A male adult leopard intermittently sighted within the Pune Airport premises since April 2025 was successfully darted and captured on 11 December, following a meticulously coordinated operation led by the Pune Forest Department, with support from RESQ Charitable Trust, the Indian Air Force, and Pune Airport Authorities. The leopard was first confirmed on 28 April 2025. Over the following months, officials tracked the animal navigating a complex maze of underground service tunnels, dense vegetation, and low-footfall zones inside the airport premises—making capture efforts exceptionally challenging. The Forest Department deployed camera traps, live surveillance systems, and trap cages, but the big cat repeatedly avoided entering the cages and continued to move across restricted areas. Pic/Forest Department On 4 December, monitoring teams verified that the leopard had moved into the underground tunnel system. Authorities immediately sealed tunnel exits, reinforced barriers, and repositioned cameras to closely track the animal’s movement inside the confined passages. Using these real-time inputs, a strategic capture plan was executed on 11 December by a 30-member joint team from the Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, and the Indian Air Force. The team carefully guided the leopard into an approximately 80-foot tunnel, where a safe chemical immobilisation could be attempted. Despite the cramped, low-visibility environment underground, wildlife veterinarian Dr. Gourav Mangla successfully tranquilised the animal. “The operation demanded precision, patience, and constant reassessment,” Dr. Mangla said. “The leopard had damaged both live cameras, and I had to take a clean shot from a very difficult angle in a confined tunnel. The operation succeeded only because every team member remained calm and executed the plan exactly as designed.” The leopard was safely retrieved and transported to the Transit Treatment Centre in Bavdhan, where it has recovered well and remains under veterinary observation. Officials Speak Shri Mahadev Mohite, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Division, praised the collective effort: “This operation reflects strong inter-agency coordination and preparedness. For months, the Forest Department, RESQ, the Indian Air Force, and airport authorities worked seamlessly. Pune has shown it is equipped to handle complex wildlife situations in highly sensitive urban settings.” Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President of RESQ Charitable Trust, underscored the value of strategy-led action. “Every wildlife capture is unique. Responses must be guided by strategy, timing, and context—not urgency. This operation demonstrates that data, technology, and teamwork can secure outcomes that protect both human safety and wildlife welfare.” Officials confirmed that no injuries occurred and that airport operations continued without disruption throughout the process. The Forest Department will determine the leopard’s long-term management as per protocol. The successful capture concludes a prolonged, technically demanding effort and underscores the importance of planned, evidence-based wildlife management in complex urban landscapes.
12 December,2025 11:23 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that the state government will introduce a separate set of rules to redevelop Mumbai’s old ‘pagdi’ (rent-controlled) buildings. The move aims to ensure fair and proper redevelopment while protecting the rights of both tenants and building owners. In an official statement, issued by his office, Shinde said that around 19,000 buildings in Mumbai, mostly constructed before 1960, are identified as pagdi buildings. Some have already been redeveloped, some have collapsed, and nearly 13,000 buildings are awaiting redevelopment. Tenants in these buildings are protected under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, and many legal disputes between landlords and tenants remain pending in courts. “The current legal and financial issues prevent building owners from receiving fair compensation, and redevelopment is slow. A proper and just redevelopment system is needed while keeping the rights of tenants and owners intact,” Shinde said. He added that for economically weaker sections and very low-income groups, redevelopment should not rely only on Floor Space Index (FSI) incentives; the cost of reconstruction should also be provided free of charge. Key provisions of new rules - Tenants will be given FSI equivalent to the area they currently occupy. - Owners will receive FSI for the land they own. - Economically weaker and very low-income tenants will receive additional FSI incentives for free reconstruction. - If FSI cannot be fully utilised due to height restrictions or other limitations, the remaining FSI will be provided in the form of Transferable Development Rights (TDR). Shinde stated that these rules will unlock redevelopment of old pagdi buildings, prevent further structural collapses, and avoid financial and human losses. Existing redevelopment schemes under sections 33(7) and 33(9) will continue, and this will provide a new option for buildings that have not benefited from earlier schemes. Fast-Track courts to resolve pending cases To speed up redevelopment, the government will also set up fast-track courts to resolve around 28,000 pending legal cases between tenants and building owners, many of which have been unresolved for decades. The aim is to resolve these disputes within three years, ensuring that thousands of Mumbai residents living under the pagdi system receive homes with full ownership rights. Shinde stated that no injustice will be done to tenants or owners, and the government is committed to resolving any challenges that arise during the process.
12 December,2025 11:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is expected to experience mainly clear skies across the city and suburbs on Friday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may drop to 15 degrees Celsius. In Colaba, the minimum temperature was recorded at 20.6 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity at 74 per cent. Santacruz reported a minimum of 14.9 degrees Celsius, relative humidity of 75 per cent. Air quality in Mumbai remains moderate, with the city registering an air quality index (AQI) of 115, according to the SAMEER App. Experts caution that such levels may cause breathing discomfort for individuals with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. AQI readings across various city areas are as follows: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) – 115, Borivali – 79, Byculla – 96, Chakala (Andheri East) – 93, Chembur – 124, Colaba – 101, Deonar – 126, and Kandivali West – 53. Maharashtra sees cool mornings; Ahilyanagar records lowest temperature of 7.3 degrees Celsius Maharashtra witnessed cool mornings across most regions on Friday, with minimum temperatures ranging from 7.3 degrees Celsius to 16.1 degrees Celsius. Seasonal rainfall and relative humidity varied across the state, while most districts reported clear skies with little to no rainfall in the last 24 hours. In the northern and western parts of the state, Nashik recorded a minimum of 7.8 degrees Celsius with 64 per cent relative humidity and no rainfall over the past 24 hours. Pune experienced a low of 8.3 degrees Celsius with 77 per cent humidity, while Satara recorded a minimum of 9.4 degrees Celsius under clear sky and haze conditions. Kolhapur reported a minimum temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius and 55 per cent relative humidity, and Sangli saw 11.3 degrees Celsius with 68 per cent humidity, accompanied by haze. In the coastal belt, Dahanu recorded a minimum of 15.1 degrees Celsius with 72 per cent humidity, while Ratnagiri experienced a comparatively warmer low of 16.1 degrees Celsius with 43 per cent humidity. Other notable readings included Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar at 10.6 degrees Celsius with 47 per cent humidity, Ahilyanagar at 7.3 degrees Celsius with 90 per cent humidity, and Udgir at 11.0 degrees Celsius with 51 per cent humidity. Malegaon recorded a minimum of 8.4 degrees Celsius with 95 per cent relative humidity. Nanded reported a low of 9.1 degrees Celsius and a high of 28.9 degrees Celsius with 63 per cent humidity. Seasonal rainfall (SRF) continues to accumulate in several districts, including Ratnagiri with 405.7 millimetres, Dahanu with 184.6 millimetres, Sangli with 112.5 millimetres, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 108.6 millimetres, and Kolhapur 96.3 millimetres. Most other regions reported negligible rainfall in the last 24 hours.
12 December,2025 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentResidents across Thane will face a 50 per cent water cut for the next four days after a major malfunction was reported in a key water pipeline that supplies the city. The 1000 mm diameter pipeline, which carries water from the Pise Dam to the Temghar Water Treatment Plant, developed a fresh fault near Kalyan Phata on Thursday (December 11) during ongoing work by Mahanagar Gas, officials said. According to the Thane Municipal Corporation's Water Supply Department, repair work has been initiated on priority. However, due to the pipeline’s age and its prestressed concrete construction, the process is expected to take at least four days to complete. The disruption has led to a significant reduction in water supply, prompting the Thane Municipal Corporation to impose a 50 per cent cut across all zones. To ensure equitable distribution, the civic body will implement a zonal supply system under which each zone will receive water for only 12 hours a day until December 15. Officials warned that residents should expect reduced pressure and irregular supply during this period. The civic body has urged citizens to use water judiciously and extend cooperation to the municipal administration as repair efforts continue. BMC announces 24-hour water cut in parts of Mumbai on December 12 and 13 Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday announced a 24-hour water cut in parts of Mumbai on December 12 and 13. An official statement said that the Mumbai civic body officials will carry out major water pipeline connection work in the K/East, H/East and G/North wards from 9 am on Friday, December 12, 2025, to 9 am on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Due to this work, the water supply will be completely shut in several areas, while some parts of the K/East ward will receive a low-pressure supply. The work involves connecting large pipelines, including the 1800 mm Tansa West water main, the 1200 mm water main, the 2400 mm Vaitarna water main, and a 1500 mm water main in the G/North ward. The BMC has said the shutdown is necessary to ensure smooth future supply, the statement said.
12 December,2025 10:53 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, asserting that it is a "regular, constitutionally-approved process" conducted periodically by the Election Commission across the country and accusing the Opposition of "creating needless fear for political mileage," reported news agency ANI. "The Special Intensive Revision of the voter list is a regular, constitutionally-approved process that is conducted by the EC time to time across India. There is no novelty here. It is meant to ensure transparent, updated, accurate electoral rolls. Opposition seems to be rattled because a clean voter list means the end of bogus voting, means the end of any duplicates, means the end of fake voters, means the end of their legacy, the SP. So, linking SIR with NRC is not just a cheap attempt to play with the people's emotions, but you are playing to create communal polarisation," Shaina NC said, reported ANI. She further criticised the Opposition for not raising objections with the Election Commission despite having the opportunity to do so. Calling the objections raised by Opposition parties "useless excuses," she alleged that their reactions showed they were "scared of accountability." "When the EC has said clearly that if there are questions, issues of credibility, bring it up - there you have chosen to keep quiet. The truth is simple, the Opposition parties are scared of accountability, and by bringing forth these kinds of useless excuses, it is amply clear that whether it is Akhilesh Yadav or the Congress, they are very redundant in the public space because they are not for development or transparent practices of stability. They are only there for drama and scaring people," Shaina NC added, reported ANI. Lok Sabha debate On Wednesday, tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated when Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange over allegations of "vote chori". Gandhi repeatedly challenged Shah to debate on issues raised in the press conference, including claims of irregularities in the electoral rolls. Shah responded firmly, saying "Parliament won't function as per his wish," and insisted he would address all questions in his own sequence. Shah also defended the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, calling it a necessary process to "sanitise" electoral rolls. Accusing the Opposition of double standards, he said they praised the Election Commission when they won and attacked it when they lost. The confrontation culminated in Opposition MPs walking out during Shah's reply, prompting the Lok Sabha to adjourn. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 10:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNearly two years after it was first passed, Maharashtra is finally poised to implement its new Lokayukta Act, following the State Legislature’s approval of key amendments recommended by the Central Government. The development marks a significant step toward bolstering transparency and accountability in public administration and comes amid persistent demands from veteran social activist Anna Hazare, who had warned of launching an indefinite fast from January 31, 2026, if the law was not operationalised, reported news agency ANI. The original Lokayukta Bill was approved by the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on December 28, 2022, and later cleared by the Legislative Council on December 15, 2023. The Bill was subsequently forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu for assent. While the President granted approval, she advised the State to incorporate three specific amendments to ensure better legal clarity and alignment with Central legislation. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Legislature that these recommendations have now been duly accepted and integrated, reported ANI. Explaining the amendments, Fadnavis said authorities created exclusively under Central laws will not automatically come under the jurisdiction of the State Lokayukta. However, if officers serving in such bodies are appointed by the State Government, they will fall within the Lokayukta’s ambit. Similarly, even in institutions established by the Centre, any official appointed by Maharashtra will be accountable under the new Lokayukta framework. This clarification aims to avoid administrative overlaps while ensuring that State-appointed officials across various bodies remain answerable, reported ANI. Another key change involves updating references in the legislation to reflect India’s new criminal law framework. Mentions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Evidence Act have been replaced with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, respectively — the updated codes recently enacted by the Centre. The amended law also outlines the transition process once the new Act comes into force. The tenure of the incumbent Lokayukta, appointed under the previous legislation, will automatically cease. To ensure continuity and avoid any governance vacuum, the existing Lokayukta will remain in office until the newly appointed Lokayukta formally takes charge. With both Houses of the State Legislature clearing the amended Bill and presidential assent already in place, the Maharashtra Government is expected to notify and implement the new Lokayukta Act soon, strengthening the State’s anti-corruption architecture. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 10:08 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentFor the past four to five days, Navi Mumbai residents attempting to reach the police through the three control room numbers displayed on Google have found all of them non-functional, raising serious concern over emergency access in the city. Calls to the listed numbers — 022-27574928, 022-27574947, and 022-27574948 — resulted in either an audio message, that the number did not exist or indications that the line was busy. Even the police helpline, 7738363836, refused to connect, with callers receiving a message that incoming call services had been disconnected. mid-day attempted calling all these numbers multiple times over several days and faced the same issue each time, confirming an extended outage. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Sanjay Kumar Patil admitted to the disruption and said the issue stemmed from Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) lines. “All three control room numbers are temporarily down due to MTNL-related technical faults. We are shifting the numbers to Airtel, but the porting process takes time. Until then, people must dial 112 for emergencies. Police teams reach the spot within five minutes of a 112 alert,” he said. Patil added that two numbers — 8424820686 and 022-27572887 — had been activated for use until the MTNL lines resume efficient functioning. The outage comes at a critical time as Navi Mumbai prepares for increased movement ahead of the Navi Mumbai International Airport opening and the holiday season. Residents say a city of this scale cannot afford a complete breakdown of all police control room numbers for several days. Until the shift to Airtel is completed, officials urge citizens to rely primarily on 112, which remains fully operational. Numbers haven’t been non-functional for 4-5 days022-27574928, 022-27574947, 022-2757494807738363836 (Helpline) Working numbers (for now)8424820686, 022-27572887
12 December,2025 08:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghKannamwar Nagar in the central suburbs’ Vikhroli area has been undergoing redevelopment for the past few years. The locality, considered as one of the biggest housing colonies in Asia, is grappling with a complex web of civic problems that residents say authorities have failed to address for years. Locals also mentioned that despite repeated complaints to the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and ward-level officials, most grievances go unanswered or receive only temporary fixes that do little to resolve root causes. Double billing While the BMC provides most utility services, such as water connections, the land on which Kannamwar Nagar’s buildings stand belongs to MHADA. Locals said that after a particular structure’s redevelopment is completed and the society of that building has received a ‘no-dues’ certificate from MHADA, the building receives water bills from both the BMC and MHADA. Suresh Sarnobat, a resident of Sai Dham Co-operative Housing Society Ltd, said, “We regularly pay the water bill that comes from the BMC, which is based on readings of water meters installed by the civic body. Scores of two-wheelers are parked on a footpath. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE However, we also get water bills from MHADA. If we have already received a no-dues certificate, how and why are we being billed in arrears regarding water and sewage charges from April 2021 till the current billing month? The amount mentioned in the bill for October that our building received from MHADA is R31,60,320. On the other hand, we have already paid the full amount that was mentioned on the BMC’s bill and have received the payment receipt for the same. Why is there no coordination between MHADA and BMC, despite us complaining about it multiple times?” Water worries Suresh Sarnobat, resident of Sai Dham Co-operative Housing Society; (Right) Prakash Sonmale, resident of Samadhan Co-operative Housing Society. Pics/By Special Arrangement Residents also complained about insufficient water supply. “Before redevelopment, the area did not even have 10,000 homes. Now, there are approximately 22,000 houses. Kannamwar Nagar has six water tanks, which were constructed in 1968 when the housing society was established. Neither has MHADA taken the responsibility to increase the number of these water tanks, nor has the BMC. How can it be expected that water tanks that were sufficient for 10 houses will suffice for 50 houses?” stated Sanjay Mayekar, a resident of Rang Rekha building. Lack of facilities As per the 2011 census, the population of Kannamwar Nagar is 85,000, which by now has definitely increased massively, considering the fast-paced redevelopment that is ongoing. However, the area neither has a vegetable and or fish market, nor a civic hospital. (From left) Subhash Bhosale and Sanjay Mayekar, residents of Rang Rekha. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE Prakash Sonmale, a resident of Samadhan Co-operative Housing Society, said, “A few years after the housing colony was constructed, a shopping complex was built, and some shops were established and given to a few small-scale businessmen. However, there were norms restricting these businessmen from selling off their galas (shops). Thus, eventually, all of them sold off their respective shops at quite high prices, and then the buyers began running businesses of their choice rather than catering to the needs of residents. Today, we are completely dependent on vegetable hawkers every day. And we either have to go to Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar or Sion Hospital or rely on expensive private practitioners when facing health problems. After many years of delay, a proposed multi-speciality hospital has, fortunately, started taking shape, but it still needs at least five years to start and at least seven years to be fully functional. For now, there is a small gynaecology hospital with OPD run by the civic department, but this, obviously, is not sufficient.” The residents have long demanded a BMC-run vegetable and fish market and an Apla Dawakhana, but have received no response from the authorities. Traffic trouble According to residents, the sheer volume of vehicles being parked on the roads is creating a host of issues. “We had 32 houses before redevelopment. Now, we have 116. But there is no sufficient parking space, which has forced us to park our vehicles on roads, causing vehicular traffic to increase. We had approached the BMC, requesting that a multi-storey parking facility be constructed. But we haven’t received a response yet,” said Subhash Bhosale, another resident of Rang Rekha. Road conditions are also quite poor in the area, and residents allege that the funds are being wrongly used for unnecessary purposes. “MLA funds are being used to develop the internal amenities of a few buildings. Why can’t they be utilised for the betterment of facilities availed of by the general public, such as roads?” questioned Vikram Sonawne, a resident of Rahul Bhavan. Powerful stench Sarnobat said, “As much as Rs 26,000 crore were sanctioned for a big project to be undertaken just to ensure that the foul smell emanating from the Kanjurmarg dumping ground would vanish. Recently, a contractor was even fined for the same. However, the problem persists and has led to multiple health issues. Where did the money go? This is public money.” Official Speak Harish Kachuwa, junior engineer, MHADA, said, “We are aware of the double-billing problem and are working on it. Though BMC supplies water, its connections and pipes are only to the exterior of each building. MHADA pumps water from outside to inside each flat. So, we charge for maintenance of the pumps and for providing water from outside to inside. However, the rectifications are in process, and those who haven’t used water will not be charged.”
12 December,2025 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAn educational institution that provides learning and behavioural support to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities alerted the police after a 17-year-old student shared disturbing details during a counselling session. The abuse that the teen spoke about is alleged to have taken place at the family’s South Mumbai residence, officials said. The centre’s psychologist had observed sudden changes in the teen’s behaviour over several sessions. The boy, who had become increasingly withdrawn, anxious and hesitant to communicate, was invited for a one-on-one interaction where the counsellor took him into confidence. During this “safe-space” conversation, the teen disclosed information suggesting that he had been subjected to troubling experiences at home. Recognising the seriousness of the revelation, the psychologist immediately acted on her professional responsibility. She personally approached the police station and lodged a complaint based on her observations and the student’s disclosures. Officers said the timely and sensitive intervention by the institution ensured that a vulnerable child did not remain unheard. “The psychologist acted in the child’s best interest. Her awareness and prompt action brought the matter to light without delay,” a senior officer said. Investigators said that, according to the complaint, the alleged acts occurred repeatedly at the residence between September 1 and November 7. Following this information, a case has been registered against the boy’s 58-year-old father under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and multiple provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police have initiated a detailed investigation and are verifying all aspects of the case. Meanwhile, the teen has been placed under expert care at the institution, where authorities have prioritised his emotional well-being and physical safety. “Children who have been subjected to such incidents usually show noticeable changes in their behaviour. Their eating habits may be affected, and disturbed sleep, nightmares, and crying are other signs. They may also stop engaging in activities that they once enjoyed. They often appear fearful and anxious. If family members or teachers observe such behavioural changes and take the child into confidence to speak with them, such incidents can be identified early and prevented from continuing,” said psychiatrist Dr Dayal Mirchandani. Steps to help a distressed child Providing speedy reliefCall ‘CHILDLINE 1098’ right away (from any phone, anywhere in India). It is a 24×7, free emergency helpline for any child in distress that can arrange rescue, medical care, temporary shelter, and connect the case to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) If the child is in immediate physical danger, also call 112 (Emergency Response Support System) or the local police station and state child’s age, type of disability (if any), and the distress the child faces. Protection and sheltering process >> CHILDLINE/police can produce the child before the local CWC under the Juvenile Justice law; The CWC has authority to remove the child from an abusive home and place him in a registered child care institution or specialised home for intellectually disabled children >> In many states, including Maharashtra, there are government aided homes and special schools specifically for intellectually disabled boys that provide residential care, education and training; admissions are usually routed via CWC or the district social welfare/disability office Disability-specific help For specialised advice on intellectual disability, call the National Intellectual Disability Helpline (National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disability) at 1800 572 6422 for guidance on services, group homes, and rights Some NGOs and state policies provide “homes for intellectually impaired persons” and maintenance in MDC (mentally deficient children) homes for orphaned or unprotected intellectually disabled minors; these are accessed through district social welfare offices and the CWC system If you are unrelated to child... You are allowed as a “concerned adult” to report to ‘1098’ or ‘112’; you do not need the parents’ permission, and you may stay anonymous if needed Keep child’s name, age, address and landmarks, details of the abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, neglect), disability details handy so responders can plan appropriate intervention A more specific list of registered homes and NGOs nearby, which can offer support after CWC/CHILDLINE intervention, is also available
12 December,2025 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) tightened its focus on suspected funding channels linked to the alleged ISIS-inspired ‘Al Sham’ zone created in Borivli-Padgha belt near Bhiwandi. Acting on intelligence from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the agency on Thursday carried out nearly 40 coordinated searches across Maharashtra, Delhi, Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace money flows believed to be sustaining the network. During the operation, the ED seized Rs 3 crore in cash, gold jewellery, property-related documents, and information pointing towards a hawala network. Of these, 30 raids were in Padgha. ‘Al Sham’ concept Investigators said several accused arrested earlier by the NIA in the 2023 Delhi-Padgha ISIS module case had begun informally referring to pockets of Padgha as ‘Al Sham’, borrowing a term used by ISIS for its envisioned Islamic realm. Officials clarified that this was not an attempt at territorial separation, but a symbolic ideological exercise aimed at creating psychological influence over a specific cluster of youth. Heightened security in the area. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Previous ATS investigations had indicated discussions about an alternative decision-making setup, covert gatherings and attempts to create a symbolic “parallel order” in the region. Even though former SIMI-linked accused Saquib Nachan — believed to have influenced several youths — died in judicial custody recently, agencies suspect that fragments of this ideological network may have continued beyond his presence. Funding under ED lens Investigators said the ED is now examining a wide spectrum of financial movements suspected to have supported the alleged Al-Sham concept. This includes possible foreign remittances, hawala routes, domestic transfers, and encrypted communication channels linked to recruitment or ideological outreach. ED sources confirmed that among the seized documents were details of Khair (Kaith) wood trade, a suspected clandestine revenue-generating network. Preliminary scrutiny suggests that transactions linked to illegal cutting and sale of Khair (Acacia catechu tree) wood may have been diverted to support extremist-linked activities. Officials said the revenue trails a crucial part of the ongoing PMLA probe. The agency is now piecing together whether the funds were systematically routed to sustain ideological activities or logistical support. “So far, we have not found evidence of foreign funding, but we are conducting further investigations in that direction,” said an official. Why Padgha again? Padgha has been on the radar of central agencies for over three decades. The region came into the light for SIMI-linked activities in the 1990s, Indian Mujahideen operations in the 2000s, and most recently, the 2023 ISIS-linked module arrests. Fresh digital intelligence indicating renewed conversations among a small cluster prompted Thursday’s ED action. Village on edge The sudden movement of ED and ATS teams created visible tension in the Borivli-Padgha belt, with residents reporting heavy police activity through the night. Additional security deployment and precautionary advisories remain in place as investigators analyse the large volume of seized data. More action expected Sources said a layered forensic analysis of the seized digital evidence will help map money trails, communication links, and any surviving ideological structures. Summonses are likely to be issued soon to individuals connected to the financial trails, and more searches may follow depending on emerging leads. Investigators emphasised that all findings remain preliminary until the digital evidence is fully examined. Material seized in raids >> Digital devices >> Encrypted communication tools >> Financial papers >> Suspicious transaction records >> Property-related documents >> Handwritten notes believed to indicate fund movement >> Large amounts of cash
12 December,2025 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilMore than three months after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) banned third-party agencies from collecting waste from bulk waste generators, organic waste from hotels, schools and housing societies in Matunga and Sion will now be used to power the biomethanation plant at Sion Hospital. Sion Hospital was among five hospitals chosen in 2023 for a pilot project to generate fuel from processed organic waste and use it to run their kitchens. At present, two hospitals — GTB and Sion — have operational biomethanation plants as part of the civic body’s larger plan to decentralise organic waste processing at the ward level. What is the pilot project? The BMC aims to build an end-to-end system that ensures a steady supply of organic waste to its biomethanation plants. These plants perform best when fed with high-energy organic material such as lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. The new pilot lays out a detailed plan to keep this feedstock flowing. Key features of the project >> Around 1700 kg of segregated organic waste will be collected daily by a third party from Sion, Matunga and Dharavi (F South ward).>> Waste must be segregated at source.>> Organic waste will be transported to the biomethanation plant at Sion Hospital.>> The third-party operator will conduct awareness drives in societies, hotels and schools to ensure segregation.>> Bulk generators who fail to segregate will face fines from the BMC.>> Dry waste will be returned to bulk generators, who will have to handle its disposal themselves.>> A specialised electric vehicle will be used to collect segregated waste from bulk generators. Bulk waste generator? Any establishment producing more than 100 kg of waste a day is categorised as a bulk waste generator. In 2017, the BMC stopped collecting waste from these generators and outsourced the job to private agencies, which were tasked with collection, segregation and processing. Housing societies were also urged to treat their own waste within their premises. However, earlier this year, the civic body cancelled permissions for these agencies after discovering that waste from bulk generators was being dumped illegally elsewhere in the city.
12 December,2025 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSADVERTISEMENT
