Mumbai, March 26: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) faces scrutiny over a proposal to divert Rs 90 crore from funds earmarked for widening and deepening the Mithi River and other water bodies to extend a flyover on the Ghatkopar–Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR).

While the proposal was approved by the civic standing committee, the opposition has demanded three years of inter-departmental transfer records, alleging the move signals weak financial planning.

Of the Rs 150 crore allocated in financial year 2025–26 for river widening, including the Mithi River, the BMC spent only Rs 10 crore. Now, Rs 90 crore of the unspent Rs 140.62 crore is proposed for extending the GMLR flyover toward the Sion-Panvel Highway at Vashi.

The proposal to shift funds was discussed at Wednesday’s standing committee. Congress leader Ashraf Azmi demanded formal recording of the proposal and a three-year fund-transfer audit, citing financial indiscipline and possibly unnecessary works.

BJP corporators Shital Gambhir and Priti Satam backed transparency, with Satam flagging repeated infrastructure failures along the Oshiwara River.

Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner, noted that payments to approved Mithi River contractors have been cleared, while blacklisted contractors received nothing, leaving part of the funds unutilised.

He warned that any unspent amount must be used by the end of March or it will lapse. Approving the fund transfer, Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde directed the administration to take into account members’ suggestions raised during the discussion.

The GMLR flyover extension comprises two arms — a 1,473-metre stretch up to 8.5 metres wide toward Vashi, and a 1,930-metre return arm. Built with a modern steel-composite structure, the project is estimated at Rs 1,051 crore and aims to ease congestion at Maharashtra Nagar junction in Mankhurd, where the GMLR meets the Sion-Panvel Highway.

However, with only Rs 344 crore currently available, the funds are insufficient to complete the project, for which tenders were floated in 2024–25. The BMC administration plans to reallocate funds from the river improvement budget.

Mira Bhayandar, March 26: The Kashimira locality in Mira-Bhayandar was gripped by fear on Tuesday night following the brutal murder of a 40-year-old female housekeeper. The victim, identified as Suman Nawachi, was repeatedly stabbed with a sharp-edged weapon inside a flat within a prominent residential complex.

Suman Nawachi worked as a housekeeper for several families in the Chandesh Accord residential complex. The attack took place in a flat located in Building Number 27.

According to police reports, the assailant launched a violent attack, stabbing Suman twice in the abdomen, once in the chest, and once across the neck.

Despite being rushed immediately to Gurukrupa Hospital, doctors declared her dead on arrival due to the severity of her injuries.

Upon receiving the alert, Kashimira Police arrived at the scene along with a forensic team to secure the area and collect evidence. Police have seized the weapon used in the crime from the spot.

Investigating officers are currently scanning footage from all CCTV cameras in and around the complex to identify the suspect. Police are recording statements from neighbours and residents to determine if anyone witnessed the entry or exit of the attacker.

The cold-blooded nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through the Kashimira neighbourhood. Local authorities have increased patrolling in the area to reassure panicked residents.

“We are conducting the investigation with the utmost seriousness. Our primary goal is to uncover the motive behind this heinous act and apprehend the perpetrator at the earliest,” stated a senior police official.

While the motive remains unclear, forensic experts are analysing every aspect of the crime scene to provide leads.

Mumbai: Tension erupted in the Malad area of ​​Mumbai last night when some miscreants created a ruckus near the Jama Masjid, after which the situation deteriorated. The police brought the situation under control. Slogans were raised from both sides. On one side, slogans of Takbir Allah Akbar were raised, while on the other, slogans of Jai Shri Ram were raised. Last night, Isha prayers were being offered at the Jama Masjid. Meanwhile, noise was heard while the idol of Lord Ram was being carried. The worshippers objected. After that, the situation deteriorated. The police brought the parties under control and now the situation is peaceful here, but tension persists. The police have tightened security in all sensitive areas including the Jama Masjid. Since the Ram Navami procession is taken out in the evening and to ensure that no trouble occurs during the Ram Navami procession and Shobhayatra, forces have been deployed everywhere. Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti has issued strict instructions to the police in this matter, while the police have registered a case against those who created the dispute and the investigation is underway. Violence broke out on Ram Navami three years ago in the Malad area of ​​Mumbai, and after that, miscreants are again trying to spoil the atmosphere here. Last night too, an attempt was made to spoil the atmosphere here, but the police foiled it. Now the situation is peaceful. The police have also warned of action against those spreading rumors and those sharing controversial videos on social media. Along with this, the police are investigating the matter to see if the atmosphere was spoiled. After the communal conflict, the police had identified sensitive areas and also held meetings of the Mohalla Committees and Peace Committees. Along with the installation of CCTV footage in Malad, the procession was monitored by drones. The police have also claimed that the procession ended peacefully due to the presence of forces at Chappa Chappa.