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Maharashtra

Maha Cabinet makes toll payment through FASTag mandatory from April 1

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Mumbai, Jan 7: The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has decided to make toll payments through FASTag mandatory at all toll plazas across the state starting April 1, 2025. Vehicle users will be required to use FASTag exclusively for toll payments.

Light motor vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers are already exempted from toll payments at Mumbai’s five entry points. However, the new decision will apply to toll plazas located on state highways and roads developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

The Cabinet emphasized that toll payments via FASTag will enhance consistency and transparency in toll collection. It is expected to reduce vehicle delays at toll gates, saving both time and fuel.

As per the government statement, vehicles entering FASTag lanes without an active FASTag or attempting to pay through other means will be charged double the toll amount.

Currently, toll collection is in place on 13 road projects under the Public Works Department and nine under the MSRDC. The new rule will apply to these projects as well as any future toll-collection initiatives.

In another key decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Policy of 2014 to streamline administrative processes. The revised policy aims to make governance more efficient and dynamic.

The Cabinet also approved the publication of updated Maharashtra Government Rules of Procedure, marking the third revision since their inception in 1975. These updates, to be published in the Government Gazette upon the Governor’s approval, are designed to enhance administrative transparency, efficiency, and public orientation.

The revised Rules of Procedure consist of 48 rules, 4 schedules, and 1 annexure, divided into nine parts.

The First Schedule contains the names of the administrative departments of the Ministry. The Second Schedule contains matters to be presented before the Cabinet. The Third Schedule is about matters requiring the Chief Minister’s approval and the Fourth Schedule contains matters requiring the Governor’s approval.

The annexure outlines the procedures for the Council of Ministers and Cabinet, as well as simplified protocols for introducing bills. Provisions have also been made to delegate government orders to the level of Under Secretary.

The updates include newly added tasks for the Planning Department and relaxation in procedural formalities to expedite governance.

A study group of departmental secretaries, formed for periodic rule revisions, conducted a comparative analysis of practices in other states and the Government of India to recommend these amendments.

The Maharashtra government anticipates that these decisions will foster a more transparent and citizen-centric administration while ensuring efficiency in toll collection and governance.

Maharashtra

Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti worshipped weapons on Dussehra Vijayadashmi

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Mumbai: On the occasion of Dussehra, weapons and ammunition were worshipped at Mumbai Police today by Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti. Devin Bharti was accompanied by Joint Police Commissioner (Administration) Jaikumar, Additional Commissioner Vanita Sahu, DCP (Zone LV) Ragasudha R, DCP (LA-Naigaon) Anand Bhute and other senior officers. Weapons and ammunition were also worshipped at various police stations in Mumbai on Dussehra. In Mumbai city, the police had made strict security arrangements in view of Dussehra, along with which the police had also made arrangements for the immersion of Durga Devi. The Mumbai Police Commissioner has shared the pictures of the weapons worship on his X account after the weapons worship. The weapons worship ceremony was held in Naigaon. After the puja pot, the puja process was completed by placing flowers on the hands.

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Crime

Mumbai: EOW Initiates Enquiry Into ₹325 Crore Shipping & Logistics Scam

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Mumbai: A massive corporate fraud of over ₹325 crore has come to light in Mumbai’s shipping and logistics sector. Vishal Mehta, Director of Rushabh Sealink & Logistics Pvt. Ltd., has filed a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, prompting a detailed Preliminary Enquiry.

According to sources, Mehta’s complaint accuses ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd. (a subsidiary of Allcargo Logistics Ltd.), Dubai-based Aladdin Express DMCC, and OEL Express India Pvt. Ltd. of orchestrating the fraud. The complaint alleges that these companies lured him into ship operations with promises of guaranteed profits. Initial transactions appeared genuine, but later, crores of rupees were siphoned off under the guise of new deals.

Major Scam Linked to Ships ‘Leela Mombasa’ and ‘XXH-2’ :  The largest fraud is linked to shipments on Leela Mombasa and XXH-2. The Leela Mombasa was scheduled to dock at Nhava Sheva on August 1, 2025, but instead arrived late on August 13 and was diverted to Oman instead of Djibouti, carrying cargo worth ₹130 crore. Meanwhile, on August 26, Mehta was allegedly extorted for USD 1 million (approx. ₹8.3 crore).

The accused reportedly claimed they lacked funds to move the ships further. Despite payments, the vessels failed to reach on time. Leela Mombasa only arrived at Djibouti on September 15, while XXH-2 was diverted from Jeddah to Karachi and held for 10 days. Adding to the fraud, security cheques issued by ALX and OEL Express bounced—one due to insufficient funds and another due to signature mismatch.

As a result, goods worth over ₹290 crore remain under the accused’s control, causing heavy losses to exporters. Calling it a “well-planned corporate conspiracy,” Mehta alleged that both Indian and foreign company executives were involved. The complaint specifically names ALX Shipping Agencies India Pvt. Ltd., Allcargo Logistics Ltd., Aladdin Express DMCC, and OEL Express India Pvt. Ltd., along with senior representatives including Sandeep Bakshi, Ravi Jakhar, Vikas Khan, Ali Khan, Wing Kit Tsoi (Mr. Andy), Abdullah, and Mohammed Rizwan Sheikh.

“This is not just about one company but about the credibility of India’s shipping and logistics industry,” Mehta said. “We have provided all evidence to the authorities. The involvement of international firms like Aladdin Express DMCC and stakeholders such as Allcargo Logistics, Hutchison Port, and Vikas Khan shows the global scale of the scam. We trust EOW and regulatory agencies will conduct a fair and transparent investigation.”

EOW officials confirmed that a preliminary inquiry has been registered. All individuals and companies named in the complaint have been summoned with documents to record their statements.

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Crime

Mumbai Crime: Kandivali Developer Booked In ₹4.07 Crore Cheating Case

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Mumbai: The Kandivali police have registered a case of cheating worth ₹4.07 crore against a local developer, identified as Jayant Mehta, a resident of Samajdeep building, Bata Showroom Lane, Kandivali (West)..

According to the complaint lodged by Dinesh Dayalal Vadodaria (74), a real estate agent, the accused allegedly duped him by showing redevelopment documents of 11 rooms located at Shivmahal Building, Danvibhavan Chawl, Mathuradas Road, Kandivali (West). The accused assured the complainant of profitable returns if he financed the project.

Believing these assurances, Vadodaria invested ₹2.89 crore in cash and ₹1.18 crore via cheque, totaling ₹4.07 crore. However, neither the redevelopment project materialized nor did the complainant receive any returns, leading to the registration of the case.

The alleged fraud occurred at Mathuradas Road, White Arch Building, Kandivali (West). Police have booked the accused under relevant sections of cheating and fraud. Further investigation is underway.

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