Maximum and minimum temperatures on Friday are likely to hover around 34 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively, in Mumbai, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the Sameer app, Mumbai’s air quality index (AQI) stands at 133, placing it in the moderate category. This level may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma and heart disease. AQI across Mumbai: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): 175Borivali East: 104Andheri East: 117Chembur: 139Deonar: 148Ghatkopar: 158Kandivali West: 130Kherwadi, Bandra East: 132 Delhi weather updates: Air pollution worsens in city; overall AQI rises to 387 The national capital, Delhi, woke up to very poor air quality on Friday morning, with the overall AQI recorded at 387 around 8 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to the news agency ANI, the air quality worsened further compared to Thursday, when the AQI stood at 373 at 4 pm, as large parts of the city remained blanketed in toxic smog. Anand Vihar reported an AQI of 437, placing it in the severe category. Thick smog also enveloped areas including ITO, Ghazipur, Palam and Greater Noida. According to CPCB data, several areas, including Vivek Vihar (436), Punjabi Bagh (412), R.K. Puram (436) and Nehru Nagar (425), saw further deterioration in air quality and fell into the 'severe' category. Wazirpur also recorded 'severe' air quality with an AQI of 406, reported ANI. However, several parts of Delhi showed slight variations in air quality this morning. For instance, Dilshad Garden recorded an AQI of 356, which was better than at other locations but was poor in air quality. Other areas, such as Mandir Marg (342), Rohini (396), and North Campus (349), also saw marginal improvement, but air quality remained in the 'very poor' range. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa conducted surprise inspections at several petrol pumps, including those at the Delhi-Gurugram border and Janpath, to review compliance with the 'No PUC, No Fuel' directive. He interacted with pump staff and instructed them to enforce the rules while remaining calm and courteous. He said, "You are the first point of contact in this campaign. Cooperate with people and explain to them that this rule is for their health and the health of their children," reported ANI. The Minister also directed that clear signboards, announcements, and better queue management be ensured. Speaking to vehicle owners on the spot, he said, "This is not a matter of issuing challans; it is a question of clean air. Every valid PUCC issued today is a small victory in our fight against pollution." On December 17, 29,938 PUCCs were issued in Delhi. On December 18, up to 5.20 pm, 31,974 new certificates were issued. Thus, the total crossed 61,000 in nearly one day. The government expects the number of people obtaining PUCCs before refuelling petrol or diesel to increase further. The Minister said, "More than 60,000 people getting their PUCCs in a single day shows that when citizens trust that steps are being taken in the public interest, they extend full cooperation." (With ANI inputs)
19 December,2025 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTrained to catch A hawker waiting on the tracks boards a train in motion at Bandra Terminus. Hat-trick with a difference (From left) Farzana Contractor, Justice Ahamed Ebrahim, Khalid and Zeynasan Ansari at the book launch earlier this week. Pic/Fotocorp What do you call someone who has just published his third book on his cruises in less than 13 months? Well, let’s call him a cruise headliner. In Khalid A-H Ansari’s case, this would be apt since he spent a good part of his years in the newspaper industry, giving and encouraging the art of entertaining readers with smart headlines and crisp copies — ever since he launched Sportsweek magazine in 1968, followed by mid-day in 1979. mid-day’s former chairman’s eighth book overall, Turkey, Croatia, Greece - An Encore, was released by Justice Ahamed Ebrahim at Ansari’s South Mumbai residence lawns on Monday. Zimbabwe-based Ebrahim, apart from his legal background, is a former International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee, and has known Ansari since 2003. How can any party thrown by Ansari not include cricketers? Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar as usual smartly attired and wife Manali were present, along with fellow ex-Test cricketers Karsan Ghavri and Yajurvindra Singh. The evergreen Sabira Merchant, charming Dolly Thakore, and natty Nisha JamVwal read sections from Ansari’s book, edited by Zeynasan Ansari. Journalist Ayaz Memon did the honours of introducing Justice Ebrahim to the audience, while publisher Farzana Contractor interviewed the husband-wife duo who were such fine hosts. Contractor called them the cruise specialists of India and not many enjoying the cool evening breeze could disagree. When the cinematic eye meets art (From left) Ratna Pathak Shah; Anooradha Patel; Naseeruddin Shah. Pic Courtesy/Method; (right) Aditya Singh Actor Naseeruddin Shah and wife Ratna Pathak Shah were among the many fans who dropped by on Thursday to soak in Where is Jennifer? Aditiya Singh’s new show at Method Kala Ghoda. The solo exhibition presented a series of acrylic, ink, and watercolour works exploring themes of identity, absence, and the compulsive pursuit of a fleeting presence. “What started off as a hobby while exploring pareidolia, ended up becoming a passion for expressing art. To me, art is not about capturing what is seen, but finding what refuses to stay still, keeping my art free from any kind of limitations,” concluded Singh. United we read Arefa Tehsin, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan and Nandita da Cunha On the morning of December 20, children’s authors from across the country will participate in an online reading session in support of Child Rights and You (CRY). Among the decorated panellists are authors Arefa Tehsin, Deepti Menon, Khyrunnisa A, Hemangini Dutt Majumder, Nandita da Cunha, Mona Verma, and Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan. While Tehsin believes the initiative is “an opportunity to use our stories for something bigger than ourselves,” Tharoor Srinivasan echoed the sentiment, calling the end of the year a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving back. Those keen to reserve a spot can log on to @cry_india. Revisit Raza Arbre, Bindu, Cinq Elements, 2008. Pic Courtesy/Storyltd This striking lithograph on paper work by the late art legend SH Raza will have art enthusiasts glued to their screens today. As part of a five-lot online auction by StoryLtd, Raza’s Arbre, Bindu, Cinq Elements, 2008 (124th from a limited edition of 150) will be up for grabs in a five-hour live auction. The auction will also present works by city sculptor Arzan Khambatta and artist Rekha Rodwittiya. Readers keen to place their bids can log on to storyltd.com at 3 pm sharp. Nature decoded Subrato Banerjee Behavioural scientist and a faculty member at IIT Bombay, Subrato Banerjee, will be hosting a talk at Raasta in Khar on December 21 at 2 pm, titled Honeybee Economics, revealing how animal behaviour explains costs, benefits, and survival in this economy. In conversation with Banerjee, he revealed, “People need to focus on scientific thought and economics because at the end of the day, nature itself is an economist.”
19 December,2025 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayAs the countdown to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls begins, the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have taken an early lead by sorting out most of their seat-sharing arrangements. On the other hand, the Opposition camp, led by the Thackeray cousins, is yet to officially announce an alliance or finalise plans. According to the BJP leadership, nearly 66 per cent of seat-sharing talks have been finalised between the two allies for the 227 wards of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). “We have almost settled on around 150 seats. The remaining, too, will be sorted soon,” Ameet Satam, BJP Mumbai unit president, said. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Ameet Satam, BJP Mumbai unit president In contrast, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Raj Thackeray-led MNS are yet to officially announce their alliance or finalise a seat-sharing formula. With just 28 days left for polling and December 31 as the last date for filing nominations, candidates will have barely 13 days for active campaigning. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut has earlier claimed that they were sorting the seat-sharing issue and would soon make the formal announcement of an alliance. “Sena (UBT) and MNS alliance announcements can be expected in two days. We are confident of winning the polls and installing our mayor in the BMC,” Raut said. On Thursday, Raut met NCP chief Sharad Pawar to discuss seat-sharing and other political issues. The Congress has made it clear that it would not ally with Thackeray for local polls, and the NCP-SP is yet to make its stand clear on whether it would be part of the Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance or has some other plans.With Congress going solo, it will not only be the beginning of cracks forming in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP-SP, but even division of votes, which might help the BJP and its allies. After a delay of nearly three years, elections to the BMC will finally be held on January 15, 2026, with vote counting scheduled for January 16. The previous five-year term of the BMC corporators ended in February 2022. For nearly 25 years, the Shiv Sena (undivided) and the BJP ruled the BMC together, but their alliance ended in 2017. In that election, Shiv Sena won 84 seats, BJP 82, MNS seven (six later joined Uddhav Thackeray’s party), Congress 29, NCP 9, and others 15. Since the 2022 split engineered by Shinde, nearly 50 of the 84 corporators from the UBT camp have joined his faction. The upcoming BMC election is seen as a do-or-die battle for Uddhav, and equally for Raj Thackeray’s MNS, which has been losing political relevance. In 2005, citing differences with Uddhav, Raj quit Shiv Sena and later floated his own party — MNS. However, burying twenty years of differences, the Thackeray cousins came together for the “cause and pride of Maharashtra and Marathi”. With the Thackeray cousins likely to team up, the contest for control of Mumbai’s high-stakes civic battle will intensify, with Uddhav aiming to retain it, and the BJP and its allies determined to snatch it away. 227No. of electoral wards
19 December,2025 08:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarAfter receiving de novo deemed university status in 2023, the Sir JJ School of Arts, Architecture and Design is all set to introduce research programme, with the first PhD admissions likely to begin next year. In the initial phase, the university will offer 18 seats — six each in fine arts, architecture and design. At present, the institution has one research guide in each discipline. The decision to launch the programme was finalised at an executive council meeting held earlier this week. Of the total PhD seats, 30 per cent will be reserved for in-house faculty members. “We have experienced professors who have been teaching here for 10-12 years but never found the time to pursue a PhD. These in-house seats will allow them to advance their academic careers”, said Vice-Chancellor Him Chatterjee. Sir JJ School of Arts, Architecture and Design received de novo deemed university status in 2023. Pics/By Special Arrangement Officials said the research programme may be practice-based, allowing scholars to live and work with communities, document their ethos, and produce a final project based on fieldwork. Alternatively, students may undertake research on the lives and works of renowned artists, including comparative studies. “Like most research programme, the nature and duration of study will depend on the scholar and the mentor. For admissions, we will consider only JRF-qualified candidates and practising teachers” Chatterjee added. 18Total number of PhD admission seats offered by the university Tribute to brilliance Sir JJ School of Arts will hold a prayer meet for renowned sculptor and alumnus Ram Sutar, a gold medallist from the institution. Known for projects such as the Statue of Unity, Sutar last visited his alma mater in 2023.
19 December,2025 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarNCP leader and former sports and youth affairs minister Manikrao Kokate will undergo angiography on Friday morning, following which a decision about his custody will be taken, officials said, reported news agency PTI. A team of Nashik City Police reached Bandra on Thursday night along with a non-bailable warrant issued against Kokate, an official said. In the early hours, the team led by ACP Sandeep Mitke reached Lilavati hospital in Bandra and discussed Kokate's custody with doctors who are treating him, he said, reported PTI. Doctors informed police that Kokate will undergo an angiography test in the morning, and if the reports are normal, then he can be discharged from the hospital. Accordingly, the team of Nashik Police recorded statements of the doctors who are treating Kokate. If Kokate gets discharged, Nashik Police will serve a non-bailable warrant to him and will take his custody, the official said, reported PTI. The court recently upheld Kokate's two-year sentence in a cheating and forgery case in which he had allegedly secured flats under an EWS quota through forged documents in 1995. Kokate resigns after court verdict in cheating case Nationalist Congress Party minister Manikrao Kokate has resigned from the Maharashtra Cabinet following a court verdict upholding his conviction and two-year jail term in a 1995 cheating and forgery case, becoming the second NCP minister to quit this year, reported PTI. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the NCP, on Thursday said Kokate sent his resignation letter to him, which has been accepted and forwarded to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pawar noted the resignation of his party and cabinet colleague, who held Sports and Youth Welfare, Minority Development, and Aukaf portfolios in the BJP-led Mahayuti government, follows a court verdict and affirmed his party places supremacy of law above individuals. The development comes two days after the Nashik district and sessions court upheld the order of a first-class judicial magistrate, confirming a sentence of two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 against Kokate in the cheating and forgery case linked to a government housing scheme. The court also issued an arrest warrant against him on Wednesday. The Deputy CM said Kokate's resignation letter has been accepted in principle, keeping with the party's long standing stance that laws and rules are paramount. (With inputs from PTI)
19 December,2025 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentVasai station, the city's newest Bypass Terminus, on Wednesday got a massive 10-metre-wide elevated deck that will connect suburban and express terminus and also connect with the new Vasai Bypass Terminus. Officially called the Vasai Road Coaching Terminus, it is a major railway development project next to the existing Vasai Road station (BSR), aiming to make it a key hub for long-distance and suburban trains, boosting connectivity, decongesting Mumbai’s network, and improving services like the Panvel-Vasai corridor, with completion anticipated by mid-2027. It will include new tracks (around 5 km), platforms, and facilities for long-distance (outstation) and suburban (EMU/ MEMU) services. The new 10-metre-wide deck at Vasai Road station. Pics/Rajendra B. Aklekar At present, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) is executing station improvement works at Vasai Road Station under MUTP–3A with a focus on enhancing passenger circulation, safety, and amenities, while maintaining train operations in a high-footfall suburban environment. “The station improvement works are being executed in phases to minimise inconvenience to commuters, considering the heavy suburban footfall and operational constraints. MRVC remains committed to the timely completion of the remaining works while ensuring passenger safety and uninterrupted train services,” MRVC Chief Public Relations Officer, Sunil G Udasi, said. New foot overbridge (FOB) . One600-metre-wide FOB connecting the east circulating area with island platform nos. 4/5 and 6/7. FOB is planned with two escalators and two staircases 80%Amount of work completed; balance works in progress Elevated deck over island platform no. 6/7 . A 250 m × 10 m elevated deck over island platform no. 6/7, connecting four FOBs.. Deck will have two escalators, one lift, and five staircases to improve passenger dispersal. 60 m × 10 m portion of the deck has already been completed and commissioned for public use. Remaining portion of deck under active construction Platform resurfacing works . Resurfacing of island platform no. 6/7 taken up. Approximately 1000 sq m resurfacing work completed, improving passenger comfort and safety Amenities: Toilet blocks . Two new toilet blocks are planned — one each on island platform nos. 4/5 and 6/7. Toilet block on island platform no. 4/5 completed and commissioned. Remaining toilet blocks will be taken up for work as per construction schedule ‘Smoother, safer’ Tanveer Ranka, daily office commuter‘Vasai Road has always been overcrowded, especially during peak hours. This elevated deck should make changing platforms much smoother and safer. If the terminus reduces pressure on Mumbai stations, it will be a huge relief for office-goers’ Ankita Sahu, college student‘Crossing platforms here during rush hour is chaotic. A wide elevated deck will really help students and daily passengers move faster. I just hope the work finishes on time without too many disruptions’ Rishikesh Sharma, resident of Virar; long-distance passenger‘Catching outstation trains from Mumbai is always stressful. Having a proper coaching terminus at Vasai will save time and avoid unnecessary travel into the city. The new connectivity between suburban and express platforms is a big plus’ Deepak Shalimar, senior citizen‘Earlier, moving between platforms at Vasai Road station was difficult, especially with luggage. The new deck feels safer and more accessible. Better facilities at Vasai Road will make train travel much more comfortable for seniors’
19 December,2025 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarBomb threat emails sent to multiple courts and banks in Mumbai triggered heightened security on Thursday, prompting an extensive security sweep across judicial premises in the city. The threats targeted at least five courts, including the Bombay High Court, as well as two to three banks, police sources said. After detailed searches, no suspicious or explosive material was found at any location. Officials said the emails were sent using Outlook-based email IDs, following which standard operating procedures were immediately activated. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, local police teams and senior officers conducted thorough checks at the high court and at least four to five magistrate courts across Mumbai. Banks that received similar emails were also searched as a precaution. Investigators believe the threats were sent by a repeat hoaxer who has been targeting sensitive institutions in Mumbai for over a year. Police said courts in the city have received similar bomb threat emails five to six times in the past year. All alerts eventually turned out to be hoaxes, but each is treated as a high-risk input. According to officers, the emails follow a consistent pattern. They typically mention explosives such as RDX or improvised explosive devices and include conspiracy-driven references to political figures, intelligence agencies and judicial institutions. One of the emails received on Thursday threatened explosions inside court premises and judges’ chambers, demanded evacuation by a specific time and made unrelated political and intelligence-linked claims. Investigators noted that in past instances, and again this time, a few Marathi words were used, possibly to vary the sender’s profile. Mumbai Police are currently tracking the source of at least 20 bomb threat emails sent over the past year to prominent locations, including courts, the Bombay Stock Exchange, five-star hotels and schools. Investigators believe the same sender, or group, may also be linked to over 22 similar bomb threat cases registered in Chennai over the last three years. Sources said the sender uses the dark web and virtual private networks to mask identity and location, making tracing difficult. The person behind the emails is suspected to be a Tamil expatriate settled abroad and is believed to be using encrypted overseas email services. Central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and the National Investigation Agency, are monitoring the probe due to potential national security implications. “All threat emails to courts are treated with utmost seriousness. Searches are conducted strictly as per protocol, regardless of whether previous alerts turned out to be hoaxes,” a senior police officer said. A non-cognisable complaint has been registered at Azad Maidan police station under Section 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with the hoax threat email received on Thursday. Further investigation is underway.
19 December,2025 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilA massive fire broke out at the Blue Roof Club in the Ghodbunder Road area of Thane on Thursday night at 10:30 pm due to fireworks, reported news agency ANI. The Disaster Management team and the fire department responded quickly, dispatching brigades to the Thane club. The fire was brought under control within half an hour. Speaking with the media, Yaseen Tadvi, Disaster Management Officer, Thane Municipal Corporation, said, "We cannot specify the reason for the fire at the Thane club, but the fire was massive. When the Disaster Management team received a call, the fire department immediately dispatched fire brigades to the location. The fire was brought under control after considerable effort. There have been no casualties or injuries. The fire broke out about one hour ago, and we controlled the fire in about half an hour," reported ANI. Further details awaited. Fire breaks out near tunnel on Mumbai Coastal Road; none hurt In another incident, a fire erupted outside a tunnel on the Coastal Road in south Mumbai on Wednesday evening, but no injuries were reported, civic officials said, reported PTI. The blaze outside the tunnel at Marine Lines opposite the Police Gymkhana was reported to the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) at 7.12 pm, they said, reported PTI. No injuries were reported in the fire, which was doused in less than an hour, said the officials. A civic official said the blaze may have been caused by a short circuit. The structure where the fire started was used for the storage of some materials, he added. Fire erupts at three warehouses in Thane; none hurt Earlier, a fire broke out at three warehouses in Maharashtra's Thane district on Sunday afternoon, triggering panic in the industrial area, officials said, reported PTI. There was no report of any casualty, they said. The blaze was reported at around 2.30 pm in three warehouses at Gayatri Nagar in Bhiwandi town, the officials said, adding it was not yet known what was stored there. Multiple fire engines were rushed to the spot, Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation's disaster management cell chief Saquib Kharbe said, reported PTI. "So far, there are no reports of anyone being injured," he said, adding that efforts were on to ensure the fire does not spread to adjoining structures. The exact cause of the blaze was yet to be ascertained. Earlier in the day, a fire broke out at a godown storing autorickshaws at Kalher in Bhiwandi town, officials said. No casualties were reported, they said. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)
19 December,2025 08:23 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe VB Nagar police have added charges of attempt to murder and rioting in the case of a 21-year-old man who was allegedly beaten and set on fire by his childhood friends during his birthday celebration in the early hours of November 25 in Kurla. Five accused, aged between 18 and 21, have now been booked under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with sections related to unlawful assembly and rioting. The accused allegedly dragged their friend, Abdul Khan, out of his residence, assaulted him with stones and wooden sticks, and set his clothes on fire. Initially, police had registered an FIR under Section 110 of the BNS (attempt to commit culpable homicide), which carries a maximum punishment of three years. The stricter charge of attempt to murder, punishable with up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine, was added after Khan recorded a supplementary statement citing the severity of his injuries. “It was the victim’s insistence, along with medical reports of his burn injuries, that led to the additional sections being invoked,” a police official said.The supplementary statement was submitted through Khan’s lawyers, advocates Mahesh Vinod Rajpopat and Akshit Devendra Kothari, who appeared before the court as complainants. The accused — Ayaz Malik, Ayan Malik, Salman Chaudhary, Ajjubaila Khan, and Sarif Shaikh — were arrested soon after the FIR was filed. Police said the group had gathered at Khan’s home around midnight with a cake. A quarrel reportedly broke out after the celebration. While the accused initially claimed the assault happened “masti masti mein”, further investigation revealed an alleged motive of jealousy. Police said Khan often received attention from women, which allegedly angered the accused, one of whom was upset after being rejected by a woman who preferred Khan. ‘ “This anger built up over time. The intention was to disfigure him by setting him on fire, so that he would become less approachable to women,” an official said. The attack allegedly occurred around 12.10 am. As his clothes were set ablaze, Khan ran towards a nearby water tap, screaming for help. Neighbours rushed him to the hospital, where he continues to undergo treatment for serious burn injuries.
19 December,2025 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerResidents of Lokhandwala in Andheri West and city-based nature lovers have welcomed the long-awaited clean-up of the iconic Lokhandwala Lake, where authorities have begun removing the invasive aquatic plant Ipomoea and clearing plastic waste from its periphery. The move aims to protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem and preserve its status as a key birding hotspot for several migratory species. It may be recalled that mid-day has consistently highlighted the threat posed by the invasive plant species choking the lake. In February this year, mid-day had also reported on the issue in an article titled (Lokhandwala lake choked by invasive plant, still awaiting wetland status). Wood sandpiper and Grey-headed swamphen are some of the birds found in the area After the monsoon, the vegetation spread further, encroaching into other parts of the lake. To prevent the invasive species from spreading, its removal is now being carried out by the concerned agency on the instructions of Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Haroon Khan, using his MLA funds. Residents Speak Lokhandwala resident Aparna Nadig said, “The invasive vegetation spreading across the surface of Lokhandwala Lake had begun threatening not just aquatic life but the entire ecosystem. It is therefore encouraging to see work finally underway to remove this unwanted growth, along with clearing the garbage dumped along the lake’s periphery.” Aarush Jotwani said, “While it is encouraging to see the removal of invasive vegetation, equal attention must be paid to ensuring the area remains free of plastic and other waste. Installing information boards highlighting the lake’s bird diversity would also help raise awareness about the rich biodiversity this wetland supports.” Nature lover Ratanji Gandhok said, “For nearly three years, residents and bird lovers have been hearing that this biodiversity hotspot will be protected. We hope the authorities now turn words into action and secure legal protection for this beautiful and ecologically important space.” Nature lover Ratanji Gandhok, (right) Lokhandwala resident Aparna Nadig MLA Speaks Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Khan said, “The Lokhandwala lake is a serene space frequented by residents and nature lovers. Many visitors come here specifically to spot migratory birds that arrive every winter. The work of removing weeds and clearing the garbage dumped in the lake is currently underway, and we will ensure that the lake remains clean.” Did you know? Spread over around 10 acres and abutting the Malad Creek, the lake has long been a magnet for birdlife. Its semi-wild character, untouched by heavy beautification, has helped preserve its natural ecology. The list of birds found includes the purple swamphen, garganey duck, coppersmith barbet, white-throated kingfisher, black kite, rose-ringed parakeet, spot-billed duck, Indian pond heron, black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus), common myna, cattle egret, and red-vented bulbul.
19 December,2025 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA routine inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Mulund has exposed an alleged fake vehicle registration and chassis number scam involving Orchids International School, after officials found a school-linked vehicle running with forged documents and mismatched chassis details. The irregularity, which allegedly went undetected for over two years, has led to an FIR at Navghar police station, with the RTO estimating a Rs 8.66 lakh loss to the Maharashtra Transport Department. According to Sanket Chavan, the RTO motor vehicle inspector who detected the irregularity, the issue came to light on Tuesday afternoon, during a routine inspection near the fire brigade office at Gavhanpada in Mulund East. When the RTO team checked a bus, they noticed discrepancies in its registration details. A physical verification of the vehicle revealed that the chassis number stamped on the bus did not match the registration and number plate details available in official records, following which the vehicle was detained and its documents were subjected to a detailed verification. “This raised serious suspicions as the chassis number is the primary identity of a vehicle,” Chavan said, adding that further scrutiny showed the bus had allegedly been operated without valid registration for over two years (since October 2023). This led to evasion of motor vehicle tax and other statutory dues payable to the transport department, amounting to Rs 8,66,421. What is the irregularity Orchid allegedly purchased the bus from VE Commercial Vehicle Ltd — a dealer located at Dapoda village in Bhiwandi, Thane district — for use as a school vehicle in Mulund East. However, officials allege that mandatory protocols under the Motor Vehicles Act were not followed, including proper registration, verification, and payment of applicable motor vehicle tax. Instead, the bus was allegedly operated using forged registration details and a mismatched number plate, allowing it to run on city roads without valid authorisation. Cops take action The FIR names the educational institute, its director and principal, the vehicle dealer, the driver, and others as accused, alleging that their acts resulted in cheating the Maharashtra Transport Department of government revenue. Based on these findings, police have invoked sections related to endangering life or personal safety of others, cheating, forgery and conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, in addition to provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. “It is the school’s responsibility to ensure its buses comply with all rules, not just legally but also for children’s safety. In this case, the school failed to verify the vehicle’s registration for over two years, during which the bus was run illegally,” said Chavan. “This is also about public awareness, and parents should check whether school buses are properly registered.” School’s response mid-day tried to contact several individuals from the school management but couldn’t reach any of them. The school principal, Rachana Kamath, said she has no information about the incident. OctMonth in 2023 bus was pressed into service What transpired… . School-linked unregistered bus operated for over two years. Vehicle displayed number plate not matching chassis number. Operator managed to avoid paying road tax and RTO fees. Irregularity detected during a routine RTO inspection What is chassis number? It is a vehicle’s unique ID code. It is stamped on the vehicle’s frame. RTOs use it to verify registration, ownership, tax. Any mismatch could mean forgery, illegal operation. What parents should check . Valid registration number. Registration Certificate (RC) matching the bus. School name in permits. Fitness certificate and insurance. Driver’s licence and badge How evasion amount got to Rs 8.66 lakh Motor vehicle tax Rs 8.61LRegistration fee Rs1,200LInspection fee Rs 800LSmart card fee Rs 200Postal charges Rs 58Loan endorsement Rs 3,000charges Total Rs 8,66,421
19 December,2025 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerADVERTISEMENT
