Mumbai is expected to experience hazy conditions in the morning, with skies becoming mainly clear by afternoon and evening on Tuesday. The maximum temperature is likely to reach 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may drop to 18 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the Sameer app, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 111, which falls under the moderate category. Residents with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions may experience breathing discomfort. AQI across key areas in Mumbai: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): 111Borivali: 94Byculla: 130Andheri East: 93Chembur: 120Deonar: 135Ghatkopar: 131Kandivali: 114 Bombay High Court calls clean air a fundamental right, seeks solution for Kanjurmarg dumping ground pollution The right to breathe clean air is a fundamental right and fresh air was the need of the hour, the Bombay High Court said on Monday while urging authorities to come up with a solution to address the pollution and odour emanating from Kanjurmarg dumping ground in the metropolis. A bench of Justice G S Kulkarni and Justice Aarti Sathe termed the situation as an “emergency” and noted that the right to breathe clean air was a fundamental right. “Fresh air is the need of the hour. Breathing itself has become difficult because of pollution,” the court said. The bench was hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the environmental clearance granted for using the Kanjurmarg site for dumping activities. The petitioners raised concerns about persistent stench, fumes and health issues such as respiratory and skin ailments among residents. Government pleader Jyoti Chavan told the court that a state-appointed committee, pursuant to HC orders, had visited the site on Sunday and found that the odour at the site was a problem. Chavan informed the court that short-term measures could be implemented immediately and that IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi were being consulted for mitigation strategies.
23 December,2025 11:03 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCommuters on Mumbai’s Western Railway (WR) will have to brace for about 75 to 80 cancellations of suburban trains starting Monday for the construction of the important leg of the 6th line till Borivali. The line is expected to segregate suburban and mail-express trains all the way between Bandra and Borivali. The WR has, however, said that these cancellations would be spread out throughout the day and not at any particular time. “This is because the 5th STA (suburban traffic avoidance line) line will be required to be suspended to be integrated with the new line. Express trains will be travelling on the fast corridor,” a WR official said. Track laying work being carried out on a suburban line. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Vineet Abhishek said that the work involves track slewing and insertion and removal of multiple crossovers at Kandivli and Borivli. “Major engineering, signalling and overhead equipment works will be carried out, which will impact train operations. Consequently, some suburban, passenger, and mail/express trains will be affected,” said Abhishek. He added that the 5th line will remain suspended for passenger train operations and speed restrictions will be imposed on other lines. All trains working on the 5th line, i.e., mail/express and suburban trains, will be operated on the fast line between Andheri/Goregaon and Borivali. Once complete, it will take mail express trains from Bandra away from the local line all the way to Borivli and boost local train services on WR, the CPRO added.
23 December,2025 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai commuters brace for disruption as Western Railway (WR) announces the cancellation of 80 local trains daily starting December 21. To carry out the work in connection with the sixth line on Kandivali and Borivali section, a block of 30 days will be undertaken from the night of December 20th/21st and will continue up to January 18. WR's chief public relations officer Vineet Abhishek said the work involves track slewing and insertion and removal of multiple crossovers at Kandivali and Borivali. Major works of the engineering, signalling and overhead equipment will be carried out, which will impact train operations. Consequently, some suburban, passenger and mail/express trains will be affected. During the period from December 20th/21st to December 25th/26th, the block will be operated from 11 pm to 04:30 am. Due to the block and suspension of fifth line, some suburban services will remain cancelled. "For December 31 all efforts are being made to ensure unusual cancellations for the convenience for New Year celebrations," he said. What will be affected Amid the operational work that will be carried out by the authorities, the fifth line of the WR will remain suspended for passenger trains running during the block. While the Western Railways have also affirmed that there will be speed restrictions imposed on other lines that will ultimately delay the travel time. All trains working on the fifth line i.e mail/express and suburban trains will be operated on fast line between Andheri/Goregaon and Borivali. The authorities have also stated that several suburban local services will be cancelled, leading to congestion and delays. Block timings From midnight on December 20 to December 25, the block will be operated daily between 11:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Train cancellations Western Railway has further issued a revised timetable for the trains operating during the mega-block. Day-wise summary of trains affected On the night of December 20/21, a total of 7 local trains will be cancelled, including 3 up services and 4 down services. From December 21 to December 25, 2025, 94 local trains will be cancelled each day, comprising 47 up services and 47 down services. On December 26, 2025, 87 local trains will be cancelled, with 40 up services and 47 down services. Cancellations on December 20/21, 2025 BVI 90803 – Departs 19:19, Arrives 20:09, FAST MDD 90768 – Departs 18:44, Arrives 19:22, FAST BVI 90979 – Departs 22:24, Arrives 23:14, FAST BVI 90860 – Departs 20:16, Arrives 21:13, FAST BVI 90989 – Departs 22:33, Arrives 23:25, FAST BVI 90996 – Departs 23:25, Arrives 00:13, FAST VR 92200 – Departs 21:44, Arrives 22:21, SLOW Cancellations from December 21 to December 25, 2025 VR 90207 – 08:27–09:51 FAST | BVI 90010 – 04:10–05:16 SLOW BVI 90239 – 09:00–09:43 FAST | BYR 90034 – 04:30–05:33 FAST BVI 90255 – 09:13–09:55 FAST | NSP 90046 – 04:35–05:55 FAST MDD 90307 – 10:11–10:54 FAST | BVI 90048 – 05:05–06:14 SLOW BVI 90347 – 10:50–11:35 FAST | BYR 90058 – 05:15–06:34 SLOW BVI 90379 – 11:12–11:59 FAST | BVI 90104 – 06:21–07:17 FAST NSP 90403 – 11:33–12:49 FAST | BVI 90128 – 06:50–07:54 SLOW BVI 90435 – 12:13–12:58 FAST | BVI 90162 – 07:28–08:35 SLOW VR 90469 – 13:12–14:24 FAST | BVI 90304 – 09:48–10:42 FAST BVI 90497 – 13:32–14:28 FAST | BVI 90320 – 10:04–11:12 SLOW BVI 90509 – 13:49–14:35 FAST | VR 90360 – 10:08–11:27 FAST BVI 90521 – 14:05–15:01 FAST | BVI 90416 – 11:50–12:37 FAST BVI 90579 – 15:12–16:00 FAST | BVI 90436 – 12:17–13:05 FAST BVI 90617 – 16:00–16:46 FAST | BVI 90476 – 13:10–14:17 SLOW BVI 90677 – 17:10–18:16 SLOW | BVI 90546 – 14:35–15:41 SLOW BVI 90689 – 17:36–18:28 SLOW | BVI 90556 – 14:47–15:36 FAST BVI 90693 – 17:28–18:20 FAST | VR 90572 – 14:32–15:57 FAST BVI 90707 – 17:39–18:34 FAST | BVI 90574 – 15:09–16:03 FAST BVI 90717 – 17:53–18:52 FAST | BVI 90622 – 16:07–17:19 SLOW BVI 90725 – 17:59–18:59 FAST | BVI 90660 – 16:50–17:54 SLOW BVI 90735 – 18:11–19:00 FAST | BVI 90758 – 18:24–19:08 FAST BVI 90741 – 18:35–19:06 FAST | BVI 90760 – 18:24–19:31 SLOW BVI 90761 – 18:31–19:20 FAST | MDD 90768 – 18:44–19:22 FAST BVI 90803 – 19:19–20:09 FAST | BVI 90770 – 18:32–19:41 SLOW BVI 90825 – 19:34–20:23 FAST | BVI 90774 – 18:37–19:48 SLOW BVI 90843 – 19:54–20:42 FAST | BVI 90788 – 18:58–20:04 SLOW BVI 90853 – 20:23–20:56 FAST | BVI 90796 – 19:05–20:16 SLOW BVI 90859 – 20:10–21:04 FAST | BVI 90802 – 19:10–19:58 FAST BVI 90895 – 20:41–21:28 FAST | BVI 90806 – 19:11–20:03 FAST BVI 90905 – 21:08–21:49 FAST | BVI 90820 – 19:26–20:13 FAST BVI 90919 – 21:12–22:07 FAST | BVI 90860 – 20:16–21:13 FAST BVI 90943 – 21:42–22:49 SLOW | BVI 90874 – 20:30–21:36 FAST BVI 90967 – 22:09–23:16 SLOW | BVI 90896 – 20:46–21:46 FAST BVI 90971 – 22:12–23:06 FAST | BVI 90904 – 21:03–22:12 SLOW BVI 90979 – 22:24–23:14 FAST | BVI 90912 – 21:12–22:22 SLOW BVI 90989 – 22:33–23:25 FAST | BVI 90928 – 21:32–22:39 SLOW BYR 90991 – 22:36–23:55 SLOW | BVI 90942 – 21:56–23:05 SLOW BVI 90999 – 22:49–23:56 SLOW | BVI 90990 – 23:15–00:22 SLOW BYR 91009 – 23:12–00:20 FAST | BVI 90996 – 23:25–00:13 FAST VR 92001 – 04:40–05:15 SLOW | VR 92002 – 04:00–05:02 FAST VR 92009 – 05:15–06:20 FAST | VR 92080 – 10:44–11:41 FAST VR 92085 – 11:37–12:16 SLOW | VR 92102 – 12:30–13:36 FAST VR 92095 – 12:06–12:56 FAST | VR 92110 – 13:14–13:53 FAST VR 92111 – 13:40–14:37 FAST | VR 92128 – 14:48–15:18 FAST VR 92113 – 14:00–14:42 FAST | VR 92130 – 14:51–15:50 SLOW VR 92127 – 15:23–16:00 FAST | VR 92200 – 21:44–22:21 SLOW BYR 94065 – 15:32–16:35 FAST | BYR 94070 – 16:45–17:15 FAST Cancellations on December 26(Day Only) SR 1: Up Train VR 90207 dep 8:27 arr 9:51 FAST | Down Train BVI 90010 dep 4:10 arr 5:16 SLOW SR 2: Up Train BVI 90239 dep 9:00 arr 9:43 FAST | Down Train BYR 90034 dep 4:30 arr 5:33 FAST SR 3: Up Train BVI 90255 dep 9:13 arr 9:55 FAST | Down Train NSP 90046 dep 4:35 arr 5:55 FAST SR 4: Up Train MDD 90307 dep 10:11 arr 10:54 FAST | Down Train BVI 90048 dep 5:05 arr 6:14 SLOW SR 5: Up Train BVI 90347 dep 10:50 arr 11:35 FAST | Down Train BYR 90058 dep 5:15 arr 6:34 SLOW SR 6: Up Train BVI 90379 dep 11:12 arr 11:59 FAST | Down Train BVI 90104 dep 6:21 arr 7:17 FAST SR 7: Up Train NSP 90403 dep 11:33 arr 12:49 FAST | Down Train BVI 90128 dep 6:50 arr 7:54 SLOW SR 8: Up Train BVI 90435 dep 12:13 arr 12:58 FAST | Down Train BVI 90162 dep 7:28 arr 8:35 SLOW SR 9: Up Train VR 90469 dep 13:12 arr 14:24 FAST | Down Train BVI 90304 dep 9:48 arr 10:42 FAST SR 10: Up Train BVI 90497 dep 13:32 arr 14:28 FAST | Down Train BVI 90320 dep 10:04 arr 11:12 SLOW SR 11: Up Train BVI 90509 dep 13:49 arr 14:35 FAST | Down Train VR 90360 dep 10:08 arr 11:27 FAST SR 12: Up Train BVI 90521 dep 14:05 arr 15:01 FAST | Down Train BVI 90416 dep 11:50 arr 12:37 FAST SR 13: Up Train BVI 90579 dep 15:12 arr 16:00 FAST | Down Train BVI 90436 dep 12:17 arr 13:05 FAST SR 14: Up Train BVI 90617 dep 16:00 arr 16:46 FAST | Down Train BVI 90476 dep 13:10 arr 14:17 SLOW SR 15: Up Train BVI 90677 dep 17:10 arr 18:16 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90546 dep 14:35 arr 15:41 SLOW SR 16: Up Train BVI 90689 dep 17:36 arr 18:28 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90556 dep 14:47 arr 15:36 FAST SR 17: Up Train BVI 90693 dep 17:28 arr 18:20 FAST | Down Train VR 90572 dep 14:32 arr 15:57 FAST SR 18: Up Train BVI 90707 dep 17:39 arr 18:34 FAST | Down Train BVI 90574 dep 15:09 arr 16:03 FAST SR 19: Up Train BVI 90717 dep 17:53 arr 18:52 FAST | Down Train BVI 90622 dep 16:07 arr 17:19 SLOW SR 20: Up Train BVI 90725 dep 17:59 arr 18:59 FAST | Down Train BVI 90660 dep 16:50 arr 17:54 SLOW SR 21: Up Train BVI 90735 dep 18:11 arr 19:00 FAST | Down Train BVI 90758 dep 18:24 arr 19:08 FAST SR 22: Up Train BVI 90741 dep 18:35 arr 19:06 FAST | Down Train BVI 90760 dep 18:24 arr 19:31 SLOW SR 23: Up Train BVI 90761 dep 18:31 arr 19:20 FAST | Down Train MDD 90768 dep 18:44 arr 19:22 FAST SR 24: Up Train BVI 90803 dep 19:19 arr 20:09 FAST | Down Train BVI 90770 dep 18:32 arr 19:41 SLOW SR 25: Up Train BVI 90825 dep 19:34 arr 20:23 FAST | Down Train BVI 90774 dep 18:37 arr 19:48 SLOW SR 26: Up Train BVI 90843 dep 19:54 arr 20:42 FAST | Down Train BVI 90788 dep 18:58 arr 20:04 SLOW SR 27: Up Train BVI 90853 dep 20:23 arr 20:56 FAST | Down Train BVI 90796 dep 19:05 arr 20:16 SLOW SR 28: Up Train BVI 90859 dep 20:10 arr 21:04 FAST | Down Train BVI 90802 dep 19:10 arr 19:58 FAST SR 29: Up Train BVI 90895 dep 20:41 arr 21:28 FAST | Down Train BVI 90806 dep 19:11 arr 20:03 FAST SR 30: Up Train BVI 90905 dep 21:08 arr 21:49 FAST | Down Train BVI 90820 dep 19:26 arr 20:13 FAST SR 31: Up Train BVI 90971 dep 22:12 arr 23:06 FAST | Down Train BVI 90860 dep 20:16 arr 21:13 FAST SR 32: Up Train BVI 90979 dep 22:24 arr 23:14 FAST | Down Train BVI 90874 dep 20:30 arr 21:36 FAST SR 33: Up Train VR 92001 dep 4:40 arr 5:15 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90896 dep 20:46 arr 21:46 FAST SR 34: Up Train VR 92009 dep 5:15 arr 6:20 FAST | Down Train BVI 90904 dep 21:03 arr 22:12 SLOW SR 35: Up Train VR 92085 dep 11:37 arr 12:16 SLOW | Down Train BVI 90912 dep 21:12 arr 22:22 SLOW SR 36: Up Train VR 92095 dep 12:06 arr 12:56 FAST | Down Train BVI 90928 dep 21:32 arr 22:39 SLOW SR 37: Up Train VR 92111 dep 13:40 arr 14:37 FAST | Down Train BVI 90942 dep 21:56 arr 23:05 SLOW SR 38: Up Train VR 92113 dep 14:00 arr 14:42 FAST | Down Train BVI 90990 dep 23:15 arr 0:22 SLOW SR 39: Up Train VR 92127 dep 15:23 arr 16:00 FAST | Down Train BVI 90996 dep 23:25 arr 0:13 FAST SR 40: Up Train BYR 94065 dep 15:32 arr 16:35 FAST | Down Train VR 92002 dep 4:00 arr 5:02 FAST SR 41: Up Train VR 92080 dep 10:44 arr 11:41 FAST SR 42: Up Train VR 92102 dep 12:30 arr 13:36 FAST SR 43: Up Train VR 92110 dep 13:14 arr 13:53 FAST SR 44: Up Train VR 92128 dep 14:48 arr 15:18 FAST SR 45: Up Train VR 92130 dep 14:51 arr 15:50 SLOW SR 46: Up Train VR 92200 dep 21:44 arr 22:21 SLOW SR 47: Up Train BYR 94070 dep 16:45 arr 17:15 FAST While issuing the advisory, the railway authorities have urged the commuters to plan their travel accordingly and to check station notices and announcements for further details.
23 December,2025 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 74-year-old senior citizen allegedly lost control of his car after accidentally pressing the accelerator instead of the brake, ramming into at least 15 vehicles in Powai on December 20. Two people sustained injuries in the incident. The accident occurred around 3.30 pm near the Tata Power premises in Powai. The driver has been identified as Uday Nagindas Sanghvi, 74, a resident of Lokhandwala Complex in Andheri West. The injured were identified as Sahebrao Yallappa Pawar and Pancham Subedar Maurya. Pawar suffered injuries to his head, shoulder, and back, while Maurya sustained injuries to his back and left leg. Both were rushed to a private hospital in Powai, where they are undergoing treatment. Senior Inspector Jitendra Sonawane, Powai police, said, “Sanghvi was driving the car when he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, hitting multiple parked and moving vehicles. An FIR has been registered against him for negligent driving, and he has been issued a notice to appear for further investigation.” The complaint was filed by Constable Sumit Pratap, Powai police station, who rushed to the spot after receiving information about the accident and admitted the injured to the hospital.
23 December,2025 10:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe right to breathe clean air is a fundamental right and fresh air was the need of the hour, the Bombay High Court said on Monday while urging authorities to come up with a solution to address the pollution and odour emanating from Kanjurmarg dumping ground in the metropolis. A bench of Justice G S Kulkarni and Justice Aarti Sathe termed the situation as an “emergency” and noted that the right to breathe clean air was a fundamental right. “Fresh air is the need of the hour. Breathing itself has become difficult because of pollution,” the court said. The bench was hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the environmental clearance granted for using the Kanjurmarg site for dumping activities. The petitioners raised concerns about persistent stench, fumes and health issues such as respiratory and skin ailments among residents. A rare smog-free day in the city on Monday. Pic/Ashish Raje Government pleader Jyoti Chavan told the court that a state-appointed committee, pursuant to HC orders, had visited the site on Sunday and found that the odour at the site was a problem. Chavan informed the court that short-term measures could be implemented immediately and that IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi were being consulted for mitigation strategies. The HC was, however, not satisfied and said the “corporation was a silent spectator”, adding that citizens should not be forced to approach courts for such basic issues. The court suggested certain measures such as covering the waste with tarpaulins and sheets, strict segregation of wet and dry waste, and ensuring unloading does not allow emissions to mix with the surrounding environment. Citing examples from other cities, the court remarked, “We don’t find strict implementation here in Mumbai.” The court posted the matter for further hearing on December 24. 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
23 December,2025 10:07 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesMumbai Police arrested five members of a well-dressed inter-state gang allegedly involved in mobile phone snatching at the Sunburn Festival 2025 in Sewri. The accused, residents of Delhi and Karnataka, reportedly targeted crowded events, blending in as festival-goers and using hired vehicles to avoid suspicion. The festival, organised by Spacebound Web Lab Pvt Ltd, ran from December 19 to 21 at Sewri Timber Pond near Atal Setu. Anticipating thefts, Mumbai Police had deployed special teams for crowd monitoring and women’s safety. On December 20, two mobile snatching complaints were registered at Sewri police station. The police formed two special teams to investigate the cases and intercepted 24-year-old Udugalappa Dasa Bhovi from Shivamogga, Karnataka, recovering four phones. In a parallel operation, four more accused — Shahbaz Bhole Khan alias Shoaib, 28; Mohitkumar Ramkumar Patel, 25; Nikhil Eknath Yadav, 19; and Maheshkumar Suneharilal Kumbhar, 20; all residents of Delhi — were detained in a Kia Carens near K-Shed, Indiranagar. Police seized 15 stolen phones and the car allegedly used in the crime. In total, 19 mobile phones and a car valued at Rs 19.14 lakh were recovered. According to the complaint filed by a 28-year-old doctor, the accused allegedly snatched his mobile phone while he was recording videos inside the festival venue around 9.30 pm on December 20. The accused allegedly pushed him before fleeing with the phone. Senior Inspector Rohit Khot, Sewri police, said the gang is suspected to have infiltrated several crowded events across the country to commit similar thefts, and that the accused are being questioned to ascertain the wider network behind the crimes. “We suspect the involvement of a larger organised gang, and further investigation is underway,” he said.
23 December,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilThe Santacruz police have registered a theft case against two delivery executives for allegedly stealing goods worth '31 lakh. The goods were stolen from Instakart Private Limited warehouse, located at the MU Arcade building at Baptista Road in Vile Parle West. Police have identified the accused as Sajjad Khan and Tushar Prasad. The theft came to light following an audit report. According to the report, the delivery boys managed to steal 423 high-value products, including mobile phones, watches, headphones, cameras, laptops, speakers, clothes, perfumes, shoes, etc. Police said that the incident occurred between October 1 and December 17, and an FIR was registered recently based on the complaint filed by Jaywant Mate, 60, from the Instakart Law Enforcement Company. “A total of 46 employees work at this hub. Sajjad and Tushar had been working as delivery executives for the past three months. Following an internal audit and examination of CCTV footage, it was revealed that the duo had systematically violated company rules and stolen costly parcels for personal gain during the Flipkart Big Billion sale,” a police officer said.
23 December,2025 09:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe leopard rescued from Bhayandar East on Friday, after it entered a housing society and attacked multiple people, will be fitted with a radio collar and subsequently released back into its natural habitat, the director and conservator of forests at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) told mid-day. On Saturday, Minister of Forest Ganesh Naik, accompanied by local MLA Narendra Mehta, visited the area where the attacks occurred and later met those injured at a hospital. A forest department source had at the time said that the minister indicated that the leopard may be fitted with a radio collar to monitor its movement after it is released into its natural habitat. A forest department team, along with a veterinarian, fits a radio collar on a leopard. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Naik, Mehta, and Minister of Transport Pratap Sarnaik — who was present at the spot during the rescue operation — also instructed the MBMC and police to scan CCTV footage in the area to check the possible route or area from where this leopard might have reached the densely populated location. Mumbai has one of the highest leopard densities in the world, yet reports of human-wildlife conflict remain remarkably low. Five leopards radio-collared Aim of the study >> From August 2020 to August 2022, the Maharashtra forest department and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)-India carried out a joint research project on leopards. For the first time, radio telemetry was used in two phases to study the secretive cats in an urban landscape The battery-operated collar will send the leopard’s movement signals to a satellite, which will send location coordinates at regular intervals. Researchers will track the leopard’s location on computer screens and on cellular devices using software that will help track its movements and understand dispersal patterns, particularly whether such animals are moving in search of new territories >> The project by Dr Vidya Athreya and Nikit Surve from WCS-India aimed to understand leopard-human interactions in the city and also examined how leopards use space and time within the SGNP landscape. Another key focus was tracking how the big cats cross major roads Outcome of study >> Leopardesses have a smaller home range compared to their male counterparts. A home range refers to the area in which an animal lives and moves on a periodic basis Tracking the leopard’s movement using VHF antennas will help researchers and officials see if the animal is moving close to human habitation, whether it is more active during the day or at night, and whether it crosses roads, highways or creeks while wandering >> The smallest home range recorded for an adult female was 2.58 sq km, while the largest for an adult male was 84.26 sq km The discovery Mumbai’s history with radio-collared leopards goes back ten years when Ajoba, a radio-collared male leopard from Malshej Ghat, walked approximately 120 km and reached SGNP Forest officials say collaring will help understand how leopards are using the landscape so that long-term conservation and management strategies can be planned. Illustrations/Uday Mohite Voices Anita Patil, SGNP director and conservator of forests ‘Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the SGNP team, the Thane forest department (territorial), police officials from Mira-Bhayandar, the MBMC (Mira-Bhayandar Municipal corporation) team, and local NGOs, the leopard was rescued from a densely populated area. As per the directions of the forest minister, it has been decided to fit the leopard with a radio collar so that its movements can be monitored after it is released back into its natural habitat’ Dr Jitendra Ramgaonkar, chief conservator of forests (wildlife), West ‘It is unusual for such a rescue to take place from a highly dense human-dominated landscape. The main objective behind collaring this leopard is to understand how leopards in Mumbai use and move through the landscape, particularly younger and dispersing individuals. Once we have detailed movement data, it will help the forest department identify patterns, prevent similar human-wildlife conflict incidents in the future, and plan better, long-term conservation and management strategies’ Dr Nikhil Bangar, SGNP veterinarian ‘Bhayandar East is a densely built-up, human-dominated area, making the rescue extremely challenging and risky. What worked in our favour was disciplined planning and calm teamwork. Civilian access was completely stopped, and only essential forest, police and fire personnel were allowed inside the building. The old structure had narrow passages and hidden corners, and the leopard finally took refuge in a bathroom, where darting was difficult due to the confined space. After securing all escape routes, we immobilised and rescued the animal’
23 December,2025 09:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA 20-year-old woman who had earlier alerted her family about domestic abuse died following an altercation with her husband at their Govandi residence. The Shivaji Nagar police have arrested the husband on charges of murder. The deceased, Nazia Parveen, had married boyfriend Manjar Imam Hussain in 2023. According to Nazia’s uncle, Samatulla Sheikh, the young woman had frequently complained to relatives about quarrels with her husband over domestic issues. She had allegedly also told family that her husband was speaking to other women and had assaulted her during arguments when she confronted him. On December 19, Nazia last spoke to her younger sister around 8 pm, saying she was preparing dinner. After midnight, on Saturday, the couple fought between 1 am and 1.30 am. Nazia was found dead in the morning by the neighbours, who informed the police. The husband, Manjar, was arrested on Sunday evening. A post-mortem examination at Rajawadi Hospital revealed that Nazia had sustained head injuries. Based on this, police said she was killed after her head was slammed against a wall during the altercation by her husband.
23 December,2025 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe BJP has doubled its presence in Maharashtra’s civic bodies. After the 2025 municipal council elections, it has over 3300 corporators, more than double the 1600-odd councillors it had in 2017. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP has strengthened its position since the last civic elections. “In 2017, the BJP was the number one party even then. We are number one now as well. But the difference is much bigger. Last time, we had around 1600 corporators. This time, the number has crossed 3300,” he said. On Monday, while felicitating the winners of municipal corporation polls in Nagpur, Fadnavis said that 65 per cent of all the corporators were from the BJP. “The results reflect public support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda and the Maharashtra government’s progressive vision,” the CM stated. Fadnavis added that the outcome had also proved the Mahayuti government’s strong grassroots connect with the people. “This winning momentum of the council polls should continue for the upcoming municipal corporation elections, too,” Fadnavis urged party workers and leaders. Meanwhile, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who was present during the felicitation ceremony, maintained that the Mahayuti would put up a united front for the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other civic bodies. The BMC and 28 other municipal corporations’ polls will be held on January 15, and counting will be conducted the next day. According to leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, the party is keen on contesting 100-plus seats, and the BJP, too, is insisting on nearly 150 seats for the BMC. There are 227 electoral wards in the BMC. “The CM [Fadnavis] and Deputy CM [Shinde] will sit together and sort out the issues within the Mahayuti over the seat sharing for the municipal corporation polls,” a Mumbai BJP party leader added. Cousins finalising seat-sharing formula Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are said to be finalising their seat-sharing arrangement. Party leaders said that the cousins are likely to make a formal announcement this week. According to both Sena camps, the MNS chief and Sena (UBT) head will hold a joint press conference to reveal the seat-sharing formula and their plans to secure the prestigious BMC and other municipal corporations.
23 December,2025 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA brazen armed robbery at a jewellery shop in Seawoods has sent shockwaves across Navi Mumbai. Three men dressed in burqas stormed the Sangam Gold Jewellery store at Sector-42 in Seawoods and looted gold at gunpoint on Monday. The entire incident has been captured on CCTV cameras, providing crucial leads to the police. According to police sources, the accused entered the shop posing as customers, which initially raised no suspicion. Once inside, they brandished firearms, threatened the shop owner and staff, and swiftly took gold jewellery from the counter. A fourth accomplice stood guard outside the shop to alert the gang and facilitate a quick escape. The accused fled the spot within minutes, leaving behind panic and fear among traders and locals in the busy Seawoods area. Following the incident, police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. CCTV footage from the shop and nearby establishments is being examined to trace the movement and identity of the suspects. According to the police, the exact quantity and value of the stolen gold is yet to be ascertained. Mayur Bhujbal, assistant commissioner of police, Navi Mumbai, confirmed the incident. When this correspondent asked Bhujbal about the amount of loot, he replied, “How many kilograms of gold jewellery and the total value involved in the robbery is still part of the investigation. We have formed four crime teams and will take support of dog squads and also technical teams to track down and arrest the accused at the earliest.” The incident has triggered concern among jewellers and traders in the area.
23 December,2025 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghADVERTISEMENT
