Mumbai: After the protest at Azad Maidan demanded affordable housing for 1.5 lakh mill workers in Mumbai, organized by 14 groups including the Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh, the government has acknowledged the protest and plans to provide housing based on land availability in Mumbai and nearby areas.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reassured labor unions that accepting houses in Shelu is not compulsory for mill workers. While a large number of applications were received by MHADA for the mill land housing scheme, only 25,000 workers were included.

Due to space constraints in Mumbai, the government decided to construct 81,000 houses in Shelu and Vangani, leading to protests from mill workers’ heirs who marched to Azad Maidan. Following this, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met with protesters, resulting in significant decisions from the government.

In a recent X post Maharashtra deputy chief minister has stated that the purchase of houses at Shelu is voluntary for mill workers, and their housing claims will not be terminated if they opt out in 2024.

The cancellation of point number 17 from the government resolution was announced. A quota will be set for housing mill workers under the slum rehabilitation project, and a request is being made to the central government for salt pan lands in Mumbai for their housing, reflecting efforts for justice for mill workers.

The government aims to ensure that every eligible mill worker secures housing. Industries Minister Uday Samant stated that Shinde decided in the meeting to construct houses for mill workers in Mumbai and nearby areas wherever land is available.

There is a confirmation that taking housing in Shelu is voluntary, countering misinformation about compulsory allocations. Furthermore, mill workers not securing housing by 2024 will still retain their claims, and a decision has been made to cancel a particular point in the prior government decision.

Additionally, plans for a housing quota for mill workers in the slum rehabilitation project are underway, and requests are being made to the Center for housing on salt pans in Mumbai as part of the government’s effort to ensure justice for the mill workers.

Hours after shots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma’s eatery, Kap’s Cafe, in Canada, the Mumbai Police on Friday reached his house in Mumbai to question him about the incident. Around 1 am on July 9 (Canada time), several rounds were fired at the cafe, located in Surrey.

Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed the responsibility for the attack, and demanded an apology from Kapil for his alleged objectionable remarks.

the attackers felt that Nihang Sikhs were insulted on Kapil’s show. The report also mentioned that the attackers said the comedian ignored their calls seeking an apology, and that shots were fired at his eatery to warn him.

Kap’s Cafe team issues statement

Kapil is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The management of the eatery, however, took to their social media handles and wrote, “We opened Kap’s Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up (sic).”

It further stated, “Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what we’re building together. Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Cafe remains a place of warmth and community. From all of us at Kap’s Cafe, thank you and see you soon, under better skies (sic).”

Mumbai: In the Torres Investment scam, one of the Ukrainian Gang accused, Ukrainian national Lurchenko Igor, has been located in Ukraine. Igor is among nine foreign nationals alleged to have orchestrated the multi-crore investment fraud before fleeing India, evading law enforcement.

Ukraine Authorities Monitoring Igor’s Movements

A senior officer from the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) confirmed that Ukrainian authorities recently informed Indian agencies that Igor, who was under a Blue Corner Notice issued by Interpol at EOW’s request, was traced in May. Authorities in Ukraine are reportedly monitoring his movements closely. The extradition process for the foreigner accused was started, according to sources. He is likely to be brought to India soon.

Ukranian Actor Booked

Meanwhile, in another development in the multi-crore Torres scam, the Bhoiwada Police have registered a case against accused Armen Ataine (48) for illegally obtaining a fake birth certificate from the BMC’s F-South Ward. Along with Armen, two unidentified individuals who assisted him in acquiring the fraudulent document have also been booked under sections 120B, 34, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 474 of the Indian Penal Code.

During the investigation, the Bhoiwada Police discovered that Armen’s father, Garun Ataine, had lived in Lalbaug’s Jam Building between 1975 and 1978. Armen allegedly used this information to fraudulently secure an Indian birth certificate.

The Torres Investment scam involved duping many investors with promises of high returns. The fraud came to light after the accused had already left the country, making it challenging for local agencies to initiate immediate legal action. Indian authorities are now working with their Ukrainian counterparts to pursue further legal proceedings.