Mumbai: Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai has issued a stern warning, suggesting that stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra will face severe repercussions, including third-degree treatment and be placed inside a tire. Desai claimed that Shiv Sena workers have refrained from taking action only because Eknath Shinde instructed them to stay silent.

Regarding the Kunal Kamra controversy, Desai stated, “Kunal Kamra does such things deliberately. He disrespected Dy CM Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, PM Modi, and even the Supreme Court. Now it’s time for Shiv Sena to respond. We are ministers, but first, we are Shiv Sena members, and we hold the power to act accordingly. If Kamra has the courage, he should make public statements instead of hiding behind his remarks. We will ask the Dy CM to instruct the police to find him and take appropriate action.”

Shiv Sena (Shinde) office bearer Rahul Kanal, who was involved in vandalising the Uncontinental auditorium, alleged that Kamra received terrorist funding from Khalistani sources. Kanal accused Kamra of using this illicit funding to destabilize the country’s integrity and law and order. Kanal made these allegations on X (formerly Twitter), filing a complaint at Khar police station, urging an investigation into potential illegal financial transactions tied to Kamra’s YouTube channel.

He demanded a ban on Kamra’s channel. Kanal alleged, “Amounts like 400 dollars and 300 euros have been sent to Kamra from Canada, America, and Pakistan. This is not income earned through hard work, but illegal money disguised as ‘tips.’ Just a day ago, Kamra received 400 dollars. This is terrorist funding, and action should be taken to ban Kamra’s YouTube channel within 24 hours.”

Kanal also linked these funds to political backing, specifically referring to Sanjay Raut. Kanal claimed Kamra had called him, asking how he could go against the law, but Kanal responded by asserting Kamra was the accused. Kanal further stated, “This seems to be tied to transactions worth Rs. 1.5 to 2 crore.” On X, Kanal posted, “Kamra’s channel should be demonetized, and financial transactions should be blocked. I have over 300 screenshots of payments linked to videos targeting the Prime Minister and others.

These accounts must be scrutinized, as evidence points to Khalistani funding.” Kanal submitted a letter to Khar police on Thursday, requesting an investigation into these financial irregularities. He provided receipts of financial transactions as part of his complaint. Meanwhile, the Khar police issued two summons to Kamra on Monday and Wednesday, but he has not appeared yet.

Kamra criticized the media on X, calling them “vultures” and accusing them of miscommunication for the ruling party. He added, “If they shut shop tomorrow, it will be a favour to the country.” In response to Kamra’s post, a reply on X stated: “Come to Mumbai and face the law. No one is above the law. The media is an integral part, and this is your biggest mistake—intentional due to your sad attitude. Grow up. Whatever you think or say cannot be right. Whether the media stays open or shuts is God’s will.”

Mumbai: A 73-year-old Andheri resident, Steven Fernandes, suffered a fatal heart attack in the early hours of Thursday as his family struggled to arrange an ambulance in time. Despite living just five minutes from a private hospital and 20 minutes from the civic-run Dr. R.N. Cooper Hospital, critical minutes were lost due to an unresponsive emergency service and delays from a private ambulance.

“At 2 am, my husband and I were frantically calling every number we could find for an ambulance,” Mohua Gupta, Fernandes’ daughter-in-law, told media. Their first attempt was to dial 108, the state emergency response service, but the call either didn’t go through or connected to 103, the police helpline. With no help forthcoming, the family turned to an online search, which led them to a private ambulance vendor from Andheri East.

Relief Turns Into Distress Due To Ambulance Delay

Relieved that someone had agreed to come, the family focused on Fernandes, who lay unconscious. Moving him without assistance was impossible, as he weighed over 100 kg. However, their relief turned to distress when the private ambulance took over 40 minutes to arrive, despite the lack of traffic at that hour.

Upon arrival, the ambulance lacked essential medical equipment. “There was only a driver and a helper, no paramedic, no physician, not even a stretcher. Just a rubber mat for him to lie on,” Gupta told media. There was also no oxygen supply or masks, which are critical for cardiac emergencies.

Adding to their frustration, before even shifting the patient, the ambulance service sent a text message demanding Rs 5,500 for the trip. “We were shocked. After protesting, they reduced the charge to Rs 2,500, but we had no choice but to pay,” she recalled.

Patient Passed Away Before Reaching Hospital

Shortly after the private ambulance left, the family dialed 108 again. This time, the call was diverted to Cooper Hospital, and an official ambulance was dispatched. However, it took another 30 minutes to arrive. By then, the crucial Golden Hour, the first 60 minutes after a heart attack, when timely medical intervention can be life-saving, had passed. Fernandes’ pulse had flatlined by the time he reached the hospital.

Mumbai: The travel time between Uran and the Gateway of India will be cut in half with the introduction of electric ferries in about two weeks. Speed trials are currently underway and the service is expected to begin soon, according to reports quoting an official from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

In December 2024, JNPA approved a Rs 37.8 crore lease for two electric ferries over a 10-year period. The boats were initially scheduled to begin operations in January, but technical delays pushed the launch back.

Currently, wooden passenger boats take over an hour to complete the journey, but the e-ferries will reduce travel time to just 30-40 minutes. This upgrade will majorly benefit local residents, JNPA personnel and officials from customs, the air force, CISF and ports who frequently use the route.

Each ferry will accommodate 20-24 passengers, and tickets will be available for purchase online, said JNPA chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh. The frequency and schedule of the ferries will be determined based on demand.

Details On Routes Of New E-Ferries

The new service will operate between the Gateway of India and JNPA via the sea route, while during the foul weather season, it will run from Bhaucha Dhakka to JNPA. This initiative aims to make commuting more efficient and comfortable for passengers.

The journey from Mumbai to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) will be significantly shortened, saving passengers up to 20 minutes, with a total travel time of 30-40 minutes. The ferries will also enhance passenger comfort with air-conditioned seating, improving the overall travel experience.

These e-ferries are part of the Harit Sagar, or ‘Green Port,’ initiative, which focuses on sustainable port operations and minimizing environmental impact. Launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPS&W), the initiative aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2047 and increase renewable energy usage across major ports by 60 per cent. The introduction of pollution-free, environment-friendly ferries aligns with this vision, marking a step toward cleaner and more sustainable maritime transport.