Mumbai: Amid the ongoing investigation into the tragic Kurla BEST bus accident that claimed seven lives, a shocking video has surfaced showing a BEST bus driver allegedly purchasing liquor while on duty. The incident reportedly occurred in Andheri West’s Versova area and was captured on video.

Video Shows Driver Buying Liquor

The clip shared on X by a user named Raj Maji, shows the driver halting an air-conditioned BEST bus, route A-259, which operates between Gorai Depot and Andheri Railway Station, outside a liquor store. With passengers still aboard, the driver is seen exiting the vehicle, purchasing liquor and returning with it onto the bus.

Following the release of this video, MNS leader Sandesh Desai commented on the Kurla accident in another video, drawing comparisons to this recent footage. Desai questioned the authorities about the measures they would take against such reckless behaviour.

7 Killed In Horrific Kurla Accident

This video has emerged just two days after the horrific accident in Kurla on SG Barve Road, where a BEST bus plowed through a bustling market. The crash, which occurred on Monday night, resulted in seven fatalities and left several others injured. The bus rammed into multiple vehicles and crushed people in its path, causing widespread devastation and grief.

Accused Driver Was Drunk, Claim Eyewitnesses

Initial reports from the Kurla incident suggest that the driver, identified as 54-year-old Sanjay More, may have been intoxicated during the crash, according to an IANS report. Eyewitness accounts have also raised suspicions of alcohol influence. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the tragedy, with authorities probing potential brake failure and human negligence.

Sanjay More, who operated the bus leased by the Kurla Bus Depot, was arrested and booked on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He was produced in court on Tuesday, where he was remanded to police custody until December 21.

Specific intelligence was received that a syndicate of airport staff employed at the food court at the international airport, Mumbai was involved in smuggling of gold by retrieving it from International transit passengers and delivering it outside the airport.

Consignments Intercepted

Acting on the intelligence, the officers of DRI Mumbai maintained surveillance at the airport and intercepted two such consignments of smuggled gold when they were being delivered outside the airport. 3 airport staff members who were delivering the gold and three receivers were also apprehended. 

On examination, 24 oval-shaped balls of gold dust in wax form were found in 8 pouches. On assaying, 12.5 Kg( Net Weight) of gold valued at Rs 9.95 Cr was recovered. 

Recovered 12.5 kg of gold dust in wax form valued at Rs 9.95 Cr was seized and all 6 persons were arrested, under the provisions of the Customs Act,1962.

With the apprehension of 6 persons, including 3 persons working at the airport in various capacities, a very big syndicate involved in gold smuggling has been busted. 

In the last two days, DRI Mumbai had seized approximately 36 Kg of smuggled gold, dealing a severe blow to the smuggling syndicates.

Mumbai: The government informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it will act against gram panchayats granting “illegal” permissions for erecting giant hoardings.

A government resolution (GR) issued on November 26 by the Rural Development Department directed all gram panchayats to refrain from granting such permissions, warning of action against violations. The GR, issued following a directive from the High Court in August, emphasises that under the Gram Panchayat Act, 1959, gram panchayats lack authority to grant permissions or issue no-objection certificates for advertising hoardings within their jurisdiction.

The resolution mandates the immediate removal of unauthorised hoardings and calls for strict adherence to these instructions. “Action will be taken against those involved in illegal activities as per the provisions of the prevailing law. All Gram Panchayats in the state should take immediate action to remove unauthorized advertisement boards/hoardings within their limits. Everyone should strictly follow these instructions,” the GR read.

Additional government pleader Savina Crasto submitted an affidavit before a bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata, along with a copy of the GR. Crasto said that as per the GR, action would be taken against those committing illegal acts.

Issue Of Illegal Giant Hoardings Gains Prominence

The issue of illegal giant hoardings gained prominence after the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) issued notices to hoarding owners in Navi Mumbai, asking them to remove unauthorised billboards following the collapse of a giant hoarding in Ghatkopar in May. The collapse, caused by heavy rains and winds, resulted in 17 deaths and over 70 injuries.

The tragedy prompted agencies, including the BMC, to conduct surveys and crack down on illegal giant hoardings. Subsequently, hoarding owners and advertising agencies challenged notices issued by MSRDC and CIDCO in the high court, claiming they had permissions from gram panchayats. However, the court refused relief, allowing planning authorities to demolish illegal hoardings when owners failed to remove them voluntarily. On May 30, the agencies had agreed to dismantle the hoardings by the end of August.