At least one person was killed, and three others were injured after a portion of an under-construction Metro pillar of the Line-4 viaduct collapsed and fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a car in the Mulund area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Saturday (February 14, 2026). The incident occurred on LBS Road near the Johnson &amp; Johnson Company at around 12.20 pm.&nbsp;The Mumbai Fire Brigade confirmed that a concrete piece measuring nearly 6 ft by 4 ft fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a Skoda car. Soon after the incident, the injured were admitted to Upasana Multispeciality Hospital, where Ramdhan Yadav was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45) is in critical condition, and he is in the ICU, while the conditions of Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40) are stable, according to a report in the TOI.&nbsp;Emergency teams, including the fire brigade, police, metro personnel, civic ward officials, and 108 ambulance staff, rushed to the site and began rescue efforts. Authorities sealed off the area, causing a temporary disruption to traffic along the busy LBS Road.&nbsp;Rescue operations were jointly carried out by fire services, police, metro staff, and civic authorities, while the affected stretch was cordoned off, briefly slowing movement on the arterial road.<h3>Maharashtra CM grants ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh</h3>In response to the incident, Mulund MLA Mihir Kotecha called for a thorough inquiry and strict action against the contractor and responsible officials. Mayor Ritu Tawde stated that the parapet had been installed just a day earlier and said the area should have been barricaded, pointing to possible negligence.&nbsp;Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray criticised the government over alleged safety lapses at infrastructure sites and questioned whether the contractor would be blacklisted. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry into the pillar collapse and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-to-be-invited-for-tarique-rahman-s-oath-taking-ceremony-says-top-bnp-leader-1771051770384">PM Modi to be invited for Tarique Rahman's oath taking ceremony, says top BNP leader</a>

After the incident, emergency teams, including the fire brigade, police, metro personnel, civic ward officials, and 108 ambulance staff, rushed to the site and began rescue efforts. Authorities sealed off the area, causing a temporary disruption to traffic along the busy LBS Road.

At least one person was killed, and three others were injured after a portion of an under-construction Metro pillar of the Line-4 viaduct collapsed and fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a car in the Mulund area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Saturday (February 14, 2026). The incident occurred on LBS Road near the Johnson & Johnson Company at around 12.20 pm. The Mumbai Fire Brigade confirmed that a concrete piece measuring nearly 6 ft by 4 ft fell onto a moving autorickshaw and a Skoda car. Soon after the incident, the injured were admitted to Upasana Multispeciality Hospital, where Ramdhan Yadav was pronounced dead. Meanwhile, Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45) is in critical condition, and he is in the ICU, while the conditions of Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40) are stable, according to a report in the TOI. Emergency teams, including the fire brigade, police, metro personnel, civic ward officials, and 108 ambulance staff, rushed to the site and began rescue efforts. Authorities sealed off the area, causing a temporary disruption to traffic along the busy LBS Road. Rescue operations were jointly carried out by fire services, police, metro staff, and civic authorities, while the affected stretch was cordoned off, briefly slowing movement on the arterial road. Maharashtra CM grants ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh In response to the incident, Mulund MLA Mihir Kotecha called for a thorough inquiry and strict action against the contractor and responsible officials. Mayor Ritu Tawde stated that the parapet had been installed just a day earlier and said the area should have been barricaded, pointing to possible negligence. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray criticised the government over alleged safety lapses at infrastructure sites and questioned whether the contractor would be blacklisted. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry into the pillar collapse and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased. Also read: PM Modi to be invited for Tarique Rahman's oath taking ceremony, says top BNP leader

After the incident, emergency teams, including the fire brigade, police, metro personnel, civic ward officials, and 108 ambulance staff, rushed to the site and began rescue efforts. Authorities sealed off the area, causing a temporary disruption to traffic along the busy LBS Road.

One dead, 3 injured after portion of under-construction Metro pillar collapses in Mumbai

A chilling crime involving a father allegedly killing his own daughter to remain eligible for local body elections has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, once again throwing the spotlight on the two-child norm linked to gram panchayat polls.The accused, Pandurang Kondamangale, a resident of Nanded district, was arrested after police found that he had deliberately drowned his six-year-old daughter in a canal in neighbouring Telangana.Investigators say the crime was driven by the man’s desire to contest upcoming gram panchayat elections, for which candidates with more than two children are disqualified under Maharashtra’s Panchayat Raj rules.According to police officials, the man has three children — a young son and twin daughters. Fearing that his third child would bar him from entering the electoral race, he allegedly took the girl on his motorcycle to Nizamabad district and pushed her into a canal, making it appear like an accident. The child’s body was later recovered by locals, prompting a cross-border investigation.What makes the case more disturbing is that the accused reportedly explored other options before committing the crime. Police claim he considered giving up one child for adoption and even tried to manipulate official records to reduce the number of children on paper. When these attempts failed, investigators say he chose violence.The case took a dramatic turn after Telangana police circulated the child’s photograph internally to establish her identity. This eventually led authorities back to the family in Maharashtra, where questioning revealed inconsistencies in the father’s account. He later confessed during interrogation, police said.The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from child rights groups and social activists, who have termed it a horrifying example of how political ambition and fear of disqualification can override basic humanity.Several activists have also raised concerns about the unintended consequences of the two-child norm, particularly in rural areas where awareness of the law remains limited.Political reactions have also poured in, with leaders across parties condemning the crime while distancing themselves from any interpretation that the policy promotes coercion or violence. Officials have reiterated that the two-child norm was introduced to encourage population stabilisation, not to punish families or endanger children.As investigations continue, police are also probing whether others may have influenced or encouraged the accused. The case has reopened a sensitive debate ahead of elections — one that goes beyond legality and into the urgent need for awareness, counselling, and stronger child protection mechanisms. &nbsp;

Investigators say the crime was driven by the man’s desire to contest upcoming gram panchayat elections, for which candidates with more than two children are disqualified.

A chilling crime involving a father allegedly killing his own daughter to remain eligible for local body elections has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra, once again throwing the spotlight on the two-child norm linked to gram panchayat polls. The accused, Pandurang Kondamangale, a resident of Nanded district, was arrested after police found that he had deliberately drowned his six-year-old daughter in a canal in neighbouring Telangana. Investigators say the crime was driven by the man’s desire to contest upcoming gram panchayat elections, for which candidates with more than two children are disqualified under Maharashtra’s Panchayat Raj rules. According to police officials, the man has three children — a young son and twin daughters. Fearing that his third child would bar him from entering the electoral race, he allegedly took the girl on his motorcycle to Nizamabad district and pushed her into a canal, making it appear like an accident. The child’s body was later recovered by locals, prompting a cross-border investigation. What makes the case more disturbing is that the accused reportedly explored other options before committing the crime. Police claim he considered giving up one child for adoption and even tried to manipulate official records to reduce the number of children on paper. When these attempts failed, investigators say he chose violence. The case took a dramatic turn after Telangana police circulated the child’s photograph internally to establish her identity. This eventually led authorities back to the family in Maharashtra, where questioning revealed inconsistencies in the father’s account. He later confessed during interrogation, police said. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from child rights groups and social activists, who have termed it a horrifying example of how political ambition and fear of disqualification can override basic humanity. Several activists have also raised concerns about the unintended consequences of the two-child norm, particularly in rural areas where awareness of the law remains limited. Political reactions have also poured in, with leaders across parties condemning the crime while distancing themselves from any interpretation that the policy promotes coercion or violence. Officials have reiterated that the two-child norm was introduced to encourage population stabilisation, not to punish families or endanger children. As investigations continue, police are also probing whether others may have influenced or encouraged the accused. The case has reopened a sensitive debate ahead of elections — one that goes beyond legality and into the urgent need for awareness, counselling, and stronger child protection mechanisms.

Investigators say the crime was driven by the man’s desire to contest upcoming gram panchayat elections, for which candidates with more than two children are disqualified.

Maharashtra Elections Shock: Father kills daughter to contest gram panchayat polls

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged a conspiracy in the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, after he lost his life in a plane crash on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred after a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed while landing at Baramati airport in Pune due to a technical failure.&nbsp;"I am very much shocked and saddened to hear the message of Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister. He died this morning in a plane crash. I am really shocked to see the news. There is no safety and security of the people of this country, even the political leaders," said the CM in Kolkata, news agency IANS reported.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kolkata, West Bengal: On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar&#39;s death in plane crash, CM Mamata Banerjee says, &quot;I am very much shocked and saddened to hear the message of Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister. He died today morning in a plane crash. I am really shocked to see the news.… <a href="https://t.co/hOrIaHfa0a">pic.twitter.com/hOrIaHfa0a</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/2016416927711953166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I do not know what the fate of the opposition political parties is, but it was very much with the ruling party. But a few days ago, I came to know that from a social network that somebody from the other party gave a statement that Ajit Pawar is willing to leave the BJP...," she added.&nbsp;WATCH: https://www.wionews.com/videos/ajit-pawar-plane-crash-maharashtra-deputy-cm-ajit-pawar-s-plane-meets-with-acciden-1769587535230/embedd<h3>Incident captured on CCTV</h3>The plane which crashed in the morning was a Learjet 45XR operated by VSR Ventures. The whole incident was captured on CCTV. Based on reports, the DGCA confirmed that the aircraft encountered "severe technical difficulties and instability" during its final approach, despite having clearance to land.&nbsp;According to eyewitnesses quoted in several reports, the aircraft was making "a lot of noise" before it slid off the runway at the threshold, veered into an adjoining field, and suffered a massive explosion. Some reports also said that the aircraft was on its second landing approach when the pilot lost control.&nbsp;The Learjet 45 aircraft had departed from Mumbai’s GA Terminal at 8:10 am and crashed around 8:45 AM in Baramati. An investigation has been launched by India’s civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Maharashtra has declared a state mourning for three days. All government offices will remain closed, and the national flag will be flown at half-mast.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-loses-ajit-pawar-a-tragedy-that-could-have-been-prevented-1769590239573">Maharashtra loses Ajit Pawar: A tragedy that could have been prevented</a>

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died after a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed while landing at Baramati airport in Pune due to a technical failure on Wednesday morning.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged a conspiracy in the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, after he lost his life in a plane crash on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred after a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed while landing at Baramati airport in Pune due to a technical failure. "I am very much shocked and saddened to hear the message of Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister. He died this morning in a plane crash. I am really shocked to see the news. There is no safety and security of the people of this country, even the political leaders," said the CM in Kolkata, news agency IANS reported.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died after a chartered Learjet 45XR crashed while landing at Baramati airport in Pune due to a technical failure on Wednesday morning.

Ajit Pawar's death a conspiracy? Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hints at plane crash, demands SC probe

The Bombay High Court has strongly reprimanded the Maharashtra government over its handling of malnutrition-related deaths in the state’s tribal regions, observing that “too little is being done” to address a crisis that continues to claim lives despite decades of policy interventions.&nbsp;The court’s remarks came while hearing public interest litigations or PILs highlighting the alarming number of deaths among infants, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in the Melghat tribal belt of Amravati district.&nbsp;According to data placed before the court, at least 115 deaths have been reported in the region, allegedly linked to malnutrition and related health complications.&nbsp;A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Abhay Mantri expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s response, stating that merely presenting statistics or denying direct responsibility was insufficient.&nbsp;The judges stressed that the government must demonstrate seriousness, accountability, and urgency in tackling the deep-rooted causes of malnutrition rather than offering routine explanations.&nbsp;During the hearing, the state government acknowledged the reported deaths but argued that not all fatalities were caused solely by malnutrition. The government pointed to social factors such as early marriages, teenage pregnancies, poor maternal health, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare facilities as contributing causes. However, the court maintained that these issues only underline the failure of governance and welfare delivery mechanisms in vulnerable regions.&nbsp;Melghat, a predominantly tribal area, has long been synonymous with malnutrition-related deaths, particularly among children. Despite the presence of schemes such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), midday meal programmes, and nutrition missions, the region continues to struggle with food insecurity, poverty, inadequate medical infrastructure, and difficult terrain, which limit effective implementation.&nbsp;The High Court observed that the persistence of such deaths reflects systemic neglect and asked the government to move beyond paperwork. It directed authorities to identify the exact causes of deaths, strengthen on-ground monitoring, improve healthcare access, and ensure timely nutritional support to at-risk populations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-s-peace-board-invite-france-says-it-s-committed-to-un-charter-1768837481172">After Trump’s peace board invite, France says it's committed to UN charter</a>&nbsp;Calling for a zero-tolerance approach to malnutrition-related fatalities, the bench instructed the Maharashtra government to submit a detailed action plan outlining concrete measures to prevent further deaths. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 27, by which time it expects a clear roadmap demonstrating meaningful intervention rather than assurances.&nbsp;The case has once again drawn attention to the long-standing crisis of malnutrition in India’s tribal belts, raising uncomfortable questions about policy implementation, social inequality, and the state’s responsibility toward its most marginalised citizens

According to data placed before the court, at least 115 deaths have been reported in the Melghat tribal belt of Amravati district, allegedly linked to malnutrition and related health complications.

The Bombay High Court has strongly reprimanded the Maharashtra government over its handling of malnutrition-related deaths in the state’s tribal regions, observing that “too little is being done” to address a crisis that continues to claim lives despite decades of policy interventions. The court’s remarks came while hearing public interest litigations or PILs highlighting the alarming number of deaths among infants, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in the Melghat tribal belt of Amravati district. According to data placed before the court, at least 115 deaths have been reported in the region, allegedly linked to malnutrition and related health complications. A division bench comprising Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Abhay Mantri expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s response, stating that merely presenting statistics or denying direct responsibility was insufficient. The judges stressed that the government must demonstrate seriousness, accountability, and urgency in tackling the deep-rooted causes of malnutrition rather than offering routine explanations. During the hearing, the state government acknowledged the reported deaths but argued that not all fatalities were caused solely by malnutrition. The government pointed to social factors such as early marriages, teenage pregnancies, poor maternal health, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare facilities as contributing causes. However, the court maintained that these issues only underline the failure of governance and welfare delivery mechanisms in vulnerable regions. Melghat, a predominantly tribal area, has long been synonymous with malnutrition-related deaths, particularly among children. Despite the presence of schemes such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), midday meal programmes, and nutrition missions, the region continues to struggle with food insecurity, poverty, inadequate medical infrastructure, and difficult terrain, which limit effective implementation. The High Court observed that the persistence of such deaths reflects systemic neglect and asked the government to move beyond paperwork. It directed authorities to identify the exact causes of deaths, strengthen on-ground monitoring, improve healthcare access, and ensure timely nutritional support to at-risk populations. Also Read: After Trump’s peace board invite, France says it's committed to UN charter Calling for a zero-tolerance approach to malnutrition-related fatalities, the bench instructed the Maharashtra government to submit a detailed action plan outlining concrete measures to prevent further deaths. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 27, by which time it expects a clear roadmap demonstrating meaningful intervention rather than assurances. The case has once again drawn attention to the long-standing crisis of malnutrition in India’s tribal belts, raising uncomfortable questions about policy implementation, social inequality, and the state’s responsibility toward its most marginalised citizens

According to data placed before the court, at least 115 deaths have been reported in the Melghat tribal belt of Amravati district, allegedly linked to malnutrition and related health complications.

Malnutrition still killing in Maharashtra’s tribal belt

The Supreme Court slammed Maharashtra’s prison authorities for a shocking lapse, repeatedly failing to produce an undertrial before the trial court. The accused, held in custody for over four years, was absent on 55 of 85 scheduled trial dates.&nbsp;While granting bail, a bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra expressed astonishment at this blatant disregard for the judicial process, calling it a serious violation of fundamental rights. The Court ordered the Head of Maharashtra’s Prison Department to launch a full inquiry and take strict action against the officials responsible.&nbsp;The court ordered, “We direct the Director General of Prisons, State of Maharashtra or whoever is the designated Head of Department of Prisons, to conduct a personal inquiry into the matter and fix responsibility and take action against the persons concerned. It is made clear that if any attempt is made to protect or shield any person, the Director General of Prisons/Head of Department of Prisons to whom we are entrusting the inquiry, shall be personally held responsible for the same.”&nbsp;The Supreme Court observed that the undertrial’s repeated absence from court hearings not only violated his fundamental rights but also denied him the crucial opportunity to raise complaints about mistreatment inside the prison.&nbsp;The court further stated, “We are shocked at the conduct of the State authorities.The production of an accused before the Court is not only to ensure speedy trial but more importantly, as a safeguard so that the prisoner is not abused otherwise, and he comes directly in contact with the Court so as to air his grievances if any, against the authorities. We find that there has been grave infraction of such fundamental safeguard, which is appalling and shocking. We deprecate the same.”&nbsp;The Court further directed the prison authorities to file a compliance report via an affidavit personally affirmed by the designated officer within two months. The matter is scheduled to be listed on 3 February 2026 for the Court to consider the personal report of the Director General of Prisons or the Head of the State Prison Department.

The Supreme Court ordered the Head of Maharashtra’s Prison Department to launch a probe and take strict action against the officials responsible. It also directed the prison officials to file a compliance report via an affidavit personally affirmed by the designated officer within two months.

The Supreme Court slammed Maharashtra’s prison authorities for a shocking lapse, repeatedly failing to produce an undertrial before the trial court. The accused, held in custody for over four years, was absent on 55 of 85 scheduled trial dates. While granting bail, a bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prashant Kumar Mishra expressed astonishment at this blatant disregard for the judicial process, calling it a serious violation of fundamental rights. The Court ordered the Head of Maharashtra’s Prison Department to launch a full inquiry and take strict action against the officials responsible. The court ordered, “We direct the Director General of Prisons, State of Maharashtra or whoever is the designated Head of Department of Prisons, to conduct a personal inquiry into the matter and fix responsibility and take action against the persons concerned. It is made clear that if any attempt is made to protect or shield any person, the Director General of Prisons/Head of Department of Prisons to whom we are entrusting the inquiry, shall be personally held responsible for the same.” The Supreme Court observed that the undertrial’s repeated absence from court hearings not only violated his fundamental rights but also denied him the crucial opportunity to raise complaints about mistreatment inside the prison. The court further stated, “We are shocked at the conduct of the State authorities.The production of an accused before the Court is not only to ensure speedy trial but more importantly, as a safeguard so that the prisoner is not abused otherwise, and he comes directly in contact with the Court so as to air his grievances if any, against the authorities. We find that there has been grave infraction of such fundamental safeguard, which is appalling and shocking. We deprecate the same.” The Court further directed the prison authorities to file a compliance report via an affidavit personally affirmed by the designated officer within two months. The matter is scheduled to be listed on 3 February 2026 for the Court to consider the personal report of the Director General of Prisons or the Head of the State Prison Department.

The Supreme Court ordered the Head of Maharashtra’s Prison Department to launch a probe and take strict action against the officials responsible. It also directed the prison officials to file a compliance report via an affidavit personally affirmed by the designated officer within two months.

Supreme Court expresses shock as Maharashtra prison authorities fail to produce accused on 55 dates out of 85; orders probe

The Western Indian state of Maharashtra is going to launch a leopard-management trial to sterilise free-ranging leopards. 

The Centre has approved a Maharashtra government proposal to implement a birth control programme for leopards in regions where human-leopard encounters are rising.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The move aims to manage big cat sightings and reduce human-leopard attacks.

The decision comes seventeen months after the Maharashtra government sent a proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), making it the country's first such initiative. 

This will help to curb growth in their population by stopping reproduction at its source. 

The trial is going to take place in the Junnar forest division which is also known as a sugarcane region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Last year, the department proposed a plan to sterilise 125 female leopards to control the population. For now, the first phase will focus on just five female leopards.

Those five female leopards will be captured and taken to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Pune, where they will undergo an immunocontraceptive procedure, a method used worldwide to control wildlife populations safely.

The method is less invasive than surgery and temporarily prevents the leopards from reproducing without harming them.
&nbsp;
Fourteen farmers in Maharashtra's Junnar, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Pune, died in the last two months.

The government has also decided to seek help from artificial intelligence (AI) to alert the villagers about the movements of the leopards. 

In Junnar, the leopards killed three people in the last two months. In the districts of Nashik and Ahilyanagar, the number of victims stands at five since September. 

As these areas are covered by sugarcane fields, villagers fear that the leopards can attack them anytime, coming out of the fields. 

In addition, the leopards have also started entering residential colonies.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Ramachandra Naik says “Cutting down of trees for urban development and the establishment of dams have compelled many leopards to come out of the forests and enter residential areas.

The state would seek permission for all the divisions and would also deliver 1,000 cages in addition to the present 200 cages to catch the leopards.” 

If the trial is successful, the government plans to expand the leopard birth control project to other areas, such as the Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.

Two leopard rescue centres will also be set up in the Pune district within two to three months to treat and rehabilitate captured leopards.

Maharashtra will launch India’s first leopard sterilisation trial to curb rising human-wildlife conflict. Five female leopards in Junnar will undergo non-surgical immunocontraception. The move follows increasing attacks and sightings, with plans to expand if successful

The Western Indian state of Maharashtra is going to launch a leopard-management trial to sterilise free-ranging leopards. The Centre has approved a Maharashtra government proposal to implement a birth control programme for leopards in regions where human-leopard encounters are rising. The move aims to manage big cat sightings and reduce human-leopard attacks. The decision comes seventeen months after the Maharashtra government sent a proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), making it the country's first such initiative. This will help to curb growth in their population by stopping reproduction at its source. The trial is going to take place in the Junnar forest division which is also known as a sugarcane region. Last year, the department proposed a plan to sterilise 125 female leopards to control the population. For now, the first phase will focus on just five female leopards. Those five female leopards will be captured and taken to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre in Pune, where they will undergo an immunocontraceptive procedure, a method used worldwide to control wildlife populations safely. The method is less invasive than surgery and temporarily prevents the leopards from reproducing without harming them. Fourteen farmers in Maharashtra's Junnar, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, and Pune, died in the last two months. The government has also decided to seek help from artificial intelligence (AI) to alert the villagers about the movements of the leopards. In Junnar, the leopards killed three people in the last two months. In the districts of Nashik and Ahilyanagar, the number of victims stands at five since September. As these areas are covered by sugarcane fields, villagers fear that the leopards can attack them anytime, coming out of the fields. In addition, the leopards have also started entering residential colonies. The Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Ramachandra Naik says “Cutting down of trees for urban development and the establishment of dams have compelled many leopards to come out of the forests and enter residential areas. The state would seek permission for all the divisions and would also deliver 1,000 cages in addition to the present 200 cages to catch the leopards.” If the trial is successful, the government plans to expand the leopard birth control project to other areas, such as the Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. Two leopard rescue centres will also be set up in the Pune district within two to three months to treat and rehabilitate captured leopards.

Maharashtra will launch India’s first leopard sterilisation trial to curb rising human-wildlife conflict. Five female leopards in Junnar will undergo non-surgical immunocontraception. The move follows increasing attacks and sightings, with plans to expand if successful

India’s first leopard sterilisation plan to start soon in Maharashtra - Here's what we know about it

Adding a major twist to the Pune land deal case, the Pune administration has ruled that an eviction order served on the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) was unlawful. The notice issued in June this year by now-suspended Pune City Tehsildar Suryakant Yeole had instructed BSI to vacate the government-owned land allegedly acquired by Amadea Enterprises LLP, a private firm owned by the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Parth Pawar, who is now facing land theft charges by the opposition.&nbsp;The sale deed was executed on May 20, 2025.&nbsp;In another big development, Pune Police alleged that Sheetal Tejwani, the key accused in the case and alleged mastermind behind multiple land frauds in Pune, may have fled the country.&nbsp;Investigations have revealed that Tejwani got powers of attorney (POA) from 272 original landowners by allegedly paying them nominal sums and later sold the land to Amadea Enterprises for massive profits.&nbsp;A major political controversy has erupted as the land, classified as Mahar Watan land, was historically granted to the Mahar Scheduled Caste community, and such land cannot be sold without the state government’s permission.&nbsp;The land deal, as of now, remains cancelled.<h3>Scam Charges?</h3><ul><li>The company had purchased the 40-acre plot in Pune's upscale Mundhwa area for around Rs 300 crore, despite its market value being a whopping Rs 1,804 crore, raising allegations of undue concessions given to the minister's son</li><li>Rs 21 crore stamp Duty Waiver - Just two days after the deal, citing that a data centre could come up on the land, the company paid just Rs 500 as stamp duty on the Rs 300 crore transaction.</li><li>The land fell under the 'Watan' category reserved for the Mahar community, a Scheduled Caste. Such land cannot be sold under the Bombay Inferior Village Watans Abolition Act, 1958, without government permission.</li></ul>&nbsp;Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar defended his son Parth Pawar over the alleged irregularities in the Pune land deal. He termed the corruption allegations “random accusations” made ahead of the local body elections. He further stated that “not a single paisa was exchanged” in the Pune deal case linked to his son Parth, and the agreement stood cancelled. Ajit said he has “always maintained that every decision or deal should be within the rules.&nbsp;Pawar said an inquiry has begun into the sale of government has appointed a probe committee, headed by additional chief secretary Vikas Kharge, to investigate the matter.&nbsp;Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said action in the Pune land deal case is being taken as per law and there is no question of saving anybody.&nbsp;FIRs have been filed against signatories and vendors, and those found guilty in the probe will be booked, Fadnavis said, when asked about the First Information Report (FIR) not naming Parth.&nbsp;The 40-acre plot, originally under the custody of the Botanical Survey of India, was freed and later sold under suspicious circumstances. Investigations have revealed that Tejwani secured irrevocable powers of attorney (POA) from 272 original landowners by allegedly paying them nominal sums and later sold the land to Amadea Enterprises for massive profits.&nbsp;The FIR, filed by Santosh Ashok Hingane, a Class-I Deputy Sub-Registrar, names Sheetal Tejwani, Amadea partner Digvijay Patil, and co-sub-registrar Ravindra Taru as accused. The case involves allegations of forgery, cheating, and illegal land registration.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Pune district collector has issued notices and launched a parallel probe into suspended Tehsildar Suryakant Yeole, who allegedly facilitated certain land documentation processes linked to the deal. The collector has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into all official approvals and documents sanctioned by Yeole since he assumed charge nearly a year ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A major political controversy has erupted as the land, classified as Mahar Watan land, was historically granted to the Mahar Scheduled Caste community, and such land cannot be sold without the state government’s permission.

Adding a major twist to the Pune land deal case, the Pune administration has ruled that an eviction order served on the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) was unlawful. The notice issued in June this year by now-suspended Pune City Tehsildar Suryakant Yeole had instructed BSI to vacate the government-owned land allegedly acquired by Amadea Enterprises LLP, a private firm owned by the son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Parth Pawar, who is now facing land theft charges by the opposition. The sale deed was executed on May 20, 2025. In another big development, Pune Police alleged that Sheetal Tejwani, the key accused in the case and alleged mastermind behind multiple land frauds in Pune, may have fled the country. Investigations have revealed that Tejwani got powers of attorney (POA) from 272 original landowners by allegedly paying them nominal sums and later sold the land to Amadea Enterprises for massive profits. A major political controversy has erupted as the land, classified as Mahar Watan land, was historically granted to the Mahar Scheduled Caste community, and such land cannot be sold without the state government’s permission. The land deal, as of now, remains cancelled. Scam Charges? The company had purchased the 40-acre plot in Pune's upscale Mundhwa area for around Rs 300 crore, despite its market value being a whopping Rs 1,804 crore, raising allegations of undue concessions given to the minister's son Rs 21 crore stamp Duty Waiver - Just two days after the deal, citing that a data centre could come up on the land, the company paid just Rs 500 as stamp duty on the Rs 300 crore transaction. The land fell under the 'Watan' category reserved for the Mahar community, a Scheduled Caste. Such land cannot be sold under the Bombay Inferior Village Watans Abolition Act, 1958, without government permission. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar defended his son Parth Pawar over the alleged irregularities in the Pune land deal. He termed the corruption allegations “random accusations” made ahead of the local body elections. He further stated that “not a single paisa was exchanged” in the Pune deal case linked to his son Parth, and the agreement stood cancelled. Ajit said he has “always maintained that every decision or deal should be within the rules. Pawar said an inquiry has begun into the sale of government has appointed a probe committee, headed by additional chief secretary Vikas Kharge, to investigate the matter. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said action in the Pune land deal case is being taken as per law and there is no question of saving anybody. FIRs have been filed against signatories and vendors, and those found guilty in the probe will be booked, Fadnavis said, when asked about the First Information Report (FIR) not naming Parth. The 40-acre plot, originally under the custody of the Botanical Survey of India, was freed and later sold under suspicious circumstances. Investigations have revealed that Tejwani secured irrevocable powers of attorney (POA) from 272 original landowners by allegedly paying them nominal sums and later sold the land to Amadea Enterprises for massive profits. The FIR, filed by Santosh Ashok Hingane, a Class-I Deputy Sub-Registrar, names Sheetal Tejwani, Amadea partner Digvijay Patil, and co-sub-registrar Ravindra Taru as accused. The case involves allegations of forgery, cheating, and illegal land registration. Meanwhile, the Pune district collector has issued notices and launched a parallel probe into suspended Tehsildar Suryakant Yeole, who allegedly facilitated certain land documentation processes linked to the deal. The collector has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into all official approvals and documents sanctioned by Yeole since he assumed charge nearly a year ago.

A major political controversy has erupted as the land, classified as Mahar Watan land, was historically granted to the Mahar Scheduled Caste community, and such land cannot be sold without the state government’s permission.

Pune land deal scam: Parth Pawar remains under scanner; key accused Sheetal Tejwani likely absconding

Maharashtra became the first state in India to partner with billionaire Elon Musk-owned Starlink on Wednesday to deliver satellite-based Internet Connectivity Across Remote and Underserved Regions. Maharashtra government signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited to deploy satellite-based internet services for government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure. This will be subject to Starlink’s regulatory and compliance clearances from the Government of India. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who referred to Musk’s Starlink as one of the biggest players in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Industry.&nbsp;Fadnavis said the services would also be extended across “remote and underserved regions and aspirational districts” like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim and Dharashiv.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BIG NEWS! Maharashtra Becomes India&#39;s First State to Partner with Starlink! It was wonderful to welcome Ms. Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink in Mumbai today, where the Government of Maharashtra signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private… <a href="https://t.co/8777O45ivq">pic.twitter.com/8777O45ivq</a>&mdash; Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1986015372613673204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;“With @Starlink’s cutting-edge satellite technology, led by @elonmusk and @laurendreyer, Maharashtra takes a bold leap forward in bridging the last digital divide—powering education, healthcare, and connectivity in every corner of our State,” Maharashtra CMO wrote in a post on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-origin-cincinnati-mayor-aftab-pureval-wins-second-term-vanquishes-jd-vance-s-half-brother-1762347016439">Indian-origin Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval wins second term, vanquishes JD Vance’s half-brother</a>&nbsp;The letter of intent (LOI) was signed by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President, Starlink, and Virendra Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Fadnavis to expand high-speed internet access across rural and remote regions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maharashtra poised to become the first Indian state to formally collaborate with Starlink to deploy satellite-based internet services. This collaboration with one of the largest companies in the ICT industry holding the largest number of communication satellites in the world will… <a href="https://t.co/9QL2OBkgoZ">pic.twitter.com/9QL2OBkgoZ</a>&mdash; CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1986112159072547103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The move is part of the state’s Digital Maharashtra mission and aims to strengthen digital connectivity in areas with limited network access“Elon Musk’s Starlink is one of the largest companies in the ICT industry holding the largest number of communication satellites in the world. It is our honour that the company is arriving in India and partnering with Maharashtra. This is a giant leap towards future-ready Maharashtra and setting the benchmark for Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji’s Digital India mission at the grassroots,” Fadnavis wrote on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Star Link reaches Maharashtra 📡 History created! Star Link is all set to come to Maharashtra for high-speed satellite internet to every remote village, tribal school, and health centre in Maharashtra. With this partnership, Maharashtra will bridge the digital divide and lead… <a href="https://t.co/f6a0Fb8YaW">pic.twitter.com/f6a0Fb8YaW</a>&mdash; CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOMaharashtra/status/1986036788927037699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had granted the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence to Starlink earlier this year in June, after it completed all security requirements as mentioned in its letter of intent.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-lawyer-neal-katyal-to-argue-against-trump-s-tariffs-in-us-supreme-court-1762283120852">Indian-American lawyer Neal Katyal to argue against Trump’s tariffs in US Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;Starlink has now become the third satcom company to get a GMPCS licence after Eutelsat’s OneWeb and Reliance Jio to provide services in the country.&nbsp;V-P Dreyer lauded the collaboration and said that Starlink’s mission is to connect those who have been left behind.“We pride ourselves in providing high speed connectivity whatever their background and wherever people are. We are therefore honoured to collaborate with the Government of Maharashtra in this first-of-its-kind initiative. Starlink’s mission, which is complementary to other government initiatives and providers, is to connect those who have been left behind by traditional infrastructure,” she added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-replace-kopeck-coins-with-shah-in-another-bid-to-break-away-from-russia-1762353636573">Ukraine to replace kopeck coins with ‘shah’ in another bid to break away from Russia</a>&nbsp;Tesla CEO, Elon Musk had previously met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February during the latter’s visit to the United States, where the two discussed Starlink’s launch plans and India’s concerns over meeting certain security conditions.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said Musk’s Starlink is one of the biggest players in the Information Communication Technology Industry and its services would be extended across “remote and underserved regions and aspirational districts” like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim and Dharashiv.

Maharashtra became the first state in India to partner with billionaire Elon Musk-owned Starlink on Wednesday to deliver satellite-based Internet Connectivity Across Remote and Underserved Regions. Maharashtra government signed a Letter of Intent with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited to deploy satellite-based internet services for government institutions, rural communities, and critical public infrastructure. This will be subject to Starlink’s regulatory and compliance clearances from the Government of India. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who referred to Musk’s Starlink as one of the biggest players in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Industry. Fadnavis said the services would also be extended across “remote and underserved regions and aspirational districts” like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim and Dharashiv.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said Musk’s Starlink is one of the biggest players in the Information Communication Technology Industry and its services would be extended across “remote and underserved regions and aspirational districts” like Gadchiroli, Nandurbar, Washim and Dharashiv.

Maharashtra becomes first state in India to sign deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni led a demonstration and “purification” ritual at the Shaniwarwada fort of Pune, Maharashtra, on Sunday after a group of Muslim women offered namaz at the fort. Her move has attracted political backlash from Opposition parties, accusing her of attempting to polarise voters before local civic polls.&nbsp;The protest, which Kulkarni led, was organised by the Patit Pavan Sanghatna and other Hindu outfits. Along with protest, Kulkarni and her supporters cleaned the spot using gaumutra (cow urine) and also performed Shiv Vandana as part of the ritual, where Muslim women offered namaz, according to a report by The Indian Express.&nbsp;Before the protest, Kulkarni said in a post on social media platform X, “We will not allow ‘namaz’ in Shaniwarwada, the Hindu community has now become awakened…Chalo Shaniwarwada.” Speaking to The Indian Express, MP Medha Kulkarni said, “We performed Shiv Vandana and did purification of the spot where the namaz was offered…To protest against the incident and to ensure that Pune’s social harmony is not disturbed, the Sakal Hindu Samaj organised a protest and demanded police action in this matter.”&nbsp;When she was questioned whether the spot had become “impure” after performing prayers, she responded, “Shaniwarwada is an ASI protected historical monument. It is a symbol of Hindavi Swaraj set up by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We cannot allow anyone to offer namaz here. It is not a mosque.” She also referred the spot an “illegal religious structure” outside the fort. “If one wants to offer namaz in this manner, then Hindus should also be allowed to perform ‘aarti’ in masjids or in Taj Mahal,” she said.<h3>Opposition lashes out at BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni</h3>In response to the protest and purification ritual, Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lashed out at the BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni over her actions.&nbsp;“Some Muslim women offered prayers inside Shaniwarwada, after which some BJP members went there and ‘purified’ the spot with cow urine. These people should remember that even Mastani had stayed in Shaniwarwada. Kulkarni probably is not aware that Peshwe ‘sardars’ removed the flag of Hindavi Swaraj atop the Shaniwarwada and hoisted the Union Jack,” said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, The Indian Express reported.&nbsp;Objecting to the remarks of Kulkarni about the dargah near the site, Sawant also questioned, “When the Peshwas had no problem, what is her problem? What will she do with the air that touches the ‘dargah’ and then reaches her…Is she going to purify her nose as well?”&nbsp;Pune Congress chief Arvind Shinde announced that the party would soon stage a protest against the MP. “Ahead of the civic elections, this is nothing but an attempt to polarise the Hindu voters. BJP raises such issues deliberately ahead of elections. BJP wants people to react to such issues and galvanise Hindu voters,” Shinde added.&nbsp;He further added that the dargah located outside Shaniwarwada has been there “since the Peshwa era” and holds approval from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This incident unfolded days after Kulkarni halted a noisy Navratra event in Pune’s Kothrud area, an episode which also sparked public debate.

Along with protest, Kulkarni and her supporters also cleaned the spot using gaumutra (cow urine) and performed Shiv Vandana as part of the ritual, where Muslim women offered namaz.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni led a demonstration and “purification” ritual at the Shaniwarwada fort of Pune, Maharashtra, on Sunday after a group of Muslim women offered namaz at the fort. Her move has attracted political backlash from Opposition parties, accusing her of attempting to polarise voters before local civic polls. The protest, which Kulkarni led, was organised by the Patit Pavan Sanghatna and other Hindu outfits. Along with protest, Kulkarni and her supporters cleaned the spot using gaumutra (cow urine) and also performed Shiv Vandana as part of the ritual, where Muslim women offered namaz, according to a report by The Indian Express. Before the protest, Kulkarni said in a post on social media platform X, “We will not allow ‘namaz’ in Shaniwarwada, the Hindu community has now become awakened…Chalo Shaniwarwada.” Speaking to The Indian Express, MP Medha Kulkarni said, “We performed Shiv Vandana and did purification of the spot where the namaz was offered…To protest against the incident and to ensure that Pune’s social harmony is not disturbed, the Sakal Hindu Samaj organised a protest and demanded police action in this matter.” When she was questioned whether the spot had become “impure” after performing prayers, she responded, “Shaniwarwada is an ASI protected historical monument. It is a symbol of Hindavi Swaraj set up by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We cannot allow anyone to offer namaz here. It is not a mosque.” She also referred the spot an “illegal religious structure” outside the fort. “If one wants to offer namaz in this manner, then Hindus should also be allowed to perform ‘aarti’ in masjids or in Taj Mahal,” she said. Opposition lashes out at BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni In response to the protest and purification ritual, Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the Congress, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lashed out at the BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni over her actions. “Some Muslim women offered prayers inside Shaniwarwada, after which some BJP members went there and ‘purified’ the spot with cow urine. These people should remember that even Mastani had stayed in Shaniwarwada. Kulkarni probably is not aware that Peshwe ‘sardars’ removed the flag of Hindavi Swaraj atop the Shaniwarwada and hoisted the Union Jack,” said Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, The Indian Express reported. Objecting to the remarks of Kulkarni about the dargah near the site, Sawant also questioned, “When the Peshwas had no problem, what is her problem? What will she do with the air that touches the ‘dargah’ and then reaches her…Is she going to purify her nose as well?” Pune Congress chief Arvind Shinde announced that the party would soon stage a protest against the MP. “Ahead of the civic elections, this is nothing but an attempt to polarise the Hindu voters. BJP raises such issues deliberately ahead of elections. BJP wants people to react to such issues and galvanise Hindu voters,” Shinde added. He further added that the dargah located outside Shaniwarwada has been there “since the Peshwa era” and holds approval from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This incident unfolded days after Kulkarni halted a noisy Navratra event in Pune’s Kothrud area, an episode which also sparked public debate.

Along with protest, Kulkarni and her supporters also cleaned the spot using gaumutra (cow urine) and performed Shiv Vandana as part of the ritual, where Muslim women offered namaz.

BJP's Medha Kulkarni ‘purifies’ spot at Pune’s Shaniwarwada fort where women offer namaz, calls it ‘not a mosque’

The Bhiwandi taluka police on Friday (October 3) arrested a 58-year-old American national and two local men for allegedly attempting to convert villagers in Chimbipada, Thane district. The accused have been identified as James Watson, a US citizen currently residing in Thane; Sainath Ganpati Sarpe, 42, from Palghar; and Manoj Govind Kolha, 35, a resident of Chimbipada.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-are-you-alright-indian-origin-motel-manager-shot-dead-in-pittsburgh-after-confrontation-in-parking-lot-1759723569074">'Are you alright?': Indian-origin motel manager shot dead in Pittsburgh after confrontation in parking lot</a>&nbsp;According to officials, the trio held a prayer gathering outside Kolha’s home on Friday evening, which was attended by around 35 villagers. During the meeting, Watson and his associates allegedly read from religious texts brought in a vehicle and delivered sermons promoting Christianity. A complaint filed by local resident Ravinath Bhurkut alleged that the group told villagers that Hinduism was based on superstition and claimed converting to Christianity would bring joy and prosperity. They also purportedly said illnesses could be cured through Christian prayers and wine distributed as “prasad.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-detention-supreme-court-issues-notice-to-central-government-on-plea-filed-by-wife-1759728918284">Sonam Wangchuk detention: Supreme Court issues notice to central government on plea filed by wife</a>&nbsp;The complaint further said that Watson asked about unwell children, noted down the names of four girls, and allegedly detained them briefly while he placed his hands on their foreheads, claiming to transfer “divine healing power.” Police have charged the accused under Sections 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for outraging religious sentiments, as well as under the Foreigners Act for visa misuse and Maharashtra’s 2013 anti-black magic law. Senior Inspector Harshavardhan Barve said that Watson had entered the country on a business visa, which he allegedly used for religious activities. “The investigation is continuing,” he further added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/federal-judge-temporarily-blocks-trump-administration-from-sending-national-guards-troops-to-oregon-1759724619530">Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from sending National Guards troops to Oregon</a>

A US national and two locals were arrested in Bhiwandi for allegedly trying to convert villagers at a prayer meet. They were booked under religious and visa violation laws

The Bhiwandi taluka police on Friday (October 3) arrested a 58-year-old American national and two local men for allegedly attempting to convert villagers in Chimbipada, Thane district. The accused have been identified as James Watson, a US citizen currently residing in Thane; Sainath Ganpati Sarpe, 42, from Palghar; and Manoj Govind Kolha, 35, a resident of Chimbipada. Also Read: 'Are you alright?': Indian-origin motel manager shot dead in Pittsburgh after confrontation in parking lot According to officials, the trio held a prayer gathering outside Kolha’s home on Friday evening, which was attended by around 35 villagers. During the meeting, Watson and his associates allegedly read from religious texts brought in a vehicle and delivered sermons promoting Christianity. A complaint filed by local resident Ravinath Bhurkut alleged that the group told villagers that Hinduism was based on superstition and claimed converting to Christianity would bring joy and prosperity. They also purportedly said illnesses could be cured through Christian prayers and wine distributed as “prasad.” Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk detention: Supreme Court issues notice to central government on plea filed by wife The complaint further said that Watson asked about unwell children, noted down the names of four girls, and allegedly detained them briefly while he placed his hands on their foreheads, claiming to transfer “divine healing power.” Police have charged the accused under Sections 299 and 302 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for outraging religious sentiments, as well as under the Foreigners Act for visa misuse and Maharashtra’s 2013 anti-black magic law. Senior Inspector Harshavardhan Barve said that Watson had entered the country on a business visa, which he allegedly used for religious activities. “The investigation is continuing,” he further added. Also Read: Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from sending National Guards troops to Oregon

A US national and two locals were arrested in Bhiwandi for allegedly trying to convert villagers at a prayer meet. They were booked under religious and visa violation laws

US citizen among three arrested for allegedly attempting 'illegal conversions' in Maharashtra village

A man drowned his four-month-old son by throwing him into a water-filled drum and later took his own life, the Maharashtra police said Saturday. The incident took place at Talwada Village in Georai Taluka of Beed district.&nbsp;Police said that the individual identified as Amol Sonavane has already attempted to kill himself in the past. A few days back, Amol and his wife attempted to die by suicide following a domestic dispute; however, they were rescued just in time and rushed to a local hospital. Later, the couple was discharged from the local hospital on Thursday, according to a report in NDTV.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the bodies of Amol and his son were rushed to the Talwara Primary Health Centre for post-mortem examination. Over the incident, a case has been filed, and an investigation is in progress.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/telangana-first-year-engineering-student-dies-by-suicide-alleged-harassment-by-seniors-police-register-case-1758532222176">Telangana: First-year engineering student dies by suicide, alleging harassment by seniors; police register case</a><h3>ITBP officer kills himself</h3>In a separate incident on the same day, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deputy commandant posted in Patiala, Punjab, was found hanging at the unit mess on Saturday. In the meantime, Punjab Police sources revealed a note from the spot accusing a Bihar Police officer of molesting the sister of the deceased, and it blamed him for the suicide, as per the TOI report.&nbsp;On Saturday, his family informed colleagues after he failed to respond to phone calls. After the information, a mess commander went to his quarters and discovered the door locked from the inside. When there was no response to repeated knocks, ITBP personnel broke a window and found him hanging. Soon, the 47-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Police said they recovered a suicide note in which he accused a Bihar Police SHO of misconduct and harassment. The case is under investigation, and further action will follow as directed by senior officers.

Police said that the individual identified as Amol Sonavane has already attempted to kill himself in the past. A few days back, Amol and his wife attempted to die by suicide following a domestic dispute; however, they were rescued just in time and rushed to a local hospital.

A man drowned his four-month-old son by throwing him into a water-filled drum and later took his own life, the Maharashtra police said Saturday. The incident took place at Talwada Village in Georai Taluka of Beed district. Police said that the individual identified as Amol Sonavane has already attempted to kill himself in the past. A few days back, Amol and his wife attempted to die by suicide following a domestic dispute; however, they were rescued just in time and rushed to a local hospital. Later, the couple was discharged from the local hospital on Thursday, according to a report in NDTV. Meanwhile, the bodies of Amol and his son were rushed to the Talwara Primary Health Centre for post-mortem examination. Over the incident, a case has been filed, and an investigation is in progress. Also read: Telangana: First-year engineering student dies by suicide, alleging harassment by seniors; police register case ITBP officer kills himself In a separate incident on the same day, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deputy commandant posted in Patiala, Punjab, was found hanging at the unit mess on Saturday. In the meantime, Punjab Police sources revealed a note from the spot accusing a Bihar Police officer of molesting the sister of the deceased, and it blamed him for the suicide, as per the TOI report. On Saturday, his family informed colleagues after he failed to respond to phone calls. After the information, a mess commander went to his quarters and discovered the door locked from the inside. When there was no response to repeated knocks, ITBP personnel broke a window and found him hanging. Soon, the 47-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said they recovered a suicide note in which he accused a Bihar Police SHO of misconduct and harassment. The case is under investigation, and further action will follow as directed by senior officers.

Police said that the individual identified as Amol Sonavane has already attempted to kill himself in the past. A few days back, Amol and his wife attempted to die by suicide following a domestic dispute; however, they were rescued just in time and rushed to a local hospital.

SHOCKING! Maharashtra man throws his 4-month-old son into a drum of water, later ends his life

In a tragic incident, a 19-year-old student from Maharashtra's Chandrapur district died by suicide allegedly over not wanting to study medicine. 

The victim, identified as Anurag Anil Borkar, reportedly left behind a suicide note saying that he did not want to become a doctor. 

Borkar lived with his family and had recently cleared the NEET UG 2025 examination and had secured an All India Rank of 1475 in the OBC category. 

He was being prepared to travel to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, for admission to an MBBS course and on the same morning he committed suicide.&nbsp;

According to police, he died by suicide at his residence before he could leave for Gorakhpur. He was found hanging at home. A suicide note was recovered from the scene. 

According to police officials investigating the case, the suicide note read, “I don’t want to do MBBS. A businessman earns as much as a doctor. I don’t want to go through five years of study and then an MD.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to details shared by the family to the police, Borkar was a very bright student and had attempted the NEET exam twice. 

In his first attempt, he secured admission to an MBBS program but was dissatisfied with the college. He worked hard and appeared for the exam again, earning a significantly higher rank this year.
&nbsp;
Further investigation is underway by the Navargaon Police.

This is not an isolated incident. On July 25, the Supreme Court highlighted rising student suicides as a systemic concern. 

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that these incidents cannot be ignored.

The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that in 2022, 1,70,924 people died by suicide in India, including 13,044 students. 

In 2001, the number of student suicides was 5,425. Around eight students were among every 100 suicides, with 2,248 deaths reportedly linked to exam failure.

‘I don’t want to do MBBS’: Maharashtra NEET topper dies by suicide after expressing reluctance to study medicine

In a tragic incident, a 19-year-old student from Maharashtra's Chandrapur district died by suicide allegedly over not wanting to study medicine. The victim, identified as Anurag Anil Borkar, reportedly left behind a suicide note saying that he did not want to become a doctor. Borkar lived with his family and had recently cleared the NEET UG 2025 examination and had secured an All India Rank of 1475 in the OBC category. He was being prepared to travel to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, for admission to an MBBS course and on the same morning he committed suicide. According to police, he died by suicide at his residence before he could leave for Gorakhpur. He was found hanging at home. A suicide note was recovered from the scene. According to police officials investigating the case, the suicide note read, “I don’t want to do MBBS. A businessman earns as much as a doctor. I don’t want to go through five years of study and then an MD.” According to details shared by the family to the police, Borkar was a very bright student and had attempted the NEET exam twice. In his first attempt, he secured admission to an MBBS program but was dissatisfied with the college. He worked hard and appeared for the exam again, earning a significantly higher rank this year. Further investigation is underway by the Navargaon Police. This is not an isolated incident. On July 25, the Supreme Court highlighted rising student suicides as a systemic concern. A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that these incidents cannot be ignored. The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that in 2022, 1,70,924 people died by suicide in India, including 13,044 students. In 2001, the number of student suicides was 5,425. Around eight students were among every 100 suicides, with 2,248 deaths reportedly linked to exam failure.

Borkar was a very bright student and had attempted the NEET exam twice. In his first attempt, he secured admission to an MBBS program but was dissatisfied with the college

&nbsp;Several commuters travelling on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra were compelled to stop after their vehicle tyres were punctured by sharp nails fitted into the road in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Following the incident, a safety concern was raised as the tyres of at least three cars were punctured in the early hours of Wednesday.&nbsp;A visual shared by the Indian news agency IANS shows the nails neatly embedded in the Mumbai-bound arm of the high-speed carriageway. As per News 18, it is speculated that the nails were fitted into the road surface of the highway by an unscrupulous tyre repair gang.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Nagpur, Maharashtra: DCP Prashant Swami says, &quot;Last night, a video went viral claiming that nails had been placed on the Samruddhi Highway. However, the truth is that maintenance work has been ongoing on this highway... Strengthening work was carried out yesterday using… <a href="https://t.co/zWdIRae1vY">pic.twitter.com/zWdIRae1vY</a>&mdash; IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1965720086234222708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

DCP Prashant Swami told IANS, "Last night, a video went viral claiming that nails had been placed on the Samruddhi Highway. However, the truth is that maintenance work has been ongoing on this highway... Strengthening work was carried out yesterday using injectable nodules. The work was being done on lane number one, while lanes two and three remained open. Barricades were in place, but a vehicle broke through, causing a puncture."<h3>What did the transporter say over the act?</h3>In the video, transporter Santosh Sanap recounts the ordeal, questioning the absence of safety measures. He claimed that hundreds of nails were scattered on the expressway and alleged that police failed to act promptly despite being alerted. A crowd of stranded commuters is also visible in the footage.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">What happening on Samruddhi mahamarg highway 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/volklub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@volklub</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/evelectree?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@evelectree</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TorqueIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TorqueIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RoadsOfMumbai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoadsOfMumbai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/marinebharat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marinebharat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBsCoffee30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MrBsCoffee30</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TeslaClubIN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TeslaClubIN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ev_gyan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ev_gyan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BunnyPunia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BunnyPunia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nitin_gadkari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nitin_gadkari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dev_Fadnavis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mieknathshinde?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mieknathshinde</a> <a href="https://t.co/c4Rqa6ZZ08">pic.twitter.com/c4Rqa6ZZ08</a>&mdash; ToNy (@Its_TonyVerse) <a href="https://twitter.com/Its_TonyVerse/status/1965726567939862690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Quoting a Daulatabad police station official, Indian news agency PTI reported that motorists raised the alarm around 1 a.m. “Our teams rushed to the spot. We are still determining how many nails were placed, but tyres of three cars were definitely damaged," the official said.&nbsp;Police have also called in the road maintenance contractor and some individuals who had stopped motorists at the scene to assist with the investigation.

Over the act, it is believed that the nails were fitted into the road surface of the highway by an unscrupulous tyre repair gang. Police have also called in the road maintenance contractor and some individuals who had stopped motorists at the scene to assist with the investigation.

Several commuters travelling on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra were compelled to stop after their vehicle tyres were punctured by sharp nails fitted into the road in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Following the incident, a safety concern was raised as the tyres of at least three cars were punctured in the early hours of Wednesday. A visual shared by the Indian news agency IANS shows the nails neatly embedded in the Mumbai-bound arm of the high-speed carriageway. As per News 18, it is speculated that the nails were fitted into the road surface of the highway by an unscrupulous tyre repair gang.

Over the act, it is believed that the nails were fitted into the road surface of the highway by an unscrupulous tyre repair gang. Police have also called in the road maintenance contractor and some individuals who had stopped motorists at the scene to assist with the investigation.

Nails found hammered on Samruddhi Expressway, several cars punctured — Scary video raises safety concerns

In Maharashtra's Palaghar district, three suspicious containers washed ashore on Sunday (Sep 7), raising serious security concerns. The mysterious containers are being treated as a security concern and an environmental issue, according to reports citing civic officials. Two of these containers were discovered on the Satpati beach, and a third one was spotted on the Shirgaon beach. Their discovery sparked a swift response from security and disaster management agencies. Here's all we know about the suspicious containers found in Maharashtra.<h2>Unidentified containers</h2>In a statement, Vivekanand Kadam, the Chief of the Disaster Management Agencies. "We received information about three unidentified containers being washed up on the Palghar coast. Two were found near Satpati beach and one on Shirgaon beach," he said.&nbsp;The mysterious containers are yet to be identified. Efforts to inspect them have gotten complicated by tidal conditions. Kadam said that rising sea has made it difficult for authorities to reach the exact location of the containers, which remain partially submerged. "Due to high tide, it is currently difficult to access and examine the containers. We are coordinating with the Coast Guard to ensure a safe and controlled recovery operation," he added.<h2>Where did they come from?</h2>Authorities suspect that the containers may have washed up from a shipwreck or a vessel that encountered distress in deep waters. However, there is no official confirmation about the origin or the contents of the containers.&nbsp;Meanwhile, several curious onlookers were seen thronging to the beach even as authorities imposed restrictions. "We are urging citizens to stay away from the area until the containers are fully secured and examined. At this point, we cannot speculate about the contents, but public safety is our top priority," said the Chief of Disaster Management Agencies, Kadam.&nbsp;He added that bomb disposal and hazardous materials teams have been kept on standby until the containers are inspected and cleared by experts. Just a month ago, in a similar incident, a lone mystery container washed up on the Kalamb beach. Upon inspection, it was found to contain flooring and wallpaper-type tiles.

Three suspicious containers washed ashore on two beaches in Maharashtra's Palghar district, raising security and environmental concerns. 

In Maharashtra's Palaghar district, three suspicious containers washed ashore on Sunday (Sep 7), raising serious security concerns. The mysterious containers are being treated as a security concern and an environmental issue, according to reports citing civic officials. Two of these containers were discovered on the Satpati beach, and a third one was spotted on the Shirgaon beach. Their discovery sparked a swift response from security and disaster management agencies. Here's all we know about the suspicious containers found in Maharashtra. Unidentified containers In a statement, Vivekanand Kadam, the Chief of the Disaster Management Agencies. "We received information about three unidentified containers being washed up on the Palghar coast. Two were found near Satpati beach and one on Shirgaon beach," he said. The mysterious containers are yet to be identified. Efforts to inspect them have gotten complicated by tidal conditions. Kadam said that rising sea has made it difficult for authorities to reach the exact location of the containers, which remain partially submerged. "Due to high tide, it is currently difficult to access and examine the containers. We are coordinating with the Coast Guard to ensure a safe and controlled recovery operation," he added. Where did they come from? Authorities suspect that the containers may have washed up from a shipwreck or a vessel that encountered distress in deep waters. However, there is no official confirmation about the origin or the contents of the containers. Meanwhile, several curious onlookers were seen thronging to the beach even as authorities imposed restrictions. "We are urging citizens to stay away from the area until the containers are fully secured and examined. At this point, we cannot speculate about the contents, but public safety is our top priority," said the Chief of Disaster Management Agencies, Kadam. He added that bomb disposal and hazardous materials teams have been kept on standby until the containers are inspected and cleared by experts. Just a month ago, in a similar incident, a lone mystery container washed up on the Kalamb beach. Upon inspection, it was found to contain flooring and wallpaper-type tiles.

Three suspicious containers washed ashore on two beaches in Maharashtra's Palghar district, raising security and environmental concerns.

Security scare in Maharashtra: Three suspicious containers found on Palghar coast; Coast Guard, disaster teams on alert

A massive fire erupted on Saturday (Sep 6) at a dyeing factory in Bhiwandi, in Maharashtra's Thane district. Fire tenders, as per reports, were immediately rushed to the spot, and teams are working to bring the blaze under control. No details of casualties or damage have been released so far. This comes just two days after another fire incident in Mumbai's Malad area. On Thursday (Sep 4), a firecracker shop in Somwaari Bazar caught fire, which police said was caused by a short circuit.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Maharashtra | Huge fire broke out at a dyeing factory in Bhiwandi. Fire tenders present on the spot and efforts to douse the fire are underway. Further details are awaited. <a href="https://t.co/28LDiA7ZCQ">pic.twitter.com/28LDiA7ZCQ</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1964119606433562630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This factory is located in the Kamatghar area. The fire incident occurred on Anant Chaturdashi, a day when numerous devotees are anticipated to gather in the streets to say farewell to Lord Ganesh, with the Ganpati idol being submerged in bodies of water like the sea, lakes, or man-made ponds.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-man-arrested-in-noida-for-whatsapp-bomb-threat-claiming-34-human-bombs-in-mumbai-1757127606511">Bihar man arrested from Noida over chilling Mumbai '400 kg RDX' bomb threat</a><h2>Malad fire</h2>Previously, on Thursday, a firecracker shop in Somwaari Bazar caught fire. The fire, as per the police, was caused by a short circuit. In a statement, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hemant Sawant confirmed that the Malad fire was quickly contained with the help of fire brigades and that there were no casualties or injuries. "This is the Somwaari Bazar area of Malad West, and there are many small shops here. The fire broke out in a firecracker shop. The owner is a licence holder, and it appears that the fire broke out due to a short circuit,” Sawant told ANI. “The situation is fully under control now.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-re-going-to-lose-if-finland-president-stubb-issues-dire-warning-to-trump-over-india-standoff-watch-1756887533690">'We're going to lose if...': Finland President Stubb issues dire warning to Trump over India standoff. Watch!</a>&nbsp;

A massive fire has broken out at a dyeing factory in Bhiwandi, a town in Maharashtra's Thane district. More details awaited.

A massive fire erupted on Saturday (Sep 6) at a dyeing factory in Bhiwandi, in Maharashtra's Thane district. Fire tenders, as per reports, were immediately rushed to the spot, and teams are working to bring the blaze under control. No details of casualties or damage have been released so far. This comes just two days after another fire incident in Mumbai's Malad area. On Thursday (Sep 4), a firecracker shop in Somwaari Bazar caught fire, which police said was caused by a short circuit.

A massive fire has broken out at a dyeing factory in Bhiwandi, a town in Maharashtra's Thane district. More details awaited.

Video: Massive fire breaks out at Bhiwandi, Maharashtra dyeing factory

The Western Indian state of Maharashtra went to polls on November 20, with around 58 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 5 pm. The contest in Maharashtra is between the ruling&nbsp;Mahayuti alliance, which comprises&nbsp;Shiv Sena, NCP, and BJP,&nbsp;and the opposition&nbsp;Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), including&nbsp;Shiv Sena-UBT, NCPSP and Congress, alongside some regional parties.

ZEENIA, the AI anchor of Zee network, revealed exit polls for Maharashtra state Wednesday evening, predicting a close contest between the two rival blocs.

As per Zeenia, Eknath Shinde-led&nbsp;Mahayuti is likely to get 129-159 seats, while the opposition MVA may bag around 124-154 seats of a total of 288 seats. The exit poll has been conducted with a massive sample size of over 1 million.

The poll also revealed that most of the voters in Maharashtra preferred BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as the state's chief minister over the incumbent&nbsp;Eknath Shinde.

<h2>Jharkhand assembly election exit polls</h2>

Polls drew to a close in Jharkhand too where the second phase of the elections was held today. Data from the Election Commission of India revealed over 67 per cent of voters showed up at the polling booths by 5 pm IST.&nbsp;

Zeenia predicted&nbsp;a close contest between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the BJP-led NDA.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjv_9bAkOuJAxVpTGwGHXK6JrcQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swiggy-instamart-delivers-free-round-gourds-amid-maharashtra-elections-777650" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swiggy-instamart-delivers-free-round-gourds-amid-maharashtra-elections-777650&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjv_9bAkOuJAxVpTGwGHXK6JrcQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Swiggy Instamart delivers free round gourds amid Maharashtra elections</a>

The Hemant Soren-led JMM is likely to hold an edge with 39-44 seats, while the BJP may bag around 36-41 seats in the 82-member assembly.

The exit poll was conducted by taking into consideration the sentiments of over 0.3 million users on social media.

Key candidates in Jharkhand state include Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and his sister-in-law Sita Soren from the JMM.

The results for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra assembly polls will be officially out on November 23.&nbsp;

The Western Indian state of Maharashtra went to polls on November 20, with around 58 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 5 pm. The contest in Maharashtra is between the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which comprises Shiv Sena, NCP, and BJP, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), including Shiv Sena-UBT, NCPSP and Congress, alongside some regional parties.

The Western Indian state of Maharashtra went to polls on November 20, with around 58 per cent of voters casting their ballots by 5 pm. The contest in Maharashtra is between the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which comprises Shiv Sena, NCP, and BJP, and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), including Shiv Sena-UBT, NCPSP and Congress, alongside some regional parties. ZEENIA, the AI anchor of Zee network, revealed exit polls for Maharashtra state Wednesday evening, predicting a close contest between the two rival blocs. As per Zeenia, Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti is likely to get 129-159 seats, while the opposition MVA may bag around 124-154 seats of a total of 288 seats. The exit poll has been conducted with a massive sample size of over 1 million. The poll also revealed that most of the voters in Maharashtra preferred BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as the state's chief minister over the incumbent Eknath Shinde. Jharkhand assembly election exit polls Polls drew to a close in Jharkhand too where the second phase of the elections was held today. Data from the Election Commission of India revealed over 67 per cent of voters showed up at the polling booths by 5 pm IST. Zeenia predicted a close contest between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the BJP-led NDA. Also read: Swiggy Instamart delivers free round gourds amid Maharashtra elections The Hemant Soren-led JMM is likely to hold an edge with 39-44 seats, while the BJP may bag around 36-41 seats in the 82-member assembly. The exit poll was conducted by taking into consideration the sentiments of over 0.3 million users on social media. Key candidates in Jharkhand state include Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and his sister-in-law Sita Soren from the JMM. The results for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra assembly polls will be officially out on November 23.

Exit polls: Close contest between Mahayuti, MVA in Maharashtra, neck-to-neck fight in Jharkhand

Supriya Sule, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) and Baramati MP on Monday (August 12) said that after her phone and WhatsApp were hacked on Sunday, hackers were blackmailing her and asking for $400 from her.

“The party general secretary Aditi Nalawade's WhatsApp was also hacked. Hackers demanded ₹10,000 from her. We tried to keep them engaged by agreeing to pay. They had even shared account details of a bank for transferring money,” Sule said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hindenburg-vs-adani-global-investors-say-sebi-chief-madhabi-buch-should-resign-to-restore-confidence-749407">Hindenburg vs Adani: Global investors say Sebi chief Madhabi Buch should resign to restore confidence</a>

She announced on Sunday that her phone was hacked and requested people to refrain from texting or calling her. "Urgent: My phone and WhatsApp have been hacked. Please do not call or text me. I have reached out to the police for help," she wrote in a post on X.

Sule filed a complaint at Yavat police station against the perpetrators and labelled the matter serious. Sule also had a word with the superintendent of police Pankaj Deshmukh, who assured her that the police would look into the matter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/delhi-cab-driver-throws-out-pakistani-passenger-his-female-friend-over-anti-india-remarks-749429">Delhi cab driver throws out Pakistani passenger, his female friend over anti-India remarks</a>

“My phone and WhatsApp have started. The WhatsApp team provided valuable support. A big thank you to Team WhatsApp and Pune rural police for this. If anyone has messaged me in the meantime, I apologise for not being able to reply due to this technical glitch,” she said in a subsequent post.

The Baramati MP said that she got a notice from the Income Tax Department after the budget session. “I don't know if it is a coincidence that every time I speak in the Parliament, I get a notice from income tax in the same case," she said.

"Every time we respond to the notice nothing happens later. I'm looking for data and it has to correlate. Have asked Sadanand Sule (her husband) to gather the data. I don't want to make allegations,” she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Supriya Sule, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) and Baramati MP on Monday (August 12) said that after her phone and WhatsApp were hacked on Sunday, hackers were blackmailing her and asking for $400 from her.

Supriya Sule, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) and Baramati MP on Monday (August 12) said that after her phone and WhatsApp were hacked on Sunday, hackers were blackmailing her and asking for $400 from her. “The party general secretary Aditi Nalawade's WhatsApp was also hacked. Hackers demanded ₹10,000 from her. We tried to keep them engaged by agreeing to pay. They had even shared account details of a bank for transferring money,” Sule said. Also read: Hindenburg vs Adani: Global investors say Sebi chief Madhabi Buch should resign to restore confidence She announced on Sunday that her phone was hacked and requested people to refrain from texting or calling her. "Urgent: My phone and WhatsApp have been hacked. Please do not call or text me. I have reached out to the police for help," she wrote in a post on X. Sule filed a complaint at Yavat police station against the perpetrators and labelled the matter serious. Sule also had a word with the superintendent of police Pankaj Deshmukh, who assured her that the police would look into the matter. Also read: Delhi cab driver throws out Pakistani passenger, his female friend over anti-India remarks “My phone and WhatsApp have started. The WhatsApp team provided valuable support. A big thank you to Team WhatsApp and Pune rural police for this. If anyone has messaged me in the meantime, I apologise for not being able to reply due to this technical glitch,” she said in a subsequent post. The Baramati MP said that she got a notice from the Income Tax Department after the budget session. “I don't know if it is a coincidence that every time I speak in the Parliament, I get a notice from income tax in the same case," she said. "Every time we respond to the notice nothing happens later. I'm looking for data and it has to correlate. Have asked Sadanand Sule (her husband) to gather the data. I don't want to make allegations,” she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Supriya Sule phone, WhatsApp hacked: Hackers blackmail her, demand $400

Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threw coconuts and cow dung at the convoy of former Chief Minister and&nbsp;Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray in the Indian state of Maharashtra's Thane,&nbsp;on Saturday (August 10), according to a report by news agency ANI.

This comes a day after Raj Thackeray's car was attacked with betel nut by some Shiv&nbsp;Sena (UBT) supporters. This is alleged to be a retaliatory action. More than 20 people have been taken into custody, according to the police, and the matter is under investigation.

“Former Maharashtra and Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s convoy was attacked with Coconut and Cow dung by MNS workers. It is in response to yesterday's incident where Raj Thackeray’s car was attacked with Betel nut,” MNS said.

"The way Uddhav Thackeray's convoy was attacked in Thane. Uddhav Thackeray - who has Z category security - is the son of Balasaheb Thackeray and has been a CM of Maharashtra. This attack is a failure of the state government. The law and order situation has completely collapsed here and the home minister should resign," Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said.

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The estranged cousin of Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, was touring central Maharashtra on Friday. As his convoy was heading to a hotel,&nbsp;Shiv&nbsp;Sena (UBT) supporters attempted to block his way and threw betel nuts at him, according to officials. The betel nuts reportedly hit another car, but not Raj's vehicle.

The people responsible were arrested, and a case has been lodged against them. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have accused Raj of having accepted a 'supari' or contract to undermine the influence of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.

(With inputs from agencies)

Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threw coconuts and cow dung at the convoy of former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray in the Indian state of Maharashtra's Thane, on Saturday (August 10), according to a report by news agency ANI.

Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threw coconuts and cow dung at the convoy of former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray in the Indian state of Maharashtra's Thane, on Saturday (August 10), according to a report by news agency ANI. This comes a day after Raj Thackeray's car was attacked with betel nut by some Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters. This is alleged to be a retaliatory action. More than 20 people have been taken into custody, according to the police, and the matter is under investigation. “Former Maharashtra and Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray’s convoy was attacked with Coconut and Cow dung by MNS workers. It is in response to yesterday's incident where Raj Thackeray’s car was attacked with Betel nut,” MNS said. "The way Uddhav Thackeray's convoy was attacked in Thane. Uddhav Thackeray - who has Z category security - is the son of Balasaheb Thackeray and has been a CM of Maharashtra. This attack is a failure of the state government. The law and order situation has completely collapsed here and the home minister should resign," Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey said. Also read: Jaishankar in Maldives: India delivers drinking water project; Greater Malé Connectivity Project in focus The estranged cousin of Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, was touring central Maharashtra on Friday. As his convoy was heading to a hotel, Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters attempted to block his way and threw betel nuts at him, according to officials. The betel nuts reportedly hit another car, but not Raj's vehicle. The people responsible were arrested, and a case has been lodged against them. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have accused Raj of having accepted a 'supari' or contract to undermine the influence of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. (With inputs from agencies)

India: MNS workers hurl coconuts, cow dung at Uddhav Thackeray's convoy; 20 arrested

In a tragic incident on Tuesday (Apr 9), five members of the same family died in the Western Indian state of Maharashtra while rescuing a cat that had fallen into an abandoned well. The Ahmedabad district administration said the five bodies were removed from the well by late Tuesday night and one victim was rushed to a government hospital. The victim is in stable condition now.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Five people died in a bid to save a cat who fell into an abandoned well (used as a biogas pit) in Wadki village of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, late at night. 
 
According to Dhananjay Jadhav, Senior Police Officer of Nevasa Police station, Ahmednagar, "A rescue team… <a href="https://t.co/fb4tNY7yzD">pic.twitter.com/fb4tNY7yzD</a>
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As per media reports, the well, located in Vakadi village of Newasa taluka, was filled with slurry of biogas by a farmer.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

It all started when the cat fell into the abandoned well at around 5 pm on Tuesday. The victim family noticed the cat and decided to rescue it.

The five dead victims and the sixth injured had entered the well one after another to rescue each other as the situation went out of control.

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People nearby heard their noises as they complained of suffocation. The villagers managed to pull one person out but the rest five couldn’t be rescued immediately and authorities were informed.

<h2>Probe underway</h2>

Police Inspector Dhananjay Jadhav of Newasa police station told news agency ANI that a probe is underway in the matter.

"A rescue team recovered the dead bodies of five of the six people who jumped one after another into an abandoned well having animal waste stored while trying to rescue a cat. One person who entered the well with a rope tied to his waist survived and was later rescued by the police. He is under treatment in the hospital nearby. A probe is underway," he was quoted as saying.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists welcome new antibiotic that kills drug-resistant bacteria CRAB

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The rescue team took over five hours to complete the operation.

Reports said that the deceased have been identified as Manik Govind Kale, Sandeep Manik Kale, Bablu Anil Kale, Anil Bapurao Kale, Babasaheb Gaikwad.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a tragic incident on Tuesday (Apr 9), five members of the same family died in the Western Indian state of Maharashtra while rescuing a cat that had fallen into an abandoned well.

In a tragic incident on Tuesday (Apr 9), five members of the same family died in the Western Indian state of Maharashtra while rescuing a cat that had fallen into an abandoned well. The Ahmedabad district administration said the five bodies were removed from the well by late Tuesday night and one victim was rushed to a government hospital. The victim is in stable condition now. #WATCH | Five people died in a bid to save a cat who fell into an abandoned well (used as a biogas pit) in Wadki village of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, late at night. According to Dhananjay Jadhav, Senior Police Officer of Nevasa Police station, Ahmednagar, "A rescue team… pic.twitter.com/fb4tNY7yzD — ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024 × As per media reports, the well, located in Vakadi village of Newasa taluka, was filled with slurry of biogas by a farmer. What happened? It all started when the cat fell into the abandoned well at around 5 pm on Tuesday. The victim family noticed the cat and decided to rescue it. The five dead victims and the sixth injured had entered the well one after another to rescue each other as the situation went out of control. Also read: Rare six-legged mountain gazelle spotted in Israel People nearby heard their noises as they complained of suffocation. The villagers managed to pull one person out but the rest five couldn’t be rescued immediately and authorities were informed. Probe underway Police Inspector Dhananjay Jadhav of Newasa police station told news agency ANI that a probe is underway in the matter. "A rescue team recovered the dead bodies of five of the six people who jumped one after another into an abandoned well having animal waste stored while trying to rescue a cat. One person who entered the well with a rope tied to his waist survived and was later rescued by the police. He is under treatment in the hospital nearby. A probe is underway," he was quoted as saying. Watch: Scientists welcome new antibiotic that kills drug-resistant bacteria CRAB × The rescue team took over five hours to complete the operation. Reports said that the deceased have been identified as Manik Govind Kale, Sandeep Manik Kale, Bablu Anil Kale, Anil Bapurao Kale, Babasaheb Gaikwad. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Five family members die in India while rescuing a cat from abandoned well

A woman software engineer in India's Pune was shot dead inside a hotel room in the Hinjewadi area on Saturday (Jan 27). According to a report by the news agency ANI early Monday, police said the victim was identified as 26-year-old Vandana Dwivedi.

A woman software engineer in India's Pune was shot dead inside a hotel room in the Hinjewadi area on Saturday (Jan 27). According to a report by the news agency ANI early Monday, police said the victim was identified as 26-year-old Vandana Dwivedi. Police said that Dwivedi hailed from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow and worked in an IT firm in Pune. She was called to the hotel room by her boyfriend Rishabh Nigam. Speaking to ANI, a police official said that the woman's body was found on Sunday morning with a gunshot wound to her head. Nigam, the prime suspect in the crime, was initially on the run but was apprehended in Mumbai. Also read | Footage shows Indian gangster Sharad Mohol's shocking murder in Pune The official said that Dwivedi and Nigam were employed in the same IT firm, and preliminary information suggested that they were in a relationship. The motive behind the killing is unclear and further investigation is underway. According to media reports, CCTV footage showed Nigam leaving the hotel room on Saturday night after committing the crime. He then fled to Mumbai where he was apprehended. A report by India Today said that Dwivedi and Nigam had known each other for the last 10 years, and the man came to Pune with a plan to kill the 26-year-old as he had suspicions about her character. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Woman techie in Pune shot dead inside hotel room, boyfriend held

A major fire incident at a hand glove factory in India’s western state of Maharashtra claimed at least six lives on Sunday, while injuring many others.

The fire department officials said the blaze&nbsp;erupted at 2:15 am IST in the factory located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Waluj MIDC area.

"We received a call at 2:15 a.m. When we reached the incident site, the entire factory was on fire. Locals informed us that six people were trapped inside. Our officers entered and the bodies of six people have been recovered," Mohan Mungse, a fire officer, was quoted as saying by ANI.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra: Fire breaks out in a factory in the Waluj MIDC area. Operations to douse the fire are underway. Further details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/mY9ChJv8n8">pic.twitter.com/mY9ChJv8n8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1741220066883227919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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He added that extinguishing work was still in progress.

According to media reports, over a dozen people were sleeping inside the factory when the fire broke out. While some managed to escape, at least five to six people remained trapped inside.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/light-diyas-but-dont-heres-how-pm-modi-wants-india-to-celebrate-ram-temples-inauguration-675059">Also read:&nbsp;‘Light diyas, but don’t...’: Here’s how PM Modi wants India to celebrate Ram temple inauguration</a>

Later, the fire department officials confirmed that the six people had lost their lives.

"10-15 workers were sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out. Some managed to escape, but at least five were trapped inside," one of the workers told ANI.

Watch:&nbsp;S Jaishankar in Russia: India &amp; Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons

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It was not clear what caused the fire incident.&nbsp;

Authorities said dousing operations were still continuing

(With inputs from agencies)

A major fire incident at a hand glove factory in India’s western state of Maharashtra claimed at least six lives on Sunday, while injuring many others. The fire department officials said the blaze erupted at 2:15 am IST in the factory located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Waluj MIDC area.

A major fire incident at a hand glove factory in India’s western state of Maharashtra claimed at least six lives on Sunday, while injuring many others. The fire department officials said the blaze erupted at 2:15 am IST in the factory located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Waluj MIDC area. "We received a call at 2:15 a.m. When we reached the incident site, the entire factory was on fire. Locals informed us that six people were trapped inside. Our officers entered and the bodies of six people have been recovered," Mohan Mungse, a fire officer, was quoted as saying by ANI. #WATCH | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra: Fire breaks out in a factory in the Waluj MIDC area. Operations to douse the fire are underway. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/mY9ChJv8n8 — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2023 × He added that extinguishing work was still in progress. According to media reports, over a dozen people were sleeping inside the factory when the fire broke out. While some managed to escape, at least five to six people remained trapped inside. Also read: ‘Light diyas, but don’t...’: Here’s how PM Modi wants India to celebrate Ram temple inauguration Later, the fire department officials confirmed that the six people had lost their lives. "10-15 workers were sleeping inside the building when the fire broke out. Some managed to escape, but at least five were trapped inside," one of the workers told ANI. Watch: S Jaishankar in Russia: India & Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons × It was not clear what caused the fire incident. Authorities said dousing operations were still continuing (With inputs from agencies)

Fire incident in glove factory in India's Maharashtra claims six lives

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday (June 22) told rebel MLAs of his party Shiv Sena that he was ready to resign from the post if they wanted but urged them to come forward to discuss. Maharashtra is the richest state in India. The politics of the major state is witnessing a turmoil due to rebellion within the governing coalition orchestrated by Eknath Shinde, an influential leader in Thackeray's own party and cabinet. Thackeray even said that he was ready to step down from the post of Shiv Sena chief. He even promised that MLAs could tell him freely if they wanted him to resign and that he would keep their names secret.

Shinde, along with rebel MLAs, are currently holed up in Guwahati city in Assam, more than 2000 kilometres away from Shiv Sena's political base of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra.

During his Live online address, broadcast from official government handles as well as party handles, Thackeray said that he was not after any post. He mentioned Eknath Shinde by name once during the speech.&nbsp;

"If you do not want me to be chief minister I will step down," he said, "But why aren't you and why didn't you tell me in person before this?"

Thackeray repeatedly urged rebel MLAs to discuss their grievances with him in person or even by phone.

Thackeray&nbsp;met&nbsp;Sharad Pawar this evening. Sharad Pawar, chief of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was instrumental in hammering out the three-way coalition between Shiv Sena- NCP and Congress and is said to have staked in past, his formidable political might to ensure that the Maharashtra government does not fall. However, the present crisis is widely perceived to be a huge political roadblock in the way of the coalition.

Hours after Thackeray's address, Eknath Shinde took to Twitter and posted in Marathi.

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३. पक्ष आणि शिवसैनिक टिकविण्यासाठी अनैसर्गिक आघाडीतून बाहेर पडणे अत्यावश्यक. 
 
४. महाराष्ट्रहितासाठी आता निर्णय घेणे गरजेचे.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HindutvaForever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HindutvaForever</a>
— Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) <a href="https://twitter.com/mieknathshinde/status/1539619637520105473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Here is the translation of his tweets

'1. For last two and a half years, the MVA coalition government benefitted only the parties. Common Shiv Sainik was crushed

2. Shiv Sena and Shiv Sainiks&nbsp;were&nbsp;made to suffer systematically while other parties flourished.

3. The unnatural alliance must be abandoned if the party is to sustain.

4. There is a need to act for the betterment of Maharashtra'.

Uddhav Thackeray left his official chief ministerial residence 'Varsha' late on Wednesday. During his online address, he had given hints of such a move but had also suggested that it would be symbolic and would not mean that he had resigned. He and his family left for their private residence.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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&nbsp;

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday (June 22) told rebel MLAs of his party Shiv Sena that he was ready to resign from the post if they wanted but urged them to come forward to discuss.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday (June 22) told rebel MLAs of his party Shiv Sena that he was ready to resign from the post if they wanted but urged them to come forward to discuss. Maharashtra is the richest state in India. The politics of the major state is witnessing a turmoil due to rebellion within the governing coalition orchestrated by Eknath Shinde, an influential leader in Thackeray's own party and cabinet. Thackeray even said that he was ready to step down from the post of Shiv Sena chief. He even promised that MLAs could tell him freely if they wanted him to resign and that he would keep their names secret. Shinde, along with rebel MLAs, are currently holed up in Guwahati city in Assam, more than 2000 kilometres away from Shiv Sena's political base of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. During his Live online address, broadcast from official government handles as well as party handles, Thackeray said that he was not after any post. He mentioned Eknath Shinde by name once during the speech. "If you do not want me to be chief minister I will step down," he said, "But why aren't you and why didn't you tell me in person before this?" Thackeray repeatedly urged rebel MLAs to discuss their grievances with him in person or even by phone. Thackeray met Sharad Pawar this evening. Sharad Pawar, chief of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) was instrumental in hammering out the three-way coalition between Shiv Sena- NCP and Congress and is said to have staked in past, his formidable political might to ensure that the Maharashtra government does not fall. However, the present crisis is widely perceived to be a huge political roadblock in the way of the coalition. Hours after Thackeray's address, Eknath Shinde took to Twitter and posted in Marathi. ३. पक्ष आणि शिवसैनिक टिकविण्यासाठी अनैसर्गिक आघाडीतून बाहेर पडणे अत्यावश्यक. ४. महाराष्ट्रहितासाठी आता निर्णय घेणे गरजेचे.#HindutvaForever — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) June 22, 2022 × Here is the translation of his tweets '1. For last two and a half years, the MVA coalition government benefitted only the parties. Common Shiv Sainik was crushed 2. Shiv Sena and Shiv Sainiks were made to suffer systematically while other parties flourished. 3. The unnatural alliance must be abandoned if the party is to sustain. 4. There is a need to act for the betterment of Maharashtra'. Uddhav Thackeray left his official chief ministerial residence 'Varsha' late on Wednesday. During his online address, he had given hints of such a move but had also suggested that it would be symbolic and would not mean that he had resigned. He and his family left for their private residence. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India: Ready to resign, but let's discuss, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray tells rebels