Nalasopara: The biggest news right now is the recovery of a large quantity of drugs in Nalasopara, which has created a stir in the area.

The incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Tulinj Police Station, in the Prgati Nagar area of Nalasopara East. According to information received, the Crime Branch Unit 2 team got a tip-off that an unknown person was coming to the area to smuggle a large quantity of drugs.

Following this intelligence, the Crime Branch Unit 2 team laid a trap and apprehended the Nigerian individual on the road. During the search, approximately 255 grams of MD (Mephedrone) drugs were seized from him, with a total value estimated at around ₹51 lakh 10 thousand.

The recovery of such a large amount of drugs in broad daylight, just 25 meters away from the Pragati Nagar Beat police chowki (under Tulinj Police Station), has created a sensation and panic in the locality.

Currently, the Crime Branch Unit 3 team has arrested the Nigerian national from the Pragati Nagar area in connection with drug trafficking, carrying out a major operation.

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 3: A court on Wednesday reserved order on the anticipatory bail plea of Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, accused of raping and coercing a woman into an unsafe abortion.

After a 90-minute closed-door hearing, the Court said that since a maze of documents has to be perused, the orders will come accordingly.

Before the start of the hearing, the court cleared the room, reflecting the sensitivity of the case that triggered a major political storm in the state.

Mamkootathil’s counsel argued that the complaint was “motivated and aimed at destroying his political career”, alleging a conspiracy involving the CPI(M) and BJP.

He maintained that the relationship had been consensual and claimed the pregnancy was not related to him.

The defence further argued that the woman herself opted for an abortion. It was also pointed out that this case is being used to divert public attention from the Sabarimala gold smuggling controversy.

The court, after listening to both sides, reserved its order and directed the prosecution to file one more supporting document.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team has submitted a detailed report to the court, reportedly containing grave findings.

According to the report, the woman was raped multiple times and was threatened into undergoing an abortion.

Investigators say they have evidence to support allegations of sexual assault and coercion.

The prosecution argued strongly against granting bail, highlighting Mamkootathil’s influence as a public representative.

If released, they warned, he could intimidate the complainant or destroy crucial evidence.

For Mamkootathil, the case has become politically existential.

A court order against him could result in expulsion from his party, for which a majority in the party have gone on record tasking the party’s top brass to ensure that he is expelled.

In August, when this case first surfaced, the party stripped him of the post of Youth Congress president and suspended him from the party.

Even as the case tightens around him, the police have yet to trace the legislator, who, they say, is absconding in Bengaluru, seven days after the complaint was filed.

In her confidential deposition before the Neyyattinkara JFCM court, the woman detailed multiple instances of rape, twice in a Thiruvananthapuram flat and later in Palakkad.

She alleged that Rahul recorded videos of the assaults, used them to threaten her, and repeatedly intimidated her over the phone.

According to the prosecution, Mamkootathil’s friend Joby Joseph delivered the abortion pill and has been named a co-accused.

Mumbai: On the 69th death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (BR Ambedkar), also known as Mahaparinirvan Diwas, a holiday has been declared to all government and semi-government officials in Mumbai on Saturday, December 6. Mahaparinirvan Diwas serves as an opportunity to honour his efforts towards social justice, equality, and human rights.

The holiday has also been granted to the municipal officials in the Thane district. In addition to this, the employees who are not eligible for the holiday will be granted one day of earned leave. Citing a Municipality circular, the report stated that the workers and employees in essential services will be exempted from the holiday.

The day commemorates the death of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the creator of the Indian Constitution and a leader who fought for social justice. It represents his shift to everlasting peace while honouring his lasting influence in supporting underrepresented communities and championing equality and human rights.

It is a day for contemplation, honour, and a reaffirmation of the dedication to his vision of a fair and inclusive community. Mahaparinirvan Diwas serves as a reminder of Dr Ambedkar’s steadfast dedication to establishing an equitable society and motivates ongoing endeavours for social justice.

A large number of people are expected to congregate at the Chaityabhoomi here on December 6, the death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The annual event draws lakhs of followers of Dr Ambedkar from across the country.

On December 2, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed all departments to ensure that security and all other necessary arrangements at Chaityabhoomi. Fadnavis directed officials to ensure proper ‘mandap’ (canopy/pandal) arrangements, drinking water facilities, sanitation, traffic management and adequate signage in Dadar area, where the Chaityabhoomi is located.

Central Railway will be running 12 additional suburban services on Babasaheb Ambedkar’s death anniversary on December 6, observed as Mahaparinirvan Divas by lakhs of his followers, who converge at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar from across the country.

In a release, CR said that these additional suburban special trains will be run between Parel-Kalyan and Kurla-Panvel stations on Friday-Saturday mid-night. These additional suburban special trains will be operated from Kurla, Kalyan, Thane, Parel, Vashi and Panvel stations between 00.45 am and 4 am.

The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has been instructed to deploy additional buses for the convenience of devotees, he said, adding that the annual review helps identify gaps and improve arrangements each year.