Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday directed the state government to urgently address the shortage of medical diagnostic equipment in Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district and submit a detailed statement before the House, reported news agency IANS. The directive came after legislators raised concerns over the lack of essential facilities such as MRI and CT scan machines in the region, forcing residents to seek treatment outside the area. Concern over lack of diagnostic facilities Members across party lines highlighted the difficulties faced by patients due to the absence of basic diagnostic infrastructure in government hospitals in Sangamner, reported IANS. They pointed out that citizens are compelled to travel long distances or depend on private healthcare providers for tests such as MRI and CT scans, leading to increased financial burden and delays in treatment. Speaker expresses displeasure over delay Taking a serious view of the issue, Speaker Narwekar expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in addressing the shortage, noting that the matter had been raised earlier as well, reported IANS. “The government must take immediate cognisance of the situation in Sangamner,” he said, stressing the need for prompt action on critical public health concerns, reported IANS. Govt asked to submit data on statewide shortages The Speaker directed the administration to compile comprehensive data on the availability and shortfall of MRI and CT scan machines across Maharashtra, with specific details on Sangamner, reported IANS. He instructed that the information be presented before the conclusion of the ongoing Assembly session to enable informed discussion and corrective measures. Warning to officials over non-compliance Issuing a stern warning, Narwekar emphasised that directions from the Chair must be strictly followed by the bureaucracy, reported IANS. He said that failure to comply with Assembly directives could invite strict action, adding that officials cannot disregard instructions issued by the presiding authority. Deadline set for pending responses The Speaker also addressed delays in responding to pending ‘Calling Attention’ motions, directing the government to place replies before the House without further delay, reported IANS. He warned that if the responses are not submitted by the next working day, it could lead to breach of privilege proceedings against the Chief Secretary. Focus on accountability and public health Reiterating the urgency of the matter, Narwekar said the government must submit a detailed report on the shortage of diagnostic equipment in Sangamner along with statewide data, reported IANS. He stressed that timely action is crucial to ensure better healthcare access for citizens and to address gaps in public medical infrastructure. (With inputs from IANS)
18 March,2026 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has informed the State Legislative Council that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has seized the bank accounts of an organisation identified as “Gulzar-E-Raza” over suspected foreign funding and financial irregularities. CM flags suspicious transactions Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the House that the organisation had received approximately Rs 4 crore through donations. He said preliminary findings suggest that some of these funds originated from suspicious foreign accounts. “Since the investigating agency believes that the funds received are from foreign and suspicious accounts, the ATS has seized the bank accounts,” Fadnavis said. Allegations of financial fraud The organisation is accused of operating under the guise of religious activities while allegedly collecting large sums of money from the public. It is suspected of using forged or misleading documents to obtain financial clearances from banks and to mislead the Income Tax Department. The allegations have raised concerns over potential financial fraud and misuse of public trust. Investigators are now examining the organisation’s financial transactions, documentation, and compliance with regulatory norms.
18 March,2026 01:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA court in Thane district of Maharashtra has acquitted two men charged with the murder of a shepherd nearly three years ago, citing insufficient evidence and the failure of a key eyewitness to support the prosecution’s case. On March 16, Principal District and Sessions Judge S. B. Agrawal cleared Anna, alias Abraham Mundarangi (50), and Anil Basavraj Maratha (32) of all charges. The duo had been accused of assaulting Nagesh Raju Kamble with a belt and bamboo on the night of April 12, 2023, resulting in his death. According to the prosecution, Kamble, who worked for Mundarangi, was allegedly beaten after returning late with the sheep owned by the accused. However, the case faltered when the sole eyewitness, Ganesh Amuksiddha Bhosale, turned hostile. Advocate Sudhakar Parad represented the accused. The court highlighted gaps in both forensic and circumstantial evidence. “The chemical analysis report does not denote anything,” the judge observed. Regarding the recovery of the alleged murder weapons, a belt and a bamboo, the court found the link unproven. “The recovery is inconsequential because there is absolutely nothing to show that it was this belt and bamboo with which the deceased was assaulted,” the judgment stated. The chemical analysis report also failed to establish the presence of blood stains on these items. While a medical report confirmed that Kamble’s death was homicidal due to head injuries, the court noted inconsistencies in the testimonies of the victim’s siblings. “It cannot be said that the prosecution has been successful in bringing home the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt,” the judge concluded, acquitting both men of all charges. Thane court acquits two men in 2002 train robbery case In a similar incident last month, a court in Maharashtra's Thane district acquitted two men in a 2002 train robbery case. The court, while passing the orders, noted that the prosecution had failed to examine even a single material witness over the past two decades. In a judgment delivered on February 9, Additional Sessions Judge P R Ashturkar held that there was "absolutely nothing on record" to indicate the involvement of the accused, Shaikh Babu, alias Chhota Babu Shaikh Pyare, and Shaikh Ayub Shaikh Yusuf. As per the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly robbed a female passenger on board the Chalukya Express on July 24, 2002, near Kalyan. Following the accusations, the court recorded that despite repeated attempts, no prosecution witness could be traced. The court stated, "There is absolutely nothing on record which would even remotely indicate the involvement and active participation of the accused in the said matter." Only one witness, a police constable tasked with serving a summons, was examined, who deposed that the witnesses were untraceable. The district court acquitted both accused, saying keeping the matter lingering would be a futile exercise without any outcome. (With PTI inputs)
18 March,2026 01:25 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has reiterated its ban on non-biodegradable plastic flowers and announced stricter enforcement measures against those involved in their sale, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the State Legislative Council. Issue raised in Legislative Council The matter was raised by members of the Legislative Council, who highlighted the environmental damage caused by plastic flowers and their adverse impact on the state’s floriculture industry. Members urged the government to ensure a complete ban on such non-biodegradable products and called for stricter implementation of existing regulations. Government assures strict enforcement Responding to the concerns, State Environment Minister Pankaja Munde said that regular inspections are being conducted by concerned authorities and action is taken against violators. Chief Minister Fadnavis further assured the House that immediate steps would be taken to strengthen enforcement. “We will instruct all concerned agencies to take prompt action against those selling plastic flowers,” he said. Existing ban and rising concerns Maharashtra already has a ban in place on the use, sale, and distribution of non-biodegradable plastic flowers. However, despite the restrictions, the use of artificial flowers has been increasing across urban centres. Cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Aurangabad have seen a surge in the popularity of low-cost plastic alternatives, raising concerns among stakeholders.
18 March,2026 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA traffic signal LED lamp broke and was found hanging at the busy Cadbury Junction in Thane (West) on Tuesday morning, prompting a coordinated response from multiple civic agencies. No injuries were reported in the incident, officials said. Incident reported to Disaster Management Cell According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), information about the incident was received around 10:45 am. The alert was conveyed by journalist Ganesh Parkar, following which emergency teams were immediately mobilised to the site. The incident occurred near the signal close to Cadbury Bridge along the Nashik–Mumbai Road, a key arterial route that witnesses heavy vehicular movement. Multi-agency response at the site Upon receiving the alert, personnel from the traffic police, TMC’s electrical department, Disaster Management Cell, and the fire brigade rushed to the location. The teams were equipped with a hydraulic crane, a pickup vehicle, and an emergency response vehicle to handle the situation efficiently. Authorities ensured that traffic movement in the area was regulated while the damaged infrastructure was being addressed, preventing any potential risk to commuters. Damaged signal safely removed Officials said the broken LED traffic signal lamp, which was left hanging, was safely removed with the coordinated efforts of the traffic police, Disaster Management Cell staff, and the electrical department team. Fire breaks out in vehicle outside car showroom in Thane In another incident, an electric vehicle was gutted in a fire that broke out at in a car outside a showroom in Wagle Estate area of Thane district in Maharashtra on Wednesday, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze was reported in a car at around 8:15 am at a vehicle showroom located in the Ashar Compound area, civic officials said. A new electric car kept in the showroom for sale caught fire, they said. Fire brigade teams, along with disaster management staff and showroom employees, worked together to control the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was completely burnt. However, no injuries were reported in this incident either. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the situation was brought under control and further investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
18 March,2026 12:07 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA Mumbai court has rejected the discharge plea filed by city Mayor and BJP corporator Ritu Tawde in connection with a 2016 case involving the alleged assault of two school teachers, observing that there is sufficient material on record to proceed with framing of charges, reported news agency PTI. Court finds sufficient evidence to frame charges Additional Sessions Judge Y.P. Manathka, in an order passed on Tuesday, held that the statements of the victims, along with those of other witnesses, clearly indicate Tawde’s alleged involvement in the incident, reported PTI. “The victims have categorically named the applicant as the person who assaulted them,” the court noted, adding that such evidence is adequate at this stage to proceed with the trial. Incident dates back to 2016 school dispute The case pertains to an incident that took place on July 29, 2016, at a civic-run Urdu medium school in the Vakola area of Mumbai. According to the prosecution, the dispute arose over the sudden transfer of a female teacher who was reportedly undergoing treatment for cancer. The issue led to tensions between the school management and those opposing the transfer, reported PTI. Allegations of assault and abuse The prosecution alleged that Tawde, along with six others, entered the school premises and engaged in a heated argument with the management over the transfer decision, reported PTI. During the altercation, the accused allegedly used abusive language and physically assaulted two teachers. Police claimed that the victims were slapped during the incident. An FIR in the case was registered on August 11, 2016. Defence cites delay and denies involvement In her plea seeking discharge, Tawde argued that her presence at the school was coincidental and unrelated to the alleged incident. The defence also pointed to a 13-day delay in registering the FIR, describing it as unexplained, reported PTI. Tawde further claimed that the complaint was motivated and that her political position was used to give prominence to what she termed a personal grievance. She alleged that the complainant acted with malice and ulterior motives to falsely implicate her in the case. Prosecution stresses seriousness of incident Opposing the discharge plea, the prosecution argued that the statements of the victims clearly establish Tawde’s role in the alleged assault. It further emphasised that the incident took place within a school, a space meant for learning and discipline, making the alleged act particularly serious, reported PTI. Court dismisses plea, trial to proceed After considering submissions from both sides, the court concluded that the available evidence, including consistent witness accounts, was sufficient to frame charges, reported PTI. Dismissing the plea, the court ruled that the case should proceed to trial, where the evidence will be examined in detail. (With inputs from PTI)
18 March,2026 11:56 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn electric vehicle was gutted in a fire that broke out at in a car outside a showroom in Wagle Estate area of Thane district in Maharashtra on Wednesday, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze was reported in a car at around 8:15 am at a vehicle showroom located in the Ashar Compound area, civic officials said. A new electric car kept in the showroom for sale caught fire, they said. Fire brigade teams, along with disaster management staff and showroom employees, worked together to control the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was completely burnt. However, no injuries were reported in this incident either. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the situation was brought under control and further investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. Fire at flat in Thane building In an another incident, a fire broke out late on Tuesday night in a residential building in Mumbra area of Thane district of Maharashtra, officials said. The civic officials said that the incident occurred at around 11:56 pm in a flat located on the fourth floor of a building in the Naseem Bagh society near Shadi Mahal Hall in Amrut Nagar area of Mumbra. Following the information regarding the blaze, the fire-fighters rushed to the spot and launched an operation. The investigations revealed that the fire started in the kitchen of the flat owned by a resident identified as Nargis Khatun. Fire brought under control Emergency teams, including fire brigade personnel, police and electricity staff later managed to control the blaze. The power supply to the affected area was immediately cut off to prevent further danger. The fire was brought under control within minutes, around 12:10 am, officials said. No injuries were reported in the incident, they said. Officials said that the fire caused damage to the kitchen area, including the electric board, wiring and other household items. The rest of the flat and building remained safe due to the swift response by emergency services, the officials said.
18 March,2026 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government in the Saamana editorial, saying that Maharashtra’s public healthcare system is in crisis. According to the party, the system is “on a ventilator,” eroded by corruption and mismanagement, and urgent reforms are needed before any claims of achieving world-class healthcare status can be taken seriously. ICU tragedy exposes gaps in hospital care The criticism comes after a shocking incident in a Mumbai western suburb hospital in Bhayander, where an elderly woman died after a rat gnawed her hand while she was on a ventilator in the ICU. According to an editorial in the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamana, “while the government speaks of progress, infants continue to die of malnutrition in tribal areas, and an elderly woman dies from a rat bite in a city right next to Mumbai.” The editorial described the incident as a “horrific event” that “has stripped away any dignity left in the government healthcare system.” The ICU where the woman was being treated was located on the fourth floor, yet a rat reportedly managed to reach her hand without being noticed by hospital staff. Bleeding continued until relatives arrived the following morning, but by then, it was too late. Hospital administration under scrutiny The hospital administration’s response has drawn further criticism. Officials reportedly suggested that rats might have entered the hospital due to nearby construction, a claim the Shiv Sena called “ridiculous and shameful.” The editorial argued that even if there is construction nearby, it does not excuse the hospital’s failure to control a rat infestation. The hospital reportedly had a pest control and medicinal spraying contract in place, but the Shiv Sena editorial said this is “an admission of an existing rat problem that the hospital failed to control.” Calls are growing for a criminal investigation against the hospital administration for negligence that contributed to the woman’s death. Dual crisis: Rats and corruption The incident has sparked a broader debate about public health in Maharashtra. According to the Shiv Sena, the state faces a “dual infestation”: rats in hospitals and corruption in the health department. “Rather than focusing on healthcare, the authorities seem more concerned with the financial health of contractors and suppliers to line their own pockets,” the editorial said. The party also pointed out that despite government claims of world-class services, public healthcare funding has been cut. “The public health budget was reportedly slashed by approximately Rs 5,000 crore. Nationwide, for a population of 140 crore, there are only about 1.3 to 1.4 million hospital beds available. Public health spending remains stagnant at only 2.5 per cent of the GDP. In tribal areas, mothers and children continue to die from malnutrition,” the editorial noted. The Shiv Sena further highlighted the contrast between government announcements and the reality on the ground. “Just two weeks ago, in the state budget, the government made grand announcements regarding healthcare facilities. However, a soul-shaking incident in Bhayander has completely exposed these claims,” the party said. The party called for urgent reforms and accountability, emphasising that healthcare, not financial interests or political messaging, must be the priority. (With IANS Inputs)
18 March,2026 10:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain and thundershowers across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg on Wednesday, indicating a possible early shift towards monsoon-like conditions in the state. However, Mumbai’s weather told a different story on the ground, with the city waking up to morning haze. Despite forecasts hinting at rainfall, heat and humidity persisted, with temperatures expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius, as per IMD. The city’s air quality remained satisfactory, with the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) SAMEER app reporting an overall AQI (Air Quality Index) of 86. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 99 Borivali East: 92 Byculla: 93 Andheri East: 103 Chembur: 95 Colaba: 61 Deonar: 119 Ghatkopar: 120 Kandivali East: 36 Kandivali West: 90 Bhandup West: 91 Malad West: 95 Mazgaon: 105 Powai: 36 Morning haze reduced visibility in several areas, but air quality remained largely within safe limits. Nowcast warning: Thunderstorm alert for Latur, Nanded, Hingoli; rain likely in Marathwada The IMD Mumbai on Wednesday issued a nowcast warning for several parts of Maharashtra, valid for three hours from 7:00 am IST. A yellow alert has been sounded for Latur, Nanded, Hingoli, Beed, Parbhani and Dharashiv districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are very likely in Latur, Nanded and Hingoli, with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph. Meanwhile, Beed, Parbhani and Dharashiv are likely to witness light spells of rain, with chances of thunder and lightning in isolated areas. Residents in the affected districts have been advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions during the warning period. Maharashtra weather update: Heat persists across state, coastal areas relatively cooler Meanwhile, Maharashtra continued to witness warm conditions on Wednesday, with several interior districts recording above-normal maximum temperatures, according to the latest IMD weather report issued at 8.30 am. Among the hottest regions, Beed and Sholapur recorded highs of 39 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Jeur at 38.5 degrees Celsius and Osmanabad at 37.8 degrees Celsius. Parbhani and Malegaon also saw elevated temperatures, hovering around 38 degrees Celsius. In contrast, hill station Mahabaleshwar remained the coolest in the state with a maximum temperature of 29.1 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal by 2.4 degrees Celsius. Mumbai and coastal belt Mumbai recorded moderate temperatures, with Colaba at 32.4 degrees Celsius and Santacruz at 31.1 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures stood at 22.6 degrees Celsius and 21.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. As per the IMD, coastal regions like Alibag (33.5 degrees Celsius), Dahanu (33.7 degrees Celsius), and Ratnagiri (32.1 degrees Celsius) experienced relatively stable conditions, aided by higher humidity levels. Temperature trends Several parts of the state, including Beed and Dahanu, recorded temperatures above normal, indicating persistent heat in interior regions. Meanwhile, cities like Jalgaon (minus 2.0 degrees Celsius deviation) and Mahabaleshwar saw below-normal daytime temperatures. Humidity levels Humidity remained high in coastal and Mumbai regions, with Dahanu recording 90 per cent relative humidity in the morning, followed by Mumbai-Colaba at 89 per cent and Santacruz at 82 per cent. Interior areas such as Aurangabad reported lower humidity levels at 43 per cent. Overall, the weather across Maharashtra reflects a mix of rising heat in inland districts and relatively stable, humid conditions along the coast.
18 March,2026 10:09 AM IST | MumbaiA fire broke out late on Tuesday night in a residential building in Mumbra area of Thane district of Maharashtra, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The civic officials said that the incident occurred at around 11:56 pm in a flat located on the fourth floor of a building in the Naseem Bagh society near Shadi Mahal Hall in Amrut Nagar area of Mumbra. Following the information regarding the blaze, the fire-fighters rushed to the spot and launched an operation. The investigations revealed that the fire started in the kitchen of the flat owned by a resident identified as Nargis Khatun. Fire brought under control Emergency teams, including fire brigade personnel, police and electricity staff later managed to control the blaze. The power supply to the affected area was immediately cut off to prevent further danger. The fire was brought under control within minutes, around 12:10 am, officials said. No injuries were reported in the incident, they said. Officials said that the fire caused damage to the kitchen area, including the electric board, wiring and other household items. The rest of the flat and building remained safe due to the swift response by emergency services, the officials said. EV gutted in fire outside car showroom in Thane Meanwhile, in an another incident, an electric vehicle was gutted in a fire that broke out at in a car outside a showroom in Wagle Estate area of Thane district on Wednesday, officials said. The blaze was reported in a car at around 8:15 am at a vehicle showroom located in the Ashar Compound area, civic officials said. A new electric car kept in the showroom for sale caught fire, they said. Fire brigade teams, along with disaster management staff and showroom employees, worked together to control the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was completely burnt. However, no injuries were reported in this incident either. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the situation was brought under control and further investigation was underway to determine the exact causes of the fire. No injuries were reported in the incident, the officials said.
18 March,2026 10:03 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentUnion Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday announced that Mumbai suburban train network was allocated Rs 3,000 crore subsidy and 238 new services has been planned. He highlighted key structural reforms in Indian Railways while replying to questions in Parliament, with Maharashtra and Mumbai expected to benefit significantly. The Railways has received a record allocation of Rs 2.78 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2026-27. As part of passenger-focused initiatives, 71,000 special trains were operated in 2025-26, while holding areas are being developed at 75 stations to manage crowding. The government also continues to provide a subsidy of Rs 60,000 crore, offering nearly 45 per cent concession to passengers. Under the station redevelopment programme, 1,300 stations are being upgraded across the country. Of these, 180 are already complete, around 500 are nearing completion, and work on the rest is progressing. Focus on Maharashtra and Mumbai The Centre provides an annual subsidy of Rs 3,000 crore for Mumbai’s suburban railway network, ensuring affordable travel for millions of commuters. To enhance safety, 238 new suburban trains with automatic door-closing systems are being manufactured for the city. Capacity augmentation works are underway in 48 cities, including Mumbai and Pune, with the addition of platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and coaching terminals. Seven bullet train corridors are also being planned, including the Mumbai–Pune route, which is expected to cut travel time to just 48 minutes, and the Pune–Hyderabad corridor, reducing travel time to around two hours. Bullet train project progress Work on India’s first bullet train project is progressing rapidly, including the construction of the country’s first undersea tunnel. A total of seven tunnels spanning 21 km are planned, of which 5 km have been completed so far, with breakthroughs achieved in two tunnels. The project has also seen significant progress in infrastructure, including 435 km of foundation work, 426 km of pier construction, 168 km of track laying, and installation of overhead equipment masts across 146 km. Bridges across 17 rivers are also under construction. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Kumbh Mela events, including Nashik, with major infrastructure upgrades planned at key railway stations. Mumbai locals to get relief from overcrowding as MUTP projects expand rail network, safety upgrades Mumbai's daily commuters on the suburban rail network, one of the busiest in the world, handling around 3,200 suburban trains and 120 originating Mail/Express services every day, can expect relief from overcrowding and improved safety as Indian Railways pushes ahead with ambitious infrastructure projects. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha last week, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed steps being taken to increase train-handling capacity at key stations and expand the network under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) phases. Among the highlights are completed or ongoing works such as additional pit lines at Bandra Terminus, platform extensions at Mumbai Central for longer coaches, new platforms at Jogeshwari and Dadar, and stabling lines at Virar, Dahanu Road, and Mira Road.
18 March,2026 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1773809867731_d.png "Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. File Pic")
