With the municipal corporation elections nearing, citizen groups and ALMs (Advanced Locality Managements) have begun placing their demands before political parties and candidates. The Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group (GASWG) from the upscale Juhu locality has sought a complete ban on the parking of commercial vehicles, including autorickshaws, on the lanes of Gulmohar and JVPD. The group has also demanded the eviction of unlicensed hawkers from both areas, along with several other civic-related demands. Filmmaker and chairman of GASWG, Ashok Pandit told Sunday mid-day that they are giving a copy of their citizens charter of demands to the poll candidates contesting from this ward (Ward 67). The demands include stricter enforcement of civic and planning norms to improve liveability in the neighbourhood. “This is a city-wide problem — residential lanes in Gulmohar and JVPD have been taken over by trucks, tempos, taxis and hawkers, leaving residents with no space to park and roads in chaos,” said Pandit, “Despite repeated complaints to the BMC and traffic police, there is no action, which is why we have raised this as a key issue with election candidates. We are also demanding that Mumbai have two municipal commissioners to ensure better governance.” The residents have demanded proper implementation of hawking zones for licensed vendors, a complete ban on cooking on footpaths and roads, and the removal of illegal nurseries and garages encroaching on public roads. In order to ensure that Gulmohar and JVPD are developed as safe, pedestrian-friendly walking areas, citizens have also sought firm action against unchecked advertisements and hoardings put up in public spaces by private firms and political parties, along with measures to protect all open spaces from encroachment. It may be noted that the groups have further flagged serious concerns over pollution, infrastructure and sanitation. They have demanded that construction sites strictly adhere to pollution control, timing and noise norms, and that developers comply with Development Control (DC) rules, particularly those related to footpaths, parking and mandatory open spaces. In their letter, highlighting health hazards, residents pointed to garbage generated by roadside eateries and the poor condition of the Irla nullah flowing through the area, calling for urgent intervention.
11 January,2026 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Hard work will pay off, but be realistic about your expectations. Those in a committed relationship may take it to the next level.Life tip: Move forward with confidence and do not let self doubt get the better of you This is a good time to make necessary changes in your life. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Be wary about your expectations from the people close to you. Look at investments from a long-term perspective.Life tip: Find the inner core of balance that you need to handle situations. This will bring you more peace. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Take care of valuables while travelling. Those who like to juggle investments need to avoid overcomplicating their finances.Life tip: Pay attention to close relationships and give others the love and respect you want from them Be willing to see the other persons’ point of view. CancerJune 21 – July 22Make well thought out career choices, keeping your long term goals in mind. Go to your doctor if you fell unwell instead of self medicating.Life tip: Look at all the options you have before making any important decisions. Ask for help, and pay attention to advice from someone you trust. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 This is a positive time for meetings and negotiations. Double check your tickets and hotel bookings if you need to travel.Life tip: Adjust to situations as you move forward towards your goals. Lessons learnt from the past should not be forgotten. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Take a little extra care of your health and make sure you get enough sleep. Avoid making impulsive financial decisions.Life tip: Life will get easier if you listen to your intuition whenever you need to make important decisions. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22A family situation may need attention, and you would be able to sort the matter out to the best of your ability. This is a positive time for self employed businesspersons.Life tip: Pay attention to good advice when you hear it, and work on any changes you need to make. Trust that you are in the right place at the right time. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Deal with circumstances as they are, even if you feel restricted . Be very careful during conversations with colleagues, as you could say something you should not.Life tip: Make time for your family and prioritize clear communication. Any underlying issues will not just magically go away.need to make. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Work smart if you seem to have more to do than usual. Ask for help from your network if you need it, and be willing to learn from others.Life tip: Be the difference you want to make, and don’t allow yourself to get disappointed by negative people. You know what you are capable of. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Have clear communication if there is a challenging situation. Any restrictions can be worked through if you handle them correctly.Life Tip: It is right for you to be in your power as long as you use it correctly. Don’t be afraid to step up to new responsibilities. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Put in your best and be willing to change direction if needed. Be mindful about whom you trust with any personal information, even if it something positive.Life tip: Looking at the other person’s point of view will help you understand situations better and make appropriate choices and decisions. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Handle any situation from the past with maturity, even if any other people involved react in a childish manner. Focus on what you need to do without getting distracted.Life tip: Use the innate talents you have, and don’t take them for granted. You are capable of much more than you think .
11 January,2026 02:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseA 45-year-old man was found dead at a Jain temple in Mumbai’s Sakinaka area on Friday, police said. The death is suspected to be a case of suicide. Mumbai Police sources told mid-day.com that the man had been residing in the Four Bungalows area of Andheri West. He was originally a resident of Nashik and was engaged in the garment business. The man is survived by his wife and two children, but was living separately from his spouse. No suicide note recovered so far, say Mumbai Police Police said the man was a frequent visitor to the Jain Mandir. On Friday morning, he came to the temple and went to the upper portion of the premises, which is currently under construction, where he is suspected to have ended his life. No suicide note has been recovered from the spot so far. Speaking to mid-day.com, Senior Police Inspector Sunil Yadav from Sakinaka Police Station said, “An ADR (Accidental Death Report) has been registered and further probe in the matter is underway.”
10 January,2026 10:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 37-year-old man was killed on Saturday afternoon after coming under the rear wheel of a dumper truck near the Mulund Colony vegetable and fish market on Guru Gobind Singh Marg, off LBS Marg in Mumbai. The victim has been identified as Suresh Babu Rajput. According to the police, the incident appears to involve negligence by the dumper driver, identified as Brijesh Somnath Yadav (26), who is currently in custody. Local autorickshaw drivers suggested that Rajput may have jumped in front of the vehicle, indicating a possible suicide. However, police said the circumstances remain unclear. “If the victim had come directly in front of the dumper, he would have been hit by the front bumper, not the rear wheel. Bloodstains on the back wheel indicate possible negligence by the driver,” said a police officer. Police also stated that Rajput was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Mulund dumper death: Accident spot narrow, highly congested, say locals Rajput, a resident of Khindipada in Bhandup, lived with his two brothers, Vijay (50) and Amit (35). Vijay, who works as a bodyguard, said he had met his brother in the morning before leaving for work and was informed of the accident around 1 pm. Rajput was rushed to Agarwal Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His body was handed over to the family following a post-mortem examination. Following the accident, angry family members and locals reportedly pelted stones at dumpers in the area, damaging several windshields and prompting police to deploy personnel to control the situation. Locals said the spot where the accident occurred is a narrow, highly congested lane surrounded by a vegetable market, fish stalls, and shops. Heavy dumpers and trucks reportedly pass through the stretch frequently, posing risks to pedestrians.
10 January,2026 09:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Mihir Kotecha has demanded the suspension of Navnath Ghadge, a deputy chief engineer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC’s) Water Supply Projects (WSP) following the death of a Mulund resident who was hit by a dumper. The victim, identified as Suresh Rajput, became the latest casualty in a series of accidents involving dumpers in Mulund. Earlier incidents include a dumper overturning in the first week of December and the death of a girl in Amar Nagar, Mulund, four months ago after being hit by a dumper. "Today in Mulund, an unfortunate incident occurred for the third time. A dumper hit our resident Suresh Rajput, who died on the spot. More than the dumper driver, I hold Navnath Ghadge, deputy chief engineer of the BMC’s WSP, responsible for this death. He is a corrupt and arrogant officer. I have demanded his suspension from the municipal commissioner and the additional municipal commissioner," Kotecha said. The legislator added that he had previously raised the issue in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly through a calling attention motion, warning against the movement of overloaded dumpers through densely populated residential areas of Mulund. Dumpers continue to ply Mulund Colony despite alternative route, MLA says "There is an alternative route available, but instead of developing it, 300 to 400 dumpers pass through Mulund Colony every day, posing a serious risk to residents. The government had directed that dumper movement should not be allowed through this stretch and that work should begin only after an alternative road was developed," he said. Despite these directions, MLA Kotecha claimed, the movement of dumpers continues. "If anyone is responsible for these incidents, it is the deputy chief engineer concerned. I will not keep quiet until he is suspended," he added. Ghadge is yet to respond to the allegations made by the MLA.
10 January,2026 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAhead of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray‘s joint rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai Police on Saturday issued a traffic advisory for motorists, saying that large crowds were expected at the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS public rally for BMC Election 2026. Mumbai Traffic Police have announced major traffic restrictions in the Dadar area on Sunday, January 11, in view of the 'Jahir Sabha’ (public meeting) organised by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). "The rally is part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026 campaign," said an official. A large number of supporters are expected to arrive from different parts of Maharashtra, many in private vehicles and buses, the official said. The police have warned of heavy traffic congestion on nearby roads, including the western and eastern express highways. Traffic restriction timings The traffic regulations will be in force from: 10 am on January 11, 2026, until midnight No-parking zones in Dadar and around Shivaji Park. A notification issued by Mumbai Traffic Police said that the parking will be strictly prohibited on the following roads: - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (Century Junction to Hari Om Junction) - Entire Keluskar Road (north and south) - MB Raut Marg - Pandurang Naik Marg (Shivaji Park Road No 5) - Dadasaheb Rege Marg - Dilip Gupte Marg (Shivaji Park Gate No 4 to Shitaladevi Road) - LJ Marg (Gadkari Junction to Shobha Hotel) - NC Kelkar Marg (Hanuman Temple Junction to Gadkari Junction) - TH Kataria Marg (Ganga Vihar Junction to Asawari Junction) - Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg (Maheshwari Circle to Kohinoor Junction) - Tilak Road (Kotwal Garden Circle to RA Kidwai Road) - Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road (Sealink Road to Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk) - Thadani Marg - Dr Annie Besant Road (Poddar Hospital Junction to Hardikar Junction) Roads closed and traffic diversions - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (northbound) Closed from Siddhivinayak Temple Junction to Yes Bank Junction Alternate routes: SK Bole Road, Agar Bazaar, Portuguese Church Road, Gokhale Road - Swatantryaveer Savarkar Marg (Southbound)** Closed from Yes Bank Junction to Siddhivinayak Temple Junction Alternate routes: Pandurang Naik Road, LJ Road, Gokhale Road, NC Kelkar Road Instructions for rally participants Vehicles bringing participants must drop them at designated alighting points and then move to approved parking areas. From western and northern suburbs Drop-off near Mahim Railway Station Parking at- - Reti Bandar, Mahim - Senapati Bapat Road - Kohinoor Public Parking - India Bulls Finance Centre Parking - Kamgar Maidan - India Bull One Centre (light vehicles) From eastern suburbs (Thane and Navi Mumbai) - Drop-off near Dadar TT Circle Parking towards Five Gardens, Matunga and RAK 4 Roads. From South Mumbai - Vehicles will drop passengers near Five Gardens, Matunga or RAK 4 Roads - Parking will be arranged at designated locations near Dadar TT Circle and Worli Designated Parking Locations - Buses on Senapati Bapat Marg (Mahim Station to Tilak Bridge) - Buses at Reti Bandar, Mahim - Buses on Lady Jamshedji Road and Nathalal Parikh Road, Matunga -Buses on RAK 4 Road and Pandurang Budhkar Marg - Cars at Kamgar Stadium, Kohinoor Parking, India Bulls Finance Centre, Raheja Parking - Additional bus and car parking at Worli, Sasmira Road, and Sudam Kalu Ahire Road Public Advisory Mumbai Traffic Police have urged citizens to avoid the Shivaji Park and Dadar area during the event hours and to use public transport where possible. Motorists are requested to follow traffic police instructions to avoid inconvenience.
10 January,2026 05:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Asif RizviA joint manifesto of the NCP and NCP (SP) meant both factions have effectively come together, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said on Saturday, and referred to speculation about possible induction of NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule in the Central government, reported news agency PTI. ‘Reunion driven by power, not ideology,’ alleges Wadettiwar However, the “reunion” appeared to be driven by the lure of power rather than ideological convergence or concern for party workers, he alleged. Wadettiwar was reacting to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) working president Sule releasing a joint manifesto for the Pune civic polls at a press conference, signalling growing proximity between the two factions after their bitter split in July 2023. Background of NCP split and EC recognition Ajit Pawar had revolted against his uncle Sharad Pawar and walked out with loyalist MLAs to join the then Shiv Sena-led government. The group was later recognised as the real NCP by the Election Commission and was allotted the ‘clock’ poll symbol. The break-up was followed by the NCP and NCP (SP) fielding candidates against each other in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections. Ideology or power is real question, says Congress leader Responding to speculation about reunification, the Congress Legislature Party leader said the real question was whether the move was for ideology, party workers, or merely power. Notably, the NCP and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) have allied for the elections to the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations. ‘If manifestos are together, factions are together’ “If their manifestos have come together, then it can be said they have come together,” Wadettiwar said, reported PTI. According to him, the potential induction of NCP (SP) leaders Rohit Pawar in the Maharashtra cabinet and Baramati MP Sule in the Union government is being widely discussed. NCP (SP) part of Maha Vikas Aghadi The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) is an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi. “Traditionally, the NCP keeps changing its stand because it cannot survive without power. If it remains out of power, the party will collapse,” Wadettiwar alleged, reported PTI. Congress fighting to protect Constitution, says leader The Congress, on the other hand, is not fighting for power but for safeguarding the Constitution and democracy under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, he said. On the political situation in the Ambernath municipal council involving allies Shiv Sena and BJP, Wadettiwar termed it a “sham fight”. ‘Allies quarrel briefly, reunite for power’ “They quarrel today, but will they walk out of power tomorrow? This is all temporary. Later, they will come together again to enjoy the fruits of power,” he said, reported PTI. After the December 20 local body polls, the local unit of the BJP joined hands with its arch-rival Congress under the banner of ‘Ambernath Vikas Aghadi’ (AVA) to gain power in the municipal council, sidelining ally Shiv Sena. Congress suspends councillors after backlash Left red-faced after the unforeseen tie-up, the Congress on Wednesday suspended its 12 councillors and a block president. On Friday, the Shiv Sena and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar, along with one independent member, formed a group to stake claim to rule the Ambernath local body by keeping the BJP away from power. Shinde, Ajit Pawar accused of dividing voters Wadettiwar alleged that Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were being used to divide Marathi votes and progressive voters, respectively. “This is aimed at weakening the Thackeray faction and the Congress. Alliances during elections are temporary, but power-sharing happens later,” he claimed, reported PTI. ‘Save BJP from rebels’ jibe Mocking the BJP amid reports of police being asked to warn rebels, Wadettiwar said, “‘Save the BJP from rebels’ should be the new slogan in Maharashtra.” “If the police are being asked to issue warnings to BJP rebels, it reflects the BJP’s declining authority. The BJP has lost so much credibility that it has to seek police help to control its own rebels,” he added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2026 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe BJP's ideology teaches its followers to work for everyone irrespective of caste and creed, and it is not against Muslims, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said, reported news agency PTI. Full majority will fulfil people’s aspirations, says minister The people's hopes and dreams will be fulfilled if the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance wins the January 15 election to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation with a full majority, and he will himself guarantee the candidates' performance, Gadkari said while campaigning in the city on Friday. Senior BJP leader campaigns across Nagpur The senior BJP leader, who held three public meetings, sought to dispel misconceptions about his party. ‘Not against Muslims, but against terrorism,’ says Gadkari “We are not against Muslims, but we are against terrorists and Pakistan. The Muslims who commit sacrifices for this country are as dear to us as are the Hindus. One may go to a mosque, gurdwara, or Buddh vihar. But we say that our blood is the same, we are Bharatiya, and we work for all,” the Union minister added, reported PTI. Assurance of governance and development “All your hopes, desires, and dreams will be fulfilled if the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance is elected with a full majority,” he said. ‘I will be guarantor for BJP candidates’ “I will be a guarantor on behalf of the BJP candidates,” Gadkari said, while listing infrastructure projects carried out by him and the Maharashtra government, reported PTI. Addressing a meeting in North Nagpur, he said some opposition leaders were spreading misinformation that violence would occur if the BJP came to power. BJP ideology based on inclusive governance But the BJP's ideology teaches its workers to work for everyone without any bias, the Nagpur MP said. Represents all citizens, not just voters He said he is a staunch BJP worker and believes in its ideology, but as an elected representative, he works for those who voted for him as well as those who did not, irrespective of caste, religion, or language, reported PTI. Gadkari dismisses claims of constitutional change He also sought to debunk “misinformation” that the saffron party wanted to change the Constitution, saying it was the Congress that tried to amend the Constitution 80 times. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2026 02:16 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) MP Supriya Sule has expressed confidence in the party performing well in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, saying "the atmosphere is very good" and her party was prepared to contest the polls with "full strength", reported news agency ANI. Speaking in Mumbai, Sule said, "The atmosphere is very good. Work should be done here in a transparent and honest manner, so we are fighting with full strength." The NCP-SCP, on December 29, released its list of candidates for the upcoming BMC elections 2026. The list includes candidates for seven wards across Mumbai. Ajit Ravarane has been fielded from Ward No. 43, Sanjay Bhimrao Kamble from Ward 140 (SC), Shraddha Javed Despande from Ward No. 78, Ganesh Shinde from Ward No. 48, Rohini Madan Khanvilkar from Ward N 59, and Manju Ravindra Jadhav from Ward 112. Earlier, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP announced its first list of 37 candidates for BMC elections 2026. With the release of its first list of candidates, the NCP has decided to go solo. The list includes candidates Manish Dubey from Ward No. 3, Cyril Peter D'Souza from Ward No. 48, Ahmed Khan from Ward No. 62, Baban Ramchandra Madne from Ward No. 76, Sachin Tambe from Ward No. 93, Mrs. Ayesha Shams Khan from Ward No. 96, Abdul Rashid (Captain) Malik from Ward No. 165, and Sabia Aslam Merchant from Ward No. 224. The list also features candidates such as Akshay Mohan Pawar, Jyoti Devidas Sadavarte, Rachana Ravindra Gavas, Bhagyashree Rajesh Kedare, and Dr. Saeeda Khan, among others. The Maharashtra State Election Commission has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the BMC, Pune Municipal Corporation, and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Mumbai will see polling across 227 electoral wards on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. Pune civic polls: NCP factions release joint manifesto; Ajit Pawar and Sule share dais Meanwhile, the NCP, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the NCP (SP), headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, on Saturday released a joint manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Pune municipal corporation. Ajit Pawar and his cousin Supriya Sule, the working president of NCP (SP), shared the dais at a joint press conference, signalling growing proximity between the two factions after a bitter split in 2023. The NCP, although a member of the ruling Mahayuti, and NCP (SP), a constituent of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, have joined hands for the January 15 elections to Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies. Sule and other NCP (SP) leaders, who had largely remained absent from the campaign so far, were present at the release of the manifesto. Addressing the gathering, Ajit Pawar said the manifesto focuses on key civic issues in Pune. The poll document assures tap water supply, easing of traffic congestion, pothole-free roads, cleanliness, hi-tech healthcare services, pollution control, and slum rehabilitation. He said the manifesto also proposes free travel on PMPML buses and the metro, waiver of property tax for houses up to 500 sq ft, and free computer tablets for students. (With inputs from ANI)
10 January,2026 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentResidents of Mulund’s ward 104 have contested Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) voter list for the upcoming polls, citing errors in the names listed. According to the residents of Lok Everest Complex, located on JSD Road in Mulund West, the names of 614 residents have been wrongly listed as residents of BEST Staff Quarters, located on LBS Marg, in the adjoining ward, 103. Residents claim that the neighbours living on the same floor of the same building have their names listed in two separate wards — 103 and 104. Following the complaints, social worker and first-time independent candidate Sameer Patil (ward 104) raised the issue with the state election commission and civic administrative ward office (T ward). “During elections, even 10 votes can swing the outcome of the poll in a ward. We are here talking about errors in 614 voters’ names, depriving them of their right to vote in the correct ward,” said Patil. Speaking to mid-day on Friday, Patil pointed out that members of the Lok Everest Complex have been tagged as residents of the BEST staff quarters, falling in an adjoining electoral ward of 103. “The Lok Everest Complex is part of ward 104. I have submitted the electoral ward maps in my complaints to the authorities,” said Patil. While both the wards — 103 and 104 — are part of the administrative T ward, ward 104 comprises the areas of Tambe Nagar, Indira Nagar, and Siddharth Nagar in Mulund and has a total of 53,343 listed voters, and ward 103 comprises the areas of Bhandup Complex, Vihar Lake, Veena Nagar, and Ghatipada and has 48,055 listed voters. Dharmendra Lohar, assistant assessor and collector in charge of the T ward, responded to Patil’s complaints, saying, “The building in fact falls within the correct jurisdiction and has been listed correctly.” An official from the BMC said, “Citizens were given a window to correct their names or addresses in the voters list. Now that window is closed, and we are in the stage of distributing voter information slips to all residents.” On January 7, Dr Bhakti Devkate, tehsildar, State Election Commission, wrote to the BMC commissioner, drawing attention to the complaints raised by the residents, forwarding all attachments for appropriate action. A copy of the letter is with mid-day. Residents Speak Lalita Soni, 44, a resident of the Lok Everest Complex, said, “I have lived here for 20 years and voted as a resident of this housing society in several previous elections. How is there confusion in the voters list? I should be voting from ward 104, but my name is in the ward 103 voters’ list.” Mulraj Ganatra, another resident, said, “It was different for the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in 2024, as the area is larger. Now the size of the ward is smaller. It is not possible that half the members of this society fall in one ward, and the other half fall in another ward.” Priyanka Pavani and Vipul Pavani, both aged 50, who are married and live in the same house, have had their names listed in two separate electoral wards for the first time. Speaking to mid-day, Priyanka said, “My name appeared in the ward 103 voter list, whereas my husband’s name remains in the correct ward — 104.” Voting for the municipal corporation election will be held on January 15 across all 227 wards of Mumbai. The counting of votes will take place on January 16.
10 January,2026 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThe Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed Tushar Apte, the then secretary of a school and a co-accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case, as a 'co-opted' councillor in the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council in Thane district. Council chairperson Ruchita Ghorpade has confirmed Apte's appointment. He was greeted after the process of selecting five co-opted councillors of the municipal council was completed on Friday. Two among them were nominated by the BJP, two by the Shiv Sena, and one by the Nationalist Congress Party. Besides Apte, other nominated councillors include Shagof Gore (BJP), Prabhakar Patil (NCP), and Dilip Baikar and Hemant Chature (Shiv Sena). Apte, who was then the secretary of the educational institution where the alleged sexual abuse occurred, was booked for allegedly failing to report the offence. A case was registered against the school management under Section 21(2) of the POCSO Act for not filing a complaint in a case of sexual abuse of children. Apte was arrested 44 days after the incident and granted bail within 48 hours. The case is currently sub judice. Defending the decision, BJP councillor Rajan Ghorpade said Apte is a social activist and office-bearer of a reputed educational institution. "Though he was named as an accused, his guilt has not been proven. The main accused has already been punished. Apte worked actively for the party and contributed to the party candidate's victory, and therefore, he was given this responsibility," Ghorpade said. The girls were allegedly sexually abused by Akshay Shinde on the premises of the school, triggering massive protests by parents and citizens. The main accused, Akshay Shinde (24), was arrested in August 2024 for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls inside the toilet of a school in Badlapur in Thane district. On September 23, he was killed in an alleged police shootout while being taken from Navi Mumbai's Taloja prison for questioning. The police claimed he snatched the gun of one of the cops in the van, opened fire, and was killed in retaliatory firing. The accused was being taken for questioning in connection with a case lodged against him by his wife. 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.
10 January,2026 01:20 PM IST | Thane | PTIADVERTISEMENT
-1768031412507_d.png "The BJP has appointed Tushar Apte, a co-accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case, as a co-opted councillor. File Pic")