Maharashtra
Encroachment on forts will be removed, Ashish Shelar announced – campaign will run from 1 February to 31 May
Mumbai: The issue of encroachment on the historical forts of Maharashtra has again come into discussion. The dispute over encroachment on Vishalgarh had given a serious form to this problem. After this, the state government has decided to take concrete steps for the conservation of forts. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar has announced that the work of removing encroachment on forts will be done between February 1 and May 31.
Formation of district level committee for conservation of forts
A district level committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate to prevent encroachment and conservation of forts. The concerned police officer, Chief Executive Officer of the District Council, Deputy Forest Conservator of Forest Department, officers of the Archaeological Survey of India Department and officers of other related departments will be members in this committee.
Status of forts of Maharashtra
Maharashtra has 47 centrally protected forts under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), while there are 62 state protected forts under the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Apart from this, there are about 300 unprotected forts. Due to encroachment on forts, their cultural importance is decreasing and law and order is also under threat.
Time limit for action
The committee has been directed to prepare a list of encroachment on all forts by 31 January 2025 and submit it to the state government. The encroachment removal campaign will be run between 1 February and 31 May.
Objective and action plan
- Removal of encroachment from forts.
- Preserve the beauty of historical heritage and cultural heritage.
- Adopt strict measures to prevent new encroachment.
- Pay special attention to the conservation of central and state protected forts.
Responsible institutions and departments
- District Magistrate (Chairman)
- Police Commissioner / District Superintendent of Police
- Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad
- Officer of concerned Forest Department
- Department of Archaeological Survey of India
- State Directorate of Archaeology and Museum
Action as per government’s instructions
The encroachment removal campaign will be intensified under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The committee will have to submit a report of the action taken from time to time to the government.
A big step towards the conservation of forts
This step of the state government will conserve the historical forts of Maharashtra and their cultural heritage will be preserved. The people of the state have also been appealed to support this campaign.
Maharashtra
Arvind Soda Gang Member Ashfaq, Wanted for Six Months in MCOCA Case, Arrested

Mumbai: Mankhurd Police claims to have arrested the wanted absconding accused in the MCOCA case. The wanted accused Ashfaq Aishamuddin Khan alias Babbu, aged 39, was absconding since the case was registered in the Mankhurd police station under sections 308(5), 351(3), 329(3), 333 of the Bharatiya Naya Sanhita and sections 3(1), 3(2), 3(4) of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA). He was formally arrested. The said accused had been absconding for the last six months to avoid arrest. Technical analysis of the CDR of the accused’s mobile number and social media accounts was being done, while information about the people in his contact list was also being sought. In addition, confidential informants were also instructed to provide information about the accused and trace him. Information was received through the confidential informant that the said accused was hiding his identity in the Kalyan area. Based on this information, his presence and residence were confirmed through technical analysis and further information obtained through local informants. The police kept a vigil in the area and the police team strategically took him into custody without giving the accused a chance to escape or leave by vehicle. He was arrested and produced before the Special Sessions Court, MCOCA Court, Mumbai, where the esteemed court has granted him 8 days police custody remand. Further investigation is underway. This remarkable operation was carried out under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Devin Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police (Eastern Regional Division) Dhananjay Kulkarni, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Eastern Region) 01 Sameer.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Documents and Draft Submission for Special Revision of Electoral Rolls

Mumbai: A revised schedule regarding the Special Revision Programme for Electoral Rolls was received from the Election Commission of India on 19 August 2026. Accordingly, the Election Commission of India on 24 August 2026 approved the proposal for rationalisation of polling stations in all assembly constituencies of Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban Districts. After the publication of the 2026 Draft Voter List, claims and objections regarding the draft will be accepted in the respective assembly constituency offices between 31 August 2026 and 30 September 2026. The list of addresses of these assembly constituency-wise offices has been published on the official website of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Program2026 Claims and Objections Assembly Constituency-wise Office Address List Between August 31, 2026, and October 29, 2026, notices will be sent to ‘unmapped’ voters, voters with data irregularities, and those who have filed claims and objections through the offices of the concerned Electoral Registration Officers. These claims and objections will be resolved through subsequent hearings. Furthermore, the final electoral rolls will be published on November 4, 2026. Those persons who will attain the age of 18 years by October 1, 2026, can get their names included in the electoral roll between August 31, 2026 and September 30, 2026, by filling Form 6 (Application Form for New Voters) and submitting the necessary documents. Voters whose names are not included in the draft electoral roll or have been excluded from it can get their names included in the electoral roll between August 31, 2026 and September 30, 2026, by filling Form 6 (Application Form for New Voters) and submitting the necessary documents.
Maharashtra
‘Your absence can never be filled’: Supriya Sule’s emotional Rakhi tributes to late brother Ajit Pawar

Mumbai, Aug 28: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule shared a poignant social media tribute dedicated to her late cousin and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Friday.
Marking the first Rakhi festival seven months after his tragic demise in an aircraft crash in Baramati on January 28 Sule’s moving note on social media highlighted the enduring personal warmth and familial bond that defied political divides in the NCP.
Posting an emotional tribute on X and Instagram, Sule expressed her profound grief over the sudden loss of her brother, affectionately known as “Dada”.
“Today is Raksha Bandhan… but this time, you’re not with us, and this realisation is making my heart deeply restless,” Sule wrote in Marathi. “That horrific morning seven months ago and your sudden departure… even today, I can’t bring myself to believe it.”
Recalling their shared memories, she emphasised that despite political shifts, their personal relationship remained rooted in strong affection and mutual respect.
“From childhood, growing up together, our fights, the love we shared, and the pride we felt in one another—these were the foundation of our bond,” the post read.
“Even now, it feels like you’ll suddenly appear from somewhere, let me tie the rakhi on you, chat and laugh with your sisters… The void created by your absence can never be filled. Wherever you are, may your love and blessings always remain by my side,” she stated.
The tribute comes seven months after the tragedy in January this year, when a charter aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar crashed while approaching Baramati Airport amid poor visibility, killing all five people on board.
The incident sent shockwaves across the country, particularly in Maharashtra, prompting three days of state mourning and tributes from leaders across party lines. Despite the political split in the NCP that placed the two leaders in opposing factions, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule continued to share a close personal bond, reflected in their interactions during festivals such as Raksha Bandhan and Bhau Beej.
Similarly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and late Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, said on X, “May this sacred thread of love, trust, and affection remain eternally strong in the bond with the people, just as it does in the brother-sister relationship. I will always remain steadfastly committed to the development of Maharashtra, giving utmost priority to the trust of the party’s family of workers, farmer brethren, and the entire populace.”
She further stated, “I stand firmly by my sisters for their honour, safety, happiness, and prosperity. Heartfelt wishes on Raksha Bandhan!”
Her post is attached with photo of late Ajit Pawar, party symbol clock and the Rakhi.
Across Baramati and Maharashtra, supporters and political leaders paid silent homage to the late leader while celebrating the sacred festival of brotherly love.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
He said, “Heartfelt Raksha Bandhan wishes to my darling sisters!”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his message said, “The love and trust of a brother for his sister. Preserve this bond as delicate as silk. Heartfelt wishes to all on Raksha Bandhan.”
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushama Andhare shared greetings praising the supportive role of brothers, reiterating the commitment to protecting the self-respect and rights of women in Maharashtra. She has uploaded a photo while tying Rakhi to party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Maharashtra Minister of Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare in her greetings said, “The bond of siblings, trust, and love! May the affectionate ties nurtured by the silken thread of Rakhi remain eternally strong throughout life. ‘Raksha Bandhan’ is the joyous celebration of the boundless love, protection, and tenderness between brothers and sisters! Heartfelt wishes to all brothers and sisters in Maharashtra on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan!”
The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal said, “Salute to the unbreakable bond of love, affection, and protectiveness between brother and sister! Heartfelt wishes to everyone on Raksha Bandhan!”
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