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Maharashtra

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue Collapse: New 60-Ft Tall Statue To Be Built In Sindhudurg By Firm That Constructed Statue Of Unity

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Mumbai: The state government of Maharashtra has awarded a new contract to Ram Sutar Art Creations for the construction of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Sindhudurg, replacing the one that collapsed on August 26. The company, led by Anil Ram Sutar, is renowned for its work on the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, a monumental tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, ‘India’s Iron Man.’

The new statue will stand 60 feet tall, significantly surpassing the height of the previous statue, which was 33 feet. After the earlier statue collapsed just nine months after being unveiled, the government is taking extra precautions this time. The contract stipulates that the statue should last for at least 100 years, with the builder responsible for maintaining it for the first decade.

About Earlier Statue Collapse Mishap

The earlier statue, which had been unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 4, 2023, on the eve of Navy Day, collapsed in August 2024, leading to widespread embarrassment for both the state and central governments. The state ordered an investigation, which revealed that the statue’s downfall was due to corrosion, a weak frame, and poor welding. The findings prompted swift action to restore the statue and ensure a more durable structure.

Manisha Mhaiskar, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), confirmed to HT that Ram Sutar Art Creations was selected for the project. The tender for the new statue was published in late September, and the state government has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the project.

Two Committes Set Up For Statue Work

In response to the collapse of the original statue, two committees were set up: one to investigate the cause of the failure and another, led by Mhaiskar, to oversee the construction of the new and larger statue. The new project is seen as a way to restore the honour associated with the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, one of Maharashtra’s most revered historical figures.

With heightened scrutiny on the project, the state government aims to ensure that the new statue stands the test of time, serving as a lasting tribute to Shivaji Maharaj and reflecting the state’s pride in its cultural and historical legacy.

Crime

Mumbai: Unidentified Body Of Man Chopped Into 7 Pieces Stuffed In Plastic Boxes Found Near Gorai Beach; Probe On

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Mumbai: The dismembered body of a man, estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old, was discovered in several plastic boxes on the side road which goes to Gorai Beach in Mumbai on Sunday.

Upon receiving the information, police arrived at the scene and took the body into custody. It was later sent for a post-mortem examination. The body has not yet been identified, and a case has been registered.

According to police, on Sunday, a male body was found near Picxy Hotel, Babar Pada, Gorai, Borivali West. The body was cut into seven parts and packed in four plastic boxes. The deceased, believed to be between 25 and 40 years old, was wearing dark blue jeans and black shoes. His right hand bore tattoos.

A resident named Santosh Shinde, 55, from Mira Road, informed the Gorai police after learning about the incident. The Gorai police recovered the body from Shefali village in the Babarpada area.

A forensic team is currently investigating the case, and inquiries are ongoing in the vicinity of the incident location. Police have stated that the recovered body remains unidentified. The Gorai police have registered a case, and further investigation is underway.

A special team has been formed to investigate, and information is being gathered from CCTV footage and nearby police stations to assist in identifying the body.

A police officer said that the body was sent to Bhagwati Hospital for a post-mortem. “We can’t conclude anything immediately, as we are still investigating the matter,” the officer said.

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Maharashtra

‘I Am Only CM In Maharashtra Who Doesn’t Own A House In Mumbai’: Devendra Fadnavis

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Nagpur: Addressing a public rally ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made an emotional appeal to the voters highlighting that despite been the Member of Legislative Assembly for 25 years, he does not own a house in Mumbai and is a proud Nagpurkar. Fadnavis is contesting from Nagpur South West, his hometown, where he is sitting MLA from 2009.

“I never thought for myself. I also did not start any businesses, educational institutions or medical colleges. For 25 years, I have worked only for society and did public works. I am glad to say that out of 20 Chief Ministers Maharashtra had, I am the only Chief Minister who does not own a house in Mumbai. I own house in Nagpur and I am a proud Nagpurkar,” Fadnavis said in an election rally.

Devendra Fadnavis was the CM of Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019 when the BJP – Shiv Sena (undivided) was in power, and was the second CM in Maharashtra to complete full term. When the Mahayuti formed its government in 2022, Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde became the CM and Fadnavis took charge as his deputy. Fadnavis currently resides in his official residence ‘Sagar Bhunglow’ in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill.

For the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP fielded Fadnavis from Nagpur South West, his hometown, from where he three-term sitting MLA. The BJP this time is contesting with alliance partners Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP.

With the elections less than a week away, all parties and political leaders have intensified their campaigning. With the campaign at last stages, the leaders are making emotional appeal to voters. With both Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) releasing their election manifesto, several promises are made to public.

This will be the second direct fight between Mahayuti and MVA after 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

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Crime

Mumbai Cops and Poll Squads Seize 1.95 kg of Gold Worth Rs 1.43 Crore in Dahisar

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Mumbai: Cops, poll flying squads seize 1.95 kg of gold worth Rs 1.43 cr in Dahisar

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, enforcement agencies in Mumbai’s Dahisar have seized 1.95 kg of gold valued at Rs 1.43 crore.

During a routine inspection at Avdhoot Nagar in Dahisar West, the Static Surveillance Team No. 9, led by Yatin Dhondekar and under the guidance of Returning Officer Sheetal Deshmukh of the 153-Dahisar Assembly Constituency, successfully confiscated 1.95 kg of gold valued at Rs 1.43 crore.

The seizure was part of routine surveillance measures designed to prevent the unauthorised movement of precious metals and unaccounted cash.

This significant operation underscores the SST’s commitment to curbing illegal transactions of cash, precious metals, and liquor in the region, aimed at preventing undue influence on voters during the election period.

The Model Code of Conduct was enforced in the state on October 15 ahead of the polls scheduled to be held on November 20.

Voting for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly will be held on November 20 and counting on November 23.

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