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Case registered against four for vandalising Sena (UBT) leader Datta Dalvi's car
Mumbai Police said they have registered a case against four unknown people for vandalising the car of former Mumbai Mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Datta Dalvi, reported news agency ANI. Datta Dalvi was arrested on Wednesday morning for allegedly using objectionable language against Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reported ANI. "A case has been registered against four unknown people for vandalising former Mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Datta Dalvi's car. Further Investigation is underway," Mumbai's Vikhroli Police said on Thursday, reported ANI. Bhandup Police station officials said on Wednesday that Dalvi has been arrested for allegedly using objectionable language against the Maharashtra Chief Minister, reported ANI. They said a meeting was organized by the Uddhav Thackeray faction near Bhandup Police station on Sunday where Dalvi allegedly used objectionable language against Shinde, reported ANI. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had slammed the Eknath Shinde-led NDA government in Maharashtra after Dalvi's arrest, reported ANI. Asked whether the arrest of Datta Dalvi was a reaction to Uddhav Thackeray's reported "Nalayak" remark against the Chief Minister, Raut said, "If he (Uddhav Thackeray) called him (Eknath Shinde) "nalayak," what wrong did he say?" "Is there censorship in this country? Is there a dictatorship or an emergency?...It is not an unparliamentary word..." "Calling him (Eknath Shinde) ''Hinduhrdayamrat" is an insult to Veer Savarkar and Balasaheb Thackeray. For this insult, an FIR should be registered against him (Shinde)...Datta Dalvi objected to the remark..." he added. He also mentioned that State Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar "abused" NCP MP Supriya Sule, Narayan Rane and "his Nepali son." "No action was taken against them but against our leader," Raut added. Raut further alleged, "No matter how many atrocities you commit against us, you all will go to jail in 2024." The action was taken following a case registered against Datta Dalvi at the Bhandup Police Station under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), reported ANI. "A case against Dalvi was registered under 153A(1)(a), 153B(1)(b), 153A(1)(C), 294, 504 and 505 of the IPC," the police officials said, reported ANI. According to Bhandup Police, a meeting was organized by the Uddhav Thackeray faction near Bhandup Police station on Sunday where Dalvi allegedly used objectionable language against Shinde, reported ANI. "After that, a case was registered against Dalvi by the people of the Shinde faction," Bhandup Police said, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
30 November,2023 04:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Thane: Around 200 persons held for unauthorised travel in reserved compartments
Action was taken against 311 persons for violation of various provisions of the Indian Railway Act in the district during a single evening, an official release said on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. The special drive was conducted by the Railway Protection Force on Wednesday during evening peak hours, reported PTI. As many as 197 persons were detained for unauthorised entry in reserved compartments, 99 person were detained for trespassing inside railway premises and 13 persons were detained for hawking and begging, reported PTI. The culprits were prosecuted before the Kalyan railway magistrate through video conference and a total fine of Rs 46,950 was recovered, reported PTI. In another incident, as many as 90 passengers on board a special train between Chennai and Palitana suffered from food poisoning, railway officials said on Wednesday, reported PTI. Doctors attended to all the passengers at Pune railway station in Maharashtra on Tuesday evening and provided them necessary treatment. The train left for its onward journey after 50 minutes, they said, reported PTI. The 'Bharat Gaurav' train was privately booked by a group for a religious function at Palitana in Gujarat, Central Railway's chief public relations officer Dr Shivraj Manaspure said, reported PTI. The group had procured the food privately and it was not supplied by the Railways or the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), he said, reported PTI. The food consumed by the passengers was prepared in the pantry car, he said, reported PTI. "Around 80 to 90 passengers from a coach complained of food poisoning between Solapur and Pune. They complained of nausea, loose motions and headache," the official said, reported PTI. At Pune station, a team of doctors attended to all the passengers and provided them treatment on board, he said, reported PTI. "The train departed after 50 minutes. The condition of all the passengers was stable," the official said, reported PTI. Meanwhile, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), which is building the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, has said that 100 kilometres of viaducts and 230 kilometres of pier work had been completed for the ambitious project, reported PTI. The milestone of construction of 100 km of viaducts has been achieved through launching of 40-metre long 'full span box girders' and 'segmental girders', the NHSRCL said on Thursday, reported PTI. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw uploaded a video on X to give information about the feat, reported PTI. According to the NHSRCL, the viaducts include bridges over six Gujarat rivers, namely Par and Auranga in Valsad district, as well as Purna, Mindhola, Ambika and Venganiya in Navsari district, reported PTI. "The first girder of the project was launched on November 25, 2021, while the first kilometre of viaduct was ready in six months on June 30, 2022. It achieved construction of 50 kilometres of viaduct on April 22, 2023 and, thereafter, in six months 100 kilometres of viaduct were completed," the NHSRCL said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
30 November,2023 03:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai: Central Railway GM Naresh Lalwani retires after a 38 years of service
Naresh Lalwani, the General Manager of Central Railway, will superannuate on November 30, 2023, marking the culmination of an exemplary 38-year career in Indian Railways, an official said. Having assumed office on January 25, 2023, Lalwani, the Indian Railway Engineering Service officer has been instrumental in steering Central Railway to remarkable achievements. During his tenure Central Railway achieved Rs.10103.72 crore from passenger & freight earnings during the period April to October 2023, showcasing 16.67 % increase compared to the Rs. 8659.77 crores during same period in 2022. Central Railway has sustained its leadership position in ticket checking among all Zonal Railways, with 27.32 Lakh cases of Ticketless, Irregular Travel, Unbooked Luggage passengers and realised fine of Rs. 176.17 Crores for the financial year 2023-24 from April to October 2023. The Central Railway loaded record 49.03 million tons during the period April to October 2023, showcasing an 11.50% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Central Railway completed construction of 147.77 km new lines/ doubling project in this financial year. Total Central Railway section running with 130 kmph is now- 1206.73 km such as Igatpuri- Nashik- Bhusawal – Akola – Wardha- Badnera – Nagpur, Wardha – Ballarashah and Pune - Daund route. In a commendable stride toward sustainability, Central Railway has embraced clean and renewable energy, augmenting its energy needs with 8.119 MWp of solar energy. This shift aligns with Indian Railways' mission to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030. The commitment to environmental stewardship is further demonstrated by Central Railway's 100% electrification of all Broad Gauge routes, covering 3825 route kilometers. This achievement translates to an annual reduction of 5.204 tons of carbon footprints and a substantial cost savings of Rs. 1670 crores. Under Lalwani's leadership, Central Railway has undertaken various customer-centric initiatives, introducing new services like CSMT-Solapur Vande Bharat Express, CSMT-Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express, CSMT-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express and Nagpur – Indore Vande Bharat Express. Additionally, the introduction of 'Vistadome' coaches to Neral –Matheran Narrow gauge Toy train this year offering passengers panoramic views, exemplifies the commitment to enhancing travel experiences. In line with the "Zero Scrap Mission," Central Railway has not only achieved a scrap-free environment across its locations/divisions but has also generated revenue of Rs. 223.85 crores through the sale of scrap during the current financial year. As Naresh Lalwani bids farewell, Central Railway expresses gratitude for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
30 November,2023 03:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Tata Technologies IPO: Bumper stock market debut; shares surge 180 per cent
Tata Technologies, an arm of Tata Motors, has stormed into the stock market with an astonishing 140 per cent premium over its issue price of Rs 500. The company, known for its cutting-edge engineering and digital services, witnessed a jaw-dropping debut on the Bombay Stock Exchange (B)SE, listing at Rs 1,199.95 and skyrocketing to Rs 1,400, marking an astounding 180 per cent surge. It signifies Tata Group's return to the (Tata Technologies) IPO arena after nearly two decades, making Tata Technologies the first from the conglomerate to take this bold step since Tata Consultancy Services did so in 2004. The Rs 3,042.5 crore IPO, which was subscribed 69.43 times, has sent shockwaves through the market, and investors are now scrambling to understand the secrets behind this unparalleled success. As the company's market valuation reaches a whopping Rs 52,939.74 crore during morning trade, the question on everyone's mind is: What makes Tata Technologies IPO the talk of the town, and should you be part of this financial frenzy? Don't miss out on the inside scoop—dive into the thrilling world of Tata Tech's unprecedented stock market debut now! Indian stocks marginally lower, eyes now on Assembly exit polls Meanwhile, Indian stock indices opened largely unchanged on Thursday, to later trade marginally in the red. The relative weakness was likely because investors resorted to profit booking after a bumper Wednesday session, and ahead of Assembly exit polls of five states later this evening. Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty were 0.2-0.3 per cent lower at the time of filing this report. Also read: Crime news: Gay partner stabs 21-yr-old BBA student to death in Maharashtra's Pune On Wednesday, Sensex and Nifty closed 727 points and 207 points with over 1 per cent higher each. Nifty Bank, Nifty Auto, Nifty Financial Services, Nifty IT, Nifty PSU Bank, and Nifty Private Bank were some of the top movers. The exit polls due on Thursday evening are likely to give indications of the Assembly election outcomes and its impact on the crucial General election in 2024. The exit polls and the actual poll results will be closely monitored by investors. Over the past month, the Indian stock indices have risen about 4-5 per cent on a cumulative basis. On the domestic front, investors now also await the second-quarter GDP data, due on Thursday and the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI later on Friday. India's GDP growth for the June quarter came at 7.8 per cent. "Global cues are supportive with positive news from the mother market US where growth is strong and inflation is trending down. India's Q2 GDP numbers expected today will be better than expected. If these good macros are supported by today's exit poll results coming in tune with market expectations, a rally to record highs can happen soon," said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. (With inputs from agencies)
30 November,2023 11:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai crime news: 21-yr-old uses glue to steal from ATMs, held
The Kasturba Marg police have arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly tampering with ATMs in order to steal cash. The accused, Himanshu Rakesh Tiwari, would glue the money dispensing slot shut, preventing users from withdrawing cash and would grab the notes once the person left. The arrest was made less than an hour after Tiwari tampered with an SBI ATM on MG Road in Borivali East on Monday. Shafiq Salim Shaikh, 34, the owner of a tour and travel business, had attempted to withdraw cash from the ATM at 12.29 am. Upon realising that the machine had been tampered with as money was not being dispensed despite the machine indicating otherwise, Shaikh immediately alerted the bank via its helpline. The Kasturba Marg police were contacted by the bank officials, who promptly arrived at the scene. Himanshu Rakesh Tiwari, the accused; (right) A screengrab of footage of the alleged thief at work The cops requested CCTV footage of the ATM centre between 6 pm on Sunday and 12.30 am on Monday. After reviewing the footage, the authorities identified the accused. Following his trail with the help of traffic CCTV camera footage, it was discovered that Tiwari had visited a travel agency in Borivli East after the theft. He was attempting to book a ticket to Gujarat when the police apprehended him. “Upon searching Tiwari’s belongings, we found Rs 5,000, the amount that Shaikh had attempted to withdraw, along with a box full of Fevikwik glue.Tiwari would apply glue to the dispensation slot. When his victims would leave, thinking the machine was not working, he would access the slot and retrieve the cash using a blade or cutter,” said a police officer from the Kasturba Marg police station. Under the guidance of DCP Smita Patil and Senior Inspector Anil Avhad, API Om Totawar and his team nabbed Tiwari, who was held under Sections 379 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. Also read: Hostel watchman allegedly rapes hearing and speech impaired minor girl in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district: Police “We suspect that Tiwari is part of a large gang that employs the same modus operandi not only in Mumbai but also in other places and states including Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh where the accused hails from. He had committed more than four such offences in the past,” the officer added. Another officer said, “We are questioning Tiwari to determine the extent of their operations and how many more ATM centres have been targeted in Mumbai and neighbouring areas.”
30 November,2023 05:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Mumbai: BEST’s new double-decker is too tall for old 310 route
Commuters on Bandra and Kurla bus stops were disappointed on the first day of the new swanky AC electric double-decker bus as it can neither go to Kurla station nor Bandra station or terminus, the original 310 route, on account of its height and other technical issues. The new AC electric double-deckers are taller than the old double-decker buses. In what is being termed a waste of resources, two different types of buses—10 new double-deckers on a limited route and the regular single-deckers on the full 310 route—have been pressed into service. “Isn’t this a blunder? Don’t they realise that they are having to run two different sets of buses for the same route — one that ends mid-way and the other that plies on the remaining route where the double-decker can’t go?” said Raman Kumar Baneshwar, a regular commuter on the route. “The actual rush is at Kurla and Bandra stations. If the new swanky buses do not go there, it is a waste of resources. How did this happen in the first place? The buses are customised for the BEST. The BEST should have studied the bus designs properly and asked manufacturing companies to maintain the height strictly as per the height of earlier buses,” said commuter Dr SN Gorakh. Double-decker’s limited route At the Kurla end, the double-decker bus takes a U-turn near BKC Telephone Junction and at the Bandra end, it terminates at the bus station opposite Bandra court. Despite these limitations, buses were filled during morning and evening rush hours. A separate set of single-decker buses picked up passengers from the crowded Kurla station. “The height of the new AC double-decker bus is 4.75 m, while the height of the old double-decker was approximately 4.38 m. The problems are being witnessed at the two-deck bridge on Santacruz Chembur Link Road. Hence, the new double-deckers have been restricted till BKC MTNL bus stop,” a BEST official said. The buses are stabled at Kurla bus depot and Bandra station. Also read: Mumbai: 200 BEST buses across city to be fitted with air filters “The BEST Undertaking should request the team of Switch Mobility to decrease the height of the double-decker buses if possible for seamless operations. Otherwise, the BEST will need to return to the drawing table to reassess all its earlier doubledecker bus routes. That will be a massive task, a waste of resources and time-consuming,” said bus fan Shubam Padave. “Apart from route 310 (Kurla-BKC-Bandra), the height limitation on the SCLR junction flyover will also impact the crowded double-decker routes 313 (Kurla-Santacruz) and 332 (Kurla-Andheri). Commuters on all routes will struggle to reach Kurla station West,” Padve added. Officials said that, currently, the BEST has 49 air-conditioned double-decker buses (including three in the registration process), with 25 operating in south Mumbai. There are plans to introduce the remaining 14 buses in the suburbs. 4.75mHeight of the new AC double-decker 4.38mHeight of the old double-decker
30 November,2023 05:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Mumbai: Five Chembur homes collapse due to LPG cylinder blast
Eight people were injured after several houses collapsed following an LPG cylinder explosion in Chembur on Wednesday morning. Two of the injured, belonging to the same family, are currently under treatment. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade officials, one of the houses in the Old Barrack area near Chembur Camp collapsed on another one, causing the cylinder blast. After the blast, two to three more houses collapsed. The incident occurred around 7.50 am and the structures involved were ground-plus-one-storey houses. “We are going to conduct a routine inquiry into the incident,” an MFB official said. Meanwhile, the MFB rescued 11 people who were trapped in the houses, most of them with minor injuries. As per the disaster report, eight people were sent to the civic-run Centenary Hospital (Shatabdi) in Govandi. Of these, six were treated and discharged while Sunandana Nirbhavane, 49, and Manoj Nirbhavane, 54, are being treated for burn injuries. Also read: Mumbai: Green toll for vehicles using Aarey Road soon Sunandana suffered 80 per cent burns and was sent to the civic-run Lokmanya Tilak Hospital in Sion for treatment while Manoj who suffered 35-40 per cent burns is being treated in the incentive care unit of a private hospital. Of those discharged, Ashok, 27; Rohit, 29; Vikash, 50; and Savita, 47, belong to the Aambore family while the other two were identified as Rahul Kamble and Parth Sing. 7.50 AMApprox time of collapse
30 November,2023 05:23 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Mumbai: Cost-cutting wins over cleanliness
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reduced the cleaning frequency of public and community toilets from five times to two times for deeper cleaning. Initially, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had ordered five daily cleanings, but due to cost considerations after assessing ward reports, the BMC opted for deeper cleaning twice a day. Expenses encompass manpower water requirements. Representation pic Earlier, Shinde’s inspection on October 3 prompted the directive for five daily cleanings. Wards even floated tenders for this frequency, detailing cleaning and disinfection protocols. As per the tender floated by M East ward, it specified cleaning and disinfection of 211 toilets at least five times a day. The tender required contractors to submit daily photographs of all toilets and maintain paper records with the signatures of local people during work. However, practical limitations led to the adjustment to two times deep cleaning. “It’s not feasible to clean toilets five times a day. After much discussion, we formalised the proposal for cleaning them twice daily, and funds will be transferred to the wards in a week or two,” stated a senior BMC official. The cost of cleaning will be determined at the ward level. A ward official mentioned the impracticality of cleaning toilets so frequently, citing the need for manpower and materials like jetting machines, safety gear, toilet cleaners, and utilities such as water and electricity. Also read: Mumbai: BMC continues to eye pvt hospitals for interim facility Another ward officer said, “Even during the pandemic, toilets were cleaned six times daily for hygiene, with the BMC offering assistance by providing sanitary products.” A toilet operator expressed difficulties in collecting monthly contributions from residents and highlighted the substantial costs of electricity and water bills. He emphasised the need for support from the corporation to maintain cleanliness and disinfection. Despite the BMC commissioner approving funds for twice-daily cleaning, there isn't a clear formula for the cost. The expenses encompass manpower, materials, and water requirements, and the fixed cost will vary by ward, said an official. 2No of times public and community toilets will be cleaned daily
30 November,2023 05:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Prajakta Kasale
Mumbai: Green toll for vehicles using Aarey Road soon
The forest department has proposed a proactive measure to counter the effects of vehicular emissions on the ecologically vital Aarey forest. The administration intends to implement a ‘green toll’, charging non-Aarey residents who commute through the eco-sensitive zone. Every day, more than 25,000 vehicles use the Aarey Milk Colony route, which links Goregaon on the Western Express Highway to Powai and Marol. An official from the forest department said on condition of anonymity, “On a daily basis, hundreds of vehicles drive through the main Aarey Milk Colony road, which traverses the eco-sensitive Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), contributing significantly to air pollution in this environmentally crucial region. To solve this issue and reduce the number of vehicles entering the zone, we propose implementing a green toll for vehicles taking this route. The SGNP authorities are in the process of informing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of this intention, as the main route is under its authority.” Wildlife lovers, nature enthusiasts and locals staying in the colony have been demanding that traffic needs be regulated as vehicles not only cause air pollution but also pose a huge threat to wildlife, including the apex predator of this forest—the leopard. In the past, there have also been instances of wildlife getting killed while crossing the road. While constructing the cement concrete main road, the BMC put in place wildlife crossings, based on the suggestions of the forest department. Old toll story Before 2014, the Aarey Milk Colony administration use to collect toll from motorists using the main road through the state public works department (PWD). However, since August 2014, the practice was stopped after the seven-km-long road came under the jurisdiction of the BMC. Also read: Mumbai: On Day 2, BMC takes action against 161 establishments for not displaying Marathi signboards The contractor or the toll operator who used to collect the toll on this road had to pay Rs 1.61 lakh to the Aarey dairy department every day as per the terms and conditions of the contract. Sources from PWD had told this newspaper that in 2014, approximately 25,000 vehicles used to ply on this road and the revenue generated from them was about R3.5 lakh per day. This implies that the profit earned by the contractor was Rs 1.89 lakh daily, and roughly Rs 6 crore a year. Greens welcome move Activist Zoru Bhathena said, “We are very pleased to see that the forest department is taking necessary steps to regulate vehicular traffic passing through the Aarey forest. A forested area should never be used as a traffic shortcut and so we welcome the plans of the forest department to charge a toll.” Wildlife Conservationist Kedar Gore from the Corbett Foundation said, “Unless the toll is steep, people may not avoid this road as it offers traffic connectivity between the western and eastern suburbs. Even after paying tolls, speeding will not stop unless speed cameras are installed and offenders are fined regularly. The better option would be to put up mitigation structures, which would be more effective in preventing mishaps and ensuring the safer passage of wildlife.” Environmentalist Stalin D from the NGO Vanashakti said, “This is a most welcome step. There should be attempts to reduce traffic and pollution in Aarey. Let us not forget that the roads till recently were always toll roads. Even a levying minimum charge is welcome. Tribals can be provided with free passes for two-wheelers registered in Aarey. The rest must pay to use roads inside the forest.” 25,000No of vehicles using the Aarey Milk Colony road 2014Year when PWD toll on the road was discontinued 7 kmLength of the Aarey road
30 November,2023 05:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Mumbai: 30 per cent vacant police posts, Mantralaya overstaffed
The city police force has been grappling with a 30 per cent overall staff vacancy, but a major cause of concern is the shortage of staff in crucial departments including the traffic police department which has a 34 per cent vacancy and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) which faces a staggering 47 per cent vacancy. Despite these departments handling pressing issues for Mumbaikars, it appears that addressing these vacancies is not a government priority. Meanwhile, Mantralaya, housing administrative offices and the Chief Minister's Cabinet have 34 per cent more staff than sanctioned, the response to an RTI query revealed. According to the response to the RTI query filed by activist Jeettendra Ghadge, there is a huge disparity between different units of the Mumbai police force. The reply made a shocking revelation that the Mantralaya security, responsible for safeguarding the state government's administrative headquarters, operates with 34 per cent more junior police staff than the sanctioned strength (sanctioned-385; working-519). In contrast, the traffic police, responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in the city face a severe shortage, with 34 per cent less personnel than the sanctioned number (sanctioned-3,835; vacant-1,326). A similar situation is observed in the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW), where 47 per cent of junior police officers' positions are vacant (sanctioned-346; vacant-164). Notably, the LA-5 Kole Kalyan unit experiences the highest vacancy rate at a critical 90 per cent (sanctioned-1,003; vacant-902). A Praja Foundation report states Mumbai police is facing an overall 30 per cent staff shortage. File pic Addressing the issue of vacancies in the traffic department, a senior traffic police officer stated, “The vacant positions pose serious concerns for traffic management, but the existing staff is working diligently to handle the city's traffic. A recent recruitment drive has concluded and the new recruits are undergoing training, a process that will span another two years before they officially join the police department. Additionally, we've recently brought in staff from the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) to help address the crisis.” According to a Praja Foundation report, out of the 52,044 sanctioned police personnel posts, only 36,425 had been occupied, resulting in a 30 per cent shortage of personnel. The overall shortage in police personnel has increased from 28 per cent in 2022 to 30 per cent in 2023. The report highlights a significant 59 per cent vacancy in the crucial technical department which provides support to police investigations, with only 2,416 out of 5,846 sanctioned posts filled. Similarly, the special branch (II), responsible for passports, operates with 30 per cent less staff, resulting in citizen complaints about passport delays. Joint Commissioner (law and order) Satya Narayan Chaudhary has addressed the passport delay issue through a special drive. Meanwhile, the crime branch, handling serious crime cases, faces a 26 per cent staff shortage and the city police control room operates with a 24 per cent staff deficit, putting extra pressure on working staff. Additionally, the armed forces reported a 25 per cent staff shortage, while security and protection face a 39 per cent deficit, and the motor transport department operates with a 59 per cent staff shortage. The report also shows a 28 per cent shortage in supervisory level officers, including additional commissioners, DCPs (deputy commissioner), ACPs (assistant commissioner), PIs (police inspector) and APIs (assistant police inspector). Also read: Maharashtra govt orders withdrawal of TRP case filed against Arnab Goswami As per information obtained through RTI, 20 per cent of the DCP positions, often occupied by Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, remain vacant (sanctioned-42; vacant-8). Additionally, 20 per cent of police sub-inspector roles, which play a pivotal role in crime-solving and criminal prosecution, are unoccupied (sanctioned-1,978; vacant-404). The situation is particularly dire in the crucial South Zone, the heart of the city and home to numerous VIP residents, where a staggering 43 per cent of lower-rank police force positions remain unfilled (sanctioned-4,295; vacant-1,847). Activist Jeettendra Ghadge of the Young Whistleblowers Foundation pointed out that “the government's priorities are clear, given that it has prioritised Mantralaya and VIP security over managing Mumbai's traffic. Junior police staff are the foot soldiers who play a crucial role in maintaining Mumbai's security. However, due to Mumbai's growth in recent decades, the sanctioned strength is insufficient. The government should prioritise the safety and security of its citizens over its own and urgently fill the vacant posts”. Sources in the police department said that recently they have written to the government to seek 3,000 personnel from the MSF to manage the crises but have got only 600 in the first batch while 300 were given to the traffic police department and others were deployed to the local arms unit. “Recently 8,000 personnel have been recruited and now they are undergoing training which will take two years to get them posted in the department. In the Mumbai police force, every year around 1,500 constabulary rank personnel get retired and by the next two years, we will have 3,000 vacancies created. The government keeps having recruitment drives but the process is long,” said a senior officer from Mumbai police. 90%Vacancy rate in LA-5 Kole Kalyan unit
30 November,2023 05:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan
Mumbai crime news: Arrests surge to 11 in baby selling racket
In an intensified fight against the child-selling racket, Mumbai Crime Branch’s Unit 09 has rescued two more toddlers, making it a total of four saved children. Three more individuals were arrested, raising the accused count to 11. Sources reveal over 30 babies suspected to have been sold, with some now aged between five and 10 years.Officials are carefully handling legal matters to rescue these children from their illegal adoptive parents, considering the potential stress on the kids from a sudden rescue. In a recent breakthrough, the crime branch successfully rescued a 29-day-old newborn, suspected to have been stolen by a gang, as the mother remains untraceable. The child was found in Chiplun. Another case involved the rescue of a fourteen-month-old baby girl from Bhiwandi. An officer from Unit 09 said, “We suspect the arrested gang’s involvement in child theft, considering their silence about the 29-day-old baby’s mother, whom we are still trying to locate.” According to Unit 09, three females—Tabassum Sain, 42, from Ratnagiri, Safiya Ali, 42, from Grand Road, and Sanobar Chiplunkar, 29, from Ratnagiri—were identified. Ali and Sain were arrested for acting as agents, receiving commissions of Rs 50,000 and Rs 35,000 for facilitating the sale of a 29-day-old baby boy. Chiplunkar was arrested for purchasing the baby for Rs 2.5 lakh. Authorities found numerous toddler pictures on Ali and Sain’s phones, hinting at involvement in a larger child-selling racket, including child theft cases. Also read: Mumbai: Naigaon cops crack brutal murder of man Led by Sr PI Daya Nayak, the team conducted raids in Chiplun, Virar, and Bhiwandi, rescuing two more children. The second baby girl was saved in Bhiwandi, where previously arrested suspect Ashfaque Shaikh alias Sahil had sold his minor daughter to Rohini Shirke, 63, of Bhiwandi. Shirke, believed to have a mental illness, is under further investigation. The rescued minors are being placed in St Catherine Orphan Home in Amboli, Andheri, following orders from the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
30 November,2023 05:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan