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Maharashtra

Mira-Bhayandar: MBMC Seeks 110 Cr Funds From MMRDA; To Resolve BSUP Housing Project

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Mira-Bhayandar: A delegation comprising senior officials from the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) led by legislators- Pratap Sarnaik and Geeta Jain met newly appointed commissioner of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to discuss various issues mainly- disbursal of funds for the lingering Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) housing project in Kashimira and ongoing work of the Metro Rail (line 9).

Launched in 2009, the BSUP aimed at enhancing the living standards of the urban poor, has scripted history of sorts by missing multiple deadlines as thousands of displaced slum dwellers are staring at an uncertain future for the past more than a decade. The looming overheads- especially dues of contractors have adversely impacted the speed of construction to complete the multi-storeyed towers buildings and rehabilitate slum dwellers.

MBMC complains about receiving less funds for project

After unsuccessfully exploring options to merge the project with the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana, the cash strapped MBMC had approached the MMRDA to bail them out with a loan to complete the project. Following the intervention of chief minister- Eknath Shinde, the MMRDA complied and gave its nod to pump funds amounting ₹150 crore. However, the MBMC claims to have received only ₹40 crore so far.

MMRDA chief prompts aggrieved party to do the needful

The MBMC had identified two slum clusters — Janta Nagar and Kranti Nagar – to construct 4,136 housing units with a carpet area of 279 sq.ft. per unit in 2009. However, due to inordinate delays the central government reduced the number of units from 4,136 to 2,160. Ironically, only 473 slum dwellers have been rehabilitated in the lingering project as thousands of other eligible beneficiaries continue to live in transit accommodations. The delegation also discussed issues including- speeding up the tendering process of relocating the proposed car shed to government-owned vacant land parcels in Uttan, increasing the speed and repairing roads battered due to ongoing Metro Rail work. “The MMRDA chief patiently heard our grievances and demands while assuring us to do the needful in a time bound manner.” said Sarnaik. 

Maharashtra

Hafiz Tauseef Ansari arrested for links to Pakistani terrorist organization, other terrorist organizations mislead and trap youth: Investigative agencies claim

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After a raid by the Andhra Police ATS and the local police station in Malegaon, Mumbai, the police have claimed to have arrested a suspected youth from the Nomani Nagar area. The above-mentioned youth was active on social media and along with his activities on social media, he was in contact with the enemy country Pakistani terrorist organization. The accused has been arrested on this allegation. Along with this, a case has also been registered against the accused in the Dharmapur Town Police Station in Andhra. Maharashtra ATS and intelligence agencies have also interrogated him. The accused has been identified as Hafiz Tauseef Aslam Ansari. He is a tailor by profession and was also active on social media. Whether he came in contact with the Pakistani terrorist organization knowingly or intentionally, or he knew about it, the police are investigating him. The arrest of Hafiz Tauseef has created a sensation in Malegaon. After the arrest of Tauseef in Malegaon, the police have also seized his mobile phone and other documents and have also expanded the scope of the investigation. An investigation is underway to determine whether he has any criminal case registered against him, along with his suspicious activities and the number of times he has provided information related to India to terrorist organizations. His social media accounts are also being examined and monitored. Earlier, the Maharashtra ATS had arrested several youths, including a young PIO on charges of having links with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Many youths have also been trapped in the PIO’s honey trap. The PIO’s method is such that first the PIO regularly talks to an Indian citizen and the girl then makes her pictures and pornographic videos public. After threatening to make the pornographic chat public, they lure him with money and transfer money to the account. In such a situation, the intelligence agencies are obliged to take action against such youths. There are many youths who unknowingly fall for this misleading propaganda and get badly trapped. Therefore, one should remain alert and avoid the misuse of social media.

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Crime

Mumbai: Malad Police Arrest Trio For ATM Card Theft, Fraudulent Withdrawals Across City

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Three people were arrested by Malad Police for allegedly stealing ATM cards from unsuspecting bank customers. The accused discreetly noted down PINs and later withdrew money from victims’ accounts, targeting ATMs in Andheri, Bandra, Kandivali, Borivali, Chembur, and Malad this month alone.

The latest case was reported on October 8 in Malad. A 55-year-old man’s ATM card got stuck while withdrawing cash. The accused helped retrieve the card while secretly noting his PIN, later stealing the card and fraudulently withdrawing Rs 40,000 from his account.

After the complaint, a team led by Senior Inspector Dushyant Chavan analyzed CCTV footage and traced the suspects. Monitoring their movements, police followed a vehicle to Chembur and identified its owner, who admitted hiring the car to the three accused.

The arrested individuals are Mohammad Aarif Khan, 47, a chauffeur; Abdul Haqiq Khan, 34, a truck driver; and Danish Khan, 23, a labourer. Abdul Haqiq and Danish have prior criminal records in Uttar Pradesh.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai’s Rising Skyline, Falling Safety: Repeated Tragedies Expose Grim Reality At Construction Sites

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Mumbai: On October 8, two separate incidents reminded the city once again of this grim reality. In Jogeshwari East, 22-year-old Sanskruti Amin lost her life when a cement block fell from an under-construction building, fatally striking her on the head. On the same day, in Chembur, a 46-year-old labourer plunged to his death from the 13th floor while plastering a wall.

Relatives of both victims have accused the builders of negligence, alleging that basic safety norms were ignored. “If helmets or safety nets had been in place, these deaths could have been prevented,” said one relative, visibly angry at the developers’ indifference.

Unfortunately, these are not isolated incidents. Just fifteen days later, yet another construction worker died under similar circumstances — this time, the developer had reportedly failed to provide safety harnesses.

Despite the frequency of such tragedies, accountability remains rare. Police cases, if filed at all, usually target the on-site supervisor or contractor. Developers — who are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with safety norms — often escape scrutiny.

According to labour activists, Mumbai witnesses several such deaths every year, many of which go unreported or are quietly settled. “Workers’ lives are treated as cheap. There is no system to monitor safety compliance effectively,” said an activist who has been tracking such incidents.

Many small and mid-level builders cut corners to save costs, skipping helmets, harnesses, barricades, and safety training altogether. In the meantime, the families of victims are left to fight lengthy legal battles or simply move on, with little hope of justice or compensation.

Adv. Bhimesh Mutula, Secretary of the Maharashtra State Nurses and Labour Workers’ Association, stated, “Safety norms in new constructions and redevelopment projects remain only on paper. The safety of workers, structural inspections at construction sites, and physical inspections by the concerned authorities are being seriously neglected. It is very painful that even after the death or accident of workers, their families do not receive justice or compensation.”

Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP President and MLA Ameet Satam has written to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, demanding a thorough probe into the Sanskruti Amin incident. Satam also urged the BMC to conduct a citywide audit of all under-construction sites to ensure compliance with safety norms.
The demand follows the tragic death of 22-year-old Amin, who was killed by a falling brick from a redevelopment site in Jogeshwari East on October 8. Around 1,000 residents joined a protest march on Sunday, demanding action against the builder.

“It has been brought to my notice that there were prior complaints regarding safety norms not being followed at the said site, and no action was taken. If these allegations are true, the BMC administration should take immediate action against the concerned officials,” Satam said.

He further called for stringent safety checks across the city. “The BMC must audit all under-construction sites to check whether safety norms are being followed. Any violations must be rectified at the earliest. In the interest of public safety, a stop-work notice should be issued until compliance is ensured,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BMC’s Building Proposal Department, which grants permissions for new constructions and redevelopment, stated that it is the responsibility of the owner, builder, developer, architect, and other professionals to take all precautionary measures on-site to avoid any mishap.

‘Special Safety Control Guidelines’ were issued by the State Urban Development Department in August 2025 for construction activities in high-rises. Some of the key recommendations include the appointment of safety officers, safety measures for façade and height work, and the safeguarding of adjacent areas as part of the Building Proposal’s Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) conditions.

“As per the provision of DCPR 2034 Clause 12(5), it is the responsibility of the builder on record to ensure necessary safety precautions are taken on-site and in its immediate surroundings. The grant of IOD does not render BMC liable for any injury or damages whatsoever. In simple words, when the builder is permitted to start work, he accepts full responsibility for compliance with safety norms,” said a senior BMC officer.

The officer added that while the BMC does inspect construction sites, the visits are not frequent.

A police officer said, “When a complaint is received regarding unauthorised construction, the police stop the construction and inform the municipal authorities. The police cannot take direct action. Based on the municipal corporation’s directions and the complaint, a case is then registered against those responsible. If the municipal body requests police protection for the demolition of such illegal structures, the police provide security. However, if the police register a case against unauthorised construction, they must obtain approval from the municipal corporation for further action.”

A retired police officer added that this process often leads to significant delays.

The complete responsibility for the safety of workers at a building construction site lies with the concerned builder, contractor, or supervisor. It is the duty of the relevant administrative authorities to ensure that proper facilities and safety measures are provided at the construction site.

If safety measures are not in place and a worker dies as a result, a preliminary investigation is conducted, and a case is registered against those responsible, followed by further legal action, according to a police official.

As the skyline of Mumbai continues to rise, it does so on a shaky foundation not of cement and steel, but of ignored safety measures and forgotten lives. Until strict accountability is enforced, more such headlines will continue to remind the city of the price paid for negligence.

Key Facts

Fifteen days later, another worker died due to lack of safety harnesses.

Developers reportedly failed to provide proper safety measures.

Police cases usually target supervisors or contractors; developers often escape scrutiny.

Victims’ families often face long legal battles or give up hope for justice.

Many such deaths go unreported or are quietly settled.

Many small and mid-level builders skip safety gear and training to cut costs.

Builders, developers, and architects are fully responsible for on-site safety.

Safety Guidelines

Special Safety Control Guidelines (August 2025) for High-Rise Construction Include:

Appointment of safety officers.

Safety for façade and height work.

Protection of adjacent areas.
A senior BMC officer admitted that inspections are carried out but not frequently.

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