Videos
Aurangzeb tomb controversy: Why Maharashtra govt cannot remove Aurangzeb's grave
Recently, Maharashtra has been buzzing with controversy surrounding the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, located in Khuldabad, in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. This issue gained momentum after the release of the Bollywood film Chhaava, which depicts the life of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his struggle against Aurangzeb in the 17th century. The film has sparked widespread discussions. The Aurangzeb controversy blew up more after Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi praised the Mughal emperor. In response, right-wing groups and politicians called for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb. This has led to heated protests across the state, particularly from Hindu nationalist groups such as the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Violent incidents were reported, including unrest in Nagpur, following rumors of a desecration of a holy book. Protests took place in several districts including Pune, Kolhapur, Nashik, Malegaon, Nagpur, and Ahilyanagar. In Kolhapur, the VHP even destroyed a mock tomb, while in Pune, the Bajrang Dal organized a demonstration, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and using hammers to express their anger. Amid growing calls for the destruction of Aurangzeb’s tomb, many have questioned whether the Maharashtra government can take action. Can the tomb be demolished? Well, the answer is clear: The Maharashtra government cannot demolish Aurangzeb's tomb. The tomb is a protected monument, listed under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a "Monument of National Importance."
20 March,2025 05:56 PM IST
Massive fire hits furniture markets in Azad Chowk, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
A massive fire broke out early this morning at the furniture shops in Azad Chowk, located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. The blaze erupted around 5:00 AM in the Central Naka area, which is known for selling furniture and vehicle spare parts. Several shops were gutted by the flames. Fire tenders rushed to the spot and worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control. Tankers of water were brought in to assist with the firefighting efforts as a large crowd gathered outside the burning shops. Footage from the scene showed the charred remains of the affected shops. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Inspector Dilip provided a brief update on the situation, confirming that the fire has been brought under control, but the cause remains unclear. The Central Naka area has suffered significant damage, but thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far.
20 March,2025 11:21 AM IST
Maharashtra Polls 2024: Political analyst analyses vote count
Political analyst dissects the Maharashtra polls 2024, highlighting the intensified battle for power. With stakes soaring, every counted ballot carries immense significance, as each party vies for supremacy in the state's political landscape. The analyst scrutinizes the shifting alliances, strategic maneuvers, and the pulse of the electorate, offering insights into the emerging trends and potential outcomes. As the electoral drama unfolds, Maharashtra finds itself at a critical juncture, where every move and decision could shape the destiny of the state for years to come.
18 March,2025 06:18 PM IST
Aurangzeb controversy: Here's what Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said
The controversy over Aurangzeb's tomb has sparked a nationwide debate. On March 18, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde made a strong statement, saying that no one in Maharashtra will accept those who support Aurangzeb. His comments come as the debate continues to grow, with many people divided over Aurangzeb's legacy in Indian history. The issue has led to protests and discussions among different political groups, with some opposing the honor given to historical figures like Aurangzeb, while others believe his role in history should be recognized.
18 March,2025 04:34 PM IST
Aurangzeb's tomb removal demand causes chaos in Maharashtra
On March 17, members of the Bajrang Dal staged a protest in front of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb located in Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). The demonstrators were seen raising slogans against the government, calling for action on the matter. The protest comes after Bajrang Dal leader Nitin Mahajan made a public demand for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in the region. This call for action has been supported by other political and religious groups, including Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam. Nirupam backed the demand from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the tomb's removal, stating that such a demand was not unreasonable given the ongoing debate in the country over Aurangzeb’s historical actions. In response to the protests and growing tension around the issue, security forces have been deployed at the site of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to maintain law and order. This controversy highlights the ongoing debates over historical figures and their legacies, with some groups calling for changes to the public memory associated with them. The Maharashtra government has yet to make any official statement regarding the demand.
17 March,2025 05:14 PM IST
Pune: Pune police uses road roller to destroy 1768 illegal silencers in the city
In a major crackdown, 1768 modified silencers were seized and destroyed using a road roller by the Pune police. The action was taken after multiple complaints were received about deafening bike noise disrupting residential areas. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar had ordered action against such modified silencers. “A dedicated campaign was initiated to regulate silencers, and moving forward, action will also be taken against garage owners selling or installing such silencers. We direct vehicle owners to follow proper traffic rules and regulations,” an official stated.
15 March,2025 03:59 PM IST
Bhayandar: Shocking knife attack on Police constable, two arrested
A routine police response turned violent in Bhayandar on Friday evening when constable Kashinath Bhanuse was brutally attacked with a knife. Bhanuse, who was in plain clothes, had rushed to Babu Bhai Mistry Chawl in Shiv Sena Galli after reports of a heated dispute. But instead of diffusing the situation, he became a victim himself—stabbed by two men, identified as Babu Nepali and Dilip Bhimbahadur. Senior Police Inspector Jitendra Kamble acted swiftly, ensuring the accused were arrested immediately.
15 March,2025 02:37 PM IST
Minister Nitish Rane launches 'Malhar Certification' for Hindu meat traders in M
Maharashtra's Fisheries and Port Development Minister, Nitish Rane, has launched the 'Malhar Certification' to distinguish mutton shops that are run exclusively by members of the Hindu community. The initiative aims to ensure that customers can purchase meat from shops that meet specific community-based standards, with a focus on hygiene and authenticity. The 'Malhar Certification' guarantees that these shops are 100% owned by Hindus, and Rane has stressed that the meat sold in certified shops will be free from adulteration. He encouraged the public to only buy mutton from these certified vendors, highlighting the importance of supporting businesses that adhere to these strict standards. Rane explained that the certification would not only provide better options for Hindus and Sikhs, ensuring access to non-Halal meat but also help financially empower the youth in the Hindu community. The certification seeks to unite Hindu butchers under a single platform and promote the sale of Jhatka meat, which involves a specific method of slaughter that does not follow ritualistic practices. According to the Malhar certification’s official website, the certified meat is described as "fresh, clean, free from saliva contamination," and not mixed with meat from other animals. It also specifies that only vendors from the Hindu Khatik community are authorized to sell under this certification, ensuring the meat's authenticity and compliance with community standards.
11 March,2025 05:30 PM IST
Ajit Pawar tables Rs 7.20 Lakh crore budget for Maharashtra - WATCH
Maharashtra’s Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar said that the state’s new budget aims to strengthen the state financially and promote development. He highlighted that ongoing schemes, like Ladli Behena and electricity charge waivers for farmers, continue. The budget is a record Rs 7.20 Lakh Crores, with increased funds for tribals (40%) and SCs (42%). He emphasized that the budget caters to all groups, including women, farmers, and workers, ensuring everyone’s needs are met. Pawar explained that the budget is balanced and focuses on the next five years, creating a roadmap for long-term growth. He added that the previous budget was for elections, while this one reflects the mandate received from voters for a full-term government.
11 March,2025 11:21 AM IST
Mumbai Metro One to launch shuttle service between Andheri & Ghatkopar
If you’re one of the many Mumbaikars who commute daily between Andheri and Ghatkopar, we’ve got some exciting news that’s bound to make your journey smoother! Mumbai Metro One, the city’s first elevated metro corridor is launching a shuttle service between Andheri and Ghatkopar to improve service frequency and accommodate more passengers during peak hours on the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar line, one of the busiest routes in the city. This will help reduce wait times for commuters. From 8:30 am to 10:30 am in the morning and 6 pm to 8 pm in the evening, Metro One will operate shorter trips between Ghatkopar and Andheri—skipping the longer route to Versova. Why is this so important? Watch video to find out.
10 March,2025 05:41 PM IST