Mumbai: Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has conducted raids at a total of 15 places in Parbhani and has also started questioning suspected members of Islamic Youth Federation, Popular Front of India, ISIS. ATS has conducted this operation in a case of online extremism. After the raid in Parbhani, there has been a sensation and tension here. ATS conducted this operation early in the morning in which electronic gazettes and other documents have also been recovered from the possession of these suspects, which have been seized by ATS. Along with this, ATS has also conducted raids at the house of Honorable Bari Raeesuddin on charges of ISIS in 2016. About 14 youths have been taken into custody and their interrogation is also underway. ATS said that these youths were victims of online extremism. In such a situation, investigation is also underway on which sites these youths used to propagate extremism online. Operations were also carried out in Nanded and Chhatrapati Samhhani Nagar. Search operations were also conducted at 15 different places in Parbhani city, including Mumtaz Colony, Master Cafe, Iftikhar Colony, Saint Colony, Mustafa Bazaar, Azmat Khan Road to Saint Colony Road, Rajkot Sweet, Noble Handloom and Hosiery Shop, etc. A total of 14 people are still being arrested in this raid. The ATS has not arrested them yet. This raid operation is causing fear and panic in Muslim-majority areas of Parbhani, Nanded and other places. ATS sources have claimed in this matter that no innocent person will be harassed. The ATS is investigating in this regard. No one has been formally arrested.

Mumbai, June 20: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday said it will challenge before the Bombay High Court the acquittal of all accused in the high-profile murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver.

A special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted all the accused, including former Maharashtra Home Minister and ex-NCP MP Padamsinh Bajirao Patil, citing a lack of reliable evidence and extending the benefit of doubt to the accused.

Pawanraje Nimbalkar, a prominent Congress leader, and his driver were shot dead in broad daylight on June 3, 2006, in Navi Mumbai. The case was subsequently transferred to the CBI on the directions of the Bombay High Court.

Following an extensive investigation, the CBI filed its charge sheet in 2009 and a supplementary charge sheet in 2010 against nine accused persons, including Padamsinh Patil. During the trial, one of the accused turned approver and became a key prosecution witness.

In its judgment, the trial court held that the testimony of the prosecution’s star witness was not sufficiently credible to sustain a conviction. The court observed that the witness had repeatedly changed his statements and that there were material contradictions in his version.

“A conviction cannot be based solely on the testimony of this witness,” the court noted, adding that although the approver was a crucial link in the prosecution’s case, his evidence could not be relied upon because of persistent inconsistencies.

The court further observed that contradictions in the witness’s statements undermined the prosecution’s conspiracy theory and ultimately granted the accused the benefit of doubt, leading to their acquittal.

The CBI, however, maintained that it had produced strong evidence against the accused and said that it would challenge the verdict before the Bombay High Court.

Among those acquitted was Padamsinh Patil, 86, who was alleged by the CBI to be the principal conspirator behind the killings. Patil, who is also Nimbalkar’s first cousin, arrived at the court in a wheelchair, accompanied by a hospital attendant.

Padamsinh Patil was arrested by the CBI in June 2009 and was granted bail by the Alibaug Sessions Court later that year. With the trial court now acquitting all the accused, the case is set to enter a new legal phase as the CBI prepares to challenge the verdict before the Bombay High Court.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has reportedly conducted a raid at the controversial Soortaal Dance Bar, located within the jurisdiction of Santacruz East and Vakola Police Station, and detained eight women who were allegedly found performing dance activities on the premises.

According to local residents, complaints regarding the bar’s alleged illegal operations had been raised on several occasions. Residents claimed that the establishment continued functioning until the early hours of the morning, allegedly operating beyond permitted timings. They further alleged that obscene dance performances were being conducted and that several incidents involving disputes and assaults between customers had taken place at the venue in the past.

Local residents had reportedly shared information about the bar’s activities with Mumbai Press, which subsequently brought the matter to the attention of senior officials of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. Sources alleged that after regular business hours, customers were being allowed entry through a rear entrance and that gatherings continued on the upper floors of the premises until the morning.

Some residents have also alleged that despite repeated complaints, action against the establishment had not been taken earlier. However, following the Crime Branch operation, locals expressed relief and welcomed the police action.

Residents thanked Mumbai Press for highlighting the issue and said the raid had helped address a long-standing concern in the area. Police officials are expected to continue their investigation into the matter and examine whether any laws or licensing conditions were violated by the establishment.

Further details are awaited.