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Maharashtra

‘BJP Will Announce Lord Ram As Election Candidate’: Sanjay Raut Takes A Dig At Centre Ahead Of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Inauguration

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Mumbai: Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, took a sarcastic dig at the BJP ahead of the grand event of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple inauguration in Ayodhya. Raut criticised the BJP, suggesting that their next move might be declaring Lord Ram as their election candidate.

“Now, the only thing left is that the BJP will announce that Lord Ram will be their candidate for the elections. So much politics is being done in the name of Lord Ram,” said Raut while taking a jibe at the centre. He expressed concern over the perceived politicisation of Lord Ram’s name. His remarks were also regarding his party’s role in the Babri Masjid demolition.

Shiv Sena’s Claim On Babri Masjid Demolition

Earlier on Wednesday, Raut claimed responsibility for the Babri Masjid demolition, asserting it was Shiv Sena workers, not the BJP or Sangh Parivar, who were behind it. Raut said the Kothari brothers (Ram and Sharad, shot dead by the police for their role in the demolition) were Shiv Sainiks. He referenced statements made by the then vice president of the BJP, Sundersinh Bhandari.

Raut accused the BJP of having a selective historical perspective, claiming that, for them, history seemingly began in 2014. He sarcastically remarked, “For the BJP, history starts in 2014.” He alleged that Sangh Parivar had no involvement in crucial historical events.

Despite his party chief Uddhav Thackeray not being invited, Raut emphasized that the Ram Mandir belonged to all Hindus. He highlighted Shiv Sena’s role in the Ram Janambhoomi movement and the presence of its leaders in Ayodhya.

Political Implications Within MVA

Raut’s statements pose potential embarrassment to Congress and NCP, allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. These remarks revealed ideological fault lines, especially on the eve of Congress’ foundation day rally which took place on December 28.

BJP Mumbai’s Preparations Ahead Of Mega Event

City BJP president Ashish Shelar rejected Raut’s claims, asserting the active participation of Sangh Parivar “karyakartas” in the Ram Janambhoomi movement and countering the accusations against the BJP. The BJP in the city is planning a “Deepotsav” (Lamps lighting ceremony) in at least 10,000 homes in each BMC ward of Mumbai. Special trains are arranged to take devotees to Ayodhya for the temple inauguration on January 22.

Bollywood

John Abraham Says He’s Never Touched Drugs, Urges Students Not To Smoke Or Drink At Navi Mumbai Event

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Actor John Abraham recently attended the Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbai program, an anti-drug awareness campaign launched by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. While addressing the students present, the actor made a surprising revelation, stating that he has never touched drugs in his life. Further, the Pathaan actor urged the students to be role models, good citizens, and to train hard to build strong muscles, setting a positive example.

He said, “I want to say to students, I have personally not touched drugs ever in my life, also no smoking, no drinking, but no drugs is very important. Be very disciplined in life, be a role model to your friends, colleagues. Be a good citizen of Maharashtra, India, and train hard to get some good muscles.”

John further congratulated Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the initiative. “This is a very important initiative for Maharashtra and the youth of Navi Mumbai,” he added.

On the work front, John was last seen in Vedaa, which was released in 2024. The film also starred Sharvari, Tamannaah Bhatia, Abhishek Banerjee, Ashish Vidyarthi, Kumud Mishra, Rajendra Chawla, Tanvi Malhara, Anurag Thakur and Urvashi Dubey, among others.

The film clashed with Shraddha Kapoor’s Stree 2 and Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein at the box office on Independence Day, August 15, 2024.

Next, John has Tehran in his pipeline alongside Manushi Chhillar, which is produced by Dinesh Vijan. The film is reportedly based on real-life events on the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.

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Crime

Maharashtra: Nashik Cops Nab Drug Smuggler After Hour-Long Dramatic Car Chase On City Roads

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The Nashik City Police on Tuesday shared a dramatic high-speed car chase video on their X handle. According to the police, a drug smuggler was apprehended after an hour-long chase on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

In their post, the Nashik Police stated that the chase began when a red MH-02 registered car, traveling from Dhule to Navi Mumbai, attempted to breach the Adgaon Stop & Search checkpoint. A total of eight police vehicles were involved in the pursuit, the post added.

The video shared by the Nashik Police shows multiple police vehicles chasing a speeding red car. The red car can be seen evading the police vehicles whenever they got close.

“On suspicion of illegal weapons, narcotics, explosives, or similar prohibited items, the control room was alerted within seconds. Nashik City Police’s eight CR mobiles immediately took action and launched a dramatic chase throughout the city. The suspect driver drove on main roads to avoid capture, but our teams successfully apprehended him using skilled strategy without causing harm to others,” the Nashik Police stated in the post.

“The entire team involved in the chase was honored by the Nashik City Police Commissioner. Special appreciation goes to the alert staff who initiated the immediate pursuit, particularly Bhaurao Gangurde and Balkrishna Pawar!” it added.

The video shared by the Nashik Police has garnered widespread attention on social media, with many users praising the police for their daring attempt to nab the culprit.

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Business

Torres Company Scam: ₹1000 Crore Fraud, 1.25 Lakh Investors Duped, Three Arrested, Kingpins Flee To Ukraine, Case Transferred To EOW

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Mumbai: A massive investment scam by the foreign-based Torres Jewelry company has left over 1.25 lakh investors defrauded of ₹1,000 crore. The company, which promised high returns on jewelry and diamond investments, has collapsed, with its directors shifting the blame to Indian executives. The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) has taken over the investigation, and an FIR under the Maharashtra Protection of Depositors Act and various BNS sections has been registered.

Three individuals—Sarvesh Ashok Surve, Tanya Casatova, and Valentina Kumar—have been arrested, while the alleged masterminds, Ukrainian nationals John Carter and Victoria Kowalenko, fled the country. Lookout Circulars (LOCs) have been issued for their arrest. Torres Company launched operations in Mumbai in February 2024, opening a flagship showroom in Dadar and branches in Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Borivali, and Mira Road. The company offered an alluring investment plan.

Investors purchased jewelry or moissanite diamonds and received official receipts. A digital account and unique customer ID were created for each investor. A weekly return of 6% was promised, amounting to triple the investment value over 52 weeks.

Sarvesh Surve, a local resident with no prior business credentials, was appointed as the director to provide a local face to the foreign venture. Surve’s digital signatures were used for all official documents, while John Carter and Victoria Kowalenko controlled operations from the shadows. Tanya Casatova, an Uzbek national, managed stores, and Valentina Kumar, a Russian citizen married to an Indian, oversaw retail operations.

Police sources revealed that Surve was unaware of the larger conspiracy, making him a convenient scapegoat. Before fulfilling the promised 52-week term, Torres stopped payments in December 2024, citing technical issues. On January 1, 2025, the company abruptly shut down its showrooms.

When irate investors gathered outside the Dadar office on January 6, Tanya and Valentina were confronted and detained by Shivaji Park police. Surve was also arrested. Preliminary investigations estimate that over 1.25 lakh investors were defrauded, based on the highest customer ID numbers issued. The total fraud amount could exceed ₹1,000 crore. Police stations in Shivaji Park, APMC (Navi Mumbai), and Mira Road witnessed long queues of investors filing complaints, with many FIRs registered in just two days.

Authorities are now coordinating with international agencies to apprehend Carter and Kowalenko. Meanwhile, the EOW has urged investors to file complaints to strengthen the case.

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