Maharashtra
Maharashtra Esports Open Championship 2025 inaugurated in Pune
Pune, Feb 17: Maharashtra Esports Open Championship 2025 has been inugurated by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse on Monday.
Raksha Khadse hailed the first-ever state-backed tournament and emphasised that esports not only requires exceptional technical skill but also immense mental fortitude, quick decision-making, and teamwork traits that mirror those required in traditional sports.
After being a demonstration sport at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, esports became a medal sport at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Organized by the Federation of Electronic Sports Associations India (FEAI) and the Maratha Esports Association (MEA), the event will witness 2100 participants from across the state, out of which 52 finalists have already made it to the Grand Finale.
“This event is especially significant as it comes at a time when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the growing importance of esports, with the Olympic Esports Games set to debut in 2027. The IOC’s decision has spurred countries, including India, to take significant strides in supporting esports as a legitimate sport. Maharashtra’s active role in this process positions it as a key player in the digital sports revolution,” Raksha Khadse said during her address.
In a major boost for esports, the Government of India formally classified esports as a “multisport event” under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in December 2023, further cementing its status. Just last week, the government also announced that esports players would receive cash incentives for outstanding performances, similar to other traditional sports.
“The growth of esports continues to make waves globally, with events like the 2023 Asian Games and world championships offering rewards that rival traditional sports leagues like the IPL. Esports is also expected to be a prominent feature of the 2027 Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia, where players from around the world will compete for the first time in Olympic history,” the MoS added.
Maharashtra is now set to become the esports hub of the country, thanks to the state’s commitment to developing infrastructure, funding, and opportunities for esports athletes.
“With over 500 million gamers in India, the esports sector is poised for explosive growth. As Maharashtra leads the charge in supporting esports development, the state is confident that India’s players will soon bring home medals from prestigious events like the Olympic Esports Games, Asian Games, and World Championships,” the Minister elaborated.
As India continues to expand its esports footprint, it’s essential for parents to recognize these qualities and support their children in pursuing esports, much like other sports.
Jet Synthesis chairman Siddhant Joshi, Jet Synthesis MD Rajan Nawani, MIT World Peace University vice-chancellor RM Chitnis, FEAI president Vaibhav Dange were also in attendance during the inauguration event.
Maharashtra
Drug dealer arrested in Mumbai with 1.5 kg of charas (cannabis resin)

On October 24, Crime Branch Unit 9 (Bandra West, Mumbai) intensified its crackdown on drug peddlers, resulting in the arrest of an individual involved in the sale of narcotics. The police had received information that the accused was selling charas (cannabis resin) and other intoxicating substances from his residence. Acting on this intelligence and following the guidance of senior officers, a team from Crime Branch Unit 9—accompanied by independent witnesses (panches)—raided the premises on October 24. During the operation, 1.505 kilograms of charas were seized in accordance with legal procedures; the estimated value of the contraband is 15 million rupees (1.5 crore INR) based on international market rates.
A case has been registered in connection with this incident under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. One individual, aged 40, has been arrested. Additionally, another person has been identified as a wanted suspect, and a search is currently underway to locate him.
This notable operation was carried out under the supervision of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anil Kumbhare, Additional Commissioner of Police Krishnakant Upadhyay, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Nonath Dhole.
Maharashtra
Lawrence Bishnoi gang shooters had practised shooting in the Aarey Colony forest before opening fire at Tiger Shroff’s residence.

Following the firing incident involving Tiger Shroff, an investigation has revealed that a businessman in Pune and a film star in Mumbai were on Lawrence Bishnoi’s target list. The gang’s objective is to instill fear among the film industry and the business community in order to extort money—specifically, to collect protection money or ransoms. The primary goal of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is not necessarily murder, but rather the creation of terror and fear within the film industry and among business circles.
Currently, 56 operatives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang are incarcerated in various Mumbai jails; they have been linked to over 10 criminal incidents in Mumbai and Pune over the past 2–3 years. Targeting Bollywood is a key objective for the Lawrence gang, and they have been involved in conspiracies to target film actors specifically to spread fear and terror throughout the business community.
In the Tiger Shroff case, it has emerged that the shooters underwent firearms training in the Aarey Colony forest. A shepherd witnessed the shooters practicing and serves as an eyewitness; according to him, three to four individuals trained there, and he saw them firing weapons. New revelations continue to surface in the case involving Tiger Shroff, with the Crime Branch making significant progress in its investigation.
Weapons have also been recovered in connection with the matter. Furthermore, the interrogation of the shooters arrested by the police has led to the discovery of a link to Anil Pandit—a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—with whom the shooters were in contact.
Maharashtra
Major action by Mumbai ANC: Drug peddlers arrested.

On October 25, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Mumbai claimed to have arrested individuals—who were also wanted in a murder case—while they were in possession of narcotics. During a patrol near the main gate of Shri Krishna Complex, opposite the National Park in Borivali West, Mumbai, the Ghatkopar unit of the ANC apprehended three individuals who were allegedly selling ‘MD’ (Mephedrone). Upon searching them, 1.028 kilograms of Mephedrone was recovered. The police registered a case (Kasturba Marg Police Station, Case No. 728/2026) under Sections 8(c) read with 22(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985. During the subsequent interrogation, it was revealed that the arrested individuals were also involved in a murder case. They had brought the narcotics from Nalasopara with the intent of selling them at this location.
The arrested individuals include a 28-year-old man, another 28-year-old man, and a 39-year-old man. A total of 1.028 kilograms of Mephedrone was seized from the three suspects.
This successful operation was carried out under the guidance of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anil Kumbhare, Additional Commissioner Kant Upadhyay, and DCP Purnima Chougule-Shringi.
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