In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, a monkey was found seriously injured after being shot with an arrow near Yeoor. This is the second incident in two days in Thane where a monkey was attacked with an arrow. In a shocking incident, a Bonnet Macaque was found injured after being shot with an arrow in Thane, marking the second such case. Acting on information from local residents, a rescue team from Wildlife Welfare Association rushed to the spot and found the monkey with an arrow piercing through its neck and jaw, raising strong suspicion of a poaching attempt. In the presence of officials from the Yeoor Range of the Forest Department, the animal was safely captured within 10–15 minutes and is currently undergoing intensive medical treatment. The Maharashtra Forest Department’s Thane Range Office has taken serious note of the incident and initiated an investigation. Officials have stated that strict action will be taken against those responsible under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. A search operation is currently underway to trace the accused. Monkey injured by arrow near SGNP on March 20 In a similar incident earlier on Friday, a monkey (Bonnet Macaque) was rescued in Thane after being hit by an arrow near Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). A distress call was received on the helplines of the forest department and NGO RAWW from a local resident after spotting an injured monkey sitting on a tree with an arrow lodged in its pelvic region. Following the call, the injured animal was rescued by the wildlife rescue team from RAWW and has been shifted for immediate medical treatment, which will be led by Dr Priti Sathe, associate veterinarian with RAWW. Sources from the forest department told mid-day.com that an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, will be registered, as the case attracts provisions of Section 9, which prohibits the hunting of any protected animal. 'The arrow used in hunting appears to be professional.' Bonnet macaques are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides them the highest level of protection. Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane and President of NGO RAWW, Pawan Sharma, told mid-day.com that the arrow used in the incident appears to be a professional one used in archery. Sharma further added, "The forest department has begun the investigation to initiate appropriate action. The animal will undergo major surgery and remain under treatment and rehabilitation with RAWW under 24x7 care and monitoring." A 9-foot marsh crocodile was rescued from IIT-Bombay A 9-foot marsh crocodile was rescued from the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay during an early morning rescue operation on Monday, officials said. The reptile was first noticed by security personnel at the institute, who quickly informed the authorities after spotting the animal on the campus premises. The rescue was carried out jointly by wildlife rescuers from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and officials from the Mumbai Forest Department.
22 March,2026 10:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway’s Mumbai Division on Sunday successfully carried out a mega block operation to dismantle a century-old structure at the Prabhadevi Road overbridge. The project concluded on March 22 and marked a key step in ongoing railway infrastructure upgrades. As per the official statement, the block was undertaken between 12:30 am and 6:45 am, during which two 32-metre-long girders were safely de-launched. Railway officials further highlighted that the operation was completed smoothly within the stipulated time frame without any untoward incidents. Enhancing commuter safety The Prabhadevi Road Over Bridge, earlier known as the Elphinstone Road bridge, is a crucial link in the suburban railway network of Mumbai. The removal of ageing girders, which are over 100 years old, is part of efforts to modernise infrastructure and enhance commuter safety. While the project was finished in the given time frame, the operation did pose several challenges. Challenges Officials said that the worksite had a limited approach road width, making it difficult to deploy and manoeuvre heavy cranes. Additionally, the delicate task of safely dismantling such old girders required precise engineering and careful handling. Another significant challenge involved shifting Temporary Overhead Equipment (OHE) arrangements within the restricted block period. However, the teams deployed for the operation successfully managed this transition, ensuring the work progressed without disruption. Officials praised the coordinated efforts of engineering and operational teams, stating that the successful completion of the mega block highlights the division’s capability to execute complex infrastructure works efficiently while maintaining safety and operational discipline. Western Railway installs 3-metre fencing near Bandra The Western Railway, on March 12, began installing a 3-metre-high railing along a 150-metre stretch near Garib Nagar in Bandra East to prevent garbage dumping and trespassing on railway tracks. “As of March 9, fencing covering 37 route metres has been completed. Of the 50 foundations planned, 48 have been prepared, 33 cast, and 90 columns erected,” a WR official said. Slum concern Bandra East has long been a dense slum pocket along the railway tracks, posing safety concerns for train operations. Authorities have been working to prevent the expansion of multi-storey slum structures near the operational lines. As a safety measure, several entry and exit points to the Bandra Terminus have already been restricted. Waste problem Officials said that in the past year alone, around 1875 cubic metres of waste were cleared from the area. The fencing is expected to curb dumping and restrict direct access to railway land from adjoining settlements, reducing sanitation risks and operational hazards. Spare line A railway line connecting the terminus with the southern end and the main line passes through a tightly packed slum cluster on both sides. The track is primarily used for locomotive transfers and, occasionally, train diversions during peak hours, making the stretch operationally sensitive.
22 March,2026 10:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn eight-year-old boy lost his life after falling into a water-filled construction pit in Malad East, police said on Friday. The incident was reported in the early hours of Friday by Bharatratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital, where the child was taken. According to police, the incident took place around 8 pm on Thursday at Chagan Patel Chawl in Ambewadi, Kurar Village. The boy, identified as Divyansh Rajesh Mourya, had reportedly entered the site to retrieve a ball when he accidentally fell into a pit filled with water. The excavation work was being carried out by a private contractor. Personnel from the Mumbai Police rescued the child and rushed him to the hospital in Kandivali. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending medical officer. Officials from Kurar Village Police Station have registered the incident, and further investigation is underway. The victim's father, Rajesh Mourya, said, "We realised that my son was missing around 8 pm. I, along with my family and friends, searched for him across the neighbourhood multiple times. Knowing that this risky pit is there, I had checked the pit also, but due to the lack of light there, I couldn't see him the first time." He further added, "I finally found the body around 3 am at the pit. I just sat there, holding his lifeless body in my arms. My friends took him to the hospital, where they said that he died 2 hours ago. He wouldn't have lost his life if the pit had been properly covered and the building's and chawls' border had been fenced." Residents allege negligence from the developer Residents of the chawl, including family members, claim that the uncovered pit has been there for years. The pit is 15-20 ft deep, and appropriate safety measures like fencing at risky points and covering the pit have not been taken by the builder; instead, the builder allegedly uses the drain water pooled in the pit for his construction requirements. Developer's response Midday tried calling the contact numbers listed on the website of the developer, but the numbers were unreachable. The developer could not reply to Midday's email request for comment by press time.
22 March,2026 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaA 48-year-old Uber driver from Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) was allegedly assaulted and robbed of Rs 59,000 by three men posing as passengers during a late-night trip to Panvel. Police have arrested one of the accused, Mohammad Maishad Jalil Khan, 26, a driver by profession and a resident of Asalpha in Ghatkopar, while two others remain unidentified. The police official stated, "The driver reached Panvel Bus Station around 10.30 pm, after which the men asked him to return towards Mumbai, claiming they were unable to find the location they were looking for." The victim, Sunil Kumar Bachchanlal Agrahari, a resident of Sant Dnyaneshwar Nagar in BKC, drives for Uber and private hires. Suspicious call On March 8, Agrahari received a call from an unknown number asking him to pick up a passenger from outside Don Bosco School in Kurla for a trip to Panvel. However, the caller cancelled the ride, claiming his mother’s health had deteriorated. The next night, March 9, the same person again asked him to come to the same location around 9.30 pm for a ride to Panvel. Three men boarded the car and asked him to drive to Panvel. Assault near Kharghar A police officer told mid-day, “The driver reached Panvel bus stop around 10.30 pm, after which the men asked him to return towards Mumbai, claiming they were unable to find the location they were looking for”. While returning near Kharghar railway station, the men allegedly assaulted him, took control of the car and forced him to transfer Rs 59,000 through multiple UPI transactions. They also took R3000 in cash before fleeing near Ghatkopar. Deleted digital trails They allegedly deleted transaction history, removed and broke the SIM card and wiped banking alerts and messages. Case details Victim: Sunil Kumar Bachchanlal Agrahari, 48Loss: Rs 59,000 via UPI + Rs 3,000 cashPolice station: Vinoba Bhave NagarSections invoked: BNS 309(4), 3(5); IT Act 66(D)Status: One accused arrested; two unidentified; investigation ongoing
22 March,2026 08:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA fire broke out on Sunday evening in a residential building in Naupada, Thane (West), causing damage to household appliances but no injuries. According to the Disaster Management Cell of Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident occurred around 5:09 pm at Shree Siddhivinayak Residency, a ground-plus-seven-storey building located near the railway quarters at B Cabin. The fire erupted in Room No. 201 on the second floor, owned by Prafulchandra Ramakant Dandekar, and involved an air conditioner outdoor unit and a washing machine. Upon receiving the alert from the Chief Fire Control Room, fire brigade teams rushed to the spot with one fire engine and a rescue vehicle. Personnel from the Disaster Management Cell, along with teams from Mahanagar Gas and Mahavitaran, also reached the location to assist in the operation. Blaze damages washing machine and AC in flat, no injuries Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. However, the fire caused damage to the washing machine, AC outdoor unit, and electrical wiring in the flat. The blaze was brought under control and completely extinguished by around 5:40 pm. Authorities stated that the situation is now fully under control. Minor fire breaks out at Navi Mumbai's Bouncing Bunny play zone; no injuries reported A minor fire broke out at Bouncing Bunny, a popular indoor play zone in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on Saturday evening. While the incident caused brief panic among visitors, no injuries were reported as the premises were quickly evacuated. The blaze was reported around 7.15 pm. Given the nature of the establishment, which often hosts young children and families, emergency services were placed on high alert. Swift response by CIDCO fire brigade A team of firefighters from Kharghar Fire Station, under the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), responded promptly and reached the spot within 10 minutes of receiving the distress call. Three fire tenders were deployed at the site. Following a two-hour operation, the fire was completely doused and cooling operations were carried out. The evacuation was carried out swiftly by staff and first responders.
22 March,2026 07:26 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentFlamingos were reportedly yet to arrive at Navi Mumbai wetlands as the season kicks off, with the environment activists pointing out at alleged toxic water conditions. The climate activists have raised alarms over a ‘wetland emergency’ in Navi Mumbai, after water tests revealed toxic conditions in three key flamingo habitats, reported the PTI. The DPS, NRI, and T S Chanakya lakes at Nerul serve as satellite wetlands for the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), a Ramsar site, and are crucial for migratory flamingos. Climate activists are demanding swift action to restore tidal flow, improve water quality, and enforce environmental protections to save Navi Mumbai’s wetlands. With flamingos failing to arrive and toxic waters threatening local biodiversity, the situation is being framed as a public health and ecological emergency. Flamingo season in Navi Mumbai runs from November to May, with January to March being the peak period. Bird watchers and enthusiasts gather at these wetlands to see the pink parade, but this year, the flamingos have not arrived, highlighting the ecological stress. Lab results reveal severe water pollution Water samples tested by the NatConnect Foundation showed alarming results. Four basic indicators likeTDS, pH, BOD, and COD which are all pointed to stagnant, over-concentrated water rather than the natural tidal flushing required for a healthy wetland. “The water is not moving as it should in a healthy intertidal wetland,” said B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation. Blocked or restricted tidal flow has turned these wetlands into stagnant, polluted basins as per PTI. Governance failure blamed Activists blamed the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for the decline, citing unchecked development over conservation. Regulators such as the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and the forest department have reportedly “looked the other way,” failing to enforce protections for the public asset. “These wetlands were our pride. Today, they are being destroyed in full view,” said Rekha Sankhala of the Save Flamingos and Mangroves Forum as per PTI reports. Ecological consequences Flamingos rely on algae and microorganisms that thrive in balanced wetland conditions. With water quality deteriorating, the food chain collapses, turning once-thriving feeding grounds into stressed habitats. The absence of flamingos this season suggests that the ecosystem may have crossed a critical threshold. “Flamingos are the canary in our ecosystem’s coal mine,” warned Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society. Activist Pamela Cheema added that CIDCO’s neglect has also put groundwater and biodiversity at risk, urging immediate government intervention. (With PTI Inputs)
22 March,2026 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTrain services were disrupted after a person climbed an overhead equipment (OHE) pole at Kalyan railway station in Maharashtra on Sunday afternoon, officials said. They said that the pole supplies power to platforms 1, 1A and 2. As a safety measure, the power supply on the down local line between Thakurli and Ambivli was switched off. This led to disruption of train services on the route. Trains delayed At least two mail/express trains and three local trains were detained due to the incident, railway officials said. Passengers faced delays as authorities worked to manage the situation. Railway and emergency teams were at the spot, making efforts to safely bring the person down from the pole. Further details are awaited.
22 March,2026 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have urged the BJP-led state government to order an inquiry and take strict action against fake 'godmen'. The demand follows the arrest of self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, the IANS reported. The issue escalated after Rupali Chakankar resigned as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. Her resignation came on the directions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, amid allegations of her association with Kharat. Chakankar is also a trustee of Shri Shivnika Sansthan in Sinnar, where Kharat serves as president, as per the IANS. Kharat was arrested from Nashik on charges of sexual harassment and rape. The controversy intensified after a video surfaced online showing Chakankar washing Kharat’s feet. Congress attacks ruling alliance Congress leader Husain Dalwai criticised Chakankar, alleging that she had supported Kharat, the news agency reported. He also raised questions about the godman’s wealth and influence, calling for a detailed investigation into his assets and activities. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant expressed concern over such incidents in a “progressive state like Maharashtra”. He further alleged that individuals posing as spiritual leaders receive attention and political backing under the current government, as per the IANS. AIMIM seeks thorough probe AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan also called for a comprehensive inquiry. He said the allegations against Kharat were serious and demanded that the truth be brought before the public. Opposition leaders criticised the role of public figures in promoting superstition, arguing that those in positions of authority should work to discourage such practices. They warned that the influence of self-styled godmen could mislead and exploit vulnerable people if left unchecked. Fraud disciples who follow fraud godmen should also face action: Sena (UBT) Following Rupali Chakankar's resignation over her association with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat held for rape, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said "fraud disciples" who follow "fraud godmen" should also face action, reported the PTI. Addressing a news conference, Thackeray referred to the Kharat case and wondered about the level to which Maharashtra will be taken. Pointing out to the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act 2013, Thackeray said, "If those who are following the law are going to follow such fraud godmen then their fraud disciples who are seen in politics should also face action," reported PTI. Thackeray said feckless people resort to visiting people like Kharat. The Shiv Sena (UBT) head also attacked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and said the latter should open a "blanket department" to cover up the wrongdoings of his ministers, reported PTI. Kharat, who had several political leaders visit him over the years, was arrested in Nashik on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years. Under fire from the opposition, Chakankar resigned as the state women's panel on Friday. (With IANS and PTI)
22 March,2026 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway said that its officials made a record collection of fines, their highest-ever earnings, during a half-day 'fortress check' drive at Bhayandar, collecting Rs 4.06 lakh in penalties from ticketless and irregular travellers on Saturday. Officials said the previous highest collection for a similar half-day drive was Rs 3.90 lakh, recorded on April 2, 2025 at Bhayandar. The latest drive has now set a new benchmark. What is a fortress check? A fortress check is a large-scale ticket inspection drive in which multiple teams are deployed across stations and trains simultaneously to catch fare evaders and enforce ticketing rules. Such drives are conducted periodically to improve compliance and deter unauthorised travel. WR collects over Rs 191 crore in fines from ticketless travellers Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Western Railway had stated that it recovered more than Rs 191 crore in fines after detecting nearly 30 lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel during intensive ticket checking drives carried out between April 2025 and February 2026. This is a surge of over 42 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year, Western Railway had said in an official statement issued by Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek on March 5. The statement had stated that the ticket-checking staff, under the supervision of senior commercial officers, carried out extensive checks in Mumbai suburban local trains, long-distance Mail and Express trains, passenger services and holiday special trains. The drives were aimed at curbing ticketless travel, minimising revenue leakage and promoting travel discipline among passengers, it said. Nearly three lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel During February 2026 alone, nearly three lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, leading to the recovery of around Rs 18.50 crore in fines. This marks an increase of more than 10 per cent compared to the same month last year. In the Mumbai suburban section, intensive checking drives also yielded significant results. In February 2026, about 87,000 cases of ticketless and irregular travel were detected, resulting in the recovery of Rs 4.28 crore. Cumulatively, from April 2025 to February 2026, more than 10 lakh cases were detected in the Mumbai suburban network, with total fines amounting to nearly Rs 50 crore, including penalties collected in air-conditioned (AC) local trains. WR also conducted focused checking drives in AC suburban local services to prevent unauthorised travel by passengers holding general tickets. Penalties in Mumbai AC locals Between April 2025 and February 2026, more than 1.16 lakh penalty cases were booked in Mumbai AC local trains, resulting in the recovery of Rs 3.76 crore in fines — an increase of nearly 99 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year. Officials had said the drives will continue as part of Western Railway’s efforts to curb ticketless travel and ensure disciplined and authorised travel across its network.
22 March,2026 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA rescued male leopard named Bittu has died after a prolonged illness at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. Forest officials said the six-year-old leopard died on March 21, 2026 despite months of treatment. Bittu had been rescued as a few-day-old cub from the Yeoor range in Thane on December 4, 2019, officials said, adding that since then, he was hand-reared and cared for by veterinary teams and animal keepers at the park. Diagnosed with kidney disease Deputy Director (South), Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, said Bittu had been showing signs of illness for several months and was under continuous medical care. An ultrasound examination indicated Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a serious condition affecting the kidneys. Despite intensive treatment and supportive care, his condition continued to worsen. Post-mortem findings A post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple cysts in the kidneys, indicating advanced renal disease. Veterinarians said the condition led to multiple organ failure, which caused the animal’s death. Samples sent for analysis Biological samples have been sent to Mumbai Veterinary College for further testing and confirmation. Officials added that all standard protocols were followed during treatment and after the leopard's death.
22 March,2026 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai on Sunday morning woke up to clear skies with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting temperatures likely to touch 35 degrees Celsius on March 22. The weather department has predicted mainly clear skies throughout the day on Sunday. Such conditions are typical during this time of the year when humidity remains moderate and skies stay largely cloud-free. According to a weather bulletin, the maximum temperature in Mumbai is expected to be around 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle at approximately 23 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The weather is likely to remain warm during the afternoon hours, though mornings and late evenings may feel relatively comfortable. Yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar The IMD has predicted hot and humid weather conditions for Mumbai and its adjoining areas on Monday, March 23 and issued a yellow alert for the city, Thane and Palghar areas. A weather bulletin stated that hot and humid conditions were very likely at isolated pockets in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar. A similar alert has also been issued for parts of Maharashtra including Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Thunderstorm, rain in parts of Maharashtra Meanwhile, according to the IMD, some parts of Maharashtra were very likely to witness rains and thunderstorm on March 23. Districts including Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Latur and Dharashiv were likely to witness thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) at isolated place. A yellow alert has been issued for these districts for Monday, March 23. AQI in Mumbai Despite the rising heat, Mumbai’s air quality has improved over the past 24 hours. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Sunday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 10:05 pm and stood at 78. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 89 (Satisfactory) Borivali East: 93 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 84 (Satisfactory) Malad West: 78 (Satisfactory) Andheri: 110 (Moderate) Deonar: 103 (Moderate) Colaba: 71 (Satisfactory) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 84 on Sunday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 98 (Satisfactory), and in Navi Mumbai at 108 was in 'Moderate' category.
22 March,2026 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1774198344608_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Monkey shot by an arrow at Yeoor near SNGP. (Pic/WWA / Maharashtra Forest Department)")
-1774190319704_d.png "Construction pit in Kurar village where the incident took place. (Pic/Sarthak Mehta)")
-1774190022156_d.png "Representational image. File pic")
-1774187655500_d.png "Pic/Special Arrangement")
-1774169165184_d.png "Concerns have been raised ahead of the flamingo season in Navi Mumbai. Representational Pic/File")
