The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) over the symbol of a trumpet-like instrument allotted to an independent candidate contesting Lok Sabha elections 2024 from its stronghold, Baramati, in Maharashtra's Pune district, the PTI reported on Tuesday. The NCP (SP) has claimed that the Election Commission has allotted a trumpet-like symbol to independent candidate Shaikh Soyalshah Yunusshah and has identified it as "tutari", according to the PTI. The Election Commission of India has allotted "a man blowing turha" (a traditional trumpet) as the poll symbol for the NCP (SP). The complaint filed by Laxmikant Khabiya, the poll representative of the party's candidate, Supriya Sule, stated that there is a similarity in both names, which can cause confusion among voters, as per the PTI. Laxmikant Khabiya submitted the complaint to the returning officer on April 20. "The symbol given to the independent candidate is a trumpet. In Marathi, it cannot be called 'tutari'. We have requested the ECI to call the symbol 'trumpet' instead of 'tutari'," he stated in the complaint, the news agency reported on Tuesday. The "turha" in the NCP (SP) symbol is also called "tutari" in Marathi. It is sounded to mark the entry of important persons, ranging from kings earlier to political leaders now. Baramati in Maharashtra's Pune will go to polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 7. Baramati is the home turf of the Pawar family, and Supriya Sule, the daughter of Sharad Pawar, has represented the constituency thrice so far and is seeking a fourth term. Supriya Sule is pitted against her sister-in-law and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar, the candidate of the NCP. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP is part of the Mahayuti alliance comprising the Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and BJP. Earlier, Supriya Sule and her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar had filed their nominations on Thursday. Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Vishwajeet Kadam, among others, accompanied Supriya Sule as she filed the nomination papers before the returning officer at the Council Hall in Pune. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and NCP leader Praful Patel were present when Sunetra Pawar, who is making her poll debut, filed her nomination. (with PTI inputs)
23 April,2024 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Crime Branch has recovered two guns from the Tapi River at Surat which were used by the accused in the Salman Khan house firing incident. They also recovered 10 cartridges from the river. According to the sources, one of the shooters Vicky Gupta gave the information about the location where they disposed of the gun used in the Salman Khan house firing case. The Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 arrested the accused Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, who opened fire outside Salman Khan's residence in Galaxy Apartments on April 14, from the Kutch Bhuj area. During the investigation, the accused revealed that they threw the gun in the Tapi River at Surat. Following that, on Monday morning the Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 reached Surat and began a search operation following which they recovered both guns and live bullets. Crime Branch Unit 9 was assisted by the Surat Crime Branch and the best divers to retrieve guns from the Tapi River. During the probe, the crime branch also found that the accused were told to fire 10 rounds on Salman Khan's residence but they only shot five round firings and escaped. Until now, the crime branch has recorded 10 people's statements in connection with the Salman Khan house firing incident.
23 April,2024 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaOn Tuesday, the Bombay High Court dismissed a 2014 case challenging Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin's designation as leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community. The Dawoodi Bohra succession case was initially brought by Khuzaima Qutbuddin and was later taken over by his son Taher Fakhruddin, challenged Saifuddin's status as the leader of the community following the death of his brother and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in January 2014 at the age of 102, reported PTI. According to the report, Justice Gautam Patel, who presided over the single bench, stated that the court's conclusion focused entirely on the issue of proof rather than faith. The lawsuit aimed to prevent Saifuddin from executing his duties as Syedna. Qutbuddin in his lawsuit claimed that his brother, Burhanuddin, had privately anointed him as his successor via a secret "nass" (conferment of succession) and publicly selected Saifuddin as the mazoon (second command) in 1965. Meanwhile, Fakhruddin pursued the court struggle, claiming that his father nominated him for the job. In his decision, Justice Patel emphasised his neutrality, saying, "I don't want any upheavals. I have kept the judgment as neutral as possible. I have only decided on the issue of proof and not faith." He dismissed the lawsuit to minimise any disruptions in the community. The Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim denomination predominantly made up of traders and entrepreneurs, adheres to the belief of appointing a successor by "divine inspiration." Reportedly, there are 5 lakh members of the community in India and 10 lakh community members across the world. Meanwhile, the community's top religious leader is known as the Dai-al-Mutlaq (most senior). According to their conferment of succession, the incumbent Dai's family member can traditionally assume the office, however, this practice may be extended to meritorious community members. Saifuddin rejected the action, claiming that the purported 1965 "nass" lacked witnesses and couldn't be acknowledged. He stated that the nass was given to him on June 4, 2011, in front of witnesses at a London hospital, following the 52nd Dai's stroke, the report added. The lawsuit also demanded access to Saifi Manzil, the Syedna's Mumbai home, alleging that Saifuddin fraudulently assumed authority, the PTI report further stated.
23 April,2024 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDuring an informal interaction with reporters after the release of the party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, NCP working president Praful Patel revealed that despite contesting only four seats in Maharashtra and one in Lakshadweep under the 'clock' symbol, the party was able to secure an additional seat in the Rajya Sabha during seat-sharing negotiations. Patel clarified that, while the NCP withdrew its claim to the Satara seat for Lok Sabha Elections 2024, which the BJP will now contest, the party negotiated to obtain a Rajya Sabha seat after incumbent and union minister Piyush Goyal from the Mumbai North constituency resigned, in addition to one that became vacant following Patel's resignation, reported IANS. The report quoted Praful Patel as saying, "It is true that the NCP left its claim over Satara which the BJP will now contest. However, in return during our seat-sharing talks, it was decided that the NCP will get a Rajya Sabha seat after the election of the incumbent and union minister Piyush Goyal from the Mumbai North constituency in addition to one that is now vacant after my resignation. Therefore, NCP will get two seats, one of mine (he resigned from the Rajya Sabha after he was again elected to the Upper House till 2030 during the recent election) and another of Piyush Goyal." Patel went on to explain that, despite having a term in the Rajya Sabha till 2028, he resigned and was re-elected as the NCP nominee for a term ending in 2030, the agency report stated. Furthermore, the report stated that in terms of seat distribution in Maharashtra, Patel justified the NCP gaining four seats while leaving Parbhani to MahaYuti partner Rashtriya Samaj Paksha founder Mahadev Jankar. He remarked that the party began with only one seat, held by Sunil Tatkare from Raigad, and has already secured four seats following the NCP split. "NCP had one seat that of Sunil Tatkare from Raigad (after the split in the NCP). Now we have got four seats," Praful Patel noted. Patel also stated that senior party minister Chhagan Bhujbal has opted not to run for the Nashik seat in Lok Sabha Elections 2024, although conversations with the BJP and Shiv Sena are ongoing about the party's claim to the seat. "The discussions are underway with the BJP and the Shiv Sena," he added per IANS report. In a related development, ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Mushtaq Antulay, the son-in-law of former Maharashtra Chief Minister AR Antulay, joined the NCP alongside party heavyweights Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal. Antulay is from Raigad district, where Tatkare is up against Shiv Sena UBT nominee Anant Geete.
23 April,2024 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The political landscape of Maharashtra has long been a theatre of dynamic alliances and strategic maneuvering. However, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 have injected a new level of intrigue into the battleground, courtesy of the splits within two formidable political entities: Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Splits in key political parties Shiv Sena and NCP have made the battle for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra more interesting, besides the focus on traditional issues like unemployment and farmer suicides. The Shiv Sena, a stalwart in Maharashtra politics, has traditionally aligned itself with Hindutva ideology and maintained a strong presence in the state. However, the fissures within the party resulting in the emergence of factions with differing ideologies have added a layer of complexity to the electoral scenario. One faction of the Shiv Sena continues to uphold its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while another faction, the Shiv Sena (UBT), has opted for an alliance with Congress and Sharad Pawar-led NCP, citing ideological differences and dissatisfaction with the BJP-led government’s policies. This rift within the Shiv Sena has not only fragmented its voter base but has also opened up opportunities for rival parties to capitalise on the disarray. Similarly, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a key player in Maharashtra politics, has also witnessed internal divisions, particularly regarding leadership and strategy. Now, NCP is led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Member Ajit Pawar, while the other faction - Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) - is led by Sharad Pawar. The fallout between factions within the NCP has led to speculation about its ability to retain its stronghold in the state. The BJP-Shiv Sena won 41 of the 48 seats in the 2019 polls, but the Sena has split since and a vast majority of the Bal Thackeray-founded party is now allied with the BJP. The NCP also split as well with Ajit Pawar joining the ruling alliance in the state, led by Eknath Shinde. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP emerged the top party with 23 seats, followed by the undivided Sena with 18. The undivided NCP had emerged victorious on four seats, the Congress one, while the AIMIM and an Independent accounted for the remaining two. The factions Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is referred to as the ‘Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray),’ while the rival faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is simply known as Shiv Sena. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s election symbol is the Bow and Arrow, whereas Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray uses a flaming torch as its symbol. Following the splits, the faction led by Ajit Pawar is now recognised as the Nationalist Congress Party, retaining the original party name and symbol. Founder and president Sharad Pawar formed the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) after the Election Commission recognised the Ajit Pawar faction as the original party. The Sharad Pawar faction will contest both Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly polls under the party symbol of the 'trumpet.' What experts have to say? The implications of these splits extend beyond mere intra-party dynamics. The fragmentation of these political entities has the potential to realign the political landscape of Maharashtra, giving rise to new alliances, power dynamics, and electoral strategies. "In this context, the battle for Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 assumes heightened significance. The traditional political equations are being reshaped, and the outcome of this electoral contest will not only determine the composition of Maharashtra’s representation in the Parliament but also set the tone for future political developments in the state," a political analyst said. "The splits within Shiv Sena and NCP have injected uncertainty into the electoral calculus, making it imperative for all stakeholders to recalibrate their strategies and alliances. The political landscape is evolving rapidly, and every move made by the key players will be closely scrutinised for its potential impact on the electoral outcome," he added. As Maharashtra braces itself for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the battle lines are being drawn, alliances are being forged, and political fortunes hang in the balance. In this high-stakes contest, the only certainty is the unpredictability that defines the ever-changing dynamics of Maharashtra politics. While discussing the potential confusion among voters due to splits in parties like Shiv Sena and NCP, political analyst Abhay Deshpande suggested that Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar could garner sympathy votes. "There's a factor at play here: both Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar hold the victim card, which could attract sympathy votes. As for confusion over party symbols, I don't anticipate a significant issue because we're in the age of social media," he remarked. "Detailed information is readily available to everyone. Political consciousness is high, so people are well-informed about the dynamics of Maharashtra politics. While some voters might experience confusion, I believe the percentage will be minimal," Deshpande concluded. What leaders have to say? Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said that voters can distinguish between the real Shiv Sena and the fake. "Voters won't be misled regarding their choice of party. The electorate is astute enough to discern which party and symbol deserve their vote. In this digital age, people are well-informed and aware of all political developments in Maharashtra. They know precisely which Shiv Sena is real. We don't require validation from the Election Commission to authenticate our identity as the true Shiv Sena. We resonate in the hearts of the people, carrying forward the ideologies of Balasaheb Thackeray, and the public recognises that." NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Sunil Tatkare stated that voters are now well-informed and won't be confused between the real NCP and the fake once. "Voters are astute and aware of everything happening in the state and Maharashtra politics. I believe they can discern the real NCP from the fake," he emphasised. What younger generation thinks about Shiv Sena and NCP split In the political landscape of Maharashtra, the recent rift within the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has sent ripples through the socio-political fabric of the state. Traditionally, these two parties have been pivotal players, shaping the course of Maharashtra's governance. However, as they part ways, it's imperative to explore how the younger generation perceives this split and what it signifies for the future of Maharashtra's politics. For many young individuals, political affiliations are not merely inherited but rather subject to scrutiny based on ideology, policy, and performance. The Shiv Sena and NCP, both entrenched in Maharashtra's political scene for decades, have garnered varied perceptions among the youth. The Shiv Sena, once synonymous with staunch Marathi nationalism and Hindutva ideology, has been undergoing a metamorphosis, especially since its alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra in 2019. This alliance marked a departure from its historical partnership with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). For some younger individuals, this shift signifies an adaptability to changing political realities, while for others, it raises questions about the party's core principles and opportunistic alliances. "The leadership transition within the Shiv Sena, with Uddhav Thackeray taking the reins after the demise of his father Bal Thackeray, has intrigued the younger generation. Uddhav's leadership style, often perceived as more moderate compared to the aggressive rhetoric of the party's past, has garnered both praise and criticism. Some view it as a sign of pragmatism and a willingness to engage in coalition politics, while others see it as a dilution of the party's original ethos," Jay Shah, a Girgaon resident, said. In contrast, the NCP, under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, has been perceived as a seasoned player in Maharashtra's political arena. Pawar's political acumen and ability to navigate complex alliances have earned him respect across generations. The NCP's decision to break away from the Shiv Sena-led coalition government reflects its strategic calculations and desire to maintain its distinct identity. "Among the younger generation, there is a nuanced view of the NCP. While some admire Pawar's political astuteness and the party's focus on development issues, others criticise its dynastic politics and alleged involvement in corruption scandals. The splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP has prompted discussions about both parties future trajectory and its potential alliances in the upcoming elections," Jay addded. The splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP holds significance for the younger generation beyond immediate political ramifications. It underscores the evolving nature of coalition politics and the emergence of new fault lines within Maharashtra's political landscape. "For many young voters, this split serves as a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating political decisions and holding parties accountable for their actions," Rita Todankar said. She further said the split opens up space for new political actors and alternative ideologies to emerge. As the traditional power dynamics undergo transformation, there is an opportunity for youth-led movements and grassroots initiatives to shape the discourse and demand greater transparency and accountability from political parties. "As Maharashtra gears up for future elections, the split within the Shiv Sena and NCP sets the stage for a realignment of political forces. While alliances may shift, and strategies may evolve, the voices of the younger generation will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of Maharashtra's politics. Their demands for inclusive governance, sustainable development, and social justice are poised to reshape the political landscape, challenging established narratives and paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive democracy," Rita said. When asked if the Shiv Sena and NCP splits will confuse voters, she said the voters won't be confused. "In this digital era, with every party reaching to voters digitally people are well aware about which person represents which party," Rita added.
23 April,2024 11:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarThe male leopard, which was first sighted at the remains of an Indo-Portuguese fort on March 29 in Vasai and triggered panic among residents, has been caught by the joint efforts of the Maharashtra Forest department, wildlife NGOs and researchers in the wee hours of Tuesday. The officials had installed multiple trap cameras to monitor the movement of the leopard, which initially survived on the stray dogs but, later, it is believed that the big cat was surviving on rodents that are found abundant in the fort. Sources said that the authorities concerned had installed two cages at different locations in the Vasai Fort area to trap the wild cat. Finally, the male #leopard has been caught on 25th day of rigorous search operations by the joint efforts of Forest officials, #wildlife NGOs and researchers in Vasai. The first sighting of a big cat in the iconic Indo-Portuguese Fort in #Vasai had triggered panic among locals pic.twitter.com/Pd5KLFDQdX — Diwakar Sharma (@DiwakarSharmaa) April 23, 2024 Sources within the department told mid-day that they had to realign the cages which they had installed on the premises of majestic Vasai Fort, ‘and this helped us in catching the leopard on the 25th day,’ said a source. After the wild cat was imprisoned, it was taken to the Range Forest Office (RFO) in Mandvi, Virar East where its medical tests were conducted. Thousands of local fishing communities had been facing difficulties after the first leopard sighting near Vasai Fort, as the authorities concerned had barricaded all the exits to restrict public movement for 12 hours after 7 pm. The recently launched RoRo boat services - connecting Vasai and Bhayandar via sea- were also impacted as the Vasai fort road leading to Vasai jetty was barricaded in the evening. Of late, the leopard was mostly seen near the creek side of the fort and the wildlife researchers believe that it might be eating crabs, fish and other aquatic animals found near the thick mangrove forest.
23 April,2024 10:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaIn the investigation into the Salman Khan house firing incident, it is suspected that the shooters had planned the attack during the Eid celebration at the Panvel Farmhouse, a location frequented by the actor and his family. However, this year’s Eid celebration at the farmhouse was cancelled due to Salman’s brother Arbaaz’s recent marriage to makeup artist Sshura Khan. Instead, the family arranged the celebration at Sohail Khan’s house in Mumbai. The bike abandoned by the accused Mumbai police sources revealed that Salman often celebrates Eid at his Panvel farmhouse with his entire family, including his father Salim Khan. The police suspected that the arrested shooters, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, planned the attack at Salman’s farmhouse. The accused also rented a house in Harigram village in Panvel, approximately 7 kilometres from Khan's farmhouse. The Mumbai police also discovered that both shooters conducted reconnaissance outside the farmhouse multiple times on a bike they purchased locally for around Rs 20,000. Salman at his farmhouse. File pic An investigating officer said, "We suspect that both shooters planned to fire at Salman during the Eid occasion because he often celebrates Eid at his Panvel house with his family. Panvel was an easy target to escape after the firing because the farmhouse is located near a forest area. However, this year, Salman cancelled the Eid party celebration at his farmhouse." "On April 10, Salman was in Mumbai at his Galaxy Apartment with his entire family. Both shooters, Gupta and Pal, were also surveilling Salman’s residence area on the same day. We suspect that the shooters planned to fire on Eid, but due to the large crowd outside his apartment, they postponed the plan. During recent investigations, the cops found that their bike was parked near Salman's residence for two days. The shooters were seen roaming near his residence," a police officer said. The accused captured in CCTV; Cops along with divers looking for the gun A police source, speaking anonymously, said, "Salman’s brother, Arbaaz Khan, married makeup artist Sshura Khan on December 24 last year. This was the first Eid for the couple, and their celebration was arranged at other brother Sohail's residence, where many celebrities were invited. Due to this reason, the farmhouse plan for celebrating Eid was cancelled." The accused being taken to court. File pic/PTI "We also suspect that the shooters were receiving all such information from the Bishnoi gang members and they were in regular touch with them. The Crime Branch is tracing the locations of the callers," a Crime Branch officer revealed. The shooters tried to get rid of the gun by throwing it into the Tapi River in Gujarat near Surat. The Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 sought help from divers, fishermen, and locals to find the gun. However, they haven’t found anything yet. An officer said, "The gun used in the firing at Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartment in Bandstand, Bandra, was of good quality. The bullet used was a 7.62 mm bullet." The shooters informed the officers that they arrived in Surat and then proceeded to the railway station. They walked along the railway track to reach the Ashwini Kumar railway bridge. Approximately 50-100 metres from this bridge, they threw the gun into the Tapi River. From there they escaped to Kutch Bhuj in Gujarat on a government bus.
23 April,2024 05:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Dindoshi police have apprehended a 60-year-old woman, Nilofar Khan, over her alleged involvement in daytime burglaries. Khan would allegedly pose as a vegetable vendor to access locked residences. Investigations have linked her to the recent burglaries of locked homes in Santosh Nagar and Upper Govind Nagar, within the Dindoshi police’s jurisdiction, on March 26 and April 8 respectively. Khan stole valuables totalling nearly Rs 3 lakh, including jewellery and cash. “Khan has a criminal record and had been apprehended by the Kurar police in a burglary case nearly one and a half years ago. Following her arrest, she vacated her flat in Pathan Wadi, rented it out, and relocated to a rented house nearby. Her husband works as a security guard and her son is a driver. She would sell stolen gold ornaments to purchase luxurious items such as televisions, fridges and washing machines,” a police officer said. In Santosh Nagar, the accused allegedly pilfered cash and jewellery worth about R1,12,000, while in Upper Govind Nagar, she made off with valuables worth Rs 1,78,000. Upon receiving the complaints, API Dr Chandrakant Gharge and his team initiated an investigation under the guidance of Smita Patil, DCP, Zone XII, and Senior Police Inspector Irfan Pathan, Dindoshi. CCTV footage analysis revealed that Khan had been behaving suspiciously in the vicinity. It was further discovered that she was adept at breaking into locked homes. Khan was subsequently taken into custody for questioning last week, during which she confessed to the crimes, the officer added. Rs 3 lakhValue of items stolen by accused since late March
23 April,2024 05:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Kolkata Police Special Task Force and the detective department arrested a person from Mumbai for purportedly conducting recce around the residence and offices of Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, an official said on Monday. The person, Rajaram Rege, tried to call the TMC Diamond Harbour MP and his PA after getting their numbers, the officer added. The IPS officer claimed that Rege had met terror prime accused David Coleman Headley earlier, apart from others. “Today our officers arrested Rajaram Rege from Mumbai. He had visited Kolkata, stayed here, and conducted a recce of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's offices and residence. He obtained the mobile phone numbers of Banerjee and his PA and tried to contact them,” the officer said. Rege stayed at a hotel in Kolkata's Shakespeare Sarani area before returning to Mumbai. He faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy and criminal intimidation, the officer added. Terrorist’s reference Headley had revealed in his deposition during the 26/11 attack trial in a Chicago court in 2016 that he had visited Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar during 2006-2007, where he met Rege, whom he identified as the party’s public relations officer. Headley, a co-accused in the terror attack alongside his old friend Tahawwur Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani origin, disclosed that he had conducted surveillance of India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre near Mumbai and had also visited the Shiv Sena offices at Dadar. Currently incarcerated and having confessed to his involvement in planning the attack, Headley caused a stir by implicating Rege before Judge Harry D Leinenweber overseeing the trial in the Chicago court. In contrast, Rege, testifying in the special court, stated that he briefly encountered the Pakistani-American terrorist outside Sena Bhavan for only two minutes and firmly rejected his request for access to the building. According to reports, Headley informed the court of his interest in cultivating a relationship with a Shiv Sena member because he believed that Lashkar-e-Taiba might be inclined to target either the Sena Bhavan or “assassinate its head”, a reference to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Sena reacts Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut did not respond to mid-day’s calls. However, a Sena leader, on the condition of anonymity, stated that Rege was never associated in any way with the party. “Rege claimed to be a public relations officer to gain access to the Shiv Sena headquarters, but the party has no such designation or post. Neither had any reporter or the Sena rank and file heard of this man before Headley’s statement as he was never part of the party.” 2006-2007Period during which Headley met Rege With agency inputs
23 April,2024 05:35 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentIt has been a month since the mysterious death of a 28-year-old financial investment executive on the Andheri flyover of Western Express Highway (WEH). But there has been zero headway in the investigation, said the deceased’s father, who asked, “Who killed my only son?” The deceased, Bhupendra Sawant, was returning home from his Lower Parel office on March 24 evening. He spoke to his wife Vaishnavi minutes before he received mysterious injuries on the WEH. He succumbed to them within 48 hours at a private hospital in Andheri. Sawant, who was his family’s sole breadwinner, was due to be promoted in April, and he was very happy about this achievement, his family said. Sawant got married in December 2021. His six-month-old girl is too young to understand that her father is no more. His wife Vaishnavi said that the investigating officer does not seem to be serious about solving the case. The Andheri police registered a first information report (FIR) 13 days after the incident against an unknown person. The bereaved family members accused the investigation officer, Sub-Inspector Samadhan Supe, of delaying the procedure to retrieve crucial CCTV footage despite their earnest requests. ‘Complete failure’ “It is a complete failure on the part of the Mumbai police. The intentions of PSI Supe are questionable because there has been no headway in the case, which he registered 13 days after my son received brutal injuries on the road,” said Sawant’s grieving father Rajan, 52. “PSI Supe had told us that it was a hit-and-run case but failed to provide me any proof as such because the injuries he received to his skull, neck and back do not correspond to the damage seen on his scooter,” Rajan said. The police claim that the entire city is under the surveillance of CCTV cameras but when solving such complex cases, investigators unfailingly say the footage is unclear, CCTVs were not working or the incident was not captured. In this case, too, PSI Supe told the family that the hard disk of a CCTV camera got corrupted. “How it is possible? There are multiple CCTV cameras on the stretch where my son was found in blood-stained clothes and red footwear of his was missing. The IO was quick to tell us that the CCTV footage got corrupt and hence, nothing could be retrieved…,” said Rajan. Sawant’s maternal uncle Shyam Malankar at the spot where the youth was found. Pic/Anurag Ahire “If my son was hit by some vehicle, why did the scooter not receive any such dent? There were multiple cracks on my son’s skull and his helmet is missing. Was it really a hit-and-run or road rage or did my son lose control over his scooter and skid due to bad road conditions? Everything will be clear if the Mumbai police show us the CCTV footage… if Supe is not able to solve the case or does not intend to do so, I request the Mumbai police to give the case to some competent officer to bring relief to this restless mind,” Rajan said. “I only need to know who killed my son. Why the Mumbai police is unable to solve my case? Will the commissioner reply as to why there was a delay in registering the FIR? Where should I go to get the answers to these questions?” the teary father told mid-day while his wife Rekha looked on silently at their residence in Jogeshwari East. Wife’s recollections Vaishnavi said her husband would always commute via train to his Lower Parel office but March 24 was Sunday and Holika Dahan, so he preferred to take the scooter so he could return soon. “It was the first Holi for our daughter. My husband was supposed to join us in a puja after returning home. After completing his work, he left at 7.30 pm and made a stop at Bandra at 9 pm. Over there, he told me that he would reach home in the next 15-20 minutes as there was almost zero traffic,” she recalled.“I waited for him till 9.30 pm and called him at 9.35 pm, but I was shocked when someone else received the call and told me to go to the trauma care centre in Jogeshwari. I informed my in-laws and rushed there immediately. His clothes were blood-stained and he was unconscious,” she added. The family learnt that Sawant had been brought to the emergency ward in a tempo. “A few motorcyclists had noticed my husband lying injured on the road, they stopped a tempo, loaded him and the driver brought him to the centre at 9.19 pm,” she said. “Something happened between 9 pm and 9.15 pm on the Andheri flyover beneath the Mumbai Metro track. The cops need to investigate what happened in these 15 minutes,” she added. mid-day has learnt that the Andheri police has recorded the statement of tempo driver, but still there is no headway in the case. ‘Who called control room?’ Rajan said, “I have been told that before my injured son was transported to the hospital, someone had also informed the Mumbai police control room. Who was that person? Why is the Andheri police not approaching the caller to know what he had noticed?” Bhupendra’s maternal uncle Shyam Malankar had been continuously following up with the police to register the FIR, but Supe told him to wait as he was in Delhi and would register the case once he was back, according to Rajan. CopSpeak When contacted, Supe said, “There is no eyewitness or CCTV footage. The accident occurred on the WEH where nearly 200 vehicles pass in a minute. So, it will be really tough to find out which vehicle hit him. Also, the deceased was riding the scooter without a helmet. If he was, he would not have succumbed to his head injuries. Our investigations are underway.”
23 April,2024 05:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaThe Mulund police station arrested the owner of Chandni Bar and three others for allegedly robbing a man of R6,500 and keeping him in confinement in a fit of rage. The matter came to light on April 18 when the victim approached the Mulund police station to register a complaint against unknown people. “On March 6, the police had conducted a raid at the bar and the victim was present at the bar. On April 3, the victim, 32, went to the bar again. The owner of the bar Balindra Chowdhury allegedly called him to a room, snatched his phone, and kept him in confinement in the staff room of the bar. He then took R6,500 from him,” said a police officer. “Someone had told the owner that the victim was a police informant and had tipped them off about alleged illegal activities at the bar, which is why the police had carried out a raid at the bar. Hence, in a fit of rage, the owner decided to take revenge. The group of men physically assaulted the victim,” the police added. “ I went into the bar and the waiters and the owner of the bar confined me in the staff room and then assaulted me. I got scared as they left me on the Aroli Bridge and then I had to go to the hospital by myself. I was in immense mental trauma and decided to come forward to register an FIR,” said the victim. The police arrested the owner of the bar Balindra Chowdhary, 45, Nilesh Shukla, 33, Praskash Rai, 56, and Abhay Gautam on April 19. They have booked under Sections 392 (whoever commits robbery), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 34 (common intention) of the IPC. Rs 6,500Amount stolen from the victim
23 April,2024 05:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheADVERTISEMENT
