Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted bail to Kafeel Ahmed Mohammed Ayub, 65, who was arrested thirteen years ago in connection with the July 13, 2011 triple blasts case that killed 27 persons and injured 127. 

A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and RR Bhonsale granted bail to Ayub on a surety of Rs one lakh. A detailed order copy is awaited. At present, he is lodged at the Mumbai Central prison. 

Ayub had approached the  HC after his bail plea was rejected by the special court in 2022. 

Ayub, a resident of Bihar, was arrested in February 2012 and has been in custody since then. 

On July 13, 2011, Mumbai was rocked by three blasts — at Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House and near a school in Dadar Kabutarkhana close to the railway station — in a span on 10 minutes. 

The probe  was handed over to the state Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) police. It alleged that terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM) had orchestrated the blasts and the main conspirator was its founder Yasin Bhatkal. Eleven persons are facing trial in the case. 

According to the ATS, Ayub and the other accused in the case were indoctrinating Muslim youths to carry out terror acts at the behest of IM. It further claimed that Ayub was in close contact with Yasin Bhatkal, who is alleged to be the main conspirator, and is still absconding. 

Ayub’s advocate Mubin Solkar argued that Ayub has been languishing in jail for over a decade. The prosecution has said it would examine 800 witnesses, and not a single witness has been examined yet, his plea contended. 

His plea claimed that he is innocent and implicated in the case. Moreover, the prosecution has no evidence against him except his own confession which he said was not given voluntarily. 

Mumbai: India continues to celebrate a historic sporting milestone after the national women’s cricket team clinched their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on November 2.

Applauding the team’s outstanding achievement, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday, announced that the state cabinet had passed a motion of appreciation to honour the champions. “Our women’s team performed exceptionally at the ICC Women’s World Cup and won the tournament for the first time. For 25 years, only three countries had dominated it and for the first time, the world has found a new winner,” said Fadnavis.

He further added that the Maharashtra government has approved a proposal to felicitate three players from the state, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav, who played a crucial role in India’s title-winning campaign. “The cabinet has warmly congratulated the team for their historic achievement,” Fadnavis said, commending the athletes for inspiring a new generation of sportspersons.

Reports also suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet the victorious team on Wednesday, November 5, to personally congratulate them. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 earlier yesterday, PM Modi lauded the women’s team for their trailblazing success. “This event is about science, but first, I must talk about India’s spectacular victory in cricket. All of India is overjoyed with this success. This is India’s first Women’s World Cup, and we are proud of you. Your victory will inspire millions of young people across the country,” the Prime Minister said.

The Indian team displayed remarkable skill and resilience in the high-stakes final. After being asked to bat first, they posted a formidable total of 299 runs. South Africa began their chase confidently but crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.

Following the landmark win, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a Rs 51-crore cash reward for the players and support staff. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia hailed the victory as a monumental achievement that will take Indian women’s cricket to a new level.

Patna, Nov 4: The election activity is intensifying in Bihar, with campaigning for the first phase of polling set to end at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Before the silence period kicks in, Mahagathbandhan’s Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday made a series of major announcements at a press conference in Patna.

Tejashwi Yadav said that if the Grand Alliance forms the government, women will receive the entire Rs 30,000 annual assistance under the ‘Mai Bahin Maan Yojana’ in one single instalment (Rs 2,500 per month), which will be transferred directly to their bank accounts on January 14 — the day of Makar Sankranti.

He said this would ensure direct economic support to women.

Tejashwi also announced that Jeevika Didis (women self-help group members) and community mobilisers will be made permanent employees and given a monthly honorarium.

Interest on loans taken by these groups will be waived entirely, and each Jeevika Didi will get insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, he said.

He added that if his government comes to power, the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) will be restored — benefitting teachers, health workers and police personnel.

Addressing a long-pending demand of employees, Tejashwi said postings would be ensured within 70 km of a worker’s home district.

He cited the example of nurses and government staff posted hundreds of kilometres away, leading to financial and family hardships.

The OPS offers assured post-retirement pension benefits to government employees.

Tejashwi Yadav has made a series of promises in his election manifesto called “Tejashwi’s pledge”, including government jobs for one member of every family, 200 units of free electricity, free electricity for farmers for irrigation purposes, and Jeevika Didis and contractual employees will be made permanent.

Campaigning for the first phase of elections — covering 121 seats across 18 districts — ends at 5 p.m. Voting will take place on November 6, and the result will come out on November 14.