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Maharashtra

Another scam? Maharashtra Opposition demands Minister Abdul Sattar be sacked

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In what is alleged as another land scam, the Maharashtra opposition on Monday vociferously demanded the resignation of Agriculture Minister Abdul Sattar – recently in the limelight for the slur on NCP MP Supriya Sule.

The opposition clamour came after the Bombay High Court made certain observations against Abdul Sattar for ordering the “regularisation” of a 37-acre plot reserved for cattle-grazing (‘gairan’) in Washim, ostensibly to favour a private individual despite a civil court order to the contrary.

Leader of Opposition Ajit Pawar said that when Abdul Sattar was the MoS for Revenue in the erstwhile Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regime, he had passed the order though knowing fully well that the Additional District Judge, Washim, had overruled the claim of the private party for continued possession of the land in April 1994.

“It’s a scam worth Rs 150 crore and therefore Sattar should be forthwith dismissed from the cabinet,” demanded Pawar as other opposition legislators joined in.

The opposition also asked the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to oust Abdul Sattar for asking the Agriculture Department to collect “huge funds” for organising an agro-fair in his constituency, Sillod in Aurangabad.

Earlier, Pawar had submitted an adjournment motion on this issue which was rejected but Speaker Rahul Narwekar permitted him to speak on the matter.

Senior NCP leader Dilip Walse-Patil referred to a Supreme Court verdict pertaining to such ‘gairan’ lands and said that a criminal case should be lodged against the Minister for the lapse.

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan sought Abdul Sattar’s removal from the post till the high court gave him a clean chit, with the case scheduled for hearing on January 11.

Fadnavis replied that the government will examine the high court order and then take the appropriate action, and on the allegation of fund collection for the agro-fair, assured that nobody would be spared for any wrongdoings.

As the issue led to a heated exchange, the Speaker adjourned the house for an hour this afternoon.

Recently, the high court stayed Abdul Sattar’s order in favour of Yogesh Khandare following a plea filed by two petitioners, Shyam Deole and Umesh Pophale, who contended that the Minister had regularised the flouting the Washim court’s order rejecting the claim earlier.

Maharashtra

UAE Restricts Entry and Transit for Iranian Passport Holders Amid Rising Regional Tensions

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The United Arab Emirates has introduced new travel restrictions affecting Iranian passport holders, barring them from entering the country or transiting through its airports. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and evolving security concerns in the Middle East.

According to the latest directives reflected across airline systems, Iranian citizens are currently unable to book flights to the UAE or use major transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi for onward international travel. The restriction has been implemented through airline policies and visa controls, effectively limiting access for most travelers holding Iranian passports.

While the measure appears broad, certain exceptions are believed to be in place. Individuals holding long-term residency permits, special visas, or those with specific professional or familial ties to the UAE may still be permitted entry, subject to additional scrutiny and approvals.

Authorities have not officially described the restriction as permanent, suggesting it may be a temporary response to ongoing geopolitical developments in the region. Analysts view the move as part of a broader pattern of precautionary steps being taken by Gulf countries in light of shifting security dynamics.

The decision is expected to impact travel plans for many Iranian nationals, particularly those who rely on the UAE as a major international transit hub. Airlines are advising affected passengers to review their travel eligibility and consider alternative routes until further notice.

As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest updates before making any arrangements involving transit through the UAE.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Traffic Police takes action against self-styled VIP, seizes lights and sirens of 8 vehicles, recommends cancellation of registration by Traffic Department

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Mumbai: Traffic Police has cracked down on self-styled VIPs and taken action against vehicles using VIP cultural flash lights and sirens without any permission. In this, action was taken against such vehicles and lights that were used to install lights on vehicles to prove themselves as VIPs. Under a special campaign, on April 1 and 2, the police took action against those who forcibly installed red, blue, yellow and yellow dim light flash lights on vehicles in the city. During this, action was taken against 8 vehicles, several lights were seized and fines were also taken under the Motor Vehicle Act. In this action, it has been made clear that if someone installs dim light on private vehicles, his vehicle will be deregistered and an additional fine will be imposed and the traffic department will recommend the deregistration of the vehicle to the RTO. The traffic police have appealed to the citizens that if they see a private vehicle with a red light only a flashlight, they can complain about it to the traffic police or the X Twitter handle. These vehicles create disruption in traffic, after which the traffic department has taken this action. This action will now continue in Mumbai city.

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Maharashtra

Mayor Ritu Tawde: The burden of patient services on Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar is high, delays in the reconstruction work of the hospital will not be tolerated

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Mumbai: The Seth V.C. Gandhi and M.A. Vora Municipal Corporation General Hospital i.e. Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar (East) is undergoing reconstruction. Under this, a building with a capacity of about 600 beds is proposed to be constructed in the first phase. In this regard, Mayor Ritu Tawde visited the project site today (April 2, 2026) and inspected it.

Corporator Dharmesh Giri, Medical Superintendent of Rajwadi Hospital Dr. Bharti Rajulwala, Deputy Chief Engineer, Hospital Infrastructure Cell Mr. Manoj Rane, Assistant Commissioner (Additional Charge) of N Department Maruti Pawar and all the concerned officers were present on the occasion.

Giving preliminary information, Deputy Chief Engineer Rane said that the building to be constructed under Rajwadi Hospital Redevelopment Phase-I will have a lower basement, basement, ground floor and 10 floors. This building with a capacity of 600 beds will have all the latest medical facilities. A construction area of ​​about 33,179 square meters will be available for this. The foundation stone of the Phase-I building was laid in December 2025. He said that the construction work will start immediately after getting the permission regarding minor minerals and radar. He clarified that after the completion of the first phase of the building, the entire hospital will be shifted to it and the second building will be constructed in the next phase. Mayor Ritu Tawde expressed displeasure that even after four months of laying the foundation stone, the actual construction work has not started. Wherever the administration is facing difficulties, the matters should be brought to the notice of the seniors. Also, such problems can be resolved with the cooperation of public representatives. The Mayor strongly advised that it is the contractor’s job to obtain all the necessary permits and no delay in the actual work will be tolerated. The construction work of the building should start next week. While the construction work is in progress, appropriate measures should be taken to ensure that patients in the neighboring hospital are not disturbed by construction noise, dust, etc. Mayor Tawde also directed that a detailed presentation be made about the redevelopment of the hospital in a joint meeting to be held at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters.

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