Mumbai: In a shocking incident, the Customs Department arrested an Indian passenger at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Saturday after finding 61 rare wild animals hidden inside his luggage. The passenger had arrived from Bangkok, officials confirmed.

According to Customs officials, the man’s behaviour appeared suspicious, prompting a detailed luggage check. To their surprise, they discovered several live wild animals packed inside. All 61 animals were immediately rescued and handed over to the Rescue Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAW) for treatment and care.

Officials said the seized animals included several endangered species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Among them were black and white tegus, cuscus, central bearded dragons, and Honduran milk snakes. The animals are now being nursed back to health and will be sent to their countries of origin.

The Wildlife Crime Control Cell has been informed, and an investigation is underway to find out how the animals were obtained and what their intended purpose was. The arrested passenger faces charges under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

RAW Director Pawan Sharma said Thailand has become a hub for wildlife trafficking because it is home to many exotic animal species, and the trade of such animals is legal there. He added that direct and affordable flights from Bangkok make it easier for smugglers to attempt bringing such wildlife into India.

Wildlife trafficking is considered a serious crime in India. It involves capturing, selling, or transporting wild animals and birds illegally across borders. These animals are often kept hidden in cramped spaces, leading to severe suffering and, in many cases, death.

Thane: In a rare show of opposition unity, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will jointly hold a massive protest march on Monday against the alleged corruption and administrative failure of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).

The morcha, organised to demand accountability for what the opposition calls the TMC’s mismanagement, will begin at 3 pm from Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan and conclude at the TMC headquarters. The route will pass through key city points, Saikrupa Hotel, New English School, Madhavi Bungalow, Ghantali Naka, Saibaba Mandir, Aradhna Talkies and Raigad Galli, before ending at the municipal office.

The protest is being held to highlight civic issues such as traffic congestion, poor roads, irregular water supply and mounting garbage woes that have plagued Thane residents for months. With the municipal corporation currently being run by an administrator instead of elected representatives, opposition parties allege that corruption and favouritism have flourished under state-appointed officials.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) has expressed their support to the protest. NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad also announced his participation in the march, joining leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS. “Thane’s citizens are suffering due to inefficiency and corruption. Model road and park tenders are being used as tools for favouritism instead of genuine public service,” said NCP (SP) district chief Manoj Pradhan.

Local leaders from all three parties have appealed to Thane residents to participate in large numbers to express their anger against the civic administration. The joint protest marks a key moment in Thane’s political scene, with three rival opposition parties uniting against what they describe as unchecked corruption under the state-controlled civic body. Large turnouts are expected from constituencies including Kopri-Panchpakhadi, Owala-Majiwada, Kalwa–Mumbra and central Thane.

Security arrangements are being strengthened along the protest route. Thane police also shared a traffic advisory to manage traffic disruptions and ensure public safety as thousands are expected to join the morcha demanding better governance and transparency in Thane’s civic affairs.

Mumbai: A major fire broke out in the early hours of Monday, engulfing 15 to 20 galas in Kapadia Nagar near the Gurudwara in Kurla West. The blaze, which erupted at approximately 2:42 a.m. The fire was brought under control after a five-hour-long firefighting operation. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.

According to fire officials, the fire originated in partly ground and partly ground-plus-one structures and quickly spread across an area of around 3,000 square feet. The galas reportedly housed stockpiles of automobile spare parts, tyres, electric wiring, installations, scrap materials, and other combustible goods, which fueled the intensity of the blaze. The fire was escalated to a Level 2 major fire at 2:57 a.m., prompting a massive response from Mumbai Fire Brigade. 

Water tenders, 10 jumbo tankers, 3 additional water tankers, 2 quick response vehicles, and a 108 emergency ambulance were rushed to the site. Senior officials, including 1 Divisional Fire Officer, 2 Additional Divisional Fire Officers, 3 Senior Station Officers and 3 Station Officers were present on-site to oversee operations.

The fire was extinguished by 7:24 a.m., no injuries were reported, according to fire officials. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and will be established following a detailed investigation, said an official.