Mumbai: The Bombay High Court had directed the State government to ensure smooth implementation of Mukhyamantri ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin’ Scheme while disposing of a PIL by NGO Prameya Welfare Foundation.

The plea filed by the NGO sought directions to the state government for the effective implementation of the Scheme. The NGO highlighted challenges faced by eligible women in filing and uploading applications for the scheme, which was introduced in June 2024 and subsequently revised twice.

The state government, through an affidavit filed by the Deputy Secretary of the concerned department, informed the court about steps taken to address the initial difficulties. The affidavit stated that 11 agencies across various departments were assigned to assist women in submitting their applications. Of the 2.51 crore applications received, over 2.43 crore were deemed eligible, while approximately 90,000 were rejected.

However, the petitioner raised concerns over a new Government Resolution (GR) dated September 6, 2024, which limited the process to Anganwadi Sevikas at Anganwadi centers. Previously, 11 agencies facilitated the application process, but the GR reduced this support, raising fears of fresh hurdles for applicants, especially as the scheme had been revised multiple times.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s advocate argued that the reduction in facilitation agencies might discourage eligible women from applying, especially in rural areas where technological and logistical challenges persist.

A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar acknowledged the efforts made by the state to streamline the application process but emphasized the need to ensure that eligible women do not face difficulties due to changes in the scheme.

It directed the government to take appropriate measures to assist women in filing fresh applications, ensuring their access to the scheme’s benefits under the revised provisions. “State shall take appropriate steps so that all eligible women are able to exercise their right of seeking benefit under the altered/new scheme,” the bench said.

Mumbai: In the early hours of Friday morning, a major accident occurred at the Dharavi-Mahim junction when a large trailer lost control and collided with several parked vehicles, including taxis and tempos. In total, five vehicles were severely damaged, with some falling into a roadside gutter due to the impact. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.

Videos of the crash site show taxis and tempos fallen into the drain nearby, while the trailer involved in the crash can be seen stuck on the slope towards the drain.

Trailer Removed Using Crane To Avoid Traffic

The Sahunagar police and Mahim traffic police quickly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and assess the damage. To remove the large trailer from the accident site, the traffic police called in a small crane, ensuring that the road could be cleared for traffic flow. Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway.

BMC Shares Update On Accident

BMC Disaster Management said incident reported at 6.50 am of 4 to 5 vehicles falling into Mithi River. No information of injuries as of now. Location of accident was reported at Kemkar chowk, T junction, Sahu Nagar, near Abhinandan Bar in Dharavi.

Mumbai: The Santosh Deshmukh murder case in Beed has taken a new twist with the arrival of five beds at the Beed police station, where accused Valmiki Karad is being held. The sudden disappearance of one of these beds has sparked controversy and raised many questions.

Criticising the government, former Opposition Leader of assembly Vijay Wadettiwar said, “Does Valmik Karad fall under the Mahayuti government’s ‘favourite accused scheme’? Why were five new beds brought to the Beed police station? Such coincidences don’t happen even in movies. While Karad is in police custody, the need for these beds seems highly suspicious. This appears to be the beginning of pampering the accused—next, it could be TVs, ACs, or even five-star meals!”

Wadettiwar alleged that Karad’s encounter could take place to save Munde. The administration clarified that the beds were brought for the guards deployed to monitor the accused. They also claimed it was merely a coincidence that the beds arrived after Karad was taken into custody.

The Kej (Beed district) court has sentenced Karad to 14 days of CID custody in an extortion case. He is presently detained at the Beed City police station. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the issue, clarified, “There is additional security in Beed. Should they be made to sleep on the floor? The opposition is making these allegations purely for publicity.”

Will Nikam be the spl PP?

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said he has requested senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam to be the special public prosecutor in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case in Beed.

BJP MLA Suresh Dhas met with Fadnavis on Thursday and requested the appointment of a lawyer like Nikam for the case. In response, Fadnavis confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Nikam over the phone. Fadnavis stated that if Nikam agrees to take on the case, depending on his availability with other ongoing cases, his appointment will certainly be made.

The CID is currently investigating the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, and so far, over 150 people have been questioned in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the CID has issued summons for three more individuals for questioning, but their identities have not yet been disclosed.