Motorists travelling via the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) towards Andheri via the Western Express Highway (WEH) can look forward to seamless travel without stopping at the Vakola signal. The elevated connector road passing over the WEH is expected to open for traffic by May. The crucial construction of the girder over the northbound stretch of the Kalina-Vakola flyover on WEH has been completed, and the girder launch over the southbound stretch of the WEH and Kalina-Vakola flyover is scheduled for completion by January 20. “The work on the connector, including the cable-stayed bridge passing over the WEH and Kalina-Vakola flyover, will be completed by May, after which it will be opened for traffic. The launching of the girder over the northbound stretch of the Kalina-Vakola flyover is complete, and the 40-metre girder work over the southbound carriageway will start next Saturday and finish by January 20,” said an MMRDA official. During a recent visit to the site, this reporter observed that the girder over the northbound carriageway has been completed. The structure will feature a cable-stayed bridge over the Western Express Highway and Kalina-Vakola flyover. This elevated connector is notable for incorporating India's first sharp curvature span with an orthotropic steel deck supported by cable stays. The landing ramp, including safety walls, has been completed, and street lamps are currently being installed. The orthotropic steel deck (OSD) of the connector weighs 1,780 tonnes, measures 215 metres in length, and has a width of 17.5 metres, taking into account a 7.5-metre-wide carriageway. The cable-stayed bridge stands 22 metres above ground and nine metres above the Vakola flyover. Currently, motorists travelling from the SCLR to the Vakola junction via the Western Express Highway face significant traffic congestion near the Vakola signal due to the ongoing construction and traffic signals. Once completed, the bridge will enhance connectivity from the Vakola nullah to Panbai International School on WEH and provide faster access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
10 January,2025 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Rs 1,000-crore Torres scam could have been prevented if Mumbai police had acted on early warnings flagged by Shivaji Park police station. Despite suspicious activities being identified in June 2024, followed by notices from Navi Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in October, no action was taken, allowing the fraud to escalate and dupe thousands over six months. Assistant Police Inspector (API) Vinay Mane of Shivaji Park police station confirmed to mid-day that he issued a notice to Torres company directors on June 29 after observing suspicious activities during routine patrolling. “I informed my superiors and was asked to issue a notice. I have no idea what happened after that,” Mane said. Posters uploaded on social media by Torres announcing cash prize The Navi Mumbai police also issued a notice to Torres on October 24, followed by another from the Income Tax Department on November 14. Copies of these notices were submitted by Tausif Reyaz, a wanted accused and self-proclaimed whistleblower, in his complaint to multiple agencies, including the Mumbai police commissioner and the CBI. Reyaz alleged the inaction enabled the scam to grow unchecked, with several foreign nationals involved fleeing the country. “It has come to our notice that your company attracts customers by promising high returns on investments in jewellery made from Moissanite (American Diamond), claiming they yield better profits than traditional jewellery,” read the October 24 notice from Navi Mumbai police’s EOW. The notice asked the company to present business documents by October 28 at the commissioner’s office. Sarvesh Surve the company director arrested by the cops. Pics/Ashish Raje The scam came to light when angry investors visited Torres’ Dadar office earlier this week, only to find its directors had fled. Shivaji Park police have since arrested three suspects, including two foreign nationals, and the case has been transferred to the EOW, which suspects the fraud exceeds Rs 1,000 crore. How scam started Reyaz claims the scam began in February 2023, orchestrated by Ukrainian nationals Oleksandra Tverdokhlib, Oleksandr Borovyk, Olena Staion, and Oleksandr Zapichenko, who partnered with a consultant named Armen. They launched a company, Platinum Hern Private Limited, using Indian directors as fronts while they operated as silent partners. The first Torres showroom opened in February 2024, attracting customers through an MLM-style cashback scheme promising weekly returns and referral bonuses. Daily seminars marketed the scheme, expanding the customer base. Reyaz alleges the group smuggled gold and silver without documentation, sold overpriced jewellery, and transferred Rs 200 crore abroad using cryptocurrency. Pradeep Vaishya, investor, shows diamond given by the company Reyaz also accused the group of coercing him and his colleague into signing fraudulent loan documents under threats of violence. He claims his photograph was falsely circulated on social media, identifying him as the company’s CEO to mislead authorities and protect the masterminds. Efforts to reach DCP Ganesh Gawade of Zone 5 for comments remained unanswered at the time of press. Search conducted The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police, investigating the Torres scam, conducted searches at the company’s premises on Thursday. During the operation, they seized various investment documents, cash, promotional pamphlets, and stones from the store. Investors outside Shivaji Park police station on Thursday “This appears to be a Ponzi scheme combined with a multilevel marketing scam that lured people with lucrative schemes. We are doing our best to protect the interests of the investors. A dedicated cell has been set up at the Shivaji Park police station where investors can register their complaints,” said Sangramsinh Nishandar, DCP, EOW. Torres, on their official Instagram page, claimed that they had provided all necessary details about the company, including its operations and business activities, after receiving the notice from the Shivaji Park police station in July following the notice from the police station in June 2024. Torres blames CEO and CA In a press release, Torres, accused Reyaz, alias John, and Gupta of damaging the company’s reputation. The statement alleged that Gupta forced the company to pay Rs 25 lakh and later Rs 40 lakh, claiming it was to settle the matter with the IT Department. Investors gathered outside the Torres Jewellery store in Dadar “Gupta, who was handling the IT inquiry, used the name of Deputy Commissioner Neeraj and extorted money from us. Then, he, John, and Sarvesh Surve turned around and reported Torres to the same officer, pretending to be whistleblowers,” the press note claimed. Torres further alleged that Gupta and Reyaz began demanding large sums of money after October 24 to “settle” issues with the authorities. The company also dismissed claims by Gupta, John, and Surve that they are whistleblowers. “In June last year, we noticed suspicious behaviour by the company and requested them to produce their documents. However, the company never disclosed anything about their fraudulent schemes. An ACP-level inquiry has now been initiated to investigate what actions were taken,” a DCP rank officer told mid-day. - Apoorva Agashe
10 January,2025 11:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued 1,342 commercial pilot licences (CPLs) in 2024, a 17 per cent dip from the 2023 figure of 1,622. While DGCA hasn’t clarified the reason for this, the Government Aviation Training Institute’s MD has attributed it to a shortage of certified flight instructors. The situation is bound to create a bottleneck as aircraft ordered by various commercial airlines are on their way. Captain Jati Dhillon, managing director of the Government Aviation Training Institute (GATI), explaining the drop in the number of CPLs issued told mid-day, “The major factor in play is the shortage of instructors in India. The DGCA takes too long to make an instructor. It takes eight to 10 months to become an instructor. Also, many airlines have come up and lots of experienced people have left flying schools to join them, reducing the number of instructors in the country.” Commercial aircraft at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. File Pic/Satej Shinde He added, “In other parts of the world, it takes three to four months to make an instructor.” Explaining the time required to get a CPL in India compared to other countries, Captain Dhillon added, “It takes a year to get a CPL in other countries whereas it takes two years in India. The reason for this is again the shortage of instructors and aircraft in India. In India, CPL exams are held every three months whereas abroad, the exams are held practically every day. Overseas, it is an on-demand examination with an online process to fill up the form and request an examination. Whenever one wants to take a CPL exam abroad, one has to go to the examination centre and appear for the test. The authorities in India have now started holding exams every month but there are only 50 seats available at a time.” Instructor tests According to Captain Dhillon, approximately 70 aspiring instructors are waiting to be tested. “This is exactly where the problem lies. Surprisingly, these individuals have been waiting for more than three months. This has a cascading effect. We will have few instructors and it will take longer for them to become CFIs [certified flight instructors] and CFI-Cs [certified flight instructors-commercial]. And without CFIs, flight schools cannot function. Apart from this, the DGCA is not even transparent about the number of CFIs at flight schools. They should make a dashboard, which updates every month with the current number of Instructors and CFIs with each flight school. If a flight school has one CFI, they can only operate for eight hours due to the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTLs) but if there are more, they can be rotated in shifts so that the flight school can function for longer.” More pilots needed The GATI managing director stated that India needs to produce 2,000 CPL-holding pilots every year for the next ten years considering the number of aircraft ordered by airlines to meet the demand. This means, India needs to produce 20,000 pilots to meet the demand in the next 10 years and provide relief to existing pilots. Hemanth D P, CEO of Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy, said, “India can actually cater to local demand and even foreign countries by adopting deregulation and the best global practices.” He added that would help in the speedy induction of training aircraft which, can take up to six months due to multiple NOCs and approvals from regulatory bodies. “More slots and speedy clearance are also required for class I medical exams and certification,” he said. Aspiring pilots need to clear an examination for radio telephony proficiency, which used to be conducted by the Department of Telecommunications. Now, the examination will be conducted by DGCA. “The move will ease pilot certification processes and support the increasing demand for aviation professionals,” Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in an X post last month. Other factors An aviation industry analyst, on the condition of anonymity, said “Shortage of spare parts and aircraft, disruption in aviation gasoline supply in March and April among other factors, slowed down training at flying schools in the country. This, in turn, impacted the number of licences issued last year.” The analyst added, “When the new aircraft start coming in, they will require pilots to fly them. This is when passengers will be affected as well. If the number of pilots is inadequate, flights will be delayed as the pilots who are supposed to land at a particular airport will need time for pre-flight briefings as well as other aviation criteria that need to be met before a flight. They need to accept a certain amount of fuel before flights, which happens only when pilots reach the airport. At some airports, refuelling is done by fuel trucks, which means that it takes more time. The cabin [cockpit] needs to be prepared for flights as well. Apart from this, pre-flight checklists as well as aircraft inspection need to be done by pilots before flights. If any of these procedures are delayed, there could be cascading effects.” An email query sent to the DGCA went unanswered by press time. Aircraft demand and supply >> Since 2018, Indian airlines have ordered 1,742 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, of which 78 have been received with the rest likely to start arriving from mid-2025. >> IndiGo ordered the most aircraft, 1,000, in April 2024. They are expected to arrive from Airbus between mid-2027 and 2032. Air India placed an order for 570 aircraft in June 2023, and they are expected to start arriving from mid-2025 onwards. The order includes 290 Boeing and 250 Airbus aircraft. Akasa Air has placed orders for 226 aircraft. Between 2021 and 2023, the airline placed orders for 76 Boeing 737 MAX planes, of which 22 were received. The rest are expected to arrive between 2027 and 2032. Apart from the 76 aircraft, the airline also placed an order for 150 more 737 MAX aircraft, which are expected to arrive between 2027 and 2032. >> SpiceJet CEO Ajay Singh recently announced plans to buy 75 more aircraft, taking the fleet past the 100 mark. Orders, however, are yet to be placed.
10 January,2025 10:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariMumbai woke up to a misty morning with partly cloudy skies on January 10, as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The city is experiencing a delightful winter-like atmosphere, with reduced humidity and mild temperatures offering some respite to its residents. Current weather in Mumbai Today’s temperature in Mumbai stands at 25°C. The forecast for January 10 predicts a minimum temperature of 24°C and a maximum of 31°C. The wind is blowing at a gentle speed of 6 km/h, and the relative humidity is 45%. The sun rose at 7:13 AM and will set at 6:17 PM. Looking ahead to Saturday, January 11, temperatures are expected to range between 22°C and 31°C, with humidity likely to rise slightly to 50%. The weather forecast for the coming days remains steady, with predominantly clear skies: Sunday, January 12: Minimum 21°C, maximum 32°C.Monday, January 13: Minimum 22°C, maximum 32°C.Tuesday, January 14: Minimum 22°C, maximum 33°C.Wednesday, January 15: Minimum 22°C, maximum 33°C. Air quality in Mumbai Mumbai’s air quality today has been recorded at an AQI of 123, which falls under the “moderate” category. While the air is not severely polluted, caution is advised, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues like asthma. Health experts suggest limiting outdoor activities during this time and recommend using masks or air purifiers for added protection. By being mindful of the air quality, residents can make better decisions to protect their health and well-being. What to expect As the week progresses, Mumbai is expected to maintain its winter charm with cool mornings and clear skies. However, the city’s air quality remains a concern. Taking precautions can help everyone enjoy the mild weather while staying safe and healthy. Stay tuned for more updates and plan your days wisely to make the most of this pleasant season.
10 January,2025 10:29 AM IST | MumbaiNationalist Congress Party (NCP) (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its unwavering commitment to its ideology and called upon his party workers to emulate this level of dedication for progressive ideals. Speaking to NCP workers at a meeting in south Mumbai on Thursday, the veteran politician emphasised the importance of building a strong cadre base rooted in the thoughts of progressive leaders such as Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Dr BR Ambedkar, and former Maharashtra stalwart Yashwantrao Chavan. According to PTI, Pawar acknowledged the loyalty of the RSS cadre, stating, “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has workers who remain steadfast to their ideology without deviation. We, too, must create a cadre committed to the progressive principles upheld by these great leaders.” Reflecting on the party’s poor performance in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections, Pawar admitted that complacency after the success in the Lok Sabha elections had cost the NCP dearly. "We became complacent after our Lok Sabha election success, while the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti took proactive steps to address its shortcomings from the parliamentary polls," he remarked. The NCP (SP) had performed admirably in the Lok Sabha elections, winning eight out of ten seats it contested in Maharashtra. However, it suffered a significant setback in the November assembly polls, securing only 10 out of nearly 90 seats. Pawar also highlighted the party’s failure to effectively communicate its contributions towards the upliftment of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), a key voter base. He noted the pressing need for social engineering to bridge caste divides, particularly in Marathwada, a region grappling with the Maratha reservation movement and incidents of caste-based violence. Pawar cited his own leadership during the Marathwada University renaming controversy as an example, recalling how he engaged with all stakeholders to defuse tensions. “Such efforts of direct engagement and inclusive strategies are essential now,” he stressed. The NCP (SP) chief announced that 50 per cent of the party’s tickets for upcoming local body elections in Maharashtra would be allotted to fresh faces. Additionally, he hinted at a restructuring of the organisation to revitalise the party and bolster its prospects. Pawar, who leads the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), is a key figure in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. His remarks reflect a determination to rebuild the party’s standing and reinvigorate its appeal among voters. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2025 10:05 AM IST | MumbaiIn a significant step towards the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites, the Gadchiroli Police have provided a fresh opportunity to 48 former militants by offering them jobs at the recently established Lloyds Metals Industry in the district. Gadchiroli's Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal stated that more than 600 Naxalites have surrendered to the police so far. Since the government revised its surrender policy in 2014, efforts have been made to facilitate the integration of surrendered Naxals into society. The government has been providing financial assistance and land for their rehabilitation, but Gadchiroli Police have taken it a step further by focusing on employment opportunities. Upon the suggestion of the police, Lloyds Metals agreed to employ surrendered Naxalites at their Konsari Project in the district. The company conducted a profiling of the individuals based on their educational background and skills. Following a three-month training programme, these 48 individuals have now secured positions across various departments of the company, earning monthly salaries ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000. Maniram Atla, a former deputy commander of the Chatgaon area who surrendered in 2019, expressed his gratitude for the new life and job. "After surrendering, I have got the right to live a new life. I am very happy to get a job in Lloyds Metals. I am now living my life on my own, there is no pressure on me now," he shared. Ramesh Katvo, a company platoon commander who joined the Naxal movement for over a decade, also reflected on his decision to surrender. "After 10-12 years in the Naxal movement, I realised that this path is wrong, and neither we nor our families will benefit. Now, I’m happy with the new job given to me by the government and can take care of my family," he said. Sainaath Pungati, who surrendered in 2006 after serving as a recruiter for the Maoist organisation, expressed relief. "Earlier, my life was lived under fear. Now, with a new job, my confidence has increased, and I can live a good life," he stated. Gadchiroli SP Neelotpal highlighted that the primary goal of the police is to eradicate Maoism from the district. He mentioned that the district administration, in collaboration with the police, is ensuring that various government welfare schemes reach the people, aiming to connect them with mainstream society. Neelotpal urged remaining Naxalites to give up violence and embrace a peaceful path. He assured that the police would assist them in rehabilitation and employment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently visited Gadchiroli and inaugurated various projects in the district, including handing over job letters and share certificates to the surrendered Naxals at the Lloyds Metals factory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the efforts of the Maharashtra government, highlighting their role in ensuring development in Maoist-affected areas. In a post on social media, he expressed his appreciation for the initiatives that aim to improve the lives of the people of Gadchiroli and surrounding areas. (With inputs from ANI)
10 January,2025 10:01 AM IST | MumbaiIn response to rising bird flu concerns, Nagpur's Maharajbagh Zoo has temporarily halted the feeding of chicken to its wild animals. This decision comes after the recent deaths of three tigers and a leopard at a wildlife rescue centre in the city, which were suspected to have contracted avian influenza. Maharashtra's Forest Minister, Ganesh Naik, confirmed on Thursday that the big cats had likely succumbed to bird flu, possibly after consuming contaminated chicken. However, he stated that the definitive cause of death would only be confirmed once the lab test results are received. Authorities have instructed zoo officials to inspect animal food before it is served to ensure its safety. Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, primarily affects wild birds and poultry. It has raised alarms in various regions due to its potential transmission to other animals. The Maharajbagh Zoo's Chief Health Officer, Sunil Baviskar, stated that while chicken is not part of the tigers' diet, leopards and other animals that may naturally eat birds are occasionally fed poultry meals. He assured that none of the animals at the zoo have shown symptoms of bird flu. As a precaution, the zoo has stopped supplying chicken to any animals and continues its routine sanitisation and disinfection processes every two days. Authorities also recommended that the wildlife rescue centre, which lost the tigers and leopard, remain closed temporarily for further investigation. The three tigers and the leopard had been relocated to the Gorewada Rescue Centre in Nagpur from Chandrapur after being involved in incidents of man-animal conflict. They died at the centre last month, and subsequent lab tests confirmed that they had contracted the H5N1 strain of the virus, which causes avian influenza. In light of these developments, the Union government has issued an advisory urging zoos to adopt precautionary measures. In accordance with these guidelines, the disinfection process is currently underway. Meanwhile, officials at the Siddharth Zoo in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are also taking extra precautions for their 12 tigers and a leopard. They are now being fed food treated with boiled water and using cold chain mechanisms to safeguard them from the potential threat of bird flu, following the incidents in Nagpur. (With inputs from PTI)
10 January,2025 09:56 AM IST | NagpurZeeshan Siddique, the son of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, has raised serious concerns over the progress of the investigation into his father’s murder. Speaking after a meeting with Joint Commissioner of Police Gautam Lakhmi, Zeeshan expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of action in the case, specifically pointing out the failure to interrogate individuals he had named in his statements. As per ANI, Zeeshan Siddique revealed that the police had refused to provide the chargesheet, prompting him to file an appeal in court. He stated that he had specifically inquired with the Mumbai Crime Branch about the status of the complaint and whether those named as suspects had been questioned. According to Zeeshan, the police informed him that the individuals he had named had not been interrogated yet. "I met Joint Commissioner Gautam Lakhmi to discuss the status of our complaint. We wanted to know whether the individuals we had named in our statements had been interrogated. Unfortunately, I was told that they have not been questioned yet," Zeeshan told reporters. The NCP leader also raised concerns about the apparent protection being afforded to certain builders allegedly involved in the murder. He further criticised the swift narrative that pinned the blame on Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster. Zeeshan demanded that Bishnoi be interrogated in Mumbai to uncover the full truth behind his father’s killing. Zeeshan has also called for intervention from Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a close friend of his late father. "I am hopeful that CM Fadnavis will ask the police about this. I don’t understand why these builders are being protected. Mere seconds after my father was shot, the narrative shifted to blame Bishnoi. If he is indeed responsible, bring him to Mumbai and interrogate him," Zeeshan said. In addition to seeking the intervention of CM Fadnavis, Zeeshan revealed his intention to meet with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his legal team to discuss how best to challenge the ongoing investigation if the inaction continues. Baba Siddique, a prominent NCP leader, was tragically shot dead by three assailants near his son’s office in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai, on October 12. In connection with the murder, police have arrested two individuals—Salman Vohra and Akashdeep Singh. Vohra is alleged to have financed the murder. (With inputs from ANI)
10 January,2025 09:50 AM IST | MumbaiA CNG tempo suddenly caught fire on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway on Thursday night at around 9 PM, just ahead of the Bapane Bridge. The incident, which could have led to a major disaster, was mitigated by the driver's quick and decisive action. Witnesses reported that the tempo driver steered the vehicle to the side of the highway upon noticing the fire. This timely maneuver ensured the safety of other vehicles on the busy road. However, despite his efforts, the tempo was completely gutted in the blaze. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the driver escaped unharmed. While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the incident has brought to light a significant safety issue on the highway—the absence of an efficient mechanism to provide timely assistance during emergencies such as fire incidents. The lack of fire-fighting facilities or immediate help in such situations raises questions about highway safety and preparedness. Tempo gutted in fire on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar, driver manages to alight safely A tempo was gutted in a fire on Saturday on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar district, a police official said, reported news agency PTI. The incident took place when the loaded vehicle was parked in Dhekale village at 2:30 pm, the official added, reported PTI. "The driver noticed smoke and managed to come out safely. The vehicle was destroyed in the blaze. The cause of the fire is being probed. The vehicle was on its way to Mumbai from Gujarat," he added, reported PTI. Meanwhile, ten properties, including workshops and godowns, were gutted in a fire that broke out in an industrial estate at Vasai town in Maharashtra's Palghar district, an official said on Saturday, reported PTI. Nobody was injured in the blaze that erupted around 8.30 pm on Friday and continued till 6.30 on Saturday, the official of Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation said, reported PTI. "Soon after being alerted, seven fire engines were rushed to the spot and the firefighting operation was launched. The fire was brought under control this morning. At present, a cooling operation was underway at the site," the civic body's fire officer said, reported PTI. The cause of the fire is being ascertained, he said. In another incident, a 50-year-old man was injured after a portion of a balcony collapsed on him at a factory in Bhiwandi town of Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday, a civic official said, reported PTI. The incident occurred at a factory in the Kaneri area of the town around 1.30 pm, the official said, reported PTI. The victim Rafique Khan sustained a head injury when a portion of the balcony fell on him, and he was rushed to a hospital, civic disaster management officer Faisal Tatli said, reported PTI. Local firemen reached the scene and carried out rescue and relief operations, he said, reported PTI. On Friday, a minor fire broke out in a mosque at Mumbra in Thane city of Maharashtra, a civic official said, reported PTI. Nobody was injured in the incident that occurred on the first floor of the Darul Falah mosque in Shimla Park locality, Thane civic body's disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi said, reported PTI. One air conditioner (AC) unit was completely gutted in the blaze that was extinguished in 15 minutes, he said, reported PTI. People had started assembling for the Friday 'namaz' (prayer) on the ground floor of the mosque when the incident took place, the official said, reported PTI.
10 January,2025 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has voiced strong concerns about the escalating crime rates in Pune, questioning the effectiveness of senior police officials despite the state’s provision of ample resources. Speaking to the media, Pawar, who also represents this part of Maharashtra, stated, “The Maharashtra Chief Minister and I have taken cognisance of this issue. We are fully aware of the deteriorating law and order situation in Pune, and there will be no tolerance for political interference in addressing it.” According to ANI, the Deputy CM highlighted the availability of substantial infrastructure and manpower, including new offices for the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Commissioner of Police (CP) in Pimpri Chinchwad. Despite these resources, he expressed dissatisfaction with the police's inability to curb the rising crime rates. “Despite so much freedom and so many facilities—including infrastructure, housing, and newly established offices for the SP and CP in Pimpri Chinchwad—senior police officers are failing to control crime,” Pawar remarked. He went on to suggest that if the current officers were unable to manage the situation, they should acknowledge their limitations. “If they cannot handle it, they should inform us so we can appoint more capable officers to tackle this menace,” he added. Pawar assured that immediate action would be taken to rectify the situation, stating that he would hold a review meeting with senior officials to assess the issue and explore potential administrative changes. Meanwhile, ANI reports that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late NCP politician Baba Siddique, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigation into his father’s murder. Speaking after a meeting with Mumbai Police’s Joint Commissioner of the Crime Branch, Lakhmi Gautam, Siddique criticised the law enforcement authorities, claiming that law and order in Mumbai had been reduced to a “joke.” “I provided the names of individuals I suspect in my father’s murder. However, the police have yet to question all of them or record their statements. This is deeply disappointing,” Siddique told the media, according to ANI. Baba Siddique was shot dead near his son’s office in Mumbai’s Nirmal Nagar on October 12 by three assailants. Siddique alleged that the narrative blaming the Bishnoi gang for the crime was pre-emptive and demanded that the accused, if linked to the gang, be extradited to India. “I will now meet Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was my father’s friend, to seek justice,” Siddique stated, reaffirming his commitment to pursuing all possible avenues to ensure a fair investigation. (With inputs from ANI)
10 January,2025 09:35 AM IST | MumbaiLoss sharpens gratitude. The passing of Pritish Nandy takes me – and dozens of colleagues under his editorship of The Illustrated Weekly of India – back to the 1980s. Fresh from college, and hungry for journalism, we lucked out with this helmsman. Who brought politics and poetry to the post in good measure. Who called a spade a spade, no matter the consequences. Who believed enough in the youngest team members, sending them to confidently interact with the most famous and fearless. If he broke candid interviews with every reigning public figure, he as generously trusted us with those we held in gawping awe, typical of journos wet behind the ears. I trod with trepidation filing a first half-pager on Aubrey Menen, whose Rama Retold was among the earliest books banned in the country. Followed by a detailed profile of Pranab Mukherjee on becoming Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha after his finance minister tenure. “What’s to worry? Ace it. Just get your facts damn right,” Nandy said, emboldening rookie reporter me. Pritish Nandy during a book launch in Mumbai in 2011. File pic When Wole Soyinka won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Literature, I was assigned a salutary story. His editorial brief suggested I go with the idea the Swedish Academy cored in its statement: “In a wide cultural perspective with poetic overtones Soyinka fashions the drama of existence.” He loved my title to the piece. “The Maverick”. After all, wasn’t that quintessential Nandy too? That was the time I handled the copy for Maneka Gandhi’s column called “Heads & Tails”. I enjoyed the fire and ire with which she championed animal rights. Yet, quaked to the tips of my Kolhapuris when she strode into the magazine’s fourth-floor office unannounced one morning, “to meet the person producing my page”. I needn’t have shivered. Standing beside my table in a crisp blue chikan kurta, she said, “Nice.” Expectations ran high at the Weekly desk. Parallel with the insistence on rigour of thought and expression, Nandy (with deputies Sailesh Kottary, Sherna Gandhy and Nikhil Lakshman), dinned into us the vital importance of thinking visually. Nothing available online; even chunky box computers hadn’t made an appearance. We scurried to the reference library for pictures. Alongside, brilliant photo essays were commissioned by lensmen and women of the international ilk of Ram Rahman and Jaywant Ullal. A very young Dayanita Singh would quietly visit. Not to mention our ed’s several painter friends, led by Husain himself. So, we surrendered writers’ darlings with ease. Till today, seldom will Illustrated Weekly proteges get huffy about cutting their own text in order to fit a fine photo or other artistic image. We wound text compatibly around the creativity of in-house illustrators and caricaturists. Equality over ego. Rare in subsequent editorial and art departments we worked with. Thinking visually is a lasting lesson. Also essential to being a Weekly-ite was another quality exhortation: think laterally. Out of the box. Kaafi hatke. He’d say, “Think laterally” at the start of each gathering in his cabin to plot the next week’s pages. A fat 72 of them. Packed with inspiration. Replete with exposes of crooked chief ministers, fake godmen and similar holy cows. Conceived by a man in his brave prime then. No doubt certain later exposes slanted towards personal ambition and controversial scoops. We’re able to separate the debate and questions surrounding some of his editorial policies, to appreciate much else. Mainly, how he had every writer’s back. The readiness with which he granted carte blanche to feature writers and investigative reporters helped critique innumerable establishment excesses. Never did we dare submit sloppily dashed-off opinionated pieces. “What are you really saying here!” he’d storm. The rage was undeniably there. But as strong came the compliments on a job well done. It was great learning all the way. Mere months before the death of AFS “Bobby” Talyarkhan in July 1990, I panicked. Nandy had slotted me to write a 10-page cover story on the legendary commentator at the Cricket Club of India over a series of Sunday afternoons. “I know little about sport, especially this game,” I pleaded. “Exactly why you should be doing it,” he responded. Touche. Thank you, man of many surprises and mentor to more than you realised.
10 January,2025 08:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Meher MarfatiaADVERTISEMENT
