Mumbai woke up to a misty morning with partly cloudy skies on January 10, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city is experiencing a delightful winter-like atmosphere, with reduced humidity and mild temperatures offering some respite to its residents. Current weather in Mumbai Today’s temperature in Mumbai stands at 25°C. The forecast for January 10 predicts a minimum temperature of 24°C and a maximum of 31°C. The wind is blowing at a gentle speed of 6 km/h, and the relative humidity is 45%. The sun rose at 7:13 AM and will set at 6:17 PM. Looking ahead to Saturday, January 11, temperatures are expected to range between 22°C and 31°C, with humidity likely to rise slightly to 50%. The weather forecast for the coming days remains steady, with predominantly clear skies: Sunday, January 12: Minimum 21°C, maximum 32°C.Monday, January 13: Minimum 22°C, maximum 32°C.Tuesday, January 14: Minimum 22°C, maximum 33°C.Wednesday, January 15: Minimum 22°C, maximum 33°C. Air quality in Mumbai Mumbai’s air quality today has been recorded at an AQI of 123, which falls under the “moderate” category. While the air is not severely polluted, caution is advised, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues like asthma. Health experts suggest limiting outdoor activities during this time and recommend using masks or air purifiers for added protection. By being mindful of the air quality, residents can make better decisions to protect their health and well-being. What to expect As the week progresses, Mumbai is expected to maintain its winter charm with cool mornings and clear skies. However, the city’s air quality remains a concern. Taking precautions can help everyone enjoy the mild weather while staying safe and healthy. Stay tuned for more updates and plan your days wisely to make the most of this pleasant season.
10 January,2025 10:29 AM IST | MumbaiNationalist Congress Party (NCP) (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its unwavering commitment to its ideology and called upon his party workers to emulate this level of dedication for progressive ideals. Speaking to NCP workers at a meeting in south Mumbai on Thursday, the veteran politician emphasised the importance of building a strong cadre base rooted in the thoughts of progressive leaders such as Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Dr BR Ambedkar, and former Maharashtra stalwart Yashwantrao Chavan. According to PTI, Pawar acknowledged the loyalty of the RSS cadre, stating, “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has workers who remain steadfast to their ideology without deviation. We, too, must create a cadre committed to the progressive principles upheld by these great leaders.” Reflecting on the party’s poor performance in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections, Pawar admitted that complacency after the success in the Lok Sabha elections had cost the NCP dearly. "We became complacent after our Lok Sabha election success, while the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti took proactive steps to address its shortcomings from the parliamentary polls," he remarked. The NCP (SP) had performed admirably in the Lok Sabha elections, winning eight out of ten seats it contested in Maharashtra. However, it suffered a significant setback in the November assembly polls, securing only 10 out of nearly 90 seats. Pawar also highlighted the party’s failure to effectively communicate its contributions towards the upliftment of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), a key voter base. He noted the pressing need for social engineering to bridge caste divides, particularly in Marathwada, a region grappling with the Maratha reservation movement and incidents of caste-based violence. Pawar cited his own leadership during the Marathwada University renaming controversy as an example, recalling how he engaged with all stakeholders to defuse tensions. “Such efforts of direct engagement and inclusive strategies are essential now,” he stressed. The NCP (SP) chief announced that 50 per cent of the party’s tickets for upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra would be allotted to fresh faces. Additionally, he hinted at a restructuring of the organisation to revitalise the party and bolster its prospects. Pawar, who leads the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), is a key figure in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. His remarks reflect a determination to rebuild the party’s standing and reinvigorate its appeal among voters. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2025 10:05 AM IST | MumbaiIn a significant step towards the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites, the Gadchiroli Police have provided a fresh opportunity to 48 former militants by offering them jobs at the recently established Lloyds Metals Industry in the district. Gadchiroli's Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal stated that more than 600 Naxalites have surrendered to the police so far. Since the government revised its surrender policy in 2014, efforts have been made to facilitate the integration of surrendered Naxals into society. The government has been providing financial assistance and land for their rehabilitation, but Gadchiroli Police have taken it a step further by focusing on employment opportunities. Upon the suggestion of the police, Lloyds Metals agreed to employ surrendered Naxalites at their Konsari Project in the district. The company conducted a profiling of the individuals based on their educational background and skills. Following a three-month training programme, these 48 individuals have now secured positions across various departments of the company, earning monthly salaries ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000. Maniram Atla, a former deputy commander of the Chatgaon area who surrendered in 2019, expressed his gratitude for the new life and job. "After surrendering, I have got the right to live a new life. I am very happy to get a job in Lloyds Metals. I am now living my life on my own, there is no pressure on me now," he shared. Ramesh Katvo, a company platoon commander who joined the Naxal movement for over a decade, also reflected on his decision to surrender. "After 10-12 years in the Naxal movement, I realised that this path is wrong, and neither we nor our families will benefit. Now, I’m happy with the new job given to me by the government and can take care of my family," he said. Sainaath Pungati, who surrendered in 2006 after serving as a recruiter for the Maoist organisation, expressed relief. "Earlier, my life was lived under fear. Now, with a new job, my confidence has increased, and I can live a good life," he stated. Gadchiroli SP Neelotpal highlighted that the primary goal of the police is to eradicate Maoism from the district. He mentioned that the district administration, in collaboration with the police, is ensuring that various government welfare schemes reach the people, aiming to connect them with mainstream society. Neelotpal urged remaining Naxalites to give up violence and embrace a peaceful path. He assured that the police would assist them in rehabilitation and employment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently visited Gadchiroli and inaugurated various projects in the district, including handing over job letters and share certificates to the surrendered Naxals at the Lloyds Metals factory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the efforts of the Maharashtra government, highlighting their role in ensuring development in Maoist-affected areas. In a post on social media, he expressed his appreciation for the initiatives that aim to improve the lives of the people of Gadchiroli and surrounding areas. (With inputs from ANI)
10 January,2025 10:01 AM IST | MumbaiIn response to rising bird flu concerns, Nagpur's Maharajbagh Zoo has temporarily halted the feeding of chicken to its wild animals. This decision comes after the recent deaths of three tigers and a leopard at a wildlife rescue centre in the city, which were suspected to have contracted avian influenza. Maharashtra's Forest Minister, Ganesh Naik, confirmed on Thursday that the big cats had likely succumbed to bird flu, possibly after consuming contaminated chicken. However, he stated that the definitive cause of death would only be confirmed once the lab test results are received. Authorities have instructed zoo officials to inspect animal food before it is served to ensure its safety. Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, primarily affects wild birds and poultry. It has raised alarms in various regions due to its potential transmission to other animals. The Maharajbagh Zoo's Chief Health Officer, Sunil Baviskar, stated that while chicken is not part of the tigers' diet, leopards and other animals that may naturally eat birds are occasionally fed poultry meals. He assured that none of the animals at the zoo have shown symptoms of bird flu. As a precaution, the zoo has stopped supplying chicken to any animals and continues its routine sanitisation and disinfection processes every two days. Authorities also recommended that the wildlife rescue centre, which lost the tigers and leopard, remain closed temporarily for further investigation. The three tigers and the leopard had been relocated to the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur from Chandrapur after being involved in incidents of man-animal conflict. They died at the centre last month, and subsequent lab tests confirmed that they had contracted the H5N1 strain of the virus, which causes avian influenza. In light of these developments, the Union government has issued an advisory urging zoos to adopt precautionary measures. In accordance with these guidelines, the disinfection process is currently underway. Meanwhile, officials at the Siddharth Zoo in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are also taking extra precautions for their 12 tigers and a leopard. They are now being fed food treated with boiled water and using cold chain mechanisms to safeguard them from the potential threat of bird flu, following the incidents in Nagpur. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2025 09:56 AM IST | NagpurZeeshan Siddique, the son of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, has raised serious concerns over the progress of the investigation into his father’s murder. Speaking after a meeting with Joint Commissioner of Police Gautam Lakhmi, Zeeshan expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of action in the case, specifically pointing out the failure to interrogate individuals he had named in his statements. As per ANI, Zeeshan Siddique revealed that the police had refused to provide the chargesheet, prompting him to file an appeal in court. He stated that he had specifically inquired with the Mumbai Crime Branch about the status of the complaint and whether those named as suspects had been questioned. According to Zeeshan, the police informed him that the individuals he had named had not been interrogated yet. "I met Joint Commissioner Gautam Lakhmi to discuss the status of our complaint. We wanted to know whether the individuals we had named in our statements had been interrogated. Unfortunately, I was told that they have not been questioned yet," Zeeshan told reporters. The NCP leader also raised concerns about the apparent protection being afforded to certain builders allegedly involved in the murder. He further criticised the swift narrative that pinned the blame on Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster. Zeeshan demanded that Bishnoi be interrogated in Mumbai to uncover the full truth behind his father’s killing. Zeeshan has also called for intervention from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a close friend of his late father. "I am hopeful that CM Fadnavis will ask the police about this. I don’t understand why these builders are being protected. Mere seconds after my father was shot, the narrative shifted to blame Bishnoi. If he is indeed responsible, bring him to Mumbai and interrogate him," Zeeshan said. In addition to seeking the intervention of CM Fadnavis, Zeeshan revealed his intention to meet with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his legal team to discuss how best to challenge the ongoing investigation if the inaction continues. Baba Siddique, a prominent NCP leader, was tragically shot dead by three assailants near his son’s office in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai, on October 12. In connection with the murder, police have arrested two individuals—Salman Vohra and Akashdeep Singh. Vohra is alleged to have financed the murder. (With inputs from ANI)
10 January,2025 09:50 AM IST | MumbaiA CNG tempo suddenly caught fire on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway on Thursday night at around 9 PM, just ahead of the Bapane Bridge. The incident, which could have led to a major disaster, was mitigated by the driver's quick and decisive action. Witnesses reported that the tempo driver steered the vehicle to the side of the highway upon noticing the fire. This timely maneuver ensured the safety of other vehicles on the busy road. However, despite his efforts, the tempo was completely gutted in the blaze. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the driver escaped unharmed. While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the incident has brought to light a significant safety issue on the highway—the absence of an efficient mechanism to provide timely assistance during emergencies such as fire incidents. The lack of fire-fighting facilities or immediate help in such situations raises questions about highway safety and preparedness. Tempo gutted in fire on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar, driver manages to alight safely A tempo was gutted in a fire on Saturday on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar district, a police official said, reported news agency PTI. The incident took place when the loaded vehicle was parked in Dhekale village at 2:30 pm, the official added, reported PTI. "The driver noticed smoke and managed to come out safely. The vehicle was destroyed in the blaze. The cause of the fire is being probed. The vehicle was on its way to Mumbai from Gujarat," he added, reported PTI. Meanwhile, ten properties, including workshops and godowns, were gutted in a fire that broke out in an industrial estate at Vasai town in Maharashtra's Palghar district, an official said on Saturday, reported PTI. Nobody was injured in the blaze that erupted around 8.30 pm on Friday and continued till 6.30 on Saturday, the official of Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation said, reported PTI. "Soon after being alerted, seven fire engines were rushed to the spot and the firefighting operation was launched. The fire was brought under control this morning. At present, a cooling operation was underway at the site," the civic body's fire officer said, reported PTI. The cause of the fire is being ascertained, he said. In another incident, a 50-year-old man was injured after a portion of a balcony collapsed on him at a factory in Bhiwandi town of Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday, a civic official said, reported PTI. The incident occurred at a factory in the Kaneri area of the town around 1.30 pm, the official said, reported PTI. The victim Rafique Khan sustained a head injury when a portion of the balcony fell on him, and he was rushed to a hospital, civic disaster management officer Faisal Tatli said, reported PTI. Local firemen reached the scene and carried out rescue and relief operations, he said, reported PTI. On Friday, a minor fire broke out in a mosque at Mumbra in Thane city of Maharashtra, a civic official said, reported PTI. Nobody was injured in the incident that occurred on the first floor of the Darul Falah mosque in Shimla Park locality, Thane civic body's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said, reported PTI. One air conditioner (AC) unit was completely gutted in the blaze that was extinguished in 15 minutes, he said, reported PTI. People had started assembling for the Friday 'namaz' (prayer) on the ground floor of the mosque when the incident took place, the official said, reported PTI.
10 January,2025 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has voiced strong concerns about the escalating crime rates in Pune, questioning the effectiveness of senior police officials despite the state’s provision of ample resources. Speaking to the media, Pawar, who also represents this part of Maharashtra, stated, “The Maharashtra Chief Minister and I have taken cognisance of this issue. We are fully aware of the deteriorating law and order situation in Pune, and there will be no tolerance for political interference in addressing it.” According to ANI, the Deputy CM highlighted the availability of substantial infrastructure and manpower, including new offices for the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Commissioner of Police (CP) in Pimpri Chinchwad. Despite these resources, he expressed dissatisfaction with the police's inability to curb the rising crime rates. “Despite so much freedom and so many facilities—including infrastructure, housing, and newly established offices for the SP and CP in Pimpri Chinchwad—senior police officers are failing to control crime,” Pawar remarked. He went on to suggest that if the current officers were unable to manage the situation, they should acknowledge their limitations. “If they cannot handle it, they should inform us so we can appoint more capable officers to tackle this menace,” he added. Pawar assured that immediate action would be taken to rectify the situation, stating that he would hold a review meeting with senior officials to assess the issue and explore potential administrative changes. Meanwhile, ANI reports that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late NCP politician Baba Siddique, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation into his father’s murder. Speaking after a meeting with Mumbai Police’s Joint Commissioner of the Crime Branch, Lakhmi Gautam, Siddique criticised the law enforcement authorities, claiming that law and order in Mumbai had been reduced to a “joke.” “I provided the names of individuals I suspect in my father’s murder. However, the police have yet to question all of them or record their statements. This is deeply disappointing,” Siddique told the media, according to ANI. Baba Siddique was shot dead near his son’s office in Mumbai’s Nirmal Nagar on October 12 by three assailants. Siddique alleged that the narrative blaming the Bishnoi gang for the crime was pre-emptive and demanded that the accused, if linked to the gang, be extradited to India. “I will now meet Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was my father’s friend, to seek justice,” Siddique stated, reaffirming his commitment to pursuing all possible avenues to ensure a fair investigation. (With inputs from ANI)
10 January,2025 09:35 AM IST | MumbaiLoss sharpens gratitude. The passing of Pritish Nandy takes me – and dozens of colleagues under his editorship of The Illustrated Weekly of India – back to the 1980s. Fresh from college, and hungry for journalism, we lucked out with this helmsman. Who brought politics and poetry to the post in good measure. Who called a spade a spade, no matter the consequences. Who believed enough in the youngest team members, sending them to confidently interact with the most famous and fearless. If he broke candid interviews with every reigning public figure, he as generously trusted us with those we held in gawping awe, typical of journos wet behind the ears. I trod with trepidation filing a first half-pager on Aubrey Menen, whose Rama Retold was among the earliest books banned in the country. Followed by a detailed profile of Pranab Mukherjee on becoming Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha after his finance minister tenure. “What’s to worry? Ace it. Just get your facts damn right,” Nandy said, emboldening rookie reporter me. Pritish Nandy during a book launch in Mumbai in 2011. File pic When Wole Soyinka won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, I was assigned a salutary story. His editorial brief suggested I go with the idea the Swedish Academy cored in its statement: “In a wide cultural perspective with poetic overtones Soyinka fashions the drama of existence.” He loved my title to the piece. “The Maverick”. After all, wasn’t that quintessential Nandy too? That was the time I handled the copy for Maneka Gandhi’s column called “Heads & Tails”. I enjoyed the fire and ire with which she championed animal rights. Yet, quaked to the tips of my Kolhapuris when she strode into the magazine’s fourth-floor office unannounced one morning, “to meet the person producing my page”. I needn’t have shivered. Standing beside my table in a crisp blue chikan kurta, she said, “Nice.” Expectations ran high at the Weekly desk. Parallel with the insistence on rigour of thought and expression, Nandy (with deputies Sailesh Kottary, Sherna Gandhy and Nikhil Lakshman), dinned into us the vital importance of thinking visually. Nothing available online; even chunky box computers hadn’t made an appearance. We scurried to the reference library for pictures. Alongside, brilliant photo essays were commissioned by lensmen and women of the international ilk of Ram Rahman and Jaywant Ullal. A very young Dayanita Singh would quietly visit. Not to mention our ed’s several painter friends, led by Husain himself. So, we surrendered writers’ darlings with ease. Till today, seldom will Illustrated Weekly proteges get huffy about cutting their own text in order to fit a fine photo or other artistic image. We wound text compatibly around the creativity of in-house illustrators and caricaturists. Equality over ego. Rare in subsequent editorial and art departments we worked with. Thinking visually is a lasting lesson. Also essential to being a Weekly-ite was another quality exhortation: think laterally. Out of the box. Kaafi hatke. He’d say, “Think laterally” at the start of each gathering in his cabin to plot the next week’s pages. A fat 72 of them. Packed with inspiration. Replete with exposes of crooked chief ministers, fake godmen and similar holy cows. Conceived by a man in his brave prime then. No doubt certain later exposes slanted towards personal ambition and controversial scoops. We’re able to separate the debate and questions surrounding some of his editorial policies, to appreciate much else. Mainly, how he had every writer’s back. The readiness with which he granted carte blanche to feature writers and investigative reporters helped critique innumerable establishment excesses. Never did we dare submit sloppily dashed-off opinionated pieces. “What are you really saying here!” he’d storm. The rage was undeniably there. But as strong came the compliments on a job well done. It was great learning all the way. Mere months before the death of AFS “Bobby” Talyarkhan in July 1990, I panicked. Nandy had slotted me to write a 10-page cover story on the legendary commentator at the Cricket Club of India over a series of Sunday afternoons. “I know little about sport, especially this game,” I pleaded. “Exactly why you should be doing it,” he responded. Touche. Thank you, man of many surprises and mentor to more than you realised.
10 January,2025 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Meher MarfatiaMotorists travelling via the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) towards Andheri via the Western Express Highway (WEH) can look forward to seamless travel without stopping at the Vakola signal. The elevated connector road passing over the WEH is expected to open for traffic by May. The crucial construction of the girder over the northbound stretch of the Kalina-Vakola flyover on WEH has been completed, and the girder launch over the southbound stretch of the WEH and Kalina-Vakola flyover is scheduled for completion by January 20. “The work on the connector, including the cable-stayed bridge passing over the WEH and Kalina-Vakola flyover, will be completed by May, after which it will be opened for traffic. The launching of the girder over the northbound stretch of the Kalina-Vakola flyover is complete, and the 40-metre girder work over the southbound carriageway will start next Saturday and finish by January 20,” said an MMRDA official. During a recent visit to the site, this reporter observed that the girder over the northbound carriageway has been completed. The structure will feature a cable-stayed bridge over the Western Express Highway and Kalina-Vakola flyover. This elevated connector is notable for incorporating India's first sharp curvature span with an orthotropic steel deck supported by cable stays. The landing ramp, including safety walls, has been completed, and street lamps are currently being installed. The orthotropic steel deck (OSD) of the connector weighs 1,780 tonnes, measures 215 metres in length, and has a width of 17.5 metres, taking into account a 7.5-metre-wide carriageway. The cable-stayed bridge stands 22 metres above ground and nine metres above the Vakola flyover. Currently, motorists travelling from the SCLR to the Vakola junction via the Western Express Highway face significant traffic congestion near the Vakola signal due to the ongoing construction and traffic signals. Once completed, the bridge will enhance connectivity from the Vakola nullah to Panbai International School on WEH and provide faster access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
10 January,2025 08:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe terrace of ‘The Chambers’ at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Colaba was a picturesque backdrop for US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti's talk—’Peace and the role of the US-India defence and security partnership’. Garcetti's tenure concludes in India this month. The Gateway of India stood like an imposing sentinel in the background and Thursday's late morning sunbeams glanced off the sea water. Garcetti began, “India is a place that touches my heart. In Mumbai, one can see the past, reflect on the present and get a glimpse of the future.” For humanity The ambassador referenced the late former US president Jimmy Carter and his ties to India, as he said, “This is not just any other day but a National Day of Mourning in the USA.” Carter was honoured at a State funeral in Washington on Thursday. Garcetti recalled, “One of Carter's famous service to humanity projects was volunteering with ‘Habitat for Humanity’.” Habitat for Humanity is a global non-profit housing organisation with a vision of a world where everyone has a place to live. People matter Of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Garcetti stated: “This, the Taj is sacred ground. This is an iconic hotel, rich with history. It has immense significance. We recently marked 16 years of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. This was one of the places where we also witnessed the bravery of this country.” Looking beyond Mumbai, Garcetti said that India and the US “are two great nations that know they have a responsibility that goes beyond their borders. We take care of our own whether it be through vaccines, international trade... but we think of the world too.” The crux of Garcetti's speech was peace, with him stressing, “Peace is not just military. It is also about people-to-people contact and understanding.” Defence ties Having said that, Garcetti did touch upon the US-India defence partnership, with, “…developing weapons together and the fact that today, we are not just selling systems to India, we are making systems ‘with’ India. At one meeting with President Joe Biden and PM Narendra Modi, one statement that was made stuck with me. It was: ‘The next 10 years will change how we fight wars and maintain peace more than the last 100 years have’”. This underscored Garcetti's point that it is technology and people that make a partnership, not just one factor. Robust military partnerships between both nations underlined the people-to-people relationship. He added, “We are the two largest democracies in the world and have allegiance to certain shared values. It is not about might is right, but right is might.” Terrorism The ambassador highlighted combating ills like the drug trade, trafficking and call centre scams together and facing the threat of terrorism, including on the Red Sea. Garcetti spoke about terror groups who operate beyond borders, deradicalisation through reaching out to communities on the periphery, and how peace is linked to prosperity. One example of partnership in combating terrorism, Garcetti said was the Tahawwur Rana case. In August 2024, a US court approved sending the 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana to India under the India-US extradition treaty. India is speeding up the process of bringing him to face trial. Economic growth When Garcetti spoke about how peace is linked to prosperity, he highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)—a planned economic corridor to bolster economic development by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe. He reminded that peace “is a daily exercise” at the end as he signed off stating, “At the core, India and US share one heart.” Pigeons sailed into view in the distance around the Gateway of India, as an interaction session began, the birds flying high, symbolising that challenges and differences may crop up in this partnership, but the resilient relationship will soar to heights.
10 January,2025 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe latest police investigation into the Sanpada shooting incident in Navi Mumbai, which took place on January 3, reveals that 40-year-old Santosh Gawli, who has been identified as the main accused behind the incident, and another unidentified shooter have frequently been changing locations to evade capture. Police said that the accused had fled towards Panvel after the incident, where their digital trail ended. Through technical investigations and informants, police have managed to locate the duo near the Maharashtra border, where they are suspected of hiding. “Gawli has been using a burner phone to contact his family to let them know he is doing alright and occasionally asking for money. He is changing SIM cards and sometimes using WhatsApp calls, thinking it won’t allow us to track him. However, we have his tower location, and they will soon be apprehended,” said a police officer on the condition of anonymity. Police scrutinised over 100 CCTV cameras to identify the suspects Two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at Rajaram Thoke, 48, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market's garbage disposal and collection department contractor. The assailants had fired five to six rounds before fleeing the scene. Currently stable, Thoke was shot four times near D-Mart. Gawli, a former contractor at the APMC, is also suspected to be the mastermind behind the incident. According to the police, Gawli was driven by jealousy after losing the contract, which was his sole source of income. Two years ago, after losing the contract to Thoke, Gawli began driving an auto rickshaw to make ends meet. Further investigations have revealed that two months ago, Gawli started planning to end Thoke’s life. He enlisted the help of a shooter, who guided him in sourcing a pistol and devising a plan to execute the crime.Gawli and the shooter conducted reconnaissance to track Thoke’s daily movements and routine, police sources revealed. The Sanpada police and the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch are collectively investigating the case.
10 January,2025 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerADVERTISEMENT
