Mumbai: Elderly woman duped of funds in digital arrest scam, man from Nashik arrested
BHOPAL:After being on the run for more than three weeks, the suspended government doctor, the alleged mastermind of the recently busted inter-state fake Indian currency notes (FICN) racket, has been arrested in Madhya Pradesh's capital, Bhopal. Acting on specific inputs, cops from the special investigation team (SIT) of Khandwa district police, raided a house in Bhopals Bagmugaliya area and arrested Dr Prateek Navlakhe along with his two aides. While the suspended government doctor, 43-year-old Prateek Navlakhe, hails from southwestern MPs Burhanpur district, the two other men arrested from the rented house on Sunday evening have been identified as 35-year-old Gopal alias Rahul (resident of MPs Harda district) and 43-year-old Dinesh Gore (who hails from Amravati-Maharashtra). Suspended MP doctor emerges as mastermind in inter-state fake currency racket busted in Maharashtra Dinesh Gore is the acting principal of a government school in Maharashtra, while Rahul is a property broker. FICN totalling Rs 25,000, nine cell-phones, a laptop, 32 ATM cards, 15 bank cheque books, a dryer machine and other incriminating material have been seized from the arrested trio, Khandwa district police superintendent Manoj Rai said on Monday. With this recent action, FICNs totalling over Rs 30 lakh have so far been seized by the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh police teams from the possession of the seven arrested members of the inter-state racket and their whereabouts since October 30. Importantly, the alleged inter-state FICN racket was busted in Malegaon town of Maharashtras Nashik district on October 30 following the arrest of a Muslim cleric, Maulana Zuber and his key aide, Nazir. The Malegaon cops had seized from the duo, Rs 10 lakhs FICN, which they were to route to various parts of the western state. With Zubair being the Imam of a mosque located in Pethia village of southwestern MPs Khandwa district, the Khandwa district police raided the room where he stayed in the Imambara in Pethia village and recovered Rs 19.78 lakh FICN on November 2. An SIT was subsequently formed by the Khandwa district police superintendent into the entire case, and the two men, including Maulana Zubair, arrested in Malegaon town on October 30, were later brought to Khandwa (MP) for questioning. It was their questioning that confirmed the direction of the police investigation, about the suspended government doctor Pradeep Navlakhe being the mastermind of the inter-state racket. Navlakhes arrest from Bhopal is a breakthrough for us in the case, as he has emerged as the real mastermind of the racket. The laptop seized from the rented house in Bhopal contains details and designs of the FICNs, SP-Khandwa district Manoj Rai said. As per sources associated with the ongoing police probe, investigations strongly suggest many more Maharashtra links in the racket, including some major links in the Vidarbha region. Probe till now suggests that Dr Navlakhe was into FICNs for 4-5 months. Before that, he had also tried his hand at FICN, but failed to succeed completely. Importantly, back in 2022, Navlakhe (who was posted at the Burhanpur district hospital) was accused of opening an account in a private bank in the name of the hospital's peon and then parked around Rs 24 lakh. The account was closed after withdrawing the money. In 2022, Dr Navlakhe was suspended after he sold the hospitals equipment worth Rs 25 lakh as scrap. He was also suspected to be involved in hawala business, cricket betting and human trafficking. The suspended doctor met Mohd Zubair while being lodged in Khandwa jail. Zubair was lodged there in multiple cases of robbery and investment fraud. The Khandwa polices SIT suspect that it was at the Khandwa jail that Navlakhe convinced Zubair to become part of his network of FICN supply racket. Dr Navlakhe had tried his luck with FICN printing in the past and is accused of two to three cases of counterfeit Indian currency notes in Jalgaon and Bhusawal in Maharashtra. Barring Dr Navlakhe, the six others arrested in the case so far were possibly working as agents who searched prospective buyers of the fake currency notes and then supplied them to the customers. For every Rs one lakh, the racket got Rs 30,000 in authentic currency notes from the customers, then distributed to operatives. Ongoing investigations suggest that the finest quality wire used in the FICNs was sourced from China, while the paper was sourced from Maharashtras Vidarbha region. On October 30, when Maulana Zubair, along with an aide, was arrested with Rs 10 FICN in Malegaon (Maharashtra), Dr Navlakhe was present in Pune. With the help of his girlfriend, Dr Navlakhe first came to Bhopal via Burhanpur and later went into hiding in Haridwar (Uttarakhand), before returning and hiding in the rented flat with Dinesh Gores help. While investigations till now have revealed that the income generated from the FICN business was parked by Dr Navlakhe in his girlfriends bank account, the seizure of 32 ATM cards and 15 bank cheque books strongly suggests that the rackets mastermind was also parking alleged crime money in mule accounts.
Two dead and one injured in car accident on Nashik-Mumbai highway
Who Can Join Indian Army Aviation Corps? Check Eligibility And Training Process
Army Aviation Corps Application 2025: All aviators of the Army Aviation Corps are trained at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CATS), located in Nashik, Maharashtra
In the name of the cow | Maharashtras cow vigilantes fuel fear among meat traders, cattle rearers
In a Mumbaichawl, a woman waits for her missing husband. In Nashik, a man is allegedly bludgeoned to death. In Ahilyanagar, a child ends his life after he is allegedly humiliated in a live-streamed video
Skill Over Technology: Lt Gen Seths Message To New Army Aviators In Nashik
To the young aviators beginning their careers, Lt Gen Seth offered a clear, firm reminder of the responsibilities that come with combat flying
Bombay high court suggests removal of hoardings without QR codes
The Bombay High Court suggested hoardings without QR codes containing all permission details should be removed, acknowledging Nashik's proactive circular. The court also sought data on unlawful hoardings by political parties, emphasizing uniform action. This comes as a PIL aims to curb illegal hoardings statewide.
Kumbh authority gives administrative approval for Nashik airport expansion; target March 2027
The airport, managed by the HAL, will be able to accommodate 1,000 passengers per hour after the expansion
Boy Killed, Several Injured After Bus Crashes Onto Platform At Nashik Bus Station | Video
A Maharashtra State Road Transport bus crashed at Sinnar bus stand in Nashik, killing a boy and injuring several others.
On Camera, 9-Year-Old Boy Killed As Bus Uncontrollably Rolls Onto Platform
A nine-year-old boy was killed, and at least four others were injured after a state transport bus rolled onto the passenger platform at the Sinnar bus stand in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday.
Maharashtra govt ramps up measures to curb leopard attacks; AI, drones used for surveillance
Maharashtra is boosting efforts against leopard threats. AI alerts, extra cages, and drone surveillance are being deployed in Pune, Ahilyanagar, and Nashik. Local youth will assist forest teams. Increased power supply for farmers aims to reduce night-time farm visits. Rs 11 crore is allocated for machinery and manpower. Safety measures are heightened for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik.
Maharashtra: Suspicious bag causes scare in Nashik; police find nothing alarming
Amid heightened security concerns across the country following recent blast-related incidents, panic spread in Maharashtras Nashik city on Sunday morning after an unattended bag was spotted near the Indiranagar underpass along the MumbaiAgra national highway
Suspicious bag causes scare in Nashik; cops find nothing alarming
The police received a call that a suspicious object was lying near the Indiranagar underpass, adjacent to the Mumbai-Agra national highway, in the morning, an official said
Leopard Causes Chaos In Maharashtra's Nashik; 9 Injured During Rescue Bid
A dramatic five-hour cat and mouse chase finally ended in a man-eating leopard being captured by the forest department in Maharashtra's Nashik.
Leopard attacks two after entering locality in Nashik, rescued
According to the officials, the leopard entered Vanvihar Colony near the Parijat Nagar-Bhosala School area in Nashik, on Friday afternoon, leaving two people injured
1,400 Acres Designated For Sadhugram in Nashik Kumbh
In 2015, when the last Kumbh Mela was held in Nashik, nearly one crore devotees had visited and the festival had lasted for 58 days.
Nashik Municipal Corporation to issue Rs 400 cr bonds for Simhastha Kumbh Mela
The municipal administration has proposed a combination of Clean Godavari Municipal Bonds and Green Bonds, each worth Rs 200 crore, to facilitate preparations for the massive religious gathering that takes place every 12 years on the banks of the Godavari River
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will launch development projects worth over Rs 5,600 crore for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. The Mela is scheduled for 2026-27 in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar. The Chief Minister will also inspect Ramkal Path and inaugurate the new Nashik Zilla Parishad building. Several deputy chief ministers and ministers will attend the event.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft to play bigger role in future wars: Major General Abhinaya Rai
Addressing the Army Aviation in Decade of Transformation- Runway Round Table First Edition seminar held at Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS) in Nashik, the senior Army officer stated he disagreed with the narrative that RPAs are meant to fly only during peacetime operations.
MVA prepared to fight upcoming local body polls together; no proposal from MNS for alliance
MUMBAI: The Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday announced the formation of a state-level coordination committee to steer preparations for contesting the upcoming elections to local bodies together. The allies clarified that no proposal has been received regarding an alliance with the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to join the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). No such proposal has come before the Maha Vikas Aghadi so far regarding joining hands with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. If such a proposal comes, we will sit together, discuss it, and take a decision, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) state unit president Shashikant Shinde said while addressing a joint press conference after a key MVA meeting. He said the question of holding talks with the MNS didn't arise in the absence of a formal proposal. Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab, and Shinde briefed reporters on the discussions, stating that the new coordination committee will include representatives from each of the alliance partners. Sapkal said the panel would be tasked with easing communication, resolving differences, and addressing any candidate-related issues ahead of the polls. The coordination committee will look into the nitty-gritty of the work as elections are being held across the state. The committee will discuss and coordinate with party workers and find an amicable solution, he said. The Congress leader stated that the committee would be authorised to take decisions whenever required and would serve as a platform to resolve disputes. We discussed in detail how to face the upcoming elections. If there are any differences or discussions needed regarding candidates, this coordination committee will handle them, Sapkal added. He noted that the MVA partners had jointly contested the last two major elections and were prepared to fight the upcoming polls together under both the MVA and the INDI bloc framework. A section in the Congress is divided over taking the MNS on board, given Raj Thackeray's aggressive stance against north-Indian migrants and his sons-of-the-soil brand of politics, according to sources. A day earlier, senior Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar and Sapkal made contradictory statements regarding an alliance with the MNS for the upcoming elections, scheduled for December. Wadettiwar had said the Congress would go solo in the Mumbai civic elections, while supporting his party colleagues in Nashik if they want to align with MNS. He said district units had been authorised to take decisions as per the local situation, a statement not in consonance with Sapkal. The trigger was an announcement made by an MNS leader who said the Raj Thackeray-led party had finalised an alliance with the Maha Vikas Aghadi for local body polls in Nashik. Sapkal said show-cause notices would be issued to functionaries of Congress in Nashik for attending a meeting regarding an alliance with the Raj Thackeray-led party.
Maharashtra local body polls: Wadettiwar, Sapkal give contradicting statements on Cong-MNS alliance
Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated the party will contest Mumbai civic polls independently, while Nashik unit's potential alliance with MNS is permissible due to local authorization. This contradicts Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, who announced show-cause notices for Nashik functionaries attending an MNS alliance meeting, emphasizing alliances only with INDI bloc partners.
BJP, NCP leaders hold talks over alliance in Nashik ahead of civic polls
Once the discussions are concluded, both parties are expected to make a formal announcement regarding their alliance strategy for the upcoming local body polls
Muslim women vote in large numbers in first phase of Bihar polls after SIR exercise
PATNA/SAHEBGANJ/HAJIPUR: The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections witnessed a high turnout of Muslim women voters, a trend that observers said underscored the impact of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Many women, especially from the Muslim community, returned to Bihar from other states where they live with their families to ensure their names remained valid on the electoral rolls and to cast their votes. Their concerns stemmed from the fear that prolonged absence from the state could lead to their names being deleted or duplicated elsewhere. Several voters said they had either applied to transfer their names from rolls in other states or requested deletion there to remain registered in Bihar. Political analysts in Patna noted that the surge in turnout reflected growing voter awareness following the SIR exercise, which reportedly saw the deletion of thousands of names across communities. Sabina Khatoon, 45, accompanied by her mother-in-law, Rubia, 57, and daughter Baby, 20, travelled from Nashik in Maharashtra to vote in Patna. SIR made us realise the importance of ensuring our names remain valid. In our mohalla, Phulwarisharif, over two dozen Muslim women have returned from Gujarat, Kolkata and Mumbai just to vote, she said, stressing that no Indian should miss the opportunity to participate in elections. Muslim-majority areas recorded significantly higher female voter participation compared with the 2020 Assembly polls. According to social activist Md Naqib from Sahebganj in Muzaffarpur, the increase was even more visible in rural regions, where the SIR drive had encouraged women from minority and other communities to become more conscious not only about voting but also about obtaining essential documents like birth certificates for their children. In Hajipur, officials estimated that the turnout of Muslim women rose by over 30% from the previous election. Sofia, a homemaker from Patna, said she spent Rs 10,000 travelling from Kolkata with her family to vote. The first phase thus saw a strong display of electoral awareness among women, particularly in districts affected by high male migration.
5 hidden caves in India every history lover should explore
India hides ancient cave wonders beyond the famous Ajanta and Ellora. Explore the Jain shelters of Udayagiri and Khandagiri in Odisha, the Chalukyan art of Badami in Karnataka, and the oldest rock-cut Barabar Caves in Bihar. Discover Chhattisgarh's Jogimara and Sitabenga for a glimpse into ancient performances, and Maharashtra's Pandavleni for Buddhist tranquility near Nashik.
After fatal leopard attack in Pune, Forest Dept orders feline's 'elimination'
People from leopard attack-prone regions like Junnar, Ambegaon, Shirur in the district organised a asta roko (road blockade) near Avsari on the Pune-Nashik Highway
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force's plans to induct the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A are shrouded in uncertainty at a time when its combat fighters are dwindling fast. On October 17, when the LCA Mk1A made its debut flight on October 17 at Nashik in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) CMD DK Sunil announced the new deadline of March 2026. Even after the extension of the deadline, the IAF is still uncertain about receiving the LCA Mk1A from HAL on time. In September, the HAL CMD had assured that the first two aircraft of 83 will be delivered to the IAF in October this year. HAL made us believe that the delay in delivery of the aircraft is happening due to the engine supply issue from the United States. But the fact is something different. The HAL has received four engines so far, with the first one received in April, said a source. Raising questions on the delivery claims, another source asked, HAL had said that we are waiting for the engines. Engines are here but where is the first fighter jet? Going by the checks and procedures involved, the timeline is likely to get delayed further. We have little confidence in the schedule as it would take at least six months to complete the process. HAL has made a fresh commitment on the delivery status but we are not sure that we would be able to get the aircraft and induct them before mid-2026, the source added. As per the contract, the initial plan was to start the delivery process by February 2024, but delays in supply of the GE F404 engine, software integration, and testing have repeatedly pushed back the timeline. Currently trials of the integrated weapon systems are underway and will require some time to complete. Once the trials are finished, certification must be granted, a process expected to take no less than six months. If any observations or issues are raised during this phase, additional time will be needed to address them. Regulatory body CEMILAC provides airworthiness certification for Indian airborne platforms including aircraft, helicopters, parachutes, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and aerostats. Every system, line replaceable unit (LRU), component, material, and software used in Indian military airborne platforms must be certified. The IAF has been highlighting the fast-depleting combat capabilities as the retirement of MiG-21 fighters pulled down the number of combat squadrons to 29 against the sanctioned strength of 42. The situation is fast changing as The New Indian Express recently brought out that the need to induct more combat systems is already being felt as the 42 combat squadrons sanctioned decades back will not be enough to handle the northern as well as western adversaries, in case of a two-front eventuality. The LCA Mk1A variant, an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1, includes advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and improved maintainability. The aircraft is a key component of the IAFs modernization drive as the plans are to induct 180 units: with 83 ordered under a Rs 48,000 crore contract signed in 2021 and 97 more Mk1A fighters further ordered, at a cost of over Rs 62,370 crore, in September. The delivery of these aircraft would commence during 2027-28 and be completed over a period of six years, a defence official had said then. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has publicly expressed displeasure multiple times over the delays in the delivery of the LCA Mk1A. In May, during an event, he had said, So, once a timeline is given, not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time. So this is something we must look at. Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved? While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up, but we just sign the contract. HAL has maintained that production lines at its Bengaluru facility are now operating at full capacity. The company, despite the challenges, recently completed successful ground and flight testing of several Mk1A prototypes and is also expanding its supply base to meet the IAFs demands.
Govt to develop Marathi language varsity at Riddhapur into global institution: Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday that the government is working to develop the Marathi Bhasha Vidyapeeth at Riddhapur, Amravati, into a globally recognised institution. Speaking at the 38th All India Mahanubhav Parishad convention in Nashik, he highlighted the Riddhapur pilgrimage centres role in preserving the Marathi language and pledged to address issues faced by the Mahanubhav sect.
Game Changer: Tejas MK1A roars to life, production hits full throttle
HAL steers new era of Indias self-reliance in defence manufacturing Girish Linganna On October 17, something special happened at HALs facility in Nashik. The Tejas Mk1A fighter jet took to the skies for the first time, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was there to witness this proud moment for Indias aviation industry. It wasnt [] The post Game Changer: Tejas MK1A roars to life, production hits full throttle appeared first on Northlines .
What HAL Chief Test Pilot Told NDTV After Flying New LCA Tejas Mark 1A
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A on Friday at Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's (HAL) facility in Maharashtra's Nashik.
India is boosting its defence manufacturing capabilities. The nation now produces 65% of its defence hardware domestically, with a goal to reach 100%. This significant shift is transforming the sector. New production lines for LCA Tejas Mk1A and HTT40 have been inaugurated. India is also targeting increased defence manufacturing and exports by 2029.
Rajnath cites Operation Sindoor, BrahMos success as proof of defence self-reliance
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India's growing self-reliance in defence during Operation Sindoor, where indigenous platforms like the BrahMos-integrated Su-30Mki played a crucial role. He lauded HAL's Nashik unit for its contributions, emphasizing India's capability to design, build, and defend with its own systems.
Keeping onion markets shut for 11 days for Diwali causing hardship to farmers: Dighole
Farmers in Nashik are facing significant financial losses due to the closure of onion markets for eleven days during Diwali. Bharat Dighole, president of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers Association, stated that this practice is unfair and has been ongoing for years. He urged the government to take immediate action to compensate farmers and ensure transparent, farmer-friendly market operations.
Our Aim Is To Take Domestic Defence Production To 100 Per Cent: Rajnath
Nashik (Maha), Oct 17: India is looking at taking domestic defence production to 100 per cent as dependence on foreign military supplies creates strategic vulnerability, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday. Singh said this after inaugurating a third production line of Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A and a second manufacturing facility of trainer jet HTT-40. With opening of the new facility for Tejas jets, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is expected to produce at least 24 LCA aircraft. There [] The post Our Aim Is To Take Domestic Defence Production To 100 Per Cent: Rajnath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
India's First Tejas-Mk1A Completes Maiden Test Flight In Nashik, Gets Water Cannon Salute
Following the inauguration, the LCA Tejas Mk 1A also got a water cannon salute after its maiden test flight.
Rajnath Singh to inaugurate new production lines for Tejas Mk1A and HAL HTT-40 aircraft
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the maiden flight of the LCA Mk1A aircraft at HAL's Nashik division. He also inaugurated the third production line for LCA Mk1A and the second for HTT-40 aircraft. This new facility aims to expedite the delivery of 180 LCA Mk1A jets to the Indian Air Force by 2032-33.
LCA Tejas Mk1A manufactured in Nashik plant of HAL completes maiden flight
The Defence Minister inaugurated the third production line of the LCA Mk1A, and the second production line of the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), which is an indigenous Basic Trainer Aircraft designed and developed by HAL for the IAF
Rajnath Singh inaugurates 3rd LCA Tejas production line in Nashik, boosting Indias air power
Blood Plasma Loot Gang Busted, 6 Arrested In Bhopal
Police investigation suggested that the gang has so far stolen 1,150 units of FFP from the blood bank of AIIMS, Bhopal, and sold them to two labs in Nashik and Aurangabad in Maharashtra at the rate of Rs 5,800 per unit.
HALs third LCA Tejas production line in Nashik boosts Indias indigenous aerospace capabilities
HALs 13 lakh sq.ft. facility in Nashik will have the capacity to manufacture eight Tejas Mk1A aircraft per year, allowing for expedited deliveries to the IAF
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will unveil the first Tejas LCA MK1A fighter jet from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's (HAL) new Nashik production line on October 17. During the event, Singh will also inaugurate a second production line for the HTT-40 trainer aircraft at the same facility.
Maharashtra ATS arrests man wanted in Andhra Pradesh for anti-India activities
Mumbai: The Maharashtra ATS has in a joint operation with the Andhra Pradesh Police arrested a man from Malegaon in Nashik district for alleged anti-national activities, officials said on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Tausif Shaikh, was apprehended from Malegaon on Monday. He was wanted in a case registered in Andhra Pradesh, an official from Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Does This Video Shows UP Police Parading a Group of Men on Streets? No!
We found that the video was actually from Nashik and had no relation to Uttar Pradesh.
Nashik man kills 80-year-old mother out of boredom
In a shocking incident, a 58-year-old man in Maharashtras Nashik district allegedly strangled his 80-year-old mother to death because he was getting bored. Arvind Murli Dhar Patil from Shivajinagar strangled his mother, Yashodabai Murli Dhar Patil, at their residence on Tuesday. The case came to light when he surrendered before the police saying, I was Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
I Was Bored: Mentally Ill Man Strangles Mother to Death in Nashik
In a shocking incident in Nashik, Maharashtra, a mentally ill man strangled his 80-year-old mother to death, citing boredom. Police have arrested him and are investigating.
Devendra Fadnavis instructs officials to expedite infrastructure works in Nashik for Kumbh Mela 2027
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed prompt infrastructure work for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027. He instructed timely completion of the Nashik Ring Road and fast land acquisition for Sadhu Gram. The CM emphasized clean Godavari river water and ready facilities at airports and railway stations. A centralized CCTV system and AI-based solutions will be implemented.
Maharashtra: Deadline to fill class 12 exam forms extended till Oct 20
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has extended the Class 12 exam form submission deadline to October 20 due to heavy rainfall and floods in Marathwada, Nashik, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar.
Torrential rains lashed Maharashtra for the second consecutive day on Sunday, causing five deaths and affecting several regions, including Mumbai, Konkan, and Marathwada. More than 11,000 people were shifted to safer locations, with 7,200 from flood-hit Marathwada. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD has predicted increased rainfall, issuing a red alert for Palghar and parts of Nashik and an orange alert for Thane, Pune, and Raigad for Monday.
Heavy rains in Nashik; Godavari river near danger mark in city
Heavy rains lashed Nashik, Maharashtra, causing the Godavari river to near its danger mark and submerging temples in Ramkund. A 'red alert' was issued for heavy to very heavy rain, prompting water discharge from dams and alerts for riverbank residents. Officials urged caution, advising people to avoid flooded areas and follow safety instructions amidst Navratri celebrations.
Creating social and economic equality is collective responsibility: CJI Gavai
NASHIK, Sep 27: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai today stressed the need for social and economic equality in society, and said creating it was a collective responsibility. Speaking at the inauguration of the new building of Nashik District and Sessions Court here, he also said the Constitution was the most important book for all Indians like the Bhagavad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, Quran or the Bible. In his speech on November 25, 1949, Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb [] The post Creating social and economic equality is collective responsibility: CJI Gavai appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Extremely heavy rainfall likely in Mumbai, adjoining districts on Sunday; IMD issues 'red alert'
The India Meteorological Department issued a 'red alert' for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall on Sunday. Coastal districts and Nashik ghats also anticipate heavy showers, while other state regions expect low-intensity rain. This follows an 'orange alert' for Mumbai on Saturday, which saw light to moderate rainfall and some train delays.
Library Movement Boosts Education in Nashik's Tribal Villages
In Nashik's remote tribal belts, where books and study spaces were once a rarity, a grassroot movement is transforming how rural children access education.
IAF to bid farewell to MiG-21 after over six decades of service
After 62 years, the Soviet-origin iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, IAF's first supersonic air combat interceptor, will take its last flight on September 26. These Soviet-origin jets, inducted in 1963, were Indias first supersonic fighters. The initial batch of 10 joined the 28 Squadron (Chandigarh), nicknamed First Supersonics. Over the years, more than 870 MiG-21s of different variants were inducted, many built domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which began license production in 1966 at its Nashik plant. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and a woman fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, will be among the six pilots to fly the lost sortie.
How one social activists social media movement brought water revolution in tribal Maharashtra
Pramod Gopalrao Gaikwad, a social worker from Nashik, initiated the Social Networking Forum (SNF) in 2010 after witnessing the struggles of tribal communities facing severe water scarcity. Leveraging social media, SNF mobilized volunteers and resources to implement low-cost water projects, providing clean water to 35 villages and impacting over 60,000 people.
CHANDIGARH: After 62 years, the Soviet-origin iconic Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, IAF's first supersonic air combat interceptor, will fly into the sky for different formations at the decommissioning ceremony at the Chandigarh Air Force base on September 26. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and a woman fighter pilot, Squadron Leader Priya Sharma, will be among the six pilots to fly the lost sortie. A full dress rehearsal of the September 26 ceremony was held today. At present, the air force currently has two MiG-21 squadrons, the No 23 Squadron, known as Panthers, and the No 3 Squadron, called as Cobras. There will be a three-aircraft Badal formation and a five-aircraft Panther formation. Six MiG-21s belonging to the 23 Squadron will participate in the final fly past ceremony and will be given a ceremonial water cannon salute as they land. The Jaguars and the locally produced Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1) will also take part in the ceremony. Notably, the elite Surya Kiran aerobatic team will enthral the people with skilful aerobatic feats. Para jumpers of the Akash Ganga skydiving team of the IAF will perform, too. As per the programme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, all three service chiefs -- army, air force and navy -- six former air chiefs and all the commanders-in-Chief of IAF commands will attend the event. These Soviet-origin fighter jets, inducted in 1963, were the first batch of 10 aircraft that arrived in April that year. These were the first supersonic fighters of the country, with its maiden squadron, the 28 Squadron (Chandigarh), earning the nickname First Supersonics. A deal with the Soviet Union was signed in 1962 and the first batch of eight pilots was trained at Lugvoya Airbase in Kazakhstan. Over the years, more than 800 MiG-21s of different variants were inducted, many built domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which began license production in 1966 at its Nashik plant. A total of 1,200 aircraft of different variants were procured till 2010, with later variants undergoing significant upgrades. After the dress rehearsal, Wing Commander Jaideep Singh, spokesman of the IAF, said, The ingenuity the air force has shown that we have used this aircraft for all roles, be it photo reconnaissance, strike, air defence, or as an interceptor. This aircraft holds a lot of meaning and value to all the pilots who have flown it. It was also a fighter trainer for generations of fighter pilots who have stepped in after basic training. A limited number of MiG-21s were operated in the 1965 operations; however, the major success was in 1971 -- the famous strike over the governors residence in Dhaka, then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, which accelerated the process of ending the war. They were used in Kargil for reconnaissance and bombing as high as 18,000 feet. It was also used in the 2019 Balakot air strikes. It was in a MiG-21 that Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman (then Wing Commander) shot down a Pakistani F-16 in 2019 before being captured across the border, he said. Singh added, The IAF has inducted close to 874 MiG-21s of various types, first, type 74, then type 76, then type 77 and then 96 and Bison. We had upgraded these jets with contemporary missiles, EW and avionics. The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is meant as the MiG-21 replacement; we are looking for the LCA to come into the IAF in huge numbers, he said. Significantly, more than 400 MiG-21s had been involved in accidents which claimed the lives of around 200 pilots, unfortunately being known as Flying Coffin.
Maharashtra Government Approves Policy to Boost Digital Content Sector
To support this growth, the government has planned to establish AVGC-XR parks in Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Satara, and Kolhapur, creating regional hubs for talent and innovation.
Crops over 42.84 lakh acres damaged by heavy rain in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: Over 42.84 lakh acres ready-to-harvest crops got badly damaged in the torrential rain in Maharashtra . According to the Maharashtra agriculture minister Duttaray Bharne, the 17, 85,714 hectares (42.84 lakh acres) of standing and ready to harvest crops got damaged. Nanded is one of the worst-affected districts, where 7.28 lakh hectares of crops got badly impacted, following 2.03 lakh hectares of crops damaged in Wasim district. In Yavatmal district, 3.18 lakh hectares, while 1.57 lakh hectares in Dharashiv, 1.77 lakh hectares in Akola, 47,266 hectares in Solapur, and 89,782 hectares of crops in Buldhana district were ruined in the heavy rain. In the torrential rain, impacted affected districts are Hingoli, Parbhani, Amravati, Jalgaon, Wardha, Sangli, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Dhule, Jalgaon, Ratnagiri, Chandrapur, Satara, Nashik, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Gadchiroli, Raigad, Nagpur, and Pune. The most suffered crops include soybean, maize, cotton, urad, tur, moong while other places, vegetables, fruit crops, millet, sugarcane, onion, jowar and turmeric crops have also been affected. 35 lakh acres of crops damaged in torrential rain in Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Bharen said that Maharashtra has been witnessing heavy rains and floods over the last two months, which havecaused huge losses to farmers. The heavy rains in August and September of this year have caused huge losses in a total of 195 talukas across 30 districts of Maharashtra. The rains during this period have caused huge losses to Kharif crops in 654 revenue circles, the agriculture minister said. He further added that the Panchnamas in some districts have been completed, and compensation has also been extended to the affected farmers. The Panchnamas in the remaining areas are going on a war footing. The state is taking all possible measures to provide financial assistance to the affected farmers. State government is standing firmly with the farmers in times of this crisis, Bharne said. Sharad Pawar , in his Nasik farmers outcry rally, criticized the state government for ignoring the farmers. He said that in the last two months, more than two thousand farmers committed suicide, but no serious attention has been given.
2008 Malegaon blast: Bombay HC says 'not open gate' for everyone to file appeal against acquittal
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday said it was ot an open gate for everyone to file an appeal against acquittal in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, and sought details if family members of the victims were examined as witnesses in the trial. A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing an appeal filed by the family members of the six persons who lost their lives in the blast against the acquittal judgment. The appeal challenged a special court judgment acquitting the seven accused in the case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit. The HC bench on Tuesday sought to know if the family members were examined as witnesses in the trial. The family members' advocate told the bench that the first appellant, Nisar Ahmed, whose son died in the blast, was not a witness in the trial, but said he would submit the details on Wednesday. The bench then said if the appellant's son died in the blast, then he (Nisar Ahmed) should have been a witness. You (appellants) have to indicate whether they were witnesses or not. Give us details. This is not an open gate for everyone, HC said. The court posted the matter for further hearing on Wednesday. The appeal filed last week claimed a faulty investigation or some defects in the probe cannot be the ground for acquitting the accused. It also contended that the conspiracy (of the blast) was hatched in secrecy and hence, there cannot be direct evidence of it. The petitioners claimed the order passed by the special NIA court on July 31, acquitting the seven accused, was wrong and bad in law and hence deserved to be quashed. Malegaon blast accused alleges 'jail torture' to implicate Yogi Adityanath, RSS chief Bhagwat On September 29, 2008, an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon town, located about 200 km from Mumbai in Maharashtra's Nashik district, killing six persons and injuring 101 others. The appeal said the trial court judge should not act as a postman or mute spectator in a criminal trial. When the prosecution failed to elicit facts, the trial court can ask questions and/or summon witnesses, it added. The trial court has unfortunately acted as a mere post office and allowed a deficient prosecution to benefit the accused, the appeal said. It also raised concerns over the manner in which the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted the probe and trial in the case and sought for the accused to be convicted. The state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), by arresting the seven persons, unearthed a large conspiracy and since then, there has been no blast in areas populated by the minority community, the appeal said. It claimed the NIA, after taking over the case, diluted the allegations against the accused persons. The special court had, in its judgment, said mere suspicion cannot replace real proof and there was no cogent or reliable evidence to warrant a conviction. Special judge AK Lahoti, presiding over the NIA court, had said there was no eliable and cogent evidence against the accused that proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution's case was that the blast was carried out by right-wing extremists with the intention to terrorise the Muslim community in the communally sensitive Malegaon town. The NIA court, in its judgment, had flagged several loopholes in the prosecution's case and the investigation carried out, and said the accused persons deserved the benefit of doubt. Besides Thakur and Purohit, the accused included Major Ramesh Upadhyay (retired), Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni. Political row erupts over Malegaon blast verdict
Nashik School Receives Bomb Threat Via Email, Turns Out To Be A Hoax
Indiranagar Police Station received a threat email that claimed a bomb was placed in the bathroom of a private school in Nashik.
Sharad Pawar warns BJP over farm crisis, cites Nepal upheaval as lesson
MUMBAI: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state and central governments during his rally in Nashik, accusing them of neglecting farmers issues , including rising suicides and crashing crop prices. Pawar claimed that in Maharashtra alone, more than 2,000 farmers had ended their lives in the past two months due to the farm crisis. He said torrential rains had damaged over 30 lakh acres of standing crops, leaving farmers devastated. The incumbent government needed to be serious about the farmers and its people issues; otherwise, we have seen in Nepal where an incumbent government has been thrown out while a new one has come in. Without any delay, the drought has to be declared by the Maharashtra government if they are really wise and serious, he said. Drawing parallels with recent political developments in Nepal, Pawar warned the ruling dispensation in Maharashtra to take lessons from events in the neighbouring country. I request, Devabhau, please check what is happening in our neighboring country Nepal. For the last eight days, it has been in the news over people's outcry. One government has gone and another has come in Nepal. I do not want to go in deep what exactly happened there, but if the incumbent government is wise enough in Maharashtra, they should learn a lesson from this and do something for the farmers whose backbone has been damaged in torrential rain with damage to standing crops, he said. 'System is killing them': Rahul slams Modi govt over rising farmer suicides in Maharashtra Taking a swipe at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss extensive publicity campaign, Pawar said, Deabhau, giving an advertisement with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's photograph is one thing, but following the traits of Shivaji Maharaj is equally important. Shivaji Maharaj never left the farmers in trouble; the same should happen if we are true followers of Shivaji Maharaj. He also pointed out the crisis faced by onion and cotton farmers. The central government imposed a ban on the export of onions, so the onion prices crashed. Where will the farmers go now? If you continue to neglect the farmers, then we cannot remain as mute spectators. We cannot leave our farmers in a lurch. It is the duty of the central and state governments to find solutions and help the farmers. When we were in power, in a month's period, we waived off Rs 70,000 crore farmers' loan, Pawar said.
The #CBI has busted two illegal call centres in Nashik that allegedly duped UK nationals by posing as insurance agents and government officers.
CBI dismantles 2 fake call centres cheating UK nationals with non-existent insurance policies
New Delhi, Sep 14: The CBI has dismantled two illegal call centres in Nashik which were allegedly cheating UK nationals taking payments for non-existent insurance policies by posing as agents and government officers, officials said Sunday. The central agency has arrested Ganesh and Shyam Kamankar for their alleged involvement in the operations of the illegal call centre, Swagan Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd, they said. A case was registered against four private persons, unknown public servants, and others, on allegations that [] The post CBI dismantles 2 fake call centres cheating UK nationals with non-existent insurance policies appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Three dead after MSRTC bus collides with two-wheeler in Nashik, know what happened
An accident occurred in Maharashtra's Nashik after a collision between Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus and two-wheeler, leaving three people dead.
3 Men Dead As Bike Hits Bus In Maharashtra's Nashik: Police
Three men died on Monday in Nashik district in a collision between a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus and two-wheeler, a police official said.
9 drown, 12 missing in separate incidents during Ganesh idol immersions in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: Ganpati festivities culminated on Sunday with lakhs of devotees bidding farewell to the adorable elephant-headed god they consecrated and worshipped for ten days, while at least nine persons drowned and 12 were missing in various incidents related to immersion of idols in Maharashtra. These incidents were reported from Thane, Pune, Nanded, Nashik, Jalgaon, Washim, Palghar and Amravati districts, officials said on Sunday. In Pune district, five persons were swept away in different water bodies in three separate incidents, an official said. Two men were swept away in Bhama river at Waki Khurd and one at Shell Pimpalgaon. Another person slipped into a well at Birwadi in the rural part of the district. A 45-year-old man was swept away at Khed, the Pune official said. Bodies of three persons were recovered, he added. Three persons were swept away in a river in Gandegaon in Nanded district, one of whom was rescued some time later, a local official said. Search was on for the other two, Nanded police said. Similar incidents took place in Sinnar and Kalwan areas of Nashik district. Five persons were swept away in Nashik. The bodies of two persons have been recovered, while efforts are on to trace the others, the official said. Three persons were swept away in Jalgaon in separate incidents, the official said. Three persons from Mundewadi in Thane's Shahapur taluka were swept away in the strong currents of the Bhargavi river near a dam. They were returning after immersing a Ganpati idol, Shahapur Tehsildar Parmeshwar Kasule said. He identified the persons as Datta Lote, Pratip Munde and Kuldeep Jakare. The bodies of Lote and Munde have been retrieved. The search for Jakare is underway, the tehsildar said. In Palghar district, three men who were swept away in a creek during Ganpati idol immersion were saved with the help of a Ro-Ro boat after a quick alert from maritime authorities, officials said on Sunday. The incident took place at around 3 pm on Saturday at Narangi jetty in Virar (West), they said. Two persons drowned in Washim district, a local official said, adding the body of one of them has been recovered. One man drowned in Amravati, as per police. His body was retrieved by the disaster management team. In Mumbai city, where immersion processions extend several hours, a man died of electrocution and five other individuals sustained injuries, civic officials said. The incident occurred on Khairani Road in the Sakinaka area on Sunday morning when a Ganesh idol came into contact with a hanging electric wire. Amid continuous rainfall in Maharashtra, state disaster response teams and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have been deployed, officials said. In neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, two teenage boys drowned after falling into a stream during the immersion of an idol of Lord Ganesh in Raisen district. The boys drowned after falling into a stream in Gatkheda village on Saturday night, police said.
Ganesh idol immersions: 4 persons drown, at least 13 missing in Maharashtra
Tragedy struck Maharashtra during Ganesh idol immersions as at least four people drowned and 13 went missing across various districts. Incidents occurred in Pune, Nanded, Nashik, Jalgaon, Thane, and Amravati, with swollen rivers and water bodies due to continuous rainfall complicating rescue efforts. State and National Disaster Response Forces have been deployed to aid in the search and rescue operations.
India, US to soon ink contract for 113 GE F414 engines for LCA Mk1A fighters
NEW DELHI: India plans to soon ink a contract with the American giant General Electric for the procurement of 113 F414 engines to be fitted in the much-awaited light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk1A for which the order was placed a few months ago. An official at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said, The negotiation with GE for aero engines has been completed and the contract will be signed at the end of this month. In August, the CCS gave the go-ahead for 97 LCA Mk1A jets to be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at a project cost of around Rs 67,000 crore. The new engines to be procured will be used for these combat jets. Another source at HAL said that the first two LCA Mk1A aircraft would be delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in October this year. Ten aircraft are now built and being tested. The first delivery will take place in October, with one aircraft from Nashik already ready for handover, he said. Two additional engines are expected to be received this month, he said. Besides the F404 engines, en F414 engines have already been delivered to us, he added. In the meantime, the Mk-1A has completed weapons integration trials, including the firing of Astra and ASRAM missiles. Giving the timeline of the deliveries, the sources said the advanced LCA Mk2 is scheduled to be rolled out in 2027, while 83 Mk1A fighters are now expected by 2029, after a reported delay of four quarters. The Tejas Mk1A is the newer and improved version of India's single-engine, 4.5 generation delta wing multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency. It will play an important role in mitigating the decrease in the quantity of combat jets and the overall fall in combat squadrons. As earlier brought out by The New Indian Express , the IAF had ordered 83 LCA Tejas Mk 1A at Rs 46,000 crore in 2021. Once this new order is completed in the stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes. The fast dwindling combat fighter strength has resulted in anxiety in the IAF leadership. In September, the MiG 21 Squadrons (23 Squadron) will be number plated, bringing the current number of fighter squadrons below 30. While the MiG fighter jets are being retired, concerns have grown over the delayed Tejas induction, shrinking combat strength. Officially, the IAF is supposed to have 42 squadrons of combat squadrons. A squadron in the IAF comprises 16-18 aircraft. Tejas is a single-engine, lightweight multi-role fighter, originally meant to replace the MiG-21. The first indigenous LCA was inducted in July 2016. The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was the No 45 Squadron, the 'Flying Daggers'. 40 LCA Tejas Mk 1 were ordered initially, of which 35 have been inducted till now.
Nashik Man Kills Stray Dog, Then Drags It Behind Bike; Case Filed After Video Surfaces
Police said a case has been registered against the accused at Satpur police station, and further investigation is underway
IRCTC announces Jyotirling with Shirdi Yatra train from Tirunelveli
The train will cover Nashik, Shirdi, Shanisingnapur, Pandharpur, and Mantralayam; it will leave Tirunelveli on November 9
Soldier injured as parachute crashes on house in Maharashtra
One soldier was injured when his parachute crashed on a house during a military demonstration in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday.
MNS Workers Assault Man After Argument Over Accident In Nashik: 'Should Learn Marathi'
The victim was learning how to drive when his car allegedly brushed past his neighbour's vehicle, leading to a violent confrontation where an MNS worker asked him to speak Marathi.
Video: Stray Dog's Brutal Beatdown Of Leopard, Drags It 300 Metres
A stray dog and a leopard faced off in Maharashtra's Nashik. The 'fight' ended in the dog 'defeating' the leopard and dragging it for 300 metres. The episode unfolded in Nashik's Niphad and a video of the fight has gone viral on social media.
Two Children Trapped, Seven Others Rescued As Building Collapses In Maharashtra's Nashik
At least two children remain trapped after a building collapsed in Nashiks Old City area on Wednesday night. Seven people were rescued and admitted to a hospital.
FIRs Against Psephologist Sanjay Kumar For Spreading Fake Info Over Maharashtra Polls
Professor Sanjay Kumar of Lokniti-CSDS faces FIRs in Nagpur and Nashik for allegedly spreading false info about Maharashtra elections.
Centre approves 62,000-crore order for 97 LCA Mk1A fighters, giving IAF a major boost
The government has approved an order for 97 more LCA Mk1A aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will manufacture these jets. This 62,000 crore deal increases the Air Force's LCA Mk1A fighter count to 180. Production will occur at Bengaluru and Nashik, aiming for 24 jets annually.
Maharashtra rain fury: Seven dead, crops damaged; Mumbai, Thane, other districts on red alert
MUMBAI: Heavy rain across Maharashtra has left seven people dead, damaged nearly two lakh hectares of standing crops, and caused widespread disruption to property and daily life. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday reviewed the situation with divisional commissioners via video conference. He directed revenue and administrative officers to conduct damage assessments of affected crops and properties and ensure timely compensation. So far, seven people have died due to heavy rain, and several rivers have also crossed the danger level. The alert message has been sent to the concerned people, Fadnavis said In Sambhaji Nagar district alone, 800 villages were affected. The two lakh hectares of land with standing crops got damaged. The panchanama will be carried out and compensations will also be given, he added. The chief minister also instructed officials to provide shelter, food and other necessities to people stranded by floods and heavy rain. Authorities have declared holidays for schools and colleges on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for August 18-19 in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts and a yellow and orange alerts for other parts of the state. Mumbai reels under 177 mm rain in 8 hours; flights hit, schools shut as red alert issued The state government has asked local administrations to close schools and colleges in districts under heavy rain warnings. In Marathwada, five people drowned in flooding, while two others died in house and wall collapse incidents. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools. Afternoon classes were also cancelled, its PRO said. Waterlogging caused severe traffic congestion across the city. Airlines issued advisories to passengers after the city remained lashed by heavy showers for a fourth consecutive day. IndiGo and Akasa Air urged travellers to check flight status and plan their journeys in advance due to flooding and traffic disruptions. Both carriers posted updates on their official X handles. Thane, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai face the wrath Incessant heavy rains on Monday triggered a landslide in a hilly area in Kalyan in Thane district, damaging four houses, officials said. The landslide occurred on Monday afternoon at Netivali Hill in the Jai Bhavani Nagar area of Kalyan. Nobody was injured. Roads in several areas across Thane, Palghar, and Navi Mumbai regions were waterlogged, and traffic crawled as copious downpours lashed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Some residents have been shifted to a municipal school in Netivali for safety, and arrangements for food and accommodation have been made, said Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Jadhav of the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). Thane city recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall at 4.30 pm, said Yasin Tadvi, chief of the disaster management cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). Elsewhere in Thane district, rescue teams used boats to transport schoolchildren in Kalwa, where heavy flooding disrupted movement. Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai recorded 115.17 mm of rainfall from 8.30 am on August 17 to 8.30 am on August 18, with another 83.68 mm between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm. The city had earlier logged 134.68 mm and 105.70 mm of rainfall over the preceding two days. Despite the heavy downpour, officials said proactive measures kept the situation under control. Our teams are removing blockages in drains, deploying additional pumps, and monitoring tide levels. Citizens should remain indoors except for essential work and contact the civic helpline for emergencies, said Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kailash Shinde. In the wake of heavy rains in Mumbai over the last few days, Vihar lake, one of the key sources of potable water for the metropolis, started overflowing on Monday afternoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. The lake, which has a storage capacity of 2,769.8 crore litres, is the sixth of the seven reservoirs, that supply potable water to Mumbai, to overflow, bringing relief to local residents. The lake, located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, overflowed at 2.45 pm , the BMC said. Last year, the lake started overflowing almost a month early, on July 25. A day before, another lake in Mumbai, Tulsi, overflowed following heavy rains in the city and suburbs. Mumbai receives 3,800 MLD (millions of litres per day) water from seven reservoirs -- Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi -- located in Mumbai, Thane and Nashik districts. The scenic Powai lake in Mumbai also started overflowing earlier this year, but its water is not used for drinking purpose, BMC officials said.
EC should first give affidavit that voter list is clean, then we'll also follow: Congress
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday hit back at Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saying that first the poll body should submit an affidavit in the Supreme Court that its voter list is clean and then it will also give an affidavit that there are irregularities in the existing list. The opposition party also alleged that Gyanesh Kumar sounded like a BJP spokesperson during his press conference in New Delhi. The Congress made the remarks a day after the CEC served a seven-day ultimatum on party leader Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit to back his claims, else his allegations will be considered baseless and invalid. Addressing a press conference along with party leader Kanhaiya Kumar during the Voter Adhikar Yatra here, Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said, As this yatra began, Gyanesh Kumar had to do a press conference. We got to know that there is a Chief Election Commissioner. Earlier, we used to think that there would be an Anurag Thakur, a Sambit Patra or a person named source making comments but we finally saw the CEC, Khera said in Daboor where the yatra took a lunch break. He (Gyanesh Kumar) threatened to give an affidavit. He would get scared of threats but we don't. They don't believe their own data, he said. Kanhaiya Kumar alleged that the BJP wants to do vote chori and steal the Constitution. Before the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP raised the slogan of 'Ab ki baar 400 paar' and some of their outspoken leaders removed the lid on the conspiracy to change the Constitution, he claimed. In Haryana and Maharashtra, opinion polls suggested that a Congress government would be formed but the opposite happened, Kanhaiya Kumar said. We asked for a machine-readable format but they refused. The EC kept saying that there is no problem but now they are saying that 'we are doing SIR to correct the issues in the voter list', he said. The EC itself is saying there is something wrong in the voter list, which means that it was lying before, Kumar said. When Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi gave proof of the irregularities in the vote' list, the EC asked him to file an affidavit, he said. It seemed a BJP spokesperson is speaking. And there was no reply given in the press conference, Kanhaiya Kumar said. We have found several irregularities. All BLOs (booth-level officers) are not getting forms filled door-to-door. The EC wants to give only data they are not bothered whether it is right or wrong. Dead people found mention in lists and living people are removed from it, he said. If the EC gives affidavit, we are also prepared to give an affidavit. They must show their papers first, Kumar said. Asked what sort of affidavit they should give, Kumar said the EC's paper is a voter list and it should give it in a machine-readable format. Give an affidavit in the Supreme Court that your voters list is clean and then we will also give an affidavit that there are irregularities in the existing voter list, he said. Talking about the problems being faced by the people in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Kanhaiya Kumar said when people find that their names are not there on the draft list, they go to the BLO, but that officer is not accepting the Aadhaar card as proof of identity. Kanhaiya Kumar said genuine voters were being harassed and cited his example that the spelling of his father's name differs in different documents due to which hurdles were being created. People are being harassed for small errors, he claimed. We want to ask that 65 lakh people were removed but they should also give data how many names have been added, Kanhaiya Kumar said. The intentions of the EC are not clear. It is busy highlighting the face of the supreme leader, the Congress leader said and demanded a clean voters list. If a government is formed through chori (theft) then such a government will not work honestly, the Congress leader said. SIR is a straightforward way of vote chori, he said, and urged people to come forward and fight against vote chori to save democracy. Kanhaiya Kumar said the BJP is rattled as we are getting people's support. In a post on X earlier, Khera said, The Election Commission of India wants us to believe that IN JUST SIX MONTHS between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Maharashtra: -- Close to 40% of the electorate died/ permanently migrated in Ramtek and Devlali assembly constituencies. Around 45% of the electorate suddenly became eligible to vote in Nashik West and Hingna assembly constituencies. Next they will announce that 2+2 = 420, he said, taking a swipe at the EC. In his first press conference after Gandhi levelled allegations of vote chori in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and several opposition leaders flagged issues about the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, Gyanesh Kumar asked the Congress leader to either apologise or back his claims within a week with a signed affidavit as required under electoral rules. Give an affidavit or apologise to the nation. There is no third option. If an affidavit is not given within seven days, this means that all allegations are baseless, said Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The remarks by the CEC came on a day when Gandhi-led opposition launched the 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar and stepped up attack against the SIR of electoral rolls in the poll-bound state. The Congress and other opposition parties have been pressing the EC to provide a machine-readable digital copy of the Maharashtra voter lists, alleging irregularities in the 2024 state polls.
India monsoon LIVE: IMD issues red alert in Mumbai as heavy downpour causes waterlogging
IMD Mumbai issued a warning of intense rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (3040 kmph) in parts of north and central Maharashtra, including Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Aurangabad region, Beed, and Nanded.
Raut Says No Power In Country Can Defeat United Thackerays
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut announced on Friday that Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are considering contesting the upcoming municipal elections in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and other cities together.
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will contest civic elections together, says Sanjay Raut
Sanjay Raut announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will contest upcoming civic elections together in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Kalyan-Dombivali, aiming to unite Marathi-speakers. Raut stated discussions are ongoing with MNS for an alliance. BJP leaders dismissed the announcement, questioning whether the Thackeray cousins had even spoken and accusing Sena (UBT) of only remembering Marathi voters near elections.
21-year-old Muslim youth, Suleman Rahim Khan, a resident of Chhoti Betawad in Maharashtras Jamner taluka was abducted, assaulted and brutally murdered by a mob on Monday, reported Maktoob Media . The mob also attacked the youth's family, including mother and sister, while trying to save him. According to the report, citing eye witnesses, the youth was abducted by a mob of 9-15 men from a cafe, just meters away from the Jamner police station, while he was allegedly with a 17-year-old-girl from another community. The youth was dragged by the mob to a vehicle and taken to different locations, assaulted and then dumped at the doorstep of his house. The attackers then assaulted Suleman's family when they tried to help the youth who was fighting for his life, leaving his father, mother and sister injured. Suleman was later taken to the Jalgaon District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. According to police, sticks, iron rods, and bare hands were used to assault the youth, causing fatal internal injuries. Suleman had recently completed his 12th standard and was preparing to join the police service. On the day of the attack, he had traveled to Jamner to submit his police application. There was not a single inch on my sons body without wounds. They left him battered. When we ran to save him, they turned their violence on me, my wife, and my daughter. Suleman was my only son. I will not rest until the culprits face the harshest punishment the law can give, exactly for what they did to him, Rahim Khan, father of Suleman was quoted as saying by Maktoob . The killing sparked protests in Jamner, with relatives and community leaders demanding strict action against the attackers including charges under Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Residents also staged a sit in protest outside the Jamner police station, demanding immediate arrests of the attackers. According to the report, Superintendent of Police Maheshwar Reddy informed that four people have been arrested so far, while five more suspects are being traced. We are still investigating the matter and cannot exactly say the reason for the attack at this time. The situation in Jamner is under control, and additional forces from the crime branch and Nashik Range have been deployed, the inspector was quoted as saying by Maktoob. The accused have been booked on charges of murder, kidnapping, rioting, and unlawful assembly under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Meanwhile, former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel alleged that the police had pressurized the family to conduct last rites before all the accused were arrested. Another case of mob lynching. 20 year old college student beaten to death in front of his parents and sister by goons in a villlage in Jamner taluka, Jalgaon on Monday afternoon. Suleman khan was attacked on the charge that he was talking to a girl from another community. Police now pressurising family to do last rites while family is demanding arrests of all accused, he wrote in a post on X.
CBI Busts Fake Amazon Tech Support Centre Operating In Maharashtra, 5 Arrested
The CBI has dismantled a clandestine syndicate of cyber criminals masquerading as Amazon technical support centre operational at a resort in Maharashtra's Nashik, arresting five Mumbai-based fraudsters, officials said.
CBI Busts Fake Amazon Technical Support Centre Operating From Resort In Nashik; 5 Arrested
New Delhi, Aug 10: The CBI has dismantled a clandestine syndicate of cyber criminals masquerading as Amazon technical support centre operational at a resort in Maharashtras Nashik, arresting five Mumbai-based fraudsters who were allegedly targeting US and Canadian citizens, officials said Sunday. The illegal enterprise comprising a coterie of six Mumbai-based fraudsters, named as accused in the FIR, operated in conspiracy with other unidentified bank officials and private individuals. They allegedly committed financial frauds by impersonation, making phishing calls from [] The post CBI Busts Fake Amazon Technical Support Centre Operating From Resort In Nashik; 5 Arrested appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Three-Year-Old Boy Mauled To Death By Leopard, Sister Ties Rakhi Before Last Rites
In Nashik, Maharashtra, a three-year-old boy was mauled to death by a leopard while playing near his home. The tragic incident occurred just before Rakshabandhan.
One Student Killed, 11 Injured After Tomato-Laden Tempo Mows Them Down In Nashik
According to police, the tempo, heading towards Pimpalgaon, veered out of control and hit a group of students crossing the highway.
Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS to 'surely' contest Maharashtra local bodies polls together
Sanjay Raut stated that Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS will likely contest local body polls together, hinting at a reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after their July protest. Raut expressed confidence that an alliance between the cousins' parties would secure a majority in key municipal corporations, including Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. Discussions between the two leaders are expected soon.
Nashik: Class X student faints after minor argument outside coaching centre, dies
A minor argument reportedly led to the death of a Class 10 student outside a private coaching centre in Ashok Nagar area of Satpur in Nashik late on Saturday, creating tension in the area, police said on Sunday.
Lt Col Purohit gets warm welcome as he returns home in Pune after acquittal in Malegaon blast case
Pune, Aug 3: Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit, one of the seven accused acquitted by a court in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, was accorded a grand welcome by his family members and supporters on his return home in Pune on Sunday. A special court in Mumbai on Thursday acquitted Purohit, former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and five others, nearly 17 years after a blast in Malegaon town in Nashik district of north Maharashtra claimed six lives. While acquitting [] The post Lt Col Purohit gets warm welcome as he returns home in Pune after acquittal in Malegaon blast case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Political row erupts over Malegaon blast verdict
NEW DELHI/BHOPAL/MUMBAI/LUCKNOW : Following the acquittal of all accused in the Malegaon blast case, the BJP on Thursday accused the Congress of having concocted the theory of Hindu terror during its tenure in power, to allegedly thwart the political rise of Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The BJP claimed the Congress devised this narrative as part of a strategy to appease Muslim voters. The Congress can go to any extent in its vote bank politics, stated former Law Minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad at a media briefing. He demanded an apology to the nation from former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Prasad demanded that those discharged from the case, including former BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit, be compensated adequately. Thakur supporters celebrate In Bhopal, supporters of Pragya Thakur danced and distributed sweets after hearing the verdict. They want a grant celebration after Thakur returns from Mumbai to her B-29, 74 Bungalows residence in a couple of days. Five kilometres away, supporters burst crackers outside the residence of former CM Uma Bharti at 6, Shyamala Hills. She turned emotional, recounting her meeting with Thakur while the latter was incarcerated. Bharti recalled, I met Pragya at the Nashik Jail, when no one went there to meet her. A Maharashtra police officer had told me that she was tortured unimaginably. I was in tears while meeting her and still remember her confirming that she had been tortured beyond imagination. She called Thakur Durga, who preferred torture in custody to succumbing under pressure. Bharti pointed out, No ordinary woman could have tolerated such extreme torture. At Nashik Jail, she told me, tell all people, that Ill prefer dying and never allow Hindus and the colour saffron to get kalankit (tarnished). Bharti said thanks to the verdict, even I stand acquitted in the court of my soul. He stated, All those who coined the term saffron terrorism should now either apologise to the Hindus or jump into the Ganga or Narmada. Maha slugfest Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X, Atankwad bhagwa na kabhi kha, na hai, na kabhi rahega (Terrorism was never saffron, is not, and will never be). Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the verdict was delayed justice, adding that bomb blasts were frequent when the Congress was in power for which innocents were framed. He said, Shiv Sena never had any doubt that the accused were falsely framed and would get justice. Colonel Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya and seven others have had to endure immense mental and physical torture due to this allegation. The Hindu people will never forget this injustice. A Hindu can never commit anti-national acts, because patriotism is a religious act for Hindus. On Fadnaviss reaction, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, His tweet reveals his political mindset. This is precisely why questions have been raised about the attitude of the investigative agencies. These people view terrorism through a political lens as well. People associated with the BJP and RSS, for their political interests, had even called a brave officer like martyr Hemant Karkare a traitor. Sawant reacted to Fadvanis, saying, Was it due to this political mindset that Rohini Salian ji was asked to adopt a soft stance towards the accused and to slow down the pace of the investigation? Witnesses were offered inducements. A witness like Randhir Singh was even given a ministerial position in Jharkhand. However, this verdict is not surprising, as the NIA had already given a clean chit. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan of the Congress asked, The question remains, then why no one is guilty and convicted for this crime? Then, who killed these five people who died in the bomb blast? In contrast, Congress ally Shiv Sena of Uddhav Thackeray welcomed the verdict. While Thackeray did not react, his party party MLC and leader of Opposition said, Satya Mev Jayate truth has prevailed. Both factions of the Sena appeared to be on the same side on the verdict. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said, The NIA courts verdict has erased the stigma on Hindus today. There is no doubt that the slogan Garv se kaho hum Hindu hai will now be echoed a hundred times louder. Yogi takes shot at Cong Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the Malegaon verdict was a reflection of the Congress partys anti-India, anti-justice and anti-Sanatan character. The exoneration is a living testament to the phrase Satyamev Jayate. The verdict again exposes the Congress which coined the false term, saffron terror, and defamed crores of Sanatan believers, saints, and patriots, he said. The case Trail Sept 27, 2008: An explosive device strapped to a motorcycle detonated near a mosque at Bikku chowk in Malegaon town Sept 29, 2008: An FIR was lodged at Azad Nagar police station at Malegaon Oct21 , 2008: Maharashtra Terrorist Squad (ATS) took over this case Nov 27, 2008: ATS chief Hemant Karkare was killed in a terrorist attack in Mumbai Oct 23, 2008: ATS made the first arrest in this case, namely Sadvi Pragya Singh as well as three other accused Oct 23, 2008: ATS arrested Lt Col Prasad Purohit for involvement and conspiracy Jan 20, 2009: ATS filed chargesheet and charged them under MCOCA & UAPA July 2009: The special court said that the MCOCA was not applicable in the case Aug 2009: Maha govt moved against the special court in Bombay High Court July 2010: Bombay High Court overturned the special court order and upheld the charges under MCOCA Aug 2010: Accused Pragya and Lt Colonel Purohit moved SC against the HC order Apr 13, 2011: NIA took over case and held Lokesh Sharma & Dhan Singh; total arrested 14 Apr 2015: The SC sent back the case to special court to reconsider the applicability of MCOCA Feb 2016: NIA told court that theyd sought AGs view and MCOCA was applicable May 2016: NIA filed another chargesheet in special court and asked to drop MCOCA against the accused and give a clean chit to all seven Apr 25, 2017: The Bombay High Court granted bail to Sadvi Pragya Singh but no relief to Lt Colonel Purohit Sept 21, 2017: Lt Colonel Purohit finally got the bail via the Supreme Court. Later all accused arrested in this case were granted bail Dec 27, 2017: The special court of NIA dropped the charge that the accused was a member of the terrorist organisation and raising funds for it Dec 3, 2018: The trail began with examinations of first witnesses Sept 14, 2023: Court examined 323 prosecution witnesses; 37 turned hostile July 23, 2023: The examination of defence witnesses were completed Aug 12, 2023: The special court recorded the final statement of accused Apr 19, 2025: The special court closed the trail for the judgment July 31, 2025: Special court judge LK Lahoti acquitted all seven accused
BHOPAL: A distance of five kilometres separates the official bungalows of two saffron-clad women politicians of the ruling BJP in Bhopal. But the celebrations at the residences of these two former Bhopal MPs, to mark the acquittal of one of them, Pragya Singh Thakur, in the 2008 Malegaon blast case , stood in sharp contrast. While Thakur was in Mumbai for the NIA courts judgment in the 17-year-old terror case, a handful of her supporters at the B-29 residence in the 74 Bungalows area danced to drumbeats and distributed sweets, awaiting her arrival in Bhopal two days later for the grand celebrations. Five kilometres away, outside the 6 Shyamala Hills residence of former Madhya Pradesh CM and ex-Union minister Uma Bharti, it was the sound of bursting crackers that marked the acquittal of Thakur and others in the blast case. Recounting her visit to Nashik Jail, where Thakur had been lodged, Bharti, who is considered one of the prominent BJP figures in the Ayodhya Ram Temple movement, turned emotional. I met Pragya at the Nashik Jail, when no one went there to meet her. A Maharashtra police officer had told me that she was tortured unimaginably. I was in tears while meeting her and still remember her having confirmed to me about having been tortured beyond imagination. I didnt carry anything for her it was she who had kept a garland for me, Bharti said. 2008 Malegaon blast: Mere suspicion can't replace real proof; no evidence for conviction, says court She is Durga (goddess), who preferred tolerating extreme mental and physical torture in custody, rather than succumbing under intense pressure. No ordinary woman could have tolerated such extreme torture. At Nashik Jail, she told me, tell all people, that Ill prefer dying and never allow Hindus and the colour saffron to get kalankit (tarnished), Bharti added while recounting her meeting with Thakur in the jail. Welcoming the NIA courts judgment, Bharti said the verdict had not just absolved Thakur and others from allegedly false charges, but had also given her personal relief. Even I stand acquitted in the court of my soul, she said. Bharti alleged that the 2008 blast incident had been deliberately chosen as part of a larger conspiracy to coin the term saffron terrorism as a counter-narrative against Islamic fundamentalism. Lies were added in the case, and those arrested were subjected to horrific torture just to force them to take certain names. Had they taken those names, then most office-bearers of nationalist organisations and most BJP leaders would have been put behind bars and subjected to similar torture, she alleged. All those who coined the term saffron terrorism should now either apologise to the Hindus or jump into the river Ganga or Narmada. The people now need to decide what extraordinary punishment should be given to those politicians, including P Chidambaram, Rahul Gandhi, Digvijaya Singh and those from left parties, for their deliberate attempts to create fear among Muslims for the consolidation of the minority communitys votes by creating the fake narrative of Hindu fundamentalism to counter Muslim fundamentalism, she added. 'Terrorism was never saffron': Fadnavis hails Malegaon blast verdict; BJP demands Rahul, Sonia Gandhi's apology
