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Maharashtra

CBI tells SC: Maharashtra making job tough in probe against Anil Deshmukh

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it is a “very disturbing scenario” in Maharashtra, where former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, has no faith in the police force, which he headed recently, and the state government has no faith in CBI. Also, the CBI informed the top court that the state is creating several stumbling blocks in its probe against former Home Minister (HM) Anil Deshmukh.

Senior advocate Puneet Bali, representing Singh, submitted that his client is being targeted and added that the matter was handed over to the CBI, but the state government has tried to scuttle the proceedings of the CBI. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, said this is a matter of chain of events. Senior advocate Darius Khambata, representing the Maharashtra government, contended that the top court will have to see this matter.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and M.M. Sundresh said: “This is the same police force that you headed. Now, the head of the police force has no trust in the police force. The administration has no trusta… This is a disturbing scenario.” The bench queried whether there is a possibility to resolve this matter peacefully?

Mehta submitted the state is creating several stumbling blocks in its probe against Deshmukh and making CBI’s job difficult.

Bali added that the Maharashtra government has started departmental action against his client in the same cases where FIR has been registered. After hearing arguments in the matter, the top court extended the protection from arrest granted to Singh in the cases and scheduled the matter for further hearing on January 27.

The CBI, in an affidavit, has told the Supreme Court, “It prima facie appears that there is clearly an attempt to meddle in the court entrusted investigation carried on by the CBI and further, an attempt to jeopardise the same. It is submitted that in such circumstances, it is requested that this honourable court may exercise powers vested with it in order to ensure that such attempts by various quarters are thwarted once and for all.”

The CBI has also cited the chat transcript of Maharashtra DGP Sanjay Pandey given by Param Bir Singh.

Singh had moved the top court challenging the Bombay High Court order dated September 16, which dismissed his plea against the two preliminary enquiries initiated by the Maharashtra government. He had also sought transfer of cases filed against him to the CBI.

In his petition in the high court, Singh had claimed that inquiries were initiated against him after he accused Deshmukh of ordering arrested police officer Sachin Vaze to collect money from bars and restaurants to the tune of Rs 100 crore. Singh claimed the home department resorted to a witch hunt after he refused to withdraw his letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, where he had made corruption allegations.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) Fully Operational — A New Era of Urban Connectivity Begins

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Mumbai, October 2025:
Mumbai has taken a major leap in public transportation with the full launch of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 (Aqua Line) — the city’s first underground metro corridor. Connecting the northern suburbs to South Mumbai, the 33.5-kilometre line aims to transform the way Mumbaikars commute, offering a fast, clean, and comfortable alternative to road and rail congestion.

Route and Connectivity

The Aqua Line runs from Aarey / JVLR in the north to Cuffe Parade in the south, covering 27 underground stations. The line passes through key business and residential areas such as Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Churchgate, CSMT, and Nariman Point.

One of its biggest highlights is direct connectivity to both terminals of Mumbai’s airport — the Domestic and International terminals — making airport travel smoother than ever before.

The entire north–south journey can now be completed in about 45 minutes, a major improvement over the two-hour average by road during peak traffic.

Station Highlights

Some of the prominent stations on the Aqua Line include:
Aarey / JVLR, Seepz, MIDC, Marol Naka, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 2, BKC, Dharavi, Siddhivinayak, Worli, Haji Ali, Churchgate, and Cuffe Parade.

Each station features modern facilities such as escalators, elevators, digital information screens, and air-conditioned platforms. Entry and exit points are designed for smooth passenger movement, including dedicated access for persons with disabilities.

Technology and Features

  • Fully underground corridor, ensuring minimal impact on road traffic.
  • 8-coach trains with advanced safety systems and automatic doors.
  • Platform screen doors at major stations for enhanced safety.
  • Real-time passenger information systems inside trains and stations.
  • CCTV surveillance, emergency communication systems, and modern fire safety equipment.
  • Energy-efficient operations, regenerative braking, and noise reduction design.
  • Seamless ticketing system* with QR code tickets, smart cards, and mobile app payments.

Fares and Timings

The fare structure has been designed to stay affordable and distance-based:

Distance (in km)Fare (₹)
0 – 3 km10
3 – 12 km20
12 – 18 km30
18 – 24 km40
24 – 30 km50
30 – 36 km60
36 – 42 km70
Beyond 42 km80

Metro services operate from 5:55 AM to 10:30 PM, with trains running every few minutes during peak hours to ensure minimal waiting time.

Benefits for the City

  • Time Saving: Travel from the northern suburbs to South Mumbai in less than an hour.
  • Reduced Traffic: Expected to ease road congestion and lessen dependence on private vehicles.
  • Environmental Impact: Cleaner, electric transit reduces carbon emissions.
  • Economic Growth: Improved access to commercial hubs like BKC, Fort, and Nariman Point will support business and real estate growth.
  • Passenger Comfort: Air-conditioned coaches, smooth rides, and high safety standards enhance the commuting experience.

A Step Toward a Smarter Mumbai

With Metro Line-3 now fully operational, Mumbai moves closer to a truly integrated transport network, connecting its suburban rail, metro, and bus systems. The Aqua Line is more than just a transport project — it’s a symbol of progress, promising faster, greener, and more efficient mobility for millions of daily commuters.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti public darbar on October 21 postponed due to Diwali

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Mumbai Police Commissioner’s Janta Awami Darbar will not be held in the backdrop of Diwali. Please note that due to the Diwali festival, Tuesday’s meeting with Mumbaikars has been postponed to October 21, 2025.

Citizens are requested to meet the Police Commissioner on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM with their complaints and suggestions.

No prior permission is required for this. This message has been shared by Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on X.

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Maharashtra

SpiceJet connects Indian pilgrims to Najaf with new non-stop flights

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Non-stop services from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to begin October 18, 2025

Gurugram, October 17, 2025:
India’s leading airline SpiceJet has announced the launch of special non-stop flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad to the holy city of Najaf, Iraq — one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Muslims across the world.

With this launch, SpiceJet becomes the only Indian airline to operate direct flights to Najaf, offering Indian pilgrims a faster, smoother, and more comfortable travel experience by eliminating long layovers and complex connecting routes.

Flight Commencement Schedule

  • Mumbai to Najaf: Starting October 18, 2025
  • Ahmedabad to Najaf: Starting October 19, 2025

These flights will provide a seamless connection for devotees travelling from India to Najaf, ensuring that their spiritual journey is convenient, time-saving, and comfortable.

Najaf – A Centre of Faith and Spirituality

Najaf holds immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is home to the holy shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), one of Islam’s most revered sites. Every year, millions of Indian pilgrims visit Najaf to pay homage, seek blessings, and strengthen their spiritual connection.

In addition to the shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), Najaf offers a wealth of historical and spiritual landmarks, including:

  • Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery
  • Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Islamic history
  • The Great Najaf Seminary, a renowned center of Shia religious learning

Najaf’s close proximity to Karbala and Kufa further enhances its spiritual importance, making it a central destination for pilgrims from across the world.

SpiceJet’s Strategic Expansion

This new service forms part of SpiceJet’s broader expansion strategy, under which the airline is significantly enhancing its fleet size, operational reach, and international connectivity.

SpiceJet aims to double its operational fleet and triple its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKM) by December 2025. As part of this growth plan, the airline will introduce new routes, increase flight frequencies, and add several attractive domestic and international destinations to its network.

Statement from SpiceJet

Mr. Debojyoti Mahapatra, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet, said:

“For millions of devout Indians, the journey to Najaf is one of the most important pilgrimages of their lives.
We are proud that SpiceJet is the only Indian airline offering direct flights to this holy city.
Through these non-stop flights, we are not merely providing connectivity — we are honouring a sacred journey by making it simpler, safer, and more comfortable.”

Future Outlook

Initially, these flights to Najaf are being launched as special services, but SpiceJet is considering the possibility of making Najaf a regular scheduled destination in the near future to meet the growing year-round travel demand.

About SpiceJet

SpiceJet Limited is one of India’s leading low-cost carriers, known for its extensive domestic and international network, customer-centric service, and affordable travel options. The airline continues to expand strategically, focusing on enhancing connectivity to key religious, leisure, and business destinations across the globe.

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