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Maharashtra Civic Polls 2026: State Election Commission Orders Probe Into 69 Unopposed Municipal Wins Amid Coercion Allegations

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Mumbai: With just 12 days remaining for the 29 Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra, the State Election Commission (SEC) has launched a high-level inquiry into the “unopposed” election of 69 candidates across the state.

The SEC has initiated this move as it is mandatory to submit detailed reports presented by the District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners about the elections, and only after that, the poll panel examines and decides whether to declare the concerned candidates elected or otherwise.

The SEC sources told Media on Saturday, “The SEC has taken a serious note of the declaration of unopposed wins by political parties and ordered a probe.

According to the stipulated norms, the victory of any candidate, even though unopposed, is officially declared only on the counting day based on the report of the Municipal Commissioner in case of these 29 municipal corporations. As per the SEC’s norms, it is verified that the candidates have not withdrawn under any pressure or due to lurement or any other coercive measures.”

The SEC’s intervention follows serious allegations from opposition parties, including the Congress, Janata Dal (S), and AAP.

Candidates in three wards of Mumbai’s Colaba (Ward ‘A’) alleged they were unlawfully prevented from filing nominations or were pressured to withdraw under duress.

The SEC has directed the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to examine CCTV footage from the Ward ‘A’ office to verify claims of interference.

Reports have been sought from Returning Officers, Municipal Commissioners, and Police Commissioners following the January 2 withdrawal deadline.

“The election results for these BMC seats will not be officially announced until the investigation is complete,” said SEC sources.

While officials can face action if found guilty of bias, current laws do not allow for the re-filing of nominations.

The SEC’s move is crucial, especially as even before the polling, the Mahayuti claimed it wrested 68 out of 69 seats, which went unopposed in the Municipal Corporations elections in Maharashtra.

On the last day of withdrawals of candidature, the BJP struck maximum gain with candidates in 44 seats having no opponent in the contest. Thus, giving it a cakewalk.

The BJP has taken the lead with 44 candidates unopposed out of a total of 69 in the 29 municipal corporation elections.

The elections for municipal corporations, including BMC is scheduled on January 15 and counting on January 16. Even before the polling, the candidate scrutiny showed a total of 69 candidates in the fray across parties, with no contestant in the elections.

While the BJP has the highest unopposed 44 candidates, Shiv Sena 22, NCP 2 and the Islamic Party one.

The Municipal Corporation data showed that the BJP has the highest 15 unopposed candidates in Kalyan. It is followed by Bhiwandi six, Pune two, Pimpri-Chinchwad two, Panvel six, Dhule four, Jalgaon six and Ahilyanagar three.

The Shiv Sena registered seven candidates unopposed in Thane, also the home turf of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Kalyan (seven) and Jalgaon (six) and two in Bhiwandi.

Whereas Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP managed two unopposed contests in Jalgaon.

The Islamic party bagged the lone seat in Malegaon.

Crime

Delhi Police bust illegal gambling den in Vikaspuri; four held, Rs 74,000 recovered

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New Delhi, July 9: Delhi Police busted an illegal gambling den operating from a two-storeyed jhuggi in Vikaspuri on Thursday, apprehending four alleged gamblers. The Police team also recovered Rs 74,070 in suspected stake money along with gambling-related material during the raid.

According to the police, the operation was carried out on July 7 after the Special Staff received specific and credible information about an illegal gambling racket being run from Indra Camp No. 4 in Vikaspuri.

Based on the tip-off, a raiding team was formed under the leadership of Inspector Rajesh Maurya and the ACP (Operations), under the overall supervision of senior officers.

The team immediately reached the identified location and conducted a raid. During the operation, four persons were allegedly found actively engaged in gambling, while 16 other individuals were also present at the premises.

Police recovered Rs 74,070, suspected to be gambling stake money, along with satta parchis, a chakri and number charts allegedly used for conducting illegal gambling activities.

During the investigation, police identified Shahid as the alleged kingpin behind the gambling racket. According to officials, Shahid has previously been involved in five gambling-related cases. His associate, Akram, was allegedly responsible for collecting the stake money from gamblers.

Both Shahid and Akram were absent during the raid. Police said efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the duo and ascertain their complete role in the illegal gambling operation.

The four apprehended accused have been identified as Shekhar (24), a resident of Vikaspuri, who is allegedly involved in three previous criminal cases; Sachin (22), a resident of JJ Colony, who has two previous criminal cases against him; Md. Nadeem (31), a resident of Shiv Vihar, who is allegedly involved in one previous criminal case; and Sahil (19), a resident of Uttam Nagar, who also has one previous criminal case.

Police said the recovered items, including the cash, satta parchis, chakri and number charts, have been seized as evidence.

Further investigation is underway to identify other persons associated with the racket and to establish the full extent of the illegal gambling network operating in the area.

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Crime

Delhi Police solve cab carjacking case within 24 hours, three arrested

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New Delhi, July 9: The Delhi Police’s South District has solved a cab carjacking and robbery case within 24 hours of the incident, arresting three accused and recovering the robbed taxi, valuablesm and the weapon allegedly used in the crime.

According to police, the breakthrough was achieved by the staff of Police Station Fatehpur Beri after an intensive technical and field investigation launched on the complaint of a cab driver.

The operation was carried out by a team comprising Sub-Inspectors Nasib Singh, Vikas Yadav, and Ravi Raghav, Head Constables Chandram, Mukesh Kumar, and Pradeep Kumar under the leadership of SHO Inspector Rajesh Sharma and the overall supervision of the ACP, Mehrauli.

Police registered FIR No. 287/2026 under Sections 309(4), 351(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Soon after the case was registered, investigators analysed CCTV footage, ride-booking details and other technical inputs while simultaneously conducting multiple raids at different locations.

During the investigation, sustained technical surveillance led to the identification of one of the accused, following which continuous field operations resulted in the arrest of all three accused within 24 hours. The police also recovered the robbed taxi, the complainant’s mobile phone, wallet, identity documents and the knife allegedly used during the offence.

According to the investigation, the accused targeted cab drivers during late-night hours by booking rides through a mobile application. After reaching an isolated location, they allegedly threatened the driver at knifepoint, assaulted him, and robbed the vehicle along with his valuables before fleeing from the spot.

The arrested accused have been identified as Mohd. Kaif, 25, a resident of Ghitorni village in Delhi and originally from Uttarakhand’s Haldwani, Junaid Ali, 22, also a resident of Ghitorni village and originally from Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur, and Mohd Kaif, 20, a resident of Islam Colony, Mehrauli, originally from Bihar’s Begusarai. Police said none of the three accused has any previous criminal involvement.

The recovered items include the Maruti Suzuki Dzire taxi, a knife, the complainant’s Vivo mobile phone, another mobile phone allegedly used to book the ride, a wallet containing cash, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, registration certificate, ATM cards and other important documents.

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Crime

Kolkata man arrested for allegedly raping daughter’s friend in Tiljala

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Kolkata, July 9: A man has been arrested for allegedly raping his daughter’s friend in the Tiljala area of east Kolkata, police said on Thursday.

The arrest was made on Wednesday night following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family. The victim’s medical examination and statement are currently being recorded.

According to the police, the victim has been friends with the accused’s daughter for a long time and was familiar with the family.

She had reportedly been staying at her friend’s residence for a few days due to problems at her own home. During this period, the accused allegedly exploited opportunities when other family members were away and sexually assaulted her inside the house multiple times.

Initially, the young woman did not tell anyone about the incident out of fear and shame. It is alleged that the accused threatened to kill her if she disclosed the matter.

Police also said the victim did not initially disclose the alleged assault due to fear and shame. The accused is also alleged to have threatened to kill her and subsequently subjected her to repeated sexual abuse. After her health deteriorated, she informed her family members and her friend about the incidents.

The young woman then filed a written complaint with Tiljala police station. Based on the complaint, the police arrested the accused on Wednesday. A case has been registered against him under multiple sections, including rape. The Tiljala police station is investigating the incident.

Police said all aspects of the case are being examined and the allegations will be verified through the victim’s statement and other evidence collected during the investigation. Officials added that no further details can be disclosed at this stage as the probe is ongoing and the matter is sensitive.

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