The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a significant road-connection project to link the 60-feet Vijay Fire Road and Jungleshwar Mandir Road (Khairani Road) in Chandivali. This long-awaited ‘Missing Link’ project is expected to bring much-needed relief to the area's residents by easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity. One of the major hurdles in the project was the presence of five unauthorised structures near the Anandibai Surve Garden. The structures posed a legal and physical obstruction to the completion of the link. The BMC’s 'L' Ward issued notices to these structures, completing the necessary legal formalities. On 9th January 2024, the structures were successfully removed, clearing the way for the road connection. The Roads Department is set to immediately begin development work in the cleared area. The demolition drive was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 5) Devidas Kshirsagar and the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Dhanaji Herlekar. Their prompt action has paved the way for progress on this crucial infrastructure project. Currently, Chandivali lacks a direct road connection to areas like Asalpha and Ghatkopar. Residents are forced to take a detour through the Sakinaka Junction to reach Ghatkopar. Furthermore, the existing road linking Chandivali's Nahar Layout with Khairani Road is narrow, resulting in heavy traffic congestion. The new 'Missing Link' project is poised to address these challenges, making it an essential development for the locality. Once completed, the road is expected to provide seamless connectivity between Chandivali and Ghatkopar, significantly reducing travel time and easing the flow of traffic. The initiative also reflects BMC's focus on improving urban mobility and addressing bottlenecks in Mumbai's transport network. The residents of Chandivali and surrounding areas eagerly await the completion of this project, which will not only enhance their daily commute but also contribute to the overall development of the neighbourhood.
09 January,2025 06:25 PM IST | MumbaiA child was severely injured after an individual allegedly abandoned a pit bull dog at Mahim beach before disappearing. The situation could have taken a tragic turn had mid-day photojournalist Satej Shinde not been at the spot and intervened, sustaining minor injuries himself in the process. The canine is currently in the care of a local animal rescuer. Around 10.30 am, Shinde spotted a man in his late thirties at the beach with the canine on a leash. After a few minutes, it became apparent that the man had left it alone and was walking in the opposite direction. The pit bull, which was briefly tied to a boat at Mahim beach, following the attack. Pics/Satej Shinde The photojournalist was then shocked to see the dog dashing towards a group of children playing on the beach. After causing a child, who was around seven to eight years old, to fall down, the pitbull moved towards a younger boy. As this chaos was unfolding, the man could still be seen a great distance away, seemingly recording everything on his phone. Alarmed, Shinde rushed towards the child, using his leg to fend off the canine while still holding his camera and bags. A local, Ramesh, then came to Shinde’s rescue and grabbed the dog by the collar. Later, using a rope he tied the canine to a beached boat. Another resident, Mayur Davane, then informed the Mahim police, and they reached the spot. Shinde later went to the BMC-run Bhabha Hospital where he got an anti-rabies shot. Senior PI Vinayak Vetal of the Mahim police station, said, “No one had approached the police to register a complaint. But, cases of dog bites have been reported and we have informed the BMC.” Abandonment issues The phenomenon of pet abandonment has prompted animal welfare activists to advise people not to buy fancy pets without understanding that they are bound legally and ethically to provide them with all necessary care and requirements. The man who allegedly abandoned the dog on Mahim beach on Wednesday morning Advocate Pawan Satyaprakash Sharma, member, Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra, said, “Many pet owners do whatever is convenient for them. This is especially the case with imported dog breeds. As a result, the pet is subjected to cruelty. In many cases, especially with dogs, they end up becoming aggressive or falling sick. When pet owners fail, they end up abandoning such pets on the streets in forests or on beaches and highways.” He said this was not only illegal but also dangerous for both people and animals. “We should not forget that a dog is considered man’s best friend. Therefore, all human-animal conflict that we see is a result of human error. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying had issued a circular to all the states to ban some breeds considered to be aggressive and dangerous to human life. This is not a decision but an advisory which every state and Union Territory has to consider before taking the necessary decisions. This does not affect the existing pets that people have but advises to get them sterilised to prevent further breeding. Registration, sale and purchase needs to be strictly monitored and regulated to prevent unlawful activities as well as animal cruelty and ensure the overall welfare the society,” Sharma added. PETA’s insights According to PETA, 80 million dogs and cats are suffering on India’s streets. Animal shelters are overcrowded, and pit bulls and related breeds are the most commonly abandoned in India. Breeders do not warn unsuspecting buyers that this breed was developed in the UK through selective breeding to accentuate characteristics desirable for use in dog fights and attacks, resulting in aggression, abnormally strong jaws and muscular strength. In most places, they are typically only kept for dog fights, or as guard and attack dogs who live a miserable life at the end of a chain, kept by people attracted to their tough image, according to PETA. They are typically trained and treated with violence and neglect, making them fearful and defensive. “This results in pit bulls often becoming an abandoned breed, ending up at shelters or with someone who uses them in dog fights. The best idea would be prevention, which is not purchasing a pit bull or any dog for that matter. PETA India recommends that families get their dogs sterilised to avoid more pit bulls being born.Civic bodies take steps Civic bodies across the country have taken steps regarding the keeping of dogs bred for aggression in people’s homes. The Kanpur Municipal Corporation prohibited the rearing of pit bulls and Rottweilers. Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation has prohibited the breeding and keeping of pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dogo Argentino breeds, and Panchkula Municipal Corporation has restrictions on keeping pit bulls and Rottweilers within city limits. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has banned keeping and breeding of American bulldog, American pit bull/pit bull terrier, bull terrier/Pakistani bull terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino and Rottweiler breeds,” PETA said. First person account I was at Mahim beach at 10.30 am hoping to capture an offbeat photo. I was taking pictures of labourers at work when I spotted the man and dog. I clicked pictures of both of them. They sat on the rocks, which was not an uncommon sight. But, I soon realised that the person had released the dog and was walking away. Within minutes, I saw the dog running towards some kids, causing a boy to fall down and attacking a younger boy, who seemed about six years old. I rushed towards them and tried to push the dog away with my leg, getting minor injuries in the process. After the dog was tethered to a boat, I returned to the beach, to see police had arrived with activists — Satej Shinde Do you know? In March 2024, the central government issued a circular prohibiting foreign dog breeds, including pit bulls. It later withdrew the circular for revision. PETA India is calling on the Centre to see how the aim of the circular can be further strengthened to protect vulnerable dog breeds. With inputs by Apoorva Agashe
09 January,2025 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav | Satej ShindeIn a move aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and safety, Western Railway has upgraded the rake of Train No. 12909/12910 Bandra Terminus - Hazrat Nizamuddin Garib Rath Express to the state-of-the-art Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches. The introduction of these modern coaches replaces the conventional rake previously used for the train. According to a press release issued by Shri Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the upgraded rake now comprises 19 coaches, all featuring AC 3-Tier Economy class. These coaches are designed with advanced features to significantly improve the overall travelling experience for passengers. Shri Vineet explained that the new LHB rake boasts better interiors, which ensure a more pleasant and comfortable journey. The coaches adhere to high safety standards, including anti-climbing couplers, an efficient braking system, and the use of fire-retardant materials. Passengers will also appreciate the enhanced comfort of the berths, which are more spacious, and the improved design of the toilets, providing greater convenience during travel. One of the key highlights of the LHB coaches is their ability to reach speeds of up to 160 kmph, potentially reducing travel time. Additionally, the new rake eliminates side middle berths, ensuring a more spacious seating arrangement and further enhancing passenger comfort. The transition to LHB rakes is expected to significantly benefit passengers by providing a safer and more comfortable journey. These coaches are also known for their durability and better suspension, which contributes to a smoother ride. The Bandra Terminus - Hazrat Nizamuddin Garib Rath Express serves as a crucial link between Mumbai and Delhi, catering to a large number of passengers daily. The introduction of the modern LHB rake underscores Western Railway’s commitment to improving passenger amenities and ensuring safer travel. This development is part of Indian Railways’ broader initiative to replace conventional rakes with LHB coaches across its network, offering enhanced comfort, speed, and safety for travellers.
09 January,2025 06:03 PM IST | MumbaiA case has been filed against Manoj Jarange, a prominent Maratha quota activist, for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Maharashtra state minister Dhananjay Munde and his community during a public rally in Parbhani. The complaint was lodged in Latur district at Kingaon police station on Tuesday, as per the local police. According to the complaint filed by Kishor Munde, a supporter of the minister, Jarange made offensive and inflammatory statements about Dhananjay Munde and the Vanjari community, to which the minister belongs. These remarks were allegedly made during a public rally held in Parbhani on January 4, an event that also involved several political figures from both opposition and ruling parties. Assistant police inspector Sahebrao Khandare confirmed to PTI that the complaint stated Jarange’s comments had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Vanjari community. The rally, held on January 4, was aimed at drawing attention to the case of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, whose murder had yet to see a thorough investigation. Protesters at the rally demanded a swift and unbiased investigation into Deshmukh’s murder, free from any political influence. In addition to Jarange, some political leaders from both sides of the spectrum took part in the rally, which also saw calls for the resignation of Dhananjay Munde. The reason behind these demands was an alleged connection between Munde’s aide, Valmik Karad, and the murder case of Deshmukh. Following the complaint, the police have registered a non-cognisable offence under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 352 (intentional insult), Sections 351(2) and 351(3) (criminal intimidation), and Section 3(5) (common intention). Beed sarpanch murder: Manoj Jarange booked for 'defamatory' remarks against Dhananjay Munde An official said that the Beed police have booked Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde over the murder of a sarpanch in the district, reported news agency PTI. Following a complaint by one Tukaram Aghav, the Parli police on Sunday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Jarange over the remarks and on charges of creating a divide in the society, reported PTI. During a rally in Parbhani on Saturday, Jarange targeted NCP minister Munde over the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district. (With inputs from PTI)
09 January,2025 04:50 PM IST | MumbaiThe Bombay High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Sunil Modi, which challenged the withdrawal of a list of 12 MLC nominees submitted to the Maharashtra Governor by the then Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2020. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, ruled that the petition was “misconceived” and accordingly dismissed it. The case revolves around the decision by the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government to retract the recommendations made by the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government for the 12 nominated seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. After the collapse of the MVA government in 2022, the newly-formed cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, requested the governor to withdraw the list of nominations that had been submitted earlier. On September 5, 2022, the governor accepted the request, and the list was subsequently returned to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). In the wake of this, in October 2024, the governor nominated seven Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) to fill the 12 vacant posts that had been pending. Of these, three MLCs were nominated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), two by its allies, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), respectively. The BJP’s nominations include Chitra Wagh, the state women's wing chief, Vikrant Patil, a state general secretary, and spiritual leader Dharmaguru Babusingh Maharaj Rathod from the Banjara community. The NCP's nominees are former MLA Pankaj Bhujbal and Idris Naikwadi, a minority face from western Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena has nominated Manisha Kayande and former Lok Sabha member Hemant Patil. The court's dismissal of the plea has now cleared the way for the newly-appointed MLCs to assume their roles, despite the legal challenge to the withdrawal of the original list. (With inputs from PTI)
09 January,2025 04:11 PM IST | MumbaiThe Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) on Thursday announced extra bus services in parts of north Mumbai in view of the Erangal Fair 2024. In an official statement, BEST said, in view of the large number of passengers expected to attend the 'Erangal Fair' on Friday, January 12, 2024, has announced additional bus services to ensure smooth travel. The BEST said that to manage the crowd during the fair several additional services will be running to and from Malad, Marve, Madh, Malvani and Borivli. Extra buses will run from the following routes: Malad West (Station) to Erangal Bus Route No. 271: 8 buses in the morning and 20 buses in the evening.Marve Beach to Madh Jetty Bus Route No. 271: 6 buses in the morning and 6 buses in the evening.Erangal to Marve Beach Bus Route No. 271: 3 buses in the morning.Borivli West (Station) to Madh Jetty Bus Route No. A-269: 6 buses in the morning and 8 buses in the evening. The BEST said that in total, 20 buses will operate in the morning and 37 buses in the evening, starting from 6 am. Depending on the passenger demand, more buses will be added if necessary. The statement further said that to assist passengers, traffic officers, bus inspectors, and security personnel will be stationed at key locations, including Malad West Station, Marve Beach, Madh Jetty, Erangal, Bhati Village, and Malvani Depot. "BEST has urged all passengers to make the most of these additional bus services to avoid any inconvenience," the BEST said. The nine-day novena at the historic St. Bonaventure Church in Erangal Beach, Madh, began on January 3. Built nearly five centuries ago during the Portuguese era, the church is a significant pilgrimage site. The novena prayers are part of the spiritual preparations leading up to the feast of St. Bonaventure, which will be celebrated on January 12. The church, constructed with stone and lime mortar, features a marble plaque that outlines its rich history. Visitors from Mumbai can reach the church by taking a ferry from Versova to Madh. The annual Erangal Feast is held on the second Sunday of January.
09 January,2025 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDhananjay Deshmukh, the brother of slain sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, has claimed that the perpetrators of his brother's murder likely had political protection. Speaking on Thursday, Dhananjay expressed confidence that a thorough investigation would reveal whether the accused were shielded by political forces. He also called for the swift arrest of one remaining fugitive who has been on the run for over a month and demanded severe punishment for all those involved in the crime. Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured, and brutally murdered on December 9, allegedly as retaliation for his attempts to curb extortion efforts against an energy company linked to a windmill project. Since the start of the investigation, seven individuals have been arrested, though one accused is still evading capture. In a related development, Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra's NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, has been arrested in connection with a related extortion case. Local residents in Paithan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, organised a protest march on Thursday, demanding the arrest of all those involved and calling for stringent punishment for the offenders. Dhananjay Deshmukh claimed, "There is an organised crime operation, and the criminals involved show no remorse. The protection they have likely been offered from certain quarters has emboldened them. They must have been told, 'Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.' The investigation will reveal whether political support was behind their actions," he said. He further pointed out that despite the passage of a month, one suspect remains at large, and many others are believed to have aided the criminals. "The accused had protection, which allowed them to commit this heinous act," Dhananjay added. The slain sarpanch's family met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Tuesday, urging him to ensure justice in the case. They also informed the CM that several of the accused had criminal records, pressing for appropriate action against them. Chief Minister Fadnavis assured the family that all those involved in the murder would be caught and brought to justice. (With inputs from PTI)
09 January,2025 04:01 PM IST | MumbaiJuhu's iconic Chandan Talkies, the last remaining single-screen cinema in the area, has been demolished after being shut down in 2017. Speaking on the downfall of the single-screen cinema, Sameer Joshi, the owner of Chandan Talkies cited the changing nature of the film industry and its impact on attendance. "There are very few films today that appeal to the masses. For a cinema like ours, which has a 650-seat capacity, it became a struggle to fill even 100 seats," he explained. He also highlighted the rise of web streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon, which he believes have further harmed the business. "People are opting for alternative modes of entertainment. Web platforms have severely impacted our industry," Joshi remarked. He also lamented the lack of governmental support in keeping single-screen cinemas alive. "Despite having 4K projection, modern seats, and state-of-the-art sound systems, the government has not provided any meaningful assistance. They are more focused on fiscal policies and GST collection, yet they fail to understand that businesses must evolve with the times," Joshi added. He mentioned that the Single Screen Owners Association had made several requests for aid, but these had fallen on deaf ears. Trade analyst Amod Mehra reflected on the closure of the cinema, recalling his many visits to Chandan, which first opened in 1973. "It's difficult to fathom that so many single-screen theatres are shutting down. While I understand that it's a business decision, the government should intervene to preserve this part of the city's cultural heritage," he said. For local residents, the theatre held a special place in their hearts. Shadab Shaikh, an auto-rickshaw driver, fondly remembered the theatre as the last affordable cinema in the area. "Chandan was the only place with reasonable ticket prices, between Rs 150-180. The crowd there was always full of energy, whistling, clapping, and sometimes even shouting out loud. It was a real cinematic experience," he recalled. With the demolition of Chandan Talkies, a piece of Mumbai's cultural history has been lost, leaving behind a nostalgic void for the city’s moviegoers.
09 January,2025 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA minor’s fundamental right to obtain a passport and travel abroad cannot be curtailed merely because of an ongoing matrimonial dispute between her parents, the Bombay High Court has ruled. In an order passed on Wednesday, the court directed the Pune Regional Passport Office (RPO) to issue a passport to a 17-year-old girl within two weeks. According to PTI, the court underscored that the right to travel abroad is an essential aspect of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. A copy of the judgement was made available on Thursday. The RPO had earlier declined to process the girl’s passport application after her father raised objections. As per the plea submitted to the court, the girl’s parents are undergoing divorce proceedings. In response to the RPO’s communication in November 2024, the girl’s mother had clarified that the father’s consent was missing due to the ongoing matrimonial discord. According to PTI, the court emphasised that the constitutional rights of the minor cannot be jeopardised merely because the father refused to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC). It noted that the girl, who resides with her mother, is a bright student and had achieved exemplary marks in her Class 10 examination. These academic achievements qualified her to join a study tour to Japan, organised by her school. The division bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advaith Sethna observed, “The petitioner’s right to travel abroad by issuance of a passport cannot be impeded solely because of the father’s refusal to support the application. Personal liberty, as guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, includes the right to travel abroad, and such a right cannot be deprived except through a lawful, fair, and reasonable procedure.” The court further remarked that travelling abroad is no longer a fanciful pursuit but has become an integral aspect of contemporary life. “The need to travel – whether for educational, professional, or other purposes – has transformed significantly in modern times. Denying this right can cause irreparable harm to an individual’s prospects,” the bench stated. Pulling up the passport authority for adopting a mechanical approach, the court reminded the RPO to implement the provisions of the Passports Act in a manner aligned with modern-day realities. According to PTI reports, the bench noted that the girl’s mother had submitted a declaration as required under the Act, and this should suffice for processing the application. The court also criticised the father for failing to provide any legal justification for opposing the passport issuance. It observed that he had not secured any court order to prevent the minor or her mother from pursuing the application. The father’s mere refusal to issue an NOC, without valid grounds, could not be a basis for denying the passport, the court held.
09 January,2025 03:18 PM IST | MumbaiThe Malwani police in Malad have filed a murder and conspiracy case against four persons from West Bengal based on an FIR registered by the victim’s wife, who alleged that her husband was killed by them, while the suspects say that the victim died by suicide. The case stems from a Zero FIR (FIR that can be filed in any police station, regardless of the place where the crime is committed) filed by the Bengal police in December last year. The case was transferred to the Malwani police in Malad who registered the FIR on January 7. The victim’s wife, 25, a resident of Bengal’s Medinipur district, had approached the local police on November 30, 2024, complaining that her husband, a sweets maker, was taken to Mumbai by four persons whom she identified as Nimay Singh, Mayarani Singh, Bapi Singh, and Lochan Singh, for work during the Diwali festival. The woman claimed that she last spoke with her husband on October 18, and everything seemed fine. However, on the morning of October 19, Mayarani called her and informed her that her husband had died by suicide. According to the woman, she requested Mayarani to send her husband’s body to the village, but he said that they have already cremated the body. Woman approaches court Sensing something suspicious, she approached the Salboni police station in Bengal on November 30 who denied filing a case as the alleged incident took place in Mumbai. She then reached out to the DCP, West Medinipur, on December 4, but did not receive any response, following which she filed a plea in the court. Hearing her plea, the local court in the last week of December, 2024, directed the Salboni police station to register a case under sections 103 and 61(2) of the BNS. After the court’s order, a Zero FIR was filed and the case was transferred to Mumbai’s Malwani police. "The postmortem report indicated that the cause of death was suicide. When it was time to hand over the body after the postmortem, we contacted the deceased’s wife and requested her to come to Mumbai. We also informed her that if she had any concerns or complaints, she could register them at the police station. However, she declined, stating that she was alone at home with young children and could not travel. With her consent, approval, and instructions, we handed over her husband's body to his companions,” said investigating officer PSI Sachin Nikalje of Malwani police station.
09 January,2025 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanShiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve on Thursday said the Maharashtra government should first arrest the absconding accused in sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder case and then say it would not spare any of the culprits. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader targeted the Devendra Fadnavis government as one of the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case was still at large after one month of the incident. In a post on X, Danve said that Chief Minister Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, keeps saying they will not spare anyone involved in the case, but for that, they have to first nab the absconding accused. 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. As part of the investigation, police have so far arrested seven persons connected to the case. One of the accused is still at large. Walmik Karad, an associate of Maharashtra NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, has been arrested in a related extortion case. Targeting the government, Danve said a month has passed since the murder of sarpanch Deshmukh, but a 23-year-old person, the sixth accused in the case, has still not been found by police. On the other hand, the state government is also not asking for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation despite public demand. The government is so "stubborn", the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed. "Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis says they will not spare anyone in this case. Sparing someone or not is the later part, for that you have to nab the accused first," he said. In another matter, family members of Dalit man Somnath Suryavanshi, who died in judicial custody in Parbhani last month, on Wednesday refused to accept the Rs 10 lakh aid from the CM Relief Fund citing their struggle for justice. Targeting the state government over it, Danve in another post on X said Suryavanshi's family members are seeking justice, not the financial assistance, as they claim his killers are roaming freely. "Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis always keeps giving some or the other quotes. Even I want to tell him a quote that 'justice delayed is justice denied'," the opposition leader added. Suryavanshi (35) died in judicial custody after he was arrested in connection with violence in Parbhani city of Maharashtra over the desecration of the glass-encased replica of the Constitution last December. (With inputs from ANI)
09 January,2025 02:27 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
