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.

Mumbai: The Kurla Police have arrested BEST bus driver Sanjay More (54) in connection with the horrific bus accident on December 9. A case of culpable homicide has been registered against him, and the court has remanded him to police custody until December 21.

Police Sub-Inspector Prashant Chavan (35) from Kurla Police Station lodged a complaint on behalf of the police, leading to the registration of charges under sections 105, 110, 118(1), 118(2), and 324(5) of BNS Act. Following his arrest, More was presented in Court No. 51 of Kurla Magistrate on December 10 afternoon.

Probe To Find Out If Crash Was Deliberate

According to police, reckless driving is alleged since More drove the e-BEST bus recklessly in a crowded area, endangering the lives of passengers and pedestrians. Police are investigating whether More deliberately used the bus as a weapon to harm citizens. Questions are being raised about whether this act was premeditated, part of a conspiracy, or done under someone’s influence.

Authorities are probing whether More had adequate training to operate the e-BEST bus and whether the accident occurred due to a lack of competence.

The incident resulted in the death of seven individuals and left over 30 others injured. Police are examining the accident bus in collaboration with the transportation department. They are also investigating whether More was under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the incident.

Sanjay More’s lawyer, Samadhan Sulane, strongly opposed the police’s demand for custody. Sulane argued that technical information and training details could be obtained through correspondence with the BEST administration. He further stated that the bus had already been seized and that More’s medical examination had been conducted.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate S.M. Gaurgonde granted police custody of More until December 21 to facilitate further investigation.