At least eleven people were killed and two others seriously injured after a van collided with a cement mixer in Maharashtra’s Thane district on Monday, police said, reported the PTI. The accident took place at around 11:30 am on Raita bridge in Govili village of Murbad area in Thane. According to officials, the van crashed into a cement mixer coming from the opposite direction, leading to a severe impact. Casualties and injuries Police said that 11 occupants of the van died in the accident. Two others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, the news agency reported. Their condition is reported to be serious. The officials said that the rescue teams, medical staff and local police reached the spot soon after the incident. Efforts were made to assist the injured and clear the wreckage from the bridge, according to the PTI. The officials said that more details about the victims and the cause of the crash are awaited. An investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances leading to the accident. Eight men, three women among those dead At least 11 occupants of the van have died, and two injured have been shifted to the central hospital at Ulhasnagar, Murbad tehsildar Abhijit Deshmukh said. Six of the victims have been identified, and the process of identifying the others is underway, a senior police official said. The deceased included eight men and three women, he said. Following the accident, traffic was affected on the road from Kalyan to Ahilyanagar for a few hours. The stretch has now been cleared, he said. Shinde expresses grief Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde expressed grief. In a post on X, he wrote, "at least 11 people were killed in a tragic road accident on the Kalyan-Ahilyanagar National Highway." He conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for peace to the departed souls. Shinde wrote that an investigation into the accident has been initiated and the incident will be properly probed. Speeding truck kills seven pilgrims on Lakhtar-Viramgam highway in Gujarat Meanwhile, in an another incident, seven members of a pilgrim group from the Bharwad community were killed while several others suffered injuries after a speeding truck ran over them on the Lakhtar-Viramgam Highway in Gujarat's Surendranagar district in the early hours of Monday. The accident took place between Chharad and Bhaskarpara villages near Lakhtar around 1.20 am when a group of foot pilgrims, travelling from Gadhka village in Rajkot towards Viramgam for temple darshan and a flag-hoisting ritual, was hit from behind by a dumper truck. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. "The mishap in Surendranagar district, Gujarat, is deeply distressing. Heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured," the PM's office posted on X. The victims belonged to the Mundhva family and were part of a larger group of around 700 devotees undertaking the pilgrimage. Seven people, including five women and two men, died on the spot. The deceased were identified as Masabhai Mundhva, Jaluben Mundhva, Raniben Lambariya and Vajiben Mundhva, among others. (with PTI inputs)
13 April,2026 04:31 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government will take forward plans to establish a music institute envisioned by legendary singer Asha Bhosle, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday. The decision comes a day after the iconic singer passed away at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital, marking the end of a remarkable musical journey that spanned over seven decades. Government to Fulfil Bhosle’s Vision Addressing the state cabinet, Fadnavis said that the proposal for a dedicated music institution was originally put forward by Bhosle herself. He assured that the government would take concrete steps to bring her vision to fruition. “The proposal for the music institute was mooted by Asha Bhosle, and the state government will take it forward,” the Chief Minister said, according to an official statement. Condolence Resolution Passed in Cabinet Meeting The Maharashtra cabinet paid heartfelt tributes to the late singer during its meeting. A condolence resolution was read out by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal in honour of Bhosle’s immense contribution to Indian music. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and other cabinet ministers were present at the meeting. Bhosle, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, having enthralled generations with her timeless voice across multiple languages and genres. On Saturday evening, after her body was brought home from the hospital, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state minister Ashish Shelar paid floral tributes. Asha Bhosle Career With a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle was known for her versatility and has sung many memorable melodies, from romantic songs to ghazals to peppy numbers. Born in 1933, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at a young age and rose to prominence in the 1950s. Over her career spanning decades, she recorded thousands of songs across multiple Indian languages, ranging from classical and ghazals to cabaret, pop, and folk. Some of her most popular songs were "Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar", "In Ankhon Ki Masti", "Dil Cheez Kya Hai", "Piya Tu Ab to Aaja", "Duniya Mein Logon Ko", and "Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main". Bhosle was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke award and Maharashtra Bhushan awards.
13 April,2026 04:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA devastating road accident in Kalyan has claimed 11 lives after two more injured victims died in hospital, officials said on Monday. The accident occurred around 11 a.m. near Rayta Bridge on the Kalyan-Murbad road, as per IANS. According to preliminary information, a car travelling from Kalyan collided head-on with a dumper or mixer truck. The impact of the collision was severe, leading to multiple casualties on the spot. Casualties and rescue efforts Police said that 12 passengers were travelling in the car at the time of the accident. Eight people died instantly, while one more died during treatment at the hospital. Later, two additional injured victims succumbed to their injuries, taking the total death toll to 11. Local residents rushed to the accident site and tried to help the victims before emergency services arrived. Soon after receiving information, a team from the Titwala Police Station reached the spot and began rescue and relief operations. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination. Investigation underway Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident. Officials said the exact cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, but initial reports suggest that over-speeding or loss of control may have led to the crash. Titwala Deputy SP Anil Laad said, “The process of identifying the deceased is currently underway, while the injured are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.” He also added that authorities will examine the role of concerned government departments in the incident, reported the news agency. Earlier, Thane Superintendent of Police D.S. Swami had confirmed nine deaths before the toll increased. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. More details are expected as the probe progresses. Traffic disruption and official response The collision caused a major traffic jam along the Titwala-Kalyan stretch, disrupting vehicular movement for several hours near Rayta Bridge. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. In a statement, he said, “The incident in which 11 people lost their lives… is extremely tragic. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. We share in the grief of these families.” राष्ट्रीय महामार्ग 61 वर कल्याणजवळ दोन वाहनांची धडक होऊन झालेल्या भीषण अपघातात 11 जणांचा मृत्यू झाल्याची घटना अतिशय दुर्दैवी आहे. मी त्यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करतो. या कुटुंबियांच्या दुःखात आम्ही सहभागी आहोत. स्थानिक प्रशासनाशी आम्ही संपर्कात आहोत. — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 13, 2026 He also said that the government is in touch with local authorities to monitor the situation. (With IANS Inputs)
13 April,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and former chief ministers Sushilkumar Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray paid tribute to the mortal remains of singing legend Asha Bhosle at her residence in Mumbai on Monday. The 92-year-old singer, who mesmerised generations with her unforgettable melodies across seven decades, died on Sunday following a multi-organ failure, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. The singer's final journey is set to take place later in the day. Governor Varma laid a wreath at Bhosle's mortal remains, which were draped in the national flag and placed in the lobby of her Casa Grand residence in Lower Parel. Bhosle’s timeless songs played softly in the background, adding to the solemn atmosphere as he conveyed condolences to the grieving family. Uddhav Thackeray pays tribute to Asha Bhosle Meanwhile, Shinde and Thackeray offered their condolences to Bhosle's family members, including her son Anand and granddaughter Zanai. Thackeray's wife Rashmi was also present at Bhosle's residence. Several other Maharashtra leaders, including ministers Ashish Shelar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, and NCP leader Praful Patel also paid respects to the late singer. Asha Bhosle to be cremated with state honours Bhosle’s funeral will be held at Shivaji Park in Dadar at 4 pm with state honours. Affectionately known as Ashatai, the legendary singer was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awards. Renowned for her versatility, she gifted the world countless classics, including "Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar", "In Ankhon Ki Masti" ", Dil Cheez Kya Hai", "Piya Tu Ab to Aaja", "Duniya Mein Logon Ko", and "Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main". BMC and Mumbai Police prepare for Asha Bhosle's funeral The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police are making preparations for the funeral of Asha Bhosle. Crowd-control measures by the authorities will ensure visitors who want to pay homage to the singer can do so. If required, separate access corridors will be made for the public and for VIPs and family members. Vinayak Vispute, assistant commissioner of the G North ward, confirmed that the last rites will be held at the Shivaji Park crematorium. Meanwhile, in a statement to mid-day on Sunday evening, a BMC official said, “The civic administration has recent references of the preparations that were required for the last rites of Lata Mangeshkar and Ratan Tata, in terms of on-ground implementation and coordination required to facilitate a large influx of crowd. The BMC is coordinating with the police to ensure law and order preparations, also.” (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2026 03:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA court in Maharashtra’s Nashik on Monday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to seven-day judicial custody until April 20 in connection with a third rape case, where he is accused of sexually exploiting a pregnant woman, reported news agency PTI. SIT seeks custody after police remand ends The Special Investigation Team (SIT) produced Kharat before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate B. N. Ichpurani through a virtual hearing, as his police custody in the case concluded earlier in the day. After reviewing the remand report submitted by the SIT, the court granted the request for judicial custody, reported PTI. Kharat, a former merchant navy officer who later gained notoriety as a self-styled spiritual figure, was first arrested in mid-March following multiple complaints of sexual misconduct. Allegations involving pregnant woman surface According to investigators, the latest case involves the alleged sexual exploitation of a seven-month pregnant woman, who is the wife of one of Kharat’s office staff members. The complaint filed by the victim’s husband states that the accused assaulted the woman multiple times over a span of more than two years, reported PTI. The alleged incidents reportedly took place between November 2023 and December 2025, including at Kharat’s office premises in Nashik. Authorities also stated that the accused conducted a ritual involving the woman at a temple located in Mirgaon village in Sinnar taluka. Husband’s suspicion leads to key evidence The case took a crucial turn when the victim’s husband, who initially did not believe his wife’s allegations, began to suspect wrongdoing after hearing similar complaints from other women. In an attempt to verify the claims, he secretly installed a spy camera in Kharat’s office, reported PTI. The footage allegedly captured objectionable acts, which were later handed over to the police in the form of a pen drive. Investigators have described the digital evidence as significant in strengthening the case against the accused, reported PTI. Multiple cases filed against accused Kharat is currently facing nearly a dozen criminal cases, of which at least eight are related to sexual assault allegations. The SIT has been actively consolidating evidence across multiple complaints to build a comprehensive case against him. SIT moves for custody in another case Meanwhile, the SIT has also approached the court seeking custody of Kharat in yet another case. The court has granted the necessary permission, and officials are expected to take him into custody from Nashik Road Central Jail. Kharat is scheduled to be produced before the court again on Tuesday in connection with a fourth case, as investigations continue to unfold. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2026 03:53 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentThe state cabinet chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis on Monday approved Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) expansion and a new skill university in Mumbai, an official statement said. It said that the Maharashtra cabinet also approved major reforms in the recruitment process for government jobs. The move is aligned with the “Developed Maharashtra 2047” vision. The number of service categories under the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) will increase from 53 to 153. New services will also be added to the combined examination system, making recruitment simpler and more streamlined, the statement said. A new initiative called ‘Nipun Setu’ will be launched through the MahaJobs portal, inspired by the model followed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Land allocated for power substation in Badlapur The cabinet has approved a change in land reservation in Kulgaon-Badlapur to allow the construction of a power substation. Around four acres of land will be transferred to Tata Power to support infrastructure development in the area. New skill university to come up in Mumbai A new private, self-financed skill university, IES Skill Tech University, will be established in Mumbai, the official statement said. It said that the university aims to boost skill development and create a trained workforce to meet industry demands. Boost for fishermen in coastal districts Under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the government has approved Rs 61.24 crore to improve basic facilities for fishermen in coastal districts. This move is expected to strengthen the fishing community and improve livelihoods. Major funding for healthcare sector The state will receive financial assistance of Rs 3,708 crore from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The funds will be used to strengthen medical education, nursing services and healthcare delivery systems across Maharashtra. Expansion of district programme According to the official statement, six more districts—Hingoli, Jalna, Palghar, Beed, Dhule and Parbhani—have been added to the NITI Aayog Aspirational District Programme. With this, development schemes will now cover a total of 177 talukas, aiming for balanced and faster growth. Amendments in Maharashtra Medical Council The cabinet has also approved amendments to the law governing the Maharashtra Medical Council. As per the new proposal, members of the council will be nominated by the government instead of being elected, based on recommendations from a high-level committee.
13 April,2026 02:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Enforcement Directorate on Monday, April 13, conducted searches across Maharashtra as part of a money laundering investigation against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat and his linked entities, officials said. As reported by news agency PTI, five premises in Kharat's hometown, Nashik, and three each in Pune and Shirdi have been raided by the enforcement agency. As per the officials, residential and commercial premises linked to Kharat, his chartered accountant (CA) Prakash Pophale, Kharat's relatives and some branches of cooperative credit societies are being covered, reported PTI. The ED earlier had filed a criminal case against Kharat under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 6, taking cognisance of a Nashik Police FIR filed against the controversial man on charges of extortion, religious manipulation, drug-facilitated assault, exploiting women and other such charges. Ashok Kharat had multiple bank accounts ED officials further said that Kharat opened multiple bank accounts with two cooperative credit societies based out of Nashik district in the name of third parties. The officials further said that the self-styled godman was named as the nominee in these bank accounts and had linked his mobile number to exercise control over the operations of these accounts. The preliminary probe also shows that he sold common items as "blessed items" by claiming they possessed divine healing powers. The money so collected from the victims and through the "extortion" operations has been invested in various lands through his CA, the officials from ED further added. Eight FIRs registered against Ashok Kharat Asholk Kharat was arrested by the Nashik Police earlier in March after a married woman accused him of raping her repeatedly over three years. However, a total of eight FIRs have been registered against Kharat across Maharashtra. Furthermore, a subsequent probe by the police uncovered a host of crimes, including sexual assault and financial irregularities linked to land, opening of accounts in some cooperative credit societies, and other properties. CM Fadnavis had earlier ordered a probe into Ashok Kharat case Earlier this month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also said the CDR leak in the Ashok Kharat case would be probed. The CM further stated that the arrested self-styled godman's assets will be investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. No one has the right to obtain such call data records, Fadnavis said amid a furore after social activist Anjali Damania on Friday made revelations about calls between Kharat and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Damania further claimed that she received Kharat's CDR (Call Detail Records) on WhatsApp from an unknown number. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2026 02:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city and its suburbs are expected to experience mainly clear skies throughout the day, with maximum and minimum temperature likely to hover around 34 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. Humidity levels are expected to remain relatively high, contributing to warm and slightly uncomfortable conditions, especially during the afternoon hours. According to the Sameer app, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 92 at 11 am today, placing it in the ‘satisfactory’ category. At this level, minor breathing discomfort may be experienced by sensitive individuals, particularly those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. For the general population, however, air quality remains acceptable. Among various locations, Deonar recorded the highest pollution level with an AQI of 161, falling in the ‘moderate’ category, followed by Chakala (132), Ghatkopar (105), Malad West (101), Mazgaon (106), and Navy Nagar (104), all indicating moderate air quality levels. Meanwhile, Kandivali East recorded significantly cleaner air with an AQI of 36, which falls under the ‘good’ category. Other areas also reported relatively better air quality, including Bandra East (88), Bandra-Kurla Complex (94), Byculla (99), Chembur (90), Powai (71), and Worli (91), most of which remain within the satisfactory range. No rainfall activity is expected in the immediate forecast, and wind patterns are likely to remain light, which may limit the dispersion of pollutants in certain pockets of the city. Overall, weather conditions are expected to remain stable with no major fluctuations, while air quality is likely to stay within the satisfactory to moderate range in the coming hours. Delhi records minimum temperature at 17.7 degrees Celsius; AQI remains in 'moderate' category Morning air across the national capital remained cool on Monday, with minimum temperatures settling below normal at most weather stations, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as per PTI. Safdarjung, the city's base station, recorded a minimum temperature of 17.7 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees below normal. Lodhi Road was cooler at 16.4 degrees Celsius, while Ayanagar recorded 16.7 degrees, marking a dip of 4.1 degrees below the seasonal average. As per PTI, Delhi's air quality continued to remain in the 'moderate' category in the morning with the average air quality index (AQI) being clocked at 143 (moderate), according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the weather department, the air quality in the national capital is likely to be in the 'moderate' to 'poor' category for the next six days.Further, the maximum temperature in Delhi on Monday is likely to be between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2026 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPolice have arrested a 36-year-old man in Maharashtra's Thane district for allegedly posing as a CBI officer. As per the officials, the accused cheated people by promising them jobs in the central agency. The accused, identified as Raju Ashok Patekar, used to wear a police uniform with an official-looking badge, carry a walkie-talkie and an air gun, and pose as an officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to gain the trust of victims, they said. An official from Vitthalwadi Police Station further said, "He allegedly prepared fake identity cards, forged documents and testimonials, and lured people with promises of securing them jobs in the CBI. On this pretext, he collected money from them, thereby cheating both the public and the government," as per PTI. Furthermore, the police arrested Patekar on Saturday evening in the Ulhasnagar area of the district, the official said. Seizures worth 7.14 lakh During the investigation, the police seized several items valued at Rs 7.14 lakh from the accused, including Rs 50,000 in cash, an air gun, six walkie-talkies, multiple fake identity-related items, SIM cards, and documents purportedly linked to government agencies. Among the seized materials were blank letterheads bearing the name of the Government of India, forged authority letters, affidavits on stamp paper, and fake citations claiming links with various government bodies, the official said. The police officials further added that the accused has been booked under relevant legal provisions and a probe is underway into the case, as per PTI. Three children rescued after lift malfunction in Thane building In a different case on Sunday, three children were safely rescued after being trapped in a malfunctioning lift at a Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) building in Kasarvadavali on Sunday evening. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the incident. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, information about the incident was received at around 7:18 pm from the Ovala Fire Station. The incident took place in a ground-plus-12-storey TMC building located at Kasarvadavali village along Ghodbunder Road in Thane (West). Lift is stuck on the fourth floor due to a technical fault Officials said the incident occurred in the B Wing of the building when a technical malfunction caused the lift to get stuck on the fourth floor. Three children were trapped inside at the time of the incident. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2026 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a bid to boost tiger numbers in the Radhangari Wildlife Sanctuary officials have submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra Forest Department to consider the translocation of a female tiger from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve landscape to Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, in the northern Western Ghats. In a letter addressed to Chief Wildlife Warden M S Reddy, Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate highlighted that while the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) currently has seven tigers — four males and three translocated females. Meanwhile, Radhanagari has recorded three male tigers, with no tigress captured on camera. The proposal The proposal points out that while permission has already been granted to translocate five female tigers to STR, a parallel move to introduce a tigress in Radhanagari should also be considered as it would initiate breeding with the existing males in the sanctuary, stabilising the tiger numbers. According to the proposal, cubs born in Radhanagari could eventually disperse towards STR and other parts of the northern Western Ghats, aiding long-term habitat connectivity and strengthening conservation outcomes in the region. Warden Speaks Speaking to mid-day, HWW Rohan Bhate said, “The move could also provide a boost to eco-tourism in both Radhanagari and STR, while increasing awareness and public support for wildlife conservation. I have requested the Chief Wildlife Warden to consider the proposal and, if found suitable, issue necessary directions to the Field Director for further action.” Tigers in STR and adjoining Radhanagari landscape T1 SenapatiT2 SubhedarT3 BajiT4 ChandaT5 TaraT6 HirakaniT7 RaybaT8 SardarT9 ShiledarT10 Ranoji
13 April,2026 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavResidents of Birla Vanya in Khadakpada, Kalyan West, held a peaceful satyagraha on April 11, alleging a lack of transparency in the utilisation of maintenance funds collected by the developer. The protest follows claims that nearly 24 months of advance maintenance collected from residents were exhausted within 14 months, without a Chartered Accountant-certified audit or a detailed statement of expenditure being shared. Residents had submitted a formal letter to the senior police inspector on April 9, informing authorities about the planned silent protest. The agitation was conducted without slogans or disruption to public order. “We are not refusing to pay, but we need clarity on where the money has been spent,” said a resident. Demand for accountability Residents have sought>> A Chartered Accountant-certified audit of maintenance funds>> A complete bifurcation of expenses>> A halt on further charges until financial transparency is ensuredA society member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The builder’s representative offered a temporary solution by saying they will discuss it with us, but we want a permanent solution so we can live in our home peacefully.” Builder respondsResponding to the protest, Birla Vanya’s sales national head, Ankit Agarwal, said, “The members held a silent protest but they have withdrawn it now, and we will meet with them to clarify. On Saturday, we will discuss this with all members and try to resolve the issue.” Next course of action Residents said that if their concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, they may approach the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority. Timeline of events>> Advance maintenance collected: Approximately 24 months>> Funds reportedly exhausted: Within 14 months>> Police informed: April 9>> Silent protest held: April 11 Wider contextThe dispute reflects a broader pattern of conflicts between homebuyers and developers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over maintenance charges, fund utilisation, and financial transparency. Maintenance dispute? Here’s what the law says >> Audit is your right: Builders must provide a CA-certified statement of maintenance funds>> Separate account mandatory: Maintenance funds cannot be mixed with the builder’s business accounts>> Charges must be reasonable: Arbitrary or excessive demands are not permitted under RERA>> Society formation: Must be completed within stipulated timelines; delays can invite legal action
13 April,2026 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghADVERTISEMENT
-1776076498956_d.png "11 dead in Kalyan road accident after two more victims succumb. Representational Image")
