Mumbai: The sessions court has convicted two brothers for setting their sister-in-law ablaze while she was sleeping in Shivaji Nagar in March 2018. The two, Tejim Shaikh and Kafil Shaikh, were found guilty based on the victim, Farida Shaikh’s dying declaration and sentenced to life imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, the accused were residing with Farida and her husband Aftab Shaikh in Rafiq Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, due to work-related reasons. It was alleged that Farida was under physical and mental pressure following the death of her three-month-old daughter and was subjected to harassment over an insufficient dowry.

As per the case registered with the Shivaji Nagar police, a quarrel broke out on March 6, 2018, after Farida allegedly refused to allow Aftab to join his brothers. Later that night, around 2am, Farida felt kerosene being poured over her. She stated that Tejim was pouring the kerosene while Kafil stood nearby, and that Kafil then set her on fire with a matchbox.

Aftab later tried to extinguish the flames and rushed her to Rajwadi Hospital. Farida suffered burn injuries over about 92-95% of her body. Her statement was recorded by police during treatment, followed by a formal dying declaration before a Naib Tahsildar. She succumbed to her injuries on March 11, 2018, after which the accused were booked for murder and dowry harassment.

The defence argued that Farida had committed suicide by pouring kerosene on herself and challenged the dying declaration. However, the court rejected the claim and relied on her statement.

The court did not accept allegations of cruelty against the other family members, noting that they were vague and lacked specific details. It also acquitted Aftab, observing that Farida had not accused her husband of any role in the incident and had instead stated that he attempted to save her after she was set on fire.

Navi Mumbai: In a major boost to coastal conservation efforts, over 1,250 kg of waste was removed from the mangrove ecosystem at Sarsole Jetty, Nerul, during a large-scale clean-up drive organised on World Wetlands Day 2026 as part of CSR Project HARMONY – Henkel and Rotary for Mother Nature and You, in collaboration with Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai Joy of Giving (RCNM JOG) and Navi Mumbai Shapers.

The mangrove clean-up drive, held between 8 am and 10.30 am on Monday, witnessed the participation of over 120 volunteers, including 80 students from Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil (KBP) College, Vashi, along with representatives from NMMC, the Forest Department, Henkel employees, Beach Please India, Rotarians, and local environmental volunteers. The collected waste was systematically handled with the support of the NMMC Solid Waste Management Team.

The initiative highlighted the growing concern over waste accumulation in mangrove belts, which play a crucial role in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate impacts in urban regions like Navi Mumbai.

Alongside the clean-up, an awareness programme on wetlands and ecosystems was conducted at Jewels of Navi Mumbai, Nerul, engaging over 320 students and teachers from various schools. The session featured talks by noted environmentalist Stalin D and marine biologist Kshitija from the Mangrove Foundation, emphasising the importance of wetlands in climate resilience and sustainable urban development.

Adding a powerful cultural dimension to the programme, 20 children from the tribal belt of Tansa performed a street play titled “Saviours of Life”, presented by the Vanashakti Living Theatrical Group, drawing attention to environmental degradation and the urgent need for conservation.

The event was supported by key knowledge and on-ground partners including Vanashakti Foundation, Mangrove Foundation, and NMMC, and was graced by senior officials such as Dr Ajay Jaishree Siddheswar Gadade, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Dnyaneshwar Rakshe, ACF Mangrove Division, and Sanjay Sandanshiv, Scientist Grade II-cum-Under Secretary, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra.

Speaking on the occasion, Rtn Rekha Sankhala, President, Rotary Club of Navi Mumbai Joy of Giving, said wetlands are among the most vulnerable ecosystems despite their immense ecological value. “Through this Rotary–Henkel CSR initiative, we aim to create awareness and inspire collective action to protect wetlands that are vital for our cities and future generations,” she said.

The World Wetlands Day programme reaffirmed the role of citizen participation, youth engagement, and corporate–NGO collaboration in safeguarding Navi Mumbai’s fragile mangrove and wetland ecosystems.

Mumbai: Three members of a family were injured after a speeding Mercedes, allegedly being driven by a 17-year-old boy, rammed into a car inside the Coastal Road tunnel in South Mumbai, police said.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

The D B Marg police have registered a case against a businessman from the Agripada area, the Mercedes owner, his 18-year-old granddaughter and the latter’s 17-year-old male friend, who was driving the luxury car, an official said on Monday.

The accident took place inside the tunnel on the road when the speeding Mercedes, going towards South Mumbai, rammed into another vehicle from behind. The high-end four-wheeler then hit another car going ahead, he said.

Three members of a family, including a senior citizen woman, suffered injuries when the Mercedes hit the second car, the official said.

During the probe, it came to light that the Mercedes was being driven by a 17-year-old boy. He lost control of the vehicle inside the tunnel, leading to the accident, the official stated.