Violent protests took place for the second day in central Maharashtra’s Parbhani city on Wednesday over alleged vandalising of a replica of the Indian Constitution, police said.

Amid the bandh called by some organisations, a mob indulged in arson and police fired teargas shells in response, said a senior official.

The stone replica of the Constitution outside Parbhani railway station, set in front of a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar, was found to have been damaged on Tuesday, sparking protests.

Police arrested a man in connection with the incident, but protests resumed on Wednesday morning.

“Pipes outside a shop were set ablaze around 1 pm today. As the mob became violent, police fired tear gas shells and dispersed them,” said acting Superintendent of Police Yeshwant Kale.

The protesters were demanding that police should find who was behind Tuesday’s incident of vandalising, he told PTI.

Bandh was also observed in Vasmat area of the district, local police officials said.

Mumbai: Amid the ongoing investigation into the tragic Kurla BEST bus accident that claimed seven lives, a shocking video has surfaced showing a BEST bus driver allegedly purchasing liquor while on duty. The incident reportedly occurred in Andheri West’s Versova area and was captured on video.

Video Shows Driver Buying Liquor

The clip shared on X by a user named Raj Maji, shows the driver halting an air-conditioned BEST bus, route A-259, which operates between Gorai Depot and Andheri Railway Station, outside a liquor store. With passengers still aboard, the driver is seen exiting the vehicle, purchasing liquor and returning with it onto the bus.

Following the release of this video, MNS leader Sandesh Desai commented on the Kurla accident in another video, drawing comparisons to this recent footage. Desai questioned the authorities about the measures they would take against such reckless behaviour.

7 Killed In Horrific Kurla Accident

This video has emerged just two days after the horrific accident in Kurla on SG Barve Road, where a BEST bus plowed through a bustling market. The crash, which occurred on Monday night, resulted in seven fatalities and left several others injured. The bus rammed into multiple vehicles and crushed people in its path, causing widespread devastation and grief.

Accused Driver Was Drunk, Claim Eyewitnesses

Initial reports from the Kurla incident suggest that the driver, identified as 54-year-old Sanjay More, may have been intoxicated during the crash, according to an IANS report. Eyewitness accounts have also raised suspicions of alcohol influence. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the tragedy, with authorities probing potential brake failure and human negligence.

Sanjay More, who operated the bus leased by the Kurla Bus Depot, was arrested and booked on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. He was produced in court on Tuesday, where he was remanded to police custody until December 21.

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.