Maharashtra
Modi documentary row: Mumbai Press Club condemns IT raids on BBC offices in Delhi, Mumbai

Mumbai: The Income-Tax Department raids at British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) premises in Delhi and Mumbai were strongly condemned by the Mumbai Press Club. A documentary on the Gujarat riots was aired by the broadcaster, and the searches in BBC offices come weeks after that.
“Media houses have been continuously attacked by the Union and some state governments for refusing to follow the government’s perspective, aimed at overawing and demoralizing them,” said the Press Club.
Press Club highlighted about the income tax raids carried out at various media offices in the recent times. They also alleged that houses and offices of journalists and promoters were raided after stories of government ineptitude and failure were done by them.
“In recent days, a series of coordinated income tax raids have been seen on the offices of Dainik Bhaskar Group, UP-based TV network Bharat Live, and news portals such as Newsclick and Newslaundry, among others. Not only have company offices and promoters’ homes been raided, but the homes of editors and ordinary journalists, too, have not been spared. Allegations of tax evasion have been cited by the agencies as justification, but the timing of these raids is too precise to miss the signal to the entire media: that if stories of government ineptitude and failure are carried, this is what will have to be faced,” stated Press Club.
Mumbai Press Club alleged that new laws were brought into action in recent times to bring media companies under the scanner of bureaucracy. This has brought danger to the democary.
“Journalists have been jailed earlier, and new laws such as the Digital IT rules have been framed, bringing media companies under the oversight of the higher bureaucracy. This is dangerous in a democracy. It is demanded that this intimidation be stopped, and journalists are left to do their jobs without fear or favour. The fourth estate is a pillar of democracy, and it will only be undermined by such actions,” said Mumbai Press Club.
About IT raids at BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai
The tax department raided BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai on Tuesday morning. The BBC’s offices are located on Kasturba Gandhi Marg in Delhi and Santacruz in Mumbai. The searches come amid the uproar over a documentary about Prime Minister Modi.
The mobile phones of the employees were seized, and many of them were asked to go home, according to initial reports.
After a day long of searches conducted by the Income Tax department on Tuesday, the operation continued all night to the next day today. The search operation is expected to continue all day today too.
Maharashtra
Police on High Alert for Bakra Eid: Action Against Communal Elements, Says Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre

Mumbai: As Bakra Eid approaches, the Thane police have heightened vigilance against communal elements and initiated actions to curb any attempts to disturb peace. In a press briefing, Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during this festive period. He stated that strict enforcement of the prohibition on cow slaughter in Maharashtra is mandatory, and violators will face severe consequences.
To ensure a peaceful environment, the police have increased patrolling in sensitive areas, including Kalyan, Ulhasnagar, Rabodi, Bhiwandi, and Mumbra, which have significant Muslim populations. Dumbre mentioned that additional deployment of forces will be in place during Bakra Eid and other festivities in the region.
The police commissioner emphasized that adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Municipal Corporation during the festival is essential. In collaboration with community leaders and scholars, the police have held meetings to ensure communal harmony. The Qureshi community reassured the police that they will refrain from sacrificing prohibited animals, underscoring a commitment to following the law.
To facilitate the arrival and purchase of goats before Eid, the police have stepped up patrols to prevent any potential difficulties. Precautionary measures have also been established to safeguard livestock traders from harassment. It is mandatory for goats and sacrificial animals to be air-tagged, which will only occur after a veterinary examination.
Commissioner Dumbre reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace and that fostering communal harmony is crucial during this time. In light of the upcoming festivities, the police have issued an alert within the police commissionerate. Special arrangements will be made at Eidgahs and mosques during Bakra Eid. He urged Muslims to conduct their rituals with dignity by avoiding the display of bloodied clothing and weapons and to transport meat discreetly in sealed bags or containers.
The police’s proactive stance aims to ensure that Bakra Eid is celebrated peacefully while upholding the laws of the state. Community cooperation and adherence to regulations will be key in making this festive season a harmonious occasion in Mumbai.
In Maharashtra, there is a complete ban on cow slaughter, and necessary instructions have been given to the police regarding this. Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates this ban. It was stated that cleanliness is half of faith, so during the process of sacrifice, waste and other items should be packed in bags and disposed of in bins, adhering to the guidelines and Islamic methods for sacrifice. The police commissioner advised that photos and videos of the sacrifice process should not be taken, as many people upload these images and videos on social media, which may hurt the religious sentiments of others and pose a risk of spreading religious hatred. The police commissioner urged Muslims to avoid such actions.
Maharashtra
Special Court Denies Bail To Gangster Chhota Rajan In 2005 Arms Recovery Case

Mumbai: The special court for the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), hearing the cases against incarcerated gangster Chhota Rajan, has refused to grant him bail in a 2005 case of recovery of a huge quantity of arms and ammunition. The court noted that the trial would be over in a few months, and at this juncture, his request cannot be considered.
As per the prosecution, Rajan and his close aide Bharat Nepali had imported a container consisting of 27 drums of grease from Bangkok, and one of them was found to conceal 34 revolvers, three pistols, a silencer, and 1,283 live cartridges. This came to light with the arrest of Nepali’s henchman Mukund Patel, who on May 21, 2005, was found with a revolver with two live rounds in the vicinity of Lata Bar and restaurant near Kandivali (W) railway station.
During interrogation about the source, he had revealed it was part of the consignment ordered by Rajan and Nepali. Later, Patel guided the investigating team to the Nhava Sheva Port, where the drum with the weapons was. It was revealed that the consign – ment had reached Mumbai on May 18, 2005, and the same was also cleared by Customs officers.
While seeking bail, Rajan’s lawyer contended that he had been falsely implicated and that he had already suffered incarceration of nearly 10 years after his arrest in the case in November 2015. The plea was opposed by the prosecution on the ground that there is enough evidence against Rajan. He contended that the officer who had interrogated Rajan had identified his voice in an intercepted audio recorded in September 2005.
Maharashtra
Dhule Alert: Crores of rupees recovered from a room in a government rest house – Case registered against three including PA of Panchayat Raj Samiti Chairman Arjun Khotkar

Dhule, Maharashtra: The case of recovery of crores of rupees in cash from room number 102 of the government rest house in the district has created a stir in political circles. In this case, the police have registered a case against three people including Kishor Patil, personal assistant (PA) of Panchayat Raj Samiti President Arjun Khotkar.
According to sources, the police raided the government rest house located in the heart of Dhule city on the basis of secret information.
During the search, a huge amount of cash was recovered from room number 102, the estimated value of which is being told in crores. The police suspect that this amount was brought for political use or illegal transactions before the municipal elections.
On the basis of the investigation so far, the police have registered a case under the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act against Kishor Patil, considered close to Arjun Khotkar, and two other persons – whose identity has been kept confidential for the time being.
Giving information to the media, Dhule Superintendent of Police said, “The matter is being investigated in depth. The legal validity of the recovered amount, its source and what it was going to be used for – is being investigated. The interrogation of the accused is going on and if needed, other people will also be brought under the ambit of interrogation.” Meanwhile, this matter has created a stir in the political corridors. The opposition has lodged a strong protest calling it a case of “black money” of the ruling party. At the same time, no official response has come from Arjun Khotkar so far. Further action: At present, the police have seized the cash and the process of sending it for forensic investigation has been started. The interrogation of accused Kishore Patil and two other persons is going on. The police is also trying to find out on whose instructions and for what purpose this cash was brought to the rest house.
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