National News
MNS extends support to Shinde faction in Kalyan Dombivli civic body
Kalyan, Jan 21: In a dramatic twist following the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has extended its support to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Explaining the rationale behind this move, MNS former legislator Raju Patil on Wednesday clarified that the decision was made to ensure political stability and prioritise local development over power struggles.
The Shiv Sena-UBT received a major blow in the wake of the MNS decision to support the Shinde faction in KDMC, as both brothers had contested elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other civic bodies on a common cause of “safeguarding the interest” of the ‘Marathi Manoos’ and the Marathi identity.
Speaking to the media at Konkan Bhavan after registering the party’s group of corporators, Raju Patil, who met Shiv Sena MPs Shrikant Shinde and Naresh Mhaske, stated, “The game of numbers and the constant threat of switching sides was not coming to an end. This chaos would have likely continued during the upcoming committee elections as well. To bring stability to the city, we decided to support the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.”
Addressing questions about why the MNS chose to join the ruling side, Patil emphasised that the party’s five corporators would be more effective in serving the public from within the government.
“The people of Kalyan-Dombivli are tired of the politics of poaching. Our decision is not for personal gain or selfishness. By being part of the power structure, we can maintain oversight and ensure development work is completed. We are moving forward with a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) focused on public interest,” Patil added.
Patil revealed that the local leadership briefed MNS chief Raj Thackeray on the complex political arithmetic of the region. “Saheb (Raj Thackeray) told us to take whatever decision was necessary based on the local situation. We have acted accordingly,” he said.
Responding to the fact that MNS had contested in alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) in several areas, Patil noted that local dynamics often differ from state-level alliances.
He pointed out that some corporators had gone missing after the results, prompting concerns for the safety and integrity of their own winning candidates. MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said that such alliances take place on the “local level”.
The KDMC election had thrown up a fractured verdict. In the 122-member corporation, the Shiv Sena won 53 seats, narrowly ahead of the BJP, which secured 51. The majority mark stands at 62, making post-poll support crucial.
Speaking to reporters, Shrikant Shinde said the MNS had extended support “for development” and asserted that the Mayor in Kalyan-Dombivli would be from the ruling Mahayuti.
He said there had been no discussion yet on the allocation of posts and that a final decision would be taken by senior leaders.
“We will not sideline the BJP. Discussions will be held between Ravindra Chavan and Eknath Shinde. Even if the Thackeray Sena comes with us, it will be welcomed,” he said.
With the support of five MNS corporators and claims of support from four corporators elected on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has strengthened its position, though it is yet to formally demonstrate majority support.
Of the four Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators whose support is being claimed, two were originally associated with the MNS and had contested the election on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol, while the other two had fought on a Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket after being denied nominations by the Shinde-led Sena. The developments have dealt a setback to the Shiv Sena (UBT), which had won 11 seats in the KDMC elections.
During the group registration process at Konkan Bhavan on Wednesday, only seven Shiv Sena-UBT corporators were present, triggering speculation. Party sources later said two of them were in touch with the Shinde camp, while the remaining two had joined the MNS.
In response, the UBT faction registered its own group with the Konkan Divisional Commissioner and submitted a letter seeking disqualification proceedings against the two corporators suspected of aligning with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing defection norms.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena-UBT corporators Swapnil Kene and Rahul Kot joined the MNS. Both were originally associated with the party, and their induction increased the MNS’ strength in the corporation.
Crime
Man found dead inside car in Patna, police probe gunshot angle

Patna, Oct 3: Panic spread in Patna Rajiv Nagar area after the body of a man was found inside a car parked outside Jamuna Palace on Friends Colony Road No. 4 on Saturday, officials said.
Preliminary information reveals that the man may have lost his life due to a gunshot injury. According to initial reports, a firearm and a spent cartridge were also found inside the car.
However, police have not yet officially determined whether the incident was a case of suicide, homicide, murder, or an accidental discharge.
After receiving information about the incident, police reached the spot and recovered the body from the vehicle. The area was secured as investigators began collecting evidence.
Police are examining the firearm and cartridge to determine whether they are linked to the death. Investigators are also trying to establish whether anyone else was present in the vehicle and reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the incident.
Police are expected to examine CCTV footage from the surrounding area to determine who was near the vehicle before the incident.
The identity and background of the deceased, along with his mobile phone, call records, and recent contacts, are also likely to form part of the investigation. Police are also establishing contact with the family members of the deceased.
Forensic examination of the vehicle, report of the firearm, and other evidence could provide further clues about how the shooting occurred, police said.
Despite reports of a gunshot injury and the recovery of a weapon and spent cartridge, police have not yet officially classified the incident as murder or suicide. The circumstances surrounding the death are expected to become clearer after the postmortem examination and forensic analysis.
Police are investigating all possible angles and have yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident.
The discovery of the body attracted a crowd in the densely populated Rajiv Nagar area, while police continued their investigation at the scene.
Crime
13-year-old girl found hanging at home in Bengal; family alleges rape, blackmail by man

Kolkata, Sep 3: Tension prevailed in the Gaighata area of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district after the body of a 13-year-old schoolgirl was found hanging at her home, police said on Saturday. The family has alleged that the minor was raped and blackmailed by a 32-year-old local youth, and claimed that she may have taken the extreme step due to mental distress.
The Class 8 student was found hanging by her family members on Friday night. Police reached the spot after being informed, recovered the body, and sent it to the hospital for an autopsy. Police said the exact cause of her death is being investigated.
According to the family, the girl had allegedly been in contact with the 32-year-old youth for about a year. They alleged that a few months ago, the youth called her to his house, where his mother allegedly took the girl into a room and locked the door from outside. The family further alleged that the youth sexually assaulted the minor inside the room.
The family also accused the youth of blackmailing the girl with objectionable photographs and videos. The girl’s mother alleged that the accused used the material to intimidate her daughter and force her to meet him. She claimed that the girl was sometimes called away on the pretext of going to school or for other reasons, and was threatened with the circulation of the photographs and videos if she refused.
The girl’s father said the family initially did not know about her contact with the youth. After learning about it, he warned his daughter against maintaining the relationship. However, he alleged that the youth continued to meet her and even threatened to attack her with acid.
The family has also alleged that the girl was forcibly made to wear conch shell bangles and vermilion at the youth’s house. They claimed that she did not consent to the alleged marriage and was later brought back home by her mother.
Following the girl’s death, the family submitted a written complaint at Gaighata police station and demanded strict punishment against the accused. Police said they have launched an investigation based on the complaint.
No arrest has been reported so far. Police said the allegations, circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and the other claims made by the family are being examined as part of the investigation.
National News
Three of family killed, girl injured as speeding trailer truck runs over motorcycle in MP’s Dhar

Dhar, Oct 3: Three members of a family were killed and an 11-year-old girl was seriously injured after a speeding trailer truck ran over their motorcycle in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday morning, police said.
The accident occurred early morning near Pitgara intersection on the Lebad-Nayagaon four-lane highway when Rahul (35), his wife Pooja (30) and their two daughters were travelling from Bada Kathodiya village to their farm in Kherwas for garlic sowing.
The trailer, coming from the Petlawad side, allegedly hit the motorcycle and ran over the family, according to police.
Rahul, Pooja and their 13-year-old daughter Suman died on the spot, while their other daughter Shivani sustained serious injuries and was admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Following the accident, family members of the victims and villagers gathered at the spot and staged a sit-in protest on the four-lane highway, demanding action against the truck driver and safety measures at the intersection.
The protest brought traffic on the highway to a standstill for nearly two-and-a-half hours, resulting in a traffic jam stretching around two kilometres on both sides.
Several passenger buses and school vehicles were also stranded.
SDM Priyanka Mimrot, Tehsildar Suresh Nagar, SDOP Arvind Singh Tomar and Badnawar police station in-charge Amit Singh Kushwaha reached the spot and held talks with the protesters.
“The administration has assured the villagers that strict action will be taken against the trailer driver and necessary safety measures will be ensured at the spot,” SDM Mimrot said.
The protesters withdrew the blockade after receiving assurances from the officials that safety measures would be implemented at the site.
“The road was cleared after discussions with the family and villagers. Action will be taken according to law against those found responsible for the accident,” an official said.
Police have started an investigation into the accident and are taking further action.
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