Maharashtra
Maharashtra: Ex-DGP Rashmi Shukla’s Fate In Hands Of New Govt, Likely To Be Re-appointed If Mahayuti Comes To Power After Assembly Elections
Mumbai: After the Election Commission (EC) removed IPS officer Rashmi Shukla from her position as Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP), her fate now lies in the hands of the new government, unless the EC grants her another posting before the code of conduct ends. The polling for the Maharashtra assembly will be held on November, 20 and results will be declared three days after that.
Ahead of the state elections, the EC removed Shukla on Monday following a complaint from Congress. IPS officer Sanjay Verma was appointed as new Maharashtra DGP on Tuesday, however, Shukla remains without any post as of today.
Will Shukla Be Reappointed
IPS Shukla was appointed as Maharashtra DGP for two years by the state government. Quoting the sources in Mantralaya, Loksatta reported that after Shukla’s removal by EC ahead of polls, the decision of IPS Shukla’s new appointment will be taken by the new government itself. The report also added that Sanjay Verma has been appointed as DGP till until the code of conduct expires and if the Mahayuti government comes to power again, Shukla will be reappointed as Maharashtra DGP.
Nana Patole Requests Non-Appointment Of Shukla
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole on Monday evening wrote to the EC thanking for the prompt action and removal of IPS Rashmi Shukla. However, Patole also requested the commission to not appoint Shukla to any position, adhering the legal framework. Notably, the DGP is the highest post in police services in Maharashtra.
Shukla was brought back from the centre after the Mahayuti formed government in Maharashtra. Shukla retired in June this year, however she was granted extension by the state government.
Since the announcement of Maharashtra assembly polls, the opposition MVA led by Congress has been asking for Shukla’s removal alleging that she was biased towards the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government.
Crime
Kurla Bus Accident: Amid Probe, Viral Video Shows Another BEST Driver Buying Liquor From Wine Shop In Mumbai’s Andheri
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.
Crime
DRI Mumbai Busts Gold Smuggling Syndicate, Seizes 12.5 Kg Gold Worth ₹9.95 Crore; 6 Arrested
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.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra Govt Promises Crackdown On Panchayats For Granting Illegal Permissions To Erect Giant Hoardings
Mumbai: The government informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it will act against gram panchayats granting “illegal” permissions for erecting giant hoardings.
A government resolution (GR) issued on November 26 by the Rural Development Department directed all gram panchayats to refrain from granting such permissions, warning of action against violations. The GR, issued following a directive from the High Court in August, emphasises that under the Gram Panchayat Act, 1959, gram panchayats lack authority to grant permissions or issue no-objection certificates for advertising hoardings within their jurisdiction.
The resolution mandates the immediate removal of unauthorised hoardings and calls for strict adherence to these instructions. “Action will be taken against those involved in illegal activities as per the provisions of the prevailing law. All Gram Panchayats in the state should take immediate action to remove unauthorized advertisement boards/hoardings within their limits. Everyone should strictly follow these instructions,” the GR read.
Additional government pleader Savina Crasto submitted an affidavit before a bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata, along with a copy of the GR. Crasto said that as per the GR, action would be taken against those committing illegal acts.
Issue Of Illegal Giant Hoardings Gains Prominence
The issue of illegal giant hoardings gained prominence after the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) issued notices to hoarding owners in Navi Mumbai, asking them to remove unauthorised billboards following the collapse of a giant hoarding in Ghatkopar in May. The collapse, caused by heavy rains and winds, resulted in 17 deaths and over 70 injuries.
The tragedy prompted agencies, including the BMC, to conduct surveys and crack down on illegal giant hoardings. Subsequently, hoarding owners and advertising agencies challenged notices issued by MSRDC and CIDCO in the high court, claiming they had permissions from gram panchayats. However, the court refused relief, allowing planning authorities to demolish illegal hoardings when owners failed to remove them voluntarily. On May 30, the agencies had agreed to dismantle the hoardings by the end of August.
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