The Railways received a bomb threat call regarding Train No 11072 Kamayani Express, prompting a swift security response at Khandwa railway station in Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning. The train, which operates between Mumbai and Ballia, was halted at Platform No 5, following which a thorough inspection was carried out by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), Civil Police, and a bomb detection dog squad. The information was relayed to authorities by GRP Bhopal Control, prompting immediate action. The area was cordoned off, and all the necessary precautions were taken to ensure passenger safety, railway authorities informed. IPF Khandwa was present on-site to oversee the operation. Following a comprehensive search, officials confirmed that the threat was a hoax. No explosives or suspicious items were found, and all passengers were reported safe.
17 May,2025 08:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) and Thane District Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde has directed all the agencies concerned to prioritise public safety and complete essential preparations, including the removal of hazardous hoardings and cleaning of drains, before the monsoon season begins, news agency PTI reported. Speaking at a review meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority on Friday, Shinde emphasised that the development of common citizens remains the state government's top priority. Key directives by Deputy CM Shinde included drain cleaning, structural audits, removal of dangerous hoardings, rapid pothole repairs, and securing open manholes, reported PTI. He also called for enhanced coordination between the Railways and municipal corporations in Thane district to ensure effective drainage management and mandated comprehensive tree pruning. Special attention was given to addressing the condition of dilapidated schools, preparations for temporary shelters, and alternative plans for flood-prone villages, an official release on Saturday stated. Further, Shinde stressed the importance of measures to prevent waterlogging in low-lying areas and the readiness of volunteer teams, including swimmers, reported PTI. He also directed that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Thane and Kalyan remain stationed in the district until September. Ahead of monsoon, BMC flags 134 buildings as dilapidated in Mumbai In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared 134 buildings in Mumbai as dilapidated this year, a notable decrease compared to previous years. Of these 134 unsafe structures, 57 have already been vacated, while 77 remain occupied. Civic officials noted that around 56 of these buildings are currently involved in ongoing legal proceedings. In 2023, 387 buildings were deemed dilapidated, while the number dropped to 188 in 2024. Civic officials credit the decline to more buildings being vacated and demolished over recent years. In its 2025 survey, the BMC has identified a total of 134 C1 category buildings across Mumbai that are deemed unsafe and unfit for habitation. The highest number of such dilapidated structures—15 each—have been reported in H/West ward (Bandra, Khar West) and P/South ward (Goregaon). These are followed by 11 buildings each in K/E ward (Andheri East) and N ward (Ghatkopar), 10 in K/West (Andheri West), and 7 buildings each in H/E (Chembur) and P/North (Malad). Other wards like R/South (Kandivali West) have 8 buildings, while G/N (Dadar-Matunga) and L ward (Kurla) have 6 each. Wards such as A, B, D, F/N, M/W, and S report between 3 to 6 unsafe buildings, whereas C, E, M/E, and T wards have only 1 to 2 such structures. Notably, F/S (F South) and R/C (R Central) wards have no buildings marked under the C1 category this year. To prevent casualties and injuries ahead of the monsoon, BMC identifies and lists C1 category buildings, those deemed unfit for habitation and requiring immediate evacuation and demolition. Most of these structures are over 30 years old. Once declared C1, the civic body issues notices, giving residents 15 days to vacate. (With PTI inputs)
17 May,2025 06:52 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Member of Parliament (MP) Priyanka Chaturvedi on Saturday stated that the Central government had taken the initiative to send an all-party delegation to key ally countries to highlight India's ongoing battle against cross-border terrorism and Operation Sindoor. “The Central government has taken this initiative to put an end to the narrative being created by Pakistan with its baseless allegations against India,” Chaturvedi said, adding, “The delegation aims to project India’s position on terrorism and counter false narratives internationally.” Speaking on the government’s decision, Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas said, “We are happy to represent India abroad. We are happy to work for the larger cause of the nation... We do have our differences with the government because many of the points we had raised, such as an all-party meeting with the Prime Minister and a special Parliament session, were ignored by the government. Congress’s complaint is that we were not consulted before the government decided on their nominees... In a parliamentary democracy based on a multi-party system, it would have been preferable if the government had consulted the respective political parties before deciding on their nominees.” Seven all-party delegations are set to visit key partner countries, as well as the United Nations Security Council, later this month to discuss Operation Sindoor – India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack – and ongoing efforts to combat cross-border terrorism. The all-party delegations will project India’s national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms. They will convey the country’s strong message of zero tolerance against terrorism to the world. MPs from various parties, prominent political personalities, and distinguished diplomats will be part of each delegation. Each delegation will be led by the following MPs: Shashi Tharoor, Congress Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sanjay Kumar Jha, Janata Dal (United) Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Supriya Sule, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena In a post on X, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that India stands united, and the seven all-party delegations will soon visit key partner nations. “In moments that matter most, Bharat stands united. Seven All-Party Delegations will soon visit key partner nations, carrying our shared message of zero tolerance to terrorism. A powerful reflection of national unity above politics, beyond differences,” read Rijiju’s post on X. The tour is expected to last 10 days, starting May 23. The parliamentarians are likely to visit several key world capitals, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Japan. India-Pakistan tensions India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. India’s precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) resulted in the deaths of over 100 terrorists. Pakistan resorted to shelling and drone and missile attacks on Indian civilians. While the drone and missile attacks were thwarted successfully, the cross-border shelling led to several casualties. Eleven Pakistani airbases were damaged while around 40 of their armed forces personnel were killed after India launched a retaliatory response. On May 10, both the countries agreed on ending the military action, putting an end to the India-Pakistan tensions. However, hours later, Pakistan violated the ceasefire. (With ANI inputs)
17 May,2025 06:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBudget grants worth Rs 1,777 crore have been earmarked in the Union Budget for 2025-26 for the ambitious Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) announced on Saturday, according to PTI. In a statement, the MRVC said that this amount marks a 125 per cent surge from the Rs 789 crore allocated in the previous financial year. MUTP is a major initiative aimed at the expansion and capacity enhancement of Mumbai’s suburban rail network. Currently, three projects the initiative are at various stages of implementation, even as the World Bank-funded MUTP-I project has already been completed. “The Rs 1,777 crore allocation by the Railway Ministry includes Rs 100 crore for MUTP-II, Rs 800 crore for MUTP-III, and Rs 877 crore for MUTP-IIIA. The Government of Maharashtra will match this contribution, resulting in a total capital infusion that will help accelerate the progress of key MUTP projects designed to ease congestion, improve connectivity, and enhance passenger convenience,” the MRVC statement read. The release further noted that there had been no funding constraints in the 2024-25 financial year, ensuring uninterrupted progress on MUTP works. “Moreover, as work advances, additional funds are made available through revised grants in the last quarter of the financial year, if necessary, to ensure seamless execution,” it added. “With this strong financial support, major MUTP undertakings – including new rail corridors, station upgrades, and improved rail infrastructure – are making significant headway, moving Mumbai’s commuters closer to a faster, safer, and more efficient suburban railway network,” the statement concluded. Mumbai: Masjid Bunder station set to rise above the crowd High-footfall Masjid Bunder station on Central Railway’s Mumbai network is finally set to go one floor up. The Railways have drawn up a plan to build an elevated deck covering all platforms at the station, which sees massive crowds during workdays due to its proximity to a major business district. As per the latest budget document released this week, Rs 9.14 crore has been sanctioned for constructing the deck, complete with escalators and lifts. Located in the heart of a busy commercial area, Masjid Bunder station has long struggled with narrow platforms that get severely crowded during morning and evening rush hours. While multiple bridges have been added over the years, the main concern, the tapering, roofless north-end platforms, has remained unresolved. Masjid Bunder is one of the oldest stations on the Great Indian Peninsula Railway, having opened on September 20, 1875. According to railway officials, adding a roof at the north end is nearly impossible due to platform constraints and safety standards defined under the Schedule of Dimensions (SOD), regulations that govern minimum safety clearances for railway operations. Installing a roof there would encroach on the space required for running trains, creating serious safety risks. The proposed elevated deck will span across all platforms, not only solving the roof issue but also creating an additional floor to ease passenger movement and reduce crowding. “The problem at Masjid Bunder has existed for years, and we welcome the move to build a deck. It will solve the roof issue and provide more circulating space for passengers,” said Subhash Gupta of Yatri Sangh Mumbai. (With PTI inputs)
17 May,2025 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMetropolitan Commissioner, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, said that the Deharji Medium Project, a key water infrastructure initiative in Palghar district, has achieved a significant progress. Located on the Deharji River, a tributary of the west-flowing Vaitarna River, near Suksale village in Palghar's Vikramgad, the project involves the construction of an earthen and masonry dam with a total storage capacity of 95.60 million cubic metres and usable storage of 93.22 million cubic metres, equivalent to 255 million litres per day (MLD). The project is being carried out by the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation (KIDC) with a financial assistance of 25,99.15 crore from Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). KIDC had initially awarded the execution contract to M/s PVR Projects Ltd on July 27, 2006, and MMRDA is working on a detailed project report for the implementation of bulk drinking water supply scheme through this dam. Highlights of the project: • Proposed earthen and masonry dam with a storage capacity of 95.60 million cubic metres on the Deharji River.• Usable storage capacity: 93.55 million cubic metres (255 MLD - million litres per day).• Dam length: 2,450 metres; height: 71.60 metres.• Dam type: Earthen dam with gated spillway.• Spillway gates dimensions: 12m x 6.5m (Four gates). Current status: The physical progress of the Deharji Medium Irrigation Project as of May is approximately 80 per cent. The project is set for completion by the end of 2027. Under MMRDA, work has been taken up to prepare a detailed project report for the bulk drinking water supply scheme for the water storage available from the Deharji Medium Project. Survey and other fieldwork under the technical consultant are in progress. Benefits: The Deharji Dam will provide a water storage capacity of 93.55 million cubic metres (255 MLD), of which 190 MLD is reserved by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC), 15 MLD for en route rural areas, and 50 MLD for CIDCO Palghar region. The project is positioned to significantly improve water storage for regional development and support socio-economic growth in the Konkan region through sustainable and resilient water resource management. “The Deharji Medium Project marks a significant milestone in the Government of Maharashtra’s agenda to strengthen core infrastructure and ensure long-term water security for the state. By constructing a sustainable, high-capacity dam, the project directly supports the supply of potable water and enhances the quality of life for citizens in Palghar and surrounding regions. I commend the coordinated efforts of MMRDA and KIDC in driving this critical initiative forward in a timely and efficient manner,” CM Devendra Fadnavis said. Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and MMRDA Chairman, Eknath Shinde, stated, “The Deharji Medium Project is a flagship initiative under the Government of Maharashtra’s broader vision to enhance water security and strengthen rural infrastructure. MMRDA’s strategic collaboration with KIDC underscores our commitment to delivering long-term, sustainable drinking water supply solutions. Once completed, the project will play a crucial role in meeting the potable water needs of Vasai-Virar and surrounding areas, significantly improving quality of life and driving social development across the region.” According to Dr Mukherjee the project is set to strengthen the water infrastructure of the Konkan region. "Designed to store 93.22 million cubic meters of potable water, the project reflects MMRDA’s proactive efforts to address regional water challenges. Alongside the Surya project, MMRDA is preparing a detailed water supply plan to support the social and economic development of the region. By addressing critical drinking water needs with a focus on eco-sustainability, MMRDA is not only meeting present demands but also building long-term resilience. We remain committed to the successful execution of this project, ensuring lasting benefits for both the environment and the communities it serves,” he said.
17 May,2025 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared 134 buildings in Mumbai as dilapidated this year, a notable decrease compared to previous years. Of these 134 unsafe structures, 57 have already been vacated, while 77 remain occupied. Civic officials noted that around 56 of these buildings are currently involved in ongoing legal proceedings. In 2023, 387 buildings were deemed dilapidated, while the number dropped to 188 in 2024. Civic officials credit the decline to more buildings being vacated and demolished over recent years. In its 2025 survey, the BMC has identified a total of 134 C1 category buildings across Mumbai that are deemed unsafe and unfit for habitation. The highest number of such dilapidated structures—15 each—have been reported in H/West ward (Bandra, Khar West) and P/South ward (Goregaon). These are followed by 11 buildings each in K/E ward (Andheri East) and N ward (Ghatkopar), 10 in K/West (Andheri West), and 7 buildings each in H/E (Chembur) and P/North (Malad). Other wards like R/South (Kandivali West) have 8 buildings, while G/N (Dadar-Matunga) and L ward (Kurla) have 6 each. Wards such as A, B, D, F/N, M/W, and S report between 3 to 6 unsafe buildings, whereas C, E, M/E, and T wards have only 1 to 2 such structures. Notably, F/S (F South) and R/C (R Central) wards have no buildings marked under the C1 category this year. To prevent casualties and injuries ahead of the monsoon, BMC identifies and lists C1 category buildings, those deemed unfit for habitation and requiring immediate evacuation and demolition. Most of these structures are over 30 years old. Once declared C1, the civic body issues notices, giving residents 15 days to vacate. Despite the civic body calling for the immediate evacuation of the unsafe structures, many residents continue to reside in the dilapidated structures owing to a lack of alternate means of habitation and provisions offering them protection. Several inhabitants also question the categorisation of ‘ C1 dilapidated’, calling for another survey of the structure, which is conducted by BMC’s empanelled structural auditors. Mumbai weather updates: Rain lashes several parts of city, brings respite from humidity Rainfall hit several parts of Mumbai on Saturday morning, bringing much-needed relief to the residents from prevailing humid conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light showers throughout the day. According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is expected across the city. Mumbai has been experiencing pre-monsoon showers over the past few days. Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted continued rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several regions of the country over the next five days.
17 May,2025 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has approved a shipbuilding policy to develop the state's maritime infrastructure and promote ship repair and recycling activities, an official said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The Maharashtra Shipbuilding, Ship Repair, and Ship Recycling Facility Development Policy 2025 was approved in the last cabinet meeting, and a Government Resolution (GR) was issued on Friday, he said. The decision is expected to boost the shipbuilding, repair, and recycling industries and attract new projects. The move will also help the central government earn valuable foreign exchange. Recognising the significant importance of the maritime sector in driving economic and industrial growth, the state has identified the need to develop foundational infrastructure in this domain. While the government has the Maharashtra Maritime Development Policy 2023 to regulate and develop small ports along the state's coastline, the new policy now has provisions specifically for shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, reported PTI. Maharashtra's strategic location on India's west coast presents a substantial opportunity for the construction of new vessels, maintenance of existing ships, and organised recycling of decommissioned ships. According to the GR, the state aims to encourage private sector participation in building the necessary infrastructure. The initiative will also help generate new employment opportunities, as there is a need to develop a skilled workforce at various levels, increase cargo handling capacity, and attract investments in the port sector, reported PTI. The Central government's ambitious programmes, Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 have outlined goals for shipbuilding, repair, and recycling, with Maharashtra targeting a one-third share of the national effort, reported PTI. To achieve this, the state aims to encourage small and medium enterprises, create jobs, promote innovation through R&D investments, and enable collaboration. The new policy outlines three development models, including maritime shipyard clusters, under which clusters of shipyards will be built to promote industry growth and efficiency, standalone shipyards to encourage individual shipyards to operate and provide specialised services, and developing shipyard projects at ports, reported PTI. Private sector participation will be encouraged under all three models. These projects will enable the construction and repair of Indian vessels, enhancing the country's presence in maritime transport and reducing foreign exchange outflow, the GR stated. As per the policy, private entrepreneurs will receive capital subsidies of 15 per cent of the project cost, and it will be disbursed in four equal instalments during the construction phase, each after 25 per cent of the work is completed and the final instalment once commercial operations commence, reported PTI. Developers or private entities setting up skill development facilities for shipbuilding, repair, or recycling will receive 60 per cent of the project cost or Rs 5 crore, whichever is lower, the GR stated, reported PTI. Apart from this, an annual financial aid of 50 per cent of the incurred cost or Rs 1 crore, whichever is lower, will be provided for employee skill development or upskilling. The state has also approved capital assistance up to 60 per cent of the facility cost or Rs 5 crore, whichever is lower, for developers or private institutions setting up shipbuilding, repair, or recycling facilities, it was stated. (With inputs from PTI)
17 May,2025 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two fugitives linked to a sleeper cell of the banned terrorist outfit ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). The arrests are connected to a 2023 case involving the fabrication and testing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Pune, Maharashtra. Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh, also known as Diaperwala, and Talha Khan were intercepted by the Bureau of Immigration at Mumbai’s International Airport T2 while attempting to return from Jakarta, Indonesia, where they had been in hiding. Following their interception, the NIA took them into custody and placed them under arrest. The two accused had been on the run for the past over two years and also had non-bailable warrants issued against them by the NIA Special Court, Mumbai. NIA had also declared a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh each for information on the two accused. The May 5, 2023, case relates to a criminal conspiracy by these men, along with eight other ISIS Pune sleeper module members already arrested and in judicial custody. They had conspired to commit terrorist acts to disturb India’s peace and communal harmony by waging a war against the Government of India in furtherance of the ISIS agenda to establish Islamic rule in the country through violence and terror. These two men, already chargesheet along with the other arrested accused, had been engaged in assembling IEDs from a house rented by Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh in Kondhwa, Pune. During the 2022-2023 period, they had also organised and participated in a bomb making and training workshop, besides carrying out a controlled explosion to test an IED fabricated by them, at these premises. NIA, which has been actively investigating the activities of ISIS in India in a bid to foil its violent and nefarious anti-India terrorist plans, had previously chargesheeted all the 10 accused in the case under various sections of UA (P) Act, Explosive Substances Act, Arms Act and IPC. Besides Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, the others arrested in the case are identified as Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Abdul Kadir Pathan, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi, Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Shamil Nachan, Akif Nachan and Shahnawaz Alam. Investigations in the case are ongoing.
17 May,2025 12:14 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentRainfall hit several parts of Mumbai on Saturday morning, bringing much-needed relief to the residents from prevailing humid conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light showers throughout the day. According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall is expected across the city. Mumbai has been experiencing pre-monsoon showers over the past few days. Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted continued rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several regions of the country over the next five days. Speaking to ANI on Friday, IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava pointed out that southern India, especially the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, will experience persistent rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds for the next five days. Similar weather conditions are expected to prevail over Central India. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of a light rain on Saturday, May 17. Temperatures will range from a cool 27 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 33 degrees Celsius during the day. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 27.9 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26.2 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "partly cloudy sky with possibility of light rain" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'good' category On May 17, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'good' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 80 at 9:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'good' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 75. Byculla, Malad and Kandivali recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 34, 84 and 36, respectively. Colaba, Ghatkopar and Worli recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 26, 78 and 73, respectively. Meanwhile, Sion recorded 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 207. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'good' category with an AQI of 61, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 68. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'.
17 May,2025 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway among rail fans and officials will be celebrating the 53rd birthday of the Rajdhani Express, a luxury train service, launched in India 1972. The inaugural run of the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express took place on May 17. This train, connecting Mumbai (then Bombay) to New Delhi, was notable for its speed and the luxurious amenities. It has been touted as the fastest Rajdhani Express among all the 25 operating in India. Widely regarded as one of the most premium trains on the Indian Railway network and is given the highest priority in terms of clearance, it was the second Rajdhani Express train in India to be introduced after the Howrah Rajdhani Express which came in 1969. Inaugurated at Mumbai Central station by the then minister of railways K Hanumanthaiya, the train was hauled by a specially retrofitted WDM2 class diesel locomotive and numbered as 151 DN/152 UP Bombay Central-New Delhi Rajdhani. The first-ever service comprised four air-conditioned chair car coaches (ACC), two air-conditioned sleeper car coaches (AC Sleeper), one air-conditioned first-class coach (AC First Class), one pantry car (PC), and two power cars. It was on May 15, 1992, that the train got three-tier AC coaches. Until 1974, the Bombay Rajdhani operated as a weekly service, but due to its increasing popularity and passenger demand, its frequency was increased to thrice a week in 1975 and subsequently, the number of coaches increased to 18 from October 2, 1981. In 1982, the train began operating four days a week based on the continuously increasing demand. By 1989, it became six days a week and renumbered from 151 DN/152 UP to 2951 UP/2952 DN. And from October 2, 2000, it began daily services. The increased rake length also brought to the picture twin diesel locomotives, with it getting the name ‘double-headed’ Rajdhani. The red and cream livery train was upgraded from ICF coaches to LHB ones in 2003. It was on July 9, 2021, that the train got upgraded to Tejas Rajdhani Express and was upgraded with yellow livery. 25No. of Rajdhani trains operating across India
17 May,2025 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarTwo BJP leaders, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Revenue Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, who is also the Maharashtra BJP president, took a swipe at Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Raut over controversial references he made about the central BJP leadership in his book ‘Heaven in Hell’ (Narkatla Swarg). Asked by the media to react to the contents of the book, Fadnavis replied sarcastically, “I am at an age where I do not read children’s literature.” On Saturday, May 17, the book penned by Raut, a Rajya Sabha member, which deals with the time he spent in jail following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on allegations of money laundering, will be released in Mumbai. The book mentions the late Shiv Sena (undivided) supremo Balasaheb Thackeray coming to the rescue of the BJP leadership of Gujarat following the 2002 riots, including then chief minister Narendra Modi and state minister Amit Shah. It also has an anecdote about how then Union minister Sharad Pawar stood firmly behind then Modi, who, along with Shah, faced a lot of flak following the riots. Taking a dig at Raut and his book, Bawankule, speaking to the media, demanded a detailed inquiry into the contents of the book. “The book contains a controversial statement on the judiciary. Hence, it needs to be investigated,” the Maharashtra revenue minister demanded. Bawankule also suggested that the title of the book should be changed from Narkatla Swarg to Narkatla Raut (Raut in Hell). Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, Sharad Pawar (NCP), Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Trinamool Congress MP Saket Gokhale will be present as guests for the book launch. In 2022, Raut was arrested by the ED for his alleged links to a case involving the development of Patra Chawl in Goregaon West. A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, however, later termed Raut’s arrest ‘illegal’, following which the Sena leader was released on bail. Raut had spent over three months in jail.
17 May,2025 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
