A tragic incident unfolded in Maharashtra's Nashik city on Tuesday when a 23-year-old man lost his life after his throat was slit by nylon manja (kite string coated with glass particles) while riding his motorcycle, according to PTI reports. The victim, identified as Sonu Kisan Dhotre, was riding his two-wheeler towards Pathardi Phata from Deolali Camp when the accident occurred in the Pathardi village circle area around 12:30 pm, an official stated. The nylon manja, known for its sharpness, inflicted a severe wound on his neck, causing him to bleed profusely. As per police sources, a team from Indiranagar police station immediately rushed Dhotre to the district hospital after being alerted about the incident. Despite their swift action, the young man succumbed to his injuries due to excessive blood loss, the official said. Sonu, a resident of Nashik, was employed as a contract worker in Gujarat, as per PTI. He had returned home recently and was reportedly heading towards Pathardi Phata when the fatal mishap took place. A case of accidental death has been registered, and further investigation into the matter is underway, the official confirmed. Authorities have yet to ascertain whether the manja was discarded or actively being used during the incident. The use of nylon manja has been banned in many parts of India, including Maharashtra, due to its hazardous nature. The string, often coated with powdered glass to enhance its cutting ability during kite-flying competitions, poses a significant risk to both humans and animals. Despite the ban, its usage persists, particularly during festive seasons like Makar Sankranti, when kite flying is a popular activity. According to PTI, incidents involving nylon manja are not uncommon, with numerous injuries and even fatalities being reported annually. Activists and authorities alike have called for stricter enforcement of the ban and public awareness campaigns to prevent such tragic occurrences.
14 January,2025 06:10 PM IST | MumbaiSupporters of Walmik Karad, who was arrested in an extortion case connected to the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district, on Tuesday threw stones at buses and set tyres on fire in Parli town after MCOCA was invoked against him, police said. Karad, an aide to Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, has been charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), an official said. In their demonstration, hundreds of his supporters targeted public transport, set tyres ablaze, damaged property, and attempted to block roads while chanting slogans in Karad’s favour and calling for a bandh (shutdown), reported news agency PTI. The protest took place despite the prohibitory orders in Beed district that are effective until January 28. Authorities reported that they have filed two cases related to the damage inflicted during these protests on Tuesday. The prohibitory orders have been imposed because of the protests against the sarpanch murder case and quota-related agitations by Maratha and OBC activists, PTI stated. The district administration said in a release issued on Monday that the assembly of five or more persons without permission from authorities has been prohibited, and people are not allowed to carry weapons in public places. The context of these events stems from the abduction, torture, and murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, on December 9. Preliminary investigations indicate that Deshmukh had opposed an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm involved in windmill projects in the area. So far, the Kej police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the murder, while one more suspect remains at large. On Tuesday, a court placed Karad in 14-day judicial custody. Beed sarpanch murder: Walmik Karad’s mother protests in Beed, demands his release Parubai Karad, mother of extortion case accused Walmik Karad, staged a protest outside the Parli police station in Beed district on Tuesday, demanding her son's release and claiming his innocence. Karad, an associate of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, was arrested on 31 December 2024, in connection with an extortion case tied to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village. According to PTI reports, Parubai Karad vocally asserted her son’s innocence, stating, "My son has not done anything, and he should be released. Even if my life ends, I will not get up from here." The protest witnessed the participation of approximately 50 of Walmik Karad’s supporters, who gathered in solidarity outside the police station. When questioned about the allegations against her son, Parubai dismissed them as fabricated, saying, "I don’t know who is doing this, but this is all fake." She further accused BJP MLA Suresh Dhas and NCP (SP) MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar of falsely implicating her son and demanded their arrest. (With inputs from PTI)
14 January,2025 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised the significance of developing a strong and self-sufficient defence sector while underlining the need for India to lead the world through research and development. Speaking at the ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebrations held at the Headquarters Maintenance Command of the Indian Air Force in Vayusena Nagar, Nagpur, Gadkari highlighted the critical role played by the armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. The event honoured the unparalleled service and sacrifices of veterans, bringing together retired and serving personnel, their families, and dignitaries. Air Marshal Vijay Kumar Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Maintenance Command, was also present at the gathering, which paid homage to the country’s brave soldiers. Gadkari remarked, “We must strive to build a powerful and self-reliant defence system and surpass global standards with advanced research and development.” He added that India’s strength should act as a deterrent to injustice globally while fostering peace and harmony. Acknowledging the sacrifices of the armed forces, Gadkari said, “Our soldiers have made immense sacrifices for the nation. In every war fought by our country, their bravery and commitment have ensured the security of our people. The nation can never forget their contributions.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of veterans and emphasised the importance of preserving their legacy to inspire future generations. “The veterans embody courage, service, and sacrifice. Their legacy will forever guide the path of our nation,” he added. The Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, celebrated annually on January 14, honours the contributions of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, who retired on this day in 1953. The occasion was first marked in 2016 and has since become a yearly tradition to recognise and celebrate the service of ex-servicemen. Tributes were paid to the veterans for their dedication and patriotism, with interactive events organised to bring the armed forces community closer and acknowledge their contributions to the nation. (With inputs from PTI)
14 January,2025 05:11 PM IST | MumbaiA close aide of Maharashtra’s NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, Walmik Karad, was sent to 14-day judicial custody on Tuesday in connection with a ₹2 crore extortion case related to the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district. Karad, who had surrendered to the Pune police on December 31, was initially remanded to 14-day police custody. On Tuesday, he was transferred from Beed and presented before the Kej court in Beed district, which ordered his judicial custody. According to officials, Karad has been charged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The extortion case and murder are linked to the abduction and killing of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Kej tehsil. Deshmukh was reportedly targeted after he opposed an extortion attempt involving Rs 2 crore, allegedly demanded from a windmill company operating in the region. Deshmukh’s brutal killing on December 9 sparked outrage in the area, with his family demanding justice and a thorough investigation. Santosh Deshmukh’s brother, Dhananjay Deshmukh, held a protest in Massajog village on Monday, urging authorities to invoke MCOCA against Karad. The demand was met after evidence and details surrounding the case were scrutinised, police said. Before surrendering to the police, Karad released a video on social media in which he alleged that the accusations against him were politically motivated. He claimed he was being linked to the case as part of a vendetta. The police are currently investigating the allegations and are examining evidence, including digital trails and other records. The case has drawn significant attention due to Karad’s close association with NCP minister Dhananjay Munde. The opposition has also called for greater transparency and accountability in the matter, given the political links. The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, under which Karad has been booked, is generally invoked in cases involving organised criminal activities. The court’s decision to remand Karad to judicial custody is seen as a critical step in the investigation. (With inputs from PTI)
14 January,2025 04:57 PM IST | MumbaiMaharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced that private passenger transport providers to be brought under single regulatory framework, an official statement said on Tuesday. The statement said that private passenger transport providers including Ola, Uber, and Rapido will also soon be regulated under a unified set of rules. "The new regulations will focus on passenger safety, carpooling, licensing, and traffic issues, with an emphasis on creating a transparent grievance redressal system", it said. The statement further said that a meeting was held on Tuesday at the state secretariat to discuss bringing private passenger transport providers under a single government framework. The meeting was attended by key officials including Additional Chief Secretary of Transport Sanjay Sethi, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, and Dr. Madhav Kusekar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation. The representatives from private transport companies also participated through video conferencing in the meeting. Pratap Sarnaik stated that in line with the central government’s policies, it is important to regulate private transport companies under one set of transport rules. Passenger safety will be prioritised, and the regulation will include four-wheelers, bikes, and taxis. He said that special consideration will be given to women drivers, and efforts will be made to create more job opportunities in the sector, the statement said. Sarnaik also called for private companies to implement safety measures for their drivers and passengers, urging them to take proactive steps in ensuring security for the passengers and the drivers. In another important announcement during the meeting, Pratap Sarnaik revealed plans to set up 100-bed hospitals for state transport (ST) employees in Borivli in Mumbai. The hospital will provide medical treatment to ST employees and their families under the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. The state government will cover surgery costs up to Rs 5 lakh, it said. He stated that bus stations across the state are being developed on the "Build, Operate, Transfer" model, and more hospitals for ST employees will be set up in districts such as Pune, Kolhapur, Pusad, and Washim. These hospitals will provide cashless medical services to ST employees and their families, ensuring they do not need to seek expensive private healthcare, the statement said.
14 January,2025 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA jeweller and his son tragically died by suicide after allegedly consuming poison in Nashik city, Maharashtra, according to police reports on Tuesday. While the exact motive for their extreme decision remains under investigation, preliminary findings suggest that financial distress due to debts may have driven the incident, which occurred on Monday. A handwritten note believed to be penned by the jeweller was recovered from their residence, and authorities are currently analysing it for further clues, as per PTI. The deceased individuals were identified as Prashant Atmaramsheth Gurav (49) and his son, Abhishek Prashant Gurav (28). The family resided in Ramrajya Sankul Apartment, Panchavati, and ran a jewellery business named 'AS Gurav and Sons' in Saraf Bazar, a prominent commercial area in the city. According to an official from the Panchavati police station, Prashant Gurav was found lifeless at home, while Abhishek was rushed to a private hospital by his brother. Unfortunately, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Initial inquiries revealed that the jeweller is suspected to have consumed poison in the early hours of Monday, police confirmed. Post-mortem examinations verified that both father and son had ingested poison, corroborating the suspected cause of death. Investigators are now examining the mobile phones and social media accounts of the deceased to uncover any possible evidence that could provide insight into the reasons behind their deaths. The jeweller's wife was not present at the time of the incident, as she was reportedly visiting Karnataka, according to the police. Authorities are treating the matter with sensitivity while also ensuring a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths. The community in Nashik, particularly in Saraf Bazar, has been left shocked by the incident, as the Gurav family was well-known in the locality for their jewellery business.
14 January,2025 04:23 PM IST | MumbaiThe driver of the BEST bus, involved in an accident in Kurla last month that claimed seven lives, was driving in a rash and negligent manner and it is hard to believe there was any fault in the vehicle, a sessions court has said while refusing him bail, reported news agency PTI. Additional Sessions Judge V M Pathade rejected the bail application of the accused driver, Sanjay More (54), on January 10. The court refused to accept More's contention that the accident was due to a technical/ mechanical fault with the bus, as per the detailed order, made available on Tuesday. Though More has claimed that the Kurla BEST bus crash accident occurred due to poor maintenance of the bus or brake failure or a mechanical or technical defect, there is no material to prima facie support this contention, the court said, reported PTI. A report issued by the RTO (Regional Transport Office) prima facie suggests there was no mechanical fault in the bus, it added. "In this view of the matter, it is hard to believe that there was any mechanical/technical fault or brake failure in the bus which resulted in the very unfortunate mishap," the court said, reported PTI. More endangered the lives of not just passengers in the bus but also those who were on the crowded road, the court observed. "It is prima facie seen that the applicant accused was driving the bus in a very rash and negligent manner irrespective of the fact that the road was being used by several others and there were several passengers in the bus too," the order said, reported PTI. "Considering the gravity and seriousness of the crime and the punishment provided for the offences under which the accused is booked, I do not find it a fit case to enlarge the accused on bail," the judge said, reported PTI. On December 9, the electric bus, operated by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, dashed into pedestrians and vehicles on a congested road near Kurla railway station. The Kurla BEST bus crash accident claimed seven lives and left more than 40 other persons injured. More was arrested the same night and booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act. While seeking bail, More claimed he was a professional driver and that the accident was a result of a sudden and unforeseen mechanical or technical fault in the bus. The prosecution relied on the RTO's report, which clearly said there was no fault in the bus. (With inputs from PTI)
14 January,2025 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe efforts taken by the forest department team along with the help of local wildlife volunteers have once again helped in doing the reunion of leopard cubs with their mother at Patan taluka in Satara district - around 320 km southeast of Mumbai. The forest department and local wildlife volunteers reunited a leopard cub with its mother in Patan taluka, Satara district. Workers harvesting sugarcane near Naralwadi village spotted the cub and its mother and alerted the forest department. The cub was safely placed in a… pic.twitter.com/7Dp9jrfM9Y — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 14, 2025 Honorary Wildlife Warden (HWW), Rohan Bhate Shah said, "On Sunday the workers while harvesting the sugarcane crop near Naralwadi village in Patan taluka spotted a small leopard cub and its mother a few meters away. Without provoking the leopard, the workers left the area and informed about the same to the local forest department. The forest department team immediately reached the spot and took the cub into custody." The officials and wildlife volunteers realised that the mother of the cub was also in the same area and the plan to reunite the cub with the female was prepared. The Wildlife Rescuer Team from Karad and Honorary Wildlife Ranger Rohan Bhate were called. "In the evening, the cub was placed in a plastic crate (big rectangular container) at the same place where the cub was found. Live infrared cameras were installed in the area. At 12.15 am, the female leopard came to the spot and pushed the upper crate and took away the cub. Range Forest Officer of Patan - Rajesh Nalvade, Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate, Forester Thombre, Forest Guard Yadav, Vishal Harpal, Rohit Lohar, Rohit Kulkarni of Wildlife Rescuers, Ajay Mahadik, Rohit Pawar, Ganesh Kale, Rohan Velapure, Sarpanch of Naralwadi and Ajit Chavan helped in the reunion operation. The health of the female cub was good and it was about 2 months old.
14 January,2025 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavNationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief and former Union minister Sharad Pawar on Tuesday dismissed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks claiming that the BJP’s victory in Maharashtra assembly polls had put an end to the politics of betrayal initiated by Pawar in 1978. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Pawar remarked, “I was the chief minister in 1978. I am not aware of his whereabouts at that time.” He recalled that during his tenure as chief minister, leaders like Uttamrao Patil from the Jan Sangh were part of his cabinet. Pawar emphasised that the dignity of the home minister’s post should be upheld, lamenting the erosion of dialogue among contemporary political leaders. “There used to be susanvad (cordial communication) between leaders earlier, but this is no longer the case,” he said. Shah, addressing a BJP convention in Shirdi on Sunday, had alleged, “The BJP’s victory in Maharashtra buried the politics of instability and backstabbing started by Sharad Pawar in 1978. You (the people) have buried such politics 20 feet underground.” Shah’s comments referred to Pawar’s departure from the Vasantdada Patil-led government in 1978 with 40 MLAs, following which he became the chief minister. According to PTI, Pawar recalled that the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then prime minister, had appointed him vice-chairman of the Disaster Management Authority following the Bhuj earthquake, despite their political differences. Highlighting the contrast between past and present leaders, Pawar remarked, “This country has seen many excellent home ministers, but none of them were externed from their own state.” His comment was a veiled reference to Shah’s externment from Gujarat in 2010 for two years over the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Shah was later acquitted in 2014. Pawar further alleged, “When he (Shah) could not stay in Gujarat, he sought help from Balasaheb Thackeray.” When questioned about the future of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition after Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut announced plans to contest local body elections solo, Pawar said discussions with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders would take place in the coming 10 days to address key issues. On speculation about the NCP joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Pawar firmly denied the possibility. “Not a single MP from my party wants to align with the BJP,” he clarified, according to PTI reports. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana criticised Shah’s remarks as “language of arrogance.” The editorial accused Shah of betraying the trust of leaders like Sharad Pawar and Balasaheb Thackeray, who had supported Narendra Modi and Shah during difficult times. “Is splitting the parties of these leaders not an act of betrayal?” the editorial questioned. (With inputs from PTI)
14 January,2025 02:14 PM IST | MumbaiAfter the Maharashtra government formed the new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, BJP leader Suresh Dhas said no officer from Beed would be included in the new SIT, reported news agency ANI. "A new SIT has been formed after the family raised questions on some people of the earlier SIT which was headed by Basavaraj Teli and 9 other people were part of it. The current SIT will have 6 people headed by Basavaraj Teli. No officer from Beed will be included in the SIT," Dhas told reporters. The new SIT includes police officers Anil Gujar, Vijay Singh Jonwal, Mahesh Vighne, Anand Shankar Shinde, Tulshiram Jagtap, Manoj Rajendra Wagh, Chandrakant S Kalkute, Balasaheb Devidas Akhakore, Santosh Bhagwanrao Gitte. Basavaraj Teli will continue as the chairman of this SIT. On December 9, Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of the Masajog village in Beed district was murdered after he allegedly opposed an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm installing windmills in the area. The extortion attempt was reportedly led by local leader Vishnu Chate, who demanded Rs 2 crore from the company. Deshmukh's intervention allegedly led to his abduction, torture, and subsequent murder. The police have filed three FIRs in connection with the Beed sarpanch murder case: one for Deshmukh's abduction and murder, another for assault on a windmill firm's security guard by locals, and a third for the Rs 2 crore extortion bid targeting the firm, reported ANI. On January 6, NCP SP leader Sharad Pawar requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure safety and security for all public representatives protesting the death of Santosh Deshmukh in Beed. Earlier, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that none of the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case would be spared, emphasizing his focus on justice over political controversies. "We will not spare any accused. We will find them. Today, I discussed the matter with Santosh Deshmukh's brother over the phone and assured him that the police will identify the guilty and ensure they are punished. The police will act based on evidence, and those against whom evidence is found will not be spared. I do not wish to be involved in the politics surrounding this case," the Maharashtra CM said, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
14 January,2025 01:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Monday formed the new Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to probe the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district, reported news agency ANI. The new SIT includes police officers Anil Gujar, Vijay Singh Jonwal, Mahesh Vighne, Anand Shankar Shinde, Tulshiram Jagtap, Manoj Rajendra Wagh, Chandrakant S Kalkute, Balasaheb Devidas Akhakore, Santosh Bhagwanrao Gitte. Basavaraj Teli will continue as the chairman of this SIT, reported ANI. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was murdered on December 9 after he allegedly opposed an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm installing windmills in the area. The extortion attempt was reportedly led by local leader Vishnu Chate, who demanded Rs 2 crore from the company. Deshmukh's intervention allegedly led to his abduction, torture, and subsequent murder, reported ANI. The police have filed three FIRs in connection with the Beed sarpanch murder case: one for Deshmukh's abduction and murder, another for assault on a windmill firm's security guard by locals, and a third for the Rs 2 crore extortion bid targeting the firm. On January 6, NCP SP leader Sharad Pawar requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure safety and security for all public representatives protesting the death of Santosh Deshmukh in Beed. Earlier, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that none of the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case would be spared, emphasizing his focus on justice over political controversies, reported ANI. "We will not spare any accused. We will find them. Today, I discussed the matter with Santosh Deshmukh's brother over the phone and assured him that the police will identify the guilty and ensure they are punished. The police will act based on evidence, and those against whom evidence is found will not be spared. I do not wish to be involved in the politics surrounding this Beed sarpanch murder case," the Maharashtra CM said, reported ANI. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has called the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district "unfortunate" and said that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter. He assured that action would be taken against the accused. (With inputs from ANI)
14 January,2025 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
