Vasai-Virar: As the global fuel crisis intensifies due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the residents of Vasai-Virar are facing a crippling shortage of cooking gas (LPG). The situation has reached a breaking point in Nallasopara, where frustrated citizens took to the streets to protest against the administration and the government.

For the past 15 to 20 days, many households in the region have been without a functional kitchen. Despite booking cylinders as early as the 1st of the month, residents report that they have yet to receive deliveries even by the 23rd.

The desperation was visible at Gaurai Naka, Nallasopara East, where citizens staged a unique protest by placing their empty gas cylinders in the middle of the road.

 Long queues are a common sight outside gas agencies and godowns from dawn until late afternoon, often under the scorching sun, with no guarantee of receiving a cylinder.

Citizens expressed anger over the 5kg cylinders usually distributed via ration shops. Authorities have reportedly labeled these as “unauthorized,” leading to a halt in refills. “If these are unauthorized, why did the government supply them in the first place?” questioned an agitated resident.

There are rising concerns and allegations from the public that gas cylinders are being diverted and sold on the black market at inflated prices while common citizens wait in line.

“We haven’t been able to light the stove in 20 days. We are forced to order food from outside, but for daily wage laborers, this is financially impossible.” — A local resident.

The crisis has hit the labor class the hardest. Comparing the current situation to the hardships faced during the COVID-19 lockdown, some residents have even demanded that the government provide subsidized travel tickets so they can return to their native villages until the fuel crisis is resolved.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the local administration regarding when the supply chain will be restored to normalcy.

Mumbai: The special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act has refused to grant bail to 48-year-old businessman Amit Thepade, arrested last year for alleged money laundering to the tune of Rs 117 crore linked to a bank fraud. The court observed that Thepade is the kingpin of the fraud.

Thepade, director and promoter of Galaxy Construction and Contractors Pvt Ltd (GCCPL) and Mitsom Enterprises Pvt Ltd (MEPL), was arrested on August 24, 2025, from a city-based five-star hotel where he had been hiding for two months. A search of his room led to the seizure of gold bullions, ornaments, diamond jewellery and silver valued at Rs 2.33 crore, along with Rs 9.5 lakh in cash. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed that Thepade fraudulently availed enhanced credit facilities from Canara Bank, Pune, in 2011. These accounts were declared non-performing assets (NPA) in 2017, with an NPA value of ₹82.30 crore.

Defense lawyer Mithilesh Mishra argued the loans were secured by mortgaging properties and part of the amount was returned. However, ED prosecutor Arvind Aghav opposed the plea, revealing that Thepade had mortgaged properties already sold to third parties. In one instance, he allegedly demolished row houses mortgaged to the bank to develop and sell new flats.

The prosecution further argued that the suspect used 23 entities and 62 bank accounts in the names of his staff to inflate turnovers and siphon off loan proceeds. The court noted that while Thepade returned Rs 26 crore towards interest, this did not discharge him from criminal liability. Citing the lack of explanation regarding the double mortgaging and demolition of secured assets, the court rejected the bail plea.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Traffic Police has announced major traffic diversions and restrictions in central Mumbai due to repair and concreting work on the Sant Namdev Maharaj Flyover, also known as the Parel TT Flyover.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-South) Prashant Pardeshi issued the order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, citing public safety and the need to ensure smooth traffic flow during the repair work.

All vehicular traffic on the northbound carriageway of the Sant Namdev Maharaj Flyover and Hindmata Flyover will remain closed 24 hours a day from March 9, 2026, to April 15, 2026.

Vehicles heading towards Dadar via Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road will use the slip roads at Parel TT and Hindmata bridges.

Between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm, traffic will be diverted via the southbound carriageway and then redirected back to the northbound route near Hindmata.

Vehicles heading towards Byculla in the morning (7:00 am to 4:00 pm) can use the southbound flyover and slip roads. After 4:00 pm, only slip roads will be accessible.

All vehicular traffic on the southbound carriageway of the Sant Namdev Maharaj Flyover and Hindmata Flyover will remain closed 24 hours a day from April 16, 2026, to May 31, 2026.

Vehicles heading towards Byculla from Dr. Ambedkar Road between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm will use the northbound carriageway and slip roads.

After 4:00 pm, traffic will be routed only via slip roads.

Vehicles heading towards Dadar will use slip roads during the day and the northbound carriageway after 4:00 pm.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will undertake concreting work on the northbound section of the Parel TT Flyover. Due to higher traffic volume towards Matunga in the evening, authorities have planned time-based diversions between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm to manage congestion.

Motorists have been advised to plan their routes in advance and expect delays during the repair period.