Mumbai: Heavy rainfall drenched parts of Mumbai on Monday, July 21, with South Mumbai and Western suburbs witnessing heavy downpours. Areas like Marine Drive and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus were soaked due to overnight rainfall, as visuals showed partially waterlogged roads and people taking refuge under shelters.

Visuals from Andheri and Kurla show waterlogging in several parts and the railway station. Andheri subway was reported closed for traffic after incessant rainfall. LBS Road in Kurla, DP Road in Powai and Saki Naka also reported traffic snarls due to waterlogging.

Heavy Rains Alert Issued For The City

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the rain was likely to persist for at least a few hours, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h. A yellow alert was initially issued for the city, signalling the likelihood of moderate to heavy rainfall. However, the weather department issued a nowcast warning upgrading it to orange alert for next few hours.

The weather department stated that temperatures would hover between 25°C and 31°C, with partly cloudy skies expected. Commuters were advised to carry umbrellas and remain cautious while heading out, especially as water accumulation and slippery roads could pose hazards during peak traffic hours.

Disruption Reported Due To Heavy Rains

Commuters reported major disruption while using the city’s public transportation today in the morning. Local trains on the harbour line were running 20-25 minutes late, as reported by commuters. Traffic disruption was reported in western and central suburbs due to waterlogging in several parts.

IndiGo Airline Issues Statement

IndiGo Airlines issued a statement alerting its passengers of the adverse weather conditions in the city. “Heavy rain showers have settled in over Mumbai, and the roads are feeling the impact. Several routes towards the airport are seeing slow-moving traffic due to steady downpour. If you are flying today, please plan ahead, leave a little earlier, and check your flight status on our app or website before stepping out,” the statement read.

“We understand these conditions can affect your journey. Our teams are ready to support you on the ground and are working to keep operations running as steadily as possible. Thank you for your understanding,” it further read.

IMD Warns Of Heavy Rains This Week

The downpour comes as part of the ongoing monsoon activity, which is expected to continue intensifying over the week. As the city moves deeper into the monsoon season, the IMD forecast indicates the likelihood of more rain throughout the week. 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.

By Wednesday, rainfall activity is projected to increase, with a fresh yellow alert issued for the day. Heavier showers and widespread cloud cover are expected to dominate the city’s weather. The pattern is likely to persist into Thursday, with several parts of Mumbai potentially experiencing intense rainfall and continuous overcast conditions.

No Severe Weather Alert For Weekend

On Friday, the rainfall may ease slightly, though light to moderate rain remains in the forecast. Temperatures are expected to stay relatively stable, with a marginal decrease in humidity levels. Saturday may continue with similar weather conditions, as rain is likely to persist under predominantly cloudy skies. However, no severe weather alert has been issued for the weekend as of now.

Mumbai: A fresh controversy over language erupted in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar when a woman was allegedly harassed by a group of individuals for not speaking Marathi. A video of the incident, which quickly went viral on July 20, shows the woman being surrounded and confronted outside her residence by several people who demanded that she speak in Marathi.

Viral Video Shows Woman Forced To Speak Marathi

According to the woman, identified as Sanjira Devi, she was standing near her home when a group of men blocked her path. When she asked them to move aside, they reportedly insisted she speak in Marathi, reported. Upon refusing, an argument broke out. In the video, one of the men can be seen aggressively pointing a finger at her and shouting, “Speak in Marathi. This is Maharashtra.” Others in the group echoed similar sentiments, continuing to shout at her.

The woman, however, responded by stating her linguistic freedom, saying, “No, you speak in Hindi. Tell me, aren’t you Indian? Are you not from Hindustan?” The confrontation escalated briefly before a crowd gathered at the spot, and someone informed the police. By the time the police arrived, the accused individuals had fled. This incident has added to a growing number of similar confrontations in the city surrounding the use of language in public spaces.

Marwari Businessman Assaulted, Paraded By MNS Workers Over Anti-Marathi WhatsApp Status

Just days earlier, on July 16, a local businessman in Vikhroli’s Tagore Nagar area was allegedly assaulted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers after he posted a provocative WhatsApp status seen as derogatory towards the Marathi community. The message reportedly read: “See the power of a Rajasthani. Beat the Marathi in Maharashtra itself. We are Marwaris, nobody can stand before us.”

The accused, identified as Prem Singh Devda, originally from Rajasthan, had been running a medical shop in the area. According to local sources, his post reached MNS leader Santosh Desai, leading party worker Vishwajit Dholam and others to confront Devda around 3 PM. They allegedly assaulted him, forced him to apologise in public, and paraded him through the market.

Devda was later taken to Vikhroli Police Station, where he issued a written apology. He reportedly left for his native village soon after. Senior Police Inspector Suryakant Naikwadi confirmed that no FIR had been filed, as neither party lodged a formal complaint.

Mumbai: A London airline employee was arrested at Mumbai airport while attempting to flee to Hong Kong, accused of raping a 23-year-old air hostess. Following a long-haul flight, the man allegedly forced the victim to drink excessively at a party in Mira Road. After she became heavily intoxicated, he took her to his residence where he assaulted her.

The victim faced mental trauma and threats from the accused, who warned her against reporting the crime. After the victim filed an FIR, the suspect planned to leave India. Both individuals are employed by the same airline, and the incident occurred after their interaction during the flight.

The police state that she experienced psychological trauma following the assault and was reportedly intimidated by the perpetrator. “The defendant cautioned her about severe repercussions if she reported to the police,” stated a police officer according to a report by the Hindustan Times. She persisted in her work and traveled overseas on another extended journey.

FIR Filed Against The Accused

Upon her return to Mumbai, she contacted the Navghar police, who on Saturday charged the suspect under Sections 64 (rape) and 351(1) (criminal intimidation) and 352 (deliberate insult with the intent to incite a breach of peace) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Accused Caught Trying To Flee From India Permanently

Immediately after the FIR was filed, the suspect got ready to escape. The officer mentioned that he landed a position with an airline company based in Hong Kong and also got his visa. The Navghar police subsequently reached out to the vigilance unit of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the Sahar police to detain the suspect at the airport. “Senior police inspector Dheeraj Koli stated, ‘The investigation is being carried out by police sub-inspector Sanjay Lokhandemali.’”