Congress MP Praniti Shinde on Tuesday alleged that self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested in multiple rape cases, could be killed in a fake encounter as more names linked to him are expected to emerge. “I think Kharat will be eliminated in an encounter. The reason is obvious; more names linked to him are likely to be revealed. These names are also connected to people in power, including ministers,” Shinde told PTI. “More evidence may come out, but something may happen to him first,” she added. Nashil Police arrested Kharat on March 18 Kharat was arrested by Nashik police on March 18 for allegedly repeatedly raping a woman over three years. Subsequent investigations revealed additional cases of sexual exploitation, land grabbing, and cheating. Over the years, several prominent politicians had visited a temple built by him in Sinhar tehsil. Reacting to Shinde’s claim, Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said some people were making baseless allegations instead of cooperating with the investigation. He said such statements appeared to be an attempt to divert the course of the probe. “If anyone has information about a possible encounter, they should approach the SIT probing the case. Why make such claims in the media merely to gain attention?” he said, PTI reported. Nashik court remands 'godman' Ashok Kharat to 5-day police custody in fourth rape case A court in Nashik on Tuesday remanded Ashok Kharat to five days of police custody in connection with a fourth rape case, where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman who had approached him for help with personal and family issues, reported PTI. The order was passed by the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate A G Behere, which allowed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take Kharat into custody until April 18 for further investigation, reported PTI. SIT seeks custody citing need for further investigation The SIT probing multiple cases against Kharat had moved an application seeking his custody in the latest case. After securing permission, officials produced the accused before the court via video-conferencing on Tuesday. Public prosecutor Shailendra Bagde argued that further custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover details related to the allegations. He told the court that the accused had allegedly administered sedatives to the complainant before sexually assaulting her, reported PTI. Investigators maintained that additional questioning could help establish the sequence of events and gather crucial evidence in the case. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 10:32 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThe Mangeshkar family has announced a significant change in the name of its upcoming mega hospital project near Pune. The proposed institution, which was earlier set to be named after Lata Mangeshkar, will now be called the ‘Lata–Asha Mangeshkar Institute of Medical Sciences’, incorporating the name of legendary singer Asha Bhosle as well. The decision was shared by noted composer and singer Hridaynath Mangeshkar during a press conference. The renaming is intended as a joint tribute to the immense contributions of both iconic artists to Indian music. Formal Resolution Passed by Foundation The Board of Trustees of the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation has passed a formal resolution to rename the Nandoshi-based project accordingly. The hospital is being developed at Nandoshi, along Sinhagad Road on the outskirts of Pune. Programme Revised Amid Condolence Observance In view of the recent demise of Asha Bhosle, the organisers have revised the programme schedule. Along with the foundation stone-laying ceremony, a condolence meeting will also be held in her honour. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at 5:00 PM at the project site. Dignitaries to Attend Foundation Ceremony The ceremony will be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar as chief guests. The programme will be presided over by Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Members of the Mangeshkar and Bhosle families are also expected to be present. Musical Homage Planned Ahead of Ceremony This invite-only gathering will include the formal announcement of the hospital’s establishment, along with tributes to Asha Bhosle. A musical homage has also been organised, beginning at 4:00 PM, featuring vocalist Vibhavari Joshi and instrumental performances by Shantanu Gokhale (santoor), Amar Oak (flute), and Pandurang Pawar (tabla). Vision: Healthcare with Cultural Legacy The institute is envisioned as a premier healthcare facility and a lasting tribute to the extraordinary legacy of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, blending service to society with the celebration of India’s rich musical heritage. Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Medical Director and trustee at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, said that both Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle remain among the most iconic and revered figures in Indian music. “Therefore, the establishment of a premier healthcare institution in their joint name is envisioned as a befitting tribute to their unparalleled legacy,” he added.
14 April,2026 08:06 PM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways on Tuesday stated that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours, reported the IANS. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. The Directorate General of Shipping has so far facilitated the safe return of more than 2,262 Indian seafarers from various locations across the Gulf region. Of these, 85 seafarers were repatriated in the last 24 hours alone, reflecting continued evacuation and support efforts. High volume of assistance requests Since its activation, the DG Shipping Control Room has handled a large number of distress queries. The officials said that over 6,292 phone calls and more than 13,228 emails were handled, as per the IANS. In the past 24 hours, it received 219 calls and 361 emails, showing ongoing demand for assistance, they said. Port operations running normally The officials said that the port operations across India remain unaffected, with no reports of congestion or disruption, the news agency reported. The government said it is working to ensure uninterrupted maritime activity despite regional uncertainties. The ministry is closely coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad and maritime stakeholders to safeguard the welfare of Indian nationals. Indian embassies and posts in the region are maintaining constant contact with the community and issuing safety advisories where required. Diplomatic outreach intensifies External Affairs Minister (MEA) S Jaishankar has held discussions with counterparts from several countries, including Kuwait and Israel, focusing on the regional situation and the safety of Indians, according to the IANS. He also spoke with officials from Singapore and Australia regarding developments linked to the West Asia situation. The Ministry is also in regular contact with state governments and Union Territories for better sharing of information and coordination. Efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region, the statement added. Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local governments, officials said. (with IANS inputs)
14 April,2026 07:44 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA Class 5 student died on Tuesday, two days after consuming a meal at her government-run tribal residential school in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, officials said, adding that more than 100 of her schoolmates have fallen ill after eating the same food, the PTI reported. Over 100 students fall ill after school meal Officials said students of the Kakabandha Ashram School complained of discomfort and fell ill after consuming food items “not mentioned in the authorised menu” on Sunday morning. Parents allege contaminated food According to PTI, parents of the affected students alleged that the children were served fermented rice (pakhala), mashed potatoes, and mango chutney, following which they suffered from vomiting and loose motion. Students shifted to hospitals in serious condition More than 100 students fell ill and were rushed to a local community health centre. Of them, 67 were later shifted to the PMR Medical College and Hospital in Baripada in a serious condition, officials said. Class 5 student dies during treatment “Rupali Besra, a Class 5 student, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital on Monday. Despite continuous medical intervention, she died on Tuesday morning,” Mayurbhanj District Collector Hema Kanta Say said, PTI reported. Medical teams deployed, more cases monitored “At present, 66 students are undergoing treatment at the hospital, while another 41 are admitted to the community health centre. One medical team has been sent to the health centre, while another is stationed at the school,” the collector added. Some more students are being admitted to the hospital, he said. Probe ordered, action against officials likely “Along with a police probe, we will conduct an independent inquiry, as it has been alleged that the headmaster served food not listed on the menu. Action will be taken against the teachers and officials responsible for the incident,” he told PTI. Police case registered on mother’s complaint A police case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by the deceased student’s mother, the collector added. Villagers protest, block road Following the incident, villagers blocked the Rasgovindpur–Jaleswar road, demanding compensation for the bereaved family and action against those responsible. Headteacher suspended; ex gratia announced The school’s headteacher, Jayant Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended for negligence, and the government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 7 lakh for the victim’s family, officials said, the news agency reported. Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited the hospital, met the affected students, and interacted with their parents. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 07:24 PM IST | Baripada (Odisha) | mid-day online correspondentAt least nine people died and 15 others have been injured after an explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, police said, reported the PTI. Several workers are also feared trapped at the site as rescue operations continue. The incident took place at a private power facility in Sakti district, triggering emergency response efforts from local authorities. According to preliminary reports, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Limited power plant located in Singhitarai village during the afternoon, the news agency reported. Police officials said the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Casualties and injuries According to the PTI, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur confirmed that nine workers died in the explosion, while 15 others sustained injuries. The injured workers have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, where some are reported to be in critical condition. Rescue operations underway Following the incident, police and district administration teams rushed to the site and launched rescue operations. Officials were continuing efforts to locate and evacuate workers who may still be trapped inside the damaged structure. Emergency teams were working amid concerns about further risks at the plant, the officials said. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed the incident "extremely tragic" and said the government stands with the families of the deceased. A probe will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible, he told reporters in Raipur. Best possible medical assistance: Management The plant management, in a statement, said, "An unfortunate incident occurred at one of the boiler units at our Singhitarai plant, involving personnel from our sub-contractor, NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Limited), which operates and maintains the unit," reported the PTI. The management said that its immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance and treatment to those affected, and that it is closely coordinating with medical teams and local authorities. "We are in the process of ascertaining details, and a thorough investigation has been initiated in coordination with our partner and relevant authorities," it said, the news agency reported. Explosion at Pithampur plant in Bhopal Meanwhile, in an another incident, panic gripped the Pithampur industrial area in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district on Tuesday after three powerful explosions occurred at a waste management plant, sending shockwaves through nearby villages and triggering concern among residents, officials said, the IANS reported. The blasts occurred at the facility of Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, a plant that had earlier drawn national attention for incinerating toxic waste from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The sound of the explosions was heard up to a distance of nearly one kilometre, while residents in surrounding villages reported tremors, according to the IANS. Police teams and district administration officials rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the incident. Officials said that a team of police personnel and technical experts continues to investigate the incident inside the premises. Pithampur City Superintendent of Police, Ravi Soner, told media persons that the situation is under control and that a detailed investigation is underway. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
14 April,2026 06:56 PM IST | Sakti (Chhattisgarh) | mid-day online correspondentThe Railway Board has instructed all railway zones to speed up the installation of automatic closure systems at 1,228 level crossings across the country. The move aims to ensure that trains cannot receive a green signal unless the crossing gates are properly closed to road traffic, reported the PTI. The system, known as interlocking of level crossing (LC) gates, is designed to improve safety. Under the new mechanism, the gates will automatically close when a train approaches and if the gate remains open, the system will prevent the train from getting a green signal. This will reduces the risk of accidents caused by human error or negligence, officials said, according to the PTI. Action following fatal accident The directive follows a tragic accident on July 8, 2025, in Cuddalore, where a passenger train collided with a school van, resulting in the deaths of three children.After the incident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordered the installation of interlocking systems at high-risk crossings, the news agency reported. Railway officials use a measure called Train Vehicle Unit (TVU) to assess traffic at level crossings. TVU is calculated by multiplying the number of trains and road vehicles passing through a crossing each day. Crossings with a TVU above 10,000 have been prioritised for safety upgrades. A total of 1,228 such crossings across 16 railway zones have been identified for the installation of interlocking systems. Deadline and implementation plan In a recent directive, the Board asked all zones to expedite the work and complete all installations as soon as possible. "Interlocking of LC gates is very important for ensuring safety in train operation. Various works of LC gate Interlocking have already been sanctioned for LC gates having TVU> 20,000," its letter said. It added, "The progress of these works needs to be expedited and it is advised that necessary measures are taken for construction of signalling building at all sanctioned LC gates and it shall be completed by 15.06.2026." The Railway Board has asked all zones to complete key infrastructure work, including signalling buildings, by June 15, 2026. Special attention has been directed towards: - Crossings with TVU above 20,000 - Crossings with TVU between 20,000 and 50,000 - All crossings exceeding 10,000 TVU The officials have been told to fast-track approvals and ensure timely completion of the safety measures.
14 April,2026 06:48 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe supply of domestic LPG across India remains stable, with the sale of 5 kg cylinders witnessing a sharp rise, particularly among migrant workers. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, over 1.1 lakh small LPG cylinders were sold on Monday alone, taking the cumulative total to 14.3 lakh since March 23, reported IANS. The increase reflects a significant surge in demand for smaller cylinders, which are widely used by migrant labourers for cooking purposes. Surge in demand for 5 kg LPG cylinders Officials noted that the daily average sale of 5 kg cylinders has risen considerably, from around 77,000 in February to approximately 1.1 lakh currently. The spike comes amid changing consumption patterns and increased reliance on portable cooking solutions, reported IANS. The government maintained that supply chains remain intact despite global uncertainties, ensuring uninterrupted access to LPG for households across the country, reported IANS. Digital bookings and delivery authentication on the rise The ministry highlighted a major shift towards digital platforms, with nearly 98 per cent of LPG bookings now being made online across the industry, reported IANS. Additionally, around 92 per cent of deliveries are being completed using Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC), sent to consumers’ registered mobile numbers. This system has been implemented to curb leakages and prevent diversion of cylinders at the distributor level, reported IANS. PNG connections expand significantly The expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure has also gained momentum. Since March 2026, approximately 4.4 lakh PNG connections have been activated, while nearly 4.88 lakh new customers have registered for connections, reported IANS. In a notable trend, over 33,000 consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections through the MYPNGD.in portal, indicating a shift towards cleaner and more convenient fuel alternatives. Commercial LPG sales and supply coordination The supply of commercial LPG has also remained robust. The equivalent of over 4.5 lakh 19 kg cylinders was sold on Monday, taking the total to more than 69.28 lakh since March 14, reported IANS. To streamline distribution, a three-member committee comprising executive directors from Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is coordinating with state authorities and industry stakeholders, reported IANS. Crackdown on hoarding and black marketing As part of ongoing enforcement measures, public sector oil companies have intensified inspections across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Authorities have imposed penalties on 232 LPG distributorships, while 56 distributorships have been suspended so far. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring fair distribution and preventing misuse of subsidised fuel, reported IANS. Government assures adequate fuel stocks Officials confirmed that all refineries are operating at high capacity, with sufficient crude inventories and adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG available nationwide, reported IANS. Domestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet rising demand, particularly for essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying or unnecessary bookings, advising consumers to rely on official information and use digital platforms for LPG services. It also announced that the enhanced commercial LPG usage limit - set at 70 per cent of pre-March 2026 consumption - will be extended to key industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, steel, and manufacturing. (With inputs from IANS)
14 April,2026 06:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA 35-year-old man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in central Delhi, police said on Tuesday, PTI reported. Accused lured victim near metro station Acting on a complaint, police launched an investigation and said the incident occurred on April 4, when the accused, Mohan Jaiswal, approached the teenager on a black Bullet motorcycle near Jahangirpuri Metro Station. He then took her to a hotel in Murthal, where they had a meal. CCTV trail helped track movements Police scanned CCTV footage from multiple locations, tracking the accused’s movement from Jahangirpuri to Murthal and back. The footage showed him taking the victim to a second hotel near Jahangirpuri after she complained of feeling drowsy, police said. Assault at hotel near Jahangirpuri “During the return journey towards Jahangirpuri, the victim began feeling sleepy. The accused allegedly told her to rest and took her to another hotel near the metro station, where he booked a room and sexually assaulted her,” a senior police officer said, PTI reported. Victim rescued within 24 hours Police said the victim was safely rescued from Shadipur Metro Station within 24 hours of the incident. According to PTI, a case has been registered against Jaiswal under the POCSO Act, they added. Accused arrested while attempting to flee “The accused, a resident of Samaypur Badli, was arrested on April 10 from the Kashmere Gate area while allegedly attempting to flee to Bihar,” the officer said. Police said Jaiswal is a habitual sexual offender and had previously been declared a proclaimed offender in a rape case registered at the KN Katju Marg police station. Further investigation is underway, police added. Maharashtra: Priest held in Dombivli for sexually assaulting 5-year-old girl In a similar news earlier in April, a priest was arrested in the Dombivli area of Thane district in Maharashtra for allegedly sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl, a police official said, reported the PTI. According to a Tilaknagar police station official, the suspect used to visit homes of the people to perform rituals. "He was known to the victim's family. When the minor's parents had stepped out for work, he allegedly entered the house and sexually assaulted the girl. He was arrested after the child narrated the ordeal to her parents, who lodged a complaint," he said, according to the PTI. The accused was booked under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the official informed. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 06:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Tuesday officially announced a revised fee structure for overloaded trucks travelling on national highways. The new rules, notified on Tuesday, will come into effect from April 15, 2026, and aim to improve compliance, road safety and protect highway infrastructure, reported the PTI. Under the updated rules, charges will now depend on how much a vehicle exceeds its permitted Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)- - Up to 10 per cent excess load: No additional fee - 10 per cent to 40 per cent excess load: Charged at twice the base rate - Above 40 per cent excess load: Charged at four times the base rate The revised system replaces earlier methods and introduces a more structured and proportionate penalty mechanism. Focus on safety and infra According to the PTI, the amendment, part of the National Highways Fee Rules, is designed to discourage overloading, which is a major cause of road damage and accidents. Officials said the move will help ensure safer travel conditions while extending the lifespan of highways. Weighment and enforcement Overloading will be determined using certified weighing equipment installed at toll plazas, as per the PTI. The ministry stated that no overloading fee will be charged where weighing facilities are not available and all fees will be collected digitally through FASTag. Push for better compliance The government hopes the revised framework will encourage transporters to follow prescribed load limits more strictly. By linking penalties directly to the degree of overloading, authorities aim to make enforcement more transparent and effective, the news agency reported. PM inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor, which will cut travel time between the two cities to nearly half. The 213 km-long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor has been built at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours, according to an official statement. (with PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 06:31 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Women’s Reservation Act was passed after a long wait and urged all political parties to support its implementation in the 2029 elections without further delay, calling it the “collective sentiment” of the nation, PTI reported. Call for consensus on women’s quota “Let all political parties come together to unanimously take forward this initiative, which concerns the rights of the nation’s sisters and daughters,” he said at a public meeting ahead of the three-day special sittings of Parliament from April 16 to consider a legislative package, including amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, to implement the quota for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Landmark law passed after decades In September 2023, Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, commonly known as the Women’s Reservation Act, which provides for the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. Appeal from Uttarakhand rally “Today, from Devbhumi (Uttarakhand), I once again appeal to all political parties across the country to extend their full support to the amendment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. In 2029, we will ensure that 50 per cent of our country’s population receives its rightful due,” Modi said, the news agency reported. He noted that all political parties had come forward to support the landmark Act, which was passed after a wait of four decades. “There should be no further delay in delivering this rightful entitlement to women, and the Act should be fully implemented starting with the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for 2029,” Modi said, PTI reported. “This reflects the collective sentiment of the nation. It is the cherished wish of every sister and daughter across the country,” the Prime Minister added at the public meeting following the inauguration of the Delhi–Dehradun economic corridor. Letter to women across India Modi also said he has written a letter addressed to “all the sisters of the country”, urging them to become partners in this endeavour. “I have firm faith that the mothers and sisters of my country will certainly read this letter,” he said. He asserted that Indian democracy will become stronger and more vibrant if the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are held with the women’s quota fully in place. Women key to ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision In his letter, Modi added that when women become active participants in policymaking and decision-making, the journey towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’ is strengthened. “Thus, it is imperative that we do whatever is possible to add more vigour to our development trajectory, and for that, the active participation of women is absolutely non-negotiable,” he said, the news agency reported. The Prime Minister noted that this principle led to the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023 and continues to drive the push for its implementation. He added that with women excelling across fields, it is only fitting that their representation in legislative bodies increases. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 06:13 PM IST | Dehradun | mid-day online correspondentA superintendent of a government-run remand home in Maharashtra’s Beed district was allegedly caught taking a Rs 30,000 bribe from a private security guard to facilitate official work, the ACB said on Tuesday. The ACB’s Jalna unit caught Kapil Bhimrao Kamble (43), a junior security officer and superintendent of the remand home, while accepting the bribe in the Palwan Chowk area on Monday evening, an official said, the PTI reported. The action was taken based on a complaint filed by a security guard, who alleged that after joining duty at the remand home, the accused demanded Rs 45,000 to facilitate official work, including forwarding attendance reports to the company and assisting in the issuance of his employment order. The accused official has been taken into custody, and a case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the official added. Thane medical officer arrested for taking Rs 2,000 bribe for gun licence certificate A medical officer from Thane district was arrested last week for allegedly accepting a Rs 2,000 bribe to issue a medical certificate needed for renewing a gun licence, news agency PTI reported. The accused has been identified as Dr Anil Patil, who was posted at Murbad Rural Hospital, according to the Thane unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). A man had approached the hospital seeking a medical certificate required for the renewal of his father’s revolver licence. “An ambulance driver, Mahendra Hindurao, allegedly demanded Rs 3,000 on behalf of the medical officer for issuing the certificate. The amount was later negotiated down to Rs 2,000,” said Inspector Rupali Pol of the ACB. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB, following which a trap was laid on the hospital premises a day before the arrest. “Our team caught the medical officer red-handed while accepting the bribe amount. The ambulance driver is currently absconding, and a search is underway to trace him,” Pol said. The ACB launched an investigation to ascertain whether more persons are involved and to verify if similar illegal demands were made to other applicants. Patil has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 05:43 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
