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Maharashtra

Mathadi Act to stay; 3,000 workers to get homes in Wadala, says Maha CM

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Mumbai, Sep 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday categorically ruled out any move to repeal the historic Mathadi Act, assuring workers that the legislation providing social security and legal protection to Mathadi labourers would remain intact and would be strengthened further.

He also announced that around 3,000 Mathadi workers would be provided housing in Wadala and that the Vashi APMC Market would be redeveloped into a world-class facility with a long-term vision for the next five decades.

He made these remarks while addressing a labour rally organised at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi to mark the 93rd birth anniversary of the late MLA Annasaheb Patil, founder of the Mathadi movement.

Reaffirming protection under the Mathadi Act, CM Fadnavis stated that the law acts as a protective shield for workers. Addressing rumors that the law might be repealed, he assured that the government would strengthen it rather than let it end.

However, he noted that certain unauthorised groups operating in the name of the labour movement are damaging workers’ interests. “To curb these unauthorised elements and protect genuine labourers, a high-level meeting with labour leaders and officials will be convened soon to take strict action,” he added.

He also commended Marketing Minister Jayakumar Rawal and the Labour Department for strictly implementing the rule capping gunny bag weights at 50 kg.

CM Fadnavis further announced that the empowerment and restructuring of all 36 Mathadi Boards in the state have been initiated. Independent panel audits will be conducted to ensure operational transparency. Pending issues regarding wages, Provident Fund (PF), gratuity, bonus, house rent allowance (HRA), and accident compensation will be resolved promptly.

He said obstacles regarding the Wadala housing project have been cleared with the necessary FSI and approvals granted, paving the way for around 3,000 Mathadi workers to receive modern homes. He added that the state government will strive to launch additional housing projects for workers in the future.

Emphasising the modernisation of the Vashi APMC Market, the Chief Minister noted that the market established 50 years ago was once a major commercial hub in Asia. Given changing trade dynamics and increasing turnover, the Vashi market will be redeveloped to international standards, with the government providing all required underground and above-ground FSI. This modern international market will create more sustainable employment opportunities for Mathadi workers.

Calling upon the next generation of Mathadi workers, CM Fadnavis encouraged workers’ children not to limit themselves to manual labour but to pursue professions in medicine, engineering, chartered accountancy and civil services. Special schemes for higher education and skill development will be formulated through the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) with full support from the state government.

“We stand firmly with you,” he assured the workers.

State Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and Marketing Minister Jayakumar Rawal, who also addressed the gathering, reiterated the government’s commitment to worker welfare, educational advancement and the modernisation of both labour-related facilities and the Vashi market infrastructure.

Maharashtra

Two men arrested for forcibly pulling a woman’s gold chain and fleeing in Kandivali, a case of theft registered against both

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On October 6, in the jurisdiction of the Kandivali Police Station, an elderly woman was walking home from the market. Under the pretext of helping her cross the road, unidentified thieves followed her close to her home; while she was seated, they forcibly snatched the gold chain from her neck and fled. Based on the complainant’s statement, the Kandivali Police registered a case (Case No. 1450/2026) under Section 309(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The stolen item was an antique gold chain, weighing approximately 17 grams and valued at Rs. 2,00,000.

Under the guidance of the DCP (Zone 2), the Kandivali Police formed three teams to track down the suspects. The officers and personnel conducted a technical investigation at the crime scene and the surrounding area. During this process, the Kandivali Police team learned that a case of motorcycle theft had been registered at the Kasturba Marg Police Station (Case No. 760/2026, under Section 303(2) of the BNS). A police team was subsequently formed at the Kasturba Marg Police Station to investigate that case as well.

Following this, four separate teams from the Kandivali and Kasturba Marg Police Stations—utilizing technical investigation methods and information from informants—identified the suspects wanted in connection with these crimes. On November 9, information was received that the wanted suspects were expected to arrive in the vicinity of Dadar Railway Station that night. Acting on the aforementioned information, police set a trap at Dadar Railway Station and, following a skillful investigation, took both suspects into custody. The suspects are Pramod Prabhakar Jatar (43, unemployed, residing at Room No. 07, 4th Floor, Sunshine Garden, Nalasopara East, Palghar District) and Mohammad Shahid Alauddin Khan (47, a tempo driver, residing at Azad Nagar, Gate No. 08, Ambojwadi, Malwani, Malad, Mumbai). Further interrogation regarding the crime revealed their involvement, leading to their formal arrest. During the investigation, police recovered a gold chain (weighing approximately 17 grams, valued at Rs. 2,00,000) that had been forcibly stolen, as well as the motorcycle used to commit the crime—a vehicle that had previously been reported stolen from the jurisdiction of the Kasturba Marg Police Station.
The investigation teams from the Kandivali and Kasturba Marg Police Stations demonstrated commendable performance; through tireless effort and professional skill—from the initial registration of the case to its resolution—they have fostered a sense of security among the public and enhanced the image of the Mumbai Police.

This operation was carried out under the guidance of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Shashi Kumar Meena, and DCP Sandeep Ghuge.

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Crime

‘Conspiracy, not accident’: NCP on Ajit Pawar death

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Amid ongoing political allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the plane crash involving late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief National Spokesperson Umesh Patil on Wednesday made a sensational statement.

Patil claimed that it is his “gut feeling” that Ajitdada’s death was not merely an accident, but a suspected conspiracy. He also clarified that Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, and Jay Pawar are actively pursuing this matter.

Earlier, senior Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam had directly demanded an inquiry into NCP Maharashtra President and MP Sunil Tatkare over Ajit Pawar’s plane crash, levelling serious allegations against him.

While NCP leaders were responding to these allegations, Umesh Patil’s expression of doubt regarding the tragedy has once again given a new political turn to the case.

Expressing suspicion over Ajit Pawar’s plane crash, Patil said, “Based on my close association and observations of various things, and considering the sequence of events during the tragedy and the potential reasons behind it, I feel that this was not an accident, but a conspiracy.”

He added that appropriate follow-up is underway on the right platform, with Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, and Jay Pawar also making efforts in this regard.

Speaking on the investigation into the plane crash, Patil noted that the incident involves multiple technical aspects and stated that it would not be appropriate to comment further until the reports from relevant investigative agencies are released.

Following Ramdas Kadam’s allegations, Patil’s raising of suspicions regarding the crash is likely to heat the political atmosphere in the state once again.

Meanwhile, NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar announced that he will address a major press conference in Mumbai on November 14 or 15 to unveil crucial findings regarding the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

The statement comes amidst heightened political tension and allegations of foul play following the crash of the VSR Ventures Learjet 45 near Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026.

Calling his scheduled November 14/15 press conference his “most important presentation,” Rohit Pawar stated that he plans to present key evidence, phone records, and technical observations surrounding the final moments of the flight.

He reiterated that a large segment of the public in Maharashtra suspects the crash was not a mere accident, but a potential case of foul play.

He criticised the state government and investigating agencies for moving at a “saintly pace” and failing to register a formal FIR to resolve growing public suspicion.

Responding to a question about the allegations made by senior Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam against NCP state president Sunil Tatkare in connection with the plane crash, Rohit Pawar reacted to these allegations.

“I have not heard what Ramdas Kadam has accused. But some people called and told me that Ramdas Kadam has linked Sunil Tatkare’s name to Ajit Pawar’s accident. My only opinion is that the investigation into Ajit Pawar’s accident is not being done in the way it should be,” he alleged.

“We suspect that Ajit Pawar’s accident was a case of sabotage. But the people in power are not dispelling that suspicion,” he said.

He added that the investigation is not going in the right direction, adding that the investigation of Ajit Dada is going on at a snail’s pace.

“We are also starting to have doubts about the investigation. The people in power are deliberately not investigating properly. Still, let Diwali happen once. On November 14 or 15, I will give my last and most important presentation of many days in Mumbai. The revelations I am going to make in that regard will definitely be surprising for you,” he said.

He further added that every person in Maharashtra has doubts about Ajit Pawar’s accident.

Saying that 90 per cent of people suspect that Ajit’s accident was not an accident but a hit-and-run, he added, “We also have the same opinion.”

He said that if an FIR is not filed in this case in a state like Maharashtra, then the ruling party is saving the person responsible for Ajit’s accident.

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Maharashtra

Kurla: Police alert after Vinod Pawar shot at Halaupal, personal enmity suspected. Additional Commissioner and DCP also at the scene, investigation underway.

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Panic gripped the McDwala Compound in the Halavpul area of ​​Kurla, Mumbai, when unidentified assailants opened fire on Vinod Pawar. The attack, carried out by unknown assailants—identified as his rivals—occurred at 12:40 PM, leaving Vinod severely injured. He was admitted to the nearby Bhabha Hospital, where his condition is reported to be critical. The assailants did not target Vinod alone; they also fired shots into the ground. Following the incident, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. DCP Ganesh Shinde and Additional Commissioner of Police (East Region) Dhananjay Kulkarni inspected the crime scene, and a forensic team has been called in to assist with the investigation. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the shooting was the result of an old enmity involving Vinod Pawar; the police are now examining every aspect of the case. DCP Ganesh Shinde stated that the incident took place within the jurisdiction of the V.B. Nagar Police Station at 12:40 PM, where 40-year-old Vinod Ellappa Pawar was fired upon by his rivals due to a long-standing feud. The injured Vinod Pawar has been admitted to a nearby hospital. Police sources stated that a shooting incident had occurred here previously as well, and now a second such incident has taken place; consequently, the police have issued an alert. The matter is being investigated from every angle. DCP Ganesh Shinde has begun questioning individuals in the area, including eyewitnesses. Since the incident took place in broad daylight, evidence—including CCTV footage and other relevant documentation—has been collected.

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