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Maharashtra

Maharashtra: Govt assures ‘smooth ride’ on all Konkan roads before Ganeshotsav

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Under severe fire from the Opposition for the bad roads condition, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday assured that repairs are being carried out on “a war footing” on all the important thoroughfares from Mumbai to the coastal Konkan ahead of the 10-day Ganeshotsav festival starting on August 31.

Public Works Department Minister Ravindra Chavan has directed all concerned officials to accord priority attention to the region which witnesses lakhs of commuters from Mumbai travelling to their homes in the Konkan region to celebrate Ganeshotsav.

The officials have been directed to ensure complete repairs like smoothening uneven stretches, potholes, cracks, washed out sections and other obstacles by the weekend to ensure speedy movement of traffic as well as avert accidents on the roads and highways from Mumbai to Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.

Senior engineers of the PWD shall be deployed to oversee and monitor the road repairs carried out by the local contractors of the various civic bodies, to ensure quality and durability of the work, an official from Ratnagiri explained.

Additionally, Chavan said the number of traffic wardens manning the roads and the main link, the Mumbai-Goa Highway, shall be increased to control the traffic and prevent road snarls which in the past have held up the commuters – travelling in cars, mini-vans, tempos, state transport of private buses, etc. for many hours.

Lakhs of people who live and work in Mumbai hail mostly from the Konkan districts and they travel to their native towns or villages during the Ganesh festival, with massive traffic movement witnessed for 10 days.

It may be recalled that certain stretches of the highway, major and arterial roads in the Konkan region have been ravaged during the monsoon onslaught, with shocking photos and videos going viral on social media, as the temporary ‘festival migration’ is slated to start from this weekend.

The poor roads in the Konkan have hampered traffic movement, led to breakdown of vehicles, resulted in serious accidents and major vehicular jams that take hours to clear, delaying or stranding thousands of people en route.

For the first time after the 2020-2021 Coronavirus pandemic, the state government has lifted all restrictions on Ganeshotsav celebrations from August 31-September 9, creating euphoria among the people, especially in the Konkan region where the state’s most important public festival is celebrated in a big way.

International News

Mumbai Police Reach Kapil Sharma’s House After Kap’s Cafe Firing In Canada

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Hours after shots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma’s eatery, Kap’s Cafe, in Canada, the Mumbai Police on Friday reached his house in Mumbai to question him about the incident. Around 1 am on July 9 (Canada time), several rounds were fired at the cafe, located in Surrey.

Khalistani terrorist Harjeet Singh Laddi claimed the responsibility for the attack, and demanded an apology from Kapil for his alleged objectionable remarks.

the attackers felt that Nihang Sikhs were insulted on Kapil’s show. The report also mentioned that the attackers said the comedian ignored their calls seeking an apology, and that shots were fired at his eatery to warn him.

Kap’s Cafe team issues statement

Kapil is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The management of the eatery, however, took to their social media handles and wrote, “We opened Kap’s Cafe with hopes of bringing warmth, community, and joy through delicious coffee and friendly conversation. To have violence intersect with that dream is heartbreaking. We are processing this shock but we are not giving up (sic).”

It further stated, “Your kind words, prayers, and memories shared via DM mean more than you know. This cafe exists because of your belief in what we’re building together. Let’s stand firm against violence and ensure Kap’s Cafe remains a place of warmth and community. From all of us at Kap’s Cafe, thank you and see you soon, under better skies (sic).”

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Maharashtra

Torres Investment Scam: Key Accused Lurchenko Igor Traced In Ukraine

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Mumbai: In the Torres Investment scam, one of the Ukrainian Gang accused, Ukrainian national Lurchenko Igor, has been located in Ukraine. Igor is among nine foreign nationals alleged to have orchestrated the multi-crore investment fraud before fleeing India, evading law enforcement.

Ukraine Authorities Monitoring Igor’s Movements

A senior officer from the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) confirmed that Ukrainian authorities recently informed Indian agencies that Igor, who was under a Blue Corner Notice issued by Interpol at EOW’s request, was traced in May. Authorities in Ukraine are reportedly monitoring his movements closely. The extradition process for the foreigner accused was started, according to sources. He is likely to be brought to India soon.

Ukranian Actor Booked

Meanwhile, in another development in the multi-crore Torres scam, the Bhoiwada Police have registered a case against accused Armen Ataine (48) for illegally obtaining a fake birth certificate from the BMC’s F-South Ward. Along with Armen, two unidentified individuals who assisted him in acquiring the fraudulent document have also been booked under sections 120B, 34, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 474 of the Indian Penal Code.

During the investigation, the Bhoiwada Police discovered that Armen’s father, Garun Ataine, had lived in Lalbaug’s Jam Building between 1975 and 1978. Armen allegedly used this information to fraudulently secure an Indian birth certificate.

The Torres Investment scam involved duping many investors with promises of high returns. The fraud came to light after the accused had already left the country, making it challenging for local agencies to initiate immediate legal action. Indian authorities are now working with their Ukrainian counterparts to pursue further legal proceedings.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra News: ‘Decisive Steps Taken For Widening Of Hatlot Ghat Road Connecting Ratnagiri And Satara,’ Says Minister Yogesh Kadam

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Mumbai: In a crucial move to improve road connectivity between the tourism-rich districts of Ratnagiri and Satara, a high-level meeting regarding the widening of the Hatlot Ghat road in Khed Taluka was held today in the legislature office of Public Works Minister Shivrendra Raje Bhosale. The meeting was chaired by Minister Bhosale and attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Yogesh Kadam.

During the meeting, Minister Yogesh Kadam expressed serious concern over the delay in the project and instructed officials to immediately acquire the required forest land to expedite the remaining work. He emphasized the importance of completing the road as soon as possible to enhance transportation and boost tourism between the two districts.

Public Works Minister Shivrendra Raje Bhosale also directed the appointment of a technical consultant to oversee the completion process and assured that the project would be prioritized and completed at the earliest.

Once completed, the Hatlot Ghat road will significantly improve travel between Ratnagiri and Satara and serve as a major boost to local tourism.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Public Works Department, including the Department Secretary, Chief Engineer, Superintending Engineer, and representatives from the Forest Department.

With the active intervention of Minister Yogesh Kadam, hopes have risen that the long-pending issue will finally be resolved.

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