The Thane Crime Branch Unit One has arrested a man for allegedly possessing over 1 kilogram of MD powder, valued at ₹1.69 crore, which he intended to sell in Mumbra. The accused has been identified as Mohanlal Joshi alias Sharma, a resident of Kudus village in Wada, Palghar.

According to officials, acting on a tip-off received on July 18, a team was deployed near the Mumbra bypass flyover bridge, where the suspect was expected to arrive. The man was intercepted in his car en route to Mumbra. Upon searching the vehicle, the police discovered and seized 1.209 kilograms of MD powder, with an estimated value of ₹1,69,26,000.

He was taken to the police station, and a case was registered against him under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

An investigating officer from Thane Crime Branch Unit One said they are currently probing the source of the contraband and its intended recipients. Efforts are also underway to determine how many others may be involved in the case. Further investigation is ongoing.

Mumbai: A major tragedy averted on Monday as Air India flight, AI2744, from Kochi veered off runway at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport amid heavy rains in the city. All passengers are reported to be safe.

As per Air India’s spokesperson, the flight experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft was taxied safely to the gate. All passengers and crew members deboarded the flight. The aircraft has been grounded for checks.

The hard landing reportedly caused damaged to the primary runway. Repair works are currently underway. Three tyres burst during the landing and the engine of the aircraft likely to have been damaged, Emergency teams were deployed to control the situation.

Visuals Of The Damaged Plane:

“An incoming aircraft from Kochi experienced a runway excursion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai at 09.27 hours on 21 July 2025. CSMIA’s emergency response teams were immediately activated to manage the runway excursion,” a spokesperson for CSMIA said, as quoted by the media house.

“All passengers and crew are safe. There are minor damages reported to the airport’s primary runway – 09/27. In order to ensure continuity of operations, the Secondary Runway 14/32 has been activated. At CSMIA, safety always remains our highest priority,” the CSMIA spokesperson added.

Mumbai Rains:

Heavy rains lashed Mumbai on Monday, throwing normal life out of gear. Waterlogging was reported in several areas, leading to traffic disruption, especially in western and central suburbs. Local train services were also affected due to heavy showers. Local trains on the harbour line were reportedly running 20-25 minutes late.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted more rains in the city during the week as the monsoon activity intensified. On Tuesday, moderate rainfall and overcast skies are expected, along with occasional thunderstorms. The overall temperature will remain mild, although humidity levels may remain steady.

Mumbai, July 21, 2025* — In a major legal development nearly two decades after the devastating 2006 Mumbai train bombings, the Bombay High Court has acquitted all 12 individuals previously convicted in the case. The court observed that the prosecution had “utterly failed” to establish their involvement, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation and trial.

The division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Gauri Godse delivered the verdict, overturning life sentences and death penalties handed down by a special court in 2015 under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The court pointed to inconsistencies, procedural lapses, and weak evidence that failed to meet the standards required for a criminal conviction.

Background: One of India’s Deadliest Terror Attacks

On July 11, 2006, a series of coordinated blasts ripped through seven suburban trains on the Western Railway network during evening rush hour, killing 189 people and injuring over 800. The attack sent shockwaves across the country and led to a massive crackdown by law enforcement agencies.

Twelve men, said to be affiliated with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were arrested and later convicted for their alleged role in planting explosives in pressure cookers inside train compartments.

Court’s Observations*

In its judgment, the High Court sharply criticized the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for lapses in investigation. The bench noted that the prosecution’s case was primarily based on confessional statements and lacked independent corroboration. Many of the claims, the court found, were not backed by physical evidence or reliable witness testimony.

The judges also questioned the delay in lodging the FIRs and the procedural irregularities in recording confessions under MCOCA. They emphasized the need for fair investigation and warned that justice cannot be achieved through shortcuts.

Legal and Human Rights Repercussions*

The acquittal has sparked renewed debate over wrongful convictions, custodial torture allegations, and the functioning of India’s anti-terror laws. Several civil rights groups have welcomed the verdict, calling for accountability of officials responsible for the flawed investigation.

Meanwhile, the state government has expressed concern over the judgment and is reportedly reviewing options for a possible appeal in the Supreme Court.

Voices from the Courtroom*

Outside the courtroom, family members of the acquitted men broke down in tears, many having spent nearly 17 years behind bars. One of the defense lawyers stated, “Justice has been delayed, but not denied. This judgment exposes the danger of rushing to convictions in sensitive cases.”

On the other side, victims’ families expressed disappointment and grief, saying the acquittals reopened wounds that had never fully healed.