Less than 24 hours after a clash between two communities during a vehicle rally in Maharashtra’s Thane district, a procession in the Mira Road area faced stone-pelting on Monday evening. The incident occurred as part of the celebrations for the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya, resulting in injuries to an unspecified number of processionists and police officers providing security. The stone-pelting incident was reported within the limits of Naya Nagar police station, where the clash had previously taken place during a rally with cars and other vehicles on the eve of the Ayodhya consecration ceremony. The motive behind the stone attack remains unknown, and further details are awaited as investigations are underway. Authorities, vigilant after the clash on Sunday in the Naya Nagar area on the outskirts of Mumbai, are closely monitoring the situation. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the home portfolio, has said that 13 individuals were detained in connection with the group clash earlier in the day. Fadnavis said 13 persons were detained for an alleged assault on a group of persons taking out a vehicle rally in Mira Bhayander area adjoining Mumbai on the eve of the Ram Temple idol consecration in Ayodhya. The clash between members of two communities took place during a vehicle rally in Naya Nagar area at around 10:30pm on Sunday in which 10-12 participants in three cars and an equal number of vehicles were shouting slogans praising Lord Ram, a police official said. However, when some of them burst firecrackers, a group of people came out of their houses and thrashed those taking part in the rally with sticks and also attacked their vehicles, he said. "The police intervened quickly and the attackers were dispersed. The area saw heavy police deployment to maintain law and order and to prevent any further flare-up. A company of the Riot Control Police (RCP) is also at the site," the official said. Meanwhile, tensions flared in the Central Avenue area of Nagpur on Monday when a motorcycle from a procession marking the Ram Temple consecration brushed past a pedestrian, leading to an argument between members of two communities. The situation escalated as friends of the pedestrian assaulted the motorcyclist, prompting a police response to control the situation. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar intervened, and officials successfully defused the situation after engaging with both sides. A case of rioting and assault was registered against five individuals at Tehsil police station.
22 January,2024 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA comprehensive survey, mandating the participation of more than 1.25 lakh enumerators and officials, is set to kick off on Tuesday across Maharashtra. The survey aims to bolster the state government's curative petition in the Supreme Court for the Maratha quota. State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil emphasized on Monday that enumerators have been given clear instructions to ensure an error-free process. "The workforce of over 1.25 lakh enumerators, including superintendents and officials, has been appointed for this task. Their training is complete, and the survey will be conducted from Tuesday until January 31, covering all 36 districts, 27 municipal corporations, and seven Cantonment boards in the state," Vikhe Patil said. He further explained that the revenue department is undertaking this initiative for the Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes. The data entry will be conducted digitally, allowing monitoring officials to receive real-time updates. The records will be directly registered with the commission. Meanwhile, activist Manoj Jarange criticized Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, suggesting that Pawar should have questioned the state government's delay in granting quota to Marathas instead of speaking against the reservation issue. Jarange, leading a march to Mumbai, demanded Kunbi certificates for Marathas to facilitate reservation under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category in government jobs and education. The state government-appointed committee, under retired judge Sandeep Shinde, identified 57 lakh records of OBCs in the state between October 28 and January 17. Out of these, 1.50 lakh people received Kunbi caste certificates. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that the state commission for backward classes would conduct a survey from January 23 to assess the social, economic, and educational backwardness of the Maratha community. Shinde urged Jarange not to head to Mumbai, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of the commission. Jarange, on the third day of his march, asserted that there would be "serious consequences" if the state government resorted to force against his rallies. He expressed readiness for talks with government representatives but stressed the importance of understanding the issues faced by the Maratha community. The activist plans to commence his hunger strike on January 26, seeking resolution on the Maratha reservation matter. (With inputs from PTI)
22 January,2024 09:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTension prevailed in the Central Avenue area of Nagpur on Monday after the motorcycle of a participant in a Ram temple procession to mark the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya brushed past a pedestrian and the incident escalated into an argument between members of two communities. A Tehsil police station official said four to five friends of the pedestrian arrived at the spot and assaulted the motorcyclist, leading to supporters of both sides gathering to settle scores, reported newswire PTI. "A contingent of police personnel and a Quick Response Team was sent to the area to control the situation. Police commissioner Amitesh Kumar too arrived and the situation was defused after officials spoke to both sides. The Ram temple procession had started from Bajeria," he said. A case of rioting and assault was registered against five persons at Tehsil police station, the official added. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Monday said 13 persons were detained for an alleged assault on a group of persons taking out a vehicle rally in Mira Bhayander area adjoining Mumbai on the eve of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya. The clash between members of two communities took place during a vehicle rally in Naya Nagar area at around 10:30pm on Sunday in which 10-12 participants in three cars and an equal number of vehicles were shouting slogans praising Lord Ram, a police official said. However, when some of them burst firecrackers, a group of people came out of their houses and thrashed those taking part in the rally with sticks and also attacked their vehicles, he said. "The police intervened quickly and the attackers were dispersed. The area saw heavy police deployment to maintain law and order and to prevent any further flare-up. A company of the Riot Control Police (RCP) is also at the site," the official said. An FIR was registered at Naya Nagar police against the attackers under Indian Penal Code section 307 (attempt to murder) and other offences, he added. In a social media post on Monday, Fadnavis said, "I have taken all the details from the local police yesterday itself as I was in touch with the police commissioner till 3.30 am. I have given orders to take strict action against the miscreants." "So far, 13 accused persons have been detained. The process of identifying more people who were involved in it with the help of CCTV footage is going on. Anyone trying to disrupt law and order in the state will not be tolerated," Fadnavis added. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. (With inputs from PTI)
22 January,2024 08:49 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers celebrated the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya by organising 'deepotsav" at the rightwing outfit's headquarters in Mahal area of Nagpur on Monday evening. They lit earthen lamps and shouted slogans hailing Lord Ram in the presence of senior functionaries of the outfit, newswire PTI reported. The consecration of the Ram Lalla idol was held amid religious fervour in the newly built temple in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the 'pran pratishtha' rituals in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. In another event, 6000 kilograms of 'Ram halwa' was prepared at Koradi Mahalaxmi Temple here in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A 4000 square foot 'rangoli' was also created by 100 artists at a ground in Bajaj Nagar. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said that the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the beginning of a new era of India's identity. Addressing a gathering in Nagpur to mark the occasion, Fadnavis said the contribution of 'karsevaks' (volunteers who took park in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 1990s) was unparalleled and it is their sacrifices that has resulted in the construction of such a magnificent temple. "The grand temple at Ayodhya, which was inaugurated by PM Modi, is the beginning of a new era of India's identity. It is time for all sections of society to get equal rights. Let us all go to Ayodhya to have darshan of Ram Lalla," the senior BJP leader said. Asserting that January 22 is a red-letter day in Indian history, Fadnavis said he would make necessary arrangements to ensure people can visit Ayodhya to pray at the Ram Temple. Fadnavis also visited the temple at Ram Nagar here to offer prayers. The function attended by Fadnavis was organised by the North Indian Association of Medicine Vendors Association and various social organizations. He was honoured by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust for his role as a 'karsevak'. LED screens were set up in several areas of Nagpur to telecast the ceremony from Ayodhya live. (With inputs from PTI)
22 January,2024 08:43 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentFormer Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray Monday prayed at the renowned Kalaram Temple in Nashik. He was accompanied by his wife Rashmi Thackeray, sons Aaditya, who is an MLA and former state minister, and Tejas. Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut was also present, newswire PTI reported. The former chief minister, who took part in various rituals, including 'pradakshina' (clockwise circumambulation of sacred structures/entities), was honoured by the temple trustees, the report said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had prayed at the Kalaram Temple when he was in Nashik on January 12 to inaugurate the National Youth Festival. Thackeray earlier in the day visited the memorial of VD Savarkar in Bhagur, the birthplace of the late Hindutva ideologue. Thackeray also performed 'Goda pujan' and worshipped Godavari river at Ramkund on Goda ghat. Ganga Godavari Panchkoti Purohit Sangh president Satish Shukla and other members of the outfit performed the rituals. Incidentally, the Shiv Sena (UBT) had slammed the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance after Thackeray was sent an invite for the Ram Temple idol consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on Monday by speed post. "All film stars are invited but the Thackeray family that has been closely associated with movement is treated in such a manner," key Thackeray aide Sanjay Raut had said. On Tuesday, Thackeray is scheduled to address a public rally at Hutatma Anant Kanhere ground here on the occasion of the birth anniversary of his father and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other lawmakers of his group on a plea of the Uddhav Thackeray faction challenging Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar's order declaring the Shiv Sena bloc led by Shinde as the "real political party" after its split in June 2022. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions of senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Thackeray faction, and sought response of the chief minister and other MLAs within two weeks. At the outset, the top court said the plea can be heard by the Bombay High Court as well. The senior lawyers for the Thackeray faction, however, opposed the idea and said the top court is more equipped to handle the case. (With inputs from agencies)
22 January,2024 08:32 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentIn a Facebook post, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1992 batch, Manisha Patankar Mhaiskar, has revealed that she and her colleagues celebrated the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992. Currently serving as the Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Secretary for the Public Works Department, Mhaiskar shared her memories in a lengthy post on the day of Ram temple consecration, beginning with the slogan "Jai Shri Ram." She expressed how life had come full circle as the Ram Temple was inaugurated in Ayodhya on the same site where the mosque once stood. Reflecting on the events of December 6, 1992, Mhaiskar recalled that it was a cold day in Mussoorie, where the 1992 batch of IAS officers was undergoing its Foundation Course. As news of the developments at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya reached them, a discreet meeting was organized, and Mhaiskar, with her Nagpur roots, received an invitation. During the meeting, some probationers were chanting "Jai Shri Ram," and Mhaiskar vividly remembered eating a Kesar pedha, feeling that the Ayodhya events marked the beginning of something positive and auspicious. Nagpur, being the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), holds significance in Hindutva-related affairs. However, the news of the celebration got leaked, and participants, including the 1992 batch, were issued notices. The batch was labeled disappointing, mainly comprising easily excitable small-town individuals. Questions were raised about the state of secularism and the contrast with the supposedly posh, smart, and privileged kids from other backgrounds. Despite the criticism, Mhaiskar emphasized that life continued with its ups and downs, but the belief persisted that the events of December 6, 1992, marked the beginning of something powerful and positive. She concluded her post by mentioning that, on the eve of the idol consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, she ate a 'kesari pedha,' recalling the seminal moment of December 6 and the positive and auspicious feelings associated with it. Accompanying her message, Mhaiskar shared a photograph of herself feeding sweets to her husband Milind Mhaiskar, also an IAS officer from the 1991 batch and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. (With inputs from PTI)
22 January,2024 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA decomposed carcass of a leopard was found in the forested area of Aarey Colony in suburban Mumbai, a forest official said on Monday, reported the PTI. The forest authorities had undertaken a combing operation after three leopard cubs were found in the area last week. According to the PTI, the staff found a decomposed carcass of a leopard on Sunday afternoon within the radius of the site where cubs were found abandoned, said Pawan Sharma, founder and president of the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and the honorary wildlife warden with the forest department. Rescue teams have been monitoring the site for the mother leopard. The animal has not been captured in the camera traps set at various trails at different locations, he said. The carcass found on Sunday is intact and examined by veterinarian Dr Vinaya Jangle of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SNGP) to rule out hunting or poaching, Sharma said. The identity or gender of the animal could not be ascertained due to the state of decomposition, he said. Samples taken from the carcass have been sent for DNA analysis, the official said. The cubs found last week are housed at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park's rescue centre, he said. Meanwhile, three live CCTV cameras with night vision features are already active in the area to keep tabs on the cubs’ movements and to check if their mother appears. Additionally, the forest department has deployed staff at strategic locations to prevent anyone from entering the area where the cubs are located. Camera traps are also active in the area to monitor leopard activity. In the last two days, the reunion did not happen, and on Thursday, the cubs were kept for reunion attempts on the third day. It’s worth noting that veterinarian Dr Vinaya Jangle from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), along with her team, is closely monitoring the health of the cubs. Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Santosh Saste from Thane Forest Department (Territorial) said, “We are taking all possible measures to reunite the cubs with their mothers.” Earlier, mid-day reported that three leopard cubs were found at Aarey Milk Colony in the well of a non-functional biogas plant. The Maharashtra Forest Department had initiated the reunion process for the young felines. (with PTI inputs)
22 January,2024 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA report from the divisional commissioner's office has disclosed a distressing surge in farmer suicides in Marathwada, with 1,088 cases reported in 2023. This represents a concerning increase of 65 compared to the previous year, an official said. Breaking down the figures, Beed recorded the highest number with 269 farmer suicides, followed by 182 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 175 in Nanded, 171 in Dharashiv, and 103 in Parbhani. Additionally, Jalna, Latur, and Hingoli reported 74, 72, and 42 suicides, respectively. Comparatively, the year 2022 witnessed 1,023 farmer suicides in Marathwada, encompassing districts such as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Hingoli, Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, and Parbhani. In response to these distressing statistics, the administration conducted a thorough investigation into each case. Ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh was disbursed to the families in eligible cases, according to official statements. Out of the total 1,088 cases reported in 2023, 777 were deemed eligible for ex-gratia, and this financial aid has already been provided. However, an additional 151 cases are currently under inquiry. On July 2023, a report prepared by former Divisional Commissioner Marathwada, Sunil Kendrekar warned that around 1 lakh farmers in Marthwada alone were contemplating suicide due to crop losses and other financial issues. Also read: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde appeals Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange not to march to Mumbai Kendrekar's report came after he conducted a survey of 10 lakh farmers in Marathwada, a chronic drought-prone zone where on an average at least one farmer ends his life daily. Among those surveyed, more than 1 lakh or 1,005785 to be exact farmers said they were frustrated and were thinking about ending their lives over issues like debt, failure of crops due to drought and unseasonal rains, lack of prices for crops and having no money to run the household or getting their daughters married. The report also slotted another close to 3 lakh farmers in the sensitive category meaning their financial condition too was not great. The survey also found out that since 2012 to 2022 period, 8,719 farmers suicides have taken place in Aurangabad alone. The survey done of the family members claimed that 923 farmers of this list had killed themselves over failure of their crops, 1494 farmers killed themselves due to having debt and unable to repay it. 4,371 farmers killed themselves for having debt as well as failure of their crops, while 1929 farmers ended their lives as they were unable to repay two debts. (With inputs from agencies)
22 January,2024 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) asserted before a Mumbai court on Monday that Suraj Chavan, a Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary accused in a money laundering case related to the 'khichdi' distribution during the Covid-19 period, utilized the "proceeds of crime" to purchase properties and invest in a dairy business. Chavan, who is a core committee member of the Yuva Sena, youth wing of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), was arrested on January 17 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after he was questioned at the agency's office here. He is said to be a close associate of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, newswire PTI reported. As Chavan's initial ED custody ended on Monday, the probe agency sought an extension of his remand for seven days, claiming the accused played a "very crucial role" in the offence of money laundering in Khichdi scam. The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW). According to police, alleged irregularities took place while giving contracts by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for providing 'khichdi' to migrants during the COVID-19. The probe agency said for the supply of khichdi packets, an amount of Rs. 8.64 crore was transferred by the BMC in the bank account of Force One Multi Services (which was given the work order for khichdi). Also read: Balasaheb did not use Hindutva to break parties: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray The investigation conducted under PMLA revealed that Force One Multi Services has generated the "proceeds of crime" of around Rs 3.64 crore, of which Rs 1.25 crore were diverted to the personal bank account of Chavan and Rs 10 lakh to the bank account of his partnership firm - Fire Fighters Enterprises, the ED claimed. In this manner, accused Chavan wrongfully acquired the "proceeds of crime" to the tune of Rs 1.35 crore, it alleged. "The probe under ED custody further revealed that the funds amounting to Rs 1.35 crore, so admittedly received by accused Chavan from Force One Multi Services, were utilised in the purchase of immovable residential flat, agricultural land, investment in dairy business, payment of personal tax liabilities and other personal expenses," the agency claimed. Additional documents from police authorities are sought and required to be confronted with Chavan, it said. Also, an examination of other key personnel of the Force One Multi Services and associates is underway and outcome of the same needs to be confronted with the accused, he being one of the key persons, which may reveal crucial facts for unearthing the 'Khichdi Scam', the ED said. While seeking further custody of the accused, the probe agency said a sustained interrogation under custody is required to unearth the trail of funds. The court extended Chavan's custody to the ED till January 25. (With inputs from PTI)
22 January,2024 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday celebrated the consecration of the new idol of Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya temple by playing 'dhol' along with his party workers in Thane, reported the PTI. The idol was consecrated at the Ram temple in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya city on Monday, an event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and watched by lakhs of people on television at their homes and in temples across the country. Fifty traditional musical instruments from across the country were part of a devotional "Mangal Dhwani" that resonated during the consecration ceremony. After the ceremony in Ayodhya, Shinde and his party workers assembled at an open space near the Kopineshwar temple in Mumbai's neighbouring Thane city, the political turf of the chief minister, where he played the 'dhol' (a percussion instrument) to celebrate the occasion. The CM will also participate in a 'shobha yatra' in the evening from Shivaji Park in Dadar to Bhoiwada Ram Mandir in Lower Parel area of Mumbai, a distance of nearly five kilometres, as per the PTI. He will also offer prayers at the temple, sources said. CM Eknath Shinde on Sunday said he plans to take his cabinet as well as MLAs and Lok Sabha members from the state for 'darshan' to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya later and, hence, was not attending the idol consecration ceremony in the Uttar Pradesh city. Ahead of Monday's ceremony, CM Shinde had given instructions to officials to carry out a cleanliness drive in temples and also decorate them with lights. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday arrived at the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony amid grand celebrations in the temple town. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who arrived for the 'Pran Pratishtha' at the Ram temple on Monday, said the consecration ceremony will be completed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per the PTI. He said the entire country has become "Ram-may" by taking a dip in the ocean of faith and devotion on the occasion. In a post on X, Adityanath welcomed all guests, including Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who will witness the ceremony.
22 January,2024 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA woman on Monday delivered a baby boy at a hospital in Maharashtra's Thane city, after doctors agreed to her request for a 'muhurat delivery' on the day the new Ram Lalla idol was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple, reported the PTI. The 42-year-old woman, who is well-educated and works in IT sector, had requested that her delivery, which was due on January 23, be advanced by a day so as to coincide with the auspicious occasion, Dr Chandrakant Barure of Male Hospital in Thane told PTI. According to the PTI, Dr Barure, who performed the planned caesarean delivery, said the woman, Samrudhi Bamane, a resident of Thane, had not gone in for in vitro fertilization IVF) procedure, but had conceived the baby naturally. The baby was born at 12.30 pm at the hospital, located in Naupada area of Thane in Maharashtra, the doctor said. The mother and the baby are doing well, he added. Anticipation surrounded January 22 as many expectant parents nationwide have sought 'muhurat deliveries' to coincide with the consecration of Ram temple at Ayodhya. Couples adjusted 'due' dates, influenced by the belief that babies born on this day will be imbued with qualities that define 'Maryada Purushottam' Ram. Ayodhya Ram Mandir inauguration LIVE updates Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday arrived at the newly constructed Ram Temple in Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony amid grand celebrations in the temple town. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who arrived for the 'Pran Pratishtha' at the Ram temple on Monday, said the consecration ceremony will be completed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per the PTI. He said the entire country has become "Ram-may" by taking a dip in the ocean of faith and devotion on the occasion. In a post on X, Adityanath welcomed all guests, including Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who will witness the ceremony. Adityanath said in a post in Hindi, "To all the guest dignitaries who are coming to witness the auspicious occasion of the consecration of the new idol of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, the land of the Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram. Hearty welcome and congratulations to Shri Ayodhya Dham. Jai Siya Ram!" (with PTI inputs)
22 January,2024 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
