Cyclone Montha, which developed from a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday morning.

Following its formation, weather departments in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha issued alerts as wind speeds reached up to 110 kilometres per hour, accompanied by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across coastal regions since Monday.

While Cyclone Montha has primarily affected the eastern coast, its indirect impact is expected to be felt in parts of Maharashtra over the next two days. According to senior meteorologist Anupam Kashyapi, strong winds and thunderstorms are likely in several districts, including Pune, Mumbai, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Chandrapur, Bhandara and Nagpur. An orange alert has been issued for eastern Vidarbha, and heavy rainfall is predicted in isolated areas.

Experts say Maharashtra is not under direct threat from Montha, but its outer weather system may cause moderate to heavy rainfall in some regions. Coastal areas such as Mumbai and Konkan have been advised to remain alert as precautionary measures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that changing wind patterns could bring short spells of intense showers along with thunder and lightning over the next 48 hours.

In the past five years, Maharashtra has occasionally experienced the effects of cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The state witnessed major impacts from Cyclone Nisarga in 2020, which struck the Raigad coast and caused widespread damage, and from Cyclone Tauktae in 2021, which battered the Konkan region with strong winds and heavy rain. More recently, Cyclone Biparjoy in 2023 affected coastal Palghar and surrounding districts.

Compared to these earlier storms, Cyclone Montha poses less danger to Maharashtra. However, residents are urged to stay cautious as unpredictable weather patterns may lead to sudden rainfall and disruptions in some districts.

Meteorologists believe that the increasing frequency of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea highlights the growing influence of climate change on regional weather systems.

Vasai-Virar: A verbal dispute and scuffle broke out between BJP workers and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leaders, including former Mayor Rupesh Jadhav, during a survey of land for the proposed Achole hospital.

The incident took place on Friday, October 24, 2025, during an inspection by municipal officials. The corporation is planning to build a 200-bed hospital on a two-acre plot in Achole.

The long-standing land dispute was recently resolved when the Revenue Department transferred the plot (Survey No. 6/1) to the Municipal Corporation free of charge. 

During the survey, BJP MLA Rajan Naik and other BJP officials were present. Former BVA Mayor Rupesh Jadhav also arrived at the site, leading to a tense confrontation. A video of the clash has since gone viral on social media, sparking political discussions. 

The BJP accused Jadhav of attempting to obstruct the hospital project, claiming he had done so previously as well.

Jadhav, in turn, alleged that BJP workers were threatening him and trying to intimidate him by mentioning his encroachment on a nearby property. He also accused them of trying to intimidate a municipal official. The incident briefly caused a tense atmosphere in the area. The police are investigating the incident, as a formal complaint was filed against the BJP workers by a BVA activist regarding a social media post. 

Former Mayor Rupesh Jadhav has alleged that his private property, located adjacent to the Achole hospital site, is being forcibly encroached upon. He stated that he had constructed a protective wall around his land and that he intercepted individuals attempting to trespass. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) had initiated the process for the Achole hospital project during its term, securing primary approval and funding from the Municipal Corporation. He questioned the motives of those now trying to take credit for the project, asking where they were when the land was allegedly being encroached upon.

He accused the BJP of deliberately misleading the public by circulating a video to silence him and suppress the truth.

Mumbai: Continuing a tradition that spans over a century, the Sandal ceremony at Rahman Shah Baba Dargah in Dongri was held with deep reverence and spiritual fervour. The event, observed annually, saw the presence of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, who presented the ceremonial chadar (sandal cloth) at the revered shrine.

The ritual, performed every year, symbolises not just faith but the enduring bond between the city’s civic guardians and its diverse communities.

The Sandal ceremony at the Rahman Shah Baba Dargah holds immense spiritual significance for devotees across Mumbai and beyond. The dargah, dedicated to Hazrat Abdul Rehman Shah Baba, is considered a sacred space for people of all faiths who seek blessings and inner peace.

Each year, the offering of the chadar by senior police officials, including the ACP, DCP, and Additional Commissioner, reinforces the message of peace, unity, and mutual respect. It stands as a reminder that Mumbai’s strength lies in its cultural diversity and spirit of togetherness.

Given the large crowds that throng the dargah during the Sandal procession, Mumbai Police take extensive measures to ensure the safety of all attendees. Detailed planning goes into traffic control, security deployment, and crowd management, with officers stationed around the clock.

CCTV cameras are strategically installed to monitor the surroundings and prevent any disruptions or untoward incidents. These precautions reflect the department’s commitment to ensuring that the event proceeds peacefully, while also safeguarding devotees from petty theft or disorderly conduct.

The dargah trustees actively cooperate with the authorities, following guidelines that promote discipline and devotion. This includes the prohibition of DJs and loud music, preserving the sanctity and spiritual essence of the occasion.

For countless followers, Hazrat Rahman Shah Baba is not merely a saint but a spiritual guide whose blessings are believed to bring relief, prosperity, and hope. The gathering reflects how the dargah continues to serve as a beacon of faith and emotional strength for the community.

Beyond its religious significance, the Sandal ceremony embodies Mumbai’s inclusive ethos, where people from diverse backgrounds come together in respect and celebration. The annual offering led by Commissioner Bharti and his team is not just a mark of devotion but a gesture of solidarity, echoing the city’s timeless message of unity in diversity.

This long-standing tradition continues to thrive because of the combined efforts of devotees, civic authorities, and law enforcement, making it a model of how faith and governance can coexist harmoniously.

As Mumbai grows and evolves, events like the Rahman Shah Baba Sandal remain powerful reminders of what binds the city together — faith, peace, and brotherhood. The ritual endures not merely as a religious observance, but as a living tradition that reinforces social harmony and collective well-being year after year.