The Bombay High Court on Monday said the trial in last year's Badlapur sexual assault case should be fast-tracked and conducted expeditiously as the victim girls are very young, reported news agency PTI. In August last year, a male attendant sexually assaulted two girls - aged four and five - inside the toilet of their school located in the Badlapur area of Maharashtra's Thane district. He was arrested and later killed in a shootout with police when he was being taken from jail for questioning, reported PTI. The Special Investigation (SIT), set up by the Maharashtra government to conduct a probe into the Badlapur sexual assault case, has filed its chargesheet. The chargesheet was filed against the attendant, the school's headmaster and two members of its management for "failing to report" the sexual assault, as required under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, reported PTI. The high court took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the incident after it came to light that the local Badlapur police had not taken prompt action to lodge an FIR in the Badlapur sexual assault case. On Monday, public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar informed the bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale that the probe into the case was over, a chargesheet was filed and now trial would be held. The court then emphasised the need to keep the trial fast-tracked. "The case will have to be fast-tracked and conducted expeditiously as the victim girls are of a very young age," the court said, reported PTI. As mandated under the POCSO Act, a woman prosecutor would have to be present while examining the girls, it added. Venegaonkar said a lady prosecutor has been appointed to assist the special public prosecutor in the case. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on January 20, by which the prosecution will have to inform the stage of the trial. Last year, the bench also ordered for a committee of experts to be set up to examine the safety of children in schools and other educational institutions, reported PTI. Venegaonkar on Monday said the committee was yet to submit its report of recommendations. The HC said that if by the next date of hearing the report is submitted, the same shall be produced before it too. Venegaonkar also told the court that as per the Maharashtra government's policy, the education of the girls would be free of cost till Class 8. "A proposal has been made to make their (victim girls) education free for classes 9 and 10 too," he said, reported PTI. On January 20, the HC would also hear the petition filed by the father of the deceased attendant, alleging his son was killed in a fake encounter by police. (With inputs from PTI)
13 January,2025 01:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBEST bus services have been affected as the wet lease company workers have gone on a flash strike at Sion Pratiksha Nagar and Dharavi bus depots since this morning. BEST bus services were disrupted as wet lease workers staged a flash strike at Sion Pratiksha Nagar and Dharavi depots. The protest was triggered by the alleged mistreatment of a pregnant conductor denied light duties by a manager. Workers also cited delayed salaries, low… pic.twitter.com/iybVJAaddq — Mid Day (@mid_day) January 13, 2025 The immediate trigger for this strike seems "insulting treatment" meted out to a pregnant lady conductor by employees of the wet lease company. BEST commuters lamented that services of a once trusted and reliable undertaking have now become so unpredictable. As per preliminary information, a lady bus conductor in her advanced stage of pregnancy sought light duties from the company manager, who denied it and insulted the lady. This has led to other employees protesting, leading to a flash strike. The employees have also been upset about low and delayed salaries. According to the information received, the bus conductors and drivers are not receiving their salaries on time and there are various demands that they should be hired as permanent workers. The workers belong to the wet lease company Mateshwari Urban Transport, which is operational at Santacruz, Majas, Wadala, Mulund besides Dharavi and Sion Pratiksha Nagar. The wet-lease employees have been raising issue of better wages and also demanding better amenities at bus depots. The undertaking has said it will penalise contractors and levy fines. According to the BEST undertaking, an incident of assault at the Pratiksha Nagar Depot has resulted in significant disruptions to bus services across the city. The confrontation involved Mathadi Workers Union Secretary, Pradeep Magare, and Supriya S. Kadam, a pregnant female conductor from the Mateshwari Bus Company, and Depot Manager Salim Khatri. "The altercation took place between 2:15 PM and 2:45 PM on January 10 when Pradeep Magare visited the Anik Depot Manager, accompanied by Supriya S. Kadam, ID number 122 966. The visit aimed to request lighter duties for Kadam due to her pregnancy. However, tensions escalated when Salim Khatri reportedly called Kadam for a meeting, leading to a misunderstanding and subsequent assault by Magare and Kadam," the BEST undertaking said in a statement. A case has been registered at the Wadala Truck Terminal Police Station. "BEST security officers, the depot managers, and the involved parties are cooperating with the police investigation. The Deputy Superintendent of Police for Dharavi and Pratiksha Nagar has also been summoned for further inquiries," the BEST undertaking said. In response to the incident, employees at the Pratiksha Nagar and Anik depots staged protests, impacting the operation of approximately 210 buses — 110 at Pratiksha Nagar and 100 at Dharavi. The protests underline the unrest among the workers, emphasising the need for swift resolution and measures to prevent future incidents. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and more details are expected to emerge as the situation develops, said the BEST undertaking.
13 January,2025 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAmid speculation of internal discord within the INDIA alliance, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said on Monday that, in the coming days, if the INDIA alliance has to be saved and strengthened, dialogue between alliance partners is necessary, reported news agency ANI. Speaking to the media, Raut said, "INDIA alliance should be strong... I don't believe what Omar Abdullah said that the INDIA alliance was formed for Lok Sabha. This alliance was formed for Lok Sabha and we fought well, however after that, no meeting of the INDIA alliance was held, which is unfortunate. This responsibility is of Congress as it is in the role of an elder brother in the alliance... In the coming days, if the INDIA alliance has to be saved and strengthened, then dialogue is necessary between alliance partners." Raut's remarks came after Communist Party of India General Secretary D Raja admitted that the INDIA bloc "stands divided" post-Lok Sabha election 2024. Speaking to ANI, Raja said, "It is a fact that Opposition is divided. It is known to people that in Delhi. Assembly election AAP is contesting on its own, Congress is contesting on its own, Left parties are contesting wherever they are capable of putting up a fight and among other parties, certain parties have declared support to AAP. So, it is a fact that the INDIA bloc stands divided." Several BJP leaders have also claimed that the INDIA alliance has 'no mission' and is 'scattered.' On Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the INDIA bloc, claiming that the alliance has 'completely disintegrated,' citing examples of the alliance not fighting the Delhi assembly polls and Mumbai municipal corporation polls together. "Today the INDIA alliance has completely disintegrated. Mumbai is going to have elections and Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are preparing to contest alone. Just like you gave us a grand victory in Maharashtra, in the same way, the BJP government is going to be formed," HM Shah said. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that the alliance lacks a clear mission and is solely driven by personal ambitions and confusion. He also claimed that parties of the INDIA bloc pretend to be united due to their personal ambitions. Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said, "The INDIA alliance has no mission, no vision, only personal ambitions and confusion. Due to these ambitions and confusion, they pretend to be united. In Delhi, the Samajwadi Party, TMC, and others have distanced themselves from Congress." (With inputs from ANI)
13 January,2025 01:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe police said that a man was killed and another person injured when a truck driven by a minor boy collided with two auto-rickshaws before falling into a pit at a Metro construction site in Maharashtra's Thane city on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The 15-year-old truck driver was later detained, they said. The incident took place at 2.30 am near Suraj Water Park on the city's arterial Ghodbunder Road and traffic on the route was affected for some time, the police said while sharing an update on the Thane accident, reported PTI. The truck driver lost control over the wheels following which the vehicle collided with two auto-rickshaws parked by the roadside and then plunged into a pit at a Metro construction site, traffic police officials said while sharing an update on the Thane accident, reported PTI. Local resident Jitendra Mohan Kamble (31), who was in one of the auto-rickshaws, was injured and rushed to a government hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival, they said, reported PTI. An occupant of the other auto-rickshaw also received serious injuries and was undergoing treatment at the hospital, the police said. The Kasarvadavali police detained the underage driver and registered an FIR against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act, they said. The traffic police later removed the damaged truck and the auto-rickshaws with the help of a towing vehicle and restored smooth traffic flow on the road. Eight dead, several injured as tempo rams into truck carrying iron rods in Nashik Eight persons were killed and several others injured after a tempo and truck collided on Sunday at Dwarka Circle in Maharashtra's Nashik district, a police official said, reported PTI. The incident took place near an Ayyappa temple at 7:30pm, he added. "There were 16 passengers in the tempo, which was on its way to CIDCO area. They were returning from a religious event in Niphad. The tempo driver lost control of the vehicle and rear-ended the truck carrying iron rods. Some of the deaths took place on the spot. Some of the injured are critical," the official said, reported PTI. Rescue operations were started by police and fire brigade personnel along with residents and passersby in the congested stretch immediately, he added. The injured are recuperating at the district hospital and in some private facilities, the official said. There is likelihood of the death toll rising since some of the passengers have sustained grievous injuries, police and health officials informed. (With inputs from PTI)
13 January,2025 01:14 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA 39-year-old motorcyclist, who was out with his wife and 10-year-old son on Sunday evening, suffered serious injuries when a banned synthetic plastic manja got entangled around his neck in the Madhuban area of Vasai, where a kite festival is organised by Suraksha Smart City. The victim Vikram Dange works in the sales department of an automobile company. His wife immediately removed her dupatta and wrapped it around his neck before he was taken to a nearby hospital. “A total nine stitches were administered at a multi-speciality hospital in Vasai,” said his wife Neetal Dange. Neetal told mid-day, “My husband was riding the motorcycle, and I was sitting pillion with our 10-year-old son. When we reached the Madhuban area, my husband suddenly screamed, ‘Arey, arey!’. I turned to see a cobweb of sharp kite strings around his neck. “By the time I could hold these strings my husband’s neck was badly cut. After he stopped the motorcycle, I immediately removed my dupatta and wrapped it around his neck which had started to ooze blood. His T-shirt got stained with blood. It was a scary moment for us, but none of the passers-by came to help us,” Neetal said. “I called my husband’s friends who were nearby and they immediately arrived and rushed him to a hospital. There was a deep wound around his neck and he received nine stitches,” Neetal said. “Strong legal action must be taken against the organiser of this ongoing kite festival which has risked the lives of many people. Who permitted them to organise a kite festival using the banned manja? And what is the police doing? Do the police wait for someone like my husband to get injured to initiate action? I will submit a complaint against this organiser. I won’t spare anyone in this matter,” Neetal added. A team from Valiv police station rushed to the spot and the kite festival was suspended for a while. At the time of going to the press, the cops had been conducting panchanama at the accident spot.“We will record the statement of the victim in this matter and initiate legal action,” said a police officer.
13 January,2025 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaThe BMC has decided to procure mobile dust suction vans, which will be deployed in every ward to tackle air pollution caused by construction dust. According to data from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, construction dust is a significant contributor to Mumbai’s air pollution, accounting for around 28-30 per cent of total pollution. To address this issue, the BMC has implemented a 28-point dust mitigation guideline for construction sites. Now, the BMC plans to introduce dust suction vans. “These will be deployed in every ward. We are currently evaluating the effectiveness of these machines. Each machine is estimated to cost R40 lakh,” a civic official said. Officials also mentioned considering the addition of dust suction units to BEST buses. “We will prioritise areas with severe dust problems in every ward, and these machines will move around different parts of the ward,” the official added. The dust collection system installed in these vehicles operates as a single-stage vacuum unit. It creates suction, performs air filtration, and deposits the collected dust into a container. The air is recirculated through a filter to trap smaller particles. Additionally, the BMC has banned construction at 191 sites that failed to comply with the dust mitigation guidelines. As per the guidelines, construction sites must enclose buildings under construction on all four sides with green cloth, jute, or tarpaulin. A 25-foot-high sheet or metal covering is required around the construction project, along with regular water spraying, the use of misting plants, scientific storage and transportation of debris, air quality monitoring sensors, and vehicle wheel washing facilities. Furthermore, project promoters, building developers, and mechanical/electrical contractors are required to prepare an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
13 January,2025 11:23 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThere has been a frenzy surrounding the sale of branded sneakers on Instagram, with people rushing to grab the best pair, often without verifying the authenticity of the shoes, despite sellers’ claims of legitimacy. To investigate, undercover reporters from mid-day logged into various online platforms and contacted several sellers, uncovering an extensive network of counterfeit sneaker vendors operating out of Agra. Astonishingly, as the investigation deepened, it was revealed that nearly every house in the area doubles as a factory outlet for mass-producing counterfeit sneakers at throwaway prices. Mimicking designs of OG The sneaker fanatics, driving the high-end sneaker market, have turned sneakers into a cornerstone of fashion, blurring the lines between athletic wear and luxury. The craze for limited-edition releases and exclusive collaborations has fuelled demand, making sneakers a symbol of status, culture, and style. Fake Air Jordan purchased by mid-day. Pic/Ashish Raje (right) Fake Adidas Samba purchased by mid-day. Pic/Ashish Raje As the market evolved, demand for high-end sneakers skyrocketed, with prices reaching astronomical levels in secondary markets. Simultaneously, the rise of ‘first copy’ sneakers—high-quality replicas mimicking coveted originals—gained traction among budget-conscious buyers. These enthusiasts, passionate about stylish footwear yet constrained financially, seek deals and alternatives to expensive limited-edition releases. The counterfeiters not only replicate the look of branded sneakers but also imitate packaging, including trademarks, to deceive buyers. Counterfeiters in Agra revealed to mid-day that they source soles, laces, and packaging materials from nearby markets, including Delhi/NCR and Ludhiana. Agra, a manufacturing hub mid-day discovered that Hing Ki Mandi in Agra is a hub for manufacturing first-copy branded sports shoes. Almost every house in the area is involved in this illegal activity, selling replicas locally and exporting them across India. Manufacturers sell these shoes to wholesalers for as little as R240–R400 per pair, regardless of exclusive branding. mid-day reporter with the fake shoes. Pics/Ashish Raje During a three-day investigation, undercover reporters visited multiple manufacturing units in Agra, posing as wholesalers and retailers. They discovered that small houses in Hing Ki Mandi produce 200–300 pairs of shoes daily. Materials, including soles from Jalandhar and branded cloth from Delhi, are assembled by labourers who heat and paste the soles onto the upper materials. History of Hing Ki Mandi Historically, Hing Ki Mandi was renowned for the asafoetida (hing) trade during the Mughal era of Akbar and Shah Jahan. Today, it has transformed into a hub for counterfeit sneaker production. Counterfeiting operations in Agra have existed for over a decade, with techniques passed down through generations. Mad rush for sneakers Sneaker releases have become much-anticipated events, often creating chaotic scenes in retail stores. Shoppers queue for hours to snag coveted pairs, as budget-conscious buyers celebrate scoring deals in retail stores while resale prices skyrocket online. Fake Adidas Samba shoes at the manufacturing unit The rise of online platforms has further fuelled the global sneaker trade, cementing sneakers as a cultural and fashion staple driven by passionate fans and savvy marketers. To understand the world of first-copy sneakers, a mid-day undercover reporter spent three days in Agra, purchasing samples directly from local manufacturers. The reporter found that bulk orders significantly reduced prices, making replicas even more affordable. Day 1: December 19, 2024Kaibo Shoes Manufacturer, Loha Mandi, Agra, UP mid-day contacted Kaibo Shoes Manufacturer via IndiaMART and visited their manufacturing unit in Loha Mandi. Reporter: I am looking for first-copy branded shoes. I’m a retailer in Mumbai, where there is a high demand for them. Can you share the price range and show me some samples?Manufacturer: We offer first copies of many brands, such as Adidas, Puma, Nike, Air Jordan, and others. Will they look the same as the original? What about the quality?Manufacturer: Yes, the quality will be identical to what you need. However, you must purchase a minimum of one carton, which includes 40 pairs in various colours and sizes. Shoaib, manufacturer in Agra Can I take some samples to show my partner in Mumbai?Manufacturer: We don’t provide individual samples from cartons, but we can give you sample pairs of first-copy brands.The reporter purchased six pairs of sample shoes (Puma, Adidas, Nike) for Rs 3,500. Day 2: December 20, 2024 (Morning)Sultanpura, Agra Manufacturer Shoaib: We can manufacture first copies of any brand you want. Just show us the brand’s photo, and we’ll make it for you. Reporter: Do you have any sample pairs?Shoaib: Yes, we have first copies of Nike shoes. We are currently manufacturing 300 pairs for a customer. Manufacturer at Agra Reporter: What is the cost?Shoaib: Rs 280 per pair. Reporter: That’s impressive—it looks just like the original!Shoaib: Yes, check the market rate. It’s very expensive. You can easily sell it for Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 in the market. We supply these products to Mumbai, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and many parts of Maharashtra. The reporter verified online that the original Nike shoes were priced at R7,085 on the official Nike website. Shoaib: We have two colours in this Nike edition—red and green.Reporter: How do you manufacture these shoes?Shoaib: All materials are sourced—soles from Jalandhar and branded cloth from Delhi. At home, labourers assemble the materials, heat the soles twice, and paste them onto the upper materials.The reporter purchased one sample pair of Nike Sega first-copy shoes for R280. (Evening) Hing Ki Mandi After extensive searching, the reporters found the hub of shoe manufacturing units in Hing Ki Mandi, where almost every house produces first-copy branded shoes.Manufacturer: We have been running this manufacturing unit for many years. We make the first copies of all major brands. Reporter: Show the shoes.Manufacturer: We source materials from Delhi factories and produce brands like Adidas, Puma, Nike, Skechers, and Air Jordan. You can get these first copies for Rs 260-Rs 350. The manufacturer explained the process, which takes 8–10 days for bulk orders. However, the reporter did not purchase shoes from this manufacturer. Day 3: Dec 21, 2024Hing Ki Mandi The manufacturer took the reporter to his unit, which had three floors: Ground Floor: Storage for finished products.First Floor: Manufacturing of first-copy sports shoes.Second Floor: Manufacturing of leather shoes. Manufacturer: We produce 200–300 pairs daily, priced between R240–R300 per pair, and deliver them to Mumbai.The reporter purchased seven pairs of Air Jordan’s first copies for R300 each. These shoes were priced at R28,000 on the official website. Sneaker lovers speak Danish Alfaaz,Singer and rapper Singer and rapper Danish Alfaaz said, “OG is OG. If you’re wearing originals, it feels good because you’ve earned it. But most people can’t afford them, so they go for first copies. I’ve done the same in the past.” Alfaaz stressed the importance of personal style. “The brand stamp makes it unique, but creativity matters more. ‘Bhed Bakri ki chal duniya chalti hai – apne aapko khud design karo’ (Don’t follow the herd; create your own style). Handmade designs and your own brand hold more value than anything else.” Ayush Palande,A third-year mechanical engineering student at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology ”I use branded shoes which give me comfort while walking and running. I feel bad seeing others wearing fake or first copies of branded shoes, but many college students can’t afford to purchase expensive ones. However, we can easily identify the first-copy shoes.” Anurag Kamat, Third-year hotel management student “First copies of shoes should be available in the market for people who can’t afford expensive ones. Shoes are daily necessities, but college students can’t spend Rs 10,000-30,000 on them. It’s true that original sneakers provide comfort but they’re expensive. However, first-copy manufacturing companies should not use the brand names as it damages their brands and affects their business.” Avantika Padalkar, Final-year architecture student ”I never use first-copy sneakers. I only use original brand sneakers which give me comfort. First-copy shoes are not comfortable and look cheap in style. Many college students save money from their pocket money to purchase branded shoes. I think the first-copy market should be shut down as it is damaging brands.” Raftaar Rapper “I’m a sneaker fanatic. I have no objections to replicas because, during my early career, I wore first copies,” rapper Raftaar told mid-day. “I used to buy them from Chor Bazaar for Rs 300 or Palika Bazaar.” Acknowledging the illegality of the replica business, he added, “Once I could afford expensive sneakers, I replaced all my fake with originals.” Raftaar compared replicas to ambition. “Not everyone can afford a luxury car, but they can modify theirs to look like one. People buy replicas out of ambition, and that’s why originals retain their value. Companies often don’t stop counterfeiting for this reason.” “Today, I can’t wear replicas—they’re easily identified in my circle. But I’m not upset seeing others wear them. For many, it’s the start of a dream,” he concluded. Police’s role Last December, Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) police carried out raids at three shops in the Naya Nagar area of Mira Road where shopkeepers had been selling counterfeit branded footwear. Police officers privy to the investigation told mid-day that fake products worth over R12 lakh were confiscated from these retail outlets and three to four people were arrested. The cops had also confiscated cartons bearing logos of branded footwear companies. Counterfeiting issues are dealt with under the Copyright Act, 1957, and Trademarks Act, 1999, said a senior police officer, adding, “In cases of copyright infringement, the aggrieved party approaches us against people selling counterfeit products.” “Based on the complaint of the aggrieved party, an FIR is registered and counterfeit products are seized,” said the police officer. Such cases are investigated by an officer, not below the rank of a sub-inspector. An officer privy to the investigation of an infringement case in Mira Road said, “Sample pieces of counterfeit products are sealed in the presence of panch witnesses and sent to experts to check their quality. The experts issue a certificate, which is crucial in such cases.” “The experts’ observations differentiate between original and fake products available in the market,” said the officer. Though the cops can also take suo moto action in such matters, they generally prefer the aggrieved party to file a complaint.
13 January,2025 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania | Diwakar SharmaDhananjay Deshmukh, the brother of slain sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, has threatened to jump to death from a mobile phone tower in Maharashtra's Beed, claiming information about the murder case probe was not being shared with his family, reported news agency PTI. Reiterating the demand for stringent action against the accused, Dhananjay Deshmukh on Sunday said he feared the evidence might be destroyed and he and his family might meet the same fate as his brother if the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder and a related extortion case are set free. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured, and murdered on December 9, allegedly in retaliation for his efforts to prevent extortion attempts against an energy firm linked to a windmill project, reported PTI. As part of the investigation, police have so far arrested seven persons connected to the case. One of the accused is still absconding. All the eight accused have been booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), as per police, reported PTI. Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, has been arrested in a related extortion case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Maharashtra CID was conducting a probe into the cases. Speaking to reporters in Beed on Sunday night, Dhananjay Deshmukh said, "Thirty five days have passed since my brother's murder. We have faith in the CM (Devendra Fadnavis). I was expecting that information about the investigation will be shared with me. But there is no value of the information if it shared after the evidences are destroyed," reported PTI. Dhananjay Deshmukh said that since day one they have been demanding strict punishment for the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder and the related extortion case. "If the accused (in the murder and extortion cases) are not booked under the MCOCA and on murder charges, I will start an agitation from 10 am on Monday. I will jump from a mobile tower here (in Beed) because once the accused are freed, they will kill me brutally...there will be no one in my family then to seek justice," he said, reported PTI. He claimed his brother's murder was linked to the extortion case. "If my family and I are not provided proper information, then we will have to take a decision, as what happened to my brother may happen to us also," he said. (With inputs from PTI)
13 January,2025 10:14 AM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentThe addition of poor-quality soil during a 2021 beautification project at Shivaji Park has turned the iconic ground into a dust bowl, sparking complaints from residents. The red soil layer, blamed for the dust pollution, continues to plague the area as the BMC delays its decision to remove it. A proposal to level the ground and address the issue has been pending since December 2024, leaving citizens frustrated and choking in the meantime. Shivaji Park was covered in smog last month. File pic/Ashish Raje The proposal was submitted by the G North ward office to tackle the dust problem by removing a 9-inch layer of soil from the ground. According to records, the proposal was tabled in the last week of December 2024. “While removing the soil layer, care must be taken not to disturb the original appearance of the ground,” said a civic official. Officials added that the problem of dust could be significantly reduced as the layer underneath consists of sand-mixed soil. The BMC is consulting experts from IIT Mumbai. Last week, Siddesh Kadam, Chairman of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, visited Shivaji Park and ordered the BMC to take an immediate decision. Shivaji Park, which spans 28 acres or 1.2 square kilometres, consists of 70 per cent soil and 30 per cent green cover. In 2021, as part of a beautification project, the BMC deposited around 250 truckloads of soil at the ground. “Since 2021, the dust problem has only worsened,” said a resident. “The issue becomes especially bad after the monsoon season, the dust issue starts at 10 am and lasts almost all day,” another resident added. Prakash Belvade, a local resident, said, “Citizens have been suffering from the dust at Shivaji Park for years, but the problem has intensified since 2021. At that time, the BMC used dry soil of poor quality, which was spread improperly. Even after sprinkling water, the soil dries within an hour. During storms, the dust even reaches the 13th floor of buildings! Despite repeated complaints, there has been no response from the authorities.” Civic Chief Bhushan Gagrani confirmed that the civic administration has yet to make a final decision regarding the removal of the soil layer. 70 per centArea of park covered in soil
13 January,2025 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde attended the three-day 'Autofest-2025' in Thane, where he reflected on his early days as an auto-rickshaw driver before entering politics, reported ANI. The event featured a stunning display of vintage cars and bikes, which Shinde praised during his visit on Sunday. The Deputy CM shared his thoughts on a social media post, saying, "This time, I not only drove the auto-rickshaw, the vehicle in which I started my life, but also took a nice ride on a Riveco Pure GTI bike and a vintage car." During his visit, Shinde rode and admired several vehicles, including an orange superbike. "Every year, this event showcases an incredible variety of vintage cars and bikes. Visitors get to see everything from Rolls Royce to superbikes. These vehicles, collectively worth over Rs 1,000 crore, are made available for public viewing," Shinde said while addressing car enthusiasts, reported ANI. He highlighted the historical significance of the vehicles, pointing out a 1903 vintage car in the collection and comparing it to newer models, emphasizing the evolution and connection between them. The Autofest, organized by Raymond in collaboration with the Super Car Club Garage (SCCG), marked the centenary celebration of Raymond's operations in Thane. Gautam Singhania, Managing Director of Raymond, was also present at the event. "Attended the 'Autofest-2025' auto car festival, jointly organized by 'Raymond Company' and 'Super Club' to celebrate the centenary of the Raymond Company in the city, and enjoyed seeing many antique two-wheelers and four-wheelers. I also enjoyed riding the Riveco Pure GTI bike on the occasion," Shinde said in a post on X. The event saw participation from several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, former corporator Purvesh Sarnaik, antique vehicle owners, and numerous car enthusiasts. The Transport Minister and Raymond MD were seen riding alongside Shinde in a black vintage car during the event. The Autofest featured around 700 vehicles and was held from January 10 to January 12 at JK Gram, Thane. "State has shown which Shiv Sena is real": Eknath Shinde on Shiv Sena (UBT) workers joining Shiv Sena Following the recent switch of several Shiv Sena (UBT) workers to Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde claimed that the state has already shown which Shiv Sena is the "real" one and accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of betraying the ideology of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. (With inputs from ANI)
13 January,2025 09:44 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe police said that at least six people died while five others were injured in a collision between a tempo and a truck on the Nashik-Mumbai Highway flyover on Sunday, reported news agency ANI. Nashik Police said two of the five injured people are in critical condition and have been receiving treatment in the district hospital. "6 people have lost their lives in an accident between a temp and a mini truck on the Nashik-Mumbai Highway flyover. 5 other people are injured out of which 2 are in critical condition. The injured are being treated at the district hospital," said the Nashik Police, reported ANI. Eight dead, several injured as tempo rams into truck carrying iron rods in Nashik Eight persons were killed and several others injured after a tempo and truck collided on Sunday at Dwarka Circle in Maharashtra's Nashik district, a police official said, reported PTI. The incident took place near an Ayyappa temple at 7:30 pm, he added. "There were 16 passengers in the tempo, which was on its way to the CIDCO area. They were returning from a religious event in Niphad. The tempo driver lost control of the vehicle and rear-ended the truck carrying iron rods. Some of the deaths took place on the spot. Some of the injured are critical," the official said, reported PTI. He added that police and fire brigade personnel, along with residents and passersby, started rescue operations immediately in the congested stretch. The official said the injured are recuperating at the district hospital and in some private facilities. There is a likelihood of the death toll rising since some of the passengers have sustained grievous injuries, police and health officials informed. MSRTC bus hits metro pillar in Thane; 8 sustain minor injuries Eight passengers sustained minor injuries after an MSRTC bus hit a metro rail pillar in Thane, a police official said on Saturday, reported PTI. The incident took place at 6 am on Friday on Pankhanda road near Ovla village and the injured persons were discharged after preliminary treatment, the Kasarvadavali police station official said. "Driver Krishna Adsul (34) was driving the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner. The FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act was registered on the complaint of the MSRTC. He has not been arrested as yet," the official said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
13 January,2025 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
