Mumbai: In a significant development, the Indian Army has cleared the way for Colonel Shrikant Prasad Purohit to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier, a major turning point in its most complex and protracted legal case. The decision comes weeks after the Armed Forces Tribunal intervened to stay his scheduled retirement on March 31, 2026, allowing a review of his pending promotion case. The move follows a 17-year journey that saw the officer honourably acquitted and reinstated in the system after being accused in a high-profile blast case.

Career has been on hold since his 2008 arrest.
Purohit’s career progression had been effectively frozen since 2008 following his arrest in connection with the Malegaon blast case. Although he was granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2017 and later reinstated to active service, his seniority and promotion prospects remained mired in legal uncertainty for years. The turning point came on July 31, 2025, when a special NIA court in Maharashtra acquitted Purohit of all charges, citing lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. He was promoted to the rank of full colonel in September 2025, restoring a portion of his career progression.

Tribunal intervenes in retirement stay petition
On March 16, 2026, a bench headed by Justice Rajendra Menon ruled that Purohit had a prima facie case for consideration of perks and promotion at par with his juniors.

The tribunal ordered that his retirement be put on hold until his legal complaint regarding the promotion is resolved, and his service is effectively kept active. Sources say the army’s approval for his promotion to brigadier recognises the days he lost during his imprisonment and trial. Had his career not been disrupted, officers in his mid-career would already have been colonels in senior leadership. Some observers say he could have risen to the rank of major general through normal means.

Navi Mumbai, April 10: A Mumbai-based commuter has claimed a frightening encounter with a group of auto drivers while travelling via an Uber bike, shedding light on the ongoing friction between traditional transport operators and app based services.

In a detailed Reddit post, the commuter described how what began as a routine ride quickly escalated into a tense roadside confrontation. According to the account, an auto driver allegedly stopped the Uber bike and began arguing, soon drawing the attention of several others who gathered at the spot.

The commuter recalled feeling overwhelmed as more auto drivers joined in, raising their voices and surrounding them. “It was extremely traumatic,” the post read, adding that the group claimed bike taxi services had been banned by the government.

The rider questioned the claim, pointing out that the app had allowed the booking in the first place. The uncertainty around the legality of bike taxis added to the confusion and fear during the incident.

The post quickly gained traction, with several users sharing similar experiences. Many alleged that auto drivers often refuse to operate by the meter, instead demanding fixed fares that are significantly higher.

One user described auto stands as being dominated by “gunda like behaviour”, recounting how they were once prevented from boarding an app based cab near Panvel. Another echoed the frustration, stating that drivers near their locality routinely refuse short distance rides or insist on inflated prices.

The incident has reignited discussions around the regulation of both auto rickshaws and emerging mobility services. Some users argued for stricter control on the number of autos on the road, suggesting it could ease congestion and improve commuter experience.

Others highlighted the need for clearer communication from authorities regarding the status of bike taxi services, to avoid misinformation and conflict on the ground.

For many in Mumbai, bike taxis have emerged as a convenient alternative, especially during peak hours or when traditional options fall short. The alleged confrontation underscores the tension between evolving commuter preferences and established transport systems.

While the authenticity of the claims cannot be independently verified, the viral post has struck a chord, reflecting a broader sentiment among daily commuters navigating the city’s complex transport landscape.

Mira-Bhayandar, April 10: Residents of Mira-Bhayandar are likely to face disruption in water supply over the weekend as the STEM Authority has scheduled essential maintenance and repair work, leading to a temporary shutdown of its services.

According to an Instagram post by the official ‘MBMConline’ page, the shutdown will be in effect for a 24-hour period starting from 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 11, 2026, and will continue until 9:00 AM on Sunday, April 12, 2026. During this time, the water supply from the STEM Authority to the two regions will remain completely suspended.

The post clarified that while the primary supply from STEM will be halted, water supply from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) will continue as usual. However, given that a significant portion of the city’s water needs is met through STEM, residents are expected to experience low water pressure and possible delays in supply during the shutdown period.

Authorities have cautioned that the reduced inflow may impact distribution across several parts of Mira Road and Bhayandar, especially in areas that are already dependent on staggered or limited water supply schedules. In view of this, citizens have been advised to store adequate water in advance and plan their usage accordingly to avoid any further inconvenience.

The Municipal Corporation has appealed to residents to use water judiciously during the period of disruption and extend their cooperation to ensure smooth completion of the maintenance work. The temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out critical repairs and upkeep of the infrastructure, which is expected to improve overall water supply efficiency in the long run.