Mumbai: Mankhurd Police claims to have arrested the wanted absconding accused in the MCOCA case. The wanted accused Ashfaq Aishamuddin Khan alias Babbu, aged 39, was absconding since the case was registered in the Mankhurd police station under sections 308(5), 351(3), 329(3), 333 of the Bharatiya Naya Sanhita and sections 3(1), 3(2), 3(4) of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA). He was formally arrested. The said accused had been absconding for the last six months to avoid arrest. Technical analysis of the CDR of the accused’s mobile number and social media accounts was being done, while information about the people in his contact list was also being sought. In addition, confidential informants were also instructed to provide information about the accused and trace him. Information was received through the confidential informant that the said accused was hiding his identity in the Kalyan area. Based on this information, his presence and residence were confirmed through technical analysis and further information obtained through local informants. The police kept a vigil in the area and the police team strategically took him into custody without giving the accused a chance to escape or leave by vehicle. He was arrested and produced before the Special Sessions Court, MCOCA Court, Mumbai, where the esteemed court has granted him 8 days police custody remand. Further investigation is underway. This remarkable operation was carried out under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Devin Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner of Police (Eastern Regional Division) Dhananjay Kulkarni, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Eastern Region) 01 Sameer.

Mumbai, Aug 28: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule shared a poignant social media tribute dedicated to her late cousin and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Friday.

Marking the first Rakhi festival seven months after his tragic demise in an aircraft crash in Baramati on January 28 Sule’s moving note on social media highlighted the enduring personal warmth and familial bond that defied political divides in the NCP.

Posting an emotional tribute on X and Instagram, Sule expressed her profound grief over the sudden loss of her brother, affectionately known as “Dada”.

“Today is Raksha Bandhan… but this time, you’re not with us, and this realisation is making my heart deeply restless,” Sule wrote in Marathi. “That horrific morning seven months ago and your sudden departure… even today, I can’t bring myself to believe it.”

Recalling their shared memories, she emphasised that despite political shifts, their personal relationship remained rooted in strong affection and mutual respect.

“From childhood, growing up together, our fights, the love we shared, and the pride we felt in one another—these were the foundation of our bond,” the post read.

“Even now, it feels like you’ll suddenly appear from somewhere, let me tie the rakhi on you, chat and laugh with your sisters… The void created by your absence can never be filled. Wherever you are, may your love and blessings always remain by my side,” she stated.

The tribute comes seven months after the tragedy in January this year, when a charter aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar crashed while approaching Baramati Airport amid poor visibility, killing all five people on board.

The incident sent shockwaves across the country, particularly in Maharashtra, prompting three days of state mourning and tributes from leaders across party lines. Despite the political split in the NCP that placed the two leaders in opposing factions, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule continued to share a close personal bond, reflected in their interactions during festivals such as Raksha Bandhan and Bhau Beej.

Similarly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and late Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, said on X, “May this sacred thread of love, trust, and affection remain eternally strong in the bond with the people, just as it does in the brother-sister relationship. I will always remain steadfastly committed to the development of Maharashtra, giving utmost priority to the trust of the party’s family of workers, farmer brethren, and the entire populace.”

She further stated, “I stand firmly by my sisters for their honour, safety, happiness, and prosperity. Heartfelt wishes on Raksha Bandhan!”

Her post is attached with photo of late Ajit Pawar, party symbol clock and the Rakhi.

Across Baramati and Maharashtra, supporters and political leaders paid silent homage to the late leader while celebrating the sacred festival of brotherly love.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

He said, “Heartfelt Raksha Bandhan wishes to my darling sisters!”

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his message said, “The love and trust of a brother for his sister. Preserve this bond as delicate as silk. Heartfelt wishes to all on Raksha Bandhan.”

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushama Andhare shared greetings praising the supportive role of brothers, reiterating the commitment to protecting the self-respect and rights of women in Maharashtra. She has uploaded a photo while tying Rakhi to party chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Maharashtra Minister of Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare in her greetings said, “The bond of siblings, trust, and love! May the affectionate ties nurtured by the silken thread of Rakhi remain eternally strong throughout life. ‘Raksha Bandhan’ is the joyous celebration of the boundless love, protection, and tenderness between brothers and sisters! Heartfelt wishes to all brothers and sisters in Maharashtra on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan!”

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal said, “Salute to the unbreakable bond of love, affection, and protectiveness between brother and sister! Heartfelt wishes to everyone on Raksha Bandhan!”

Mumbai, Aug 28: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that 37 pilgrims from Maharashtra stranded in Saga, Tibet, after completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra have departed safely via the Nyalm Check Post route to Kathmandu.

The Maharashtra CMO, in a post on X, said, “The 37 pilgrims from Thane, Pune, Alibag, Raigad, and Dombivli areas had gone for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. They got stranded in Saga during their return journey. Their return flight from Kathmandu was scheduled for 2 PM on August 29, making it essential to reach Kathmandu on time. Upon receiving this information, Chief Minister Fadnavis immediately contacted the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, secured the necessary assistance, and ensured the safe return journey from Saga to Kathmandu for all pilgrims. In this hour of crisis, everyone expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Fadnavis, the Maharashtra Government, and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, for the timely help received.”

The CMO also uploaded the list of the 37 pilgrims in the post.

Earlier, CM Fadnavis on Thursday evening spoke to stranded citizens and assured them all possible help for their safe return.

The Chief Minister’s Office in a post on X said, “All 106 passengers from Nagpur have safely departed from Kathmandu for Danapur, Bihar. Following a phone call from CM Fadnavis, Nepal MP Sandeep Rana arranged four local mini-buses to facilitate their journey from Kathmandu to Janakpur. The passengers are expected to reach the Janakpur–Bihar border tomorrow morning. Buses have been arranged for their journey to Danapur, Bihar, from where their return journey by train has also been arranged.”

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said several citizens from Maharashtra, particularly from Satara, Mahabaleshwar, and Pune regions, are stranded in Nepal.

Speaking to reporters, he stated that continuous efforts were being made to establish contact with the stranded residents and bring them back safely to Maharashtra. He said that due to the natural disaster that has hit Nepal, several citizens from the state are stranded there, while the search for some is still ongoing.

He interacted via video call with Shiv Sena’s Deputy District Chief Megha Chorge and her colleagues, who are stranded in Pokhara near Kathmandu. During the call, he inquired about their well-being and reassured them, stating that all possible assistance would be provided to ensure their early return.

Describing the situation in Nepal as extremely tragic and unfortunate, Dy CM Shinde said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended a helping hand to Nepal at the Central level. He added that supporting each other during times of crisis is our responsibility, and the Central government, Government of Maharashtra, State Disaster Management Authority, and Shiv Sena’s disaster management team are working in close coordination.

Dy CM Shinde also mentioned that maximum efforts are being made to reach and assist stranded citizens of Maharashtra through Shiv Sena workers based in Nepal.

Meanwhile, against the backdrop of the severe flood situation in Nepal, joint efforts by the Central and state governments are underway to ensure the safety of Maharashtra’s citizens. Additionally, Shiv Sena’s disaster management machinery has been activated for relief work. Yuva Sena’s Rahul Kanal, along with several Shiv Sainiks, left for Nepal to assist in the operations.