Politics
Gyanvapi mosque survey report submitted in Varanasi court
The Gyanvapi mosque survey report, compiled by a court-appointed commission, was on Thursday submitted to Varanasi civil judge (senior division) Ravi Kumar Diwakar.
The report was submitted by special advocate commissioner Vishal Singh.
He said that the report has been submitted in three sealed boxes containing detailed written report, data cards of photographs and video clips of the survey since May 6 till 17.
“The 15-page report lists the survey work carried out on May 14, 15 and 16 on the Gyanvapi mosque premises,” said advocate Madan Mohan Yadav, who is representing the Hindu side in the case.
Advocate Ajay Kumar Mishra, who was earlier appointed commissioner by Varanasi court to survey the Gyanvapi-Gauri Shringar complex but was later removed for leaking the information, said that several sculptures of Gods and Goddesses along with other structures related to Hindu belief were seen in the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.
The report submitted by Mishra stated: “Outside the barricading of the disputed area, the ruins of the old temple were found in which sculptures of Gods and Goddesses and patterns of lotus were seen. In the middle, stone sculptures of Sheshnag and ‘Nag phan’ like patterns were seen. All the slabs seemed to be part of a big edifice.”
The hearing in the Gyanvapi mosque case could not take place in a court in Varanasi on Wednesday as lawyers in the district were on a strike in protest against the remarks of a government official.
Maharashtra
Potholes on Mumbai roads should be filled according to scientific methods and set standards : Additional Municipal Commissioner

Cement concreting of about 1700 km of roads in Mumbai Metropolitan Region has been completed, and concreting of the remaining roads is in progress. Due to this comprehensive initiative, the number of potholes on the roads and the problems arising from them have significantly reduced during this monsoon season. This has also resulted in huge savings in the cost of filling the potholes. To effectively deal with the problem of potholes arising during the monsoon season on the roads within the municipal limits, the engineers of the road department should work with more vigilance and responsibility. Every complaint received regarding potholes should be disposed of within 24 hours. The bad patches should be brought to the fore immediately. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar directed that the engineers concerned should ensure that the potholes on the roads are filled with high quality by the contractors appointed as per the zone, following the prescribed technical standards and scientific methodology. Bangar also clarified that the secondary engineers appointed on a bat-by-bat basis should regularly visit the roads in their area on two wheels, know the current condition of the roads and ensure immediate action for necessary repairs. A meeting of the Assistant Engineers of the Roads and Transport Department was held at the Municipal Headquarters in which a detailed review of the progress of pre-monsoon works, preparations and necessary measures was taken. At that time, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar gave various instructions. Deputy Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam, Chief Engineer (Roads) Mr. Engineers including Mantiya Swamy were present.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar said that the Municipal Corporation has started a road concreting program to solve the problem of potholes on the roads / make the roads pothole-free. Under this, concreting of about 1700 km of cement roads has been completed. The concreting of the remaining roads will be done after the monsoon. Therefore, in future, more and more roads will be cemented and the problem of potholes will definitely reduce. Apart from this, there will be cost savings as well.
If the trench dug for utility channels is not refilled as per the technical standards, then during the monsoon, water enters the road structure. Due to which the strength of the road decreases and the process of road collapse starts. Keeping this in mind, various steps are being taken by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation to avoid inconvenience to the citizens. It is guaranteed that a pothole filled once using mastic will not open again. Accordingly, the Municipal Corporation has appointed zone-wise contractors for the maintenance of the roads. Engineers should periodically review their manpower, machinery and material stock. In particular, the availability of mastic cookers, pothole filling schedule, mastic cooker rounds should be coordinated. It should be strictly ensured that potholes on the roads are filled as per the laid down technical standards and scientific methods. Bangar directed that the potholes should be filled when they are small in size (6 inches). Bangar said that along with the road engineers, 227 secondary engineers have been appointed in the municipal corporation for a total of 227 bats (one for each electoral ward). These secondary engineers should inspect the roads in their assigned section daily and if any potholes are found, they should be filled immediately using a rectangle. They should go around on a two-wheeler and inspect the roads in their work area. The complaints of potholes should be coordinated through the central system and the department office and resolved in a timely manner. Instead of waiting for complaints, potholes should be recorded and filled on their own. The Municipal Corporation is responsible for both the Eastern Expressway (18.6 km – Mulund to Shiv) and the Western Expressway (27.6 km – Dahisar Checkpoint to Mahim) in Mumbai. Along with this, the responsibility of the Eastern Freeway (17 km) also falls on the Municipal Corporation. The Road Department should take full care that there are no potholes on these three highways. Other government authorities in Mumbai should also take proper care of the roads under their jurisdiction, and the Municipal Corporation administration should follow suit so that the potholes are filled immediately, Bangar also said. If potholes occur on the roads within the Defect Liability Period (DLP), no premium should be paid. Moreover, the project roads and roads should be filled free of cost by the contractor concerned within the Defect Liability Period (DLP) as per the terms and conditions of the tender within a limited time frame. The Municipal Corporation should not pay any compensation/premium for filling these potholes. Because the condition of maintenance/upkeep is included in the contract itself. On the contrary, if the number of potholes on the roads has increased during the period of liability for defects, then punitive action should be taken, Bangar said, explaining the project roads, defects and emphasised on improving the road.
Maharashtra
Mumbai : 9 unauthorized shops on footpaths in Andheri area evicted, Municipal Corporation takes action

Mumbai: The Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s ‘K-West’ department yesterday (June 18, 2026) evicted 9 unauthorized shops that were obstructing the movement of pedestrians by constructing shops and sheds on footpaths in the Andheri area.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 4) Dr. Bhagya Shri Kapse and under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner (K-West Division) Chakrapani Ale.
Under this, one shop was evicted on Fun Republic Road in Andheri. While action was taken against one unauthorized shop.
In the operation conducted on Veera Desai Marg, 8 unauthorized shops were evicted. In addition, illegally constructed sheds and stairs were demolished. Due to this operation, the footpaths in the area have become clean and it will be easier for pedestrians to walk.
Officers and employees of the Conservation, Building and Factory, Licensing and Public Health departments working under the West Administrative Division of the Amboli Police Station carried out the operation with the help of various plants. Ample security was deployed at the time by the Amboli Police Station.
Crime
Action in Begusarai gang-rape case escalates; SHO suspended, SIT formed

Patna, June 19: The investigation into the heinous gang-rape and brutalisation of a woman in Bihar’s Begusarai district, that is reminiscent of the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape case in the national Capital, intensified on Friday. Senior officials of Bihar Police launched a detailed enquiry into the shocking case and took disciplinary action against the Chakia SHO Rajiv Ranjan on Friday, for negligence.
The case, which pertains to an incident reported in the Chakia police station area on the night of June 11, gained widespread attention after allegations surfaced that a bullet, piece of wood and a stone were later recovered from the victim’s private parts during medical treatment.
Begusarai Range DIG, Shailesh Kumar Sinha, visited the victim at Sadar Hospital and met her family members to gather information about the horrific crime.
He also reviewed the progress of the investigation with police officials and sought details regarding the action taken so far in the case.
The DIG subsequently held discussions with the medical team, including the Civil Surgeon, and obtained a detailed briefing on the victim’s examination and treatment.
In a significant administrative action, Chakia SHO Rajiv Ranjan has been suspended.
According to the DIG, preliminary findings indicated negligence in handling the case, prompting departmental action against SHO Rajiv Ranjan.
Police have registered an FIR in connection with the case and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to identify and arrest the accused.
Senior officers, including the DIG and district police officials, have inspected the alleged crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials stated that a fresh medical examination has been conducted by a medical Board, and investigators are awaiting the final report, which is expected to play a crucial role in determining the next course of action.
The police have assured that all accused people involved in the crime will be arrested and brought to justice.
Investigators are examining evidence, recording statements, and verifying all aspects of the case.
Authorities have emphasised that further legal and departmental action will be taken based on the findings of the medical report and the SIT’s investigation.
The case has generated widespread public concern and drawn attention to the handling of crimes against women in Bihar, with senior officials closely monitoring the developments in the case.
According to an official, the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chakiya police station on the night of June 11.
The 30-year-old woman had stepped out of her home to use the toilet when she was allegedly intercepted by five men, who forcibly dragged her to a secluded location, tied her hands and legs with her clothes and gang-raped her.
In a show of cruelty and depravity, the rapists inserted a cartridge, wood, and a stone into the hapless woman’s her private parts.
The woman’s family has also accused the local police of failing to respond appropriately and sending them back home when they first attempted to lodge a complaint in the case.
-
Crime4 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra2 years agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News2 years agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News2 years agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime2 years agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
