In a display of alertness and courage, a constable from Pantnagar Police Station chased down and apprehended a chain-snatcher in a dramatic early-morning incident at Pushp Vihar Junction. The victim, 74-year-old Kishori Mehta, was targeted by two accused—identified as Irfan and Mohammad Ali Shaukat Ali Mirza—who allegedly snatched her gold chain and attempted to flee on a motorcycle. Police constable Ravindra Kurhe, who was on patrol duty in the area, spotted the incident and immediately gave chase. In what appeared like a scene straight out of a film, Kurhe pursued the suspects and managed to nab Mirza with swift action and presence of mind. The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras in the area. The stolen gold chain has been recovered from the accused. Senior Police Inspector Lata Sutar felicitated Constable Kurhe for his bravery and prompt response, commending his dedication to duty. Further investigation is underway.
18 April,2026 10:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerIn a tragic road accident during the early hours of Saturday, April 18, two bank employees were killed after a severe collision between a container truck and a motorcycle. As per the information, the incident took place near the Nashik-Mumbai highway, ahead of the Khadi Bridge in Kalwa. According to preliminary information, the accident occurred when a speeding container rammed into a motorcycle carrying two individuals, including a woman. Both victims sustained critical injuries in the impact. As soon as the incident was reported, emergency services rushed to the spot, and the injured were immediately taken to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa for treatment. However, despite efforts by medical personnel, both individuals succumbed to their injuries. As per sources, the victims were a newly married couple who had gone to visit the husband’s mother, currently admitted to a hospital in Dombivli. As per the information received, the couple resided in Bhandup. The husband was employed at HDFC Bank’s Andheri branch, while the wife worked at Axis Bank’s Kalina branch. Local authorities confirmed that the Kalwa police were promptly informed about the incident. Beat Marshal HC Gaikwad reached the scene and took the container driver, identified as Shivbahadur, into custody for further investigation. While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, police have launched a probe to ascertain whether negligence or overspeeding led to the fatal crash. Man injured after speeding biker crashes into his scooter in Bhandup In a different scenario, a man was seriously injured after a speeding biker crashes into his scooter in Mumbai's Bhandup on Friday, officials said, adding that the cops have launched a manhunt to nab the suspect. According to the police, a speeding motorcycle hit a scooter rider in Bhandup West and later allegedly fled the scene. The incident took place on Friday morning. The incident took place around 10 am near National School Road and Tank Road. The victim, 25-year-old Laxus Pathare, was riding his scooter when a high-speed motorcycle reportedly turning at speed collided with him. Rider flees after crash According to the victim, the motorcycle rider also fell during the collision but got up and fled the spot instead of helping. Pathare said the entire incident happened within seconds and that the bike appeared suddenly before the crash. The motorcycle is believed to be a black and white KTM Duke, but the rider has not yet been identified.
18 April,2026 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFlight operations at Pune Airport were temporarily suspended late Friday night following an incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. According to officials, the incident occurred at around 10:25 pm when a fighter aircraft experienced an undercarriage failure during landing, resulting in the blockage of the runway. The aircrew onboard were reported safe, and no damage to civil property was recorded. In an official statement, the Indian Air Force confirmed that the runway had become temporarily unavailable due to the incident, adding that efforts were immediately initiated to restore normal operations. Air Traffic Control (ATC) sources indicated that it took approximately four to five hours to clear the runway and ensure safety compliance. Reacting to the incident, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol said the runway operations were temporarily halted due to the IAF aircraft incident, but all crew members are safe and no civil damage has occurred. He added that all airlines have been informed and around five hours were required to restore operations. Mohol further stated that he is in constant coordination with airport authorities and IAF officials to ensure the situation is normalised at the earliest. Airport authorities confirmed at 7:40 am on Saturday that the runway had been cleared with safety checks completed on priority. Departures resumed from 7:30 am, followed by arrivals from 8:00 am, with operations gradually normalising through the day. The runway at Pune Airport, which was temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an Indian Air Force aircraft, has now been restored and declared operational.All necessary safety inspections and clearances have been completed. Operations are resuming in a phased… — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 18, 2026 According to the Indian Air Force, the runway at Pune Airport, which was temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an IAF aircraft, has now been restored and declared operational. All required safety inspections and clearances have been completed, and flight operations are being resumed in a phased manner.
18 April,2026 10:21 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalClean sweep As the city reeled under a heatwave, it was work as usual for sanitation workers cleaning the walkway outside Juhu beach. Tagore musings in Mumbai A scene from Noukadubi. PIC COURTESY/RABINDRAKATHA TAGORE FILM FESTIVAL The Rabindrakatha Tagore Film Festival, celebrating the legacy of the Nobel laureate, opened on Friday with a curated line-up of films, discussions and sessions exploring cinematic adaptations of his works. In an interesting development, this diarist has learnt that the event has witnessed growing interest from non-Bengali audiences. The three-day festival showcases classic and contemporary interpretations, reflecting the continued relevance of Tagore’s storytelling. The opening screening featured Noukadubi by Rituparno Ghosh, while the programme also includes a documentary on Tagore by Satyajit Ray. Beyond screenings, interested folk can attend a panel discussion on how Tagore’s works have been adapted over time, featuring Joy Sengupta, Bhawana Somaaya, and Meenakshi Shedde among others. Joy Sengupta; Bhawana Somaaya “Early registrations indicate participation from across communities, suggesting the festival’s appeal is expanding beyond its traditional base,” said honorary creative head Anusree Bonnerjee. With free entry, the festival aims to bring Tagore’s timeless stories to a more diverse audience. Check @shahana.tagore_centre for the itinerary. Solar energy is the way The new solar bench in Bandra. PIC COURTESY/MAYANK POONEKAR Going the eco-friendly way is cool, and we are happy to report the installation of new solar-powered benches at Bandra Fort Garden and Joggers Park. Equipped with free Wi-Fi and charging ports, the benches highlight the practical use of renewable energy in public spaces. Mayank Poonekar, who heads the Darshanik Works team that designed and built the benches, assured us that an acrylic panel over the solar panels means visitors can rest assured on the benches. “By promoting clean energy and reducing electricity consumption, we envision a greener city. We hope to set up more benches across Mumbai soon,” Poonekar assured us. We’ll continue to track how these small, significant steps help create a sustainable Mumbai. Waiting for Javed saab’s nod Yadnesh Raikar and Javed Akhtar. PIC COURTESY/YADNESH RAIKAR AAP jaise bade kalakaron ko milkar acha lagta hai,” you’d expect these words being said to iconic screenwriter, lyricist, poet Javed Akhtar, not coming from him. The kalakaar in question was 26-year-old violinist Yadnesh Raikar, who sat down with the veteran lyricist earlier this week. “I wasn’t expecting that to be the first thing he’d say to me on our first meeting. We were working on a spoken word piece for a private performance, featuring Javed saab’s words, and my violin score. He made me comfortable that I nearly imagined I was jamming with a friend,” revealed Raikar. So, what does brainstorming with an icon fee like? “Nervous, to be honest,” Raikar admitted. Seated across Akhtar at his residence, the violinist put together melodies on the go as the lyricist read his lines in Urdu. “After some experimentation, he looked up and nodded his head in approval. We had our melody. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to collaborate with him,” the violinist recalled. Flutter-by classrooms Common Tiger. FILE PIC; (right) Red Pierrot butterfly. PICS COURTESY/DR V SHUBALAXMI; The campus butterfly garden at Don Bosco School in Nerul Butterflies will soon flutter by schools across Mumbai, thanks to Dr V Shubhalaxmi. The entomologist is working on a new guide book titled Beyond Butterflies that will take learning out of the classroom, and into butterfly gardens. “Growing up, I remember learning about wildlife through examples that felt imaginary. Children learn by seeing and experiencing. The new book will feature activities that can be undertaken at school gardens,” she told us. Dr V Shubhalaxmi To that end, her foundation iNatureWatch has already built campus butterfly gardens in nearly 10 schools in Navi Mumbai over the last seven months. “We hope to build more butterfly havens across the city soon,” she confirmed. Those keen to get their hands on the book can keep an eye on @inaturewatch next month.
18 April,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayNearly 40 patients at Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Mohannagar, Chinchwad, were left without electricity for over four hours on April 17, forcing them to endure extreme heat without fans or ventilation — even as Pune recorded temperatures above 41 degrees C on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Maharashtra, warning of a further rise in temperatures and advising strict precautions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and hospitalised patients. Power outage The outage began around 3:30 pm and lasted till at least 7:30 pm (with power yet to be restored), leaving wards without fans, lights, or cooling. Patients undergoing treatment lay in stifling conditions as the heat intensified through the afternoon, with no backup power available. Relatives seeking answers were told that generator installation work was underway, raising concerns over the hospital’s preparedness during peak summer. Authorities unavailable Hospital authorities were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts by this newspaper.
18 April,2026 09:24 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalAn unidentified man was bludgeoned to death with a stone outside the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters in CBD-Belapur on Friday. Daylight attack The murder, carried out in broad daylight on a busy stretch, stunned residents and office-goers, raising serious concerns about safety in a key administrative zone. Police said the victim was attacked with a heavy stone in a sudden act of extreme violence. The accused fled the scene, leaving behind a gruesome sight. Probe underway Senior officers from the CBD-Belapur police station rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, while forensic teams collected evidence. Senior Police Inspector Arun Pawar said that the investigation is underway, with multiple teams working to crack the case. “We are still investigating the case. The victim is yet to be identified, and the process is going on for identification. We have formed a team and are also checking CCTV footage to arrest the accused,” Pawar told mid-day. With no clear motive yet, investigators are exploring all angles from personal enmity to a possible random act of violence. Apr 17Day when the incident occured
18 April,2026 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghThe controversy following the recent NESCO concert has triggered strong opposition to an upcoming music event in Kalamboli, in Navi Mumbai, with residents, a local corporator and police raising concerns over safety, drug abuse, and disturbance to nearby hospitals. The Royal Stag Boom concert, scheduled for April 25 in Kalamboli, is now under scrutiny, with growing calls for its cancellation. Manali Thakur submits a letter to police seeking cancellation of the Royal Stag Boom concert. Pics/By Special Arrangement Political objection . Panvel Municipal Corporation Corporator Manali Thakur has written to the police seeking cancellation of the event.. Citing the NESCO incident — where alleged drug consumption during a concert reportedly led to deaths and hospitalisations — she said such events could send the wrong message.. “We cannot allow such events to send the wrong message to our youth. Navi Mumbai’s safe image must be protected,” Thakur said. Key issues raised Drug concerns: Fears of substance abuse following the NESCO incidentHospital proximity: Venue located near hospitals, raising disturbance concernsPermission gap: Organisers have not approached the police yetPublic order: Residents fear noise, crowding and nuisance Posters put up in Kalamboli urging authorities to deny permission for the upcoming concert At a glance Event: Royal Stag Boom concertDate: April 25Location: Kalamboli, Navi MumbaiStatus: Permission under considerationKey concern: Drug use, hospital disturbancePolice stance: Advised against permission What happens after this... The final decision now rests with CIDCO, which has received inputs from both police and local representatives. Another arrest in NESCO case In a major development in the NESCO music concert drug overdose case, the number of arrests has climbed to eight, with the Vanrai Police apprehending absconding accused Shubh Agarwal, who is alleged to be a key supplier in the narcotics chain. Another accused, Ayush Sahitya, continues to remain on the run. Police flag key concerns . In a significant development, Kalamboli Senior Police Inspector Rajendra Kote said organisers have not approached the police for permission. Instead, they have written to CIDCO.. “We have received the letter from PMC Corporator Manali Thakur regarding not allowing the Royal Stag concert. The organisers have not come to us yet for permission. They have approached CIDCO,” Kote told mid-day.. He added that police have flagged concerns with CIDCO.. “We have informed CIDCO that there are hospitals around the venue, so permission should not be granted considering patients in the area,” he said. Residents push for cancellation . Kalamboli Residents backed demand for cancellation, citing fears of drug use, crowd mismanagement and late-night disturbance. “We don’t want Panvel to become a drugs hub,” said Sachin Kamble, an advocate.. “There are families and patients here. Such events bring noise, alcohol and unwanted elements. Not acceptable,” said Pallavi Singh, a homemaker.. Posters have appeared in the area, urging authorities to reject permission for the event
18 April,2026 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghWhat began as two separate medical crises turned into a deeply human story of chance, courage, and shared hope — thanks to an extraordinary coincidence in cross-matching for liver transplants. Both patients — Nepal Singh Rajput, 41, from Madhya Pradesh and Vinod Babaso Chavan, 43, from Karad village of Satara district in Maharashtra — suffered from advanced liver disease and needed a liver transplant. While both of their wives were willing to donate, neither donor was compatible with their intended recipient. Nepal Singh Rajput received a transplant from Ashwini Chavan While the transplants were a team effort of over 50 medical experts, including doctors and support staff, it was Dr Amey Sonavane’s presence of mind that helped both families. “Dr Sonavane has his once-a-month consultation in Sangli, where we would take my husband. He informed us that there is one female living donor who is a match for my husband. But he also informed me that I was a match for her husband, who was also in need of a liver transplant,” said Ashwini Chavan, wife of Vinod. The second case involved a couple in which the husband was the liver donor. He discovered he had heart blockages and was treated in time due to tests carried out prior to the transplant. Vinod Chavan received a transplant from Varsha Rajput Case 1 The challenges“Such transplants are very high-stakes ones; if something goes wrong with one of the four, the process is jeopardised,” said Dr Amey Sonavane, lead consultant, hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. “Organising manpower was a challenge. Experts from our other branches chipped in,” said Dr Guruprasad Shetty, lead consultant, department head (HPB) and liver transplantation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. Patients speak Vinod Babaso Chavan‘I was diagnosed with fatty liver, which eventually turned into liver cirrhosis. My wife or family members weren’t a match, so we registered on the transplant list and were waiting for a cadaver donor.’ Ashwini Chavan‘My husband had been hesitant about a transplant. But his condition worsened, and we were requested to visit Apollo Hospital and meet the Rajput couple; and then there was no turning back.’ Varsha Rajput‘I was happy that I might be able to save my husband’s life. Now I am happy that Ashwini and I have not only saved two lives but also saved two families from facing one of the biggest traumas of their lives.” Case 2 Dr Geeta Billa The challengesPramila Yadav, 47, had been suffering from fatty liver since 2015. “Transplant was the only option. Her husband decided to be the donor. The vein to Pramila’s liver was blocked, so she was put on blood thinners. Also, we could take her nutrition level up to only a certain level post-operation because of which she experienced water accumulation,” said Dr Geeta Billa, director of gastroenterology and hepatology at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital. Dr Rao “The transplant had to be postponed till her husband was cleared. Angioplasty was done around April last year, and the transplant in September. Seven months post-op, both are back to their routines,” said Dr Prashantha Srikantha Rao, director, HPB surgery and liver transplant, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital. Patient speaks Bishnu Yadav‘When doctors conducted tests, they found that I had 90 per cent blockages in my heart. I had undergone a full body checkup two months before, and the reports were normal. More than I saving my wife’s life, it feels like she has saved mine!’
18 April,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarJuhu and Vile Parle residents have raised concerns about the closure of the bridge over the Irla nullah, saying they have been facing difficulties for the past month. Locals were unsure why the structure had been shut, speculating that it could be owing to repairs. They added that because of the closure, they have to take a 2-km detour. The bridge was previously closed for eight to nine months in 2023, and residents said they were inconvenienced then as well, as workers had accidentally damaged a pipe, cutting off the supply of water to the area for a few days. Residents stated that when they contacted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), they were told that officials would look into the matter, but no action has been taken. mid-day contacted the K West ward of the BMC to understand why the bridge had been shut and what steps were being taken to provide relief to residents, but didn’t receive a reply by press time. 2023Year bridge was last shut Residents speak Sunil Kanojia, daily commuter‘The detour costs those travelling from the area to Andheri railway station R100 daily. We were happy when the bridge was reopened. But the work seems to have been started again. With no pedestrian walkway across the nullah, we are being severely inconvenienced’ Sandeep Tiwari‘My kids study in a school which is 600 m from my house, but now, because the bridge is closed, they have to walk about more than 2 km to the school, or take an auto, which costs about Rs 70 a day’ Albert Pinto‘Senior citizens, who would use the bridge daily, now walk around in the heat. We are supportive of the BMC’s initiative to reconstruct the bridge, but we only request that residents should not be inconvenienced’
18 April,2026 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Atul KambleA connector in a premium Andheri West area, leading to Infiniti Mall and behind Citi Mall, was demolished two years ago. This structure, which was approximately 30 metres (approximately 100 feet), connected both sides of the road and was used by pedestrians and vehicles. Sheets form a base on which people have to tread It has been lying unfinished and in disrepair for close to two years. Vehicles now take a turn some distance away to access the other side. A crane lies inside the dug-up cavity, attesting to the long-stalled work Pedestrians have the roughest time as they have to cross over through a makeshift access. This temporary connector comprises metal sheets, after which they have to walk on cables and pipes. One missed step on this treacherous stretch of ‘pagdandi’ may result in a debilitating fall inside a muddy ditch. A cyclist traverses the precarious pathway. Pics/Atul Kamble The nauseating stench of garbage envelopes the area as one side of this connector has become a rubbish dump. “People from all around come in and throw debris. It is a festering garbage disposal spot,” said locals, pointing to a number of bags loaded with rubbish at the spot. Soon, soon Local corporator Rupesh Savarkar said, “I have asked for a joint meeting with the BMC officer concerned and the contractor for a review of the work and the timeline. I assure locals that once I have this meeting, I will ensure that the work is expedited and completed soon.” Anand Shirali, Sandesh Kadam, and Mukesh Sanghavi on a building terrace in the area Locals Speak Anand Shirali, Andheri resident who has to access this space for work ‘A slip or fall on this temporary structure can be very hazardous, especially for kids and senior citizens. It is hard to believe this is an upscale area with sky-high real estate prices, but deplorable conditions’ Sandesh S Kadam, project management consultant and civil engineer whose office is in area‘This is an upscale area, with dizzying real estate prices. I am wary of calling people to meet me at my workplace, which is just a building away. This has become a frustrating wait, and the space is unhygienic and unsafe’ Mukesh Sanghav, Andheri resident‘How are we supposed to cross over to the other side?” asked businessman and resident Mukesh Sanghavi. “We have seen little to no progress since two years; work should have been speedily completed. Every local and others who have to negotiate this space for any reason, is troubled’ Arvind Jethalal, A general/provisions store owner‘Business was good a couple of years ago. Today, customers have decreased, as nobody wants to cross this. I do get orders on the phone, but my staffers need to cross this connector — if one can even call it that — with bags. They have to be very cautious, and I am careful about them carrying weight’ Sanjeev Singh Pal, Andheri resident‘Our local representatives promised ‘beautification of this area’ while campaigning. Then, why are we holding our noses while standing here? There is no security or supervision. Imagine how precarious this will get in the monsoon’
18 April,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharWith the India Meteorological Department earlier this week indicating the possibility of a weak or below-average southwest monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approached the state government seeking additional water to ensure an uninterrupted supply till the end of August. As of April 16, the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai are at 33.22 per cent capacity. As a precautionary measure, the BMC has requested one lakh Million Litres (ML) of water to be drawn from Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna. If the state releases the additional stock, this could help sustain supply till August 31, 2026. Current water situation A senior civic official said the city’s current reserves are stable but require careful planning. “In case we have weak rainfall, the present water stock in our lakes should be sufficient till August 31. This does not imply that we will get no rainfall until August, but we have to consider the water stock situation for the entire next year as well,” the official said. At a glance Total storage capacity: 14,47,363 MLCurrent stock: 4,80,842 ML (33.22%)Daily supply: 3950-4100 MLConcern: Weak monsoon forecastPlan: Seek additional water, consider phased cuts Water cuts April 20-27: 5% cut in 11 of 26 municipal wards due to maintenanceAffected areas include Kurla, Govandi, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Powai, Mulund, Churchgate, Colaba, Byculla, Parel, and SioN April 15: 20-25% one-day cut in parts of the eastern suburbs and the island cityCaused by a power disruption at the Pajarapur and Pise treatment plants Possibility of water cuts Officials said a decision on 10 per cent water cut will be taken when required depending on real-time monitoring. “There is no need to panic regarding the water situation. If BMC decides to impose a water cut, it is not a call we can plan about in advance. This call will have to be taken after monitoring the water stock situation in real time,” a senior official said. Lake-wise storage (ML) Bhatsa 2,32,800Upper Vaitarna 75,286Middle Vaitarna 68,589Modak Sagar45,340Tansa 40,280Vihar 15,296Tulsi 3250 Note: Bhatsa water is shared with the state government and is not fully available to the BMC.ML = million litres
18 April,2026 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MS | Sarthak MehtaADVERTISEMENT
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