Maharashtra
‘Third wave’ may be a tsunami of 60 lakh cases, warns Maharashtra government

Rajesh Tope.
With the possibility of India hurtling towards a Covid-19 “third wave”, the Maharashtra government on Friday cautioned that the state could witness around 60 lakh cases in such a situation.
Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that while around 20 lakh were affected in the first wave followed by 40 lakh in the second, the dreaded next wave may lead to over 60 lakh cases.
“Of these, nearly 12 per cent would require oxygen support during treatment… We are trying to achieve 100 percent vaccination as soon as possible,” he said.
Contending that the third wave has already started in the US, the UK, Russia, and other countries, he called upon people to take extreme precautions during the upcoming festivals like Janmashtami, Ganeshotsav, Navratri and Diwali to avoid a surge in the cases.
Tope has discussed the issue with his Kerala counterpart Veena George, whose state recorded 31,000 new cases on Thursday with the Onam celebrations considered the prime reason, but the authorities have stepped up testing.
He revealed that to tackle the upcoming health crisis, the Maharashtra government is in the process of recruiting more doctors, nurses and other medical-paramedical staffers besides enhancing health care capacities including for juveniles.
“By September end, we plan to recruit 7,000 medical staff including 1,200 doctors. We are enhancing the production of liquid medical oxygen, increasing the number of beds in Covid hospitals, and getting 1,000 new ambulances,” Tope said.
Additionally, the government has approved an increment of Rs 1,500 in the salaries of 71,000 ASHA workers for which an an amount of Rs 275 crore will be included in the budget.
Health Department officials said that at least nine of the worst-hit districts in the two previous waves “are being monitored very closely” to ensure that infections and fatalities can be controlled, besides taking measure to shield children and infants.
The situation has already become worrisome as the state has already recorded over 200 cases of the Covid-19 variant, Delta Plus, which has claimed 5 patients till date.
This week, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation authorities were stunned after 22 young students, mostly below 18, were found infected out of 95 in the St Joseph’s School & Orphanage in Dongri, and the institution was promptly sealed on Thursday.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Female Doctor At J J Hospital Attempts Suicide; Condition Stable, Investigation Underway

Mumbai: Following the recent suicide of a doctor at J.J. Hospital who jumped from the Atal Setu, another female doctor from the same hospital attempted to take her own life in her hostel room on Thursday night. She was promptly given medical treatment, and her condition is currently stable.
The hospital administration, along with the Department of Medical Education and Research, has set up independent committees to investigate the incident. The doctor ingested an overdose of medication but was quickly admitted to the hospital by her colleagues, which helped save her life. Her parents in Uttar Pradesh have been informed about the situation.
The exact reasons behind her suicide attempt remain unclear. Dr. Ajay Bhandarwar, Dean of J J Hospital, stated that the findings of the two separate inquiry committees, one at the hospital and another by the Department of Medical Education and Research, will provide clarity once their reports are submitted.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad Booked For Obstructing Police Vehicle Outside Vidhan Sabha

Mumbai: A complaint has been lodged against NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad at the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai, following an altercation that occurred between the NCP leader’s supporters and BJP workers at the Maharashtra assembly complex, according to ANI reports.
The confrontation involving the backers of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar followed a tense discussion between the two MLAs.
An official stated that the Mumbai police filed a case against Awhad for hindering public servants in performing their duties during a protest at the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan. Both Padalkar and Awhad voiced their disappointment in the House regarding the altercation between their backers.
Vidhan Bhavan Fight
Thursday evening saw a confrontation between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP leader Jitendra Awhad’s workers in the Maharashtra Assembly, damaging its reputation. Speaker Rahul Narvekar addressed it, with Awhad citing death threats.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed frustration over the situation while distancing the Speaker’s comments from Awhad’s claims. The altercation, which began after Padalkar’s vehicle allegedly hit Awhad, escalated into violence. Fadnavis called for an investigation, while Uddhav Thackeray criticized the government’s inaction.
Maharashtra legislative assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar stated that the associates of the two MLAs, who were part of Thursday’s altercation and apprehended by the state legislature’s security, will confront a breach of privilege of the House.
Maharashtra
Congress Alleges Ministers, Officials Caught In Honey Trap Scandal; Demands Probe In Maharashtra Assembly

Congress leader Nana Patole alleged that several ministers and senior officials of the ruling Mahayuti government are involved in a honey trap scandal. On Thursday, Patole presented a pen drive as purported evidence in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, claiming it contained sensitive information exposing the scandal.
Speaking in the Assembly, Patole said, “More than 72 senior officials and some ministers have fallen victim to honey traps. Sensitive information is being extracted and handed over to anti-social elements. Some officials have even been blackmailed to the extent of contemplating suicide. Despite the seriousness of the issue, the government refuses to make even a basic statement on the matter.”
He further claimed that cities like Thane, Nashik, and Mumbai have become centers of these honey trap operations. “I don’t intend to tarnish anyone’s image, but the government is not taking this seriously. Important government documents are being leaked through these traps, and I urge the Speaker to issue directions,” Patole added.
The issue was echoed in the Legislative Council as well, where Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve reiterated the claims. Danve stated that information had emerged indicating the involvement of political leaders and senior officials in honey traps. He warned that such incidents posed a threat to administrative secrecy and the law and order situation in the state.
“During the Pahalgam attack, individuals involved in similar activities were caught by the central government. It is feared that confidential administrative information and key files have been leaked through these traps. Police have already begun inquiries in Thane and Nashik. This matter must be taken seriously from the standpoint of state security,” Danve said.
He also emphasized the possibility that some individuals might have gained administrative advantages through blackmail, urging the government to clarify its position and investigate the matter thoroughly.
On Wednesday, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad also raised concerns about the impact of the scandal on Nashik’s image. “It is unfortunate that Nashik, a city of rich heritage, is being associated with such cases. What kind of political culture are we promoting? People are stooping to shocking levels of immorality just to make money,” Awhad remarked.
While the state government has yet to make a formal statement, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde acknowledged the issue, stating that the government has taken note of the matter.
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