Maharashtra
Political interests derailing protests, causing anarchy, says CM Devendra Fadnavis on paper leak row
Mumbai, July 21: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on opposition parties and political organisations, accusing them of hijacking the ongoing demonstrations concerning the NEET exam paper leak to further their own selfish agendas and fuel political instability.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis commented on the protests staged by the Cockroach Janata Party and veteran social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He asserted that while peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right, it comes with inherent duties and responsibilities.
Clarifying the state’s stance on democratic rights, the Chief Minister stated that peaceful, authorised demonstrations would always receive permission. However, he drew a firm line against unauthorised gatherers resorting to violence.
“Everyone has the right to protest in a democracy, but while doing so, one must keep in mind both the rights and responsibilities bestowed by the Constitution,” CM Fadnavis said.
“Staging unauthorised protests and resorting to violence intentionally to create political instability is completely unacceptable. Necessary action must be taken against such acts,” he said.
CM Fadnavis highlighted that when protests lack clear central leadership, opportunists and bad actors often exploit the situation for personal or political gain.
He alleged that several political parties and organisations — having no real concern for the NEET exam or the students affected — have infiltrated the movement simply to incite unrest.
“When a movement is faceless and leaderless, certain elements circulate within it. They try to achieve their own selfish goals by firing from the shoulders of the protesters,” he said, adding that “Many of these individuals don’t even know what the NEET exam is or when it took place; they are merely pushing their own political agenda.”
Taking a swipe at opposition forces, CM Fadnavis added, “Political parties that have been rejected by voters in their respective states are now trying to gain political traction out of this unrest.”
Addressing the police lathi-charge on protesters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, CM Fadnavis defended the law enforcement agencies, stating that force was necessary to prevent a larger calamity after violence broke out.
“No government ever likes using lathi-charge against its own citizens. However, looking at the chaotic situation yesterday — where police vehicles were damaged, and officers were pelted with stones — if the police had not taken control, far worse incidents would have occurred. The police showed immense restraint and acted proportionately to restore order,” CM Fadnavis explained.
He clarified that he was not smearing all protesters, acknowledging that some participated with genuine intentions. However, he maintained that fringe elements and political opportunists had derailed the cause.
Meanwhile, CM Fadnavis spoke fondly of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar ahead of his birth anniversary, noting his distinct political persona, dedication, and stern yet warm leadership style.
Paying tribute at a photo exhibition organised in Pawar’s honour, CM Fadnavis also made a major policy announcement regarding agricultural relief. “To mark the birth anniversary of the beloved late Ajit Pawar, the state government is attempting to release the first list of eligible farmers under the farm loan waiver scheme tomorrow,” the Chief Minister announced.
Maharashtra
7 accused arrested in cyber fraud case of over Rs 1 crore in Mumbai

Mumbai: The Cyber Police Station has claimed to have solved the mystery of a cyber crime in which the complainant was threatened with digital arrest on WhatsApp from April 2 to April 18, 2026, and was involved in a money laundering case and was defrauded of Rs 16.74 crore online by sending fake electronic documents. During the technical investigation, the police have arrested 7 accused, identified as Sanjay Hiralal, 57, who used to generate OTPs, the 32-year-old female accused used to hide the fraudulent money, Rishi Ramchandra Meena, 38, who used to transfer the fraudulent money to bank accounts, Naushad Ali, 31, who digitally arrested the complainant and the victim and worked in this gang digitally, Muhammad Khalid Hafeezuddin Saif, 27, a digital expert, Jogesh Mehta, 43, and Zubair Hussain, 27, who helped them deposit the fraudulent money in their accounts. 613 mobile phones, 2 laptops, 5 digital sign devices were recovered from the possession of the accused. SIM cards of several companies, 10 cheque books, 2 passbooks and 2 ATM cards have been seized. DCP Bajrang Bansode told the press conference that there is no such thing as digital arrest and in such a situation, do not keep in touch on unknown social media accounts. If someone threatens digital arrest, do not believe them.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Mystery of Santa Cruz robbery solved during police operation, person who deposited stolen money in bank also identified, one arrested

Mumbai: After solving the mystery of a robbery in Santa Cruz area, the police have claimed to have seized cash and other jewelries worth Rs 76.36 lakh. According to the details, between June 20 and June 27, an unknown thief broke into a house on Juhu Tara Road in Santa Cruz area for the purpose of robbery and escaped with the jewelries, cash and gold biscuits in the cupboard. In this case, the police arrested the accused Chandan Kamlesh Mukhiya, 26, a resident of Darbhanga, during technical investigation. His transit remand was obtained and he was produced in Mumbai. In this case, another absconding accused is being sought. During the investigation, it has been revealed that with the help of the absconding accused, the thief had asked his acquaintance Kailash Shah to buy land with the money and stolen property. Therefore, Kailash Shah collected the cash and transferred it to a bank account. During the investigation, the police found that Kailash Shah had collected the stolen money of Rs 46.31 lakh, therefore, the police have issued a notice to him. 200 grams of gold jewelry and Rolex watches have also been recovered. This operation was carried out under the guidance of Mumbai Additional Commissioner Abhinav Deshmukh and DCP Mohit Kumar Garg, while Santa Cruz Senior Police Inspector Dattatreya Masvekar played an important role in solving the mystery of this theft.
Maharashtra
Demand for immediate installation of bus shelters in Govindi Shivaji Nagar, Abu Asim Azmi submits memorandum to BEST administration, concerned about safety of passengers

Residents of Mumbai, Shivaji Nagar and Govind (M-East Ward) areas face significant hardship during summer, monsoon and inclement weather due to lack of bus shelters and seating arrangements at major bus stops. In this backdrop, Samajwadi Party Maharashtra state president and MLA Abu Asim Azmi has submitted a memorandum to BEST Committee Chairperson Trishna Vishwasrao, demanding immediate installation of robust bus shelters and seating facilities at these locations. Shivaji Nagar depot is one of the largest depots in Mumbai, serving a large number of passengers daily. Around 132 BEST buses ply in this area, and thousands of school and college students, women, senior citizens, pregnant women, disabled persons and workers rely on BEST services. In his memorandum, Azmi said that essential passenger amenities are missing at many of the six major bus stops in the area. Specifically, these include stops at Shivaji Nagar Depot Junction, Konkan Bank and Sai Mandir, Jafri School, 10 Feet Road No. 2, Sant Nirankari Nagar, and New Bus Depot. Due to the lack of safe waiting areas, passengers are forced to stand on the roadside and wait for buses. The memorandum highlights that this situation is especially bad for women, senior citizens, pregnant women and disabled passengers. Azmi also observed that local residents have been continuously following up with the depot manager and the civic department since 2023. Although the approval for the bus stop on Road No. 2 was reportedly given in 2024, the work has not yet started, leading to dissatisfaction among residents. Demand for joint inspection of all bus stops Azmi has demanded that the issue be taken seriously and a joint inspection of all bus stops be conducted immediately with representatives of local citizens. He further stressed that the work should be completed by installing robust bus shelters and seating arrangements at the relevant locations using BEST’s infrastructure fund.
BEST serves as a vital lifeline for the daily commute of millions of Mumbaikars, and it is essential that commuters have access to safe and dignified travel facilities. Hence, Azmi has demanded immediate action on the matter.
-
Crime4 years agoClass 10 student jumps to death in Jaipur
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai Local Train Update: Central Railway’s New Timetable Comes Into Effect; Check Full List Of Revised Timings & Stations
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMumbai To Go Toll-Free Tonight! Maharashtra Govt Announces Complete Toll Waiver For Light Motor Vehicles At All 5 Entry Points Of City
-
Maharashtra2 years agoFalse photo of Imtiaz Jaleel’s rally, exposing the fooling conspiracy
-
National News2 years agoMinistry of Railways rolls out Special Drive 4.0 with focus on digitisation, cleanliness, inclusiveness and grievance redressal
-
Maharashtra2 years agoMaharashtra Elections 2024: Mumbai Metro & BEST Services Extended Till Midnight On Voting Day
-
National News2 years agoJ&K: 4 Jawans Killed, 28 Injured After Bus Carrying BSF Personnel For Poll Duty Falls Into Gorge In Budgam; Terrifying Visuals Surface
-
Crime2 years agoBaba Siddique Murder: Mumbai Police Unable To Get Lawrence Bishnoi Custody Due To Home Ministry Order, Says Report
