<p>A tragic incident in Pune's Junnar tehsil has left a 40-year-old woman dead after a leopard attacked her while she was working in a soybean field. The state forest department officials confirmed the incident, which has raised significant concerns about the increasing frequency of leopard attacks in the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Here’s what happened</strong></h2>

<p>The incident took place around 6 am when Sujata Dhere was working in a soybean field, which was surrounded by sugarcane farms where a leopard was hiding. Mistaking her for prey, the leopard attacked and dragged her nearly 100 feet, causing severe injuries that ultimately led to her death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-cbi-lists-dna-evidence-against-sanjay-roy-blood-stains-of-victim-on-his-clothes-766008">Kolkata horror: CBI lists DNA evidence against Sanjay Roy, blood stains of victim on his clothes</a></p>

<p>After the attack, police and forest officials arrived to investigate, and Dhere's body was sent for&nbsp;post-mortem examination. This tragic event is the seventh fatal leopard attack in the Junnar forest division since March, heightening concerns about the rising number of encounters of humans with the&nbsp;big cats.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/syrian-refugee-his-11-month-old-son-attacked-with-acid-outside-delhis-unhc-office-765956">Syrian refugee, his 11-month-old son attacked with acid outside Delhi's UNHC office</a></p>

<h2><strong>Search operations underway</strong></h2>

<p>Smita Rajahans, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Junnar Forest Division, stated that significant efforts are being made to find the leopard. "The search and capture operation is ongoing in Pimpri-Pendhar village and surrounding areas. We have set up trap cameras, cages, and are utilising thermal drones to locate the leopard. We are also working to raise awareness among residents and have advised them to adhere strictly to safety guidelines."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parents-have-right-to-access-cancer-victims-frozen-semen-for-procreation-delhi-hc-766009">Parents have right to access cancer victim's frozen semen for procreation: Delhi HC</a></p>

<p>The operation involves the deployment of 40 cages, 50 camera traps, and thermal drones to track the animal. The forest department is also advising the local community about safety measures amid the surge in leopard attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A tragic incident in Pune's Junnar tehsil has left a 40-year-old woman dead after a leopard attacked her while she was working in a soybean field. The state forest department officials confirmed the incident, which has raised significant concerns about the increasing frequency of leopard attacks in the region.

A tragic incident in Pune's Junnar tehsil has left a 40-year-old woman dead after a leopard attacked her while she was working in a soybean field. The state forest department officials confirmed the incident, which has raised significant concerns about the increasing frequency of leopard attacks in the region. Here’s what happened The incident took place around 6 am when Sujata Dhere was working in a soybean field, which was surrounded by sugarcane farms where a leopard was hiding. Mistaking her for prey, the leopard attacked and dragged her nearly 100 feet, causing severe injuries that ultimately led to her death. Also read | Kolkata horror: CBI lists DNA evidence against Sanjay Roy, blood stains of victim on his clothes After the attack, police and forest officials arrived to investigate, and Dhere's body was sent for post-mortem examination. This tragic event is the seventh fatal leopard attack in the Junnar forest division since March, heightening concerns about the rising number of encounters of humans with the big cats. Also read | Syrian refugee, his 11-month-old son attacked with acid outside Delhi's UNHC office Search operations underway Smita Rajahans, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Junnar Forest Division, stated that significant efforts are being made to find the leopard. "The search and capture operation is ongoing in Pimpri-Pendhar village and surrounding areas. We have set up trap cameras, cages, and are utilising thermal drones to locate the leopard. We are also working to raise awareness among residents and have advised them to adhere strictly to safety guidelines." Also read | Parents have right to access cancer victim's frozen semen for procreation: Delhi HC The operation involves the deployment of 40 cages, 50 camera traps, and thermal drones to track the animal. The forest department is also advising the local community about safety measures amid the surge in leopard attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Leopard attack claims life of 40-year-old woman in Pune, body dragged for 100 feet

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">In India, a helicopter crash in the Bavdhan area of Pune, Maharashtra, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of three&nbsp;individuals. The incident occurred on Wednesday (Oct 2)&nbsp;around 7 am, said the Pimpri Chinchwad police.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1919}">According to reports, the helicopter belonged to a Delhi-based private firm, the Heritage Aviation.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1955}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:181,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1955}">What happened?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}">According to reports, the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the Oxford Golf Club's helipad. It was on its way to Juhu, Mumbai.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2049}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/accused-arrested-in-attempt-to-derail-train-in-gujarat-are-indebted-labourers-763771">Accused arrested in attempt to derail train in Gujarat are indebted labourers</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2081}">Earlier,&nbsp;Senior Inspector Kanhaiya Thorat of the Hinjewadi police station said that two people were involved in the crash, and the chopper later caught fire.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:294,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2131}">"A helicopter crashed in Bavdhan area of Pune district. As per primary information, two persons are feared dead. It is yet to be ascertained whose helicopter it was as it is currently up in flames."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:344,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2181}">Later Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey revealed that three people have died in the crash.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:393,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2230}">"Three persons have died in the helicopter crash. Our teams along with fire department vehicles have reached the spot," said Choubey.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:443,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2280}">According to&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad,&nbsp;the helicopter crashed in hilly terrain and the three people killed were two pilots and an engineer.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:443,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2280}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-stunt-controversy-erupts-as-idols-of-sai-baba-removed-from-up-temples-763646">Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:493,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2330}">Water tankers and fire service were rushed to the spot, said fire officials.&nbsp;Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's fire officer Anil Dimle has identified the deceased as&nbsp;Girish Kumar, Pritam Singh Bhardwaj and Paramjeet Singh. He said&nbsp;that fog in the area led to the tragic accident but&nbsp;a "detailed investigation will ascertain the exact cause of the crash."&nbsp;</p>

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<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:133,&quot;y&quot;:1165,&quot;w&quot;:471,&quot;h&quot;:32,&quot;abs_x&quot;:166,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3002}" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:255,&quot;y&quot;:1174,&quot;w&quot;:227,&quot;h&quot;:15,&quot;abs_x&quot;:288,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3011}" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAm2ns8O2eU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by WION (@wionews)</a></p>
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<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1230,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3067}">PTI reports that an official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the incident took place at 7.40 am and confirmed that the crashed chopper&nbsp;was an Agusta 109.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1280,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3117}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1280,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3117}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In India, a helicopter crash in the Bavdhan area of Pune, Maharashtra, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The incident occurred on Wednesday (Oct 2) around 7 am, said the Pimpri Chinchwad police.

In India, a helicopter crash in the Bavdhan area of Pune, Maharashtra, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The incident occurred on Wednesday (Oct 2) around 7 am, said the Pimpri Chinchwad police. According to reports, the helicopter belonged to a Delhi-based private firm, the Heritage Aviation. What happened? According to reports, the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the Oxford Golf Club's helipad. It was on its way to Juhu, Mumbai. Also read | Accused arrested in attempt to derail train in Gujarat are indebted labourers Earlier, Senior Inspector Kanhaiya Thorat of the Hinjewadi police station said that two people were involved in the crash, and the chopper later caught fire. "A helicopter crashed in Bavdhan area of Pune district. As per primary information, two persons are feared dead. It is yet to be ascertained whose helicopter it was as it is currently up in flames." Later Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey revealed that three people have died in the crash. "Three persons have died in the helicopter crash. Our teams along with fire department vehicles have reached the spot," said Choubey. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad, the helicopter crashed in hilly terrain and the three people killed were two pilots and an engineer. Also read | Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples Water tankers and fire service were rushed to the spot, said fire officials. Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's fire officer Anil Dimle has identified the deceased as Girish Kumar, Pritam Singh Bhardwaj and Paramjeet Singh. He said that fog in the area led to the tragic accident but a "detailed investigation will ascertain the exact cause of the crash." View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × PTI reports that an official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the incident took place at 7.40 am and confirmed that the crashed chopper was an Agusta 109. (With inputs from agencies)

Pune helicopter crash: Three killed as helicopter catches fire in India's Maharashtra

<p>After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune was cancelled on Thursday due to heavy rain, Baramati MP and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) Supriya Sule criticised him, saying that he had already inaugurated the metro in the city five times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sule hit out at the PM, saying it would have been the sixth time for him to have inaugurated the project in Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The inauguration of the metro for which PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pune, has already been done five times. It would have been the sixth time if PM Modi came for the same," she said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-rains-red-alert-issued-flights-disrupted-trains-halted-schools-and-colleges-closed-762015"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Mumbai rains: Red alert issued, flights disrupted, trains halted, schools and colleges closed</strong></a></p>

<p>Further attacking the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government, Sule said the latter should not have disturbed a busy person like PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is very shocking that the Maharashtra government was seeking time from a busy person like the PM for the same task..." she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi was scheduled to flag off the metro train line from the District Court to Swargate in Pune and launch development projects.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Request to inaugurate metro 'online'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Sule then requested PM Modi to inaugurate the Metro online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So I request the PM to inaugurate Pune Metro online...it is the same project he had inaugurated five times in the past...it will help the people of Pune city and the inauguration must not wait for the next visit of the PM," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Mumbai Struggles Under Torrential Rains, IMD Issues Red Alert</strong></p>

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<p>After heavy rains in the city on Wednesday, the SP College ground, which was the venue of PM Modi's programme, was waterlogged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PM's visit to Pune has been cancelled and the programme&nbsp;officially postponed," Pune divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maharashtra Metro spokesperson Hemant Sonawane said, "The programme has been cancelled due to the orange alert (for heavy rains) issued for Thursday by the IMD. If there are rains, people coming for the programme may face hassles, so for the safety of the people, the programme&nbsp;has been cancelled."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune was cancelled on Thursday due to heavy rain, Baramati MP and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) Supriya Sule criticised him, saying that he had already inaugurated the metro in the city five times.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune was cancelled on Thursday due to heavy rain, Baramati MP and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) Supriya Sule criticised him, saying that he had already inaugurated the metro in the city five times. Sule hit out at the PM, saying it would have been the sixth time for him to have inaugurated the project in Pune. "The inauguration of the metro for which PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pune, has already been done five times. It would have been the sixth time if PM Modi came for the same," she said. Also read: Mumbai rains: Red alert issued, flights disrupted, trains halted, schools and colleges closed Further attacking the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government, Sule said the latter should not have disturbed a busy person like PM Modi. "This is very shocking that the Maharashtra government was seeking time from a busy person like the PM for the same task..." she added. PM Modi was scheduled to flag off the metro train line from the District Court to Swargate in Pune and launch development projects. Request to inaugurate metro 'online' Sule then requested PM Modi to inaugurate the Metro online. "So I request the PM to inaugurate Pune Metro online...it is the same project he had inaugurated five times in the past...it will help the people of Pune city and the inauguration must not wait for the next visit of the PM," she added. Watch | Mumbai Struggles Under Torrential Rains, IMD Issues Red Alert × After heavy rains in the city on Wednesday, the SP College ground, which was the venue of PM Modi's programme, was waterlogged. "The PM's visit to Pune has been cancelled and the programme officially postponed," Pune divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar said. Maharashtra Metro spokesperson Hemant Sonawane said, "The programme has been cancelled due to the orange alert (for heavy rains) issued for Thursday by the IMD. If there are rains, people coming for the programme may face hassles, so for the safety of the people, the programme has been cancelled." (With inputs from agencies)

‘PM Modi would have inaugurated Pune metro for sixth time,’ Surpiya Sule hits out after PM cancels visit

<p>The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high court also said that the shootout of the accused could have been avoided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police statement, Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van&nbsp;while he was being taken to Badlapur from Taloja jail, and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Why was the accused shot in the head directly and not in the legs or arms first,” the Bombay High Court questioned.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extra-judicial-killing-cop-who-shot-akshay-shinde-linked-to-encounter-specialist-pradeep-sharma-761542"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma</strong></a></p>

<p>Replying to the bench, the Chief Public Prosecutor said, "The officer did not think this, and he just reacted. It was an on-the-spot reaction."</p>

<p>Justice Prithviraj Chavan said, "The moment he pulled the first trigger, the others could have easily overpowered him. He wasn't a huge built up or strong man. This is very difficult to accept. This cannot be termed as an encounter."</p>

<p>Akshay Shinde's father, Anna Shinde, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, alleging that his son was killed in a fake encounter and demanded a Special &nbsp;Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Cognisance</strong></p>

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<p>Stressing that it was hard to believe the police statement, the court said, "You said the accused fired three bullets towards the police. Only one hit the cop. What about the other two? Was there any ricochet?"</p>

<p>During the hearing, the high court told the public prosecutor that a revolver can't be unlocked quickly by a physically weak man. “It is not very easy,” it said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The high court also said that the shootout of the accused could have been avoided. According to the police statement, Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van while he was being taken to Badlapur from Taloja jail, and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot. “Why was the accused shot in the head directly and not in the legs or arms first,” the Bombay High Court questioned. Also read: Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma Replying to the bench, the Chief Public Prosecutor said, "The officer did not think this, and he just reacted. It was an on-the-spot reaction." Justice Prithviraj Chavan said, "The moment he pulled the first trigger, the others could have easily overpowered him. He wasn't a huge built up or strong man. This is very difficult to accept. This cannot be termed as an encounter." Akshay Shinde's father, Anna Shinde, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, alleging that his son was killed in a fake encounter and demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. Watch | Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Cognisance × Stressing that it was hard to believe the police statement, the court said, "You said the accused fired three bullets towards the police. Only one hit the cop. What about the other two? Was there any ricochet?" During the hearing, the high court told the public prosecutor that a revolver can't be unlocked quickly by a physically weak man. “It is not very easy,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cannot be termed an encounter': Bombay HC pulls up Mumbai Police over Badlapur accused’s death

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2025}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:119,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2025}">Badlapur horror:</strong> Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur<strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:119,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2025}">&nbsp;</strong>town of&nbsp;India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23). The man was reportedly killed by Sanjay Shinde, who as per reports worked with suspended cop Pradeep Sharma, popularly known as 'encounter specialist'. The accused was trying to escape and had snatched the weapon of a cop and injured him by firing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2111}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:306,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2111}">How did Akshay Shinde die?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:84,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2156}">According to reports, the accused Akshay Shinde was being transported to Badlapur in Thane district from Tajola Jail in Navi Mumbai, when he allegedly snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire. He was grievously injured in retaliatory fire and succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Kalwa. A police officer, identified as API Nilesh More, was injured in the incident and is undergoing treatment.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:246,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2256}">The shooting incident happened around 6:15 pm IST, when the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:606,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:606,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-horror-opposition-allege-accused-akshay-shinde-was-killed-in-encounter-761286">Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2340}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:510,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2340}">Sanjay Shinde and Pradeep Sharma connection</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:375,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}">According to an India Today report, Sanjay Shinde, the cop whose bullets killed the accused, had previously worked with the anti-extortion cell of the Thane Police Crime Branch, then headed by Pradeep Sharma. He was also part of the team which arrested Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of gangster Dawood Ibrahim.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:458,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2468}">Pradeep Sharma, India's 'encounter specialist', is notorious for neutralising over 100 criminals during his career. Sharma joined the police force in 1983 and gained infamy in the 1990s for his role in high-profile encounters of members of the Mumbai underworld, mostly linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:541,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2551}">Later in his career, he was convicted and sentenced to prison for his role in the 2006 fake encounter of Lakhan Bhaiya, an alleged aide of Chhota Rajan.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:590,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2600}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:590,&quot;w&quot;:589,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2600}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:590,&quot;w&quot;:589,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2600}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-horror-accused-akshay-shinde-shot-dead-in-defence-after-he-opens-fire-at-police-761263">Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:437,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}">Investigation into Akshay Shinde's death</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:687,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2697}">On Tuesday (Sep 24), a team of forensic experts examined the police vehicle in which the Badlapur sexual assault accused was allegedly shot. The death in police custody will be investigated by the Maharashtra CID, who will visit the spot where it happened and also record statements from personnel at the scene.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:770,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2780}">The CID team will also record statements of Akshay Shinde's parents. His father, Anna Shinde has demanded an inquiry into the killing. The accused's family has challenged claims that he snatched a gun and fired at policemen.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:836,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2846}">Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:885,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2895}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:885,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2895}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Badlapur horror: Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur town of India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23).

Badlapur horror: Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur town of India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23). The man was reportedly killed by Sanjay Shinde, who as per reports worked with suspended cop Pradeep Sharma, popularly known as 'encounter specialist'. The accused was trying to escape and had snatched the weapon of a cop and injured him by firing. How did Akshay Shinde die? According to reports, the accused Akshay Shinde was being transported to Badlapur in Thane district from Tajola Jail in Navi Mumbai, when he allegedly snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire. He was grievously injured in retaliatory fire and succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Kalwa. A police officer, identified as API Nilesh More, was injured in the incident and is undergoing treatment. The shooting incident happened around 6:15 pm IST, when the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass. Also read | Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’ Sanjay Shinde and Pradeep Sharma connection According to an India Today report, Sanjay Shinde, the cop whose bullets killed the accused, had previously worked with the anti-extortion cell of the Thane Police Crime Branch, then headed by Pradeep Sharma. He was also part of the team which arrested Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Pradeep Sharma, India's 'encounter specialist', is notorious for neutralising over 100 criminals during his career. Sharma joined the police force in 1983 and gained infamy in the 1990s for his role in high-profile encounters of members of the Mumbai underworld, mostly linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan. Later in his career, he was convicted and sentenced to prison for his role in the 2006 fake encounter of Lakhan Bhaiya, an alleged aide of Chhota Rajan. Also read | Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops Investigation into Akshay Shinde's death On Tuesday (Sep 24), a team of forensic experts examined the police vehicle in which the Badlapur sexual assault accused was allegedly shot. The death in police custody will be investigated by the Maharashtra CID, who will visit the spot where it happened and also record statements from personnel at the scene. The CID team will also record statements of Akshay Shinde's parents. His father, Anna Shinde has demanded an inquiry into the killing. The accused's family has challenged claims that he snatched a gun and fired at policemen. Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet. (With inputs from agencies)

Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra, died in retaliatory firing by police after he snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire on Monday, an official said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">The incident occurred at 6:15 PM when Shinde, 24, was being taken to Badlapur in Thane district from Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai in a police vehicle.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:99,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1786}">When the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass, Shinde allegedly snatched the pistol of one of the officers and fired two to three rounds, injuring an Assistant Police Inspector (API). In response, another police officer opened fire on Shinde, injuring him critically.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:166,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1853}">Shinde was rushed to a hospital in Kalwa where he succumbed to the&nbsp;injuries, the official said, adding that API Nilesh More, injured in the firing by Shinde, is undergoing treatment at the hospital.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:216,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1903}">According to a police officer, four policemen and Shinde were travelling in the vehicle.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:248,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}">The shootout occurred over a month after massive protests erupted on streets and at Badlapur railway station over the alleged sexual abuse of two girls by Shinde, who worked as a sweeper in the school.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:298,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1985}">As the news of Shinde's death spread, some people burst crackers in Badlapur town on Monday night.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2017}">Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis said police opened fire in self-defence, leading to Akshay Shinde's death.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:380,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2067}">"Akshay Shinde's former wife has accused him of sexual assault and lodged a complaint against him. Police were taking Shinde (to Badlapur) to investigate this complaint. He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire at officials. He also fired in the air. Police shot at him in retaliation," Fadnavis said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:447,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2134}">Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2183}">On September 3, the Bombay High Court told the police to build a "watertight" case and not file a charge sheet hurriedly under public pressure.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:546,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2233}">CM Shinde said Akshay's ex-wife had accused him of sexual violence, and the police were taking him for a probe regarding these allegations.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:596,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2283}">"He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire. Police fired back in self-defence," he told reporters.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:596,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2283}">However, the opposition leaders asked if Akshay Shinde was killed to destroy evidence in a case that had triggered national outrage.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:663,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2350}">Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan claimed the “encounter” was staged to save “some other” people.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2382}">Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, said, “This is shocking. There should be a judicial probe into this incident.” State Congress president Nana Patole wondered if this “encounter” was done to save trustees of the school who have not been arrested so far.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:762,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2449}">Akshay Shinde's uncle told a Marathi TV channel that he met his nephew at Taloja jail on Monday and was told that police were beating him up regularly.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:812,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2499}">"Is it an attempt to destroy evidence? Were Akshay Shinde's hands not tied by the police during the transit? How could he reach for the gun, and how come the police were so careless? We demand a judicial probe in this matter," Wadettiwar said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:879,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2566}">There is no action against the "BJP-linked" school management, but an arrested accused is shot dead in suspicious circumstances, he said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:928,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2615}">Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare equated the incident with the gunning down of four rape accused in Telangana in 2019.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:978,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2665}">"There too, the police claimed it was done in self-defence. However, due to the deaths, the truth never came out. The same will be the case with the Badlapur sexual assault. Was Akshay Shinde killed as he was hiding something more sinister? Why is the school management still on the run?" she asked.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1045,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2732}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1045,&quot;w&quot;:512,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2732}">Watch |&nbsp;Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault</strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1077,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:354,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2764}"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" bis_chainid="1" bis_depth="1" bis_id="fr_6u5lsvhoysfp4tqe5vuz4j" bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1077,&quot;w&quot;:560,&quot;h&quot;:350,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2914}" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surge-in-pocso-cases-in-mumbai-after-badlapur-sexual-assault-753458/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1446,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3133}">How come Akshay Shinde managed to snatch a gun despite being handcuffed and how did he know to operate the firearm, Andhare further questioned.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3215}">Hitting back, CM Shinde said, "Earlier, the opposition parties demanded that Akshay Shinde be hanged. Now, they are taking his side and questioning the integrity of Maharashtra Police. Such act of the opposition leaders is condemnable and unfortunate."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3215}">When asked about the opposition's allegation that the accused was killed to gain political sympathy, the CM said these parties are making such insensitive allegations as they are rattled by the success of the state government's Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1630,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3317}">Fadnavis said, "The Opposition raises questions on every issue. They had wanted him (Shinde) to be hanged. It is wrong to say such things when the police tried to save lives".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1680,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3367}">NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated Shinde should have been hanged as per the legal provisions, but the actions of the Home Department, while transferring him (from Taloja Jail) are questionable. He demanded an in-depth inquiry into the incident.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1747,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3434}">Noted criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam said Shinde might have tried to end his life as two chargesheets filed against him showed sufficient evidence against him in the sexual abuse case.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1796,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3483}">A police officer said Shinde's postmortem will reveal if he had any previous injuries. Shinde's parents had met him in Taloja Jail at 3:30 PM. They claimed to have received information about his death through TV channels and not from police.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1863,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3550}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1863,&quot;w&quot;:721,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3550}">Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra, died in retaliatory firing by police after he snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire on Monday, an official said.

Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra, died in retaliatory firing by police after he snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire on Monday, an official said. The incident occurred at 6:15 PM when Shinde, 24, was being taken to Badlapur in Thane district from Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai in a police vehicle. When the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass, Shinde allegedly snatched the pistol of one of the officers and fired two to three rounds, injuring an Assistant Police Inspector (API). In response, another police officer opened fire on Shinde, injuring him critically. Shinde was rushed to a hospital in Kalwa where he succumbed to the injuries, the official said, adding that API Nilesh More, injured in the firing by Shinde, is undergoing treatment at the hospital. According to a police officer, four policemen and Shinde were travelling in the vehicle. The shootout occurred over a month after massive protests erupted on streets and at Badlapur railway station over the alleged sexual abuse of two girls by Shinde, who worked as a sweeper in the school. As the news of Shinde's death spread, some people burst crackers in Badlapur town on Monday night. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis said police opened fire in self-defence, leading to Akshay Shinde's death. "Akshay Shinde's former wife has accused him of sexual assault and lodged a complaint against him. Police were taking Shinde (to Badlapur) to investigate this complaint. He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire at officials. He also fired in the air. Police shot at him in retaliation," Fadnavis said. Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet. On September 3, the Bombay High Court told the police to build a "watertight" case and not file a charge sheet hurriedly under public pressure. CM Shinde said Akshay's ex-wife had accused him of sexual violence, and the police were taking him for a probe regarding these allegations. "He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire. Police fired back in self-defence," he told reporters. However, the opposition leaders asked if Akshay Shinde was killed to destroy evidence in a case that had triggered national outrage. Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan claimed the “encounter” was staged to save “some other” people. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, said, “This is shocking. There should be a judicial probe into this incident.” State Congress president Nana Patole wondered if this “encounter” was done to save trustees of the school who have not been arrested so far. Akshay Shinde's uncle told a Marathi TV channel that he met his nephew at Taloja jail on Monday and was told that police were beating him up regularly. "Is it an attempt to destroy evidence? Were Akshay Shinde's hands not tied by the police during the transit? How could he reach for the gun, and how come the police were so careless? We demand a judicial probe in this matter," Wadettiwar said. There is no action against the "BJP-linked" school management, but an arrested accused is shot dead in suspicious circumstances, he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare equated the incident with the gunning down of four rape accused in Telangana in 2019. "There too, the police claimed it was done in self-defence. However, due to the deaths, the truth never came out. The same will be the case with the Badlapur sexual assault. Was Akshay Shinde killed as he was hiding something more sinister? Why is the school management still on the run?" she asked. Watch | Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault How come Akshay Shinde managed to snatch a gun despite being handcuffed and how did he know to operate the firearm, Andhare further questioned. Hitting back, CM Shinde said, "Earlier, the opposition parties demanded that Akshay Shinde be hanged. Now, they are taking his side and questioning the integrity of Maharashtra Police. Such act of the opposition leaders is condemnable and unfortunate." When asked about the opposition's allegation that the accused was killed to gain political sympathy, the CM said these parties are making such insensitive allegations as they are rattled by the success of the state government's Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. Fadnavis said, "The Opposition raises questions on every issue. They had wanted him (Shinde) to be hanged. It is wrong to say such things when the police tried to save lives". NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated Shinde should have been hanged as per the legal provisions, but the actions of the Home Department, while transferring him (from Taloja Jail) are questionable. He demanded an in-depth inquiry into the incident. Noted criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam said Shinde might have tried to end his life as two chargesheets filed against him showed sufficient evidence against him in the sexual abuse case. A police officer said Shinde's postmortem will reveal if he had any previous injuries. Shinde's parents had met him in Taloja Jail at 3:30 PM. They claimed to have received information about his death through TV channels and not from police. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’

<p>In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case&nbsp;prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer&nbsp;in the police van and opened fire on the cops,&nbsp;leading to retaliatory firing&nbsp;in which&nbsp;he&nbsp;got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he was admitted to the hospital, said Thane Police. Shinde was trying to escape the police custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police officers from Badlapur had gone to Taloja jail to take custody of Shinde as&nbsp;they had to question him in connection with a case filed by his first wife, who left him five days after their wedding.&nbsp;In her complaint, the woman&nbsp;has accused him of rape and assault.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At around 6:30 pm, when the police team reached near the Mumbra bypass, Shinde snatched the revolver of a constable and fired several rounds, injuring him. Another officer shot Shinde in defence, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two young girls, both aged four, were sexually assaulted inside a school's washroom in Badlapur town&nbsp;of Maharashtra's Thane district. The accused, who worked as an attendant at the school, was arrested shortly afterward.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-case-school-admin-covered-up-sex-abuse-of-two-girls-brushed-off-parents-concerns-752016"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Badlapur case: School admin ‘covered up’ sex abuse of two girls, brushed off parents’ concerns</strong></a></p>

<p>According to a preliminary report, the kindergarteners were repeatedly abused over 15 days, resulting in severe injuries.</p>

<h2><strong>Who was Akshay Shinde?</strong></h2>

<p>The accused, Shinde was identified as a habitual offender in some other reports too. He was hired as a contractual worker without proper verification and had unrestricted access to various parts of the school, including the female toilets.</p>

<p>Last month, Shinde was sent to judicial custody in connection with the Badlapur sexual assault case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault</strong></p>

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<p>The incident led to major protests in the city, in which the protesters even resorted to violence, prompting police to use force.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Political reaction</strong></h2>

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde alleged that these protests were politically motivated and most of the participants were outsiders.</p>

<p>A report into the incident also highlighted several loopholes by the school authorities, including delays in reporting the incident and failure to conduct background checks before hiring the accused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after the complaint was filed, the school's administration did not meet with the parents, and the hospital took 12 hours to provide medical care to the children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI.

In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI. Accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he was admitted to the hospital, said Thane Police. Shinde was trying to escape the police custody. Police officers from Badlapur had gone to Taloja jail to take custody of Shinde as they had to question him in connection with a case filed by his first wife, who left him five days after their wedding. In her complaint, the woman has accused him of rape and assault. At around 6:30 pm, when the police team reached near the Mumbra bypass, Shinde snatched the revolver of a constable and fired several rounds, injuring him. Another officer shot Shinde in defence, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Two young girls, both aged four, were sexually assaulted inside a school's washroom in Badlapur town of Maharashtra's Thane district. The accused, who worked as an attendant at the school, was arrested shortly afterward. Also read: Badlapur case: School admin ‘covered up’ sex abuse of two girls, brushed off parents’ concerns According to a preliminary report, the kindergarteners were repeatedly abused over 15 days, resulting in severe injuries. Who was Akshay Shinde? The accused, Shinde was identified as a habitual offender in some other reports too. He was hired as a contractual worker without proper verification and had unrestricted access to various parts of the school, including the female toilets. Last month, Shinde was sent to judicial custody in connection with the Badlapur sexual assault case. Watch | Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault × The incident led to major protests in the city, in which the protesters even resorted to violence, prompting police to use force. Political reaction Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde alleged that these protests were politically motivated and most of the participants were outsiders. A report into the incident also highlighted several loopholes by the school authorities, including delays in reporting the incident and failure to conduct background checks before hiring the accused. Even after the complaint was filed, the school's administration did not meet with the parents, and the hospital took 12 hours to provide medical care to the children. (With inputs from agencies)

Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops

Sanket Bawankule, son of the Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reportedly fled the spot after an Audi owned by him hit several vehicles in Nagpur on 9 Sept.

Maharashtra: BJP state Chief's son's Audi crashes into multiple vehicles

Maharashtra BJP Chief's son's Audi crashes into multiple vehicles

<p>Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule reportedly fled the spot after an Audi car owned by him hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday (Sep 9).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place in the Ramdaspeth area around 1 AM local time. According to police, the Audi first collided with&nbsp;complainant Jitendra Sonkamble's car before ramming into a moped, injuring the two youths who were riding it.</p>

<p>After the incident, the driver and one more occupant were detained while the remaining three including Sanket Bawankule, fled the scene. The detained, identified as&nbsp;Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were taken to the&nbsp;Sitabuldi police station for further investigation. Their medical examinations were still underway.</p>

<p>"The Audi car struck some more vehicles moving towards the Mankapur area. At T-Point there, the vehicle hit a Polo car. Its occupants chased the Audi and stopped it near the Mankapur bridge. Two occupants, identified as driver Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were stopped by those in the Polo car," the police official was quoted as saying by <em>PTI.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Sonkamble. No action has been taken so far against Sanket Bawankule and the other two occupants who reportedly escaped from the scene at Mankapur bridge.”</p>

<p>The BJP chief admitted that the Audi was registered under his son's name when quizzed about the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all,” he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-porsche-crash-accused-claims-driver-was-behind-the-wheel-724795"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pune Porsche crash: Accused claims driver was behind the wheel</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous incident&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when a high-profile politician or businessman's son has been involved in a hit-and-run case in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May, realtor Vishal Agrawal's teenage son killed two IT professionals while driving a Porsche sportscar in an intoxicated state. The 17-year-old boy didn't have a valid license either when he was driving the car.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pune-teen-granted-bail-in-porsche-crash-case-734933"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Pune teen granted bail in Porsche crash case as court says remand order 'illegal'</strong></a></p>

<p>Police have since registered three separate FIRs in connection with the case – one regarding the accident, the second one against the bar for serving liquor to the minor, and the third one for the wrongful confinement of the accused's kin on the family driver to take the blame for the accident.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule reportedly fled the spot after an Audi car owned by him hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday (Sep 9).

Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule reportedly fled the spot after an Audi car owned by him hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday (Sep 9). The incident took place in the Ramdaspeth area around 1 AM local time. According to police, the Audi first collided with complainant Jitendra Sonkamble's car before ramming into a moped, injuring the two youths who were riding it. After the incident, the driver and one more occupant were detained while the remaining three including Sanket Bawankule, fled the scene. The detained, identified as Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were taken to the Sitabuldi police station for further investigation. Their medical examinations were still underway. "The Audi car struck some more vehicles moving towards the Mankapur area. At T-Point there, the vehicle hit a Polo car. Its occupants chased the Audi and stopped it near the Mankapur bridge. Two occupants, identified as driver Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were stopped by those in the Polo car," the police official was quoted as saying by PTI. “A case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Sonkamble. No action has been taken so far against Sanket Bawankule and the other two occupants who reportedly escaped from the scene at Mankapur bridge.” The BJP chief admitted that the Audi was registered under his son's name when quizzed about the incident. "Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all,” he said. Watch | Pune Porsche crash: Accused claims driver was behind the wheel × Previous incident This is not the first instance when a high-profile politician or businessman's son has been involved in a hit-and-run case in the state. In May, realtor Vishal Agrawal's teenage son killed two IT professionals while driving a Porsche sportscar in an intoxicated state. The 17-year-old boy didn't have a valid license either when he was driving the car. Also read | India: Pune teen granted bail in Porsche crash case as court says remand order 'illegal' Police have since registered three separate FIRs in connection with the case – one regarding the accident, the second one against the bar for serving liquor to the minor, and the third one for the wrongful confinement of the accused's kin on the family driver to take the blame for the accident. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra BJP president's son flees after his Audi hits several vehicles

In a shocking incident, a luxury Audi owned by Sanket Bawankule, son of Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, was involved in multiple collisions in Nagpur’s Ramdaspeth area early Monday morning. The crash led to the arrest of two occupants, including the driver.

Maharashtra: BJP chief’s son’s Audi hits several vehicles

Ganesh Chaturthi: Devotees gather in large numbers for morning 'aarti' across India

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 30) tendered an apology for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue<em> </em>in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg.</p>

<p>“In 2013, BJP named me as PM candidate. The first thing I did was sit before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi at Raigad as a devotee and started on a new journey,” Modi said in Palghar.</p>

<p>“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for us... today I bow my head and apologise to my god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Our values ​​are different, we are not those people who keep abusing and insulting the great son of Mother India, the son of this land, Veer Savarkar. They are not ready to apologize, they are ready to go to the courts and fight,” he added.</p>

<p>The collapse of the statue, which was inaugurated by PM Modi himself on December 4 last year, triggered a massive political controversy. Leaders from the opposition Congress party had demanded the PM tender an apology.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Here`s what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India`s Sindhudurg</a></strong></p>

<p>On Thursday (Aug 29), Maharashtra Chief Minister&nbsp;Eknath Shinde said&nbsp;that the state government is taking swift action to reconstruct the statue, and two committees have been formed to investigate its collapse in the Malvan area.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, one person was arrested in connection with the incident on Thursday. Chetan Patil, the structural consultant named in a previously registered FIR, was detained from Kolhapur, a police statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-apologise-100-times-for-shivaji-statue-collapse-maharashtra-cm-shinde-ruling-ncp-holds-protests-754408" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-apologise-100-times-for-shivaji-statue-collapse-maharashtra-cm-shinde-ruling-ncp-holds-protests-754408&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivqvaMx5yIAxXwZfUHHcxpCo8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Ready to apologise 100 times for Shivaji statue collapse: Maharashtra CM Shinde; ruling NCP holds protests</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, on Wednesday, Patil had explained that he had submitted the platform's design to the Indian Navy via the state's public works department (PWD) and he was not involved in the statue's construction.</p>

<p>He further claimed that a Thane-based company handled the statue-related work, while his role was limited to the platform.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole earlier claimed that the sculptor who was involved in the statue's construction was close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 30) tendered an apology for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Aug 30) tendered an apology for the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg. “In 2013, BJP named me as PM candidate. The first thing I did was sit before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi at Raigad as a devotee and started on a new journey,” Modi said in Palghar. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not just a name for us... today I bow my head and apologise to my god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Our values are different, we are not those people who keep abusing and insulting the great son of Mother India, the son of this land, Veer Savarkar. They are not ready to apologize, they are ready to go to the courts and fight,” he added. The collapse of the statue, which was inaugurated by PM Modi himself on December 4 last year, triggered a massive political controversy. Leaders from the opposition Congress party had demanded the PM tender an apology. Also read: Here`s what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India`s Sindhudurg On Thursday (Aug 29), Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the state government is taking swift action to reconstruct the statue, and two committees have been formed to investigate its collapse in the Malvan area. Meanwhile, one person was arrested in connection with the incident on Thursday. Chetan Patil, the structural consultant named in a previously registered FIR, was detained from Kolhapur, a police statement said. Also read: Ready to apologise 100 times for Shivaji statue collapse: Maharashtra CM Shinde; ruling NCP holds protests Earlier, on Wednesday, Patil had explained that he had submitted the platform's design to the Indian Navy via the state's public works department (PWD) and he was not involved in the statue's construction. He further claimed that a Thane-based company handled the statue-related work, while his role was limited to the platform. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole earlier claimed that the sculptor who was involved in the statue's construction was close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Today I bow my head,’ PM Modi issues apology over Shivaji statue collapse

<p>An engineer, named in the FIR registered over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has claimed that he was only responsible for the platform, not the structural integrity of the project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chetan Patil, the structural engineer, in an interview with a local channel, said he did not have anything to do with the statue that collapsed at Fort Rajkot in the state's Sindhudurg district. Patil, alongside contractor Jaydeep Apte has been named in the FIR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A Thane-based company did the statue-related work. I was just asked to work on the platform on which the statue was being erected,” Patil was quoted as saying by <em>ABP Manjha</em>.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has blamed the Indian Navy and the sculptor for the collapse of the statue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Navy was in a great hurry to complete the statue before the December 4 Indian Navy Day function at Malvan," a PWD official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We were also told&nbsp;that the sculptor and structural consultant had guaranteed a 200-year life for the statue.”</p>

<p>“The sculptor and foundation expert were welding the statue at the spot for nearly two months. In the last eight days, naval officials took over the welding work and kept others out of the site. This will all come out in the investigation,"&nbsp;PWD executive engineer Ajaykumar Sarvagod added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: 35-foot tall Shivaji statue collapses in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Indian Navy investigates</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Navy has also opened an investigation into the incident and will reveal the cause of the collapse in due time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Along with the State Government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest," the Indian Navy stated.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg</strong></a></p>

<p>State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that strong winds likely led to the collapse of the statue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The incident that happened is unfortunate. This statue was erected by the Navy. They had also designed it. But due to strong winds of around 45 km/h, it fell and got damaged," he said.</p>

<p>The 35-foot statue was unveiled only nine months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collapsed on Monday (Aug 26) - leading to outrage. Chhatrapati Shivaji was the king of the Maratha empire and a revered figure across India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


An engineer, named in the FIR registered over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has claimed that he was only responsible for the platform, not the structural integrity of the project.

An engineer, named in the FIR registered over the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue in the western Indian state of Maharashtra has claimed that he was only responsible for the platform, not the structural integrity of the project. Chetan Patil, the structural engineer, in an interview with a local channel, said he did not have anything to do with the statue that collapsed at Fort Rajkot in the state's Sindhudurg district. Patil, alongside contractor Jaydeep Apte has been named in the FIR. “A Thane-based company did the statue-related work. I was just asked to work on the platform on which the statue was being erected,” Patil was quoted as saying by ABP Manjha. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department (PWD) has blamed the Indian Navy and the sculptor for the collapse of the statue. “The Navy was in a great hurry to complete the statue before the December 4 Indian Navy Day function at Malvan," a PWD official said. “We were also told that the sculptor and structural consultant had guaranteed a 200-year life for the statue.” “The sculptor and foundation expert were welding the statue at the spot for nearly two months. In the last eight days, naval officials took over the welding work and kept others out of the site. This will all come out in the investigation," PWD executive engineer Ajaykumar Sarvagod added. Watch | India: 35-foot tall Shivaji statue collapses in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district × Indian Navy investigates The Indian Navy has also opened an investigation into the incident and will reveal the cause of the collapse in due time. "Along with the State Government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest," the Indian Navy stated. Also read | Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that strong winds likely led to the collapse of the statue. “The incident that happened is unfortunate. This statue was erected by the Navy. They had also designed it. But due to strong winds of around 45 km/h, it fell and got damaged," he said. The 35-foot statue was unveiled only nine months ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and collapsed on Monday (Aug 26) - leading to outrage. Chhatrapati Shivaji was the king of the Maratha empire and a revered figure across India. (With inputs from agencies)

Engineer claims he 'only worked on platform' of collapsed Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg

<p>Under fire over the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday asserted he would not hesitate to touch the feet of the warrior king 100 times and apologise for the incident if required.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking to reporters here, Shinde said the opposition has other issues to do politics on but Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra, should be kept out of it. As the collapse of the statue four days ago in Sindhudurg district continued to generate heat, the state government set up a technical committee to find out reasons for the crash, while members of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, staged silent protests across Maharashtra over the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chhatrapati Shivaji is a patron deity of Maharashtra. I am ready to touch his feet 100 times and apologise (for the statue crash). I will not shy away from apologising. Our government functions keeping his (Shivaji's) ideals in mind," Shinde insisted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His remarks come a day after Ajit Pawar apologised to the people of the state for the collapse of the structure which was installed in the coastal district's Malvan tehsil, around 480km from Mumbai. The 35-foot statue of the 17th-century Maratha empire founder installed at Rajkot Fort premises collapsed on August 26, nearly nine months after it was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a political storm in the state, which is due for polls in the next few months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The state government has pointed out that the project was handled by the Indian Navy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Navy on Thursday said it conceptualised and steered the project of installing the Shivaji statue in coordination with the state government which provided funding for it. In a statement, the Navy said it remains committed to assisting in all measures to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/engineer-claims-he-only-worked-on-platform-of-collapsed-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-754189">Engineer claims he 'only worked on platform' of collapsed Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg</a></strong></p>

<p>A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office after Shinde held a late night meeting on Wednesday with ministers, top state and Navy officials said the government has set up a technical committee to probe reasons behind the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue. The panel will comprise engineers, IIT experts and Navy officials. Shinde said two joint panels have been formed. One panel will ascertain the reasons behind the crash, while the other committee comprising experts, sculptors with experience of building Chhatrapati Shivaji statues, engineers and Navy officials will look into the reconstruction aspect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our endeavour is to rebuild the statue," the CM maintained. Shinde said the Navy has demanded that the area where the statue was installed by cordoned off for inspection and starting rebuilding work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Navy has said the statue was unveiled on December 4 as part of Navy Day celebrations, held for the first time in Sindhudurg district. The structure was aimed at honouring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji towards maritime defence and security, and its historical linkage with the modern Indian Navy. In a related development, activists of the Sambhaji Brigade, a Maratha outfit, stated a protest outside the house of Jaideep Apte, the sculptor who built the statue, in adjoining Thane city.</p>

<p>Protesters accused Apte of disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj, and their demonstration included blackening his house's door, posting a "Shivdrohi" label, and breaking eggs. The NCP, a constituent of the Mahayuti government, staged state-wide protests demanding swift rebuilding of the statue. Speaking in Nanded during Ajit Pawar's 'Jan Sanman Yatra', NCP's Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare said the collapse of Shivaji Maharaj's statue was painful, and added his party decided to protest against the incident as everyone has the right to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-what-led-to-the-collapse-of-chhatrapati-shivaji-statue-in-indias-sindhudurg-753625">Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>"In a democracy, everyone has a right to agitate. The incident in Malvan was unfortunate and painful. We are also agitating against it and demanding strong action against the culprits by submitting memorandums to the authorities," Tatkare maintained. In Pune, the city unit of the NCP staged a protest near a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Shivajinagar. Speaking during the protest, NCP's city unit president Deepak Mankar urged the state government to reconstruct the statue as early as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For us, Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj is a matter of pride and a symbol of our identity," he said. In Thane, NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjape said those involved in the project, ranging from architects to government officials, must face strict action. "Even though we (NCP) are in power, the incident has caused anger to us and hence this protest," Paranjape said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Latur city in central Maharashtra, activists of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) staged a protest against the statue collapse. Opposition party workers gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Latur and held a demonstration against the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protest was led by NCP (SP) Latur district president Sanjay Shete. "This may be the first such instance in Maharashtra's history. In a desperate bid to gain votes before (Lok Sabha) elections, the government completed the statue work within just eight months. This hasty action has backfired on the Mahayuti alliance," Shete opined. Opposition leaders have announced that on September 1, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will take out a protest march in Mumbai against the statue collapse.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Under fire over the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday asserted he would not hesitate to touch the feet of the warrior king 100 times and apologise for the incident if required.

Under fire over the collapse of a Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday asserted he would not hesitate to touch the feet of the warrior king 100 times and apologise for the incident if required. Talking to reporters here, Shinde said the opposition has other issues to do politics on but Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure in Maharashtra, should be kept out of it. As the collapse of the statue four days ago in Sindhudurg district continued to generate heat, the state government set up a technical committee to find out reasons for the crash, while members of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, staged silent protests across Maharashtra over the incident. "Chhatrapati Shivaji is a patron deity of Maharashtra. I am ready to touch his feet 100 times and apologise (for the statue crash). I will not shy away from apologising. Our government functions keeping his (Shivaji's) ideals in mind," Shinde insisted. His remarks come a day after Ajit Pawar apologised to the people of the state for the collapse of the structure which was installed in the coastal district's Malvan tehsil, around 480km from Mumbai. The 35-foot statue of the 17th-century Maratha empire founder installed at Rajkot Fort premises collapsed on August 26, nearly nine months after it was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a political storm in the state, which is due for polls in the next few months. The state government has pointed out that the project was handled by the Indian Navy. The Navy on Thursday said it conceptualised and steered the project of installing the Shivaji statue in coordination with the state government which provided funding for it. In a statement, the Navy said it remains committed to assisting in all measures to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest. Also Read | Engineer claims he 'only worked on platform' of collapsed Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office after Shinde held a late night meeting on Wednesday with ministers, top state and Navy officials said the government has set up a technical committee to probe reasons behind the collapse of the Shivaji Maharaj statue. The panel will comprise engineers, IIT experts and Navy officials. Shinde said two joint panels have been formed. One panel will ascertain the reasons behind the crash, while the other committee comprising experts, sculptors with experience of building Chhatrapati Shivaji statues, engineers and Navy officials will look into the reconstruction aspect. "Our endeavour is to rebuild the statue," the CM maintained. Shinde said the Navy has demanded that the area where the statue was installed by cordoned off for inspection and starting rebuilding work. The Navy has said the statue was unveiled on December 4 as part of Navy Day celebrations, held for the first time in Sindhudurg district. The structure was aimed at honouring the legacy of the Maratha Navy and Chhatrapati Shivaji towards maritime defence and security, and its historical linkage with the modern Indian Navy. In a related development, activists of the Sambhaji Brigade, a Maratha outfit, stated a protest outside the house of Jaideep Apte, the sculptor who built the statue, in adjoining Thane city. Protesters accused Apte of disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj, and their demonstration included blackening his house's door, posting a "Shivdrohi" label, and breaking eggs. The NCP, a constituent of the Mahayuti government, staged state-wide protests demanding swift rebuilding of the statue. Speaking in Nanded during Ajit Pawar's 'Jan Sanman Yatra', NCP's Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare said the collapse of Shivaji Maharaj's statue was painful, and added his party decided to protest against the incident as everyone has the right to do so. Also Read | Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg "In a democracy, everyone has a right to agitate. The incident in Malvan was unfortunate and painful. We are also agitating against it and demanding strong action against the culprits by submitting memorandums to the authorities," Tatkare maintained. In Pune, the city unit of the NCP staged a protest near a statue of Shivaji Maharaj in Shivajinagar. Speaking during the protest, NCP's city unit president Deepak Mankar urged the state government to reconstruct the statue as early as possible. "For us, Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj is a matter of pride and a symbol of our identity," he said. In Thane, NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjape said those involved in the project, ranging from architects to government officials, must face strict action. "Even though we (NCP) are in power, the incident has caused anger to us and hence this protest," Paranjape said. In Latur city in central Maharashtra, activists of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) staged a protest against the statue collapse. Opposition party workers gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk in Latur and held a demonstration against the Shiv Sena-BJP-NCP government. The protest was led by NCP (SP) Latur district president Sanjay Shete. "This may be the first such instance in Maharashtra's history. In a desperate bid to gain votes before (Lok Sabha) elections, the government completed the statue work within just eight months. This hasty action has backfired on the Mahayuti alliance," Shete opined. Opposition leaders have announced that on September 1, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will take out a protest march in Mumbai against the statue collapse. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ready to apologise 100 times for Shivaji statue collapse: Maharashtra CM Shinde; ruling NCP holds protests

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1708}">In India's Maharashtra, a new disturbing incident of sexual exploitation has come to light just days after the tragic Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. A 19-year-old nursing student was allegedly raped by an autorickshaw driver in Ratnagiri district.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1761}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:181,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1761}">What happened?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1806}">The 19-year-old girl was reportedly on her way home from college when the auto driver offered her spiked water. After drinking the drugged water, the victim lost consciousness, following&nbsp;which the auto driver took her to a secluded place and raped her.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:163,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1856}">As per media reports citing local police, the survivor called her family after she gained consciousness.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:195,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1888}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:195,&quot;w&quot;:623,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1888}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:195,&quot;w&quot;:542,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1888}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-rape-murder-case-tmcs-abhishek-banerjee-demands-anti-rape-law-753728">Kolkata rape-murder case: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee demands anti-rape law</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:228,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1921}">The survivor has been admitted to an undisclosed local hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:260,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1953}">Her family lodged a complaint on Monday (August 26). The horrific incident has sparked widespread outrage in Ratnagiri, with the nursing community and other hospital staffers leading protests, and blocking roads demanding justice.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:314,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2007}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:314,&quot;w&quot;:262,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2007}">Police look for rapist</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:358,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2051}">As per reports, police are looking for the rapist driver. They are analysing CCTV recordings from the neighbourhood where the incident took place.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:408,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}">Meanwhile, the search for the absconding driver is ongoing.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:441,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2134}">An 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident. A senior female officer will lead the team.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:441,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2134}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-rape-murder-case-sanjay-roy-used-bike-registered-in-top-cops-name-police-explains-why-753687">Kolkata rape-murder: Accused Sanjay Roy used bike registered in top cop's name; police explain why</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:473,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2166}">The latest incident of sexual assault in India comes just days after a trainee postgraduate doctor was brutally raped and murdered at West Bengal's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. She was resting in the hospital's seminar hall after a long work shift when she was assaulted. A civic volunteer identified as Sanjay Roy is the main accused in the case and was arrested.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:541,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2234}">An autopsy of the 31-year-old revealed extensive internal and external injuries.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:573,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2266}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:573,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2266}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In India's Maharashtra, a new disturbing incident of sexual exploitation has come to light just days after the tragic Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. A 19-year-old nursing student was allegedly raped by an autorickshaw driver in Ratnagiri district.

In India's Maharashtra, a new disturbing incident of sexual exploitation has come to light just days after the tragic Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. A 19-year-old nursing student was allegedly raped by an autorickshaw driver in Ratnagiri district. What happened? The 19-year-old girl was reportedly on her way home from college when the auto driver offered her spiked water. After drinking the drugged water, the victim lost consciousness, following which the auto driver took her to a secluded place and raped her. As per media reports citing local police, the survivor called her family after she gained consciousness. Also read | Kolkata rape-murder case: TMC's Abhishek Banerjee demands anti-rape law The survivor has been admitted to an undisclosed local hospital for medical treatment. Her family lodged a complaint on Monday (August 26). The horrific incident has sparked widespread outrage in Ratnagiri, with the nursing community and other hospital staffers leading protests, and blocking roads demanding justice. Police look for rapist As per reports, police are looking for the rapist driver. They are analysing CCTV recordings from the neighbourhood where the incident took place. Meanwhile, the search for the absconding driver is ongoing. An 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident. A senior female officer will lead the team. Also read | Kolkata rape-murder: Accused Sanjay Roy used bike registered in top cop's name; police explain why The latest incident of sexual assault in India comes just days after a trainee postgraduate doctor was brutally raped and murdered at West Bengal's R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. She was resting in the hospital's seminar hall after a long work shift when she was assaulted. A civic volunteer identified as Sanjay Roy is the main accused in the case and was arrested. An autopsy of the 31-year-old revealed extensive internal and external injuries. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra: Autorickshaw driver in Ratnagiri drugs 19-year-old nursing student, rapes her

A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi around nine months ago in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, collapsed on Monday. An FIR claims that the nuts and bolts used in constructing the structure had rusted. CM Eknath Shinde has ordered a probe into the incident.

Maharashtra: 35-foot tall Shivaji statue collapses in Sindhudurg district

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:68,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1703}">In India's Maharashtra, a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled less than a year ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi collapsed on Monday (August 26). Following the incident, the opposition parties&nbsp;slammed the Shiv Sena&nbsp;government — part of the Modi-led BJP-NDA alliance — for paying "little attention to the quality of work".</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:396,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}">Opposition blames state government</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:145,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1834}">NCP (SP) state president and former minister Jayant Patil has blamed the state government — Shiv Sena, which is part of the NDA alliance — for the collapse.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:194,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">"The state government is responsible for the collapse, as it did not take proper care. The government paid little attention to the quality of work. It only focused on conducting an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to unveil the statue."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:260,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1949}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:260,&quot;w&quot;:786,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1949}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:260,&quot;w&quot;:786,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1949}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-bring-up-plight-of-stranded-indian-migrants-with-brazil-foreign-minister-during-his-visit-753468">India to raise plight of stranded Indian migrants with Brazil foreign minister Mauro Vieira during his visit</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1998}">"This Maharashtra government only issues new tenders, accepts commissions and gives contracts accordingly," he alleged.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:358,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2047}">Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik also criticised the state government and said that it might "try to evade responsibility".</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:145,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}">Shivaji statue</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:438,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2127}">The 35-foot statue was unveiled in December 2023 by PM Modi. A tribute to Shivaji Maharaj's visionary efforts, it was located at a fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district and cost approximately Rs 3600 crores ($500 million).</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:487,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2176}">While experts are still investigating the reason for the statue's collapse, PTI, citing officials, reports that heavy rains and gusty winds faced by the district in the last two to three days may be to blame.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:536,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2225}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bjps-rameswar-teli-and-mission-ranjan-das-win-rajya-sabha-seats-unopposed-753478">India: BJP's Rameswar Teli and Mission Ranjan Das win Rajya Sabha seats from Assam unopposed</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:568,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2257}">"I don't have all the details about the incident. However, it's important to note that PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, also the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, has said a thorough investigation will be conducted in the matter," said Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:568,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2257}">He also said that a new statue will be erected at the same location.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:568,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2257}">"We are committed to erecting a new statue at the same location. This statue, unveiled by PM Modi, pays tribute to Shivaji Maharaj's visionary efforts in building a sea fort. We will take all necessary steps to address this matter promptly and effectively."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:568,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2257}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:634,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2323}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In India's Maharashtra, a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled less than a year ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi collapsed on Monday (August 26).

In India's Maharashtra, a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled less than a year ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi collapsed on Monday (August 26). Following the incident, the opposition parties slammed the Shiv Sena government — part of the Modi-led BJP-NDA alliance — for paying "little attention to the quality of work". Opposition blames state government NCP (SP) state president and former minister Jayant Patil has blamed the state government — Shiv Sena, which is part of the NDA alliance — for the collapse. "The state government is responsible for the collapse, as it did not take proper care. The government paid little attention to the quality of work. It only focused on conducting an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to unveil the statue." Also read | India to raise plight of stranded Indian migrants with Brazil foreign minister Mauro Vieira during his visit "This Maharashtra government only issues new tenders, accepts commissions and gives contracts accordingly," he alleged. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Vaibhav Naik also criticised the state government and said that it might "try to evade responsibility". Shivaji statue The 35-foot statue was unveiled in December 2023 by PM Modi. A tribute to Shivaji Maharaj's visionary efforts, it was located at a fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district and cost approximately Rs 3600 crores ($500 million). While experts are still investigating the reason for the statue's collapse, PTI, citing officials, reports that heavy rains and gusty winds faced by the district in the last two to three days may be to blame. Also read | India: BJP's Rameswar Teli and Mission Ranjan Das win Rajya Sabha seats from Assam unopposed "I don't have all the details about the incident. However, it's important to note that PWD Minister Ravindra Chavan, also the guardian minister of Sindhudurg district, has said a thorough investigation will be conducted in the matter," said Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar. He also said that a new statue will be erected at the same location. "We are committed to erecting a new statue at the same location. This statue, unveiled by PM Modi, pays tribute to Shivaji Maharaj's visionary efforts in building a sea fort. We will take all necessary steps to address this matter promptly and effectively." (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra govt under fire after collapse of 35-foot Shivaji statue inaugurated by PM Modi last year

Close on the heels of the sexual assault case of two minor school students in Badlapur in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai city is witnessing a significant surge in cases registered under the Protection Of Children Against Sexual Offenses Act.

Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault

After the shocking incident of rape & murder of a trainee doctor that took place in Kolkata another sexual assault case with two miners in a school in Badlapur in Thane Maharashtra has sent shockwaves around the country. The Bombay high court is hearing the matter today after taking Suo Moto Cognizance of the incident on Wednesday. Watch in for more details!

Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Conginsance

After the shocking incident of rape & murder of a trainee doctor that took place in Kolkata another sexual assault case with two minors in a school in Badlapur in Thane Maharashtra has sent shockwaves around the country. The Bombay high court is hearing the matter today after taking Suo Moto Cognizance of the incident on Wednesday. Watch in for more details!

Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Situation in Badlapur under control

A court in Maharashtra's Badlapur town has extended the custody of a man accused of sexually abusing two nursery students at a private school until August 26. Watch in for more details!

Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Court sends accused to custody till 26 August

Thane school sexual abuse case: Amid the anger over the Kolkata hospital horror, another case has sparked protests. A school attendant has been arrested for allegedly abusing two girls studying in a kindergarten in India's Maharashtra. Hundreds of angry parents and local citizens came onto the tracks at a railway station. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Two kindergarten students at school in Maharashtra sexually abused

Two four-year-old girls were sexually assaulted at a school in Maharashtra's Thane. The incident has triggered massive protests, with residents blocking the Mumbai rail route at Badalpur railway station, bringing train services to a standstill.

Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Protests erupt after two 4-year-old girls allegedly abused

Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Huge protests after two 4-year-old girls allegedly abused

<p class="MsoNormal">Ahead of assembly polls this year, the Maharashtra Government is going all out to woo voters with new schemes, especially in rural villages.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">In a first, the government launched the Solar Village Scheme, aiming at providing 100 per cent solar-powered electricity to 100 villages.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">With this, Manyachiwadi, a village in Satara has become the first village in the state to be electrified 100 per cent by solar power.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/maharashtras-multistarrer-political-alliance-1723992454744">Maharashtras Multi Starrer Political Alliance</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"The objective of the government is zero electricity bills for households. An additional benefit is to also provide farmers with free power. Consumers in Manyachiwadi can use solar power now," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched guidelines this year to establish a model solar village in every district across the country.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced that the state will generate 12,000 MW of electricity through solar energy within the next year and a half. He emphasised that this initiative would ensure farmers receive free electricity during the day, aligning with peak agricultural activity times.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Why Maharashtra matters to India</strong></p>

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<p>The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) has committed to providing up to 100 per cent solar-powered electricity to two villages in each district. Following the success of Manyachiwadi, over 70 other villages across Maharashtra will join this project.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">An MNRE notification stated that these model solar villages will be developed as part of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, with total financial support of around ₹800 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Each model village will receive approximately ₹1 crore to become a symbol of green power adoption. The ministry also outlined that each village will establish 24×7 solar-powered infrastructure, encompassing all households and public areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The program aims to promote technologies such as solar-based home lighting systems in every household, solar-powered water systems, solar pumps for agriculture, and the installation of solar street lights along village roads and common infrastructure.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Talking about other states, Under the Solar City programme, the MNRE has supported the development of Modhera in Gujarat, and Konark in Odisha as the solar cities. Several other cities like Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya, and others are in the pipeline to be developed as solar cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Through CSR funds NGO solar villages like Barapitha in Odisha and Dharnai in Bihar were developed as a model village.</p>


Ahead of assembly polls this year, the Maharashtra Government is going all out to woo voters with new schemes, especially in rural villages. In a first, the government launched the Solar Village Scheme, aiming at providing 100 per cent solar-powered electricity to 100 villages.

Ahead of assembly polls this year, the Maharashtra Government is going all out to woo voters with new schemes, especially in rural villages. In a first, the government launched the Solar Village Scheme, aiming at providing 100 per cent solar-powered electricity to 100 villages. With this, Manyachiwadi, a village in Satara has become the first village in the state to be electrified 100 per cent by solar power. Also read | Maharashtras Multi Starrer Political Alliance "The objective of the government is zero electricity bills for households. An additional benefit is to also provide farmers with free power. Consumers in Manyachiwadi can use solar power now," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched guidelines this year to establish a model solar village in every district across the country. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced that the state will generate 12,000 MW of electricity through solar energy within the next year and a half. He emphasised that this initiative would ensure farmers receive free electricity during the day, aligning with peak agricultural activity times. Also watch | Why Maharashtra matters to India × The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) has committed to providing up to 100 per cent solar-powered electricity to two villages in each district. Following the success of Manyachiwadi, over 70 other villages across Maharashtra will join this project. An MNRE notification stated that these model solar villages will be developed as part of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, with total financial support of around ₹800 crore. Each model village will receive approximately ₹1 crore to become a symbol of green power adoption. The ministry also outlined that each village will establish 24×7 solar-powered infrastructure, encompassing all households and public areas. The program aims to promote technologies such as solar-based home lighting systems in every household, solar-powered water systems, solar pumps for agriculture, and the installation of solar street lights along village roads and common infrastructure. Talking about other states, Under the Solar City programme, the MNRE has supported the development of Modhera in Gujarat, and Konark in Odisha as the solar cities. Several other cities like Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya, and others are in the pipeline to be developed as solar cities. Through CSR funds NGO solar villages like Barapitha in Odisha and Dharnai in Bihar were developed as a model village.

Maharashtra: First solar village to provide zero electricity bills and free power to farmers

<p>In what came as a striking reminder of Mumbai&nbsp;hoarding collapse horror, another hoarding came crashing&nbsp;down in&nbsp;Maharashtra's Thane district Friday morning (Aug 2). At least three vehicles were crushed in the accident, with no reports of injuries so far. The hoarding collapsed at around 10:30 am IST at&nbsp;Sahajanand Chowk in the Dombivili area.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">One more hoarding collapse! 🚨<br />
<br />
A large hoarding collapsed this morning in Kalyan west, part of Mumbai Metropolitan Region.<br />
<br />
2 people are likely injured in the incident.<br />
Video : ANI <a href="https://t.co/MjOKcmTfZ0">pic.twitter.com/MjOKcmTfZ0</a></p>
— Jeet Mashru (@mashrujeet) <a href="https://twitter.com/mashrujeet/status/1819287945557442860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>A video of the incident has now gone viral on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exact size of the hoarding was not known yet. As per local authorities, it came down because of heavy rains and gusty winds.</p>

<p>After the incident, Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation commissioner Indurani Jakhad went to the site and vowed that strict action was taken against the contractor for not adhering to the safety standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs).</p>

<p>Jakhad also said a police complaint was being filed against the contractor, and he will be made to compensate the victims who got their vehicles damaged in the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-hoarding-collapse-billboard-recognised-in-limca-book-of-records-not-authorised-by-bmc-721200" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-hoarding-collapse-billboard-recognised-in-limca-book-of-records-not-authorised-by-bmc-721200&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Mumbai hoarding collapse: India`s largest as per Limca Book of Records, the billboard wasn`t cleared by BMC</a></strong></p>

<p>Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation also said&nbsp;all hoardings in the area will be reviewed and checked so that a similar incident never happens again.</p>

<p>The incident came as a reminder of the&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;120x120 feet hoarding collapse in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar on May 13, in which 17 people lost their lives and 74 sustained injuries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-maharashtra-govt-suspends-ips-officer-for-giving-approval-to-illegal-hoarding-735100" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ghatkopar-hoarding-collapse-maharashtra-govt-suspends-ips-officer-for-giving-approval-to-illegal-hoarding-735100&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4j8LkudaHAxVUbPUHHZAiPAkQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Maharashtra govt suspends IPS officer for giving approval to illegal billboard</a></strong></p>

<p>After that, another hoarding collapsed on May 18 in the Loni Kalbhor area on the Pune-Solapur Highway, under which a horse and a band of a wedding procession were crushed. The horse sustained&nbsp;severe injuries whereas the band vehicle was also seriously damaged.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In what came as a striking reminder of Mumbai hoarding collapse horror, another hoarding came crashing down in Maharashtra's Thane district Friday morning (Aug 2).

In what came as a striking reminder of Mumbai hoarding collapse horror, another hoarding came crashing down in Maharashtra's Thane district Friday morning (Aug 2). At least three vehicles were crushed in the accident, with no reports of injuries so far. The hoarding collapsed at around 10:30 am IST at Sahajanand Chowk in the Dombivili area. One more hoarding collapse! 🚨 A large hoarding collapsed this morning in Kalyan west, part of Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 2 people are likely injured in the incident. Video : ANI pic.twitter.com/MjOKcmTfZ0 — Jeet Mashru (@mashrujeet) August 2, 2024 × A video of the incident has now gone viral on the internet. The exact size of the hoarding was not known yet. As per local authorities, it came down because of heavy rains and gusty winds. After the incident, Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation commissioner Indurani Jakhad went to the site and vowed that strict action was taken against the contractor for not adhering to the safety standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Jakhad also said a police complaint was being filed against the contractor, and he will be made to compensate the victims who got their vehicles damaged in the incident. Also read: Mumbai hoarding collapse: India`s largest as per Limca Book of Records, the billboard wasn`t cleared by BMC Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation also said all hoardings in the area will be reviewed and checked so that a similar incident never happens again. The incident came as a reminder of the deadly 120x120 feet hoarding collapse in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar on May 13, in which 17 people lost their lives and 74 sustained injuries. Also read: Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Maharashtra govt suspends IPS officer for giving approval to illegal billboard After that, another hoarding collapsed on May 18 in the Loni Kalbhor area on the Pune-Solapur Highway, under which a horse and a band of a wedding procession were crushed. The horse sustained severe injuries whereas the band vehicle was also seriously damaged. (With inputs from agencies)

Yet another hoarding collapse: Three vehicles crushed in Maharashtra's Thane amid heavy rains, watch

In Maharashtra probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been embroiled in a controversy over alleged misuse of power. The incident came to light after Puja Khedkar was transferred from Pune to Wasim, Maharashtra.

UPSC debars Puja Khedkar from appearing for any exam, cancels her provisional candidature

A 50-year-old American woman of Indian origin was found with her leg chained to a tree in a forest in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra on Saturday. Watch in for more details!

India: US woman of Indian descent found chained in forest

A 50-year-old woman was discovered in a forest in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, chained to a tree with an iron chain. She was carrying multiple documents, including an Aadhaar card with a Tamil Nadu address and a photocopy of her US passport, a police official said today.

Maharashtra: Shocking case of 'murder attempt' in India

<p>A 50-year-old woman with a copy of her United States passport was found chained to a tree in a forest in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Saturday (July 27), about 1,750 km south of New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident has raised serious concerns about domestic violence and mental health.</p>

<p>The woman, identified as Lalita Kayi Kumar S, who resides in southern India's Tamil Nadu, was found by a shepherd in the remote village of Sonurli. The shepherd heard her cries on Saturday evening and immediately alerted the local authorities. When police arrived at the scene, they found her one leg chained to a tree.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/womans-body-found-stuffed-in-almirah-in-new-delhi-allegedly-killed-by-live-in-partner-707869">Woman's body found stuffed in almirah in New Delhi, allegedly killed by live-in partner</a></strong></p>

<p>Preliminary investigations suggest that Lalita's husband may have chained her in the forest following a domestic dispute. The local police provided first aid and transported her to a primary healthcare centre in Sawantwadi taluka. Given her condition, she was referred to a more advanced medical facility in Sindhudurg's Oros for further treatment.</p>

<p>Medical professionals at the hospital noted that Lalita appeared to be suffering from psychiatric issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unable to speak coherently, she communicated by writing about her health problems on paper. A video from the hospital shows Lalita detailing her ordeal, claiming she had been without food for 40 days and that her husband had abandoned her in the forest after an argument.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian woman from Hyderabad found starving on Chicago streets</strong></p>

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<p>Maharashtra Police are currently investigating the incident, though no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the time of filing this report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The woman is not in a position to give her statement. She is very weak, having not eaten for several days and endured heavy rains in the area. We are still determining how long she was tied to the tree. According to initial reports, she left her husband after a quarrel," a police official was quoted as saying by India Today.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 50-year-old woman with a copy of her United States passport was found chained to a tree in a forest in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Saturday (July 27), about 1,750 km south of New Delhi.

A 50-year-old woman with a copy of her United States passport was found chained to a tree in a forest in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Saturday (July 27), about 1,750 km south of New Delhi. The incident has raised serious concerns about domestic violence and mental health. The woman, identified as Lalita Kayi Kumar S, who resides in southern India's Tamil Nadu, was found by a shepherd in the remote village of Sonurli. The shepherd heard her cries on Saturday evening and immediately alerted the local authorities. When police arrived at the scene, they found her one leg chained to a tree. Also read | Woman's body found stuffed in almirah in New Delhi, allegedly killed by live-in partner Preliminary investigations suggest that Lalita's husband may have chained her in the forest following a domestic dispute. The local police provided first aid and transported her to a primary healthcare centre in Sawantwadi taluka. Given her condition, she was referred to a more advanced medical facility in Sindhudurg's Oros for further treatment. Medical professionals at the hospital noted that Lalita appeared to be suffering from psychiatric issues. Unable to speak coherently, she communicated by writing about her health problems on paper. A video from the hospital shows Lalita detailing her ordeal, claiming she had been without food for 40 days and that her husband had abandoned her in the forest after an argument. Also watch | Indian woman from Hyderabad found starving on Chicago streets × Maharashtra Police are currently investigating the incident, though no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the time of filing this report. "The woman is not in a position to give her statement. She is very weak, having not eaten for several days and endured heavy rains in the area. We are still determining how long she was tied to the tree. According to initial reports, she left her husband after a quarrel," a police official was quoted as saying by India Today. (With inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu woman with US passport found chained in Maharashtra forest

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