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Monday,21-July-2025
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Maharashtra: Toll-Tax Reforms To Roll Out Soon, PWD Minister Dada Bhuse Confirms In Joint Presser With Raj Thackeray

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Mumbai: The government is committed to transparency and reforms in toll collection, which would be rolled out shortly, affirmed by PWD Minister Dadaji D. Bhuse, along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray during a joint press conference held on Friday morning.

A delegation of MNS leaders, led by Thackeray, had previously met with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday. In continuation of the discussions from that meeting, PWD Minister Bhuse paid a visit to the residence of the MNS Chief. Following an extensive dialogue, both leaders convened a joint press conference.

Thackeray announced, “Within the next two weeks, closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) will be installed at all toll booths at the five Mumbai Entry Points (MEPs), and a control room will be established at Mantralaya to monitor them. Digital displays will indicate the toll amounts collected by the contractor as per the tender and the remaining balance, ensuring transparency for the public regarding the financials of the respective toll booths.”

Furthermore, the government will guarantee that no vehicle is required to stop for more than four minutes at toll booths, and vehicles located beyond the ‘yellow line’ (indicating traffic congestion) will be permitted to pass without paying the road toll tax. MNS will also construct public facilities near certain toll booths and oversee their operations.

Bhuse clarified a video clip featuring DCM Devendra Fadnavis regarding toll exemptions, stating that four-wheeled vehicles have been exempted at 53 toll booths in the state, with the state government having already compensated the relevant companies.

The MNS had called for the closure of 29 old toll booths under the PWD Department and 15 under the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), to which Bhuse indicated that the government will evaluate and make a decision on this matter soon.

In response to Thackeray’s warning of ‘burning the toll booths’ if small/light vehicles were compelled to pay road toll tax, the MNS had organized significant protests at various toll booths in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Nashik, and other locations, causing concern within the government.

The assurances provided by the government include:

Installation of cameras at toll plazas to count the number of vehicles passing through the toll gates for the next 15 days. The MNS will also set up similar cameras.

Ensuring that all contract-specified amenities, such as restrooms, first aid services, ambulances, and emergency lights, are available at all toll plazas.

Establishment of a system at Mantralaya for receiving complaints, with a dedicated mobile number for registering toll plaza grievances.

Conducting structural audits by IIT for all bridges and underpasses mentioned in the contracts.

Decision on reversing toll fee hikes in Thane within a month.

Restoration of the yellow line at all toll gates, allowing vehicles outside the yellow line to pass without toll charges.

No double charging in the case of an inoperative Fastag, with the option to file a complaint in case of a double charge notification on mobile.

Implementation of the rule to cease toll collection on defaced roads under the central government within 15 days, following consultations with central authorities.

Conducting a CAG audit for toll collection at Mumbai Entry Points (MEP), Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link.

Enforcing discipline among heavy vehicles within the next 15 days.

Crime

Thane Crime Branch Seizes ₹1.69 Crore Worth MD Powder; Man Arrested While En Route To Mumbra

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The Thane Crime Branch Unit One has arrested a man for allegedly possessing over 1 kilogram of MD powder, valued at ₹1.69 crore, which he intended to sell in Mumbra. The accused has been identified as Mohanlal Joshi alias Sharma, a resident of Kudus village in Wada, Palghar.

According to officials, acting on a tip-off received on July 18, a team was deployed near the Mumbra bypass flyover bridge, where the suspect was expected to arrive. The man was intercepted in his car en route to Mumbra. Upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered and seized 1.209 kilograms of MD powder, with an estimated value of ₹1,69,26,000.

He was taken to the police station, and a case was registered against him under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

An investigating officer from Thane Crime Branch Unit One said they are currently probing the source of the contraband and its intended recipients. Efforts are also underway to determine how many others may be involved in the case. Further investigation is ongoing.

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Maharashtra

Air India Flight From Kochi Veers Off Runway While Landing At Mumbai Airport Amid Heavy Rains

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Mumbai: A major tragedy averted on Monday as Air India flight, AI2744, from Kochi veered off runway at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport amid heavy rains in the city. All passengers are reported to be safe.

As per Air India’s spokesperson, the flight experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft was taxied safely to the gate. All passengers and crew members deboarded the flight. The aircraft has been grounded for checks.

The hard landing reportedly caused damaged to the primary runway. Repair works are currently underway. Three tyres burst during the landing and the engine of the aircraft likely to have been damaged, Emergency teams were deployed to control the situation.

Visuals Of The Damaged Plane:

“An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai at 09.27 hours on 21 July 2025. CSMIA’s emergency response teams were immediately activated to manage the runway excursion,” a spokesperson for CSMIA said, as quoted by the media house.

“All passengers and crew are safe. There are minor damages reported to the airport’s primary runway – 09/27. In order to ensure continuity of operations, the Secondary Runway 14/32 has been activated. At CSMIA, safety always remains our highest priority,” the CSMIA spokesperson added.

Mumbai Rains:

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Monday, throwing normal life out of gear. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, leading to traffic disruption, especially in western and central suburbs. Local train services were also affected due to heavy showers. Local trains on the harbour line were reportedly running 20-25 minutes late.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the city during the week as the monsoon activity intensified. On Tuesday, moderate rainfall and overcast skies are expected, along with occasional thunderstorms. The overall temperature will remain mild, although humidity levels may remain steady.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai HC Acquits All Convicted in 2006 Train Blasts Case; Death Sentences Overturned

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Mumbai | July 21, 2025 — In a landmark verdict, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted in the 2006 Mumbai local train serial bomb blasts case, reversing the 2015 judgment of the MCOCA special court which had handed out death and life sentences.

The case (G.R. No. 05/2006, MCOCA Special Case No. 21/2006) pertains to the horrific series of bomb blasts that rocked the Western Railway suburban trains in Mumbai on July 11, 2006, killing over 180 people and injuring more than 800.

On September 30, 2015, the special MCOCA court had sentenced:

  • 5 accused to death,
  • 7 accused to life imprisonment,
  • while 1 accused was acquitted.

Following standard procedure, the death sentences were referred to the Bombay High Court for confirmation, and the convicted individuals filed appeals challenging their sentences.

A division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice S. G. Chapalgaonkar heard the matter extensively from *July 2024, with final arguments concluding on *January 27, 2025.

On July 21, 2025, the High Court delivered its judgment:

  • Rejected the death reference,
  • Allowed the appeals of all convicted individuals,
  • Set aside the 2015 convictions and sentences passed by the MCOCA special court.

Representing the Government of India and the state of Maharashtra were Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Raja Thakare and Special Public Prosecutor Chimalkar, who argued for upholding the original verdict.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Maharashtra, has stated that it is currently analyzing the High Court’s detailed judgment. Consultations are underway with legal experts and special prosecutors to determine the next course of legal action, which may include an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The verdict has sparked significant public and legal interest, as it not only impacts one of the most devastating terror incidents in Mumbai’s history but also raises serious questions about the prosecution’s evidence and investigation.

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