been completed at 6,661 stations, as per the IANS. (with IANS inputs)
10 December,2025 05:38 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said the capital is undergoing a major transformation aimed at rebuilding its global image and strengthening tourism, asserting that long-pending systemic problems are finally being addressed through coordinated governance. Gupta said the vision of "Viksit Delhi, Viksit Tourism" reflects the government's renewed commitment to positioning Delhi as a world-class capital that inspires confidence among visitors. She said legacy issues such as multiplicity of approvals had slowed Delhi's economic and tourism potential for years, but these bottlenecks are now being removed due to better alignment in governance. "Today, we can solve these problems because the BJP is in government at all three levels. It took us 27 years to reach this point. Now we finally have an opportunity to resolve long-standing difficulties," Gupta said during media interaction at a summit here. She added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "truly understands the pain points of the people and the system". Highlighting recent administrative reforms, Gupta said the government has abolished police licences for establishments and is now moving towards allowing fire licences through third-party audits, a shift intended to end monopolies and reduce delays. "We are working to simplify the system so that businesses and the tourism sector can grow without unnecessary hurdles," she said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 December,2025 05:33 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | PTIIndian Railways has seen a sharp fall in serious train accidents over the past decade. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament on Wednesday that the number of "consequential train accidents" has dropped from 135 in 2013-14 to 31 in 2024-25, and further down to only 10 in 2025-26 up to November this year, reported the IANS. He said that between 2004 and 2014, Indian Railways recorded 1,711 such accidents, which was an average of 171 accidents every year. The current numbers show a major improvement in safety. The minister also pointed to a key safety indicator, the Accidents Per Million Train Kilometre (APMTKM). This has reduced from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in 2024-25, showing about 73 per cent improvement, according to the IANS. Vaishnaw said that the government has greatly increased spending to improve railway safety. The budget for safety measures has almost tripled, rising from Rs 39,463 crore in 2014-15 to more than Rs 1.16 lakh crore for 2025-26. To prevent accidents caused by human error, modern electrical and electronic interlocking systems with centralised signal operation have been installed at 6,656 stations as of October 2025. Level crossing gates have also been interlocked at 10,098 locations to strengthen safety. Track circuiting -- which helps verify track occupancy through electrical systems — has been completed at 6,661 stations, as per the IANS. The minister added that the advanced Kavach safety system, introduced in July 2020, has been successfully installed on the Palwal-Mathura-Kota-Nagda section (633 km) on the Delhi-Mumbai route and on the Howrah-Bardhaman section (105 km) on the Delhi-Howrah route. Kavach work is ongoing in the remaining stretches of both major routes and has also been approved for 15,512 km across key national corridors, the news agency reported. All locomotives are now fitted with Vigilance Control Devices to ensure loco pilots remain alert. To improve visibility during fog, retro-reflective sigma boards and GPS-based Fog Safety Devices have been provided so drivers know the distance to signals and level crossings. Indian Railways is also using stronger track materials, longer rail panels of 130m and 260m, and mechanised track-laying to reduce human error. Technologies like Ultrasonic Flaw Detection are being used to spot and replace defective rails early, while better welding practices are reducing the risk of fractures, as per the IANS. Regular inspection, track patrolling, and online monitoring systems are also helping railway teams identify risks early and maintain high safety standards. The Railways believes these combined measures have played a major role in bringing down accidents sharply. (with IANS inputs)
10 December,2025 05:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPolice have seized 500 kg of beef which was allegedly being transported illegally in a car in Maharashtra’s Nashik District and arrested one person, officers said on Wednesday. According to the police, activists of the Bajrang Dal attempted to stop a car travelling towards Nashik from Ahilyanagar on the Nashik–Pune national highway on Tuesday after receiving a tip-off, news agency PTI reported. When the driver refused to halt, the activists chased the vehicle and intercepted it near Jetwannagar. During a search, they found 500 kg of beef valued at Rs 1.10 lakh inside the car, a police officer said. One of the occupants was caught by the activists, while the second person managed to flee. The activists later staged a blockade on the highway to protest against the administration and also damaged the car, the police said. A team from the Upnagar Police Station reached the spot and persuaded the protesters to withdraw their agitation, following which the road was cleared, PTI reported. Police arrested one occupant, identified as Shubham Jejurkar, and seized the beef. A case has been registered against Jejurkar and three others — including the car owner and driver — under provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act and the Motor Vehicles Act, the officer added. Two cattle smugglers held after police encounter in Uttar Pradesh; constable injured Two alleged cattle smugglers were arrested after being injured in an exchange of fire with police in the Madhupur area of Sonbhadra district on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported, quoting officers. A police constable was also hurt after being hit by a vehicle during the incident. Circle Officer Randhir Mishra said that Robertsganj Police and the special operations group received information that cattle smugglers were transporting cows in two pickup vans from the Karma area to Bihar via Naugarh and Madhupur for slaughter. Acting on the input, police laid a trap near the Dumuhia Bridge. Upon spotting the police, the smugglers rammed their pickup van into a constable, injuring him, and opened fire while trying to escape, Mishra said. Police retaliated in self-defence, during which two accused — Neeraj Kumar (22) of Sonbhadra and Munna (27) of Bhabhua in Bihar — sustained bullet injuries in their legs. Both were arrested, while three other suspects managed to flee. The injured smugglers and the constable were admitted to the district hospital. Police seized two pickup vehicles, 16 cattle, two country-made pistols, one live cartridge and three empty cartridges from the spot, Mishra added. (With PTI inputs)
10 December,2025 04:59 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentSeven people were injured on Wednesday morning after a leopard attacked multiple people in a neighbourhood in Nagpur district of Maharashtra, officials said. The forest department received a call reporting that the leopard had been spotted in Shiv Nagar in the Pardi area of Nagpur, causing panic among local residents. According to Dr Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur, at least five and seven people suffered injuries during the incident, reported the PTI. A team from the forest department and the wildlife treatment centre quickly reached the location, tranquilised the leopard, and safely rescued it. All injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment, as per the PTI. Earlier, on November 19, another leopard was rescued from the same part of the city. #WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: A leopard entered the residential area of Pardi locality, injuring 7 people. pic.twitter.com/TUGdBrr6oL — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025 In an another incident, as many as two residents of Nagaon Village, located near the popular Nagaon Beach in Maharashtra's Alibaug, were injured on Tuesday following a human–leopard conflict incident, which triggered panic in the locality. Soon after learning about the incident, the Maharashtra Forest Department rushed to the spot. Considering that leopards have been roaming freely in residential areas, efforts are underway to locate and safely rescue the wild cats from the densely populated area. In view of the rescue operation, Pune-based wildlife rescue NGO RESQ CT has also departed for Alibag to assist the forest personnel in the mission. The NGO is expected to provide technical expertise and equipment for safely capturing the big cat. Speaking about the situation, Nagaon's Sarpanch said, "Two people have been injured after a human-leopard conflict. The police team along with the forest department are already here and the situation is under control." Meanwhile, with the increasing leopard-human conflict cases, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Tuesday said that he had suggested forest officials to release goats in large numbers in forest areas to prevent leopards from straying into human settlements in search of prey. The minister was replying to a calling attention motion raised by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad during the ongoing Maharashtra Winter Session over the worrying rise in leopard attacks across the state. Naik noted that the behaviour and living patterns of leopards have undergone change. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
10 December,2025 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAjay Gupta, a co-owner of Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, said he was "only a partner" while being brought to Delhi’s Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell on Wednesday in connection with the fire that killed 25 people on December 7, news agency PTI reported. Wearing a mask and covering most of his face, Gupta made the brief remark while entering the crime branch office at Sunlight Colony. He was later taken to LNJP Hospital for medical tests before being moved to Saket court for transit remand. Sources told PTI that he was questioned by the Goa Police, which initiated formal procedures to apprehend him and seek a transit remand. The sources added that Gupta had been evading investigators since the blaze in north Goa's Arpora area. "A Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him after Goa Police failed to find him in Delhi during their first search. He was later located at a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar, where he had reportedly admitted himself citing spine-related medical issues. After medical clearance, he was detained and brought to the Crime Branch office for further procedures," the source told PTI. Gupta is likely to be placed under arrest once Goa Police completes the formalities for transit remand. Goa Police have already arrested five staff members of the nightclub, Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak, General Manager Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania, Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli, in connection with the tragedy. Meanwhile, two owners of the nightclub, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, left India shortly after the incident. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them. Gupta will face detailed questioning in Goa about the club's management, operational responsibilities, and fire-safety compliance, sources said. Goa nightclub fire case: Luthra brothers seek anticipatory bail as Romeo Lane set for demolition The Luthra brothers, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, have filed an anticipatory bail application, with the sessions court expected to hear the case on Thursday, a lawyer from their team said. Meanwhile, authorities plan to demolish a beach shack owned by the brothers, who also run the Arpora nightclub where a recent fire claimed 25 lives. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said bulldozers will raze Romeo Lane in Vagator, after the restaurant, reportedly built on government land, was sealed by officials. The investigation continues to focus on the tragic fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Addressing allegations of police negligence, Goa DIG Varsha Sharma said, "We have coordinated with the CBI and Interpol. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued." (With PTI inputs)
10 December,2025 04:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentDays after a major disruption pushed the aviation sector in the country to chaos, Indigo Airlines’s CEO Pieter Elber has now been asked to appear before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aviation safety regulator has directed the crisis-ridden airline’s chief to appear and submit a complete report, along with comprehensive data and updates, relating to the recent operational disruptions, news agency PTI reported. The Director General of Civil Aviation has asked the Indigo chief to appear at the DGCA office at 3 pm on Thursday. The regulator, while issuing the statement, has said that the CEO, along with senior officials from all the relevant departments, has been instructed to attend the meeting in view of the ongoing aviation crisis. As per the DGCA’s order, the airline has been asked to present information on the flight restoration and recruitment plan of pilots and crew, PTI reported. The order also stated that the airline is required to present a report on the updated position of pilot and cabin crew strength and the number of flights cancelled and refunds processed, among other information. Following large-scale disruptions to its services, which resulted in thousands of flights being cancelled, delayed/rescheduled, the DGCA appointed a panel to probe the disruptions. The four-member committee has been mandated to identify the root causes behind the operational breakdown. It comprises Joint DG Sanjay Brahamane, Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, Senior Flight Operations Inspector Kapil Manglik, and FOI Lokesh Rampal. The committee will closely examine manpower planning, fluctuating crew rostering systems and the airline's readiness to implement the latest duty period and rest norms for pilots, reported PTI. DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai on December 5 had announced that the panel will review IndiGo's compliance with the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation provisions. This includes assessing gaps admitted by the airline and fixing accountability for planning failures that resulted in widespread disruptions. On Tuesday, the DGCA had directed IndiGo to reduce its flight operations by 5 per cent across sectors, citing the airline's failure to operate its winter schedule efficiently and a backlog of cancellations. The airline has been asked to submit a revised schedule by 5 pm on Wednesday by the civil aviation regulator. (With inputs from PTI)
10 December,2025 04:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Federation of Retailer Association of India (FRAI), which represents nearly 80 lakh micro, small and medium retailers and 42 retail associations across the country, has appealed to the government for urgent support to protect small retailers who are facing a serious survival crisis due to the rapid growth of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, an official statement said. The FRAI marked the 9th National Retailers Day in New Delhi on Wednesday. FRAI highlighted that platforms offering deep discounts, fast delivery and heavy marketing are reshaping consumer behaviour. As a result, local grocery and kirana shops are losing customers and experiencing a sharp fall in sales. Market studies show that around two lakh kirana stores shut down last year as customers shifted to quick-commerce services like Blinkit and Zepto. A December 2024 JP Morgan study on Mumbai’s grocery market also reported that 60 per cent of offline stores saw a drop in sales because of nearby dark stores operated by such platforms, the statement said. FRAI said that instead of supporting small shopkeepers to grow, many large e-commerce companies -- often backed by foreign funding -- are reducing them to gig-workers by turning them into delivery agents. This, they warned, weakens entrepreneurship and leaves former shop owners with uncertain incomes and little protection. The association called for a fair and balanced support model to protect local retailers and the livelihoods of millions who form the backbone of India’s informal retail economy. They urged the government to provide kirana shops with a dedicated technology platform so they can compete fairly with e-commerce giants. Retailers at the event suggested creating a “Bharat Taxi-like” digital system, where customer orders are sent to nearby kirana shops and the order goes to the first shop that accepts it. They said this would promote fair competition and could include a customer-rating feature to encourage better service standards, the statement said. Speaking at the event, Abhay Raj Mishra, Member and National Coordinator of the Indian Sellers Collective and Honorary Spokesperson of FRAI, said, "Small retailers and kirana shopkeepers are facing an unprecedented challenge as e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms reshape the market. These family-run businesses are struggling against companies with deep pockets. The government must create a fair competitive environment and empower local retailers with the right technology. Platforms like ONDC offer hope by giving small businesses visibility, digital access, and a level playing field." FRAI also stated that the government-backed ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) can play a crucial role in supporting small retailers. ONDC moves away from platform-controlled marketplaces and creates an open, neutral network where buyers and sellers can transact using any compatible app. For kirana stores, this means lower costs, more visibility and the freedom to choose how they sell online, the statement further said. According to FRAI, ONDC can become even more effective with the right improvements. These include easier onboarding for sellers, practical digital training, and smoother operational processes. They also recommended standardised service levels across apps, stronger logistics partnerships, better incentives for sellers, and a unified rating and trust system for all users. FRAI said these steps would help protect entrepreneurial freedom and strengthen the livelihoods of lakhs of small retailers and kirana shop owners across India.
10 December,2025 04:24 PM IST | New Delhi | A CorrespondentA BJP office-bearer on Wednesday said that the ruling party has received 1,350 applications from aspirants willing to contest the upcoming local body elections for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, news agency PTI reported. The schedule for the civic body elections in Maharashtra is yet to be announced, but the polls are likely to be held next month (January 2026). Prominent political parties have started preparations for these elections. Considering that there are 115 wards in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, the BJP has received an immense number of applications. Sameer Rajurkar, the BJP civic elections head in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, while talking to the media, said, "BJP had called for applications from those willing to contest elections from these 115 wards on its ticket. We have so far received applications from 1,350 aspirants, including those from Muslim-dominated areas of the city." Rajurkar further added, "The applications will be forwarded to the senior party leaders, and they will take a decision. We are a step ahead of the other political parties, so this will help us to prepare better for the elections." The last corporation elections in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city were held a decade back in 2015. However, since 2020, there has been an administrator to oversee the operations across the municipal corporation. The undivided Shiv Sena and the BJP shared power in the civic body last time. During the five-year term, the undivided Shiv Sena gave two mayors, while one mayor was elected from the BJP. In the last Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city municipal corporation elections, Shiv Sena had won 29 seats, BJP 22 and the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) 25 seats. Mahayuti to fight Maharashtra local body elections together Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday held a one-and-a-half-hour closed-door meeting where they decided that BJP and Shiv Sena will contest the Maharashtra elections together under the Mahayuti alliance. During the meeting, it was decided that the ruling Mahayuti alliance will contest the upcoming municipal elections across the state, including Mumbai and Thane, together, according to an official release. Furthermore, the state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Chavan were also present at the meeting. (With inputs from PTI)
10 December,2025 04:14 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1765365003443_d.png "Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. File Pic")
