Maharashtra
Mumbai: BMC plans to take care of trees in the city, conducts comprehensive surveys and health assessments, and conducts studies with horticulture and experts
In order to classify the trees of Mumbai into categories like ‘highly endangered’, ‘vulnerable’ and ‘healthy’ and to study the conditions on their age and condition, a survey of trees in all administrative wards should be done by the botany students. An information booklet on tree protection and health should be developed with the help of horticulture and made available to all concerned parties. New trees planted as compensation for those felled due to various reasons should be planted in Mumbai itself. Additionally, special precautions should be implemented to prevent accidents caused by falling trees. In this context, botanists, ecologists, and municipal authorities were deliberated to formulate an action plan for scientific classification, comprehensive survey and health assessment of trees in the city. Between 22 June 2026 and 6 July 2026, 830 trees fell in Mumbai due to high winds. Of these 830 trees, 480 were on private property. The number of fallen branches is more than the number of fallen trees. So far this year, 1,238 branches have fallen, of which 709 came from trees on private lands. Against this backdrop, an important meeting was held yesterday (July 16, 2026) under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. And the participants led by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne included eminent educationist and biologist Prof. Sanjay Deshmukh, environmental researcher Shrikant Angalkalikar, gardener Vaibhav Raje, Shri Abhijit Samant, and Deepak Jayant Patil; Deputy Commissioner (Engineering) Shashank Bhore; Deputy Commissioner (Special Engineering) Prashotham Malwade; Deputy Commissioner (Gardens) Ajit Kumar Ambi; Chief Engineer (Roads) Manthaya Swamy; Garden Superintendent Mr. Jitendra Pardeshi; and other officers of the Garden Department were present during the meeting, a proposal was made to conduct a comprehensive survey of trees in all the administrative wards of Mumbai with the participation of horticulturists, students and horticulturists. It was suggested that on the basis of this survey, roadside trees should be scientifically classified into ‘high risk’, ‘endangered’ and ‘healthy’ groups. Emphasis was also placed on creating a dedicated database containing information on tree age, species, health, structural condition, age, and environmental context.
Creation and distribution of an information booklet for Mumbaikars covering topics like tree protection, health, proper pruning, maintenance and precautionary measures for citizens was also discussed. Further, instructions were issued that new trees planted to compensate for trees removed during development should ideally be planted within Mumbai. Appropriate species should be selected; Sufficient space should be provided for growth and care should be taken that root development is not impeded. During the meeting, it was also suggested that municipal corporation departments responsible for roads, storm drains, sewerage and gardens should collaborate to discuss tree protection and felling. The need to adopt scientific methods for tree felling, to formulate a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), use of modern equipment and provide regular training to concerned officials and staff was also suggested. Discussions were also held regarding framing clear guidelines for felling of trees in the private sector.
The meeting highlighted the need for in-depth research by an expert committee to study various factors including effects on tree roots, soil availability, drainage, root respiration space, effects on growth and root causes of tree fall. Emphasis was placed on scientific analysis of the root causes of tree fall rather than just removal of fallen trees.” Discussions also covered concepts such as developing ‘biodiversity zones’ at various locations in Mumbai to plant trees that support local biodiversity, selecting suitable locations for roadside plantations, and devising long-term tree management policies that are responsive to future climate change. Additionally, bamboo plantations in the city There was also a discussion on identifying suitable places for tree conservation. The experts present in the meeting expressed the view that the efforts of the municipal corporation are not enough. Citizens’ participation, public awareness and scientific approach are also important. It was clarified that after reviewing all the suggestions given during the meeting, an action plan will be prepared and the necessary measures will be implemented to protect the trees of Mumbai Mechanical support may be provided to leaning trees.
Crime
Fake social media account, Chat GPT used in Ketan Agarwal murder

Pune, Sep 20: A fake account on social media platform Instagram, along with ChatGPT and murder films, was used by Siya Goyal and her co-accused in the alleged murder of her fiance Ketan Agarwal, reveals the charge sheet filed by the police in the sensational case.
The 5,053-page charge sheet, filed on Saturday, detailed the alleged conspiracy behind the death of the 26-year-old businessman at Lohagad Fort in Pune in June, NDTV reported.
Agarwal was allegedly pushed off the fort on June 18 by his fiancee Siya Goyal, who was assisted by her purported lover Chetan Chaudhary, and another accused, identified as Ritesh Hange. All three have been arrested by the police.
According to the charge sheet, the accused had initially discussed seriously injuring Agarwal and even explored the possibility of hiring someone from outside Maharashtra to carry out the attack.
Police claimed the plan was later dropped because they feared the hired assailant could expose the conspiracy or create problems for them. Investigators have mentioned that a person contacted during this stage has since become a witness, the media report said.
As per the charge sheet, the accused subsequently decided to kill Agarwal themselves and watched murder films and used ChatGPT for the purpose. They also listened to podcasts on how to avoid detection by police as part of their preparations.
Goyal and her co-accused also researched last year’s Meghalaya honeymoon murder case where Indore resident Raja Raghuvanshi was allegedly killed by his wife, Sonam, during the couple’s honeymoon in the state’s East Khasi Hills district.
Moreover, investigators stated that a fake Instagram account named ‘Mahi’ was created using the photograph of a woman known to the accused in order to “lure” Agarwal to the fort.
Subsequently, messages from the account encouraged the victim to visit the spot on June 18 for a surprise birthday plan for Goyal.
According to the chargesheet, the fake account was part of a plan devised by Ritesh Hange to bring Agarwal to the fort. The account was deleted after the incident.
Further, the charge sheet also revealed that the accused conducted a recce of locations around Lonavala before selecting Lohagad Fort.
According to investigators, Goyal and Chaudhary visited Tiger Point and other locations in search of an isolated spot.
Police said that Lohagad was eventually selected because of a death at the fort in March last year. The accused thought they could make Agarwal’s death appear like an accidental fall at the spot.
Crime
Stall operator booked after two die of electrocution in Mumbai Lalbaug Ganesh pandal

Mumbai, Sep 20: An FIR has been filed following a tragic electrocution incident near a Ganesh festival pandal in Mumbai Lalbaug area early on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of two people, including an 8-year-old girl.
Two people, including an eight-year-old girl, died and four others were seriously injured after receiving electric shocks from a loose wire at a Pepsi-Cola stall near Aastha Hospital on Dattaram Lad Marg in Kalachowki, Mumbai, early Sunday.
Police have registered an FIR against nearby stall operator Kamal Shetty under Sections 106(1) and 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging negligence, and have begun an investigation.
According to information from the fire brigade, the incident occurred at around 2 a.m. on Sunday when devotees were present near the pandal.
Two boys and three girls, aged between 8 and 20, reportedly came into contact with the electrical current and suffered burn injuries.
Following the incident, all five victims were rushed to Masina Hospital in Byculla for treatment. Doctors declared the 8-year-old girl Raghni Ghanshyam Yadav dead upon arrival.
Meanwhile, a second victim, a woman who was admitted to Global Hospital in Parel, later succumbed to her injuries. Her identity was yet to be ascertained.
Kiran Akbar Naik, 19, Tanvi Narsh Hande, 19, Sahil Sandip Tare, 19, and Ruhi Singh, 12, were undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the incident.
Among the injured, one girl was reportedly in critical condition and was shifted to Global Hospital in Parel for further treatment. The remaining three injured victims are undergoing treatment at Masina Hospital and have been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where their condition remains serious.
According to the FIR filed at Kalachowki Police Station, the wire allegedly came into contact with the girl, Raghni, and others nearby.
The girl was declared dead at Masina Hospital, while another woman, identified as 33-year-old Sujata Thorati, died at Global Hospital. Four injured persons were admitted for treatment.
Maharashtra
17-year-old among three killed in Mumbai high-end car accident (Lead)

Mumbai, Sep 20: A 17-year-old was among the three people who were killed in a serious accident involving a high-end car on the Mumbai Coastal Road early on Sunday, officials said.
Another person is critically injured and is currently receiving treatment.
According to information received from the Coastal Road Control Room, the accident occurred at around 5.20 a.m. near Lotus Jetty, opposite Lala College.
The car was travelling from Marine Drive towards Haji Ali when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle due to overspeeding.
The speeding vehicle crashed onto the Coastal Road and hit a boundary wall. It fell off the bridge into an area where construction work was underway.
The severity of the accident was evident from the extent of the damage to the car.
The vehicle tore off through the signboard hanging from the bridge. The roof of the car was pushed inwards, the windshield was shattered, and the bonnet was completely destroyed.
Following the accident, all four occupants of the car were rushed to Nair Hospital, where emergency medical teams assessed their condition.
According to an update issued by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Nair Hospital at around 8.40 a.m., three of the occupants were declared brought dead by doctors.
Two of the deceased have been identified as 21-year-old Shanay Gajjal and 17-year-old Dhirya Seth. The identity of the third deceased is yet to be ascertained.
The injured has been identified as 23-year-old Aditya Oswal.
Speaking about the incident to media, Senior Police Inspector Meena Jagtap said: “At around 5:20 a.m., a black BMW was travelling from Marine Drive towards Haji Ali in the northbound direction when it fell from the Coastal Road. There were four people in the car. Three people died, while Aditya is currently at Nair Hospital.”
She said that it is yet to be ascertained whether the occupants of the car were in an intoxicated state when the accident occurred.
Police are investigating the case.
Further details are awaited.
On September 3, several people were booked after Mumbai Police took cognisance of a viral video showing luxury and high-performance cars speeding and racing dangerously inside the Marine Drive-Southbound Coastal Road tunnel.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, three people were critically injured after a speeding off-road SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) hit them near PKC Hospital in Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
The driver fled the spot after the crash instead of helping the injured.
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