Mumbai: In a troubling incident on Sunday night in Kalyan East near Chakkinaaka and Santoshnagar, a vadapav vendor and two of his companions were brutally assaulted by four men. The attack occurred after the assailants asked the vendor, “Do you know how to speak Marathi?” and began the assault when he did not respond affirmatively.

The vendor, identified as Vishnu Thapa, and his co-workers told police at the Colsewadi station that they work at a small eatery named Riddhi Bhojanalay. Around 8 pm two unknown men arrived at the shop, ate food and left. They returned shortly after and confronted Thapa with the question “Marathi ye­t nahi ka?” (“Don’t you know Marathi?”). Without waiting for a response they started beating him. He suffered serious injury to his nose in the first attack.

After the two men left, Thapa and his colleagues resumed work. Minutes later the men returned, this time bringing two others. The group of four again raised the language question and launched a fresh attack. Co-worker Madan Thapa was hit with a stone slab. Another colleague, Ali Khan, had his mobile phone smashed to the floor amid the chaos. The assailants also vandalised the shop, throwing food, utensils and trays outside.

The three victims were taken to hospital for treatment. A First Information Report has been registered at the Colsewadi police station and investigations are underway, with Police Constable Jadhav assigned to the case. Locals say the area has long been troubled by harassment of street vendors and extortion attempts; some offenders had been removed by police about 18 months ago.

The incident has raised serious concerns among workers and local vendors who feel vulnerable in the wake of such attacks. For many migrants eating and operating in the city, language and region should not become triggers for violence. City police have been urged to increase patrols in the zone and ensure protection for small street-vendors, especially during late evening hours.

Mumbai, November 10:

Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, aged 89, has reportedly been admitted to a Mumbai hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties. According to hospital sources, the veteran actor is under intensive medical care and is said to be on ventilator support as doctors closely monitor his condition.

Dharmendra, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated figures, was taken to the hospital earlier this week after experiencing shortness of breath. Medical experts attending to him have described his condition as “stable but serious.” The actor’s sons, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, are by his side, while other family members and close friends from the film industry are visiting and offering support.

Hospital insiders have indicated that his vital parameters remain within normal range, though his condition requires constant observation due to his age. Doctors have not yet given a timeline for his recovery or discharge.

News of Dharmendra’s health scare has sparked concern across the nation. Fans have flooded social media with messages praying for his speedy recovery. Several film personalities have also expressed their solidarity and shared their affection for the veteran actor, who has been a beloved figure in Indian cinema for over six decades.

Dharmendra, often referred to as the “He-Man of Bollywood,” has appeared in numerous classic films and continues to be revered for his charm, humility, and contribution to Indian film history.

As of now, official updates from the family are awaited, and the hospital has maintained that the actor remains under close medical observation. Fans and admirers across the country continue to hope and pray for the recovery of their beloved star.

Govandi: With the aim of changing the negative image of Govandi, notorious for drug addiction and crime, and providing a bright future for the children here, the Abu Asim Azmi Foundation, led by local MLA Abu Asim Azmi, has taken a big step. The foundation recently successfully organized the “Talent of Govandi Festival”, which was going on for the past one month.

The festival organized various competitions related to education, sports, skills and talents. Thousands of children from Govandi, Mankhurd, and Shivaji Nagar enthusiastically participated in more than 17 competitions, including singing, dancing, drawing, speech, mehndi, recitation, naat, handicrafts, rangoli, carom, boxing, cricket, volleyball, badminton, karate and poetry. The children performed brilliantly by showcasing their talents and hard work. The new and hidden talents of Govandi were introduced not only locally but also internationally. On this occasion, those IAS officers who added to the glory of Govandi were also honored. MLA Abu Asim Azmi, motivational speakers Sir Awadh Ojha and Sana Khan, and social media influencer Faizo among other dignitaries were present at the event. All of them encouraged the children and gave them prizes. The main objective of the festival was to encourage children to stay away from drugs and choose a better life and make their future bright, through which the talents of the children of Govindi were introduced to the whole world.