Maharashtra
‘I Am Only CM In Maharashtra Who Doesn’t Own A House In Mumbai’: Devendra Fadnavis
Nagpur: Addressing a public rally ahead of Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made an emotional appeal to the voters highlighting that despite been the Member of Legislative Assembly for 25 years, he does not own a house in Mumbai and is a proud Nagpurkar. Fadnavis is contesting from Nagpur South West, his hometown, where he is sitting MLA from 2009.
“I never thought for myself. I also did not start any businesses, educational institutions or medical colleges. For 25 years, I have worked only for society and did public works. I am glad to say that out of 20 Chief Ministers Maharashtra had, I am the only Chief Minister who does not own a house in Mumbai. I own house in Nagpur and I am a proud Nagpurkar,” Fadnavis said in an election rally.
Devendra Fadnavis was the CM of Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019 when the BJP – Shiv Sena (undivided) was in power, and was the second CM in Maharashtra to complete full term. When the Mahayuti formed its government in 2022, Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde became the CM and Fadnavis took charge as his deputy. Fadnavis currently resides in his official residence ‘Sagar Bhunglow’ in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill.
For the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, BJP fielded Fadnavis from Nagpur South West, his hometown, from where he three-term sitting MLA. The BJP this time is contesting with alliance partners Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
With the elections less than a week away, all parties and political leaders have intensified their campaigning. With the campaign at last stages, the leaders are making emotional appeal to voters. With both Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) releasing their election manifesto, several promises are made to public.
This will be the second direct fight between Mahayuti and MVA after 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Crime
DRI Mumbai Busts Gold Smuggling Syndicate, Seizes 12.5 Kg Gold Worth ₹9.95 Crore; 6 Arrested
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.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Govt Promises Crackdown On Panchayats For Granting Illegal Permissions To Erect Giant Hoardings
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.
Maharashtra
Kurla Bus Accident: Mumbai Police Probing Whether Accused BEST Driver Sanjay More Deliberately Caused Crash, Used Vehicle As A Weapon
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.
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