Mumbai, March 26: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) faces scrutiny over a proposal to divert Rs 90 crore from funds earmarked for widening and deepening the Mithi River and other water bodies to extend a flyover on the Ghatkopar–Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR).

While the proposal was approved by the civic standing committee, the opposition has demanded three years of inter-departmental transfer records, alleging the move signals weak financial planning.

Of the Rs 150 crore allocated in financial year 2025–26 for river widening, including the Mithi River, the BMC spent only Rs 10 crore. Now, Rs 90 crore of the unspent Rs 140.62 crore is proposed for extending the GMLR flyover toward the Sion-Panvel Highway at Vashi.

The proposal to shift funds was discussed at Wednesday’s standing committee. Congress leader Ashraf Azmi demanded formal recording of the proposal and a three-year fund-transfer audit, citing financial indiscipline and possibly unnecessary works.

BJP corporators Shital Gambhir and Priti Satam backed transparency, with Satam flagging repeated infrastructure failures along the Oshiwara River.

Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner, noted that payments to approved Mithi River contractors have been cleared, while blacklisted contractors received nothing, leaving part of the funds unutilised.

He warned that any unspent amount must be used by the end of March or it will lapse. Approving the fund transfer, Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde directed the administration to take into account members’ suggestions raised during the discussion.

The GMLR flyover extension comprises two arms — a 1,473-metre stretch up to 8.5 metres wide toward Vashi, and a 1,930-metre return arm. Built with a modern steel-composite structure, the project is estimated at Rs 1,051 crore and aims to ease congestion at Maharashtra Nagar junction in Mankhurd, where the GMLR meets the Sion-Panvel Highway.

However, with only Rs 344 crore currently available, the funds are insufficient to complete the project, for which tenders were floated in 2024–25. The BMC administration plans to reallocate funds from the river improvement budget.

Abu Dhabi, March 26: One Indian national was killed and another injured as two people died and three suffered injuries after the debris of a ballistic missile fell in UAE’s Abu Dhabi on Thursday following a successful interception by the country’s air defence systems.

“As part of the ongoing follow-up to the previously reported incident caused by falling debris following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems, the incident has resulted in the deaths of two individuals of Pakistani and Indian nationality, and in injuries ranging from serious to moderate sustained by three individuals of Emirati, Jordanian and Indian nationality,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office wrote on X.

“The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Abu Dhabi Media Office had said that authorities had responded to an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street after the missile was intercepted by air defence systems.

“Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving falling debris in Sweihan street, following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems. The incident resulted in the deaths of two unidentified individuals, three injuries, and damage to a number of cars. Further updates will be provided in due course,” Abu Dhabi Media Office posted on X.

“The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information,” it added.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia began on February 28 following the strikes carried out by Israel and the US on Iran, which resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targetting the US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals and allied forces in West Asia.

Earlier in the day, UAE’s Ministry of Defence said that its air defences were responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. It advised people to adhere to the safety and security instructions issued by the authorities.

In a statement shared on X, UAE’s Ministry of Defence said, “UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones.”

Mira Bhayandar, March 26: The Kashimira locality in Mira-Bhayandar was gripped by fear on Tuesday night following the brutal murder of a 40-year-old female housekeeper. The victim, identified as Suman Nawachi, was repeatedly stabbed with a sharp-edged weapon inside a flat within a prominent residential complex.

Suman Nawachi worked as a housekeeper for several families in the Chandesh Accord residential complex. The attack took place in a flat located in Building Number 27.

According to police reports, the assailant launched a violent attack, stabbing Suman twice in the abdomen, once in the chest, and once across the neck.

Despite being rushed immediately to Gurukrupa Hospital, doctors declared her dead on arrival due to the severity of her injuries.

Upon receiving the alert, Kashimira Police arrived at the scene along with a forensic team to secure the area and collect evidence. Police have seized the weapon used in the crime from the spot.

Investigating officers are currently scanning footage from all CCTV cameras in and around the complex to identify the suspect. Police are recording statements from neighbours and residents to determine if anyone witnessed the entry or exit of the attacker.

The cold-blooded nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through the Kashimira neighbourhood. Local authorities have increased patrolling in the area to reassure panicked residents.

“We are conducting the investigation with the utmost seriousness. Our primary goal is to uncover the motive behind this heinous act and apprehend the perpetrator at the earliest,” stated a senior police official.

While the motive remains unclear, forensic experts are analysing every aspect of the crime scene to provide leads.