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Maharashtra

‘Let BJP Top Brass Decide, Told PM Won’t Be An Obstacle’: Eknath Shinde’s Green Signal To Devendra Fadnavis As Next Maharashtra CM

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'Let BJP Top Brass Decide, Told PM Won't Be An Obstacle': Eknath Shinde's Green Signal To Devendra Fadnavis As Next Maharashtra CM

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday addressed a press conference at his residence in Thane. The presser came amid rising suspense over the name of the next CM.

Indicating Devendra Fadnavis as the front-runer for the chief minister post, Shinde said that he has left the CM decision on the top brass of NDA and the BJP top brass. The Shiv Sena chief informed that he personally called PM Modi and Amit Shah to inform that he won’t be an obstacle and will abide by the decision taken by them. He also stated the BJP’s high command would have the last word on the decision of the chair and Shiv Sena would completely support it.

“I called PM Modi yesterday and also Amit Shah and told them to decide (on who will be the CM post), and assured them that I will abide by whatever decision they take,” Shinde told reporters.

“Our Shiv Sena will fully support the BJP’s decision to name the next Maharashtra CM. There is no speed breaker from our side,” he added.

Shinde Hints At Leaving CM Post

He also stated that he never thought himself as a Chief Minister but always saw himself as a common man, hinting at leaving his stake on the CM post. Shinde also thanked the center for supporting him and his government time and again during his two-and-a-half-year tenure. He further stated that he is happy about the developmental works carried out by his government.

Shinde addressed reports citing rift within the Mahayuti alliance and said that he is not one of those who frown over differences within allies. He then reaffirmed that he would continue to work for the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. “I will work for the betterment of the people of Maharashtra till the last drop of my blood remains in my body,” said Shinde.

Shinde also stated that the recent triumph of the Mahayuti was a landslide victory due to the combined efforts of all the allies. “The public of Maharashtra trusted us,” said Shinde.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis left for Delhi to have a meeting with the senior leaders of BJP. Fadnavis is the front runner alongside Shinde in the race for being the next CM. Several leaders from the BJP as well as RSS have declared their support for the ex-CM to return on the chair.

Eknath Shinde Resigns As Maharashtra CM

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde resigned as Maharashtra Chief Minister on Tuesday, amid uncertainty over his successor, three days after the state assembly election results were announced. Despite calls within his party for him to retain the post, Shinde stepped down as the CM.

The Shiv Sena chief submitted his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. The Governor then requested Shinde to continue as caretaker CM until the new government is formed.

Earlier that day, Shinde and Fadnavis attended a 26/11 memorial event at the Mumbai police commissioner’s office but had minimal interaction, reflecting the political tension.

Sena Leaders Lobbying For Shinde To Return As CM

The Shiv Sena, part of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, has strongly advocated for the next CM to be from its ranks. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat on Wednesday stated that since the elections were fought under Shinde’s leadership, he should continue as CM. Shirsat also hinted that the new government’s swearing-in ceremony could take place at Wankhede Stadium by December 2.

Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske dismissed speculation about confusion over the CM’s post, stating that leadership discussions take time. He urged the BJP to consider Shiv Sena for the position, drawing parallels with similar arrangements in Bihar.

“There is no confusion. The leaders of Mahayuti will take a decision on the CM. No state announces the name of the CM in two days. It takes time. We are a small party so we have demanded that just like you (BJP) gave it (CM’S post to JDU) in Bihar, give it to us as well… It is on the leaders to decide,” Mhaske said.

Fadnavis To Be Next CM, Hints Ramdas Athawale

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale claimed that BJP leadership had chosen Devendra Fadnavis to become CM for a third time, though no official confirmation came from the BJP.

The Mahayuti coalition delivered a strong performance in the recent Assembly elections, winning 230 out of 288 seats. The BJP secured 132 seats, followed by Shinde’s Shiv Sena with 57 and Ajit Pawar’s NCP with 41, solidifying their dominance in the state assembly.

Maharashtra

Hafiz Tauseef Ansari arrested for links to Pakistani terrorist organization, other terrorist organizations mislead and trap youth: Investigative agencies claim

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After a raid by the Andhra Police ATS and the local police station in Malegaon, Mumbai, the police have claimed to have arrested a suspected youth from the Nomani Nagar area. The above-mentioned youth was active on social media and along with his activities on social media, he was in contact with the enemy country Pakistani terrorist organization. The accused has been arrested on this allegation. Along with this, a case has also been registered against the accused in the Dharmapur Town Police Station in Andhra. Maharashtra ATS and intelligence agencies have also interrogated him. The accused has been identified as Hafiz Tauseef Aslam Ansari. He is a tailor by profession and was also active on social media. Whether he came in contact with the Pakistani terrorist organization knowingly or intentionally, or he knew about it, the police are investigating him. The arrest of Hafiz Tauseef has created a sensation in Malegaon. After the arrest of Tauseef in Malegaon, the police have also seized his mobile phone and other documents and have also expanded the scope of the investigation. An investigation is underway to determine whether he has any criminal case registered against him, along with his suspicious activities and the number of times he has provided information related to India to terrorist organizations. His social media accounts are also being examined and monitored. Earlier, the Maharashtra ATS had arrested several youths, including a young PIO on charges of having links with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Many youths have also been trapped in the PIO’s honey trap. The PIO’s method is such that first the PIO regularly talks to an Indian citizen and the girl then makes her pictures and pornographic videos public. After threatening to make the pornographic chat public, they lure him with money and transfer money to the account. In such a situation, the intelligence agencies are obliged to take action against such youths. There are many youths who unknowingly fall for this misleading propaganda and get badly trapped. Therefore, one should remain alert and avoid the misuse of social media.

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Crime

Mumbai: Malad Police Arrest Trio For ATM Card Theft, Fraudulent Withdrawals Across City

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Three people were arrested by Malad Police for allegedly stealing ATM cards from unsuspecting bank customers. The accused discreetly noted down PINs and later withdrew money from victims’ accounts, targeting ATMs in Andheri, Bandra, Kandivali, Borivali, Chembur, and Malad this month alone.

The latest case was reported on October 8 in Malad. A 55-year-old man’s ATM card got stuck while withdrawing cash. The accused helped retrieve the card while secretly noting his PIN, later stealing the card and fraudulently withdrawing Rs 40,000 from his account.

After the complaint, a team led by Senior Inspector Dushyant Chavan analyzed CCTV footage and traced the suspects. Monitoring their movements, police followed a vehicle to Chembur and identified its owner, who admitted hiring the car to the three accused.

The arrested individuals are Mohammad Aarif Khan, 47, a chauffeur; Abdul Haqiq Khan, 34, a truck driver; and Danish Khan, 23, a labourer. Abdul Haqiq and Danish have prior criminal records in Uttar Pradesh.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai’s Rising Skyline, Falling Safety: Repeated Tragedies Expose Grim Reality At Construction Sites

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Mumbai: On October 8, two separate incidents reminded the city once again of this grim reality. In Jogeshwari East, 22-year-old Sanskruti Amin lost her life when a cement block fell from an under-construction building, fatally striking her on the head. On the same day, in Chembur, a 46-year-old labourer plunged to his death from the 13th floor while plastering a wall.

Relatives of both victims have accused the builders of negligence, alleging that basic safety norms were ignored. “If helmets or safety nets had been in place, these deaths could have been prevented,” said one relative, visibly angry at the developers’ indifference.

Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. Just fifteen days later, yet another construction worker died under similar circumstances — this time, the developer had reportedly failed to provide safety harnesses.

Despite the frequency of such tragedies, accountability remains rare. Police cases, if filed at all, usually target the on-site supervisor or contractor. Developers — who are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with safety norms — often escape scrutiny.

According to labour activists, Mumbai witnesses several such deaths every year, many of which go unreported or are quietly settled. “Workers’ lives are treated as cheap. There is no system to monitor safety compliance effectively,” said an activist who has been tracking such incidents.

Many small and mid-level builders cut corners to save costs, skipping helmets, harnesses, barricades, and safety training altogether. In the meantime, the families of victims are left to fight lengthy legal battles or simply move on, with little hope of justice or compensation.

Adv. Bhimesh Mutula, Secretary of the Maharashtra State Nurses and Labour Workers’ Association, stated, “Safety norms in new constructions and redevelopment projects remain only on paper. The safety of workers, structural inspections at construction sites, and physical inspections by the concerned authorities are being seriously neglected. It is very painful that even after the death or accident of workers, their families do not receive justice or compensation.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP President and MLA Ameet Satam has written to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, demanding a thorough probe into the Sanskruti Amin incident. Satam also urged the BMC to conduct a citywide audit of all under-construction sites to ensure compliance with safety norms.
The demand follows the tragic death of 22-year-old Amin, who was killed by a falling brick from a redevelopment site in Jogeshwari East on October 8. Around 1,000 residents joined a protest march on Sunday, demanding action against the builder.

“It has been brought to my notice that there were prior complaints regarding safety norms not being followed at the said site, and no action was taken. If these allegations are true, the BMC administration should take immediate action against the concerned officials,” Satam said.

He further called for stringent safety checks across the city. “The BMC must audit all under-construction sites to check whether safety norms are being followed. Any violations must be rectified at the earliest. In the interest of public safety, a stop-work notice should be issued until compliance is ensured,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BMC’s Building Proposal Department, which grants permissions for new constructions and redevelopment, stated that it is the responsibility of the owner, builder, developer, architect, and other professionals to take all precautionary measures on-site to avoid any mishap.

‘Special Safety Control Guidelines’ were issued by the State Urban Development Department in August 2025 for construction activities in high-rises. Some of the key recommendations include the appointment of safety officers, safety measures for façade and height work, and the safeguarding of adjacent areas as part of the Building Proposal’s Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) conditions.

“As per the provision of DCPR 2034 Clause 12(5), it is the responsibility of the builder on record to ensure necessary safety precautions are taken on-site and in its immediate surroundings. The grant of IOD does not render BMC liable for any injury or damages whatsoever. In simple words, when the builder is permitted to start work, he accepts full responsibility for compliance with safety norms,” said a senior BMC officer.

The officer added that while the BMC does inspect construction sites, the visits are not frequent.

A police officer said, “When a complaint is received regarding unauthorised construction, the police stop the construction and inform the municipal authorities. The police cannot take direct action. Based on the municipal corporation’s directions and the complaint, a case is then registered against those responsible. If the municipal body requests police protection for the demolition of such illegal structures, the police provide security. However, if the police register a case against unauthorised construction, they must obtain approval from the municipal corporation for further action.”

A retired police officer added that this process often leads to significant delays.

The complete responsibility for the safety of workers at a building construction site lies with the concerned builder, contractor, or supervisor. It is the duty of the relevant administrative authorities to ensure that proper facilities and safety measures are provided at the construction site.

If safety measures are not in place and a worker dies as a result, a preliminary investigation is conducted, and a case is registered against those responsible, followed by further legal action, according to a police official.

As the skyline of Mumbai continues to rise, it does so on a shaky foundation not of cement and steel, but of ignored safety measures and forgotten lives. Until strict accountability is enforced, more such headlines will continue to remind the city of the price paid for negligence.

Key Facts

Fifteen days later, another worker died due to lack of safety harnesses.

Developers reportedly failed to provide proper safety measures.

Police cases usually target supervisors or contractors; developers often escape scrutiny.

Victims’ families often face long legal battles or give up hope for justice.

Many such deaths go unreported or are quietly settled.

Many small and mid-level builders skip safety gear and training to cut costs.

Builders, developers, and architects are fully responsible for on-site safety.

Safety Guidelines

Special Safety Control Guidelines (August 2025) for High-Rise Construction Include:

Appointment of safety officers.

Safety for façade and height work.

Protection of adjacent areas.
A senior BMC officer admitted that inspections are carried out but not frequently.

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