The flooring of the fifth floor in A-wing of Nutan Neelam Apartment in Thane collapsed around 3:10 am Tuesday, injuring three residents and triggering panic in the building. Authorities later inspected the structure and advised residents to vacate, calling the 40-year-old structure unsafe. Incident snapshot Building: Nutan Neelam Apartment, ThaneWing: A-wingFloor: FifthTime: 3.10 amInjured: 3 residentsStatus: Building declared unsafe Repair work underway inside the affected flat on fourth floor What happened Residents said a section of the floor suddenly gave way while families were asleep, trapping occupants under debris.Sandeep Yadav, who suffered finger fractures and bruises, said the collapse occurred without warning.“I woke up to a loud crash and saw debris falling on my cousin and on my hands. Others sleeping nearby escaped by chance,” he said. Nutan Neelam Apartment in Thane, where a fifth-floor collapse injured three residents. Pics/Ritika Gondhalekar Injuries and treatment >> One of the injured, Pradeep, was shifted from a civic hospital to a private hospital due to serious injuries.According to family members>> Fractures in both legs>> Severe abdominal injuries>> Internal bleeding required emergency surgery, including bowel removal and repair>> Patient is on ventilator support but stable, with multiple fractures and soft tissue injuries which will need further procedures.>> Condition remains critical under observation.“He is not out of danger yet,” Sandeep said. Temporary bamboo supports installed on the third floor after the collapse. Pic/Ritika Gondhalekar Residents told to leave After inspection, authorities installed temporary bamboo supports and advised residents to vacate. “We are packing essentials and leaving. It’s not safe to stay here,” said resident Prathamesh Khamkar, adding that the incident has disturbed his sister during board exams. Confusion over safety Some residents said they were briefly moved to a nearby municipal school after the collapse, but later told they could return at their own risk. “We were given a dangerous building notice, a C2 notice, yet told we can stay if we want. We don’t know what to do,” said Sheetal Gaikwad. Why residents are worried >> Structural weakness suspected>> Partial collapse already occurred>> Unsure where to relocate>> Fear of leaving homes unattended Long-pending redevelopment >> Residents say redevelopment discussions have dragged on for years.>> Building age: About 40 years Redevelopment talks >> Ongoing for 5–6 years>> Concrete progress: None, residents say>> “The condition is clearly poor, but nothing has moved beyond discussions,” said resident Priyam Maurya.
19 February,2026 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarNearly three weeks after the plane crash that killed former deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati, the investigation has become a political battleground, with NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar questioning the credibility of the probe and the government insisting on faith in Indian agencies. While Sunetra Pawar has sought a CBI inquiry, Rohit Pawar has escalated demands for an independent or international probe, alleging irregularities linked to the aircraft, its ownership and the investigation process. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar addresses concerns around probe into Ajit Pawar’s plane crash during a press interaction. File pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Crash timeline Jan 28: Plane crash in Baramati kills Ajit PawarFeb 11: Rohit Pawar demands international probeTuesday: Sunetra Pawar meets CM, seeks CBI probeWednesday: Rohit intensifies attack on investigation Former deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Pic/By Special Arrangement What Rohit Pawar is alleging >> Probe conclusions being drawn prematurely>> Aircraft registration may have violated DGCA norms>> Extra fuel possibly carried on board>> Explosion after crash may indicate fuel irregularities>> Aircraft allegedly beyond operational life>> Insurance cover far higher than aircraft value>> He also claimed the plane’s market value was about Rs 10 crore>> It was insured for nearly Rs 55 crore, including passenger liability total cover around Rs 210 crore Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. File pic/Ashish Raje Political links flagged Rohit Pawar also pointed to alleged political connections linked to the aircraft owner, saying a senior leader from Andhra Pradesh attended the owner’s son’s wedding in Rajasthan. He noted that the same state currently holds the Civil Aviation portfolio at the Centre, arguing this raises concerns about the neutrality of the probe. Why he wants a wider probe Rohit Pawar has proposed:>> Independent panel led by a retired judge>> Participation of opposition leaders from Parliament>> Monitoring by representatives of multiple parties>> He also reiterated a call for an international aviation agency to examine the crash Questions raised about the aircraft According to Rohit Pawar:>> The Learjet may not have met Indian registration norms>> Officials may have facilitated registration>> Evidence could be compromised, including the black box>> He argued these concerns make it difficult to rely solely on the DGCA-led probe Government’s response CM Devendra Fadnavis has urged patience and confidence in Indian agencies. He indicated there is currently no proposal to involve an international body, but confirmed he would write to HM Amit Shah seeking a CBI probe following Sunetra Pawar’s request. Political undercurrent Pawar said criticism and trolling for raising questions only strengthens the need for a fair investigation. Rs 10 crPlane’s market value Rs 55 crApprox. amount plane was insured for Rs 210 crIncluding passenger liability total cover amount
19 February,2026 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA public interest litigation filed in the Supreme Court challenges key provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DRDP) Act, 2023 and its 2025 Rules, arguing that they undermine the Right to Information framework and fundamental rights. Filed under Article 32, the petition seeks to strike down Section 44(3) of the Act, along with several other clauses and rules, as unconstitutional. About the amendment What is being challengedLaw: Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023Rules: Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 Key provisions questioned >> Section 44(3)>> Sections 17(1)(c), 17(2), 33(1), 36>> Rules 17 and 23(2) Core issue: RTI amendment At the centre of the petition is the amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act Earlier rule Information could be denied only if>> It had no link to public activity>> Disclosure invaded privacy>> And there was no larger public interest After amendment The petitioner says these safeguards are removed, enabling authorities to reject requests more broadly on “personal information” grounds Fundamental rights concerns The plea argues the change violates:Article 19(1)(a): Right to information and free speechArticle 21: Right to know and informed participation It also claims the amendment >> Restricts free speech disproportionately>> Treats public officials’ privacy like that of private citizens>> Undermines decades of transparency jurisprudence Other provisions challenged The petition raises concerns that the Act:>> Allows broad exemptions from its scope>> Gives the Centre wide powers over the Data Protection Board>> Imposes penalties for “significant” data breaches without defining the term>> Enables executive dominance in Board appointments>> The plea argues these weaken institutional independence and oversight Why RTI system may change The amendment may allow authorities to deny information by classifying it as personal data, reducing accountability Petitioner Speak Venkatesh Nayak, human rights activist and petitionerThe amendments weaken the balance between the right to know and data protection, and risk placing information about public officials’ duties beyond scrutiny Former CIC says... Shailesh Gandhi, RTI activist and former Central Information CommissionerThe DPDP Act risks turning RTI into a ‘Right to Deny Information’. While wrongful denial under RTI attracts a penalty of Rs 25,000, disclosure barred by the DPDP law can invite fines up to Rs 250 crore, creating strong incentives to refuse information. Nov 2025Month RTI amendment was brought into force
19 February,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonBorivli BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay met with the Mumbai Commissioner of Police (CP), Deven Bharti, seeking action on local issues, claiming that the police and the BMC have failed to act on his concerns. Upadhyay had last week met senior police officers, demanding stern action against the rising number of people drinking liquor in public places, the hawker menace, illegal hookah parlours, and rash driving, especially by share auto-rickshaws. Upadhyay said he was frustrated with the local police for not taking sufficient measures despite repeated demands. Speaking to mid-day, Upadhyay said, “I had been writing to the local police seeking action. While some steps were taken, they were not satisfactory. It felt more like a one-time response rather than sustained enforcement. It is frustrating that one has to repeatedly follow up with the local police on routine issues affecting citizens. When such developments are visible to ordinary residents, and even to me as an MLA, it raises the question of whether the police are unaware or simply not acting. In either case, it reflects poorly on the law-enforcement machinery. Left with no choice, I had to escalate the matter to the Mumbai police commissioner.” The MLA said that the CP has assured of action over the issues. MLA’s complaints >> Drinking liquor in public places >> Hawker menace>> Illegal hookah parlours>> Rash driving by auto-rickshawsLate-night activities: Several cafes remain open late into the night, while public spots are taken over by street vendors MLA Speaks These late-night activities often attract notorious elements, raising serious law-and-order concerns. ‘I feel the police and BMC should have stringent implementation and enforcement of law in the Borivali assembly constituency’
19 February,2026 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Bombay High Court pulled up naval authorities on Wednesday, asking if officials had been “sleeping” while a 23-story high-rise began to come up near INS Shikra, the Navy’s premier air station in South Mumbai. The rebuke came as a bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri heard a petition filed by the Commanding Officer of INS Shikra. The Navy is seeking to halt the project, citing significant security risks to the sensitive military installation. “Were you sleeping all this time,” the court said, asking why the construction — which according to the Navy began in 2021 — was allowed in the first place. On Monday, the court had temporarily halted the construction activity citing urgent security concerns ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city. On Wednesday, advocate R V Govilkar, representing the Navy, said construction up to 53.07 metres was permitted in the area. The bench said while it was aware of the security concerns, it could pass an interim order allowing construction up to this height, and posted the matter for further hearing on Friday. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 February,2026 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesOn Monday (February 16) at 9.30 pm, domestic help Biplab Kumar Kamat was walking outside the Ashraya building near the Raj Bhavan in Walkeshwar when suddenly a white dog bit him on his left thigh. “Before I registered what had happened, the dog had disappeared. It happened very fast. I was fearful but gathered my wits and slowly made my way to the home,” said Kamat, 35, who lives in that building and works at some house in the same building. Kamat’s employer, Prince Shah, who is a filmmaker, said, “When Kamat came for work, my wife was surprised that he had come in half an hour later than his usual time. However, we did not think too much of it.” The canine in question Kamat went about his work quietly at first, then he confided in Prince’s wife that he had suffered a dog bite. Prince said, “We rushed to St Elizabeth Hospital in Malabar Hill. It is a very short distance away from home. The medical staff told me it was good we came in within two hours. Kamat was given four injections at once, with the remaining four to be given at different intervals.” Prince said that he is a dog lover. “I too feed the dogs in the area. This canine, I noticed, was particularly aggressive most of the time, barking and jumping. In fact, after learning about the dog bite, I took Kamat to the location. We spotted a dog at 10.52 pm, and Kamat identified it as the one that had bitten him.” Details about the incident involving this particular dog have been sent to civic authorities through the website: https://vhd.mcgm.gov.in Things to do in case of dog bite >> Wash the wound>> Try to tie/apply pressure to stop bleeding>> Seek medical help as soon as possible>> Do not try to self-medicate or brush off bites >> Take the anti-rabies shots >> Do not neglect the time chart >> Treat within 8 hours Kamat was administered... >> 2 injections of rabies immunoglobulin>> 1 injection of rabies vaccine>> 1 TT (Tetanus Toxoid) injection
19 February,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharTransporters across the state have warned of an indefinite strike from March 5 if the state government fails to address their demands in a week. The call has been given by the Maharashtra Transport Action Committee, representing truck, tempo, bus, and school bus operators. The Mumbai School Bus Association has also joined the agitation, raising concerns during state board and CBSE examinations. A major flashpoint remains the implementation of e-challans, which transporters allege are being issued without due process. Operators claim penalties are imposed without real-time alerts or clear photographic evidence. Concerns have also been raised over mandatory vehicle retro-fitments such as CCTVs and panic buttons, with stakeholders demanding technical scrutiny before enforcement. School bus operators have sought designated halting zones near schools, while goods transporters have pressed for marked loading and unloading areas. The facts >> The protest is to be held from March 5>> Seven-day deadline issued to state government>> Covers trucks, tempos, buses, and school buses>> Statewide participation expected Exam impact >> Mumbai School Bus Association joins the protest>> State board exams underway>> CBSE examinations ongoing>> Potential disruption to student transport E-challan issues alleged >> No real-time challan alerts to drivers>> Penalties issued without clear evidence>> Unclear or blurred photographic proof Retro-fitment review >> CCTVs and panic buttons>> Demand for technical evaluation Past assurance >> A similar strike was withdrawn in July last year>> The government promised the formation of a task force>> None of the demands have been met, according to Shahid Shaikh of the Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana>> Schools are yet to be formally informed Parking demands >> Designated halting spots near schools>> Separate loading-unloading zones for goods vehicles>> Review of sudden no-entry and no-parking rules
19 February,2026 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarFollowing a mid-day report of citizens complaining about loose and displaced parapets, amid increasing fears among citizens regarding the safety of the Metro Line 4 structure following the recent parapet collapse incident, Mulund BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha conducted a joint inspection of the Metro Line 4 stretch along LBS Road on Wednesday, accompanied by officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and BMC officials from T ward. The MLA has demanded a third-party audit of the corridor. On Wednesday, the joint inspection was carried out covering seven to eight locations along Metro Line 4 on the LBS Road stretch in Mulund. The MMRDA team was led by Chief Engineer Madhukar Kharat. It was accompanied by T ward officer Yogita Kolhe, the disaster management team, and local corporators Dr Hetal Gala Morvekar and Deepika Ghag. Mulund BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha (in Nehru jacket) inspects the site along with MMRDA and civic officials “Following Saturday’s parapet collapse incident, residents have been sending photographs highlighting visible alignment issues, gaps, and level differences in the parapet walls of the elevated corridor. Close to 500 similar images were forwarded to the T ward disaster management team and me by citizens,” said Kotecha. Structure safe Kotecha said officials acknowledged minor technical and finishing defects, particularly in parapet wall alignment, but maintained that the structure is safe and its stability has not been compromised. “But why were such defects not identified earlier by consultants and auditors during or immediately after installation, which in some cases took place eight to 12 months ago? Why didn’t consultants and auditors notice them after the casting?” asked Kotecha. Third party audit He further stated that Metro systems in developed cities across the world reflect high-quality standards. “The Maharashtra government has released full payments to contractors as per agreements. Therefore, a comprehensive third-party quality control and safety audit of the entire Metro Line 4 corridor must be conducted. Strict action should be taken against consultants and auditors found responsible for lapses, even if the structural safety remains uncompromised,” demanded Kotecha. GIS tagging of locations Kotecha urged the MMRDA to conduct GIS (Geographic Information System) tagging of the identified locations and issue a technical advisory with photographic documentation. “This will help in reducing fear in the minds of people,” MLA added.
19 February,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn the wake of fresh allegations of illegal construction within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), officials from the SGNP and the Thane forest department conducted a site inspection. The matter has since been formally reported to the Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee, which has been tasked with verifying the claims and initiating appropriate action if violations are confirmed. Activists said they may approach the court if authorities fail to act On Tuesday, mid-day highlighted environmentalists’ claims that trees had been cleared and unauthorised sheds erected inside the Royal Palms township in Aarey Milk Colony. Activists warn that night-time construction and film shoots are causing noise, light, and traffic disturbance to wildlife. They also said they may approach the court if authorities fail to act. Voices A forest department officialThe Thane Forest Department territorial team and SGNP team have visited the site in Royal Palms, and we have informed the Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee to look into the same Questions raised >> Why wasn’t action taken despite earlier complaints?>> Has the ESZ Monitoring Committee failed to act?>> Why is the zonal master plan for the area still pending? What is banned in an Eco-Sensitive Zone >> Mining and excavation>> Polluting industrial activities>> Large construction projects>> Night shoots and high-intensity lighting>> Any activity disturbing wildlife habitat
19 February,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA 41-year-old immigration staffer working with the Malaysian Consulate in Bandra West was allegedly cheated of Rs 78.85 lakh in a cryptocurrency investment scam that began on Instagram and moved to WhatsApp before funds were siphoned off through multiple bank accounts. Invested through website The complainant, a resident of Kanjurmarg, was added to a WhatsApp group named ‘EG Plan’ through Instagram on January 20, 2024. The group, which had around 50 members, was administered by individuals identifying themselves as Mayati Gupta and Arjun Singh. They shared stock market and IPO-related tips and encouraged members to invest in cryptocurrency through a website www.senxaxaa.com. The complainant registered on the website on April 1, 2024, and initially received R1.69 lakh as profit in his bank accounts. This secured his faith in the platform and prompted further investment. Many bank accounts used Between April 2024 and June 2024, the complainant transferred money through online banking and RTGS into 18 different beneficiary accounts of nationalised banks provided by the alleged administrators of the WhatsApp group. The total amount transferred was R78,85,000. Layered banking network Police found that the money was routed through multiple accounts bearing names of different entities, such as enterprises, construction firms, gem traders, catering services, and travel firms. They suspect the use of a layered banking network, possibly involving mule accounts, to disperse and obscure the funds. The complainant stated that when he attempted to withdraw the displayed profits on June 20, 2024, he was asked to deposit an additional R18 lakh as a processing fee. This is when he realised that he had been cheated. Stigma led to delay In his complaint, the man told the police that he was under severe mental stress and feared social embarrassment. “Because of that fear, I did not file a complaint anywhere at that time,” he said. He eventually contacted the national cybercrime helpline ‘1930’ on February 10, 2026, before lodging a formal complaint with the Cyber Police (eastern region). 20-month ordeal >> Fear of social defamation>> Mental stress and isolation>> Hesitation to report>> Impact on work How trust was built >> Confidence-building tactics used>> Added through social media (Instagram funnel)>> 50-member WhatsApp group creating “social proof”>> Other members posting profit claims>> Initial Rs 1.69 lakh real profit credited>> Professional-looking website dashboard>> Gradual increase in investment amount Red flags in crypto scams >> Guaranteed high returns >> Processing fee for withdraws >> Payments to unrelated trade entities >> No SEBI registration>> WhatsApp-based investment advice Cybercrime help >> Call ‘1930’ immediately after discovering online financial fraud>> Report complaint on official portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
19 February,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerEye on the prize A pet dog springs into the air to snatch a ball from its trainer at Juhu Beach Dosa legacy Cambata Building; (right) the café’s butter dosa. PICS COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA; RAMESHWARAM CAFE Fans of authentic South Indian fare can start building an appetite; we’ve learnt that Bengaluru’s iconic Rameshwaram Cafe is close to unveiling its first outpost in Mumbai, come March. For starters, we’re excited to see how the cult-favourite fares in the heritage Cambata Building aka Eros Cinema building in Churchgate. Don’t skip this, Mumbai! Participants skip at a session in Worli. PIC COURTESY/SKIP REVOLUTION Morning walkers on the Worli Promenade will be in for a skip-happy surprise this Sunday. A ‘skipathon’ pop-up by Skip Revolution will give Mumbaikars five minutes to skip rope and prove their mettle. “We hope the quick session motivates people to get serious about fitness,” shared co-founder Jagannath Shetkar. Those keen to hop on the challenge can log on to @skip_revolution_club. Age-old tunes Pravin Doshi rehearses for the show This club is not easy to get into,” quipped Kishore Parulekar, senior member of the Humming Birds. The 65-year-old will be among the performers taking stage at the Mysore Association Hall in King Circle, Matunga tomorrow for a musical evening. Titled Dil Chahta Hai, the event will see senior citizens from the age of 60 to 80 years, take the stage, putting on a musical performance. 80-year-old Pravin Doshi has been preparing for the last month, and shared, “At 80, when many believe life should slow down, singing gives me renewed energy and purpose.” Well, having met every Sunday since 2014, the group is certainly prepared. “It is a long wait if you want to sign up,” warned Parulekar, with a chuckle. Spellbound on stage A moment from the play Y, performed in Gibberish. PIC COURTESY/META Jury members at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) have been busy as bees this season. Announcing the Top 10 nominations for the March 2026 edition, festival producer Suraj Dhingra revealed that the festival received a record-breaking 422 submissions this year. The coveted list includes Atul Kumar’s (top) Ambaa, Purva Naresh’s (above) Chandni Raatein, and Parna Pethe’s Something Like Truth, alongside Kerala-based Remith Ramesh’s play Y, performed in Gibberish!
19 February,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayADVERTISEMENT
