The 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 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. As reported by news agency PTI, the 92-year-old singer, who mesmerised generations with her unforgettable melodies across seven decades, lost her life on Sunday due to multi-organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. While final processions are set to take place later on Monday, Maharashtra 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. Asha 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 While people across the country paid tribute to the legendary singer, former CMs Shinde and Thackeray were also seen consoling Bhosle's family members, including her son Anand and granddaughter Zanai. As per PTI, Uddhav Thackeray's wife, Rashmi, extended her condolences to Bhosle's family members. Along with Uddhav, Maharashtra 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 Asha 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, which is to take place at the Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar West at 4 pm on Monday. 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. (With inputs from PTI)
13 April,2026 02:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAt least nine people were killed and three 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 nine occupants of the van died in the accident. Three 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. 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 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: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 13, 2026 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 01:40 PM IST | Thane | 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 SinghBandra’s Lucky Junction, which was flooded due to a pipe leak on last Friday, has been repaired by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff over the weekend. According to the BMC, the pipe had leaked due to high pressure, leading to the road over it caving in with water pressure, and the entire area flooding with ankle-deep water within minutes. Local Speak Workers clear debris after the situation is brought under control on Friday evening.PIC/Rane Ashish Sayyed Rafiq, who lives near SV road, told mid-day: “The BMC on Friday worked immediately to clean the road and the hole of all its debris. Civic staff then laid a new tar road over it for easy flow of traffic. They handled it well and acted promptly. This has spared us a lot of inconvenience. We just hope that no such thing happens again.” Cop Speak The stretch after being fixed by the BMC, on Sunday. Pic/Shadab Khan On Friday, traffic cops faced heavy inconvenience as traffic had to be diverted for hours as work on the road proceeded. However, the issue was resolved by Sunday. “The flow of traffic is back to normal, without much delay. On Friday, we saw traffic crawling. We had to carefully manage and divert every vehicle, which caused a lot of ruckus at the junction. But BMC has repaired the road already… it is now back to normal.” BMC Speak On Friday, BMC’s H West ward confirmed to mid-day that the issue was caused by water pressure, and that such issues occur rarely. mid-day contacted the ward office again to check if the repair work had been completed, but didn’t receive a response till the time of going to press.
13 April,2026 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) are trading barbs over the controversy surrounding self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, triggering a fresh political row in the state. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar has alleged that the BJP is deliberately amplifying the issue to tarnish the image of its allies and create mistrust within the ruling alliance. The BJP, however, has hit back strongly, asking Pawar Jr. to focus on internal issues within his own party instead of questioning others, further escalating the war of words between the two sides. Grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, Rohit, on X posted that there had been reports that the BJP’s allies in power were trying to poach MLAs and MPs from the Opposition, but the reality seemed very different. “There is strong information that by the end of next month, a ‘big party in power’ may actually target its own allies. Today, the BJP may be showing a friendly attitude towards its allies, but tomorrow those same allies may feel betrayed. So, it would be wise for the allies to remain cautious to avoid being targeted themselves,” he posted. War of words over godman Arrested self-styled godman from Nashik, Ashok Kharat In a veiled attack on the BJP, Pawar alleged that the arrest of Ashok Kharat, a Nashik-based self-proclaimed godman, which had brought embarrassment to the state, had not come out on its own. It appeared to have been deliberately brought forward, and the incident may just be the beginning. Photos of several political leaders from Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP seen with Ashok Kharat have caused embarrassment for the ruling alliance and its allies. BJP hits back BJP leader and MLC Praveen Darekar rejected the allegations and said that instead of making baseless statements, Pawar should focus on what is happening within his own party, referring to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP.
13 April,2026 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Bombay High Court has passed an interim order and put on hold a directive of the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner that suspended elections to the Asiatic Society of Mumbai and placed the 200-year-old institution under an administrator, holding that there was a prima facie violation of natural justice. Justice Farhan P Dubash granted interim relief after noting that the society and its managing committee were not given prior notice or an opportunity to respond to the inspector's inquiry report that formed the basis of the commissioner’s 50-page order dated March 13. The order had blocked elections scheduled for March 14. Senior counsel Atul Damle, appearing for petitioners led by Kumar Ketkar, argued that the only communication before the order was a notice to the election officer on March 11, which did not put the society on notice of the proposed action. The state sought time to reply. The matter will be heard on April 16. The commissioner’s order will remain stayed until then. Contest turns political The election has drawn prominent political figures:Vinay SahasrabuddheKumar KetkarBoth are contesting for the top post with their respective panels, intensifying what has traditionally been an academic institution’s internal process. Independents in fray >> Seven independent candidates are contesting>> They have positioned themselves as non-aligned and reform-oriented Rare collections >> Over one lakh books>> Around 3000 manuscripts (Sanskrit, Persian, Prakrit)>> Approximately 1300 maps>> The library holds rare works, including manuscripts such as the Divine Comedy and a Persian version of the Mahabharata. Additional One managing committee post (two-year term: 2025–2027)Seven-member scrutinising committee (2025–2026) Funding snapshot Rs 75 lakh in BMC budget 2026-27, Rs 1 crore annual grant from state government (restricted use; not for salaries), and additional grant from the Ministry of Culture Preservation concerns Basement storage conditions flagged for urgent improvementLong-standing concerns over the conservation of rare materials What triggered the dispute? >> Surge in new memberships in recent months>> Disagreements over the voter list>> Inspector inquiry report leading to administrative intervention>> These issues contributed to the postponement of elections on both scheduled dates Elections postponed twice Original poll date: November 8, 2025Rescheduled date: March 14, 2026Status: Postponed twice following directions from the charity commissioner’s office Posts to be filled Two-year term (2025–2027): PresidentFour vice-presidentsHonorary secretaryThree-year term (2025–2028): Five managing committee members About the Asiatic Society Founded: 1804Location: Town Hall, Horniman Circle, MumbaiStatus: Grade-I heritage structure
13 April,2026 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarProblems Auto menace “We have observed that since the past few years, the autorickshaw numbers have increased in Santacruz West. Added to this, there are also the double parking problems which are causing a great inconvenience to pedestrians like senior citizens and children. We request the concerned authorities to look into these aspects on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, a thought may be given to make it an auto-free area like Mahim.”Seema Bokkasan Aarey Milk booth on footpath “I am once again writing to you to please look into the Aarey Milk Stall/Booth which has been placed on the footpath just outside the ‘Bombay Institution for Deaf and Mutes’ in Mazgaon (opposite Mazgaon Court). It has been placed there for the past 3 years and locked up and non-operational. Some MLA/politicians in this area have made money doing this nonsense. We don’t need this useless monster taking up space on the footpath. Can mid-day kindly investigate?”Sheila D’Souza Uneven footpath, broken railings “The exit at DN Nagar Metro station, Andheri (West), located near the signal, presents a significant safety concern for pedestrians, particularly the elderly, due to the need to traverse the roadway to access the opposite side. The removal of existing railings to facilitate passage, in the absence of alternative exits, has created an unevenly cut railing with sharp edges, posing a risk of injury. This condition has persisted for an extended period.”Kamal Siddiqui Badly managed bus queues “I am writing to draw attention to the distressing situation of long and poorly managed queues for BEST bus routes at Malad. Commuters relying on routes 243 and 622 to Jankalyan Nagar, as well as buses to Marve (272), are routinely subjected to waiting times of a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour. This daily ordeal is both exhausting and inefficient, particularly for working residents. What is especially frustrating is the stark contrast with other routes, such as 620, where buses are seen plying nearly empty at frequent intervals. This apparent imbalance in allocation points to a larger issue of route planning and resource management. Despite multiple complaints being submitted to BEST authorities, there has been little to no improvement. I urge your publication to investigate this matter and highlight the disparity in wait times, commuter load, and route management. Greater public scrutiny may help bring about the necessary corrective action.”Nichola Pais Responses After Mumbaikars sent in their questions and woes to mid-day last Monday, some of the authorities concerned responded. We haven’t given up on the rest. We shall continue to hold authorities accountable for the state of the city. How does one identify a licensed hawker Usha Jeyakumar Response: A senior official from the licence department said, “Within one week, BMC will launch the project where licensed hawkers are given QR codes with details of their documents, which they need to display at their stall. However, evn if a licensed hawker uses unnecessary space on a footpath, litters the area or uses footpaths for storage, BMC takes action against them.” The official confirmed that action will be taken against these hawkers if they are found to be bending any rules. Dead signal Meldan D’Cunha Response: DCP Traffic Dipali Ghade said, “So far I have not received any such information about a signal not functioning post midnight-night. But I will look into the matter and get into the details of the issue.” Cancelled trains Joseph D’Silva Response: “The 97330 (T-36) Thane scheduled departure at 8.36 am is running every day. As per the timetable, it is not scheduled to run on Sundays and holidays,” a CR spokesperson said, adding real-time details of its run from the operations department are available.
13 April,2026 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT
