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Train accidents down from 135 in 2014-15 to 31 in 2024-25: Vaishnaw

Indian Railways has seen a sharp fall in serious train accidents over the past decade. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament on Wednesday that the number of "consequential train accidents" has dropped from 135 in 2013-14 to 31 in 2024-25, and further down to only 10 in 2025-26 up to November this year, reported the IANS. He said that between 2004 and 2014, Indian Railways recorded 1,711 such accidents, which was an average of 171 accidents every year. The current numbers show a major improvement in safety. The minister also pointed to a key safety indicator, the Accidents Per Million Train Kilometre (APMTKM). This has reduced from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in 2024-25, showing about 73 per cent improvement, according to the IANS. Vaishnaw said that the government has greatly increased spending to improve railway safety. The budget for safety measures has almost tripled, rising from Rs 39,463 crore in 2014-15 to more than Rs 1.16 lakh crore for 2025-26. To prevent accidents caused by human error, modern electrical and electronic interlocking systems with centralised signal operation have been installed at 6,656 stations as of October 2025. Level crossing gates have also been interlocked at 10,098 locations to strengthen safety. Track circuiting -- which helps verify track occupancy through electrical systems — has been completed at 6,661 stations, as per the IANS. The minister added that the advanced Kavach safety system, introduced in July 2020, has been successfully installed on the Palwal-Mathura-Kota-Nagda section (633 km) on the Delhi-Mumbai route and on the Howrah-Bardhaman section (105 km) on the Delhi-Howrah route. Kavach work is ongoing in the remaining stretches of both major routes and has also been approved for 15,512 km across key national corridors, the news agency reported. All locomotives are now fitted with Vigilance Control Devices to ensure loco pilots remain alert. To improve visibility during fog, retro-reflective sigma boards and GPS-based Fog Safety Devices have been provided so drivers know the distance to signals and level crossings. Indian Railways is also using stronger track materials, longer rail panels of 130m and 260m, and mechanised track-laying to reduce human error. Technologies like Ultrasonic Flaw Detection are being used to spot and replace defective rails early, while better welding practices are reducing the risk of fractures, as per the IANS. Regular inspection, track patrolling, and online monitoring systems are also helping railway teams identify risks early and maintain high safety standards. The Railways believes these combined measures have played a major role in bringing down accidents sharply. (with IANS inputs)

10 December,2025 05:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
A case has been registered against four people under provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act and the Motor Vehicles Act. Representational pic

500 kg of beef seized from car in Nashik; one arrested

Police have seized 500 kg of beef which was allegedly being transported illegally in a car in Maharashtra’s Nashik District and arrested one person, officers said on Wednesday. According to the police, activists of the Bajrang Dal attempted to stop a car travelling towards Nashik from Ahilyanagar on the Nashik–Pune national highway on Tuesday after receiving a tip-off, news agency PTI reported. When the driver refused to halt, the activists chased the vehicle and intercepted it near Jetwannagar. During a search, they found 500 kg of beef valued at Rs 1.10 lakh inside the car, a police officer said. One of the occupants was caught by the activists, while the second person managed to flee. The activists later staged a blockade on the highway to protest against the administration and also damaged the car, the police said. A team from the Upnagar Police Station reached the spot and persuaded the protesters to withdraw their agitation, following which the road was cleared, PTI reported. Police arrested one occupant, identified as Shubham Jejurkar, and seized the beef. A case has been registered against Jejurkar and three others — including the car owner and driver — under provisions of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act and the Motor Vehicles Act, the officer added. Two cattle smugglers held after police encounter in Uttar Pradesh; constable injured Two alleged cattle smugglers were arrested after being injured in an exchange of fire with police in the Madhupur area of Sonbhadra district on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported, quoting officers. A police constable was also hurt after being hit by a vehicle during the incident. Circle Officer Randhir Mishra said that Robertsganj Police and the special operations group received information that cattle smugglers were transporting cows in two pickup vans from the Karma area to Bihar via Naugarh and Madhupur for slaughter. Acting on the input, police laid a trap near the Dumuhia Bridge. Upon spotting the police, the smugglers rammed their pickup van into a constable, injuring him, and opened fire while trying to escape, Mishra said. Police retaliated in self-defence, during which two accused — Neeraj Kumar (22) of Sonbhadra and Munna (27) of Bhabhua in Bihar — sustained bullet injuries in their legs. Both were arrested, while three other suspects managed to flee. The injured smugglers and the constable were admitted to the district hospital. Police seized two pickup vehicles, 16 cattle, two country-made pistols, one live cartridge and three empty cartridges from the spot, Mishra added. (With PTI inputs)

10 December,2025 04:59 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
The forest department received a call reporting that the leopard had been spotted in Shiv Nagar area on Wednesday. Representational Pic/File

Watch video: Seven injured as leopard attacks multiple people in Nagpur’s Pardi

Seven people were injured on Wednesday morning after a leopard attacked multiple people in a neighbourhood in Nagpur district of Maharashtra, officials said. The forest department received a call reporting that the leopard had been spotted in Shiv Nagar in the Pardi area of Nagpur, causing panic among local residents. According to Dr Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur, at least five and seven people suffered injuries during the incident, reported the PTI. A team from the forest department and the wildlife treatment centre quickly reached the location, tranquilised the leopard, and safely rescued it. All injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment, as per the PTI. Earlier, on November 19, another leopard was rescued from the same part of the city. #WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra: A leopard entered the residential area of Pardi locality, injuring 7 people. pic.twitter.com/TUGdBrr6oL — ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2025 In an another incident, as many as two residents of Nagaon Village, located near the popular Nagaon Beach in Maharashtra's Alibaug, were injured on Tuesday following a human–leopard conflict incident, which triggered panic in the locality. Soon after learning about the incident, the Maharashtra Forest Department rushed to the spot.  Considering that leopards have been roaming freely in residential areas, efforts are underway to locate and safely rescue the wild cats from the densely populated area. In view of the rescue operation, Pune-based wildlife rescue NGO RESQ CT has also departed for Alibag to assist the forest personnel in the mission. The NGO is expected to provide technical expertise and equipment for safely capturing the big cat. Speaking about the situation, Nagaon's Sarpanch said, "Two people have been injured after a human-leopard conflict. The police team along with the forest department are already here and the situation is under control." Meanwhile, with the increasing leopard-human conflict cases, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Tuesday said that he had suggested forest officials to release goats in large numbers in forest areas to prevent leopards from straying into human settlements in search of prey. The minister was replying to a calling attention motion raised by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad during the ongoing Maharashtra Winter Session over the worrying rise in leopard attacks across the state. Naik noted that the behaviour and living patterns of leopards have undergone change. (with PTI and ANI inputs)

10 December,2025 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ajay Gupta, one of the co-owners of Goa's 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, being brought to the Delhi Police Crime Branch office on Wednesday. PIC/PTI

Goa nightclub fire: Co-owner Ajay Gupta taken to Delhi Crime Branch

Ajay Gupta, a co-owner of Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, said he was "only a partner" while being brought to Delhi’s Anti-Extortion and Kidnapping Cell on Wednesday in connection with the fire that killed 25 people on December 7, news agency PTI reported. Wearing a mask and covering most of his face, Gupta made the brief remark while entering the crime branch office at Sunlight Colony. He was later taken to LNJP Hospital for medical tests before being moved to Saket court for transit remand.  Sources told PTI that he was questioned by the Goa Police, which initiated formal procedures to apprehend him and seek a transit remand. The sources added that Gupta had been evading investigators since the blaze in north Goa's Arpora area. "A Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him after Goa Police failed to find him in Delhi during their first search. He was later located at a private hospital in Lajpat Nagar, where he had reportedly admitted himself citing spine-related medical issues. After medical clearance, he was detained and brought to the Crime Branch office for further procedures," the source told PTI.  Gupta is likely to be placed under arrest once Goa Police completes the formalities for transit remand. Goa Police have already arrested five staff members of the nightclub, Chief General Manager Rajiv Modak, General Manager Vivek Singh, Bar Manager Rajiv Singhania, Gate Manager Riyanshu Thakur, and employee Bharat Kohli, in connection with the tragedy. Meanwhile, two owners of the nightclub, brothers Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, left India shortly after the incident. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued against them. Gupta will face detailed questioning in Goa about the club's management, operational responsibilities, and fire-safety compliance, sources said. Goa nightclub fire case: Luthra brothers seek anticipatory bail as Romeo Lane set for demolition The Luthra brothers, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane, have filed an anticipatory bail application, with the sessions court expected to hear the case on Thursday, a lawyer from their team said. Meanwhile, authorities plan to demolish a beach shack owned by the brothers, who also run the Arpora nightclub where a recent fire claimed 25 lives. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said bulldozers will raze Romeo Lane in Vagator, after the restaurant, reportedly built on government land, was sealed by officials. The investigation continues to focus on the tragic fire at 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Addressing allegations of police negligence, Goa DIG Varsha Sharma said, "We have coordinated with the CBI and Interpol. A Blue Corner Notice has also been issued." (With PTI inputs)

10 December,2025 04:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu with Indigo chief Pieter Elber. Pic/PTI

Indigo flight cancellations: DGCA summons airline's CEO Pieter Elbers

Days after a major disruption pushed the aviation sector in the country to chaos, Indigo Airlines’s CEO Pieter Elber has now been asked to appear before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aviation safety regulator has directed the crisis-ridden airline’s chief to appear and submit a complete report, along with comprehensive data and updates, relating to the recent operational disruptions, news agency PTI reported. The Director General of Civil Aviation has asked the Indigo chief to appear at the DGCA office at 3 pm on Thursday.  The regulator, while issuing the statement, has said that the CEO, along with senior officials from all the relevant departments, has been instructed to attend the meeting in view of the ongoing aviation crisis.  As per the DGCA’s order, the airline has been asked to present information on the flight restoration and recruitment plan of pilots and crew, PTI reported. The order also stated that the airline is required to present a report on the updated position of pilot and cabin crew strength and the number of flights cancelled and refunds processed, among other information.  Following large-scale disruptions to its services, which resulted in thousands of flights being cancelled, delayed/rescheduled, the DGCA appointed a panel to probe the disruptions. The four-member committee has been mandated to identify the root causes behind the operational breakdown. It comprises Joint DG Sanjay Brahamane, Deputy Director General Amit Gupta, Senior Flight Operations Inspector Kapil Manglik, and FOI Lokesh Rampal.  The committee will closely examine manpower planning, fluctuating crew rostering systems and the airline's readiness to implement the latest duty period and rest norms for pilots, reported PTI. DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai on December 5 had announced that the panel will review IndiGo's compliance with the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation provisions. This includes assessing gaps admitted by the airline and fixing accountability for planning failures that resulted in widespread disruptions. On Tuesday, the DGCA had directed IndiGo to reduce its flight operations by 5 per cent across sectors, citing the airline's failure to operate its winter schedule efficiently and a backlog of cancellations. The airline has been asked to submit a revised schedule by 5 pm on Wednesday by the civil aviation regulator.  (With inputs from PTI)

10 December,2025 04:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The FRAI marked the 9th National Retailers Day in New Delhi on Wednesday. Pic/Special Arrangement

FRAI claim business crisis, urges govt to support in competing with e-commerce

The Federation of Retailer Association of India (FRAI), which represents nearly 80 lakh micro, small and medium retailers and 42 retail associations across the country, has appealed to the government for urgent support to protect small retailers who are facing a serious survival crisis due to the rapid growth of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, an official statement said. The FRAI marked the 9th National Retailers Day in New Delhi on Wednesday. FRAI highlighted that platforms offering deep discounts, fast delivery and heavy marketing are reshaping consumer behaviour. As a result, local grocery and kirana shops are losing customers and experiencing a sharp fall in sales. Market studies show that around two lakh kirana stores shut down last year as customers shifted to quick-commerce services like Blinkit and Zepto. A December 2024 JP Morgan study on Mumbai’s grocery market also reported that 60 per cent of offline stores saw a drop in sales because of nearby dark stores operated by such platforms, the statement said. FRAI said that instead of supporting small shopkeepers to grow, many large e-commerce companies -- often backed by foreign funding -- are reducing them to gig-workers by turning them into delivery agents. This, they warned, weakens entrepreneurship and leaves former shop owners with uncertain incomes and little protection. The association called for a fair and balanced support model to protect local retailers and the livelihoods of millions who form the backbone of India’s informal retail economy. They urged the government to provide kirana shops with a dedicated technology platform so they can compete fairly with e-commerce giants. Retailers at the event suggested creating a “Bharat Taxi-like” digital system, where customer orders are sent to nearby kirana shops and the order goes to the first shop that accepts it. They said this would promote fair competition and could include a customer-rating feature to encourage better service standards, the statement said. Speaking at the event, Abhay Raj Mishra, Member and National Coordinator of the Indian Sellers Collective and Honorary Spokesperson of FRAI, said, "Small retailers and kirana shopkeepers are facing an unprecedented challenge as e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms reshape the market. These family-run businesses are struggling against companies with deep pockets. The government must create a fair competitive environment and empower local retailers with the right technology. Platforms like ONDC offer hope by giving small businesses visibility, digital access, and a level playing field." FRAI also stated that the government-backed ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) can play a crucial role in supporting small retailers. ONDC moves away from platform-controlled marketplaces and creates an open, neutral network where buyers and sellers can transact using any compatible app. For kirana stores, this means lower costs, more visibility and the freedom to choose how they sell online, the statement further said. According to FRAI, ONDC can become even more effective with the right improvements. These include easier onboarding for sellers, practical digital training, and smoother operational processes. They also recommended standardised service levels across apps, stronger logistics partnerships, better incentives for sellers, and a unified rating and trust system for all users. FRAI said these steps would help protect entrepreneurial freedom and strengthen the livelihoods of lakhs of small retailers and kirana shop owners across India.

10 December,2025 04:24 PM IST | New Delhi | A Correspondent
Representational Image. File Pic

BJP receives 1,350 applications for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar civic polls

A BJP office-bearer on Wednesday said that the ruling party has received 1,350 applications from aspirants willing to contest the upcoming local body elections for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, news agency PTI reported.  The schedule for the civic body elections in Maharashtra is yet to be announced, but the polls are likely to be held next month (January 2026). Prominent political parties have started preparations for these elections. Considering that there are 115 wards in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, the BJP has received an immense number of applications.  Sameer Rajurkar, the BJP civic elections head in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, while talking to the media, said, "BJP had called for applications from those willing to contest elections from these 115 wards on its ticket. We have so far received applications from 1,350 aspirants, including those from Muslim-dominated areas of the city."  Rajurkar further added, "The applications will be forwarded to the senior party leaders, and they will take a decision. We are a step ahead of the other political parties, so this will help us to prepare better for the elections."  The last corporation elections in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city were held a decade back in 2015. However, since 2020, there has been an administrator to oversee the operations across the municipal corporation. The undivided Shiv Sena and the BJP shared power in the civic body last time. During the five-year term, the undivided Shiv Sena gave two mayors, while one mayor was elected from the BJP. In the last Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city municipal corporation elections, Shiv Sena had won 29 seats, BJP 22 and the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) 25 seats.  Mahayuti to fight Maharashtra local body elections together Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday held a one-and-a-half-hour closed-door meeting where they decided that BJP and Shiv Sena will contest the Maharashtra elections together under the Mahayuti alliance.  During the meeting, it was decided that the ruling Mahayuti alliance will contest the upcoming municipal elections across the state, including Mumbai and Thane, together, according to an official release. Furthermore, the state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and senior Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Chavan were also present at the meeting. (With inputs from PTI)

10 December,2025 04:14 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondent
IndiGo aircraft preparing to land. Pic/PTI

Delhi airport says, 'Operations running smooth across all terminals '

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday issued a passenger advisory assuring travellers that all airport operations are running smoothly and on schedule. The advisory informed flyers that both flight arrivals and departures are proceeding as planned across all terminals. The update comes as part of regular advisories issued to ensure flyers are informed about airport status amid frequent IndiGo flight cancellations and disruptions. "We are pleased to inform all travelers that Delhi Airport operations are running smoothly and on schedule across all terminals. Flight arrivals and departures are proceeding as planned," the advisory read. In the advisory issued at 12:49 PM, the airport authority stated that passengers can continue with their travel plans "confidently". The message also highlighted that dedicated on-ground teams are stationed across the airport round the clock to assist travellers whenever needed. The airport further advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight-specific information. Passenger Advisory issued at 12:49 HoursAttention to All Flyers!#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/N4KmVsLLpf — Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 10, 2025 Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court, hearing the matter before a Bench of Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, directed IndiGo and the Central government to ensure that compensation to stranded passengers is initiated without delay and that all DGCA norms relating to assistance and refunds are followed strictly. The Court also expressed concern over the sudden increase in airfares during the crisis and sought clarity on the oversight mechanisms in place. The ASG informed the Court that fare caps were introduced as a regulatory step and that the Ministry had intervened after the situation escalated. He added that IndiGo's challenges were partly due to repeated extensions sought in implementing revised FDTL norms. The DGCA, through its counsel, explained that duty-time regulations had been under discussion for years and that several rounds of consultations were held with airlines. Smaller airlines had already complied, the Court was told, while IndiGo and Air India had sought additional time. The Bench observed that pilot-rest guidelines were to be implemented in phases and noted that the final stage, scheduled for November 2024, had not been completed. Before concluding, the Bench directed that if the inquiry committee completes its work before the next hearing, its report should be submitted in a sealed cover. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on January 22, 2026.  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.

10 December,2025 04:06 PM IST | New Delhi [India] | ANI
Representational image/pixabay

Tripura Minister faces complaint over alleged fake education certificates

A Congress leader in Tripura lodged a complaint with a police station in Unakoti district, alleging that state minister Tinku Roy's educational certificates, declared during the filing of affidavits in the last two assembly elections, were "fake", a lawyer said on Wednesday. The minister was also accused of concealing a criminal case pending against him while submitting his nomination during the state polls, he said. Responding to the complaint, the minister said this was a "political issue". Senior Congress leader Chandrashekar Sinha lodged the complaint at Kailashashar Police Station on Tuesday, his lawyer Narsingha Das said at a press conference held at the district Congress headquarters. The complainant alleged that state minister and Chandipur MLA Tinku Roy had declared that he passed class XII in 2004 from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. "The educational certificates Roy submitted are alleged to be forged, and the board itself reportedly does not exist. In a case investigated by the CBI, the board was also identified as fake," the Congress leader claimed in the complaint. Roy had contested the 2018 assembly elections as a BJP candidate from the Kadamtala assembly constituency of North Tripura, and was also in the fray five years later from the Chandipur seat, he claimed. Additionally, in the nomination affidavit, the minister had stated that no criminal cases were pending against him, the complainant said. "But, there is a criminal case registered against him at West Agartala police station. Submitting forged educational documents and concealing information of criminal cases is a serious offence", the Congress leader's counsel said. Congress legislator party leader Birajit Sinha and Unakoti district president Badruzaman remained present in the press conference. Kailashahar Police Station officer-in-charge Tapas Malakar said, "The police have received a complaint against Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Tinku Roy. As per BNS, we will first conduct an inquiry into the complaint. If it is found to be true, we will lodge an FIR against the minister", he said. Responding to the complaint, the minister said, "This was a political issue. Ask for details from those who have lodged the complaint."  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.

10 December,2025 03:54 PM IST | Agartala | PTI
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. File Pic

Maharashtra to require housing society consent for liquor shops, says Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar on Wednesday announced that shops selling Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) or country liquor must secure mandatory consent from registered housing societies before operating from commercial spaces within their premises, reported news agency PTI. Pawar, who heads the excise department, has directed that the policy be enforced statewide. "Permission from registered housing societies will now be compulsory for both categories of liquor shops. The policy must be enforced uniformly throughout Maharashtra," Pawar told the Lower House of the state legislature while responding to a question raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Shankar Jagtap, who represents the Chinchwad Assembly Constituency in Pune District.  Jagtap sought cancellation of the licences of liquor shops operating in the Chinchwad-Kalewadi area of Pune, reported PTI. During the discussion, he said that Vikrant Wine, a liquor shop in Sahyadri Society, had begun operations in violation of norms. The building was incomplete when permission was granted, and the licence had been issued on the basis of incomplete documents, Jagtap said, demanding action against those responsible.  Responding to this, Pawar reiterated the mandatory requirement of the respective housing society's consent for liquor outlets and informed the House about the action taken regarding the two shops against which complaints had been received, PTI reported. During the Budget Session of the state legislature held in March, Pawar had announced that a no-objection certificate (NOC) from housing societies will be mandatory for liquor vends if they wish to migrate to their premises.  Many housing societies have commercial establishments, with some even having liquor vends.  Sena (UBT) MLA questions ministers' absence during discussion in House; sparks debate Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav on Wednesday criticised the absence of ministers in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the lack of responses during a discussion on calling attention notices regarding losses caused by excessive monsoon rainfall. Two such notices were listed for debate, one on rain-related damage across the state and another on losses due to water discharged from Nashik reservoirs and the Jayakwadi dam into the Godavari river, reported news agency PTI.  As the discussion began, Jadhav said ministers were "routinely unavailable", and members failed to get printed replies in advance. "This is disrespectful to the Chair. If ministers are unable to attend (the proceedings of the House), prior intimation must be given. These days, nothing is communicated. What is happening?" Jadhav asked and criticised the government during the morning session. He pointed out that 29 districts and over 300 talukas in the state suffered heavy losses, leaving more than 65 lakh farmers affected. "Land has eroded due to floods. Despite repeated demands to declare a wet drought, there has been no action. The government and the administration have neglected the rain-affected people. Compensation has not been given," he said, noting that several legislators had jointly filed a notice on the matter. Jadhav, along with Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP), Narendra Bhondekar (Shiv Sena) and Jitendra Awhad (NCP-SP), had sought a detailed discussion on the topic. When the notice came up, members were not given copies of the government's reply, prompting Jadhav to raise strong objections. (With PTI inputs)

10 December,2025 03:35 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. File Pic

Gujarat: Massive fire erupts in Surat’s Raj Textile market

A massive fire broke out at Raj Textile Market in Surat on Wednesday. At least 22 fire tenders reached the spot to control the blaze after receiving information, news agency ANI reported. Basant Parik, chief fire officer, Surat, while briefing about the incident, said that the fire control room received the information at 7.14 am. Following the call, fire tenders from three nearest locations were sent to the spot to control the situation. "We got a call in the Fire Control room at 7:14 am, after which we sent the fire tenders from the three nearest fire stations...Dumbhal Fire Station, Dindoli Fire Station, and Man Darwaja Fire Station... When the fire officials reached the location of the incident, they noticed that the entire market building was covered under dense smoke...", he further said.  Around 20 to 22 fire tenders reached the spot as the fire was massive, Parik informed. "The third, fifth, and top floors were engulfed in flames. The firefighters had to use breathing apparatus to enter the building because of the intensity of the smoke,” he stated.  The chief fire officer further added that the flames had spread to the third, fifth, and top floors of the building. "The brigade was declared as the fire was severe; around 20-22 fire tenders have reached the spot... The firefighters used breathing apparatus as the smoke was too much and controlled the fire," he said. "Blazes on the third and fifth floors are completely neutralised... Now the situation is under control," Parik added. The chief fire officer further highlighted that there are over 100 firefighters working to control the fire in the building. The cooling procedure is completed on the third and fifth floors, ANI reported. However, it is still underway on the top floor, as the storage room there is still burning. Briefing more about the incident, he said, "There is still fire in the storage room on the top floor; it is difficult to go in there as there is a lot of material there..." The cooling process is completed on the third and fifth floors and is underway on the top floor... It may take some time, but there is nothing to worry about... There are around 100 to 125 firefighters working against the fire right now."  (With inputs from ANI)

10 December,2025 02:54 PM IST | Surat | mid-day online correspondent
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