Jay Pawar, son of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has posted a purported video on social media alleging that Rohit Singh, owner of VSR Ventures, was seen asleep in the chief pilot’s seat during a flight. He has called for Singh’s immediate arrest. He further urged authorities to ground all aircraft operated by VSR Ventures until the investigation into his father’s plane crash is concluded. The Learjet 45 that crashed on January 28 in Baramati, Pune district, carrying Ajit Pawar and four others, was operated by VSR Ventures. Watch | Ajit Pawar's son shares video of VSR Ventures owner asleep during flight View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jay Pawar (@jayajitpawar) Sharing the clip on social media on Sunday, Jay Pawar stated, “We lost our father… this pain will stay with us for a lifetime. In this video, Rohit Singh, owner of VSR, is seen asleep in the chief pilot’s seat during the flight. Such negligence while the aircraft is in the air is unacceptable. This is extremely serious and shocking.” He demanded that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take immediate and strict action in the matter. “All VSR aircraft must be grounded with immediate effect until a complete investigation is conducted, and Rohit Singh should be arrested without delay and subjected to stringent legal action. This is a son’s anguished appeal… for my father and for the safety of every passenger,” he said. Jay Pawar slams preliminary AAIB report, says it lacks details The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday released its preliminary report on the plane crash, stating that visibility at the time of the crash was below the required level. According to PTI, the report flagged fading runway markings and the presence of loose gravel on the runway surface at Baramati. It recommended that the DGCA ensure stakeholders maintain safety standards at uncontrolled airfields. Jay Pawar expressed disappointment over the AAIB report. “I read the preliminary report. I feel pain and disappointment that the report was not detailed or comprehensive. The people of Maharashtra and the families who lost their loved ones in the accident deserve transparent information about the plane crash, and all questions should be answered,” he added. Jay Pawar demands action against entire fleet of VSR Ventures The late NCP leader’s younger son also demanded strict action against the entire fleet of VSR Ventures, reported PTI. “The DGCA grounded some VSR aircraft based on certain loopholes. The possibility cannot be ruled out that other aircraft may also have similar loopholes,” he said, reported PTI. “If serious discrepancies are found in adherence to rules and SOPs, then instead of taking action against only some aircraft, action should be taken against the entire fleet,” he demanded. He added that the DGCA, while giving topmost priority to passenger safety, should consider halting the entire operations of VSR Ventures. (With PTI inputs)
02 March,2026 01:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday said there is no deadlock in discussions over Rajya Sabha Election 2026, with all parties maintaining open communication. He added that the INDIA bloc has submitted its claim, stating that, both numerically and in line with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) rotation policy, the seat should be contested by Shiv Sena (UBT). There is no deadlock in talks for the Rajya Sabha, all parties are in communication with each other. We have put forward our claim on the upcoming Rajya Sabha seat, as numerically and in terms of the rotation policy fixed for the MVA, the seat should be contested by the… — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 2, 2026 Parth Pawar gets NCP ticket for Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by the Ajit Pawar faction has nominated Parth Pawar as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled on March 16. The announcement was made by party working president Praful Patel during a high-level national executive meeting last week. Parth Pawar, son of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is expected to secure a six-year term in the Upper House, given the party’s legislative strength in the Maharashtra Assembly. The required vote quota for election is 37, while the party currently has 40 MLAs, making his victory highly likely. Decision taken unanimously by core committee Patel said the decision to field Parth Pawar was taken unanimously by the party’s core leadership, which includes senior leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, and Dilip Walse Patil. He added that the party leadership is fully united behind the nomination, signalling a strategic move amid ongoing organisational changes within the faction. Patel said 37 votes were required for the win and that the party had the support of 40 MLAs, expressing confidence that all of them would unanimously vote for Parth Pawar. Sunetra Pawar appointed national president In a key development, the party last week confirmed the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the national president of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Her elevation comes following the demise of Ajit Pawar and marks a significant shift in the party’s leadership structure. Addressing party workers, Sunetra Pawar reiterated her commitment to carrying forward Ajit Pawar’s political vision and organisational legacy.
02 March,2026 01:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHundreds of Indian students, many in final year of MBBS, remain in Iran amid rising regional tensions, disrupted internet, market shutdowns, and suspended flights after the February 28 joint US-Israel strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. People mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. PIC/AFP With exams due in the coming months and mobility restrictions, families across India are now weighing academic futures against immediate safety concerns. Student groups are appealing to New Delhi for evacuation options, while the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised citizens to remain indoors and exercise utmost caution. Parents in India fear Shabnam Bidiwala, whose daughter Fatima is a final-year MBBS student, said, “She told me the situation is tense. I have asked her to stay indoors and await embassy instructions. We hope the government ensures her safe return,” she said. People watch from a rooftop as a plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran. Pic/AFP Mir Altaf Ali, whose daughter Mehraj studies in Isfahan, said, “Only six months remain for her studies to finish. I appeal to the government to intervene for the safety of all Indians.” Students reluctant Many students are reluctant to leave due to impending exams. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has written to PM Modi seeking urgent intervention. In its statement, the group urged the PMO and the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate evacuation plans or provide guidance for those unable to travel due to exams or restrictions. The All India Medical Students Association has also appealed to authorities to prioritise the safety of students. People mourn the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. PIC/AFP Situation on ground An Indian national in Iran, requesting anonymity, said, “The situation is tense.” Students report internet disruptions and local market closures, complicating access to essentials and communication with families. Government advisory in place The Embassy of India in Tehran has advised all Indian nationals to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, and stay alert to updates.Emergency helpline numbers issued by the embassy include:+989128109115+989128109109+989128109102+989932179359 Feb 28Day Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed
02 March,2026 12:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviThe Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya will be ceremonially flagged into Mumbai Harbour on Monday by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, marking the successful completion of her maiden overseas voyage to the Sultanate of Oman, an official statement issued by the Defence PRO said. The flag-in ceremony will commemorate the vessel’s return across the Arabian Sea, reaffirming India’s enduring maritime heritage and centuries-old India–Oman ties across the Indian Ocean, it said. A unique symbol of India’s ancient shipbuilding traditions, INSV Kaundinya is a traditionally constructed stitched ship, built entirely using age-old techniques in which wooden planks are hand-stitched with coir rope and sealed with natural resins. The vessel represents a revival of India’s historic maritime craftsmanship and reflects efforts to preserve and rediscover Indic knowledge systems. Inspired by 5th-century Ajanta Caves depiction The design of the vessel was conceptualised from a 5th-century CE depiction found in the Ajanta Caves. It was constructed under the supervision of the Indian Navy in collaboration with traditional artisans, combining ancient craftsmanship with modern naval engineering validation. INSV Kaundinya sailed from Porbandar on December 29, 2025, retracing ancient maritime trade routes to Muscat. The vessel reached Port Sultan Qaboos on January 14, 2026, where it received a ceremonial welcome in the presence of Omani dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora. During its stay, the ship was opened to visitors, serving as a floating symbol of maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy, the statement said. The voyage underscored the deep-rooted India-Oman relationship, historically shaped by trade in spices, textiles and frankincense, and highlighted shared seafaring traditions across the Arabian Sea, it said. Named after legendary mariner Kaundinya Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the vessel symbolises India’s ancient oceanic navigation legacy. Naval officials said the expedition not only showcased the resilience of traditional maritime construction techniques but also highlighted the Indian Navy’s role as a custodian of the nation’s civilisational maritime heritage. The flag-in ceremony in Mumbai will mark the culmination of a landmark maritime heritage revival project and reinforce India’s commitment to maritime outreach, cultural diplomacy and the preservation of traditional nautical craftsmanship.
02 March,2026 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA wildlife enthusiast from the Beed-based Jivdaya Foundation has alleged that 21 leopards captured following incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Ahilyanagar district of Maharashtra have been confined to small trap cages for the past two to three months. The Forest Department has attributed this to a shortage of space, while maintaining that adequate care and monitoring of the animals are being ensured. The foundation has further alleged that at least 19 leopards have been confined in small cages in a forest patch at Vadgaon Sawtal in Parner taluka of Ahilyanagar district for the past three months. According to the organisation, the prolonged confinement has taken a severe toll on the animals’ physical and mental health. Demanding urgent intervention, the foundation has called for the immediate rehabilitation of the leopards and their release into reserved forests, sanctuaries, or other safe habitats. Confined in small cages “Keeping mute wildlife confined in small cages for months is cruel. If pregnant leopards give birth inside these cages, their lives will be at serious risk. Rehabilitation in reserved forest areas must be carried out without further delay,” said Nitin Alkute, an animal lover from Beed and a member of the Jivdaya Foundation. Forest Department reacts “The leopards have been kept in trap cages due to the lack of space at existing facilities. Proposals for new rescue centres have already been sent to the Central Zoo Authority, and the process to construct around 60 enclosures in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts is under way. In the meantime, we are ensuring proper care of the captured leopards, with cages cleaned daily and their health monitored regularly,” a senior Forest Department official said.
02 March,2026 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai was on Monday likely to witness mainly clear skies in the city and suburbs, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 33 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday stood at 61, categorised as satisfactory. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 77 Borivali East: 58 Byculla: 46 Andheri East: 90 Chembur: 56 Colaba: 58 Deonar: 92 In surrounding regions, air quality also remained satisfactory. Thane recorded an AQI of 82, Kalyan 68, and Navi Mumbai 78. Yellow alert for rising heat and humidity in parts of Maharashtra The IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts in Maharashtra on Wednesday, warning of a rise in temperatures as summer begins to set in across the state. Districts under the yellow alert include Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, and Ratnagiri. According to the IMD, these regions are likely to experience hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours. Western Disturbance to impact Himalayan region; temperatures in Delhi likely to rise A subtropical westerly Jet Stream, with core wind speeds of around 120 knots at 12.6 km above mean sea level, continues to prevail over northwest India, according to the IMD. The IMD has said that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from the night of March 4, 2026. Temperatures set to rise The weather department has forecast no significant change in minimum temperatures over the next 24 hours, followed by a rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius thereafter. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain above normal (1.6 degrees Celsius to 3.0 degrees Celsius) to appreciably above normal (3.1 degrees Celsius to 5.0 degrees Celsius) over the next seven days. Maximum temperatures are also likely to witness a gradual increase of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius during the same period. They are expected to be appreciably above normal (3.1 degrees Celsius to 5.0 degrees Celsius) to markedly above normal (5.1 degrees Celsius or more) over the next week. Strong surface winds are likely Occasionally strong surface winds, with speeds ranging between 15-25 kmph, are likely to prevail during the day from March 2 to March 5, except on March 3, when sustained winds of 15-25 kmph with gusts reaching up to 35 kmph are expected. Past 24-hour weather over Delhi Over the past 24 hours, Delhi recorded no major change in minimum temperatures, while maximum temperatures dipped by 1-2 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures ranged between 15 and 16 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures were between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperatures remained above normal (1.6 degrees Celsius to 3.0 degrees Celsius) at most places in the national capital. Meanwhile, maximum temperatures were appreciably above normal (3.1 degrees Celsius to 5.0 degrees Celsius) at most places and above normal (1.6 degrees Celsius to 3.0 degrees Celsius) in the remaining parts of Delhi. Southwesterly surface winds, reaching speeds of up to 19 kmph and gusting to 37 kmph, prevailed over Delhi during the past 24 hours.
02 March,2026 10:42 AM IST | MumbaiMumbai’s international airport turned into a sea of cancellations on Sunday as most of the departing flights were scrapped amid West Asia airspace restrictions, leaving migrant workers, tourists and families stranded at terminals or turned away at entry gates while airlines suspended routes and pushed rebookings into next week. With flights grounded across key Gulf destinations, travellers faced a mix of uncertainty, financial strain and safety worries as airlines pointed to government directives and evolving regional tensions behind the disruption. What passengers said Passengers stranded at Mumbai airport after several Gulf-bound flights were cancelled due to ongoing West Asia tensions. Pic/PTI A skilled welder bound for Saudi Arabia“I have paid an agent Rs 60,000 for this job. I can’t afford to wait long. I am lost.” A foreign traveller flying to Frankfurt“My flight was cancelled, and I’ve been rebooked for March 7. I am stranded alone.” Another passenger bound for Qatar said“We came because our employer asked us to check in person, but we weren’t allowed inside. The earliest ticket is March 7.” Passengers also complained of high airport prices“We can’t even afford water here. It costs Rs 120 for a litre.” A couple flying to Kuwait were adjusting plans“Our flight may be cancelled, so we’ve decided to explore India meanwhile.” Airport snapshot: Sunday chaos >> Mulitple flights cancelled at CSMIA departures>> Multiple airlines affected: Air India, IndiGo, Etihad, Akasa, Emirates, Qatar Airways>> Routes hit hardest: Gulf and Middle East sectors Who got stranded >> Migrant workers heading for jobs in Gulf countries>> Foreign tourists returning home>> NRIs travelling back to families>> Business travellers stuck mid-itinerary Airport control measures A CISF official said: “We received the cancellation list and are not allowing passengers of those flights inside the terminal.” Airline actions Air IndiaAll flights to and through Middle East are suspended IndiGo>> 200+ flights cancelled till March 3>> Dynamic cancellation list online IndiGo spokesperson said: “These cancellations follow government instructions on restricted airspaces. We are offering full refunds on cancellation.” NRI concerns Vrinda Malik, a Dubai resident stuck in Mumbai, said“I was to fly back to my family tomorrow, but I now hold cancelled tickets for multiple days. I’m worried, though I trust authorities will ensure safety.”
02 March,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaEscalating tensions across West Asia have begun disrupting global air travel, stranding tourists abroad and forcing tour operators in Maharashtra to cancel Dubai departures at the last minute, with flights delayed, tourism activities suspended, and travellers uncertain about when normal travel will resume. While some visitors report calm conditions on the ground, operators say uncertainty over airspace, airport operations and security risks has already triggered cancellations, refunds and emergency support efforts from local residents abroad. Industry impact “Our tour was scheduled to leave on Sunday at 12.30 am, but we cancelled until there is clarity on the situation and safety concerns,” said Nikhil.He added:>> Flight refunds mostly processed>> Hotel refunds largely smooth>> Visa fees non-refundable>> No timeline yet for industry normalisation Tour operator Nikhil Nandgaonkar said his trip was cancelled hours before take-off Travel disruption at a glance Tours cancelled: Multiple Maharashtra departures haltedTourists stranded: Groups across Dubai and other hubsFlights: Delays and uncertainty continueTourism activities: Some cruises and excursions paused Travellers caught mid-journey 337 tourists in one Pune group remain in Dubai after their return flight scheduled for Monday night was affected.Vijay Jadhav, who owns a travel company in Pune, said:“The situation here feels normal, and we are not panicking. It is important that rumours do not spread.” Community support emerges >> NRIs and residents have begun helping visitors.>> 45 families and individuals contacted Dubai resident Rajive Keshup within hours after he offered assistance.>> “We have one room available in our five-room villa and are offering it free with meals. We are also helping connect others with friends who can host them,” Keshup said.
02 March,2026 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarA Borivli family living in Bahrain has spent sleepless nights under sirens, drone alerts, and missile strikes as regional tensions spill across West Asia, forcing them out of their home and into emergency accommodation while flights remain suspended and relatives back in Mumbai anxiously track every update. The Mohites, who moved abroad five years ago for work, are now among many Indian families caught in the ripple effects of the conflict, navigating fear, uncertainty and restricted movement while waiting for normalcy to return. Family members remain in constant contact over video calls as the Bahrain-based Mohites navigate the tense situation abroad What they experienced Sirens: First heard late Saturday nightDrone sightings: Multiple reported overheadExplosions: Loud blasts heard near a residential zoneSleep lost: Family awake the entire nightAbhijeet Mohite said they live in Juffair, close to a US naval base.“We woke up to loud blasts and sirens. We saw drones in the sky, and people rushed onto the streets. It was frightening, and we did not sleep the whole night, worried that a missile would fall on our building.” Relatives in Borivli track news updates and stay in touch with the Mohite family in Bahrain through video calls Moved to safer location Shifted from: Juffair residential areaMoved to: Hotel in the Seef areaSupport provided: Food, accommodation“Our office shifted us to a safer hotel. Sirens still go off. Earlier, they sounded every five minutes; now about every half hour,” Mohite said. Family at the centre >> Abhijeet Mohite, banker, Bahrain resident>> Monali Mohite, wife>> Aarav Mohite, 13-year-old son>> Home in Mumbai: Borivli West>> Overseas stay: 5 years in Bahrain Travel stuck Flights: SuspendedMovement: RestrictedInstructions: Stay indoors, evacuate buildings during sirens“There are no travel options right now. We have been told to remain where we are and move outside only if alarms sound.” Family back home Location: Swapnil Society, Borivli WestRelatives: Parents, brother, extended family Key incidents timeline First blast heard: Late Saturday nightDrones spotted: Multiple over residential zoneSirens: Initially every 5 minutesCurrent alerts: About every 30mins FiveNo of years the family is living in Bahrain
02 March,2026 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaEven before India’s place in the T20 World Cup final on March 8 is confirmed, Mumbai’s cricket fans are already plotting their journey to Ahmedabad, with groups from Matunga, Dadar, Mulund and Kandivli locking in tickets, trains and hotels weeks in advance to beat price surges and secure seats at the world’s largest stadium. Cricket-crazy couple Urvi and Darshak Trivedi from Kandivli From long-time club teammates at Matunga Gymkhana to families planning father-son outings, the final has become more than a match; it is a carefully planned trip built around loyalty, tradition and the fear of missing out if India makes it. The Matunga Gymkhana group plan Manan Vora and Jay Maru during the India-Pakistan match in Sri Lanka. Pics/By Special Arrangement ClubYoungmen’s Cricket Club Home groundMatunga Gymkhana PlanMorning train, lunch, match, night return GoalWatch the final together as a long-standing cricket group Multi-city followers The Vile Parle quartet, who have made advanced bookings Some fans are already tracking India across venues Cities coveredChennai, Kolkata, Sri Lanka matches Tickets securedFlights and trains to Ahmedabad are booked in advance India-or-nothing fans Group from Vile ParleTickets, flights and hotel already booked Fan rush in numbers Father-son duo Sachin and Aryaman Sheth 12 ticketsBooked by members of the Youngmen’s Cricket Club 25 yearsMany in the group have played together at Matunga Gymkhana 1-day tripMorning Vande Bharat to Ahmedabad, match, Duronto back Multiple suburbsFans travelling from Matunga, Dadar, Mulund, Kandivli and Borivli Weeks in advanceFlights, trains, and hotels are already booked Family outings Father-son tripSachin Sheth is travelling with son, Aryaman Couple planUrvi and Darshak Trivedi booked early to avoid fare spikes ReasonExperience an ICC final in India, regardless of teams What fans are saying Jigar Bauva,‘We booked instantly and will go even if India doesn’t make it. For us it’s like a one-day picnic, but we hope to see India lift the trophy’ Darshak Trivedi,‘As sports supporters, we want to experience an ICC final regardless of the teams. Prices shoot up once India as finalists are confirmed.’ Vishal Merwana,‘If India doesn’t make it, I’ll cancel everything. Watching a final without India would be heartbreaking’ Sachin Seth,‘It took some time to get the tickets online, but it’s a relief now. Even if India is not in the finals, we will still watch the match’
02 March,2026 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Shailesh NayakProblems Expressway nightmare I wish to highlight the extremely concerning and deteriorating condition of the Mumbai–Pune Expressway — a route used daily by many commuters, yet one that seems to have fallen completely off the radar of the Ministry of Transport and other authorities responsible. As a daily commuter on this expressway, I can say that the past few months have been nothing short of a nightmare. Travelling on the expressway has become a nightmare, says a reader. PIC/PTI Despite paying Rs 320 per trip (Rs 640/day, approx. Rs 12,800/month) in tolls, I am regularly trapped in long traffic jams, facing 30-40 minutes of delay each way, and sometimes far worse during nighttime. Apart from the financial burden, there are major implications on fuel consumption, car maintenance, health, and time. Despite multiple accidents on this expressway in recent days, there appears to be no proper monitoring, rule enforcement, or meaningful action from the authorities. It is disappointing to see how citizen safety is being compromised on what was once the pride of Maharashtra.- Sagar R Ghodbunder Road mess The current widening of Ghodbunder Road and Metro construction has created an absolute mess. Roads are being laid, then again dug up, again relayed and I really don’t know if there is anyone who is accountable for this mess. They first widen the road, then the engineers realise that they have not thought about the electric poles. So again they start digging the newly relayed roads. It is something that you should see to realise the pain that Ghodbunder residents go through every single day. The roads are being dug up in a completely haphazard manner. And, this is all in the district where the deputy chief minister of Maharshtra resides. There are service roads near Manpada and Patalipada that have been dug up for the last three years. Can you believe it... a portion of 1 km has been repeatedly dug up for the last 2.5 to 3 years. If one vehicle breaks down here, the ensuing traffic jam stretches for for 4-5 kms. We demand an end this digging.Ravi G Ahuja Cigarette shop nuisance A cigarette shop in Bandra West has been operating within 50 metres of a school. Representation pic/istock Residents of Madhuban building in Bandra West, 224 St Andrew’s Road wish to complain about a corner shop selling cigarettes, mixers, encouraging drugs and alcohol in a lane when it is less than 50 meters from a school. The access to our building is always full of youngsters smoking, cars parked to pick up cigarettes and drinks and it is a huge traffic and safety nightmare. Have complained so many times to the authorities but there has been no help from anyone Dipika Agarwal, secretary, Madhuban CHS, Bandra Choked road A suggestion by mid-day reader Rohit Midha to the current mess on the 150-metre stretch of road I work in Andheri East and stay at Andheri West, and hence travel this route each day morning and evening. In the mornings, I can beat traffic by leaving early. Unfortunately, I can’t do that for the evenings. Work could end anywhere between 6 pm and 9 pm. Irrespective of the time, the 150-metre stretch of road — from the junction of Cardinal Gracious to the WEH (Gundavali Metro Stn) using BD Sawant Marg ends up taking 15 to 25 minutes. While there is no simple solution to the ever-growing vehicles, this 150-metre stretch becomes difficult to navigate owing to the double and triple parking of heavy vehicles — most of them waiting to enter the Parle Agro factory. Traffic constables spend considerable time (kudos) trying to keep the traffic moving. Can’t the authorities make a simple request to the Chauhans of Parle Agro to help discipline the movement of these commercial vehicles and help partly decongest the road... can very easily become their CSR (reduce pollution and help in sustainability).Rohit Midha Responses mid-day contacted the authorities who sent their responses to your woes. We shall continue to hold officials accountable for the state of the city. No streetlights for 10 years AshokKumar C Reply: An MMRDA official said, “At certain stretches, street lights along JVLR were temporarily removed due to ongoing construction activities for the Swami Samarth Nagar-Vikhroli elevated Metro corridor. Upon completion of construction in the respective stretches, reinstatement of street lighting is being undertaken by the electricity distribution companies concerned after obtaining the necessary work permissions from BMC, in coordination with MMRDA and DMRC. Out of the total 8.5 km stretch along JVLR where street lighting was affected, reinstatement has been completed for approximately 4.5 km. The balance work is in progress and is expected to be completed by March 2026.” Auto mess at Kharghar Amit G Reply: Tirupati Kakde, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Navi Mumbai said, “Under the leadership of Milind Bharambhe, commissioner of police, Navi Mumbai, curbing traffic mismanagement is a top priority. The Navi Mumbai Traffic Police have intensified action against errant auto drivers. Decoy officers in civil clothes catch drivers demanding excess fares, refusing meters, or misbehaving. In a recent crackdown, 80 drivers were penalised in one day for violations like meter refusal, front-seat passengers, no licence, and obstruction. In Kharghar, under Senior PI Gulfaroz Mujawar, 48,932 cases were registered, 9611 cases filed, and 60 licences suspended.” Abusive society member Sagar Mane Reply: Adv Sunil Pandey stated that receiving abusive or defamatory messages in a housing society WhatsApp group is a serious issue that constitutes both a social nuisance and a potential criminal act in India. Under Sections 353 356,352, 351 of BNS 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000, several actions are available to a complainant to hold the perpetrator accountable and to stop the circulation of such messages. Sending abusive, defamatory, or threatening messages in a society WhatsApp group (or other group) and circulating them across multiple groups is a punishable offense under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
02 March,2026 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT