Mumbai, Oct 14: Launching a scathing attack on the Opposition INDIA Bloc, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, on Wednesday alleged that marching towards the Supreme Court to exert pressure on the judiciary is a direct insult to constitutional institutions.

Addressing the media after a weekly Cabinet meeting, he claimed, “Holding the Constitution in one hand while pressuring constitutional bodies with the other, is a clear attempt to create anarchy in the country, which will strictly not be tolerated.”

Shinde emphasised that organising protests to pressurise an apex constitutional body like the Supreme Court is a serious matter.

He noted that the Constitution provides independent status to institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Election Commission, and any attempt to undermine them amounts to disrespecting the constitutional framework itself.

“The possibility of foreign powers conspiring behind these demonstrations cannot be ruled out,” he alleged, warning the public to stay vigilant against forces attempting to instigate instability. He further stated that creating distrust against constitutional bodies to build false narratives is detrimental to national interest.

Shinde further informed that the Maharashtra Cabinet passed a congratulatory resolution honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in public leadership (serving as Chief Minister and Prime Minister), which will be formally sent to him.

He highlighted that under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s global stature has soared, with 36 nations conferring their highest civilian honours upon him. Contrasting India’s economic trajectory, he noted that prior to 2014, India was counted among the ‘Fragile Five’ economies, whereas today it stands among the top five global economies and is advancing toward the fourth spot.

With the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, over 25 crore people have risen out of multidimensional poverty, and nearly 80 crore citizens receive food grain support.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, Shinde remarked that late Balasaheb Thackeray’s dreams of abrogation of Article 370 and building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya remained pending under the Congress’ rule but were fulfilled under PM Modi.

“During Congress rule, terror attacks were met with mere diplomatic letters. Following Pahalgam, PM Modi’s leadership ensured the destruction of terror launchpads inside Pakistan, showing the world a new India that does not write letters but delivers a direct response,” he alleged.

Turning to the agricultural crisis in the state, Shinde informed that the severe drought situation led the government to expand the list of declared drought-hit talukas from 265 to 305. The state is offering 12 major relief concessions, including loan recovery stays, debt restructuring, student fee waivers, and fodder and water supply assistance. He announced that Rs 5,000 financial aid each will be deposited directly into the accounts of drought-affected farmers before Diwali.

“The primary right over the state treasury belongs to the farmers and we will not leave them in the lurch,” he assured.

A central team has already conducted inspections across affected areas, and PM Modi held a 30-minute discussion with Shinde, assuring full central support alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Questioning the Opposition’s priorities, Shinde asked, “In times of drought, what is more important—the farmers or protests against the Supreme Court?”

Concluding his address, he remarked, “Modi doesn’t care about detractors; he keeps working. A lion is not frightened by the noise of jackals,” reiterating that the nation’s path remains focussed on development, national security, and farmer welfare.

Mumbai: During a patrol, the Ghatkopar Unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell detained an individual standing near the garden outside Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station—close to the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road bridge in Tilak Nagar, Chembur (East), Mumbai—on suspicion of selling narcotics.

Upon searching him, 22.960 kg of ‘ganja’ (cannabis) was recovered from his possession. He was subsequently arrested, and a case was registered against him under Sections 8(c) and 20(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Interrogation revealed that the accused had brought the contraband from the state of Odisha to Mumbai for sale. The arrested individual has been identified as Manish Kumar Baijnath Chaudhary, aged 25.
A total of 22.960 kg of ganja, valued at approximately ₹11,48,000, was seized from the accused.

This successful operation was carried out under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Deven Bharti, along with Anil Kumbhare, Krishnakant Upadhyay, and DCP Purnima Chougule-Shringi.

Mumbai, Oct 14: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has intensified its operations against the network linked to Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti after the latter was declared a terrorist organisation, with intelligence inputs suggesting that around 16 handlers associated with the network are on its hit list.

The handlers reportedly include Amal Gujjar, Abad Jat, Farooq Khokhar, Jaffar Supari, Shani Tiger, Rana Hunain, Hassan Gujjar, Sohail Ahmed alias Sohail Baloch, Sardar Zorasingh alias Dogar, Yawar Khan, Hammad Menon, Sohail Chaudhary, Sheikh Salman, Sarfaraz Dogar, Abu Musa, Nomi Khan and Munna Zingada.

According to intelligence inputs, the handlers are allegedly attempting to create unrest in India through their network, with several members believed to be active within the country. Young people are reportedly being lured into the network through tasks such as recording videos of specific locations, putting up posters promoting terror activities and sharing information, including the contact details of ministers.

In return, the youths are allegedly offered money, weapons or opportunities to travel abroad. Investigating agencies are closely monitoring these activities, and individuals interacting with members of the network could come under scrutiny. Authorities may also initiate legal action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), depending on the nature of the activities and available evidence.

Shahzad Bhatti and his handlers reportedly face more than 100 cases across Delhi, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra and Punjab. Punjab accounts for the highest number, with 25 cases, including 20 registered under the UAPA, according to the information available.

The Maharashtra ATS has appealed to citizens to exercise caution while interacting with unknown or suspicious individuals on social media. It has also advised parents to monitor their children’s online activities and remain alert to sudden changes in their behaviour.

The agency has warned people against offers promising easy money, noting that seemingly harmless tasks assigned by strangers could potentially be linked to larger terror-related activities.

Citizens have also been urged not to believe or circulate rumours that could threaten national unity or disturb law and order. The ATS has asserted that those involved in anti-national activities will face action under the law.

Earlier in September, the Union government declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the UAPA, according to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry.

The ministry said the organisation was involved in the cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, besides allegedly radicalising youths and petty criminals and drawing them into terrorist activities.

The network had also allegedly disseminated hateful digital content targeting India’s democratic institutions and communal harmony.

The Home Ministry said the designation was part of the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.