A court in Nashik on Tuesday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to five days of police custody in connection with a fourth rape case, where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman who had approached him for help with personal and family issues, reported PTI. The order was passed by the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate A G Behere, which allowed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take Kharat into custody until April 18 for further investigation, reported PTI. SIT seeks custody citing need for further investigation The SIT probing multiple cases against Kharat had moved an application seeking his custody in the latest case. After securing permission, officials produced the accused before the court via video-conferencing on Tuesday. Public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde argued that further custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover details related to the allegations. He told the court that the accused had allegedly administered sedatives to the complainant before sexually assaulting her, reported PTI. Investigators maintained that additional questioning could help establish the sequence of events and gather crucial evidence in the case. Defence opposes remand, cites prolonged custody Kharat’s counsel, Satish Bhate, opposed the SIT’s plea, arguing that the accused had already been in police custody for a considerable period. He contended that since the SIT had been investigating the matter, further remand was not required, reported PTI. The defence urged the court to deny additional custody, stating that continued detention was unnecessary at this stage of the investigation. Court grants custody considering seriousness of charges After hearing both sides, the court granted the SIT’s request, citing the serious and sensitive nature of the allegations. The magistrate allowed police custody till April 18 to enable further probe into the case, reported PTI. The proceedings were conducted through video conferencing, with both prosecution and defence presenting their arguments before the court. Multiple cases registered against the accused Kharat, a former merchant navy officer, is currently facing nearly a dozen criminal cases, including at least eight related to sexual assault. The latest development marks the fourth rape case registered against him, reported PTI. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the multiple complaints, with the SIT examining evidence and statements from victims. Probe ongoing amid serious allegations Officials said the investigation remains active, and further developments are expected as the SIT continues to question the accused during the custody period. The case has drawn attention due to the number of allegations against Kharat and the nature of the accusations, with law enforcement agencies focusing on ensuring a thorough and impartial probe. (With inputs from PTI)
14 April,2026 05:51 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra unit of the Congress on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora over his remarks regarding party representation at the funeral of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, reported PTI. The controversy erupted after Deora, a former Congress leader and Union minister, suggested in a social media post that one political party had failed to send senior representatives to the funeral, indirectly targeting his former party. Deora’s post triggers political row In his post, Deora described the funeral as a gathering marked by “love, song, and gratitude,” attended by leaders from across political parties. However, he noted that “one exception stood out,” which he said reflected a disconnect from the country’s cultural ethos. Though he did not explicitly name the Congress, the remarks were widely interpreted as criticism of the party, prompting a swift and strong response. Congress counters claim, lists leaders who attended Rejecting Deora’s allegation, the Congress asserted that several of its senior leaders were present to pay their respects. The party named leaders including Sushilkumar Shinde, Naseem Khan, and Lok Sabha MP Praniti Shinde, among others, who attended the funeral, reported PTI. The party said their presence reflected both cultural respect and longstanding values, countering Deora’s claim of absence, reported PTI. Sharp criticism over ‘ingratitude’ and political shift In a strongly worded statement, the Congress accused Deora of “ingratitude” and “political opportunism,” pointing to his long association with the party before joining the faction led by Eknath Shinde, reported PTI. The party alleged that Deora was attempting to discredit his former political base in a bid to demonstrate loyalty to his current leadership. It further claimed that the Congress had played a key role in shaping the political career and identity of the Deora family, reported PTI. War of words escalates on social media The exchange quickly escalated on social media, with the Congress using unusually sharp language to criticise Deora’s remarks. It accused him of spreading misinformation and questioned his motives behind targeting the party. The statement also suggested that his comments were an attempt to gain political favour within his current party setup, rather than a reflection of facts. Political tensions intensify in Maharashtra The episode highlights growing tensions between the Congress and leaders who have switched sides in recent years, particularly in Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape. (With inputs from PTI)
14 April,2026 05:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Metro One Private Limited has launched a new mobile application, RapidCash, aimed at turning everyday online shopping into savings on metro travel, officials said in a release. According to the release, the app enables commuters on Mumbai Metro Line-1 to earn instant cashback on purchases made through leading e-commerce platforms, helping offset their daily commuting expenses. Promoted by Reliance Infrastructure, Mumbai Metro One said the initiative is part of its continued push towards commuter-centric innovation. Developed in collaboration with Acetech Digital and SequelString AI Private Limited, RapidCash allows users to earn up to Rs 20 cashback per transaction on platforms such as Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, and Ajio. The cashback is credited instantly and can be redeemed directly into users’ bank accounts, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience, the release stated. A spokesperson for Mumbai Metro One described RapidCash as a “first-of-its-kind innovation in the metro industry,” designed to provide tangible benefits to commuters. “RapidCash allows users to continue shopping on their preferred platforms while earning additional cashback, making everyday spending more rewarding and metro travel more affordable,” the spokesperson said. Over nearly 12 years of operations, Mumbai Metro One has served over 120 crore commuters while maintaining more than 99 per cent punctuality. It has also introduced several innovations in the metro sector, including WhatsApp ticketing, mobile QR tickets, metro rewards, and unlimited travel passes. The RapidCash app is now available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
14 April,2026 04:51 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Tuesday paid tributes to BR Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi, Mumbai, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, calling it a "festival of self-respect for the entire nation" and praising Ambedkar's role in shaping India's constitutional and social framework, news agency ANI reported. Opening his address, Shinde said, "The soil turned to gold because of you, Bhim." He said that Chaityabhoomi had witnessed a large gathering of followers and admirers, describing it as a "Bhim Sagar" assembled to honour Dr Ambedkar's legacy. "Today, a Bhim Sagar has gathered at Chaityabhoomi. My salutations to all of you. This sacred day is not just the birth anniversary of a great man, but a festival of self-respect for the entire nation," stated Shinde. He added that the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar is not just a commemorative occasion but a celebration of dignity and empowerment for the entire nation. "When he contested elections, his symbol was a human being. When he wrote the Constitution, he did so with the thought that every person should get justice. He gave self-reliance and self-respect to the Dalit and deprived communities. We cannot do anything without Babasaheb's name," he added. Eknath Shinde says BR Ambedkar’s vision of justice and equality continues to guide India Shinde highlighted Dr Ambedkar's vision in ensuring justice and equality for all sections of society, saying his contribution to framing the Constitution continues to guide India. "Where we stand today - a tribal woman as President, a farmer's son who became Chief Minister and then Deputy Chief Minister, Sunetra Tai also becoming Deputy Chief Minister, Jyoti Tai reaching Parliament - all of this is possible only because of Bhim Ambedkar. Women, too, should get self-respect," he said. He stated Dr Ambedkar ensured that every individual, irrespective of background, received justice and respect. "Babasaheb did not use his knowledge only for himself; he took it to every street and alley. He gave justice to the common man," added Shinde. The Maharashtra Deputy CM also said that efforts are underway to complete the memorial at Indu Mill, adding that 95 per cent of the work has already been completed. "By 2047, Modi has taken a pledge to make the nation strong. Even ordinary workers celebrate him. Babasaheb's statue is being built at Indu Mill. 95% of the memorial work has been completed," he stated. Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India. (With ANI inputs)
14 April,2026 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo strengthen digital safety among elderly residents across the city, the Mumbai Police on Monday, April 13, organised a Cyber Security and Awareness Programme for senior citizens under the jurisdiction of Vile Parle Police Station. As per the official statement, the event was held at Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagriha, which witnessed the participation of 155 senior citizens from Vile Parle, Sahar, Vakola, and Airport police station jurisdictions. The three-hour programme aimed at educating the attendees on rising cyber fraud and preventive measures. Officials highlighted that the session began on a solemn note with a tribute to late Padma Vibhushan awardee Asha Bhosle. While adding a cultural touch, singer Ashraf Khan, accompanied by the ‘Saaz aur Awaaz’ orchestra, entertained the audience with melodious performances. Following the cultural performances, Assistant Commissioner of Police Jyotsna Rasam further highlighted the key aspects of cyber awareness and women’s safety. Along with Rasam, Senior Police Inspector Gabaji Chimte also delivered an introductory address while further elaborating about precautionary measures to prevent cyber crimes. Cyber experts share ways to protect yourself from online frauds Cyber expert Kailas Kandalkar, while delivering a keynote on Monday, enlightened the attendees about common scams, including fraudulent calls related to gas connections and electricity disconnections, and explained how to identify and counter such threats. Importance of ‘Dial 1930 and 1945’ Also, Cyber Officer Bharat Gurav informed the attendees about government-backed cyber safety initiatives, emergency helplines such as 1930 and 1945, and the ‘Saarthi’ mobile application. On the contrary, senior citizens celebrating birthdays in April were then further invited on stage to cut a cake, fostering a sense of community and celebration along with some very important enlightenment. Following the address by the officials, Police Inspector Chaitrali Sable proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. Officials further said that such initiatives play a crucial role in empowering senior citizens with the knowledge needed to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Thane man duped of Rs 28 lakh in ‘digital arrest’ scam A 64-year-old man from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly duped of nearly Rs 28 lakh in a 'digital arrest' scam, news agency PTI reported, quoting the police on Friday. The complainant, a resident of Kalyan West, alleged that between April 1 and April 7, he received multiple WhatsApp video and audio calls from unknown persons, including some from international numbers. “The callers introduced themselves as police officials and claimed that the complainant’s bank accounts were linked to a money laundering case and terrorist activities,” an officer from Khadakpada Police Station told PTI.
14 April,2026 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced that Marathi will be mandatory for all licensed auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in state from May 1. The mandatory rule comes into effect from May 1 which is observed as Maharashtra Day, officials said. The decision was announced by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. An official statement said that the state transport department will carry out a special inspection drive through 59 regional and sub-regional offices. Officials will check whether drivers can read and write Marathi. Those who fail to meet the requirement may face cancellation of their licences. Rule already exists According to Sarnaik, knowledge of the local language has always been a rule while issuing licences to drivers. However, complaints have increased in recent years, especially in cities such as Mumbai, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Passengers have reported that many drivers are unable or unwilling to communicate in Marathi. Emphasis on respect for language Sarnaik said that learning the local language is a responsibility for anyone working in a particular region. He added that while people should take pride in their mother tongue, they must also respect and learn the language of the state where they earn their livelihood. Strict action for non-compliance The government has warned that the drivers who do not comply with the rule will have their licences cancelled, the statement said. It said that the transport officials who issue licences without proper checks may also face strict action. "The move aims to improve communication between drivers and passengers and promote the use of Marathi in daily life," the officials said. Marathi mandatory for all school boards in Maharashtra Meanwhile, in a similar move last month, school education minister Dada Bhuse had in March asserted that all school boards in Maharashtra will be required to conduct Marathi examinations and appoint teachers to teach the local language as a subject. He had reiterated that Marathi is compulsory for all school boards (IG, Cambridge, ICSE, and CBSE) and action will be taken against those flouting the norms. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, along with a few other members, had claimed that several major educational institutions, particularly those running international and non-SSC board curriculum, are not teaching Marathi even though under the latest rules, teaching the state’s local language is mandatory for all educational boards. Responding, Bhuse asked legislators to provide specific cases so that an inquiry can be conducted and appropriate action can be taken against the erring educational institution. As members pressed for stronger enforcement of Marathi in schools, the minister had stated that under the latest rules, teaching the state’s local language is mandatory for all educational boards in Maharashtra.
14 April,2026 02:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA high-level Austrian delegation visited Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in Mumbai, with a key highlight being their visit to the Atal Setu. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austria’s Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, toured the Atal Setu and appreciated the scale, engineering quality, and emergency preparedness systems in place. A surprise check of emergency services on the bridge was also conducted, which received positive feedback from the visiting delegation, an official statement said. The visit underlined the importance of world-class infrastructure in strengthening global partnerships. Strategic talks at MMRDA The delegation was hosted by the MMRDA at its office in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The meeting focused on collaboration in infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable urban development. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the delegation virtually, inviting Austrian institutions and companies to invest and collaborate in Maharashtra’s growth journey. He emphasised the state’s ambition to become a USD 1 trillion economy. Fadnavis said, "Maharashtra is committed to strengthening global partnerships to support infrastructure-led growth and sustainable development. Austria’s expertise in engineering, innovation and technology presents strong opportunities for collaboration. We welcome Austrian participation in shaping the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and look forward to a constructive partnership. I am confident that this engagement will evolve into a strong and enduring partnership anchored in infrastructure, technology, investment and sustainable urban development." Austria submits LoI A major outcome of the visit was Austria handing over a Letter of Intent (LoI) to MMRDA, outlining plans for cooperation in key sectors, including- - Tunnelling and underground infrastructure - Technology transfer and innovation - Academic and institutional partnerships - Industrial and economic cooperation and - Tourism development The LoI reflects Austria’s interest in establishing long-term engagement with Mumbai’s infrastructure ecosystem. Focus on infra and global collaboration Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Maharashtra is emerging as a preferred destination for global partnerships, with MMRDA playing a central role in driving large-scale infrastructure projects. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee highlighted increasing global interest in Mumbai following international outreach efforts, noting that such collaborations would boost innovation, mobility systems, and skill development. Mukherjee said, "MMRDA is witnessing growing interest from global partners who recognise the scale and significance of infrastructure development underway in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Following the strong response received at Davos, we are seeing increasing engagement from countries and institutions keen to collaborate with us."
14 April,2026 02:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA minor fire broke out at a scrap yard in the Mandale area of Mankhurd on Tuesday morning, prompting a swift response from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). No injuries have been reported in the incident, officials said. According to officials, the blaze was reported around 8.15 am from an open scrap yard located along GM Link Road in the Kurla Scrap area. The fire was declared a Level-I incident at 8.19 am. Fire brigade officials said the blaze was confined to oil cans, plastic materials, dry waste, and a stockpile of wood spread across an open ground measuring approximately 50 by 500 feet. A total of four fire engines, five jumbo tankers, two advanced water tender tankers, and one quick response vehicle were deployed at the site. A 108 ambulance was also stationed as a precautionary measure. The fire was extinguished at 11.08 am. The Mandala-Kurla scrap belt is known for storing highly combustible materials such as plastic and wood, making it prone to such incidents. Similar low-intensity fires have occurred in the area in the past. LPG cylinder blasts trigger deadly fire in Thane slum cluster; three dead Three people were killed in a major fire that broke out in a slum cluster in the Thane district of Maharashtra. The fire triggered the explosion of multiple LPG cylinders, a civic official said on Saturday. Chief Fire Officer of Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), Prakash Borade, said, “The blaze erupted at around 8.30 PM on Friday in the Navghar area of Mira Bhayander at Indralok slum colony." He added that flames were visible from a long distance as the fire quickly spread through the densely packed cluster of temporary huts made of thatch and cloth. Around 30 to 35 huts were gutted in the incident. Several gas cylinders exploded during the blaze. While the fire personnel managed to remove as many as 24 cylinders from the site, some of them filled and others empty. The three deceased were charred beyond recognition, and their bodies have been sent to a government hospital for postmortem, a fire official further added. Borade further added that firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control. The three victims were charred beyond recognition, and their bodies have been sent to a government hospital for postmortem, a fire official further added.
14 April,2026 01:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOne person was killed, and four others were injured after a car rammed into a stationary trailer truck during the early hours of Tuesday on the Mumbai-Nashik highway near Kalwa. Out of the four injured, three people are critically injured, while one experienced minor injuries. As per the official statement from the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the accident was reported around 3:55 am near the Nayara petrol pump at Kharegaon Toll Naka on the Mumbai-bound carriageway in Thane. Preliminary information indicates that the driver of a Hyundai Aura car, identified as Deepak Patekar (26), lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a stationary Ashok Leyland trailer parked ahead. The impact was so severe that he was killed inside the mangled car. As soon as the accident was reported, rescue teams comprising personnel from the fire brigade, disaster management cell, Kalwa police, and traffic police rushed to the spot. Using specialised equipment, they extricated the driver who got trapped inside the car after the impact. The authorities then further shifted him to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival due to severe head injuries. Four critically injured Apart from the driver, the other four co-passengers, all residents of Dombivli East and colleagues of the deceased, have been seriously injured in the crash. Sujay Patil (20) suffered head and body injuries and was later shifted to a private hospital in Ghansoli after initial treatment. While Raj Chile (21) and Sugam Jaiswal (24) sustained critical injuries and have been referred to Jupiter Hospital for advanced care. Whereas Snehal Bhusekar (23) sustained minor injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at the Kalwa hospital. Officials said that all occupants were employees at Ashar IT Park in Wagle Estate and were on their way home to Dombivli when the accident occurred. Traffic slowed down on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway Following the crash, traffic on the busy Mumbai–Nashik stretch slowed considerably for some time. Authorities deployed a crane to remove the damaged vehicle and clear the road, restoring normal traffic flow. Furthermore, the Kalwa Police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations into the incident.
14 April,2026 01:07 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city and its suburbs are likely to experience mainly clear skies on Tuesday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 34 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively. As per the Centre's SAMEER app, Mumbai recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 94 at 9 am, which falls under the ‘satisfactory’ category. At this level, minor breathing discomfort may be experienced by sensitive individuals, while the air quality remains acceptable for the general population. Among various locations, Deonar recorded the highest pollution level with an AQI of 156, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Other areas such as Chakala (123), Ghatkopar (113), Kurla (105), Malad West (107), Navy Nagar (114), Powai (76), and Sewri (63) also indicated moderate air quality levels. Chembur (86), Bandra-Kurla Complex (100), Byculla (92), Colaba (68), and Bandra East (96) also remained within the satisfactory range. Meanwhile, Mulund West (33) and Kandivali East (36) recorded cleaner air, falling under the ‘good’ category. No rainfall is expected in the immediate forecast, and wind patterns are likely to remain light. Overall, weather conditions are expected to stay stable with no major fluctuations, while air quality is likely to remain within the satisfactory to moderate range in the coming hours. Southwest monsoon season rainfall to be below normal, says IMD The southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall this year over the country is expected to be below normal, said the India Meteorological Department on Monday. India is likely to receive 80 cm of rainfall during the season, news agency PTI reported. The long period average (1971-2020) of the seasonal rainfall over India is 87 cm. Speaking at a press conference, Dr M Mohapatra, DGM of IMD, said, "Quantitatively, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 92 per cent of LPA with a model error of +/- 5 per cent." One of the reasons for below normal rainfall could be the emergence of the El Nino conditions, which cause less rainfall in the country. According to IMD, climate models indicate that El Nino conditions are likely to emerge around the month of June. Currently, weak La Nina conditions are transitioning to ENSO-neutral conditions over the equatorial Pacific. Also, climate models show that during the second half of the monsoon season, positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions can develop. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a move aimed at boosting transparency and efficiency in real estate transactions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that India’s first integrated digital platform for Transferable Development Rights (TDR) will become fully operational from Wednesday, April 15. The e-TDR system, developed under the Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department in collaboration with BMC, is designed to streamline transactions related to reserved plots and Floor Space Index (FSI) in the city. According to a BMC release issued on Tuesday, April 14, registration on the portal is mandatory for both buyers and sellers. The platform will allow users to list TDR for sale, place bids, and complete transactions through secure digital payments. Once a deal is finalised, the system will automatically generate a digital contract note, creating an official and computerised record of the transaction. The platform also features KYC-based registration, bank integration, and AI-enabled tracking to ensure secure and transparent dealings. Civic officials said that every step of the process will be recorded digitally, reducing irregularities and delays associated with the earlier manual system. What is TDR? Transferable Development Rights (TDR) are granted to landowners when their property is acquired by the government for public projects such as roads or parks. Instead of monetary compensation, owners receive additional construction rights through a Development Rights Certificate (DRC), which can be used or sold in the market. Key benefits The e-TDR platform will make the process faster and more accessible, while improving transparency and reducing the challenges of finding buyers or sellers, BMC said. The system is also expected to create a more level playing field for smaller developers and individual stakeholders. The platform was earlier piloted in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Asim Gupta, were involved in its development. BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the civic body, as the nodal agency, is confident that the platform will enhance transparency and efficiency in urban governance while accelerating infrastructure development in Mumbai. The initiative marks a significant step in the digitisation of urban development processes in Maharashtra.
14 April,2026 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1776153623149_d.png "Mumbai Police enlightens people about cyber fraud. (PIc/OPTI)")
