Mumbai, July 9: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday urged citizens to take preventive measures against leptospirosis, warning that walking through rainwater or mud with open wounds significantly increases the risk of infection during the monsoon season.

In an advisory issued by its Public Health Department, the civic body appealed to people who have waded through stagnant rainwater or mud to seek medical advice and take preventive medication within 24 to 72 hours, as recommended by doctors.

Mumbai has been witnessing heavy rainfall over the past several days, resulting in waterlogging across many parts of the city. During this period, people walking through stagnant or slow-moving water are at an increased risk of contracting leptospirosis, particularly if they have cuts, wounds, or even minor scratches on their bodies, the BMC said, warning that leptospirosis is a serious disease and can become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated in time.

According to the Public Health Department, rainwater mixed with contaminated mud may contain Leptospira bacteria (spirochaetes), which cause leptospirosis. The bacteria can enter the body through even small cuts or abrasions on the skin, leading to infection.

It has therefore advised anyone exposed to rainwater or mud to consult a doctor without delay and take preventive medication within the recommended 24 to 72-hour window.

Citizens have been asked to visit the Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Clinics, BMC dispensaries, health centres and municipal hospitals, where medical consultations, health check-ups, guidance and preventive medicines are being provided free of cost.

The civic body has also urged residents to spread awareness among their family members, friends and neighbours about the disease and the importance of early preventive treatment.

The Public Health Department further advised people not to ignore fever during the monsoon season, as it could be a symptom of leptospirosis, dengue, or malaria. Residents experiencing fever or other related symptoms have been urged to seek immediate medical attention instead of resorting to self-medication.

As a preventive measure, the BMC has advised citizens with cuts or wounds on their feet to avoid walking through stagnant water. If it is unavoidable, they should wear rubber boots or other protective footwear. After coming into contact with rainwater, people should wash their feet thoroughly with soap and clean water and dry them properly to minimise the risk of infection.

New Delhi, July 9: The Delhi Police’s South District has solved a cab carjacking and robbery case within 24 hours of the incident, arresting three accused and recovering the robbed taxi, valuablesm and the weapon allegedly used in the crime.

According to police, the breakthrough was achieved by the staff of Police Station Fatehpur Beri after an intensive technical and field investigation launched on the complaint of a cab driver.

The operation was carried out by a team comprising Sub-Inspectors Nasib Singh, Vikas Yadav, and Ravi Raghav, Head Constables Chandram, Mukesh Kumar, and Pradeep Kumar under the leadership of SHO Inspector Rajesh Sharma and the overall supervision of the ACP, Mehrauli.

Police registered FIR No. 287/2026 under Sections 309(4), 351(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Soon after the case was registered, investigators analysed CCTV footage, ride-booking details and other technical inputs while simultaneously conducting multiple raids at different locations.

During the investigation, sustained technical surveillance led to the identification of one of the accused, following which continuous field operations resulted in the arrest of all three accused within 24 hours. The police also recovered the robbed taxi, the complainant’s mobile phone, wallet, identity documents and the knife allegedly used during the offence.

According to the investigation, the accused targeted cab drivers during late-night hours by booking rides through a mobile application. After reaching an isolated location, they allegedly threatened the driver at knifepoint, assaulted him, and robbed the vehicle along with his valuables before fleeing from the spot.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mohd. Kaif, 25, a resident of Ghitorni village in Delhi and originally from Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, Junaid Ali, 22, also a resident of Ghitorni village and originally from Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur, and Mohd Kaif, 20, a resident of Islam Colony, Mehrauli, originally from Bihar’s Begusarai. Police said none of the three accused has any previous criminal involvement.

The recovered items include the Maruti Suzuki Dzire taxi, a knife, the complainant’s Vivo mobile phone, another mobile phone allegedly used to book the ride, a wallet containing cash, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, registration certificate, ATM cards and other important documents.

Kolkata, July 9: A man has been arrested for allegedly raping his daughter’s friend in the Tiljala area of east Kolkata, police said on Thursday.

The arrest was made on Wednesday night following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family. The victim’s medical examination and statement are currently being recorded.

According to the police, the victim has been friends with the accused’s daughter for a long time and was familiar with the family.

She had reportedly been staying at her friend’s residence for a few days due to problems at her own home. During this period, the accused allegedly exploited opportunities when other family members were away and sexually assaulted her inside the house multiple times.

Initially, the young woman did not tell anyone about the incident out of fear and shame. It is alleged that the accused threatened to kill her if she disclosed the matter.

Police also said the victim did not initially disclose the alleged assault due to fear and shame. The accused is also alleged to have threatened to kill her and subsequently subjected her to repeated sexual abuse. After her health deteriorated, she informed her family members and her friend about the incidents.

The young woman then filed a written complaint with Tiljala police station. Based on the complaint, the police arrested the accused on Wednesday. A case has been registered against him under multiple sections, including rape. The Tiljala police station is investigating the incident.

Police said all aspects of the case are being examined and the allegations will be verified through the victim’s statement and other evidence collected during the investigation. Officials added that no further details can be disclosed at this stage as the probe is ongoing and the matter is sensitive.