Maharashtra
Ambernath Gas Leak: MPCB Sends Closure Notice To Nikakem Products, Chemical Factory Behind Fugitive Emissions

Thane: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) reportedly issued a closure notice to Nikakem Products, a chemical factory based in Ambernath, on Friday following a gas leak that affected local residents on Thursday night. The incident led to widespread complaints of eye irritation, breathing difficulties and reduced visibility as a thick haze spread across the area. Residents from Morivli village, near the MIDC industrial area, were particularly affected, with some experiencing vomiting and panic as the smog-like conditions enveloped their surroundings.
Factory Manufactures Hazardous Chemicals
The gas leak began around 11:00 pm and quickly spread, covering a one-kilometre radius by 11:30 pm. The situation was brought under control within two hours, and fortunately no injuries or hospitalisations were reported. The factory manufactures hydrochloric acid, phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus pentoxide, all of which are hazardous chemicals.
Rajendra Rajput, a senior official at MPCB’s Kalyan region, the factory had closed operations at 7:00 pm, but it was storing excessive amounts of acid in drums without taking proper safety precautions. Rainwater, leaking through the roof, came into contact with the stored acid, causing a chemical reaction that released harmful fumes. As a result, the MPCB issued an immediate closure notice to the company on Friday. A gas detection system was also deployed at the site to assess the extent of the leakage and monitor air quality.
The Ambernath police were alerted to the situation at 11:00 pm when smoke was observed in the MIDC area of Morivali village. Senior Police Inspector Jagannath Kalaskar stated that the smoke originated from Nikakem Products and was the result of a chemical reaction involving two partially cut yellow drums. The fire brigade quickly extinguished the chemical process and the police are maintaining vigilance to prevent any further incidents.
Locals Express Dissatisfaction Over Incident
Local residents expressed frustration with the recurring issues of chemical leaks and toxic fumes from factories in the area. Jayesh Nair, a resident of Morivli while speaking to HT, described the night as terrifying, with visibility so poor that he couldn’t see out of his window. He experienced vomiting and eye irritation and many other residents faced similar symptoms. Nair also criticised the MPCB for its lack of effective monitoring, stating that chemical leaks happen frequently but are often ignored by authorities.
Another resident, Satish Waghmare, recounted his own experience, noting that he couldn’t see a building gate just a few feet away during the incident. His eye irritation persisted for several hours and the night was marked by coughing and panic among his neighbours.
General
‘Animal Lives Matter’ Only During Bakri Eid: Netizen Criticises As Viral Video Shows Long Queue Outside Mutton Shop On Holi

Vasai-Virar: A video became popular depicting a long line on Holi day outside a mutton shop in Virar. An X user shared a video highlighting the waiting line of Virar locals purchasing mutton (goat meat) from Azeez Mutton shop and remarked in the caption that called out people for criticising animal slaughter only on Bakri Eid but turns a blind eye on other festivals where people enjoy meat.
The post was initially shared by a user on X (@single_soul1), reacting to the lengthy line outside the mutton shop, pointing out that the Jain community does not object to Hindu celebrations where meat is consumed, yet it seems to only condemn Islamic festivals for doing likewise.
The X user (@HumairaMirza7) reposted the post with caption that stated: “Now, during Bakra Eid, everyone will suddenly remember ‘Animal lives matter’., There was a huge queue at Azeez Mutton shop in Virar during Holi.”
When it comes to certain restrictions that are imposed on religious customs, a unfair play is always seen amongst the communities claiming the restrictions are only placed on them and not the other religions or customs.
Crime
Communal tension on Holi in Ratnagiri Rajapur: Situation peaceful

Mumbai: The situation is peaceful after the communal tension on Shimga Holi in Ratnagiri Rajapur, Maharashtra. During the Holi Shimga procession at Jamia Masjid in Ratnagiri Rajapur, people of a particular community tried to damage the door of the mosque, after which the situation deteriorated here, but the police have registered a case in this matter under various sections and the Police Act. Police have registered a case in this case against Sanjay Khopade, Ankit Arvind Khatkar, Prajit Khopade, Dashrath Dudhgavkar, Prashant Marathe, Amit Kadam, Shopnil Balkarkar, Prashan Devasthali, Mahesh Narayan Reddy, Sujit Ramesh Shinde, Prasad Masurkar, Shubham Pawar, Raju Murte and others. All of them are residents of Rajapur Ratnagiri.
On the night of March 12, miscreants forcibly entered the Jama Masjid while the Shimga Holi procession was being taken out through that route. The mob is also accused of forcibly damaging the gate. The police have registered a case in this matter. Also, to worsen the situation, people of a particular community also raised slogans of Jai Shri Ram, Har Har Mahadev and violated the prohibitory orders, after which the police have registered a case.
The situation in Ratnagiri is peaceful, but tension persists. SP Ratnagiri Dhananjay Kulkarni said that a case of violation of prohibitory orders has been registered because a crowd had gathered near the Jama Masjid. The situation here is peaceful, but the market of rumors is active. He appealed to the public not to pay attention to rumors. The police have tightened security in the area. According to tradition, there is a custom of placing a stick on the stairs of Jawahar Chowk Jama Masjid in Rajapur village and saluting and coconut and garland are offered from here. After that the procession starts, but tension spread at night when the crowd forcibly attacked the gate while shouting Jai Shri Ram slogans.
Assembly member Nitesh Rane said that the festival of Shimga and Holi is celebrated according to tradition in Ratnagiri, so there is no tension here. Some people are trying to spoil the atmosphere. While the festival of Holi is celebrated peacefully here, Hindus and Muslims live together. There is no tension or tension. The situation is peaceful. He said that an attempt has been made to mislead by presenting this incident on social media, while the facts are different. When the route of the procession is like this and it is a tradition, it is also important to find out who closed the gate of the mosque and what is the reason behind it. He said that Muslims also welcome the Holi procession and there is mutual brotherhood.
Crime
School Van Driver Arrested For Raping 15-Year-Old Girl In Navi Mumbai

Thane: A school van driver has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in Navi Mumbai, police said on Saturday.
Based on a complaint, the police on Thursday registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for the assault that occurred in Panvel on March 3, an official said.
About The Case
According to the police, the girl was on her way to college when the accused, who lived in her neighbourhood, lured her into his school van.
The official said the accused allegedly drove the girl to a secluded spot in Chinchwali Shivara, where he raped her.
He said the victim informed her parents about the assault on Thursday, following which the police nabbed the accused.
The man has been sent to police custody until March 18, the official added.
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