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Maharashtra

Mumbai: Hindu Activists Demand Swift Enforcement Of High Court’s Loudspeaker Order, Muslim Scholars Decry Targeting

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Mumbai: After Bombay High Court’s judgement stressing that public interest prevails over religious use of loudspeakers, all communities have welcomed the judgement. However, Muslim scholars and activists have argued that only the Muslim community will be targeted against through this order, whereas the judgement speaks for all the communities.

On Thursday, the Bombay High Court passed a judgement saying that use of loudspeakers is not an essential part of any religion. The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Jaago Nehru Nagar Residents Welfare Association and Shivsrushti Co-op. Housing Societies Association Ltd. alleging police inaction against noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed on masjids in the area.

While the HC bench reminded the authorities that cumulative ambient noise levels must not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night in residential areas, the court also noted that the police are bound to act on the complaints of noise pollution. The judgement brought two major changes in the existing procedures including the level of volume while using loudspeakers during the day and the responsibility of police to act against the religious pleas flouting the norms.

Advocate Kaushik Mhatre, who appeared for this matter, said, “According to Mahesh Bedekar vs The State of Maharashtra, the court has set a benchmark of sound levels to be below 55 decibels against the earlier practice of using the speakers on high volumes. It has also asked the police to take action against noise pollution instances under the Maharashtra Police Act.”

While the judgement has been welcomed by all communities upholding the convenience of human beings and the wrath caused by noise pollution, Muslim scholars and activists argued that it should not be turned.

Mufti Manzur Ziyaee, chairman of International Sufi Carvan, said, “Just like the entire planet, pollution is a major concern in India and everyone should contribute to curb it. Whether it is a religious, social or a personal event, the guidelines should be followed by all. There will be narratives targeting one particular community as the facilitator of this issue. Rather than religious perspective, both the communities should look at the issue as a national an environmental concern.”

Religious scholars said that apart from implementing the guidelines on religious places and events, they should also be implemented on social and personal events to win the fight against noise pollution.

Ashfaq Qazi, Mufti of Jumma Masjid at Kalbadevi, said, “Sharia does not say that we need to disturb someone through azaan. We support this order by the High Court as we also believe that nobody should be affected due to noise pollution. Azaan is held only for three to five minutes whereas there are events which use loudspeakers till late in the night. There should not be a dual policy and the rules should be same for all kind of events.”

Saleem Sarang, president of Muslim Welfare Association, suggested that only one mosque should use loudspeaker in the localities with multiple mosques as the objective of alerting people is being fulfilled by one mosque also. However, he alleged that Maharashtra’s member of legislative council Chitra Wagh has already given the judgement a communal angle through her social media post.

“Since the court’s judgement is for all the religions, it should be followed by everyone. However, the Muslim community is being specifically targeted by politicians like Wagh, who are portraying that the judgement is only for Muslims. She should not paint this issue with communal colours,” Sarang added.

Hindu organisations, on the other hand, alleged that the judgement is specifically meant for Muslim community which uses loudspeakers for religious purposes multiple times everyday, whereas the Hindus use it occasionally during festivals. They also demanded that the new guidelines should be implemented urgently.

Shriraj Nair, national spokesperson of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, said, “We support the High Court’s observation since loudspeakers being played five times a day is a big nuisance. Hindus use these loudspeakers for religious use only during festivals and does not harass people everyday. However, the law of the land is above every organisation and individual and should be followed by everyone irrespective of their religion.”

Sunil Ghanwat, national convenor of Mandir Mahasangh, said, “We welcome the Bombay High Court’s judgement. However such similar orders have been passed by multiple high courts and the supreme court as well but the government fails to implement them strictly. This is the reason mosques have been flouting these orders five times a day. We urge the government to implement the court’s judgement on immediate basis.”

Crime

Major Twist In Baba Siddique Murder Case: Zeeshan Akhtar Was Recruited & Brainwashed By Bishnoi Gang Operative Akash Chauhan, Say Sources

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Mumbai: In a major revelation in the high-profile murder case of NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader Baba Siddique, Mumbai Crime Branch sources have confirmed that Zeeshan Akhtar — currently detained in Canada — was not initially associated with the Bishnoi gang. He was allegedly recruited and brainwashed by Akash Chauhan, a key operative of the Bishnoi syndicate, at the behest of Anmol Bishnoi.

According to investigators, Zeeshan was previously affiliated with the rival Bambiha gang in Punjab and was considered a trusted hitman. Sources claim Akash Chauhan — currently lodged in Faridkot jail — played a crucial role in securing Zeeshan’s release from Jalandhar jail and persuaded him to join the Bishnoi gang with promises of lakhs in payment.

The turning point came after the Bishnoi syndicate decided to eliminate Baba Siddique. Acting on Anmol Bishnoi’s instructions from Patiala Jail, Akash Chauhan identified Zeeshan as a potential recruit. Chauhan then arranged for Zeeshan’s bail and, upon his release on June 7, Zeeshan met Chauhan directly.

It was during this meeting, sources said, that Zeeshan was convinced to take part in the murder plot. Under Chauhan’s instructions, Zeeshan recruited shooter Gurmel Singh and dispatched him to Mumbai. Zeeshan then contacted another wanted accused, Shubham Lonkar, to help orchestrate the plan.

Crime Branch officers are now preparing to designate Akash Chauhan as an accused in the case and initiate his transfer from Punjab to Mumbai for questioning. Officials confirmed that Chauhan has long-standing links with the Bishnoi syndicate and has played a role in several past contract killings.

Meanwhile, efforts to bring Zeeshan Akhtar back to India from Canada are actively underway, with Mumbai Crime Branch working closely with the CBI and international agencies. Investigators believe that Zeeshan’s interrogation could lead to more major revelations in the days to come.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Shocker: Cancer-Stricken Elderly Woman Dumped in Aarey Garbage Heap, Hospitals Initially Deny Care

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Mumbai– In a distressing incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a frail elderly woman suffering from advanced skin cancer was discovered dumped in a garbage heap in Aarey Colony early on Saturday morning. The victim, later identified as Yashoda Gaikwad (approximately 60–70 years old), alleged that her own grandson had callously abandoned her among rotting waste.

A tip-off to the police control room led officers to Unit No. 32 road in Aarey Colony at around 8:30 am, where they found her lying helplessly in a pink nightdress and grey petticoat, her face marred by a festering ulcer typical of late-stage skin cancer.

Constable Rathod and Woman Police Constable Nikita Kolekar rushed her to *Jogeshwari Trauma Care, but she was turned away due to lack of resources. A subsequent attempt at *Cooper Hospital also failed, with hospital authorities advising police to find a better-equipped centre. It was only eight hours later, at around 5:30 pm, that Cooper Hospital finally admitted her after Senior Inspector Ravindra Patil intervened.

Medical Diagnosis & Current Condition

Dr. Sudhir Medhekar, Dean of Cooper Hospital, stated Ms. Gaikwad has an “ulceroproliferative growth” on her nose and cheek. Her vital signs—blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels, and blood sugar—are now stable. The provisional diagnosis is basal cell carcinoma.

Upon regaining consciousness, Ms. Gaikwad reportedly told authorities: “My grandson left me here.” She also provided two addresses—one in *Malad, the other in *Kandivali. Mumbai police have circulated her photo to all stations and are reviewing CCTV from nearby lanes, though the garbage site itself lacks surveillance footage links.
Senior Inspector Patil appealed to the public:

This case has triggered widespread condemnation, highlighting not only familial neglect but also deficiencies in hospital response systems. An Aarey police officer remarked:

  • The police are actively tracing Ms. Gaikwad’s grandson and other relatives.
  • More CCTV reviews are ongoing in hopes of tracking her movement to Aarey.
  • Legal action, including charges of abandonment and potential elder abuse, is under consideration.

This deeply unsettling incident serves as a wake-up call—with calls for systemic reform regarding eldercare, hospital triage protocols, and social responsibility. Our heartfelt wishes go out to Ms. Gaikwad, and we hope justice is served swiftly.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Horror: 10-Year-Old Girl Sexually Assaulted and Video Recorded; Mother’s Boyfriend and Girlfriend Arrested Under POCSO

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Mumbai, June 23, 2025 — In a shocking and tragic incident, a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted with a screwdriver, and the horrific crime was recorded on video, police sources revealed. The suspects, believed to be the girl’s mother’s boyfriend and his girlfriend, have been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The incident came to light after the child’s family reported the abuse, prompting an investigation by Mumbai police. Authorities launched a raid and apprehended the accused, who are now in custody. The police have also recovered the video evidence, which has been handed over to forensic experts for forensic analysis.

According to police officials, the girl was subjected to sexual assault at a residential property in the city. The accused reportedly drugged and assaulted her, recording the act maliciously. The child’s family expressed their shock and distress over the incident, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable children from such heinous crimes.

The police have registered a case under multiple sections of the POCSO Act, including those related to sexual assault and recording videos of minors without consent. Further investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured strict action against the accused.

This distressing case highlights the urgent need for awareness, vigilance, and protective measures for children in Mumbai and across India. Child rights organizations have called for enhanced safety protocols and emphasized the importance of reporting abuse immediately.

Mumbai police have urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity involving minors to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Mumbai Press remains committed to reporting on this case as it develops and advocating for the safety and rights of children everywhere.

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