Residents of Siddharth Nagar in Goregaon, known as Patra Chawl, are locked in a standoff with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) after the Bombay High Court set an April 2 deadline to accept newly allotted flats or risk losing them altogether. Residents reuse possession Several families have refused to take possession, alleging incomplete and unsafe construction. Residents, including women, senior citizens and teenagers, have launched an indefinite chain hunger strike, raising concerns over structural safety. What High Court said A bench of Justices GS Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe criticised the society for refusing to execute PAAA. The court warned that failure to comply by April 2 would allow MHADA to reallocate the tenements for public purposes and permitted the authority to stop paying transit rent from April 1, 2026. Voices Naresh Sonawane, 50Our draft DA was submitted in December 2022, but MHADA began work only in October 2025. The government waived '887 crore for developers, yet we are being given substandard flats. Handing homes to PAP after 18 years will destroy faith in the system. Shaila Vyas, 62We are being removed from our own homes. Possession was to be given only after registration of the Development Agreement (DA) and Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreement (PAAA). But citing court pressure over rent, MHADA is forcing possession. Our DA registration is delayed due to MHADA constructing 72 unauthorised shops. We want our homes, but we are worried about our future.’ Bala Sakarkar, 67We came here in 1948 and cared for this land for 65 years. Under the 2008 tripartite agreement, we became partners in redevelopment, enabling MHADA to earn crores from the sale component. Today, we are being pushed out of our own land. Dr Vishakha Kanse, 33Patra Chawl existed before 1948. We are partners in this redevelopment, yet delays and irregularities have led to 18 years of injustice. How can our homes now be given to PAP? We will move the high court and the Supreme Court for justice. Suresh Vichare, 45We are not slum dwellers. Our homes were given up for redevelopment, but '1,200 crore was siphoned off and MHADA aided it. Now we are being denied our rightful homes. We have been on a hunger strike for 26 days, but no one is listening.
02 April,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Anushree GaikwadThe Thane and Navi Mumbai civic bodies in Maharashtra have reported a significant rise in tax collections for the 2025-26 financial year, driven by intensified recovery efforts, amnesty schemes, and increased adoption of digital payment methods, officials said, reported the PTI. According to the officials, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) recorded tax collections of Rs 878.37 crore, up from Rs 810 crore in the previous year. Notably, 87.37 per cent of taxpayers opted for online or digital payment modes. The Majiwada-Manpada ward emerged as the top contributor, generating Rs 236.51 crore. TMC Commissioner Saurabh Rao attributed the growth to increasing public confidence in technology-driven services, according to the PTI. NMMC achieves record collections The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) reported its highest-ever tax collection since inception at Rs 876 crore, compared to Rs 812 crore last year. Officials credited the use of Artificial Intelligence-based calling systems and data analytics to identify and target defaulters. The ‘Abhay Yojana’ amnesty scheme, which offered a 50 per cent waiver on penalties, contributed Rs 192.81 crore in March alone. Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde highlighted administrative transparency and technological integration as key factors, as per the PTI. Nerul tops collection charts Among administrative wards, Nerul emerged as the top contributor with Rs 182.09 crore in collections. It was followed by Koparkhairane (Rs 163.40 crore) and Ghansoli (Rs 150.11 crore), indicating strong recovery across key nodes. BNCMC and MBMC also report increase The Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) recorded tax recovery of Rs 103.31 crore, an increase from Rs 87.54 crore in the previous year. Commissioner Anmol Sagar said strict enforcement measures, including issuing 1,300 seizure notices and disconnecting 5,142 water connections, played a crucial role, the news agency reported. Similarly, the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation reported collections of Rs 254.09 crore, up from Rs 230 crore last year. KDMC records slight decline In contrast, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) witnessed a marginal decline, collecting Rs 431.49 crore compared to Rs 453 crore in the previous financial year. Officials noted that the absence of the Abhay amnesty scheme in 2025-26 may have contributed to the dip. (with PTI inputs)
02 April,2026 03:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to respond to a petition challenging its decision to cancel the five per cent reservation for the Muslim community in education and government jobs, reported news agency PTI. A division bench comprising Justices R I Chagla and Advait Sethna has asked the state to file its reply through an affidavit within three weeks. The court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for May 4, reported PTI. Petition Challenges February 17 Government Resolution The petition has been filed by advocate Syed Ejaz Abbas Naqvi, who has challenged the Government Resolution issued on February 17 by the state’s Social Justice and Special Aid Department. The plea argues that the decision violates constitutional provisions and is detrimental to the interests of the Muslim community, reported PTI. According to the petitioner, the move lacks any reasonable justification and undermines the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. Allegations of Discrimination Against Minority Community In the petition, Naqvi has termed the government’s decision as discriminatory, alleging that it targets a minority community without valid grounds. The plea states that withdrawing the quota amounts to unequal treatment and infringes upon fundamental rights, reported PTI. The petitioner has further argued that the absence of a clear rationale behind the decision raises serious legal concerns. Background of 2014 Reservation Policy The issue traces back to July 2014, when the then Congress-NCP government introduced reservation measures for certain communities. The policy included a 16 per cent quota for the Maratha community and a five per cent reservation for Muslims in education and government jobs under a backward class category, reported PTI. However, the decision faced legal scrutiny. The High Court had struck down the provision granting reservation in jobs but allowed the continuation of the five per cent quota in educational institutions. Government Cancels Earlier Benefits and Certifications As per the February 17 GR, all previous decisions and the ordinance related to the five per cent reservation in government and semi-government jobs and educational institutions for the socially and educationally backward Muslim group, included under the Special Backward Category (A), have been cancelled, reported PTI. This has effectively removed the framework that enabled the community to avail reservation benefits in education and employment. Court to Examine Constitutional Validity of Decision By seeking a detailed response from the state government, the High Court has indicated that it will examine the legal and constitutional validity of the decision. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for reservation policies and minority rights in Maharashtra. The matter will be closely watched as it raises broader questions about affirmative action and the rights of socially and educationally backward communities. (With inputs from PTI)
02 April,2026 03:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra has been placed under heightened security vigilance after intelligence agencies uncovered links between a Ghaziabad-based espionage module and sensitive locations within the state. The development has prompted the government to initiate sweeping changes to its surveillance and internal security framework, reported news agency IANS. Espionage Network Breached Sensitive Locations According to officials from the state Home Department, a recent high-level security review revealed that the espionage network had infiltrated at least five high-security sites across Maharashtra. While authorities were able to identify and secure these locations before any major damage occurred, the breach has raised serious concerns about vulnerabilities in existing systems, reported IANS. Investigators believe the network conducted reconnaissance activities at critical installations, particularly in Mumbai, including naval facilities and the city’s airport. The scale and sophistication of the operation have triggered urgent action at the highest levels of the state administration. Chief Minister Orders Statewide Surveillance Audit Following the revelations, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed a comprehensive audit of CCTV surveillance infrastructure across Maharashtra. The review will focus on identifying potential security loopholes and, reported IANS.ensuring that all monitoring systems meet stringent safety standards. The Maharashtra Chief Minister has also announced a complete prohibition on the procurement of CCTV equipment from Chinese companies, citing concerns over data security and the possibility of foreign surveillance, reported IANS. Chinese-Origin CCTV Equipment to Be Removed As part of immediate precautionary measures, authorities have been instructed to inspect all cameras installed at sensitive and strategic locations. Any equipment deemed insecure or linked to foreign manufacturers considered high-risk will be removed and replaced with trusted alternatives, reported IANS. Officials indicated that special attention will be given to critical infrastructure, including ports, transport hubs and government facilities, to prevent any potential misuse of surveillance systems, reported IANS. Advanced Surveillance Tools Used by Espionage Module The investigation has revealed that the espionage network employed sophisticated surveillance technology. Among the tools used were solar-powered, SIM card-operated standalone cameras capable of transmitting real-time video footage and GPS coordinates to handlers located in Pakistan. One of the accused individuals was reportedly living in Uran, near Nhava Sheva Port, posing as a daily wage worker. Authorities suspect that such operatives were strategically positioned to monitor key installations without raising suspicion. New CCTV Policy and Integration of Private Networks In response to the incident, the Home Department is drafting a new CCTV policy aimed at tightening surveillance regulations. Under the proposed framework, government agencies such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority will be required to obtain police clearance before installing surveillance systems, reported IANS. The government is also considering integrating private CCTV networks into the state’s broader security grid. Housing societies may be required to share live camera feeds from external areas with law enforcement agencies to enhance real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities. Focus on Strengthening Internal Security Officials believe that these measures will significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s internal security architecture. By ensuring tighter control over surveillance infrastructure and eliminating potential vulnerabilities, the state aims to prevent future incidents of foreign-linked espionage and safeguard critical assets. (With inputs from IANS)
02 April,2026 01:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the Centre of not being transparent to the public regarding the availability of LPG cylinders in amid the ongoing West Asia war, reported the PTI. Raut urged the government to be transparent and take citizens into confidence over the issue. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Sanjay Raut claimed that there is a shortage of LPG cylinders in India and warned that the situation could continue. He alleged that the Union government was not being truthful about the availability of cooking gas. “Do not trust the government. It is lying. There is a shortage of LPG and it will persist,” he said. Comparison with fuel crisis in other countries Sanjay Raut further stated that several countries, including Pakistan, are facing severe fuel shortages, leading to a situation comparable to a lockdown. He suggested that the ongoing crisis in the region could have wider implications for energy supplies, according to the PTI. Govt urged to be transparent While acknowledging the challenges posed by the conflict, Sanjay Raut said that even the government may have limited control over the situation due to external factors. However, he stressed that authorities should avoid making misleading claims and instead communicate honestly with the public. “Our only point is that the government should not lie and must take people into confidence,” he added, as per the PTI. Impact of West Asia war on energy supply The conflict in West Asia, triggered by joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted global energy supply chains. As India relies heavily on imports of oil and gas from Gulf countries, any prolonged instability in the region could affect domestic fuel availability. Domestic LPG, petrol and diesel prices unchanged despite jump in global cost: Govt Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Wednesday clarified that domestic LPG, petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged, despite a sharp rise in global fuel costs driven by geopolitical tensions, reported IANS. The government stated that only commercial LPG cylinder prices have been revised upward, as they are market-linked and deregulated. These cylinders are primarily used by hotels, restaurants, and industries, and account for less than 10 per cent of total LPG consumption in the country. The recent hike follows a steep 44 per cent increase in global LPG benchmark prices, particularly the Saudi Contract Price, which rose from USD 542 per metric tonne in March to USD 780 for April. Domestic LPG prices protected To shield households from rising international prices, the government has kept the cost of domestic LPG unchanged. A 14.2 kg domestic cylinder continues to be priced at Rs 913, according to the IANS. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), subsidised LPG cylinders for economically weaker sections remain available at Rs 613, ensuring affordability for vulnerable households. The Ministry highlighted that public sector oil marketing companies are currently incurring an under-recovery of around Rs 380 per LPG cylinder at existing prices. It added that cumulative losses are expected to reach over Rs 40,000 crore in the coming months. In the previous year, total losses of approximately Rs 60,000 crore were shared equally between the government and oil companies to cushion consumers from global price shocks. Despite global volatility, India continues to maintain relatively low domestic LPG prices compared to neighbouring countries. The Ministry noted that LPG prices are significantly higher in countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, reported IANS. This pricing strategy is aimed at balancing consumer affordability with international market realities. Petrol and diesel prices stable Retail prices of regular petrol and diesel have also been kept unchanged. In Delhi, petrol continues to retail at Rs 94.77 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 87.67 per litre, reported IANS. The Ministry said that despite a sharp rise in global petroleum prices—up by as much as 100 per cent in the past month—oil companies are absorbing significant under-recoveries at the retail level. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
02 April,2026 01:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for large parts of Maharashtra over April 2 and 3, warning of potentially severe weather conditions across multiple regions. While several districts are expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, Mumbai has been excluded from the current alert. Orange Alert Issued for Key Districts on Thursday On Thursday, the IMD has placed multiple districts under an orange alert, indicating the likelihood of severe weather conditions that may disrupt normal life. These districts include Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Beed, Jalna, Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions against thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Yellow Alert Covers Vidarbha, Western Maharashtra and Konkan In addition to the orange alert zones, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for a wider region, including the entire Vidarbha belt, parts of western Maharashtra and the Konkan region. However, Palghar, Mumbai, Sindhudurg and Kolhapur have not been included in this warning category. A yellow alert indicates that residents should stay alert and monitor weather updates, as conditions may change rapidly. Friday Forecast: Continued Risk in Marathwada and North Maharashtra The thunderstorm activity is expected to persist on Friday, with Parbhani and Hingoli placed under an orange alert. Several other districts, including Jalgaon, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ahilyanagar, Beed and Jalna, will continue to remain under the same warning level, suggesting ongoing risks of adverse weather. Meanwhile, Dhule, Nashik, Pune and Solapur, along with multiple districts in Marathwada and Vidarbha, have been issued a yellow alert for Friday. The IMD has indicated that these areas may experience moderate weather disturbances, including thunderstorms and lightning. Understanding IMD’s Colour-Coded Alert System The IMD uses a colour-coded warning system to communicate the severity of weather conditions. A green alert signifies no immediate threat, while a yellow alert advises people to stay aware of potential developments. An orange alert calls for preparedness due to possible significant impact, and a red alert indicates the need for immediate action in the face of severe weather. Authorities Urge Precautionary Measures Authorities have urged residents in affected districts to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open areas, and stay updated with official weather advisories. Farmers, commuters and those engaged in outdoor activities have been particularly advised to exercise caution during this period of unstable weather. With pre-monsoon activity intensifying across the state, the IMD continues to closely monitor the situation and may update alerts depending on evolving weather patterns.
02 April,2026 12:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 10-year-old boy lost his life after drowning while he was swimming with his friends in a lake in Thane city of Maharashtra, police said on Thursday, reported the PTI. The incident took place on Tuesday at a lake in the Mogarpada locality, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kasarwadavali Police Station. According to police, the boy had gone to the lake with his friends and entered the water for a swim, during which he drowned. Rescue efforts launched His friends raised an alarm after the incident, prompting police and fire brigade personnel to rush to the scene. After a search operation, the boy’s body was later recovered from the lake, as per the PTI. Authorities have registered a case of accidental death, and further formalities are being carried out. Two children drown in Bhandara In an another incident, two children drowned in a pond in Maharashtra's Bhandara district, police said on Wednesday, reported the PTI. The tragic incident took place at Rongha village in Tumsar taluka in Bhandara, police said. According to the officials, the children were identified as Chandrapal Rupchand Kumbhare (7) and Sarthak Sanjay Uike (6). Both went missing while playing on Tuesday afternoon. Their bodies were seen floating in the nearby pond on Wednesday morning which were later pulled out and shifted to a hospital. Gobarwahi Police was conducting further probe in the matter, the officials said. Two drown in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh canal Meanwhile, two men allegedly drowned in a canal in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh on Wednesday while immersing 'puja' materials, the police said, according to the PTI. The incident occurred in the Sadul Branch canal in the Hanumangarh Junction area when Mohit Swami (20) slipped while immersing 'puja' materials, and Aman Bajigar (19) and Mohit Thalod (19) jumped in to rescue him, Additional SP Arvind Vishnoi said, as per the PTI. A disaster management team rushed to the spot and later pulled them out and rushed them to the district hospital, police said. Swami and Bajigar lost their lives, while Thalod is reported to be in stable condition and was getting medical treatment, the SP said. (with PTI inputs)
02 April,2026 12:45 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentRail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES) — the project management company of Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s (SGNP) mini-train ‘Van Rani’ — has reportedly sent one of their directors on the ground to ensure the robustness of the mini-train as its operations came to a halt just 10 days after its formal inauguration, and three months after the service was launched. The train is being tested under the observation of experts this week, with park officials expecting that they might be able to reopen it for public as soon as Friday. A RITES official shared on Tuesday that they are overseeing all the repairs, part replacements, and upgrades that the electric mini-train needs. “We will conduct and observe trial runs for around a week, making sure that the train is robust. We can then clear it for reopening for the public,” added the official. Did you know? The mini-train service has been operating for three months, not just since 10 days when the service was formally inaugurated on March 14, 2026. SGNP officials, in a press statement last week, said the operations had commenced earlier on January 6, 2026. SGNP forest officer says... ‘The toy train had started in January, following all the final safety trials in December 2025. The train remained operational from January 6 to March 23 with regular ticket sales. Only the formal inauguration ceremony took place on March 14. We believe this is the first battery-powered electric mini-train across all national parks, so the technical issues faced are fresh and require a bit more time to resolve’ Moneymaker Operational since January 6, 2026Total ridership Over 15,500Total ticket revenue Over Rs 13 lakhDaily ticket revenue Around Rs 20,000Expected ridership 200-300 visitors per day‘We expect the footfall to increase in the coming months with the rainy season approaching’ A forest officer. Official Speak Anita Patil IFS (Indian Forest Service), field director, SGNPI had a meeting on Monday with a director and technical team from RITES regarding the ongoing issues with Van Rani. They are working towards solving the issue, and I will get an update from them on the situation on Friday. We are trying to get at least one train on track by this weekend.” Issues with Van Rani Slightly sunken tracks at a few points and limit-exceeding loads led to breakage of the train’s shaft. The coupling system was also impacted. Technical updates >> Earlier coupling system upgraded to redesigned newer, robust system aligned with soft-end motor>> Shaft, the intermediate part between the motor and the coupling, replaced>> Engine motor upgraded to one with higher power and load-bearing capacity>> Track work ongoing under regular maintenance Mar 23Day toy train service broke down
02 April,2026 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaAround 68 lakh beneficiary accounts under the Maharashtra government’s flagship Ladki Bahin Yojana have been closed after failing to complete the mandatory e-KYC process within the stipulated deadline, officials confirmed on Wednesday, reported the PTI. Officials stated that out of a total of 2.43 crore accounts, nearly 68 lakh were deactivated due to non-compliance, bringing the number of active beneficiaries down to approximately 1.75 crore. However, the deadline for completing e-KYC, which expired on March 31, has now been extended until April 30, and authorities indicated that the number of closed accounts may change following this extension, the news agency reported. The verification exercise was initiated after complaints surfaced that ineligible individuals—including male members and government employees—had been receiving benefits under the scheme, officials said. The initiative provides a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women from economically weaker sections. Financial implications for state budget The Maharashtra government currently disburses around Rs 3,700 crore each month under the scheme, the officials stated. With a reduction in the number of active beneficiaries, the overall expenditure is expected to be revised. The budget allocation for the scheme in 2026-27 stands at Rs 26,000 crore, compared to Rs 36,000 crore in the previous financial year. Errors in verification process identified According to the PTI, during the verification process, more than 24 lakh beneficiaries were initially flagged as government employees due to a Marathi-language question that led to incorrect responses. Following scrutiny, around 20 lakh of these accounts were found to be eligible, while verification of the remaining cases is still underway. The e-KYC process has been extended multiple times since November 2025, as per the PTI. No recovery from ineligible beneficiaries The Maharashtra government had previously clarified that it will not recover funds from individuals later found to be ineligible. Both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have assured that the scheme will not be discontinued. The Ladki Bahin Yojana was launched by the Mahayuti government ahead of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections as a key welfare initiative aimed at supporting women across state financially. (with PTI inputs)
02 April,2026 12:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday predicted that areas in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and parts of Maharashtra were likely to witness light rains and thunderstorms. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds (30-40/kmph) was very likely at isolated places," a weather bulletin said. The weather department has issued a yellow alert for Thane, Raigad and several parts of Maharashtra including Ratnagiri, Satara, Ghats in Pune, Sangli, Solapur, Parbhani, Nanded, Latur, Dharashiv, Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Buldhana, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Washim, Wardha and Yavatmal. An orange alert was also issued for districts in Maharashtra including Dhule, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna and Beed. "Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning, gusty winds (50-60/kmph) and hail at isolated places was very likely," the weather bulletin said. Meanwhile, Mumbai on Thursday morning woke up to clear skies with the IMD predicting temperatures likely to touch 32 degrees Celsius on April 2. The weather was expected to remain largely pleasant across Mumbai on Thursday with the minimum temperature likely to settle at approximately 26 degrees Celsius, the IMD said in its morning weather bulletin. AQI in Mumbai Mumbai’s air quality has gradually improved over the week. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) Sameer app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was on Thursday recorded 'Satisfactory' at 09:05 am and stood at 60. A health impact message stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI recorded in parts of the city Bandra Kurla Complex: 91 (Satisfactory) Borivali East: 76 (Satisfactory) Byculla: 56 (Satisfactory) Malad West: 55 (Satisfactory) Deonar: 99 (Satisfactory) Colaba: 63 (Satisfactory) Meanwhile, the air quality was recorded as 'Satisfactory' in Thane which reported an AQI at 74 on Thursday morning. In Kalyan AQI was recorded at 57 (Satisfactory), and in Navi Mumbai at 68 was also in 'Satisfactory' category. Thunderstorms and rains likely in parts of Maharashtra from March 30 Meanwhile, the IMD had last week predicted a fresh spell of cloudy weather and thunderstorms was expected in parts of Maharashtra this week, with light rain likely in several regions. According to the weather department, Maharashtra's ghat regions may also witness thunderstorms, gusty winds, rain and possible hail in some places. Other parts of Vidarbha may also see changes in weather conditions.
02 April,2026 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police have booked a gas delivery worker after reportedly recovering 23 LPG cylinders from him those were allegedly illegally stored in a public area, reported the IANS. According to the police, the suspect was identified as Shahid Sayyed. He was found in possession of 23 empty commercial gas cylinders and a tempo, all of which have been seized. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by a rationing officer from Govandi. Police have invoked Sections 3, 7, and 8 of the Essential Commodities Act, along with provisions under the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, according to the IANS. Suspicious vehicle leads to discovery According to officials, a rationing inspector noticed a suspiciously parked tempo near a public toilet in Gautam Nagar, close to the Deonar slaughterhouse. Acting on suspicion, the accused was summoned and asked to open the vehicle, as per the IANS. Upon inspection, police recovered 23 empty commercial LPG cylinders of varying capacities, including those belonging to major official gas suppliers. Illegal storage in vehicle According to the IANS, the authorities stated that the accused had been storing the cylinders unlawfully for personal financial benefit. The seized cylinders and the vehicle are estimated to be worth Rs 93,800. Further investigation into the case is currently underway. Rise in similar incidents Officials noted that such cases have been increasingly reported in recent times. In a similar incident in Delhi on April 1, the Delhi Police Crime Branch uncovered an illegal LPG storage and refilling operation in the Dabri area. Acting on specific intelligence, a raid was conducted at a shop in Seetapuri, leading to the seizure of 17 domestic gas cylinders from multiple companies, including Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, and Indane Gas. Earlier case reported in Mumbai Earlier, on March 30, an FIR was registered in Mumbai’s Kalbadevi area against two individuals for allegedly storing and using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes at a hotel. According to LT Marg Police, the accused—Harish Mehta and Prakash Purohit—were booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Essential Commodities Act. (with IANS inputs)
02 April,2026 10:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
