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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Govt Restricts Authority Of State Agencies; CM’s Panel To Clear Projects Over ₹500 Crore

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Mumbai: In a significant move, the state government has issued an order restricting the authority of all state departments, enterprises and semi-government bodies from independently approving projects exceeding Rs 500 crore. This directive effectively curtails the powers of key agencies like MMRDA, CIDCO, MHADA, SRA and MahaHousing.

CM’s Panel To Take Call On Projects Over ₹500 Cr

Issued by the Finance and planning department under Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the order mandates that any project with an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore or more must now be submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, for approval.

Trouble Expected For Shinde Sena

This move delivers another blow to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, already reeling from a series of controversies involving its leaders. With key departments under its control, the party now faces added challenges, as they will no longer be able to independently approve big-ticket projects – tightening the government’s grip on crucial decision-making.

While the MMRDA and CIDCO come under the urban development department, the MHADA, SRA and MahaHousing come under the housing department. Both departments are headed by Shinde.

Details On Cabinet Committee On Infra

The cabinet committee on infrastructure, headed by the CM, comprises six members and the other members are Shinde and Dy CM Ajit Pawar, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, medical education minister Hasan Mushrif and industries minister Uday Samant.

The planning department order also says the chief secretary, instead of the planning department secretary, will be the secretary of the committee, who will move the proposals, which were earlier done by the planning secretary. Besides, the secretaries from the finance department and the law and judiciary department will be the permanent invitees. This will facilitates intense scrutiny by finance and planning department.

According to sources in the government, the decision was taken given the precarious condition of the state finances. The projected debt burden by the end of the current financial year is Rs 9.5 lakh crore, and the government is spending over Rs 1.5 lakh crore on repayment of the loan and the interest amount.

The Shinde-led Shiv Sena is facing a series of controversies related to social Justice minister Sanjay Shirsat. A few days back, a video clip became viral in which the Horticulture Minister Bharat Gogawale was shown participating in occult practices, performing hom-havan. Sandipan Bhumre, Lok Sabha Member from Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) has been in the news over speedy approvals for liquor permits held by his family members and close relatives.

Speculations Around Shinde’s Delhi Tour

Shinde’s Delhi tour on Thursday was said to be in connection with the controversies and the attempts to create trouble for him. Another reason being cited was his reported meeting over the scheduled hearing in the Supreme Court hearing on July 14 over recognition of his group as the real party and symbol – bow and arrow.

Maharashtra

Maulana Khalid Ashraf and his sons attacked in Mumbai Dongri, 4 accused arrested, tension calmed down

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Mumbai: After the attack on Maulana Syed Khalid Ashraf, also known as Khalid Mian, in Dongri, Mumbai, Mumbai has registered a case of attempt to murder and claimed to have arrested four accused. Tension spread in Mumbai due to the attack on Khalid Ashraf and his son. His followers reached the police station in droves. After this, today, the Ulema Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamaat has also demanded strict action against the culprits in the context of the attack on Khalid Ashraf. Today, the Ulema Ahle Sunnah and All India Jamaat-ul-Ulema met Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti and expressed satisfaction over the police action and demanded strict action against the accused. A delegation led by Hazrat Maulana Moinuddin Ashraf, also known as Moin Mian, met Devin Bharti. Maulana Khalid Ashraf said that I have been targeted by drug dealers. At the same time, when these drug dealers attacked me and my son, he had said that this is the same Maulana who runs the movement against drugs. Therefore, Maulana Khalid Ashraf has requested the Police Commissioner that attacking scholars is completely wrong, in such a situation, strict action should be taken against these goons. He also expressed satisfaction over the police action and also thanked the scholars and the elders of the city. He said that I did not feel that I am alone in this hour of distress, so thank you all. Along with this, Maulana Khalid Ashraf requested the disciples and those concerned to show patience and restraint, not only that, but also to avoid provocations. Those who are our fans and lovers will definitely not do anything wrong. Ulemas targeted by drug dealers
Hazrat Maulana Moinuddin Ashraf, also known as Moin Mian, today met Police Commissioner Devin Bharti regarding the attack on Khalid Ashraf and revealed that now he is being targeted by Ulemas and white-clad drug dealers. The aim of this is to create terror among the general public. Therefore, Maulana Moin Mian has requested the police to take strict action against such drug dealers who target Ulemas. He said that Maulana Khalid Ashraf had started a movement against drugs in Bhiwandi, which has also had an impact on drug dealers in Mumbai. Along with this, a racket of drug dealers is operating, who launch campaigns against those who are campaigning against drug dealers and defame them on social media. Therefore, strict action is necessary against such drug dealers. Moin Mian said that the action taken by the police against drug dealers is certainly satisfactory, but strict action against such drug dealers is also the need of the hour. The delegation also included Raza Academy head Saeed Noori, Maulana Ijaz Kashmiri and Maulana Anis Ashrafi. Dongri Police have arrested Majeed Lala Pathan, Raheel Pathan, Sahil Pathan and Peru on charges of attacking Maulana Khalid Ashraf. The police are investigating the case further. The attackers attacked Maulana Khalid Ashraf and his sons with sticks and sticks, due to which he is still injured.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai road accident: Death toll climbs to 11, CM Fadnavis expresses grief

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Mumbai, April 13: The death toll in the road accident in Mumbai’s Kalyan has climbed to 11 after two people succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, officials said on Monday.

A dumper truck collided with a car in the Kalyan area of Mumbai on Monday, officials said. The accident took place around 11 a.m. on the Rayta Bridge along the Kalyan-Murbad road, authorities mentioned.

According to preliminary information, the car was travelling from Kalyan when it collided head-on with a mixer truck.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed grief over the incident and offered sympathies to the families of the deceased.

In a post on X, Fadnavis said, “The incident in which 11 people lost their lives in a horrific accident due to a collision between two vehicles near Kalyan on National Highway 61 is extremely tragic. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. We share in the grief of these families. We are in contact with the local administration.”

The police stated that the bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examinations, while the injured have been admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Soon after the incident was reported, a team from the Titwala Police Station rushed to the spot and initiated rescue and relief operations.

Initial reports indicate that 12 passengers were travelling in the car at the time of the accident. Eight of the total passengers died on the spot, while one passed away at the hospital while receiving treatment. Locals rushed to the spot and tried to help the victims.

Later, two others succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

The vehicle was on its way to Murbad when the collision occurred near Rayta Bridge, close to Kalyan, according to the police.

Earlier, speaking to media, Thane Superintendent of Police D.S. Swami had confirmed nine casualties.

Titwala Deputy SP Anil Laad, speaking to the reporters, said, “The process of identifying the deceased is currently underway, while the injured are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital. The police have registered a case, and the role of the concerned government departments in this incident will also be scrutinised.”

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the accident. Preliminary information suggests that excessive speed or a loss of vehicle control may have been the cause of the mishap.

The collision also led to a massive traffic jam on the highway near the Rayta Bridge in the Titwala-Kalyan stretch, causing significant disruption to vehicular movement in the area, officials said.

Further details are awaited in the case.

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Crime

Ashok Kharat Sexual Exploitation Case: ED Searches 11 locations In Nashik, Shirdi & Pune Linked To Self-Styled Godman

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Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations in connection with the Ashok Kharat case.

Searches were carried out at five places in Nashik, three in Shirdi, and three in Pune. The searches are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a widening probe into the self-styled godman recently uncovered a massive alleged financial network involving more than 130 bank accounts and transactions exceeding RS 63 crore, with fresh findings pointing towards possible administrative complicity.

The probe gathered pace earlier this month after a Mumbai-based hotelier was alerted by Ahilyanagar Police that over Rs 2.43 crore had been routed through four bank accounts opened in his and his wife’s names, accounts he claims he never authorised. The hotelier suspects that documents submitted to Kharat for a ‘darshan booking’ were misused to open these accounts without his knowledge.

“We approached him believing he was a spiritual healer,” the hotelier said, according to an Indian Express report, adding that neither he nor his family had any connection with the credit society where the accounts were created.

Investigators believe the case is part of a larger, organised operation. According to complaints and bank records examined during the probe, personal documents collected from followers, visitors, and even alleged victims were systematically used to open multiple bank accounts. These accounts were then allegedly used to route and circulate funds between 2021 and 2024.

Authorities have identified a consistent pattern in the modus operandi. Individuals visiting Kharat for spiritual consultations or predictions were asked to submit Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and photographs. These documents were then allegedly used to open bank accounts without consent, enabling large-scale financial transactions.

A large number of these accounts were reportedly opened under two cooperative credit societies, Jagdamba Cooperative Credit Society and Samata Nagari Sahakari Pat Sanstha, both linked to Kharat and his associates. Records show that Kharat served as chairman of the Jagdamba society until 2024, while the Samata society is associated with his co-accused Arvind Pandurang Bawke.

Investigators have traced over 100 suspect accounts to the Samata society and around 32 to Jagdamba. Further, Kharat has been listed as a nominee in at least 100 accounts, with his mobile number appearing across several of them, raising serious red flags.

The case, which initially began with allegations of sexual assault, cheating, extortion, and violations under anti-superstition laws, has now evolved into a major financial investigation. The Enforcement Directorate has also registered a money laundering case against Kharat.

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