Connect with us
Wednesday,11-November-2026
Breaking News

Maharashtra

Maharashtra gets 12 new wildlife reserves, 3 sanctuaries

Published

on

In a significant move, Maharashtra on Monday announced 12 new wildlife conservation areas spread across 693 square km and three new sanctuaries including an expanded Lonar Sanctuary in Buldhana.

The decisions were taken at the State Wildlife Board’s 18th meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and it also approved setting up the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary in Aurangabad for which a proposal will be submitted to the National Wildlife Board.

The state has notified 15 conservation reserve areas, out of which 8 areas have been approved in the last two years alone and Thackeray expressed satisfaction over the addition of the 12 new conservation areas today.

These are: two in Dhule district at Chivatibawri (66.04 square km), Aladari (100.56 square km), four in Nashik district at Kalvan (84.12 square km), Muragad (42.87 square km), Trimbakeshwar (96.97 square km), Igatpuri (88.499 square km), two in Raigad district at Raigad (47.62 square km) and Roha (27.30 square km), Pune district’s Bhor (28.44 square km), Satara district’s Dare-Khurd for butterflies (1.07 square km), Kolhapur district’s Masai Plateau (5.34 square km) and Nagpur district’s Mogarkasa (103.92 square km).

The SWB also approved the proposal to declare Kolamarka, Muktai Bhavani and extended Lonar as wildlife sanctuaries in the state.

Besides, 10 spots have been designated as ‘endangered wildlife habitats’ in different parts of Maharashtra.

They include: Mayureshwar-Supe (5.15 square km), Bor (62 square km), Navin Bor (61 square km), extended Bor (16 square km), Narnala (12 square km.), Lonar (3.65 square km), Gugamal National Park (361 square km), Yedshi Ramalingaghat Wildlife Sanctuary (22.37 square km), Naigaon-Mayur Wildlife Sanctuary (30 square km) and the tiniest one, Deulgaon-Rehekuri Antelope Sanctuary (2.17 square km).

On the occasion, the CM directed the officials concerned to conduct a study and find out a permanent solution to the problems of wild elephants rampaging in Dodamarg region of Sindhudurg district within two months.

The plans include closing the entry of elephants at Ajra, Chandgad and Tilari areas and providing enhanced compensation to the villagers affected due to the damage caused to their farms and properties due to the elephants herds.

Discuss the rehabilitation of villagers in the forest area and the compensation to be given to them with confidence, he said.

Urging for priority to wildlife conservation efforts, Thackeray urged the officials to take the people affected by including the rehabilitation of the forest dwellers into confidence for its success.

He also asked them to consider all aspects before proposing development works in forests and clear all levels including the SWB before implementing them.

Environment Minister Aditya Thackeray said that care should be taken not to disturb wildlife paths, particularly in sensitive areas with tigers, while granting approval to road development works through jungles, and holding discussions with all stakeholders, experts and local NGOs.

Maharashtra

Two men arrested for forcibly pulling a woman’s gold chain and fleeing in Kandivali, a case of theft registered against both

Published

on

On October 6, in the jurisdiction of the Kandivali Police Station, an elderly woman was walking home from the market. Under the pretext of helping her cross the road, unidentified thieves followed her close to her home; while she was seated, they forcibly snatched the gold chain from her neck and fled. Based on the complainant’s statement, the Kandivali Police registered a case (Case No. 1450/2026) under Section 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The stolen item was an antique gold chain, weighing approximately 17 grams and valued at Rs. 2,00,000.

Under the guidance of the DCP (Zone 2), the Kandivali Police formed three teams to track down the suspects. The officers and personnel conducted a technical investigation at the crime scene and the surrounding area. During this process, the Kandivali Police team learned that a case of motorcycle theft had been registered at the Kasturba Marg Police Station (Case No. 760/2026, under Section 303(2) of the BNS). A police team was subsequently formed at the Kasturba Marg Police Station to investigate that case as well.

Following this, four separate teams from the Kandivali and Kasturba Marg Police Stations—utilizing technical investigation methods and information from informants—identified the suspects wanted in connection with these crimes. On November 9, information was received that the wanted suspects were expected to arrive in the vicinity of Dadar Railway Station that night. Acting on the aforementioned information, police set a trap at Dadar Railway Station and, following a skillful investigation, took both suspects into custody. The suspects are Pramod Prabhakar Jatar (43, unemployed, residing at Room No. 07, 4th Floor, Sunshine Garden, Nalasopara East, Palghar District) and Mohammad Shahid Alauddin Khan (47, a tempo driver, residing at Azad Nagar, Gate No. 08, Ambojwadi, Malwani, Malad, Mumbai). Further interrogation regarding the crime revealed their involvement, leading to their formal arrest. During the investigation, police recovered a gold chain (weighing approximately 17 grams, valued at Rs. 2,00,000) that had been forcibly stolen, as well as the motorcycle used to commit the crime—a vehicle that had previously been reported stolen from the jurisdiction of the Kasturba Marg Police Station.
The investigation teams from the Kandivali and Kasturba Marg Police Stations demonstrated commendable performance; through tireless effort and professional skill—from the initial registration of the case to its resolution—they have fostered a sense of security among the public and enhanced the image of the Mumbai Police.

This operation was carried out under the guidance of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Shashi Kumar Meena, and DCP Sandeep Ghuge.

Continue Reading

Crime

‘Conspiracy, not accident’: NCP on Ajit Pawar death

Published

on

Amid ongoing political allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the plane crash involving late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief National Spokesperson Umesh Patil on Wednesday made a sensational statement.

Patil claimed that it is his “gut feeling” that Ajitdada’s death was not merely an accident, but a suspected conspiracy. He also clarified that Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, and Jay Pawar are actively pursuing this matter.

Earlier, senior Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam had directly demanded an inquiry into NCP Maharashtra President and MP Sunil Tatkare over Ajit Pawar’s plane crash, levelling serious allegations against him.

While NCP leaders were responding to these allegations, Umesh Patil’s expression of doubt regarding the tragedy has once again given a new political turn to the case.

Expressing suspicion over Ajit Pawar’s plane crash, Patil said, “Based on my close association and observations of various things, and considering the sequence of events during the tragedy and the potential reasons behind it, I feel that this was not an accident, but a conspiracy.”

He added that appropriate follow-up is underway on the right platform, with Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, and Jay Pawar also making efforts in this regard.

Speaking on the investigation into the plane crash, Patil noted that the incident involves multiple technical aspects and stated that it would not be appropriate to comment further until the reports from relevant investigative agencies are released.

Following Ramdas Kadam’s allegations, Patil’s raising of suspicions regarding the crash is likely to heat the political atmosphere in the state once again.

Meanwhile, NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar announced that he will address a major press conference in Mumbai on November 14 or 15 to unveil crucial findings regarding the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The statement comes amidst heightened political tension and allegations of foul play following the crash of the VSR Ventures Learjet 45 near Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026.

Calling his scheduled November 14/15 press conference his “most important presentation,” Rohit Pawar stated that he plans to present key evidence, phone records, and technical observations surrounding the final moments of the flight.

He reiterated that a large segment of the public in Maharashtra suspects the crash was not a mere accident, but a potential case of foul play.

He criticised the state government and investigating agencies for moving at a “saintly pace” and failing to register a formal FIR to resolve growing public suspicion.

Responding to a question about the allegations made by senior Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam against NCP state president Sunil Tatkare in connection with the plane crash, Rohit Pawar reacted to these allegations.

“I have not heard what Ramdas Kadam has accused. But some people called and told me that Ramdas Kadam has linked Sunil Tatkare’s name to Ajit Pawar’s accident. My only opinion is that the investigation into Ajit Pawar’s accident is not being done in the way it should be,” he alleged.

“We suspect that Ajit Pawar’s accident was a case of sabotage. But the people in power are not dispelling that suspicion,” he said.

He added that the investigation is not going in the right direction, adding that the investigation of Ajit Dada is going on at a snail’s pace.

“We are also starting to have doubts about the investigation. The people in power are deliberately not investigating properly. Still, let Diwali happen once. On November 14 or 15, I will give my last and most important presentation of many days in Mumbai. The revelations I am going to make in that regard will definitely be surprising for you,” he said.

He further added that every person in Maharashtra has doubts about Ajit Pawar’s accident.

Saying that 90 per cent of people suspect that Ajit’s accident was not an accident but a hit-and-run, he added, “We also have the same opinion.”

He said that if an FIR is not filed in this case in a state like Maharashtra, then the ruling party is saving the person responsible for Ajit’s accident.

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

Kurla: Police alert after Vinod Pawar shot at Halaupal, personal enmity suspected. Additional Commissioner and DCP also at the scene, investigation underway.

Published

on

Panic gripped the McDwala Compound in the Halavpul area of ​​Kurla, Mumbai, when unidentified assailants opened fire on Vinod Pawar. The attack, carried out by unknown assailants—identified as his rivals—occurred at 12:40 PM, leaving Vinod severely injured. He was admitted to the nearby Bhabha Hospital, where his condition is reported to be critical. The assailants did not target Vinod alone; they also fired shots into the ground. Following the incident, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. DCP Ganesh Shinde and Additional Commissioner of Police (East Region) Dhananjay Kulkarni inspected the crime scene, and a forensic team has been called in to assist with the investigation. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the shooting was the result of an old enmity involving Vinod Pawar; the police are now examining every aspect of the case. DCP Ganesh Shinde stated that the incident took place within the jurisdiction of the V.B. Nagar Police Station at 12:40 PM, where 40-year-old Vinod Ellappa Pawar was fired upon by his rivals due to a long-standing feud. The injured Vinod Pawar has been admitted to a nearby hospital. Police sources stated that a shooting incident had occurred here previously as well, and now a second such incident has taken place; consequently, the police have issued an alert. The matter is being investigated from every angle. DCP Ganesh Shinde has begun questioning individuals in the area, including eyewitnesses. Since the incident took place in broad daylight, evidence—including CCTV footage and other relevant documentation—has been collected.

Continue Reading

Trending