The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Thursday said that it has decided reschedule the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections to February 7 and the counting of votes to February 9, reported the PTI. Voting for the 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis will now be held on February 7, instead of the earlier date of February 5, the SEC said on Thursday. The counting of votes has been postponed to February 9, instead of the previously announced date of February 7, according to the SEC. The polls have been deferred following the three-day mourning declared in the state after the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday, January 28, the SEC said in a statement. Ajit Pawar, 66, was cremated with full state honours in Pune on Thursday. Polling arrangements across districts The SEC had earlier this month stated that was making arrangements for approximately 25,482 polling stations across the state. Polling will be conducted from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. Voter list and voting machines The voter list prepared by the Election Commission of India as of July 1, 2025, will be used for these elections. The voter lists have been bifurcated for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti constituencies as per rules. “No additions or deletions can be made to the voter list at this stage,” State Election Commission (SEC) Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare had said while addressing a press conference on January 11. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including ballot units and control units, will be used extensively to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. Special facilities for voters The SEC said special facilities will be provided at polling stations for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and voters with infants. Facilities will include ramps, wheelchairs, drinking water and toilets. Where feasible, all-women polling stations will be set up in areas with a high concentration of women voters. Administrative arrangements and MCC Extensive administrative preparations have been made, including the appointment of thousands of election officers and staff. The SEC has also specified expenditure limits separately for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti candidates, based on the size of the electoral divisions. Waghmare warned that strict action will be taken against violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Election campaigning will end 48 hours before polling begins. (with PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 08:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPalghar Police have arrested two men for allegedly stealing gold jewellery worth Rs 3.5 lakh from a senior citizen woman after offering to polish it, news agency PTI reported. The accused, who operate an eatery, approached Hansi Devi Kundansinh Rautela (73) when she was shopping at Boisar vegetable market on the eve of Makar Sankranti, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh. The accused claimed that they polish gold jewellery, the police said. Rautela fell into their trap and handed them over her gold chain and four gold bangles. The accused allegedly pretended to polish it and returned her a bundle tied in a handkerchief, the officer said. However, when the woman opened the bundle after returning home, she found that there were only sheets of paper inside, PTI reported. Deshmukh said that based on her complaint, a case was registered at Boisar Police Station and a special investigation team was formed. The police zeroed in on Dhiraj alias Papa Rajaram Rathod (40) and Dinesh Hiralal Solanki (42) on the basis of tip-offs and technical analysis. After a few hours, the police were able to track down the accused, and arrested both of them on Tuesday. Following the duo's arrest, the police also managed to recover the complainant's gold jewellery. Rathod has multiple cheating cases registered against him across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, while Solanki is also a repeat offender, said Deshmukh, adding that Boisar Police are conducting further investigation. Four Mumbai cops held for stealing cash Four Mumbai cops were arrested for allegedly stealing cash and gold jewellery from the house of a woman suspected to be a Bangladeshi during a raid, PTI reported. An assistant police inspector and three constables attached to the anti-terrorism cell (ATC) were arrested for allegedly stealing cash and gold jewellery from the house of a woman in Navi Mumbai during a drive to identify illegal Bangladeshi nationals last month, a police officer said on Tuesday. Officers further stated that the same police team is also accused of extorting Rs 5 lakh from another suspected Bangladeshi woman in Kalyan, in Thane district, PTI reported. (With PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 08:15 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentUnion Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday, in view of speeding up the probe into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar and four others, sought the state government's cooperation. In a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis a day after the tragedy, Naidu sought the government's support for accessing the crash site, along with local administrative assistance and coordination with ground agencies, among other steps, news agency PTI reported. He further said that key outcomes of the investigation will be shared with the state government. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which functions under the Civil Aviation Ministry, has already initiated a formal investigation into the aircraft crash. In his letter, Naidu sought speedy conduction of the inquiry so that the clarity about the fatal plane crash could be clarified as soon as possible, PTI reported. Pawar (66) took off from Mumbai in the early hours of Wednesday aboard a Bombardier private jet with four others. The aircraft crashed near Baramati in Pune district around 9 am, barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop airstrip. All passengers and crew on board were killed. The other victims of the crash have been identified as Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had a flying experience of 15,000 hours; co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak with 1500 hours of flying experience; Pawar's Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav; and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Pawar was cremated with full state honours on Thursday at Baramati. Ajit Pawar death: Fadnavis orders detailed inquiry into Baramati plane crash Earlier, Fadnavis had urged the Union Minister to order a detailed inquiry to find out the exact cause behind the crash and also requested for immediate steps to prevent such accidents in the future. The Union Civil Aviation Minister said that his ministry has taken note of the CM's request to implement measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Naidu further assured that, based on the investigation's findings, necessary safety recommendations and regulatory or operational measures will be implemented in coordination with the AAIB, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), and other stakeholders. (With PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 07:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA day after the tragic demise of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar, senior party leaders indicated that his wife Sunetra could be inducted into the Maharashtra Cabinet. Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal on Thursday said that people want Sunetra to become a part of the state ministry, news agency PTI reported. Pawar's NCP is a constituent of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Considering that Sunetra is currently a Rajya Sabha member, she could be sworn in as the minister. When asked about the NCP's future after Pawar's death, Zirwal said that people want "vahini (sister-in-law, referring to Sunetra Pawar)" to be included in the ministry, PTI reported. Zirwal, a close confidant of the late deputy chief minister, told the media, ‘We will discuss the matter with party leadership and take a decision. Responding to a question on the merger of the two NCP groups, Zirwal said, ''The two factions are already together. Everyone has realised that there is no point in remaining scattered and that they have to be together.'' Ajit Pawar death: Maharashtra Deputy CM cremated with full state honours On Wednesday, Pawar and four others were killed when the chartered plane they boarded from Mumbai crashed at Baramati in Pune district. Pawar's last rites were performed with full state honours on Thursday at Baramati. Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari attended the funeral at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, around 100 km from Pune. Several senior leaders, cutting across party lines, were also present to pay their final respects to the 66-year-old NCP chief and deputy CM. CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde were also present, along with Sunetra and her sons, Parth and Jay. Pawar’s cousin and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) lawmaker Supriya Sule, as well as NCP working president Praful Patel, too, attended the last rites. As Ajit Pawar’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his Katewadi village to the funeral venue, thousands of supporters gathered, raising slogans of ‘Ajit Dada amar rahe (May Ajit Dada remain immortal)'. In July 2023, Pawar had joined the then Eknath Shinde-led state government, triggering a split in the NCP founded by his uncle Sharad. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 07:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court on Thursday announced plans to establish a high-powered committee to oversee the implementation of measures aimed at combating air pollution in the Mumbai region, stating that the efforts made so far by state and civic authorities have been inadequate, reported the PTI. A division bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar clarified that the court was not criticising any authority, but was acting to ensure that residents can breathe clean air. The bench noted that it had taken suo motu cognisance in October 2023 of rising pollution levels in the metropolis, which fluctuated across categories from good to severe. On November 6, 2023, the court issued directions and suggested measures for the short, medium and long term. However, the bench observed that it has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the actions taken by the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai civic bodies, as well as the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). The court remarked that the MPCB appeared to be “sailing on its affidavits”, with the measures claimed to have been taken deemed insufficient. Pollution levels remain high The court noted that air pollution in Mumbai had not reduced and was reported to be very severe in December. “We have apprised ourselves of the previous orders, and find that compliances so far made by (municipal) corporations and MPCB are not sufficient and satisfactory,” the bench stated. It added that even if authorities had taken serious steps, their results were not visible. Court forms high-powered committee Due to the rising number of dockets and limited time, the court said it was unable to examine all affidavits filed by municipal corporations and the MPCB, or reports submitted by an expert committee formed in 2023. After hearing all parties, the high court decided to establish a high-powered committee, headed by a former Supreme Court judge, to monitor compliance with air pollution control measures in Mumbai and surrounding areas. The court directed that the committee should meet daily, and that its members should be provided with necessary facilities. Possible compensation for affected citizens The HC bench also referred to a suggestion that citizens affected by pollution should be compensated. When the lawyer for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation noted that existing statutory bodies were responsible for such matters, the court responded that it had seen no evidence of action by these bodies in the current proceedings. The court indicated it was inclined to grant some powers to the committee. The final names of committee members are expected to be announced in the court’s written order. (with PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWork on the Vidyavihar flyover, which connects the eastern and western parts of the city, is planned to be completed by June 25, 2026, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials said on Thursday. According to an official statement, the flyover is being built over the railway tracks at Vidyavihar station, within the limits of BMC’s N Ward. It will connect Ramchandra Chemburkar Marg on the eastern side with Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Marg on the western side. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar visited the construction site on Thursday, January 29, 2026, to review the progress of work. During the inspection, he directed officials to speed up the work and ensure that all major activities are completed before the monsoon. As the plan, all works on the eastern side of the flyover will be completed by February 28, 2026. The entire project is targeted for completion by 25 June 2026, after finishing works such as road surfacing, the statement said. Two-lane structure with a total length of about 650 metres It said that the Vidyavihar flyover is a two-lane structure with a total length of about 650 metres. It includes a 100-metre-long bridge over the railway tracks, a 220-metre approach road on the eastern side and a 330-metre approach road on the western side. The project also includes new access routes from the flyover to the footpaths of Vidyavihar railway station. In addition, ticket counters, the station master’s office and staircases within the railway area have been reconstructed. Pedestrian access from the station staircases to the service road is also being provided. Work on the eastern side is in its final stage Bangar said that work on the eastern side is in its final stage. The solid approach road and surfacing of the entire bridge will be completed by the end of February 2026. He asked officials to prepare detailed, step-by-step work schedules to meet the deadlines, the official statement said. Traffic diversion remain a challenge On the western side, six pillars have already been completed. Construction of the remaining four pillars, bridge spans and approach roads is still pending. Traffic diversion remains a major challenge during this phase. To minimise inconvenience to commuters, road works on both sides of the flyover will be completed first, so that more road space is available for traffic, the statement said. The removal of affected residential and commercial structures and finalisation of the road alignment will be carried out. Once these processes are completed, the pace of construction is expected to increase significantly. Opening by June 25 Keeping the upcoming monsoon in mind, Bangar instructed that all major structural works must be completed by May 31, 2026. Finishing works such as surfacing should be carried out afterwards. He clearly stated that the flyover must be completed and opened to traffic by June 25, 2026 under all circumstances, the statement said. Chief Engineer (Bridges) Uttam Shrote, along with other senior officers and engineers, was present during the site inspection.
29 January,2026 06:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Traffic Police have declared the stretch between Jain Mandir Road and Jijamata Vidyamandir under the Kurar Police Station limits in Malad East as a ‘no-parking zone’ on both sides for a period of three months, citing traffic congestion and public safety concerns. According to a temporary notification issued by the deputy commissioner of police (traffic), western suburbs, the road is extremely narrow and has been witnessing unauthorised parking on both sides, leading to frequent traffic obstructions and congestion in the area. The police said complaints had also been received from residents regarding unlawful activities during night hours involving vehicles parked illegally along the stretch. “In order to reduce inconvenience to citizens, ensure public safety and facilitate smooth regulation of traffic, it has become necessary to declare the said road stretch as a no-parking zone,” the notification stated. The restriction will remain in force for three months from the date of issuance of the order, and vehicles violating the restriction will face action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and rules framed thereunder, the police said. Police have appealed to motorists to strictly comply with the restrictions and cooperate with the authorities for effective traffic management. Mumbai Traffic Police ban heavy vehicles, water tankers on Borivali East roads In a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion and preventing accidents, the Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a temporary notification prohibiting the entry of heavy vehicles and water tankers on several narrow roads in Borivali East. The notification, issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Western Suburbs, Ajit Borhade, on Wednesday, will be in effect on a trial basis for three months, until April 28. Affected roads Nirmal Building to Post Office Road No 12 Post Office Siddhi Vinayak Building to Kajupada Chowki Road No 15 Rear side of Nirmal Building to Shrikrishna Nagar Road No 13 Shrikrishna Nagar Road No 14 Kajupada Chowki to Savarpada Road Kajupada Chowk to Machhi Market Road Main Market to Zhagardev Compound, Kajupada, Mane Compound According to the notification, a large number of private water tankers coming to fill water at Mane Compound and Kaju Pada have caused serious traffic obstructions on these extremely narrow roads. Past incidents have also included accidents of serious nature, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. ExemptionsVehicles engaged in essential services will be allowed at all times, including: Delivery of vegetables, milk, bread, and bakery items Gas and fuel tankers Ambulances and fire brigade vehicles Municipal Corporation vehicles providing essential services Police vehicles The traffic restrictions will apply every day from 8 am to 9 pm. The police have appealed to motorists to cooperate with them and use alternative routes to avoid inconvenience. Violations of this order may attract legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and other applicable laws, the police warned.
29 January,2026 06:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA portion of a drainage protection wall collapsed on Thursday afternoon in the Kopri area of Maharashtra's Thane following which the civic teams were rushed to the spot, officials said. The incident raised safety concerns for locals. However, no injuries were reported in the incident, officials said. According to information received by the Thane Municipal Corporation’s (TMC) Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC), the incident occurred at around 2.05 pm near Panchayat Society, close to KL Colony, in the Gandhinagar-Anand Nagar area of Kopri (East). Officials said that a section of the protective wall built over the drain, measuring around 200 feet in length and 10 feet in height, gave way. The main wall of the drain also partially caved in. As a result of the collapse, two nearby trees were left in a dangerous condition, posing a risk to adjacent residential buildings and a nearby housing society. Corporators and civic officials rush to spot Local corporators, including Namrata Bhosale, Meenal Sankhe and Rajendra Phatak, along with social workers Ashutosh Maske and Sahil Bankar, were present at the site. Several civic officials and staff from multiple departments also rushed to the spot. These included officers from the Disaster Management Cell, Public Works Department, INDP department, Fire Brigade, Encroachment Department, Water Supply, Solid Waste Management, Electricity Department and the Tree Authority. Area barricaded as safety measure As a precautionary step, Disaster Management Cell staff cordoned off the affected area with warning tape and barricades to prevent public movement near the collapsed section. Officials said repair and stabilisation work will be carried out by the Public Works Department and the INDP department. The incident has been reported to the concerned departments, and they have been instructed to take necessary action. A detailed action-taken report will be submitted to the Regional Disaster Management Cell, officials added. Fire breaks out in textile processing unit in Bhiwandi A fire erupted at a textile processing facility in Bhiwandi, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district, late Tuesday night. Officials confirmed that the incident did not result in any injuries. The blaze was reported around 11 pm at a unit situated in the Karivali area of the powerloom hub on the outskirts of Mumbai. Emergency services were alerted immediately after the fire was spotted. Two fire tenders were deployed to the site and successfully brought the flames under control, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)
29 January,2026 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway (WR) will introduce four additional 12-car non-AC (air-conditioned) suburban services in Mumbai from February 1 to enhance commuter convenience and connectivity. With the addition of 12 new suburban trains, the total number of suburban services on WR will rise from 1,406 to 1,410. According to officials from WR, the expansion has been made possible following the completion of construction work on the sixth railway line between Kandivali and Borivali. Officials also highlighted that the commissioning of the new line has enabled the shifting of all Bandra Terminus-bound suburban services to the 5th and 6th lines between Borivali and Bandra Terminus, a move that will significantly improve operational efficiency and traffic management. Of the four new suburban services on the Western Line, two will operate in the UP direction and two in the DOWN direction. UP direction trains Bhayandar to Bandra, departing at 11.39 am Bhayandar to Churchgate, departing at 12.14 pm DOWN direction trains Bandra to Bhayandar, departing at 4.30 am Bandra to Bhayandar, departing at 1.21 pm In its official statement, WR also said that the induction of these services will also lead to minor changes in the timings of certain existing suburban trains. WR has appealed to passengers to take note of the revised schedules to avoid inconvenience. The introduction of these additional services is expected to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and provide smoother travel for thousands of daily commuters across the WR suburban network. Mumbai local train updates: Western Railway to install CCTV at 200 suburban locations Following the rise in cases of passenger misbehavior and assault on ticket-checking staff, WR is installing a complete CCTV network at nearly 200 locations across the Mumbai suburban network. It will also help the vigilance department to monitor ticket-checking operations. Railway officials, while highlighting the safety measures, said, “The Mumbai Central Division of Western Railway is rolling out CCTV coverage worth Rs 25.81 crore across ticketing offices, counters, and passenger interface areas.” Official records show that CCTV cameras will be installed at 29 Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centers at stations and 31 Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS)-cum-PRS stations at a cost of Rs 7.12 crore, strengthening security at some of the most crowded ticketing locations on the Mumbai suburban railway network.
29 January,2026 04:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Shain slammed Mamata Banerjee for alleging a conspiracy behind the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, urging her and others to refrain from politicising someone’s death. Speaking to media on Thursday, after Ajit Pawar's sudden demise, West Bengal CM Banerjee claimed that Ajit Pawar was likely to leave the NDA and had been planning to return to the Opposition's INDIA bloc. In reply, Shaina NC termed the comments 'inappropriate and insensitive' while cautioning against using the unfortunate incident for political point-scoring. The Shiv Sena leader asserted, “Mamata Banerjee, please do not do politics on someone’s death. It may be a political issue for you, but for the country, it was a shocking incident in which a senior leader lost his life,” as per IANS. She also added, “He had gone to Baramati for work. Technical failure is a possibility, and there should be an investigation, but calling it a conspiracy is not right. This is not the script of a B-grade film. If you cannot express sympathy, then please refrain from making such statements.” No conspiracy behind Ajit Pawar’s death The Shiv Sena leader further clarified that there is no conspiracy behind the deputy chief minister’s sudden demise. Shaina also said, “Sharad Pawar has stated that it was a technical failure. Everything will become clear in the coming days. Those who are trying to politicise this tragedy should remember that death is not a gift; it is sometimes a matter of fate,” as per IANS. Recalling Ajit Pawar’s long political career, she said that the Maharashtra Chief Minister devoted nearly five decades of his life to public service in Maharashtra. Shaina NC hails Ajit Pawar Hailing the NCP chief, Shaina emphasised, “Ajit Pawar contributed nearly 50 years to Maharashtra politics. He began his career as an MLA from Baramati, went on to become Finance Minister and Irrigation Minister, and served as Deputy Chief Minister six times. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 66 years, six months and six days. If we talk about an able administrator, Ajit Pawar ‘Dada’ will always be remembered as one,” as per IANS. Shaina NC, while highlighting that the Maharashtra political circle will remain incomplete after Ajit Pawar’s death, said, “He worked tirelessly for Baramati and for Maharashtra. The vacuum left by his demise will be deeply felt. With leaders like Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he played a crucial role, and his absence is a major loss to Maharashtra politics.” She further noted that Ajit Pawar was not only a mass leader but also an accessible administrator. “One of his most remarkable qualities was that every morning from 6 am to 7.30 am, his OPD ward was open, where people came with their problems. He listened to them patiently and worked diligently to resolve their issues, dedicating his time to public service,” Shaina NC added. (With inputs from IANS)
29 January,2026 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar appeared “unstable in the air” before crashing and exploding near Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday morning, an eyewitness said. Another witness claimed that the aircraft burst into flames immediately after hitting the ground, triggering four to five successive explosions. Pawar (66) and four others were killed after the aircraft crash-landed at Baramati airport around 8.50 am, officials said. A local said she noticed the aircraft circling the airport earlier in the morning before the crash. Ajit Pawar death: ‘It took a round and then crashed,’ says plane crash eyewitness "It took a round in the air, appeared a bit unstable and as it was approaching the runway to land, it hit the ground hard and exploded. There was a loud sound and could be heard at our home," the woman told a news channel. She said that several parts of the aircraft were hurled into the air after the explosion and fell near her house. "The plane tilted before coming down. We saw the explosion and it was frightening," the eyewitness recounted. Another eyewitness said the aircraft appeared to be losing control as it descended. "The way the plane was coming down, we felt it was going to crash. It was around 100 feet above the runway. As we rushed towards it, we saw flames, followed by four to five consecutive blasts, which prevented us from going anywhere near the aircraft," he told PTI. "It was a major fire. We later learned that Pawar was on the aircraft. It was shocking for us," he added. Another eyewitness, Pramod Madurikar, told PTI that the bodies were identified immediately after the crash and shifted to an ambulance, while fire brigade personnel reached the spot almost simultaneously to assist with rescue and emergency operations. According to Flight Radar, the flight took off from Mumbai at 8.10 am and it disappeared from radar around 8.45 am. Additionally, according to IANS sources, Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were identified by the watch he was wearing at the time of his death. Pawar was travelling to Baramati from Mumbai to address public meetings as part of the campaign for the February 5 zilla parishad elections in the state. There were five people on board when the aircraft crashed at 8.50 am, a police officer said. Superintendent of Police, Sandip Singh Gill, stated that after the crash, a fire broke out. "People onboard were immediately taken to the hospital," he added. (With IANS and PTI inputs)
29 January,2026 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1769687460393_d.png "The aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar and fourt others crashed near Baramati on Wednesday morning. Pic/PTI)")
