Mumbai: A complaint has been lodged against NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad at the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai, following an altercation that occurred between the NCP leader’s supporters and BJP workers at the Maharashtra assembly complex, according to ANI reports.

The confrontation involving the backers of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar followed a tense discussion between the two MLAs.

An official stated that the Mumbai police filed a case against Awhad for hindering public servants in performing their duties during a protest at the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan. Both Padalkar and Awhad voiced their disappointment in the House regarding the altercation between their backers.

Vidhan Bhavan Fight

Thursday evening saw a confrontation between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP leader Jitendra Awhad’s workers in the Maharashtra Assembly, damaging its reputation. Speaker Rahul Narvekar addressed it, with Awhad citing death threats.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed frustration over the situation while distancing the Speaker’s comments from Awhad’s claims. The altercation, which began after Padalkar’s vehicle allegedly hit Awhad, escalated into violence. Fadnavis called for an investigation, while Uddhav Thackeray criticized the government’s inaction.

Maharashtra legislative assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar stated that the associates of the two MLAs, who were part of Thursday’s altercation and apprehended by the state legislature’s security, will confront a breach of privilege of the House.

Congress leader Nana Patole alleged that several ministers and senior officials of the ruling Mahayuti government are involved in a honey trap scandal. On Thursday, Patole presented a pen drive as purported evidence in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, claiming it contained sensitive information exposing the scandal.

Speaking in the Assembly, Patole said, “More than 72 senior officials and some ministers have fallen victim to honey traps. Sensitive information is being extracted and handed over to anti-social elements. Some officials have even been blackmailed to the extent of contemplating suicide. Despite the seriousness of the issue, the government refuses to make even a basic statement on the matter.”

He further claimed that cities like Thane, Nashik, and Mumbai have become centers of these honey trap operations. “I don’t intend to tarnish anyone’s image, but the government is not taking this seriously. Important government documents are being leaked through these traps, and I urge the Speaker to issue directions,” Patole added.

The issue was echoed in the Legislative Council as well, where Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve reiterated the claims. Danve stated that information had emerged indicating the involvement of political leaders and senior officials in honey traps. He warned that such incidents posed a threat to administrative secrecy and the law and order situation in the state.

“During the Pahalgam attack, individuals involved in similar activities were caught by the central government. It is feared that confidential administrative information and key files have been leaked through these traps. Police have already begun inquiries in Thane and Nashik. This matter must be taken seriously from the standpoint of state security,” Danve said.

He also emphasized the possibility that some individuals might have gained administrative advantages through blackmail, urging the government to clarify its position and investigate the matter thoroughly.

On Wednesday, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad also raised concerns about the impact of the scandal on Nashik’s image. “It is unfortunate that Nashik, a city of rich heritage, is being associated with such cases. What kind of political culture are we promoting? People are stooping to shocking levels of immorality just to make money,” Awhad remarked.

While the state government has yet to make a formal statement, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde acknowledged the issue, stating that the government has taken note of the matter.

Mumbai: A ground-plus-two-storey residential structure collapsed early Friday morning in Mumbai’s Bandra East area, leaving at least 12 people injured, including two in critical condition. The incident occurred at 5:56 am at Chawl No. 37 in Bharat Nagar, near Namaj Committee Masjid in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area.

The structure, identified as Chawl No. 37, was a ground-plus-three-storey residential building, PTI reported. The collapse triggered an immediate response from multiple agencies. A large-scale rescue operation is currently underway, with eight fire engines, rescue vans and ambulances deployed to the site. Visuals of the locality have surfaced on the internet showing authorities engaged in relief operations.

Massive Rescue Operation Launched By Several Agencies

Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), Mumbai Police, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Public Works Department (PWD), and even emergency personnel from private conglomerate Adani have joined hands in the rescue efforts. Local building staff are also assisting in the search-and-rescue operation.

Details On The Injured Ones

Medical Superintendent Dr. Vinod Khade from Bhabha Hospital confirmed that 12 people had been admitted following the collapse. Of them, Rehana Ansari (65) and Mohammad Ansari (68) suffered approximately 50 percent burn injuries and are in critical condition. Both have been shifted to KEM Hospital for advanced medical care.

The remaining ten victims are reported to be in stable condition and are undergoing treatment at Bhabha Hospital. They include Mohammad Lareb Irfan (8), Mustafa Ibrahim Sayyed (57), Shabana Mustafa Sayyed (42), Noori Irfan Khan (35), Mohammad Irfan Khan (50), Abdul Rehman Irfan Khan (22), Alfiya Mustafa Sayyed (18), Aliya Mustaq Sayyed (16), Jaffar Jamal Khan (approximately 80), and Sharmin Shaikh (32).

No Info On Cause Behind Structural Collapse

The cause of the collapse has yet to be officially determined. However, incidents of structural failure are not uncommon in Mumbai during the monsoon season, particularly among ageing buildings that suffer from poor maintenance and weather-related stress.