Maharashtra
Mumbai: Strict action against unauthorized hawkers, constructions and encroachments in Dadar, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed
Mumbai: The campaign to clear the roads and footpaths of unauthorized hawkers in Mumbai city and metropolitan region is currently being effectively carried out. As per the court orders, strict action is being taken against unauthorized constructions and encroachments without any discrimination. Public roads and footpaths are for the safe and free movement of citizens. Therefore, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation administration has launched a special campaign to remove the obstacles caused by encroachments on them. Under this, encroachments are being removed, materials are being seized and punitive action is being taken. The court orders regarding encroachments and unauthorized constructions will be strictly followed and action against encroachments will be further tightened, the Municipal Commissioner stressed. The campaign to eliminate unauthorized hawker-free areas and encroachments is not only punishable in nature but is being implemented with the larger objective of maintaining public order, smooth flow of traffic and protection of the rights of pedestrians. The cooperation of Mumbaikars is very important for this campaign. Therefore, Gagrani has also appealed to the citizens to fully support the Municipal Corporation administration for this action. Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani today (February 23, 2026) made a surprise inspection of various areas falling under the jurisdiction of ‘F South’, ‘F North’ and ‘G North’ division offices. He specifically visited the Dadar area and took a detailed look at the unauthorized hawker free campaign as well as the eviction of unauthorized constructions. Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale, Deputy Commissioner (Special) (Additional Charge) Vinay Vijpute along with Assistant Commissioners, officers and engineers of the concerned departments were present on the occasion.
During this inspection, Municipal Commissioner Gagrani directly interacted with the local traders and businessmen as well as the common citizens and took note of their problems and suggestions. At that time, Mumbaikars expressed satisfaction with the campaign and responded positively to the policy of unauthorized hawker-free roads and footpaths and felt that this initiative is useful for order and smooth traffic. Due to the growing population of Mumbai city, traffic jams and encroachments on footpaths, it is becoming difficult for pedestrians to walk safely. In this backdrop, the unauthorized hawker-free roads and footpaths policy is being effectively implemented by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation administration. The main objective of this policy is to make major roads, narrow footpaths, areas under flyovers as well as areas around hospitals, schools and railway stations free from encroachments and provide open and safe public spaces for the citizens. Keeping in view the congestion, traffic congestion and accidents on roads and footpaths due to unauthorised hawkers, some areas have been declared as ‘hawker-free areas’. For the effective implementation of this policy, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed all the concerned departments to take strict and consistent action. Measures like daily action against those doing business illegally in the areas declared hawker-free, removal of encroachments, imposition of fines and seizure of materials are being implemented. This action will always continue but will be implemented regularly in collaboration with the zonal offices, administrative department offices, encroachment department and traffic police. Special teams have been ordered to be deployed at the places where encroachments are frequent and to keep a constant vigil.
Municipal Commissioner Gagrani said that the aim of this campaign is not to snatch the livelihood of hawkers but to ensure proper use of public spaces in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Therefore, emphasis is being placed on identifying authorized ‘hawkers zones’ for qualified and registered hawkers, surveying them and implementing rehabilitation plans and providing business opportunities in a systematic manner. This will protect the rights of pedestrians on one hand, and on the other hand, hawkers will also get employment opportunities within the ambit of the rules. The cooperation of citizens is also expected in this campaign. So that Mumbai metropolis can become more people-oriented, safe, orderly and livable.
Maharashtra
Hateful statements, obscenity in the name of entertainment will not be tolerated, strict action will be taken: Mayor Ritu Tawde

Mumbai: The hospital administration has formed an inquiry committee in the case of hate speech made by Sejal Pawar, a medical student of KEM Hospital, in the live show of stand-up comedian Preneet More. Hate speech in the name of entertainment will not be tolerated. The hospital administration has been directed to take strict action in this matter, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has clarified.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has reacted strongly to the entire incident and has appealed to artists and content creators to be aware of social responsibility. Two clips of stand-up comedian Preneet More’s show that are going viral on social media are causing great anger among the citizens. In the first clip, a man named Himanshu Jagda narrated an incident of degrading treatment of a woman, while in the second clip, Sejal Pawar, a medical student of KEM Hospital, made extremely hateful, obscene and offensive comments about the bodies of men who had donated their bodies for medical education. In both these cases, comedian Praneet laughed and clapped instead of objecting. Taking notice of the insensitivity in both these clips, the Maharashtra Cyber Police took immediate action and registered a case. Clarifying the municipal corporation’s stand on the matter and fully supporting the legal action, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde explained that the Maharashtra Cyber Department has taken action. Apart from this, the KEM Hospital administration has also appointed a committee to investigate Sejal Pawar. The Mayor clarified that the hospital administration has been directed to take strict action in this matter. Mayor Tawde further said that freedom of expression is a very important part of democracy, but in the name of this freedom, content that insults women, obscenity, hate speech, hateful content or content that sends the wrong message to the society cannot be accepted under any circumstances. Everyone should respect boundaries while discussing sensitive issues related to women, consent and the medical sector in a public forum. Mumbai is a city of culture, art and freedom of thought. However, it is the collective responsibility of all to ensure that no one’s dignity is violated in the name of entertainment. Since social media has a great influence on the youth, the impact of such content on society should be seriously considered. Everyone should be sensitive to this. All artists, digital content creators and social media influencers should preserve their creative talents while maintaining a sense of social interest, sensitivity and morality. Citizens should also behave responsibly on social media and strongly oppose things that promote hatred, obscenity and anti-women mentality, Ritu Tawde has also appealed on this occasion.
Maharashtra
MLA Abu Asim Azmi demands Interior Minister to allow Muharram sermons and gatherings until 9pm

Mumbai: In view of the importance of the holy days of Muharram, the time of public religious speeches, sermons and gatherings held during this period should be extended from 10 am to 12 pm, MLA Abu Asim Azmi has sent a memorandum to the state Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, making this strong demand.
MLA Azmi has said in his letter that public speeches, sermons and gatherings are organized in different areas at night during Muharram, in which a large number of devotees participate. Currently, Maghrib prayers are offered at around 7 pm, after which a lot of time is spent until the Isha prayers are completed. The police administration is currently allowing only up to 10 pm, due to which very little time is required for the actual program after the prayers. Due to this shortage of time, there is anxiety among Muslims and they are not able to fully benefit from these religious speeches.
In view of this situation, with full respect for law and order, this time should be extended till 12 midnight for the scheduled dates of Muharram. MLA Abu Asim Azmi has demanded that the Home Minister himself intervene in the matter and immediately issue positive orders to the police administration. Copies of this memorandum have also been sent to the Chief Minister and Mumbai Police Joint Commissioner (Law and Order) Devin Bharti for necessary action.
Maharashtra
Mira Road C-Queen Palace Orchestra Bar raided, 12 women recovered, 9 arrested

A team led by DCP Rahul Chavan of Mira Road Police Commissionerate, Circle 1, raided the Sea Queen Palace Orchestra Bar in front of Daraz Dhaba on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway under the limits of Kashigaon Police Station on Mira Road. During the raid, the police rescued 12 women. A cashier and 8 waiters were arrested, including the driver, owner and manager of the bar who are absconding. During the raid, Rs 50,000 in cash was seized. Along with this, illegal stocks of whiskey and beer were seized. Further investigation is underway in the case. It is said that an illegal dance and entertainment party was going on in the bar. During this, the police raided and arrested the accused and also released 12 dancers.
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