Mumbai: A final decision has been reached to shut down the SMS company in the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar area by 2027; the facility had been polluting the air and posing a health risk to local residents for years. This development—achieved through a prolonged public struggle and persistent protests led by the Samajwadi Party—is being hailed as a major victory and a source of immense relief for the area’s inhabitants.

A special event was organized to celebrate this success, during which the history of the long struggle was revisited in the presence of the Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra State President and local MLA, Abu Asim Azmi. During the event, the hard work of party workers and the unparalleled cooperation of local citizens were acknowledged, with the history of the campaign displayed on an LED screen. Key actions were highlighted, including the extensive campaign against the company led by State President Abu Asim Azmi; the organization of large-scale sit-ins and protest marches; raising the issue prominently in the Legislative Assembly to pressure the government and administration to close or relocate the plant; and waging a legal battle to vigorously expose violations of pollution control standards. State President Abu Asim Azmi extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the residents of Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar on this achievement. He stated that this success is a testament to the patience and unwavering struggle of the local people, who never allowed their voices against pollution to be silenced. They also expressed gratitude to every citizen and party worker who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with them throughout this entire struggle. It was further clarified that although a 2027 deadline has been set for the company’s closure, the campaign to secure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar will not stop here; the Samajwadi Party’s struggle to protect the local environment and the health rights of residents will continue with full intensity in the days ahead.

The Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat ATS have achieved a major breakthrough against an international drug smuggling network in Gujarat. In a joint operation, the two agencies seized drugs worth approximately ₹3,000 crore from a boat in the Arabian Sea.

Five Pakistani nationals have been arrested in connection with this operation. A total of 526 kilograms of narcotics were recovered from the boat. The arrested individuals are currently being interrogated.

The Indian Coast Guard and Gujarat ATS busted a major drug smuggling network through this joint operation in the Arabian Sea.

Acting on intelligence inputs, the agencies intercepted a suspicious boat at sea. A search of the vessel yielded 526 kilograms of narcotics, estimated to be worth around ₹3,000 crore in the international market.

Five Pakistani nationals on board the boat were arrested during the operation. All the accused are being questioned. Investigative agencies are working to determine the origin of the drug consignment and its intended destination within India.

Efforts are also underway to identify other individuals involved in this network.

Further investigation into the matter is currently ongoing. Details regarding the entire drug supply chain and other individuals linked to the international smuggling network will only be revealed after the investigation concludes.

Thane, Sep 30: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Pradeep Purnekar, was shot dead in Maharashtra’s Thane on Tuesday night, with police intensifying their investigation into the killing on Wednesday.

One suspect has been formally arrested, while another is being questioned in connection with the case.

The attack took place at around 9 p.m. in the Manpada-Manorama Nagar area, near Purnekar’s office and within the jurisdiction of the Kapurbawdi police station.

According to police, unidentified assailants opened fire at Purnekar, hitting him twice. He was rushed to a hospital on Ghodbunder Road, where he died while undergoing treatment.

CCTV footage examined by investigators showed that one of the two detained suspects was present at the scene during the firing and was allegedly involved in the conspiracy, while the other reportedly provided a vehicle to the two accused who carried out the shooting.

One of the suspects has been formally arrested, while the other is being questioned by police. Investigators are also looking for other people who may have been involved in the attack and are examining CCTV footage from the area and surrounding roads to establish the sequence of events and trace the suspects’ movements.

Pradeep Purnekar’s body was sent to Mumbai’s JJ Hospital on Wednesday morning for a post-mortem examination, DCP Prashant Kadam said. “After the post-mortem, a detailed report will be available,” he said.

Reacting to the killing, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey raised concerns over the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra.

“What has happened to Maharashtra? There are so many criminals, mafias, and murderers roaming freely that I cannot even tell you. Whether it is Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Mumbai, and now Thane, late last night, a senior leader of our party, Shiv Sena (UBT), was shot dead…” Dubey told MEDIA.

Reports said the attackers were wearing helmets and masks. Police are examining footage from multiple cameras and other evidence to identify all those involved and determine how the accused fled the scene.

The killing has also raised questions about a possible connection with a proposed agitation against a local builder.

Purnekar had reportedly announced plans to stage a protest over alleged irregularities by a local builder and had sought permission from the Kapurbawdi police for the demonstration. However, police have not confirmed any link between the proposed protest or the builder dispute and the killing.

Investigators are examining multiple possible motives, including political rivalry and personal enmity. The exact reason behind the attack remains under investigation.