Haze is expected during the morning hours on Monday in Mumbai, with mainly clear skies in the afternoon and evening across the city and suburbs. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 33 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The minimum temperature recorded in Colaba (CLB) was 21.0 degrees Celsius with no rainfall, while in Santa Cruz (SCZ) it was 16.9 degrees Celsius, also with no rainfall, as per IMD Mumbai. According to the Sameer app, Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) is 131, which falls under the 'moderate' category. This level may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. Delhi air quality update Meanwhile, a dense blanket of smog continued to cover Delhi and its adjoining areas on Monday morning, with air quality remaining in the 'severe' category, according to the reports. Reduced visibility disrupted flight operations, with the AQI in the national capital standing at 456 at 6 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) — making it the season’s second-worst AQI. On Sunday, the AQI was 461, marking the second-worst air quality day on record, as per the news reports. For context, AQI levels are categorised as follows: 0–50: Good 51–100: Satisfactory 101–200: Moderate 201–300: Poor 301–400: Very Poor 401–500: Severe Videos showed a thick layer of toxic air over Akshardham, where the AQI was 493. Other areas with poor visibility included the Barapulla flyover (AQI 433) and Barakhamba Road (AQI 474). #WATCH | A thick layer of smog engulfs the National Capital. Visuals from the Akshardham area. AQI here is 493, categorised as 'severe' as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) pic.twitter.com/b9k9fthFDk — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2025 Flight operations were disrupted due to low visibility. FlightRadar24 reported 110 departures and 37 arrivals delayed at Delhi Airport. The airport issued an advisory: "Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. For the latest flight updates, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused." Update issued at 0822 hours.Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/dnqMbSByI4 — Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 15, 2025 IndiGo also alerted passengers to potential flight delays: "Low visibility and fog over Delhi will impact flight schedules. We are monitoring the weather closely and doing our best to get you where you need to be safely and smoothly. Please stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Our teams are here to assist at every step." Low visibility and fog over #Delhi will impact flight schedules. We're keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly.We request you to stay updated on your flight status via our website or app. Be assured, our teams… — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 15, 2025
15 December,2025 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday carried out the groundbreaking ceremony of a state-of-the-art, international-standard ‘Exotic Bird Park’ at Mulund (West), marking a significant step toward strengthening tourism and enhancing the quality of life in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. The event was held at Nahur, behind Raj Industrial Estate on D.P. Road, Salpadevi Pada, in the presence of senior political leaders and civic officials. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the ceremony via video conferencing, said the proposed bird park should emerge as a major attraction for tourists visiting Mumbai. Describing the project as eco-friendly and aligned with nature, he said such initiatives would not only improve citizens’ quality of life but also add to Mumbai’s overall grandeur. “It is a matter of joy that this project is being developed to bring people closer to nature,” the Chief Minister said, extending his best wishes for its timely completion. On the same day, the newly constructed building of the BMC-run Mansadevi Tulsiram Agarwal General Hospital at Mulund (West) was also inaugurated, further strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the area. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also addressed the gathering online, said development projects in Mulund were being undertaken in a planned manner to improve residents’ standard of living. He noted that projects such as the new hospital building, the proposed Exotic Bird Park and a new court building would significantly enhance civic amenities. Shinde also said the feasibility of developing a golf park on the dumping ground would be examined. Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the Exotic Bird Park would complement the nearby Sanjay Gandhi National Park, creating a unique ecological and tourism corridor in Mulund. He said the park would house birds from different regions of the world, along with diverse habitats and food arrangements, thereby boosting tourism and increasing visitor inflow. Shelar also praised the BMC administration for taking up an international-standard project at what is considered one of Mumbai’s gateways. Local MLA Mihir Kotecha highlighted ongoing and proposed civic initiatives in Mulund, including cement concrete roads, a petrol pump, the Exotic Bird Park and the development of three new gardens. He said the area was also being equipped with future-ready transport facilities through metro connectivity, along with recreational and tourism-focused infrastructure. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, former MP Manoj Kotak, senior civic officials and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony. A video presentation showcasing the proposed bird park and the newly completed hospital building was screened at the start of the programme. The introductory address was delivered by Director (Zoo) Dr Sanjay Tripathi.
15 December,2025 10:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Airports Authority of India's (AAI) high-frequency radar at Dahisar in Mumbai will be relocated to Gorai, unlocking hundreds of acres of land for affordable housing projects in the area, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has said, reported news agency PTI. This decision was taken following a meeting between various stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Maharashtra government and others. Addressing the meeting virtually, Naidu on Sunday said the Civil Aviation Ministry will seek cabinet approval for the relocation so that the construction work on such projects can start at the earliest, reported PTI. Radar installations at Dahisar and Juhu restrict building heights. On Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the legislative assembly that the state government had decided to shift high-frequency radar centres from Dahisar and Juhu to technically suitable alternative sites. Fadnavis said the Civil Aviation Ministry, the Union government, and the AAI had agreed to the shifting of the radar at Dahisar and that the state government has conveyed its willingness to bear the cost of relocation and to provide alternative land, he added. "The issue was impacting the urban development projects in North Mumbai. Due to this, some lakh people were being forced to live in old, dilapidated buildings. Now with this decision, the dream of the people of Dahisar to have a house of their own is going to be fulfilled," Naidu said, reported PTI. He said the matter had been discussed for a long time, adding that Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who represents the North Mumbai constituency, took up the matter seriously with the Civil Aviation Ministry for its "resolution". AAI radar relocation to free 1,000 acres for housing Stating that the radar relocation work would be completed with the cooperation of all stakeholders, including the Union and state governments and the Civil Aviation Ministry, Naidu said, "We are also laying the foundation for affordable housing in Dahisar as some 1,000 acres of land spread over 6 km will be released for housing projects for the people of Dahisar," reported PTI. With this affordable housing project, Dahisar is going to be the hub for ease of living, he stated. "This decision balances housing needs with aviation safety. It will bring relief to thousands of families and accelerate economic development in the region," he said, reported PTI. Goyal, who also addressed the meeting virtually, said that over the next five years, an estimated 50,000 houses will be constructed or redeveloped, paving the way for 'pakka' homes with basic amenities and generating large-scale employment. "This was not an easy issue. After many years of consistent follow-up, this historic decision has become possible through close coordination between the central and state governments. In the coming months, all stalled projects will begin at a rapid pace, and North Mumbai will move forward towards becoming 'Uttam Mumbai'," he said, reported PTI. Goyal further stated that the decision was the result of joint efforts, especially acknowledging CM Fadnavis for readily allotting alternative land. With this, he said, the tag of Dahisar being the "last suburb" will be erased, and it will emerge as a fast-developing growth hub, offering a better quality of life, affordable housing, and a safe, green, and dignified living environment. Fadnavis had stated that the land at Gorai will be transferred free of cost to the Centre, and 40 per cent of the AAI land at Dahisar will be used for public purposes. The government has also suggested an alternative site at Juhu to the AAI for technical evaluation. After the technical study is completed and the site is finalised, the approval process for shifting the Juhu radar will begin. After relocating the radar centres, redevelopment of buildings in Dahisar and Juhu (DN Nagar) areas will become feasible, the chief minister said. (With inputs from PTI)
15 December,2025 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeveral departments of the Maharashtra government have failed to submit utilisation certificates (UCs) for grants-in-aid of thousands of crores, even as they rushed to incur a bulk of their expenditure in the closing month of 2024-25, says CAG, reported news agency PTI. The Housing Department figured prominently on both counts. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled on the last day of the state legislature's winter session on Sunday stated that non-submission of UCs under the Bombay Financial Rules, 1959, carries the risk that amounts reflected in the Finance Accounts may not have reached the intended beneficiaries, reported PTI. As on March 31, 2025, UCs of Rs 1,77,319.84 crore related to 52,876 cases were outstanding. During 2024-25, the government cleared UCs amounting to Rs 1,37,222.25 crore in about 40,047 cases, the report said. Among the major defaulters, the Urban Development Department led with pending UCs of Rs 11,040 crore, followed by the Planning Department (Rs 5,805 crore), Water Resources Department (Rs 3,602 crore), Housing Development Department (Rs 2,839 crore) and Social Justice and Special Assistance Department (Rs 2,640 crore), reported PTI. The audit also flagged a rush of expenditure in March 2025, in contravention of the Bombay Financial Rules, which advise against bunching of spending at the end of the financial year. It said 18 departments incurred expenditure exceeding Rs 100 crore in March alone, accounting for more than 25 per cent of their total annual spending. The Housing Department recorded the sharpest year-end surge, with 90 per cent of its total expenditure incurred in March, followed by the Environment and Climate Change Department (77 per cent), Planning Department (65 per cent), Minorities Development Department (53 per cent) and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department (50 per cent), the CAG said, reported PTI. Haffkine procurements leave Rs 2,226 crore Advance Contingent bills unadjusted: CAG Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government routed routine procurement of medicines and medical equipment through the state-run Haffkine institute using Advance Contingent bills, leaving 559 bills worth Rs 2,226.32 crore pending for adjustment at the end of 2024-25, CAG has said, reported PTI. Advance Contingent (AC) bills are a type of government bill used to draw money in advance for urgent or unforeseen expenses, when it is not practical to wait for detailed bills or vouchers. According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), tabled on the last day of the winter session of the state legislature on Sunday, "pending AC bills accounted for 63.03 per cent of the total AC bills, in violation of Rule 282(2) of the Maharashtra Treasury Rules, which bars withdrawal of funds unless required for immediate disbursement", reported PTI. The report identified the Medical Education and Drugs Department as the biggest defaulter with Rs 2,212 crore of Detailed Contingent (DC) bills pending, followed by the Public Health Department (Rs 770 crore), Home Department (Rs 266 crore) and Planning Department (Rs 120 crore). A Detailed Contingent (DC) bill is a government bill submitted after spending money drawn through an AC bill to account for and regularise that expenditure. The CAG said that the government routed routine procurement of medicines and medical equipment through Mumbai-based Haffkine Bio-Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited using AC bills, leaving 559 bills worth Rs 2,226.32 crore pending for adjustment at the end of 2024-25, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
15 December,2025 08:47 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) has started the process to explore a third runway at Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) by inviting bids for a consultant to conduct a techno-commercial feasibility study. In a public notice, CIDCO called for online Requests for Proposal (RFPs) from reputed single entities, joint ventures, or consortia through the e-tendering process. The selected consultant will assess the technical, operational, and commercial viability of adding a runway at the upcoming international airport. CIDCO’s notice inviting bids The consultancy assignment will last six months, and selection will follow CIDCO’s Least Cost Selection (LCS) method under its Transport & Communications (T&C) Department. Tender documents and the bidding schedule will be available on Mahatenders from December 16, 2025, with proposals submitted online within the stipulated timeline. CIDCO officials said NMIA is being developed with scalability in mind. The feasibility study will determine whether a third runway is technically feasible, financially viable, and operationally necessary, based on traffic forecasts, land availability, and regulatory requirements. The move comes as NMIA is set to become one of the country’s key aviation hubs, easing congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and preparing for future passenger, aircraft, and cargo growth.
15 December,2025 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghWhat do you do when the God of football visits your city and you get a VVIP pass to meet him in person? You count to 100 and remind yourself to breathe. But, for a news person mostly tuned to reading the crowd, too, the meet and greet with Lionel Messi at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) on Sunday afternoon was a revelation in egalitarianism. Some of the faces waiting to meet the ‘GOAT’ were popular ones, some attached to great wealth. Yet, the organisers made sure to treat them like they did everyone else there, because… rules! It was wonderful to see celebrities — a shout-out to Shahid Kapoor here — respectfully put away their phones. Photo of the VVIP pass taken before the phone was whisked away. Pic/Sandra Almeida Thevar There was no resistance and no body language defiance that said ‘don’t you know who I am?’ Niranjan Hiranandani, high-profile developer and co-sponsor (no less) of the Messi event at Wankhede on Sunday, made no fuss about standing in line with the others and getting a picture taken with Messi that had five other strangers in the frame. A very well-known yesteryear celebrity in the music world — whom we cannot name — was seen arguing with security staff at the gates to CCI for a good two hours. They couldn’t let her in because of pass issues. Sometimes mere celebrity status doesn’t translate into a VVIP pass. Simple! Coming to Messi, the God is as warm and down-to-earth off field as he is electrifying on it. While the sight of adults among the group left him indifferent, the sight of children, mouths agape at seeing their hero in the flesh, had him beaming. A child’s hesitant plea to Messi to sign a T-shirt was met with a gentle ‘photo first?’ They say you shouldn’t meet your idols in real life. That’s because most times it is hard to reconcile the celebrity with the human. But Messi is among the very few whose personas don’t clash — he is superlative in both. Staying human and grounded when you are revered as God across the planet is no easy feat. A mention must be made here of Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, who accompanied Messi at the meet-and-greet. They have a lot to learn from their fellow Argentine. Messi’s presence in Mumbai was thanks to the Maharashtra government’s ambitious sports initiative, ‘Project Mahadeva’, launched on Sunday where 60 talented children (30 girls and 30 boys) from across the state have been handpicked to be trained into eventual medal-winners for the country.
15 December,2025 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Sandra Almeida ThevarThe Kalachowkie police have arrested two within 24 hours of an alleged burglary being committed, revealing that the accused had a peculiar modus operandi — they would take shelter at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple after committing theft and donate a portion of the stolen money as offerings. The crime occurred between 2 am and 7.30 am on December 8 at Nirankar General Store at Ram Tekdi, Sewri. The complainant, Shyamsundar Sewalal Gupta, 55, had closed his grocery shop at around 11.30 pm and left for home. When he returned at about 7.30 am the next morning, he found that unknown persons had lifted the shop shutter from one side and stolen Rs 33,000 in cash kept in the drawers. The shopkeeper informed the Kalachowie police and registered an FIR against an unknown person under Sections 303(2) and 331(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A police officer said, “During the investigation, PSI Amit Bhosale and his team carried out an extensive technical analysis. Police Constable Chavan scrutinised footage from 50 to 70 CCTV cameras within a 500-metre radius of the crime scene, in which two suspects were captured roaming the area. The duo was subsequently identified.” Police investigations further revealed that after committing theft, the accused would routinely travel to Shirdi as they believed that seeking refuge at the sacred space would help them evade suspicion and bring them “good fortune”. On December 9, the police laid a trap near the Sai Sansthan Bhavan canteen area and apprehended both accused while they were taking prasad. Police Constable Khandekar, who was already present in Shirdi, caught both of them. The arrested accused have been identified as Rohit Mallesh Khandagle and Aditya Ramesh Prasad, both 19 and residents of Parel.
15 December,2025 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaFor the last fifty-four years, employees of the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), Mumbai’s oldest child-welfare institution, at 98 years old, have waited for basic justice. Despite risking their lives to protect and rehabilitate vulnerable children, these Class III and IV staff remain deprived of pension, medical cover, and leave encashment, even as similar organisations receive full state benefits. Many retired workers now live in heartbreaking poverty. The society’s proposals, supported by ministers, remain stuck with the state finance department despite requiring a budgetary allocation of only R1 crore annually. Employees now plead for urgent state government intervention or warn of a statewide agitation. History For the care of orphans, destitute, street children, those in conflict with law, victims of anti-social acts, and children with disabilities, the Bombay Children’s Act, 1924, was enacted. In 1927, the Children’s Aid Society, Mumbai, was formed under Governor Sir Leslie Wilson and Working President JBH Hodson, converting the historic Dongri Jail — famous in the freedom struggle — into India’s first remand home. Today, under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, the society runs seven residential homes, schools, and training centres, admitting children via the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committees, rehabilitating them into responsible, empowered adults. No benefits For the past 54 years, officers and staff serving under the government-approved structure of this essential service organisation have been deprived of natural service benefits. The society is controlled by the department of women and child development. Importance and national recognition >> CAS is a pioneer in India’s child welfare and juvenile justice system.>> It has contributed to national policy formulation through the Planning Commission (now the NITI Aayog).>> Awarded the National Award for Best Child Welfare Organisation in 1983 by the President of India.>> Recognised as a “State” under Article 12 by the Supreme Court.>> Authorised to use the State Emblem. Despite its stature, employees remain deprived of benefits such as pensions, insurance, and medical reimbursement. Other critical issues >> Earned leave accumulates, but leave encashment is denied, a glaring contradiction.>> The Seventh Pay Commission and allowances are implemented, yet pension remains unpaid.>> Minister Aditi Tatkare has inspected homes, praised staff, held review meetings, and directed submission of a Cabinet proposal — yet the finance department has denied approval three times.>> Employees continue to wait helplessly for a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Financial requirement The Women & Child Development Department clarified that the cabinet proposal requires just R1 crore per year, which can be met through existing grants. Compared to ongoing development expenditure in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, this amount is negligible. Post-retirement hardships After 30-35 years of service: Retirees receive extremely meagre payments.Housing is unaffordable.Medical and living expenses are unbearable. Appeal and warning With civic elections approaching and many employees being Mumbai residents, they hope the government will finally resolve this long-standing issue. The CAS Employees’ Union has demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (chairman of the Society), Deputy CM (finance & planning), and the minister for women & child development immediately convene a joint meeting with the Union to settle this matter. The union is contemplating agitating at Azad Maidan and may even approach the court if their plea is not heard. Quotes: ‘After 32 years of service with various child care institutions in the CAS, we are still not receiving justice or our rightful retirement benefits. I hope Devabhau [the chief minister], being the head of the CAS, will ensure justice for all employees’ - Shankar Jadhav, retired employee ‘Over 100 employees of the CAS have worked exclusively for the Maharashtra government since day one and cannot be treated as private staff. They were recruited transparently, following state guidelines. Despite their service, many have been denied post-retirement (benefits-delete) and legitimate PF benefits. This long-standing injustice must be corrected immediately’ - Milind Tulaskar, president, CAS Employees’ Union
15 December,2025 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Vinod Kumar MenonAs Pune witnessed a sharp drop in minimum temperature to 7.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday, signalling intensified winter conditions, Pune Airport authorities conducted a comprehensive fog and low-visibility management mock drill and tabletop exercise to strengthen operational preparedness during the fog-prone season. Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke stated that the drill was part of the airport’s winter preparedness initiatives and was carried out in close coordination with all key aviation and support stakeholders. The primary objective was to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience during fog and low-visibility conditions, which often disrupt flight operations, particularly on sectors connecting northern India. The exercise focused on ensuring uniform, coordinated, and timely handling of flight delays, diversions, and cancellations caused by adverse weather. Special emphasis was laid on real-time information flow, passenger facilitation, and inter-agency coordination during fog-induced operational challenges, added, the official. The mock drill saw active participation from Pune Airport officials, airlines, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), local police, ground handling agencies, multi-level car parking operators, auto-rickshaw unions, taxi associations, cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber, and airport concessionaires. Key areas tested during the exercise included dissemination of weather and flight updates, passenger communication protocols, management of delayed and diverted flights, deployment of additional manpower, assistance to persons with reduced mobility (PRMs), availability of food and beverage services, cleanliness, seating arrangements, and strict adherence to DGCA-mandated passenger care norms. Addressing stakeholders during the drill, Dhoke urged all agencies to adopt a proactive and passenger-centric approach during fog-related disruptions. He requested the local police to ensure effective crowd and traffic management in and around the airport. He also stressed that no exorbitant fares should be charged by hotels, taxi operators or cab aggregators during crisis situations, and that passenger interests must be protected at all times. The local administration and the police were requested to take appropriate measures to enforce this. Airline operators were advised to provide information to passengers in advance and in real-time in case of delays or cancellations to minimise inconvenience. The exercise also tested coordination among airport operations, CISF, airline operators, and ground handlers to ensure orderly passenger movement, security preparedness, and uninterrupted terminal services under low-visibility conditions.
15 December,2025 08:29 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalA leopard that had got entangled in fencing wire near Mulshi in Pune district was safely rescued on Sunday following a swift, coordinated operation by the Pune Forest Department and RESQ Charitable Trust. The forest department received information about the incident at around 11.00 am and immediately alerted RESQ. Responding within minutes, the RESQ team mobilised from the Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre (WTTC) at Bavdhan, Pune, and reached the site promptly. Rescue teams secure the leopard The joint rescue operation was carried out with due caution, taking into account the risks to both the animal and the rescue personnel. The leopard was tranquilised by Dr Satvik Pathak, wildlife veterinarian at RESQ, and subsequently secured in a cage. It was then transported to the Bavdhan WTTC for further care. Providing details of the operation, Mahadev Mohite, IFS, deputy conservator of forests, Pune, said that the entire rescue — from the initial alert to the leopard being darted and secured — was completed within 90 minutes. “The forest department and RESQ teams remain on constant standby to respond swiftly to wildlife emergencies,” he added. The big cat being transferred to a cage for transport Dr Pathak explained that the leopard had got dangerously entangled in fencing wire, making a close approach on foot unsafe due to the possibility of a sudden charge. It was therefore darted from a vehicle to ensure the safety of all those involved. He confirmed that the leopard has recovered from sedation, is currently stable, and will undergo a detailed medical examination, followed by necessary treatment. Neha Panchamiya, founder and president of RESQ, highlighted the vital role played by the local community during the operation. She noted that the calm and cooperative response of villagers helped prevent panic and interference, allowing the teams to focus entirely on the animal’s safety and welfare. The Pune Forest Department and RESQ CT teams involved in the operation The Pune Forest Department and RESQ CT reiterated the importance of timely reporting of incidents and community cooperation in ensuring the successful and safe rescue of wildlife in human-dominated landscapes.
15 December,2025 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalOfficers from Malad police station have nabbed five members of a gang allegedly involved in stealing Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) cables. Senior Police Inspector Dushyant Chauhan was on night patrol in the Charkop Government Industrial Estate area when he noticed a group of 20-25 people cutting MTNL cables and loading them into a tempo. On spotting the police, they attempted to flee. Wire cutters seized by the police Chauhan, along with his driver and operator, managed to catch five of the accused. Three cable-cutting machines, the tempo, a motorbike and a scooter, five cell phones, and stolen MTNL cables were seized, and the accused were handed over to the Charkop police. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. According to the police, the incident occurred around 1.45 am on Sunday, when the police were heading towards Malwani police station via Charkop Road. Chauhan noticed 20-25 men standing on the footpath behind a tempo. Their suspicious movements prompted him to stop the patrol vehicle, which resulted in the suspects attempting to flee. Five men, attempting to flee on a motorcycle and a scooter, were apprehended. The bike on which the accused tried to flee “We informed the Charkop’s Police Inspector Suryavanshi on night duty, and their team reached the spot. Upon inspecting the tempo, we recovered 80-90 pieces of MTNL cables, each approximately 10 feet long, and three inches in diameter, along with three large cable cutters,” Senior PI Chauhan said. The five people arrested have been identified as Tanveer Mukhsher Sheikh, 29; Adil Shapuddin Ansari, 39; Abrar Qadar Sheikh, 39; Ashwin Babu Suryavanshi, 43; and Jafar Munna Sheikh, 32 — all residents of Bhandup. Items seized by police 5: Mobile phonesVehicles: One tempo, one scooter, one motorcycle
15 December,2025 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
