Mumbai: On the basis of actionable intelligence, NCB Mumbai had intercepted a person at Pune on 18/19.09.2025 from whom 502 gms Mephedrone was seized. During immediate follow-up, 839 gms Mephedrone was seized from possession of another drug associate at home of the kingpin & his wife located in Mumbai. 

During investigation, the kingpin and his wife were identified to be operating the drug syndicate and were on the run since then and travelled across multiple states to dodge the movement trail. However, after intensive follow up action they were located at a holiday resort in Goa. On 25.10.2025, NCB team intercepted the kingpin & his wife from Goa based resort after which they were arrested.

The kingpin is a habitual drug offender wherein 03 NDPS cases against him registered previously by NCB & Rajasthan Police. Further, he has 07 criminal cases registered by Mumbai Police. He is also declared as “Tadipar” by Police, for which he has been ordered to stay out of Mumbai Municipal limits.  

This seizure highlights the committed effort of NCB in safeguarding public health and ensuring strict enforcement against the organised drug syndicates. The Narcotics Control Bureau reaffirms its commitment to disrupt drug trafficking and allied criminal activities to achieve the vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat by 2047.

To fight against drug trafficking, NCB seeks active support of the citizens. Any person can share information related to sale of narcotics by calling on MANAS- National Narcotics Helpline Toll Free Number – 1933. The identity of the informer is kept confidential.

Cyclone Montha, which developed from a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday morning.

Following its formation, weather departments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha issued alerts as wind speeds reached up to 110 kilometres per hour, accompanied by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across coastal regions since Monday.

While Cyclone Montha has primarily affected the eastern coast, its indirect impact is expected to be felt in parts of Maharashtra over the next two days. According to senior meteorologist Anupam Kashyapi, strong winds and thunderstorms are likely in several districts, including Pune, Mumbai, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Chandrapur, Bhandara and Nagpur. An orange alert has been issued for eastern Vidarbha, and heavy rainfall is predicted in isolated areas.

Experts say Maharashtra is not under direct threat from Montha, but its outer weather system may cause moderate to heavy rainfall in some regions. Coastal areas such as Mumbai and Konkan have been advised to remain alert as precautionary measures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that changing wind patterns could bring short spells of intense showers along with thunder and lightning over the next 48 hours.

In the past five years, Maharashtra has occasionally experienced the effects of cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The state witnessed major impacts from Cyclone Nisarga in 2020, which struck the Raigad coast and caused widespread damage, and from Cyclone Tauktae in 2021, which battered the Konkan region with strong winds and heavy rain. More recently, Cyclone Biparjoy in 2023 affected coastal Palghar and surrounding districts.

Compared to these earlier storms, Cyclone Montha poses less danger to Maharashtra. However, residents are urged to stay cautious as unpredictable weather patterns may lead to sudden rainfall and disruptions in some districts.

Meteorologists believe that the increasing frequency of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea highlights the growing influence of climate change on regional weather systems.

Vasai-Virar: A verbal dispute and scuffle broke out between BJP workers and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leaders, including former Mayor Rupesh Jadhav, during a survey of land for the proposed Achole hospital.

The incident took place on Friday, October 24, 2025, during an inspection by municipal officials. The corporation is planning to build a 200-bed hospital on a two-acre plot in Achole.

The long-standing land dispute was recently resolved when the Revenue Department transferred the plot (Survey No. 6/1) to the Municipal Corporation free of charge. 

During the survey, BJP MLA Rajan Naik and other BJP officials were present. Former BVA Mayor Rupesh Jadhav also arrived at the site, leading to a tense confrontation. A video of the clash has since gone viral on social media, sparking political discussions. 

The BJP accused Jadhav of attempting to obstruct the hospital project, claiming he had done so previously as well.

Jadhav, in turn, alleged that BJP workers were threatening him and trying to intimidate him by mentioning his encroachment on a nearby property. He also accused them of trying to intimidate a municipal official. The incident briefly caused a tense atmosphere in the area. The police are investigating the incident, as a formal complaint was filed against the BJP workers by a BVA activist regarding a social media post. 

Former Mayor Rupesh Jadhav has alleged that his private property, located adjacent to the Achole hospital site, is being forcibly encroached upon. He stated that he had constructed a protective wall around his land and that he intercepted individuals attempting to trespass. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) had initiated the process for the Achole hospital project during its term, securing primary approval and funding from the Municipal Corporation. He questioned the motives of those now trying to take credit for the project, asking where they were when the land was allegedly being encroached upon.

He accused the BJP of deliberately misleading the public by circulating a video to silence him and suppress the truth.