Who is Lalit Prabhakar? Meet the National Award-winning actor playing Ajmal Kasab in Prahaar
The trailer of Rajkummar Rao's much-awaited Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story is out, and while Rao impresses as special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, it is the final reveal that has everyone talking. The actor unrecognisable as Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is none other than Lalit Prabhakar. The trailer was launched on September 29 at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), one of the sites targeted during the 2008 attacks. Since then, fans have been curious to know more about the actor behind the striking transformation. Lalit Prabhakar As Ajmal Kasab In Prahaar Lalit bagged the role of Kasab after auditioning for it. For the part, the actor went far beyond a physical makeover, studying Kasab's psychology, language and body language to bring the real-life figure to the screen. The role marks one of the most daring choices of his career, and a striking departure from the characters audiences have come to associate him with. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lalit Prabhakar (@lalit.prabhakar) Who Is Lalit Prabhakar? Lalit Prabhakar is one of Marathi cinema's most accomplished actors. Born in Kalyan, Maharashtra, he began his journey in experimental theatre and was among around thirty artists in India selected for the Ministry of Culture's Young Artiste Scholarship. He rose to fame with the Zee Marathi show Julun Yeti Reshimgathi, which won him the Best Actor award at the Zee Marathi Awards. He made his film debut with Paresh Mokashi's Chi Va Chi Sau Ka (2017), which earned him the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Debut Actor. Critically acclaimed across platforms: Lalit's biggest milestone came with Sameer Vidwans' Anandi Gopal (2019), in which he played Gopalrao Joshi, the progressive husband of Anandibai Joshi, one of India's first women physicians. The film won two National Awards, and Lalit's performance earned him the Filmfare Marathi Best Actor (Critics) award, Best Actor at the Pune International Film Festival and Best Actor at the Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar. The accolades have only continued. In 2026, he received a Jury Special Mention at the Pune International Film Festival for Toh Ti Ani Fuji, an India-Japan romance that also drew international attention. Lalit Prabhakar's Versatility Across Genres: Over the years, Lalit has built a reputation for never repeating himself. He has played a charming romantic in Hampi, taken on a double role in the horror-comedy Zombivli, and won praise for slice-of-life dramas like Medium Spicy and Sunny. He has also backed films that reflect contemporary lives and relationships. Super Duperr (2026), a family comedy-drama about two households forced to share one home, was loved by critics and audiences alike. Aarpar (2025), an intense love story, fetched him a Filmfare Marathi Best Actor nomination and the Zee Chitra Gaurav award for Best Jodi with Hruta Durgule. On OTT, he has featured in popular series such as Shantit Kranti, Pet Puraan and The Raikar Case. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hruta Durgule (@hruta12) Lalit is effortlessly taking up challenging roles, especially real-life characters. After Gopalrao Joshi in Anandi Gopal and Ajmal Kasab in Prahaar, he will next be seen as Dalit Panther co-founder and Padma Shri poet Namdeo Dhasal in the biopic Dhasal. The film features music by Ilaiyaraaja, and his first look as Dhasal, crafted by veteran make-up artist Shrikant Desai, has already created a buzz. Having created his mark with impressive work in the Marathi industry, Lalit is now broadening his horizons by stepping into Hindi cinema with not only Prahaar but also as Dhasal, which will be released in Marathi as well as Hindi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lalit Prabhakar (@lalit.prabhakar) Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story stars Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Ashish Vidyarthi, along with Lalit Prabhakar. The film is set to hit theatres on October 16, 2026. Also Read:Prahaar trailer launch: Devendra Fadnavis hails Rajkummar Rao as an ACCOMPLISHED actor; urges every Indian to watch Prahaar
Pune Lohagad Fort Murder: Accused Allegedly Used ChatGPT, Planned To Break Ketan
The Pune Police chargesheet in the murder of 25-year-old businessman Ketan Agarwal has revealed an alleged plan to take him to Bengaluru and break his limbs before his death at Lohagad Fort. According to the 5,053-page chargesheet, one of the accused,
DoorDash to create 3,000 jobs at global tech centre in India
DoorDash will create 3,000 jobs in India over the next two years through a new global technology hub in Hyderabad, its second tech office in the country after Pune. The centre will initially focus on customer support and administrative functions, adding to Hyderabads growing roster of global capability centres.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader shot dead in Thane; one arrested, another detained
Digital Desk | Thane, Sep 30 (IANS) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Pradeep Purnekar, was shot dead in Maharashtras Thane on Tuesday night, with police intensifying their investigation into the killing on Wednesday. One suspect has been formally arrested, while another is being questioned in connection with the case. The attack took place at around 9 p.m. in the Manpada-Manorama Nagar area, near Purnekars office and within the jurisdiction of the Kapurbawdi police station. According to police, unidentified assailants opened fire at Purnekar, hitting him twice. He was rushed to a hospital on Ghodbunder Road, where he died while undergoing treatment. CCTV footage examined by investigators showed that one of the two detained suspects was present at the scene during the firing and was allegedly involved in the conspiracy, while the other reportedly provided a vehicle to the two accused who carried out the shooting. One of the suspects has been formally arrested, while the other is being questioned by police. Investigators are also looking for other people who may have been involved in the attack and are examining CCTV footage from the area and surrounding roads to establish the sequence of events and trace the suspects movements. Pradeep Purnekars body was sent to Mumbais JJ Hospital on Wednesday morning for a post-mortem examination, DCP Prashant Kadam said. After the post-mortem, a detailed report will be available, he said. Reacting to the killing, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey raised concerns over the law-and-order situation in Maharashtra. What has happened to Maharashtra? There are so many criminals, mafias, and murderers roaming freely that I cannot even tell you. Whether it is Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Mumbai, and now Thane, late last night, a senior leader of our party, Shiv Sena (UBT), was shot dead Dubey told IANS. Reports said the attackers were wearing helmets and masks. Police are examining footage from multiple cameras and other evidence to identify all those involved and determine how the accused fled the scene. The killing has also raised questions about a possible connection with a proposed agitation against a local builder. Purnekar had reportedly announced plans to stage a protest over alleged irregularities by a local builder and had sought permission from the Kapurbawdi police for the demonstration. However, police have not confirmed any link between the proposed protest or the builder dispute and the killing. Investigators are examining multiple possible motives, including political rivalry and personal enmity. The exact reason behind the attack remains under investigation.
Before Pune Murder, Plan Was To Break Ketan Agarwal's Bones In Bengaluru
Ketan and Siya, both from Pune, got engaged in February and were scheduled to get married in November in Jaipur.
SEED B.Des 2027 Application Form Out - Direct Link to Apply Online @ sid.edu.in
SEED B.Des 2027 application form is open at sid.edu.in for admission to Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune. Check the last date (December 25, 2026), application fee (Rs 3,250), eligibility, selection process and the steps to apply.
Maharashtra exam task force gets 30,000 suggestions from aspirants
The committee interacted with candidates from the Konkan division at the Mumbai suburban district collectorate on Tuesday. It had earlier held meetings with students and aspirants in Pune, Nagpur, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Pune journalism students visit Rising Kashmir, interact with editorial team
Srinagar, Sep 29: A 40-member delegation of students from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, MESs Abasaheb Garware College, Pune, visited the Rising Kashmir office on Tuesday, participating in an interactive session on the evolving landscape of journalism, emerging media trends and the challenges confronting journalists in the field. The delegation was headed by Dr Vinay Chati, Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, and accompanied by Assistant Professors Santosh Gogale and Diya Ostwal. The visit formed part of the students study tour aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of Kashmir and its social, political and media landscape. The students took part in a brainstorming discussion with the Rising Kashmir editorial team, focusing on contemporary developments in journalism, newsroom practices, field reporting and the challenges journalists encounter while covering complex and sensitive issues. The visiting delegation was received by Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Hafiz Ayaz Gani, Executive Editor Fazil Qayoom, Special Correspondent Abid Bashir, Chief Reporter Shafat Malik, Online Editors Insha Sheerazi and Ada Bhat, and reporters Owais Gul, Idrees Bukhtiyar and Umar Raina, among others. The RK management extended a warm welcome to the students and faculty members, sharing insights into the functioning of a modern newsroomfrom news gathering and verification to editorial decision-making and digital dissemination. The students engaged in an extensive question-and-answer session with the journalists, seeking their views on the present state of journalism, the pressures and challenges of field reporting, maintaining credibility and accuracy, and upholding ethical standards while covering sensitive and public-interest issues. The interaction provided the students an opportunity to understand the practical aspects of journalism beyond the classroomthe demands of reporting from the ground and the changing relationship between traditional newsrooms and digital platforms. The visiting students appreciated the hospitality extended by the Rising Kashmir team and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact directly with working journalists and gain first-hand insights into the profession. As a gesture of appreciation, Dr Vinay Chati presented a memento to Editor-in-Chief Hafiz Ayaz Gani on behalf of the visiting delegation. The interaction concluded on a cordial note, with both sides underscoring the importance of meaningful engagement between journalism education and professional newsrooms in preparing the next generation of journalists for the rapidly changing media environment.
PMRDA to set up anti- encroachment squad; 1,072 illegal structures, hoardings removed
Sufi-Shiva conference held in Pahalgam
Srinagar, Sep 29: The Sufi-Shiva Conference and National Harmony Awards 2026 was held at Town Hall, Pahalgam, bringing together hundreds of people from different sections of society. The programme also marked World Tourism Day. The conference was jointly organised by Sarhad, Pune, and the Himalayan Welfare Organization (HWO), J&K, to promote peace, communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect through the shared philosophical traditions of Sufism and Shaivism. Chief Guest and MLA Dooru Ghulam Ahmad Mir spoke about the principles of the Sufi-Shiva philosophy and stressed the importance of coexistence and understanding among different faiths and communities. Guest of Honour Milind Kale, a banking expert, spoke on various aspects and prospects linked to the conference and its broader vision. Professors Tabasum Firdous, Shakil Ahmad and Hashim Malik also addressed the gathering, highlighting the relevance and future potential of the Sufi-Shiva tradition in promoting social harmony. Rotarian G. S. Grover spoke on communal harmony, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence, while Mushtaq Pahalgami delivered the welcome address. The event was attended by members of civil society, tourism stakeholders, representatives of the tourism industry, and followers and scholars of Sufi philosophy from different communities. Speakers and participants emphasised the role of dialogue and shared cultural values in strengthening social bonds and promoting peace, respect and brotherhood.
Assault case did not disturb public order, says HC & frees Pune man
41 cattle drowned last yr, urad crop dies now: Dharashiv family count losses, awaits govt aid
Maha CEO seeks ECI nod to accept wider range of docus to settle SIR discrepancies
Citizens demand FIRs against Ganesh mandals after illegal arches collapse on Pune-Alandi road
SC orders status quo on NGT demolition order against 20 Chikhali bungalows in blueline area
Clamour grows for real-time bed availability dashboard as ICU beds hit full capacity in Pune
Irrigation department tightens vigil along Mutha canal as water release begins for rabi crops
Man poses as suitor, steals earrings worth Rs35k from woman
Fire breaks out on Laxmi Road bank premises
Two women found murdered at home in Baramati village
Woman dies by suicide at her Dhanori residence
Worker shot dead at water filter plant near Shirur
Poona Merchant Chamber approaches PMC to expedite flyover plan in Market Yard
Set up dedicated sub-registrar office at PMC headquarters: Builders association urges civic body
Pune bus shelter collapses in rain, commuters demand investigation
Woman stabbed after refusing marriage proposal in Hinjewadi; case against ex-colleague
Afghan student pursuing MBA in Pune detained for overstaying in Bavdhan
Man assaulted by four at gunpoint in Pune
Govt approves Pune's Swargate bus station redevelopment plan: Transport minister Pratap Sarnaik
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Indias leading proptech company is raising the bar in home painting with a renewed premium proposition designed for homeowners who want more than just a
Teerth Realties Strengthens Pune Portfolio with Focus on Integrated Urban Development
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: Teerth Realties is strengthening its presence across Punes western growth corridor with a portfolio spanning residential communities, commercial developments and integrated townships. With nearly four
Hockey Maharashtra has special plans for Mumbai, says newly-appointed sec. gen.
Krishna Prakash appointed President, Manoj Bhore named Secretary General at Hockey Maharashtra AGM and elections in Pune recently; Ramesh Pillay gets high performance role with special focus on Mumbai
Chandukaka Saraf Enters Its 200th Year, Bringing a 200-Year Legacy Closer to Gen Z
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], September 29: For 200 years, jewellery has been part of Chandukaka Saraf's story. Today, the brand is looking at how the next generation wants to wear it.
Mumbai-Pune Housing Market Takes Different Turns in Q3: 37,500 vs 18,730 New Homes
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune housing markets followed different trajectories in the July-September quarter, with MMR recording a sharp annual rise in new housing supply while Pune saw launches decline from a year earlier.
Pune: Fire breaks out at Bank of India building on busy Laxmi Road
A major fire broke out at the Bank of India building on busy Laxmi Road in Pune on Tuesday afternoon. Seven fire tenders were deployed to bring the blaze under control, while no casualties or injuries were reported so far
TEER - Advanced Therapy for Mitral Heart Valve Disease
Discover how Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) is transforming the treatment of mitral valve disease. This minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure helps repair a leaking mitral valve without the need for open-heart surgery. Leading cardiac experts discuss who may benefit, how the procedure works, and the evolving role of TEER in modern heart care.Speakers: Dr. Rajneesh Kapoor, Prof. Dr. Ajith Ananthakrishna Pillai, Dr. Puneet Verma and Dr. Viveka Kumar.
Pune: Fire Breaks Out At Bank of India Office In Laxmi Road | Watch Video
A fire broke out at the Bank of India office on the sixth floor in Pune's Laxmi Road building, with no casualties reported so far.
Youth Congress seeks probe into voter roll irregularities, CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation
Tourism and filmmaking can go hand in hand, says filmmaker Om Raut
Forester Rajhans, researcher Prajakta announced Jungle Belles Women of the Wild Award 2026
Bharati Bank is dedicated to providing credit to the common people, says Vishwajeet Kadam
Fire breaks out at Bank of India office in Pune, seven fire tenders deployed | VIDEO
A fire broke out at a Bank of India office located on the sixth floor of a building in Maharashtra's Pune on Tuesday. The building is located on Laxmi Road in the city. The incident...
Student held for trespass, theft at Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe's Pune home
Police said the case was registered on the complaint of a security guard deployed at the bungalow. The FIR invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to theft and house trespass or house-breaking
SIR row: Congress holds protest across Maharashtra seeking Gyanesh Kumars removal
According to the Maharashtra Congress, demonstrations were held outside district collectorates across the State, including in Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
COEP, JSW join hands for Rs 800 crore indigenous battery technology centre
Crop-loss panchanamas across Maharashtra from today, says agriculture minister
Pune city at high risk of Zika cases in future, states NIV research
PCMC plans to add 22 new fire vehicles to its fleet in boost to faster rescue ops in high-rise bldgs
Income Tax officials clean Sarasbaug temple premises
Student dies, friend injured after motorcycle hits vehicle in Bavdhan
Last years flood erodes topsoil, now drought wilts crops in Dharashiv & Solapur
Man stabs brother after family row in Chinchwad, arrested
Two held for pledging fake gold chains, taking Rs4.44 lakh from Chakan jeweller
Minor worker dies after getting trapped in stone crusher in Pune
Maharashtra Food Body Suspends 30 Licenses, Seizes Stock Worth A Crore
An FDA statement on Monday said licences or registration certificates of 13 establishments in Mumbai, six in Konkan division, eight in Pune division and three in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division were suspended.
Student (21) allegedly attempts to tamper with water connection of MLC Neelam Gorhe
Over 1,200 Ganapati mandals in Pune to get notices for violating decibel norms
Voters need not appear in person, BLOs will collect documents & upload: State CEO Chockalingam
Fadnavis gives in-principle approval to Rs1,826cr plan for Chakan, Hinjewadi infrastructure
Maval farmers firm on Jal Samadhi protest on Oct 2 over Pavana pipeline project
Police constable captured on video abusing cab driver on Karve Road
MPSC postpones three major exams amid re-evaluation of State Services Mains 2025
Maha CM clears Rs 1,800 crore plan for ChakanHinjawadi
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday granted in-principle approval for an integrated infrastructure development plan to ease traffic congestion, improve road networks, and strengthen stormwater drainage systems in the Chakan and Hinjawadi industrial areas. Under the initiative, projects worth Rs 1,400 crore have been sanctioned for Chakan, alongside a dedicated Rs 426.54 crore framework for Hinjawadi. Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi said execution is scheduled to begin in December to ensure timely completion, with the primary goal of improving traffic flow and drainage capacity before the next monsoon season. CM Fadnavis directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Public Works Department (PWD), Zilla Parishad and allied agencies to pool resources and work in synergy. The administration will consolidate funding and logistics to overhaul roads, public utilities and drainage infrastructure. Encroachments along 78 km of natural streams have restricted water flow. The plan includes clearing streams, constructing roadside drains, increasing culvert discharge capacity and setting up water retention facilities. With 7080 per cent of encroachments already removed, the remaining will be cleared in phases. The target is to restore all natural drainage routes by June 2027, alongside building 38 km of roadside stormwater drains. After analysing Chakans 498 km road network, the team selected 75 km of high-priority roads for immediate upgrading. These stretches will feature pedestrian walkways, improved drainage and safety infrastructure. Work will use existing right-of-way space by removing encroachments, avoiding fresh land acquisition. The project will also provide for underground utility ducts. To reduce accident risks, upgraded roads will include footpaths, safe crossing zones and traffic management systems. Pedestrian facilities will also be incorporated into the upcoming National Highway flyover. To curb congestion, 500 additional buses will be introduced along key commuter routes. Six major intersections will undergo scientific redesign and be equipped with AI-driven traffic signals, CCTV cameras, radars, ANPR systems, and a centralised command centre. MIDC has designated five parking facilities to tackle unauthorised roadside parking by heavy goods vehicles. Private sector participation and local industrial support will fund beautification of medians, public toilets, and bus shelters. The Chakan industrial water supply network is targeted for completion by 2027, with management shifting to the Maharashtra Jeevan Authority (MJP). A new 100 MVA power substation will break ground in December. A centralised waste processing facility will handle garbage from 14 villages and two municipal councils under PMRDA oversight. An AI-powered Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and Command & Control Centre will oversee traffic regulation across Chakan, Talegaon and Hinjawadi. To support local traffic police, 100 personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) will be deployed in Chakan starting October 1. For Hinjawadi, Rs 426 crore has been approved to mitigate severe traffic congestion. Six acres of land have been allocated to address power supply issues, and 100 MSF personnel will be deployed for traffic control. Waste management services will be streamlined through the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) or Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).
Pune police arrest man accused of sexually assaulting 12-year-old girl
The News Mill
Maha: Pune growth hub strategy targets $200 bn economy, 20 lakh jobs
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) A comprehensive master plan for the holistic development of the Pune Economic Region was presented to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday during a high-level meeting. Formulated under NITI Aayogs Growth Hub initiative, the plan sets an ambitious target to elevate Punes economy to $200220 billion by 2036. The blueprint outlines 58 priority projects, an estimated investment of Rs 910 lakh crore, and the creation of 1520 lakh additional jobs. The vision centres on enhancing public transit, providing affordable housing, and preserving the environment. Currently, Pune contributes 1112 per cent to Maharashtras overall income, with a real economic growth rate of 66.5 per cent. The strategy aims to accelerate this to 10 per cent annually. In alignment with the states vision to build a $5 trillion economy by 2047, the Pune Growth Hub proposes expanding the regions economy from $68 billion in FY 202526 to $200220 billion by FY 203536. The region is home to around 15 million residents. The framework focuses on sustainable, inclusive growth and positions Pune among Asias most liveable metropolitan areas. Six core sectors have been identified: manufacturing, electric vehicles (EV), engineering goods, defence, robotics/drones, electronics/semiconductors, and biotechnology. Key proposals include EV and mobility hubs, high-tech engineering parks, defence technology centres, and AI/Global Capability Centres (GCCs), expected to generate 4-5 lakh high-tech jobs. The plan also aims to expand the local startup count beyond 10,000 and upskill 1.5-2 lakh professionals in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Pune currently has 56 lakh jobs, with projections of 74-76 lakh jobs over the next decade, representing 12-20 lakh net additional opportunities across manufacturing, services, healthcare, education, tourism, agro-processing, and logistics. Tourism development will focus on six thematic circuits, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fort Circuit (Shivneri, Lohagad, Rajgad, Sinhagad), Pawna and Bhatghar water tourism hubs, Junnar Leopard Safari, a 600 km Sahyadri trekking trail, health and wellness corridors, and entertainment centres. Public transit usage is targeted to rise from 13 per cent to 50 per cent of daily trips. Plans include extending the Pune Metro to 250 km, adding 12,00014,000 buses, developing six multimodal transport hubs, 11 rail projects, and 13 major road expansions. Housing plans involve relocating and rehabilitating 90 per cent of eligible slum dwellers by 2036 and constructing 45 lakh affordable homes, including 1 lakh hostel units for industrial workers. Policy updates will cover semiconductors, industrial housing, MSME development, and tourism. Three bodies will oversee execution: a Governing Council chaired by the Chief Minister, a State Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, and a Pune Growth Hub Steering Committee with PMRDAs Project Management Cell. The planning process began on August 1, 2025, under NITI Aayogs Growth Hub initiative. NITI Aayog, the Government of Maharashtra, and the Pune International Centre (PIC) jointly drafted it, covering jurisdictions under PMC, PCMC, and PMRDA.
COEP Tech, JSW to invest over Rs 800 crore in battery R&D centre in Pune
COEP Technological University and JSW Projects will invest over Rs 800 crore to establish an Advanced Battery Research and Development Centre at COEP Tech's Chikhali Research Park in Pune. The two-phase facility will develop and validate indigenous lithium-ion, sodium-ion and other advanced-chemistry cells, potentially creating more than 1,000 battery ecosystem jobs.
Pune's Chakan, Hinjewadi to get Rs 1,826 cr infrastructure push
Officials said work on several projects is expected to begin from December, with the administration aiming to improve traffic management and stormwater drainage in Chakan before the next monsoon
Maha Congress stages agitation against Gyanesh Kumar
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday launched massive demonstrations across all district collectorates, demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused him of undermining democratic institutions and manipulating voter rolls to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leaders described Gyanesh Kumar as a stain on democracy and submitted memorandums outlining grievances to district collectors. The protests featured creative forms of dissent: in Amravati, protesters paraded an effigy of the CEC on a donkey before destroying it; in Thane, demonstrators forced an effigy to do sit-ups (uthak-baithak) as punishment. Large rallies were also held in Pune, Kolhapur, Solapur, Nashik, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nanded, Latur, Beed, and across the Konkan and North Maharashtra regions. Senior Congress leaders led protests in several districts: Satej Patil in Kolhapur, Praniti Shinde in Solapur, Yashomati Thakur and Balwant Wankhede in Amravati, Kalyan Kale in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pratibha Dhanorkar in Chandrapur, Ravindra Chavan in Nanded, Shivaji Kalge in Latur, and Kumar Ketkar in Thane. Addressing gatherings, the Congress reiterated allegations earlier raised by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, about vote theft. The party claimed that over 13 crore voters nationwide, including more than 3 crore in Maharashtra, were arbitrarily removed from electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. It further alleged that 47 lakh untraceable voters were added to Maharashtras rolls ahead of the 2024 assembly polls. Congress spokespersons highlighted reported written dissent from two Election Commissioners over procedural deviations by the CEC, saying it validated their charges of bias. Leaders warned that the agitation would escalate into a national movement unless action were taken against Gyanesh Kumar.
Marathi reality show star held for assaulting ex-hospital chief over Rs 5 lakh demand
Water-starved for 25 years, Tulshi shows its anger through 'Village for Sale' poster
25th Edition of Cost Congress to Convene Global Industry Leaders in Pune, Focusing on Indias Competitiveness Agenda
Pune techie dies by suicide months after marriage; husband, in-laws held over 'dowry demand'
Sri Lanka Tourism Takes Its Destination Wedding Story to Hyderabad, Surat, Pune
Sri Lankas proposition is strengthened by experienced wedding planners and hospitality professionals who bring together venues, dcor, catering, entertainment, photography, transport, guest management
Keep Quiet Or...: Pune Fort Murder Witness Was 'Threatened' By Accused Chetan
Terrified, the eyewitness recorded their statement five days after the Pune Fort murder.
23-Year-Old Pune Techie Dies By Suicide, Family Alleges Dowry Harassment
Victim's family spent around Rs 45 lakh on the wedding and gave 10 tolas of gold. However, they alleged that despite this, her husband and in-laws continued to demand an additional Rs 5 lakh for the purchase of a car.
India office leasing rises 7 pc to 54.4 million sq ft in Jan-Sep: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Office space leasing across India's top seven markets rose 7 per cent year-on-year to 54.4 million square feet in the first nine months of 2026 because of sustained occupier expansion, demand from global capability centres and growing uptake by flexible workspace operators, a report showed on Monday. According to a report by property consultant Colliers, Grade A office demand in the third quarter reached 18.7 million sq ft, a record high for a third quarter in recent years and 7 per cent higher than the previous quarter. The demand was also up 9 per cent from a year earlier, it added. City-wise, Bengaluru led leasing activity during January-September with 15.7 million sq ft, accounting for 29 per cent of total demand, while Hyderabad followed with 9.4 million sq ft, up 47 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR recorded 8.3 million sq ft of leasing during the period. Mumbai, Pune and Chennai saw demand of 7.1 million sq ft, 6.9 million sq ft and 6 million sq ft, respectively. Moreover, five of the seven markets recorded annual growth in leasing during the nine-month period, according to the report. The report further noted that annual office transactions across the major markets could reach 75-80 million sq ft in 2026. With cumulative Grade A space uptake already at 54.4 million sq ft, and demand prospects looking strong in the final quarter, we are well poised for a stronger 2026, said Arpit Mehrotra, managing director, office services, Colliers India. In addition, flex space leasing continued to gain momentum, rising 37 per cent year-on-year to 12.6 million sq ft in the first nine months. Apart from that, conventional leasing was largely unchanged at 41.8 million sq ft. Technology companies accounted for nearly 16 million sq ft, followed by banking, financial services and insurance firms and engineering and manufacturing companies. Meanwhile, new office supply rose marginally to 41.7 million sq ft in January-September. However, overall vacancy stood at around 16 per cent at the end of the third quarter, Colliers said.
MPSC aspirants defer Pune stir to October 2 after police nod; CM meeting likely before protest
Police issued notices to student representatives and administrators of Telegram groups used by MPSC aspirants, warning them against organising or encouraging an unauthorised agitation.
Pune Ganesh immersion procession stretches beyond 33 hours
Punes iconic procession stretched into a second day amid massive crowds, loud music and delays
Police Uncover Gang Targeting Devotees During Ganapati Immersion in Pune, 15 Arrested
Pune police arrest 15 suspects for theft during Ganapati immersion, recovering valuables worth 35 lakh in a swift operation. Police Uncover Gang Targeting Devotees During Ganapati Immersion in Pune, 15 Arrested
Education in Ireland Fair on October 4
Pawar writes to CM, demands special session, Rs1 lakh per hectare for farmers
Alandi civic body collects 7k idols as residents support efforts to keep Indrayani clean
LVK agreement gives global G-wave network plan a boost
11 from Malegaon arrested for stealing cellphones during immersion procession
