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After CBI closes Sushant Singh Rajput's case, BJP MLA demands probe by SIT
BJP MLA Ram Kadam has accused the Uddhav Thackeray government of tampering and destroying the evidence in the Sushant Singh Rajput case, and demanded that the SIT probing the Disha Salian death should look into the Sushant Singh Rajput case, too. Kadam made the demand in Maharashtra Assembly after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last week submitted a closure report in the alleged suicide case of the Bollywood actor before a court.The legislator stated that the case was transferred to the CBI 68 days after Rajput's death. He also claimed that the Bihar Police who had registered a case in connection with Rajput's death, was not allowed to conduct an inquiry."Sushant's house was handed over to the owner after destroying evidence, and the furniture was removed. The house was painted. It should be probed whether it was done to destroy evidence. Why did this happen," he questioned.Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found hanging from the ceiling of his apartment in suburban Bandra on June 14, 2020. Six days earlier, on June 8, 2020, his former manager Disha Salian, 28, had died after falling off the 14th floor of a residential building in Malad area of the city.Kadam called for investigation into the alleged involvement of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who was the Maharashtra Chief Minister in 2020, in the destruction of evidence. He also demanded that the role of Rajput's girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty's should be investigated as the Special Investigation Team formed in the Disha Salian case is still at work.Sushant Singh Rajput death case: SIT will probe all information provided by Disha Salian's father, says minister The SIT should club the two cases, demanded Kadam.Responding to the demand, Congress MLA Nana Patole questioned how such issues can be brought up when a discussion on the 75 years of the Constitution was being conducted in the House."The Assembly should function as per set norms", said Patole, a former speaker, as the opposition staged a walkout in protest. Meanwhile, Minister Shambhuraj Desai, speaking on behalf of the government, reiterated that those responsible for the deaths will not be spared. He also added that the SIT would investigate all the information provided by Disha Salian's father, Satish Salian, to the police. Responding to this, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai questioned whether the ruling BJP-NCP-Shiv Sena coalition was undermining the CBI, an agency of the Central Government headed by the BJP."The Sushant case is five years old, and for the last three years you are in power in both the state and Centre," he pointed out.Desai said the state government had no intention to challenge the CBI."Disha Salian's father has met the police, and if he has any new information regarding his daughter's death, it should be looked into," said Desai.Desai, now with the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, mentioned that he had been Minister of State for Home in the Uddhav Thackeray government, and he has been taught to ensure that no injustice occurs While an SIT is already investigating Disha Salian's death, her father Satish Salian on submitted a complaint to the Joint Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, urging registration of a case against Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray and others involved in the case. He has also moved the Bombay High Court, seeking a fresh investigation.
26 March,2025 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai
Breach of privilege notice moved against Kunal Kamra in Legislative Council
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Pravin Darekar on Wednesday moved a breach of privilege motion notice against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Spokesperson Sushma Andhare. "Kunal Kamra performed a song containing personal and insulting references to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," said Darekar, leader of the legislative council, while presenting the motion. "Andhare supported the performance and used objectionable language, which amounts to contempt of the House," he further said. Both Kamra and Andhare disrespected the dignity of legislative institutions through their remarks, Darekar said. In the Maharashtra Assembly, Shiv Sena Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ramesh Bornare submitted a breach of privilege notice against Andhare for alleging mocking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Presiding officer Sanjay Kelkar said Speaker Rahul Narwekar will take a decision on the notice. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
26 March,2025 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Oppn withdraws no-confidence motion against Legislative Council Chairman
The Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Wednesday withdrew its no-confidence motion against Chairman Ram Shinde, saying they have been assured of fair treatment in the Upper House. Opposition leader and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) legislator Ambadas Danve submitted a letter to the chairman's office withdrawing their motion that had been moved on March 19. In his letter, he said, "Legislators of both sides in the Upper House felt that their voices were not heard by the chairman. The motion of no confidence was moved against him on March 19. A meeting was held on March 21 with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and we received an assurance of fair treatment in the Upper House. We have thus decided to withdraw the no-confidence motion against chairman Shinde." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
26 March,2025 03:57 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Maharashtra scraps proposed 6 per cent tax on luxury EVs, confirms CM Fadnavis
The Maharashtra government has scrapped its proposal to impose a 6 per cent tax on electric vehicles (EVs) priced above Rs 30 lakh, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Legislative Council on Wednesday. The announcement came in response to a query raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab during a discussion on EV adoption and air pollution in the Upper House. Parab argued that such a tax would contradict the Centre’s efforts to promote clean mobility and incentivise EV adoption. “The Maharashtra government's proposal to levy a 6 per cent tax on EVs priced over Rs 30 lakh would be counterproductive and contradict the broader objective of encouraging non-polluting vehicles,” Parab stated. According to PTI, Fadnavis acknowledged the concern and stated that after deliberation, the government concluded that the proposed tax would not generate significant revenue and could send the wrong message regarding the state's commitment to electric mobility. “It could create the impression that we are discouraging EV adoption. Therefore, the state government will not proceed with the 6 per cent tax on high-end electric vehicles,” the Chief Minister said, as per PTI reports. The tax had initially been proposed in the state budget for the financial year 2025-26. However, the government has now decided to prioritise policies that will enhance EV adoption rather than hinder it. Meanwhile, Maharashtra is positioning itself as India’s leading hub for electric vehicles, with major manufacturing facilities coming up in Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Fadnavis said during Question Hour. According to PTI, he highlighted that Maharashtra was fast emerging as the "national capital of electric vehicles" due to a robust manufacturing ecosystem and growing EV adoption across private and public transport sectors. “The transition from conventional fuel-based vehicles to EVs is crucial for curbing air pollution. Vehicles running on petrol and diesel contribute significantly to pollution, and a shift to electric mobility will help address this issue,” Fadnavis stated. The Chief Minister further informed the House that over 50 per cent of newly registered vehicles in Maharashtra are now EVs, as per PTI reports. Additionally, the government is investing in large-scale infrastructure, including an extensive network of EV charging stations across the state. To bolster public transport electrification, more than 2,500 electric buses are being introduced in a phased manner, Fadnavis said. (With inputs from PTI)
26 March,2025 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Assembly briefly suspended amid uproar over Disha Salian case
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly proceedings were briefly suspended for 10 minutes on Wednesday as tensions flared over the Disha Salian case. Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, from the Eknath Shinde-led faction, demanded that Aaditya Thackeray of the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction resign on moral grounds, citing his mention in a petition filed by Disha Salian’s father, Satish Salian. Raising the matter through a point of order, Gaikwad stated, “Disha’s father has named Aaditya Thackeray in connection with the death of Disha Salian.” Drawing a parallel to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde’s recent resignation, Gaikwad insisted that Aaditya Thackeray follow suit. Munde had stepped down from his ministerial post on March 4 after his close associate, Walmik Karad, was arrested in connection with the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed district. The demand led to a commotion in the house, with the ruling coalition MLAs rushing to the well and shouting slogans. As the uproar escalated, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar was compelled to adjourn the proceedings for ten minutes. Once the assembly resumed, Gaikwad reiterated his call for Aaditya Thackeray’s resignation, urging the government to issue a statement on the matter. In response, Minister Shambhuraje Desai clarified that the decision to resign rested solely with the respective party, referring to the UBT-led Shiv Sena. “If someone has to resign, it needs to be done on moral grounds. However, the government’s stance remains clear: the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe Disha Salian’s death is still conducting its inquiry. Once the investigation is complete, necessary action will be taken. No one will be spared,” Desai assured the assembly members. This is not the first time the Disha Salian issue has disrupted legislative proceedings. Just last week, the assembly was adjourned for 10 minutes due to a similar demand for Thackeray’s resignation. Four and a half years after Disha Salian’s alleged mysterious death, her father, Satish Salian, moved the court seeking an FIR against Aaditya Thackeray and others. Disha, a celebrity manager, passed away on 8th June 2020, after reportedly falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Malad. At the time, the Mumbai Police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in the case. In response to the fresh legal developments, Aaditya Thackeray dismissed the allegations as a political ploy intended to tarnish his image. “We will present our side before the court,” he stated during an interaction with the media, maintaining that the case was being used as a means to malign his reputation.
26 March,2025 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
No person found guilty will be spared: Maha Minister on Disha Salian death case
On Wednesday, Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai stated in the state assembly that no one will be spared if found guilty in the case of death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian. Desai's remarks came after Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad asked what action will be taken against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray since Salian's parents have accused him of being "directly involved in her murder".Gaikwad brought up the issue in the assembly through a 'Point of information' urging Thackeray to resign as a member of the house and asking whether the speaker would take any action against him. Members of the treasury benches quickly gathered at the well of the House chanting slogans against Aaditya Thackeray, the son of Shiv Sena (UBT) head and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray. NCP (SP) member Jayant Patil reminded the members of the house that the officials from the Italian embassy were present in the guest gallery.Amidst the slogan-shouting, speaker Rahul Narwekar adjourned the House for 10 minutes. When the House reconvened, Gaikwad reiterated his call for Aaditya Thackeray's arrest in the Salian death case. Minister Shambhuraj Desai said Salian's father has met the Mumbai police commissioner. They made serious allegations against Aaditya Thackeray. "Whether to resign on moral grounds is up to him and his party. But as government, I want to state that no one will be spared if found guilty. We will seek a report from the Mumbai police commissioner on Salian's allegations and forward it to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case," he said. Disha Salian who used to be the manager of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, after falling off the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai's Malad area, six days before Rajput allegedly committed suicide in his apartment in Bandra. Her father Satish Salian has filed a complaint to the Joint Commissioner of Police in Mumbai, requesting the registration of a case against Aaditya Thackeray and others in connection with his daughter's death in 2020. Satish Salian has also approached the Bombay High Court, seeking a new investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of his daughter, Disha. The HC petition stated that "Disha was raped and murdered, and there was a politically-orchestrated cover-up to protect certain influential persons".The petition demanded the registration of an FIR against Aaditya Thackeray and transferring the probe to the CBI. The petition is expected to be heard in the first week of April. Aaditya Thackeray has stated that he will address the allegations in court. (With inputs from PTI)
26 March,2025 02:46 PM IST | Mumbai
Mid-Day Top News: Maharashtra Assembly halted over Disha Salian row and more
Welcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. CBI searches at Bhupesh Baghel's house politically motivated: Cong The Congress on Wednesday claimed the CBI's searches at the residence of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel were politically motivated, and asserted it will not be intimidated by such actions. Indian Railways to invest Rs 16.7L in freight corridors, HSR, station upgrade by 2031: Report Indian Railways (IR) has planned a massive investment of Rs 16.7 lakh crore by 2031 for various infrastructure projects, as per a report by ICICI Securities. According to the report, this investment will focus on station upgrades, freight corridors, high-speed rail (HSR) projects, and electrification of tracks to enhance railway operations. Maharashtra Assembly briefly suspended amid uproar over Disha Salian case The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly witnessed chaos as Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad demanded Aaditya Thackeray’s resignation over his alleged connection to Disha Salian’s death, citing a petition filed by her father. The session was briefly suspended amid protests. Read More Kangana Ranaut calls Hansal Mehta ‘bitter, stupid’ for his remark on her Mumbai house demolition When an X user asked Hansal Mehta why he stayed mum when Kangana Ranaut’s house was bulldozed by the BMC, he simply stated that he did not know the facts of the incident. Read More "You expect Shubman to perform well nine out of ten times": Aakash Chopra backs Shubman Gill after defeat against Punjab Kings Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has analysed Shubman Gill's innings in the fifth match of Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL) where Punjab Kings(PBKS) were taking on Gujarat Titans (GT). Speaking on Jio Hotstar he said the people expected Shubman to excel nine out of ten occasions, particularly in Ahmedabad. He also spoke about Gill taking on Azmatullah Omarzai and then Marco Jansen in the powerplay. "With Shubman, you almost expect him to perform well nine out of ten times, especially in Ahmedabad. There was one over where he completely took down Azmatullah Omarzai and then Marco Jansen." Jio Star expert Aakash Chopra said while speaking on Match Center Live on Jio Hostar.
26 March,2025 02:27 PM IST | Mumbai
Political conspiracy of defamation: Sanjay Raut slams BJP over Disha Salian case
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP over the five-year-old case of Disha Salian, claiming that a political conspiracy to defame had been unfolding in the case for the past five years."This political conspiracy of defamation has been going on for the last 5 years. The BJP has no work; they don't have anything else to do," said Raut.Sanjay Raut expressed faith in the law and said, "If the matter is in court, let it stay there. We have full faith in the judicial system."Maharashtra opposition has been accusing the BJP of a Disha Salian case, claiming it is aimed at defaming Aaditya Thackeray.NCP-SCP leader Rohit Pawar had previously criticized the BJP, asserting that the party would do politics over Disha Salian case, after her father called for an investigation into her death. Earlier, late Disha Salian's father Satish Salian, filed a written complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner seeking the registration of an FIR against Aditya Thackeray and others accused in connection with the offences of gang rape and murder of his daughter.Satish Salian's lawyer, Nilesh Ojha, stated that the complaint had been accepted by the Joint Commissioner of Police, and the individuals nsamed in the the case include Aaditya Thackeray, former Commissioner of Police Parambir Singh, Officer Sachin Vaze and actor Aditya Pancholi."Aaditya Thackeray is the main accused in this case. Uddhav Thackeray is the main accused of misuse of power for the coverup... Aaditya Thackeray is found in the drug cartel, and this is in the official records of NCB. We have also mentioned this in the complaint... Today, we will also release some pictures in support of this," he alleged.Satish Salian had gone to the Bombay High Court seeking an investigation into his daughter's death and asking for an FIR to be filed against Aaditya Thackeray, among others.Disha was found dead on June 8, 2020, just days before actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found hanging in his apartment in suburban Bandra, Mumbai.This development comes shortly after the CBI reportedly submitting a closure report regarding the death of the Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020.Sources indicate that the closure report has been filed in a Mumbai Court nearly five years after Sushant Singh's death.On June 14, 2020, Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, 34, was found dead at his Bandra residence. The sudden death created a huge controversy, with the investigation later being handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.The postmortem report of the Bollywood actor stated the cause of death was asphyxia, and the procedure was conducted at Mumbai's Cooper Hospital. (ANI) (With ANI inputs)
26 March,2025 12:46 PM IST | Mumbai
Ulhasnagar approves Rs 988.72 crore budget with focus on infrastructure
The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) in Maharashtra’s Thane district has sanctioned a budget of ₹988.72 crore for the financial year 2025-26, placing significant emphasis on smart infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and gender inclusivity. According to PTI, UMC Commissioner Manisha Ahwale, who also serves as the civic body's administrator following the conclusion of the corporators' five-year term, granted approval for the budget on Tuesday. Addressing a press conference post-approval, she noted that a slight increase in water tax has been implemented as part of the revenue generation strategy to maintain fiscal stability. As per PTI, the civic administration has projected an income of Rs 286.53 crore from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) grant, Rs 120.41 crore from property tax, and Rs 72.25 crore through water tax collections. The budget has been framed with a five-point agenda, focusing on smart infrastructure, digitalisation, revenue enhancement, environmental responsibility, and gender parity. Significant allocations have been designated within the financial plan, including Rs 50 crore dedicated to educational initiatives and Rs 225.34 crore earmarked for salaries and various allowances. Additionally, major developmental projects have been incorporated, such as the construction of a new administrative headquarters for UMC, official bungalows for both the mayor and commissioner, the establishment of a boat club, the development of a town hall, and an ambitious riverfront rejuvenation programme. PTI reports that these projects are designed to elevate civic amenities while simultaneously ensuring financial sustainability. Ahwale reiterated that the focus remains on advancing public infrastructure through modernisation and sustainability measures, with a keen interest in leveraging digitalisation for more efficient governance. Furthermore, environmental conservation remains a key pillar of this year’s budget, with initiatives aimed at enhancing green spaces, mitigating pollution, and promoting sustainable urban development. Efforts to foster gender parity through policy implementation and resource allocation have also been prioritised within the fiscal plan. The budgetary strategy underscores UMC’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Ulhasnagar residents, ensuring enhanced public services, and fostering long-term civic development. According to PTI, officials have affirmed that the financial plan will be executed with transparency and accountability, aligning with the broader vision of transforming Ulhasnagar into a more liveable and progressive urban centre. (With inputs from PTI)
26 March,2025 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai
Kunal Kamra controversy: "Jhukega Nahi.." Sanjay Raut backs the artist
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut backed stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra amid the controversy surrounding his offensive remarks on Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and stated that he would rather die than submit or fear the alleged threats."I don't know who is threatening Kunal Kamra or why. Kunal Kamra is someone I have known for many years. He is not the kind of artist who gets scared of threats. He won't surrender (Jhukega nahi). He would rather die than bow down or be afraid. Those issuing threats will soon find it difficult to continue their path," Raut told the media.Sanjay Raut also reacted to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's remarks regarding Kunal Kamra controversy.CM Adityanath said that freedom of expression does not give individuals the right to attack others, highlighting that the law should take action against those "creating divisions in the country." To this, Sanjay Raut said, "I agree with what Yogi Ji said -- freedom of speech doesn't mean people can say just anything. But what did Kamra say? He didn't mention anyone's name. He commented on a situation that happened in Maharashtra using satire. I often listen to poets like Kumar Vishwas and Surendra Sharma, and they, too, use satire. Vandalizing property in response to Kamra's words is not justified."Kunal Kamra ignited a political row with his controversial 'gaddar' (traitor) joke, which was allegedly directed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath ShindeMany political leaders criticized Kamra's statement. Kamra, however, shared a new video to mock Shiv Sena workers for vandalising Mumbai's The Habitat comedy club, where he had performed earlier.On Tuesday, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stated, "Our CM Devendra Fadnavis had responded on this issue on behalf of the government. Our CM has said that action will be taken as per the law".CM Devendra Fadnavis took a firm stand against the alleged offensive remarks made by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra about Eknath Shinde. The Chief Minister, while speaking in the state Assembly on Monday, stated that the government would not accept freedom of expression if it led to tyranny.The CM said, "We appreciate humour and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny." He stated that Kamra staged "low-quality" comedy."This artist makes statements against the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice; he wants to gain fame by creating controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde and staged a low-quality comedy," the CM said, adding that the people will decide whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or a selfish person.(With ANI inputs)
26 March,2025 11:52 AM IST | Mumbai
UP CM Yogi reacts on the offensive comments made by Kunal Kamra
Standup comedian Kunal Kamra's derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has drawn a sharp criticism from several political leaders, and now Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has also reacted on the same. Yogi Adityanath said that the freedom of expression does not allow individuals to use it as a means to attack someone, emphasizing that law should take action against such people "who are creating differences in the country." Mumbai Police on March 24 registered an FIR against Kamra based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Later, the comedian was was summoned by Mumbai Police on Tuesday.In an exclusive interview with ANI, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said, "Freedom of expression is in the realm of law. It should be in the realm of constitutional values. And in that realm, there is freedom of expression. The freedom of your personality cannot be used to attack someone else. It is unfortunate that some people have considered the freedom of this individual as their birthright to divide the country and increase the division. And I feel that the law should take action against such people who are creating a difference in the country," CM Yogi said.The sentiments expressed by UP CM Yogi were also supported by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who took a firm stance on the offensive remarks made by stand-up artist Kunal Kamra against Eknath Shinde. While speaking in the state assembly, the Chief Minister said that the government would not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny.Kamra had shared videos of his stand-up show held at The Habitat venue in Mumbai following which the venue was ranasacked. Following the incident, police arrested 12 Shiv Sena members for their involvement in the vandalism.Kunal Kamra later released a statement on his official social media handle stating that he would not "apologise" for his act. Kamra also in his reply to political leaders who "threatened" to teach him a lesson stated that the "inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change' the nature of his right. He added that it is not against the law as far as his knowledge." (With ANI inputs)"Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today's media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system", Kunal Kamra's statement added.Kamra stated that he would not 'apologise' for his comments and made it clear that he does not fear any "mob". (ANI)
26 March,2025 11:16 AM IST | Mumbai