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Maharashtra

Mahim Nature Park cannot be exploited for development: Bombay HC

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Even as the Maharashtra government assured the Bombay High Court that the Mahim Nature Park (MNP) was not included in the Dharavi Redevelopment Plan (DRP), the HC on Monday observed that the the park cannot be exploited for development so long as it is reserved as a “Nature Park” in the Development Plan.

A division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) SV Gangapurwala said: “So long as the Development Plan shows it as a Nature Park, no other activity can be carried out.” 

The bench disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Vanashakti and activist Zoru Bhathena after the Deputy Collector and Special Land Acquisition officer of the DRP with the Slum Redevelopment Authority (SRA) clarified that the MNP has been excluded from the DRP.

Disposing of the PIL, the HC noted: “The affidavit specifically and succinctly states that Mahim Nature Park (MNP) is excluded from the DRP and same is not going to be developed under the project. MNP is shown as reserved for the Nature park in the Development Plan and there cannot be any other usage so long as the development plan stands. The same certainly cannot be developed for any other purposes” the court said in its order.” 

The redevelopment of Dharavi, Asia’s biggest slum, has been under consideration for over three decades. However, only recently the Adani Group bagged the Rs 5,069 crore bid for redevelopment.

The PIL alleged that MNP, which was declared as a protected forest in 1991, may be unlawfully included in the DRP. The petitioners expressed apprehension pointing out that the October 2022 tender grants the right to acquire “excluded areas” (including MNP) for the project.

During the previous hearing, the high court had directed the SRA to clarify if MNP will be part of the project or not.

“Mahim Nature Park has already been excluded from the DRP and further that the Mahim Nature Park is not a part of the DRP”, read the affidavit filed by Pratibha Ingle, deputy collector and special land acquisition officer for the DRP with the SRA. 

Also pre-bid clarification was issued to queries raised by prospective bidders wherein it was clearly stated that “… However, it is amply made clear that the Mahim Nature Park is not proposed to be included in the Dharavi Redevelopment Project…” read the affidavit by SRA, which was represented by senior advocate Milind Sathe and advocate Aparna Vatkar. 

After going through the affidavit, the court opined that it was amply clear, so long as the MNP was part of the DP Plan as a Nature park, it couldn’t be redeveloped and disposed of the PIL. 

Maharashtra

Local Police Arrest Suspect in Mira Road House Looting Incident

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Mumbai: In an unusual turn of events, Mira Road police have successfully apprehended a suspect believed to be involved in a recent house looting incident that had left local residents unsettled. The arrest, which was made early Friday morning, follows an intensive investigation launched after the break-in was reported to authorities.

According to the police report, the incident occurred earlier this week when the occupant of the residential property returned home to find it ransacked. Valuables, including jewelry and electronic devices, were reported missing. The meticulous efforts by the investigating officers, including gathering CCTV footage and conducting neighborhood inquiries, played a crucial role in identifying and locating the suspect.

The accused, whose identity has been withheld pending further investigation, was apprehended after a brief chase and later confessed to the crime during police interrogation. Authorities recovered a significant portion of the stolen items from the suspect’s possession.

Residents of Mira Road have expressed relief following the arrest, praising the police force for their rapid response and dedication to maintaining community safety. “We feel more secure knowing that the police are actively working to protect us,” said one local resident.

This incident has prompted the police to urge residents to enhance home security measures and report any suspicious activities immediately. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the area.

The suspect is currently in custody and will be presented in court later this week, as the police continue their investigation to determine if he is connected to any other recent burglaries in the vicinity.

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Maharashtra

Former SIMI Office-Bearer & Key Accused In Delhi-Padgha ISIS Terror Module Case, Saquib Abdul Hamid Nachan, Dies Following Brain Stroke

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Mumbai: Saquib Abdul Hamid Nachan (63), a former office-bearer of the banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and a key accused in the Delhi-Padgha ISIS terror module case, died after suffering a brain stroke. He was undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital and died about an hour before official sources confirmed the development.

Nachan was under investigation for his alleged involvement in aiding ISIS-linked operatives and was facing serious charges under anti-terror laws.

Nachan who was under judicial custody in Tihar Jail, was admitted to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital on Monday after suffering a stroke.

Due to the severity of his condition, he was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Wednesday morning for advanced medical care. According to National Investigation Agency (NIA) sources, Nachan was under close observation in the ICU prior to his death.

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Maharashtra

59-Year-Old Laundryman Dies After Drinking Stain Remover Mistaken For Cough Syrup In Lower Parel

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Mumbai: A 59-year-old laundryman from Lower Parel died after accidentally consuming a chemical used for removing stains from clothes, mistaking it for cough syrup. The incident occurred near Deepak Cinema in Jia Masoom Chawl, where the deceased, Sambhajit Rajai Dhobi, ran a small ironing shop. The NM Joshi Marg Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in the case.

Speaking to the media report, Senior Inspector Arvind Chandanshive of NM Joshi Marg Police Station said the incident occurred on the night of June 25 around 11:00 pm, when Sambhaji mistakenly consumed the stain remover chemical that had been stored in a cough syrup bottle. The next morning, between 7 and 8 am, he began vomiting blood and was rushed to KEM Hospital for treatment. However, despite efforts, he was declared dead by doctors at 3:20 pm on June 26.

Police said Sambhaji, who also worked as a clothes washer, had kept the chemical used for stain removal in a bottle typically used for cough syrup, which led to the fatal confusion.

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