Karnataka netas unite to oppose Fadnavis over Almatti height

VIJAYAPURA: The letter written by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah opposing the move to increase the height of Almatti dam seems to have united the politicians of Karnataka cutting across the party lines. Fadnavis had recently written to Siddaramaiah stating that raising the dam height would lead to a flood-like situation in parts of Maharashtra, mainly Kolhapur and Sangli districts. Politicians of Karnataka have not only lambasted Fadnavis but also refuted his claims. Former Karnataka Water Resources Minister and BJP MP Govind Karjol has said that a detailed technical study was conducted in the past which has concluded that the reservoir is not responsible for the flooding, and that the accusations (made by Fadnavis) are unfounded. Floods occurred in Maharashtra even before the construction of the Almatti dam, as far back as before 1969, Karjol said. Karnataka Minister MB Patil asks Fadnavis not to create controversy over Almatti dam height Citing a scientific study conducted by a Maharashtra government-appointed committee a decade ago, Karjol pointed out that the report found no link between the storage levels of Almatti and Hipparagi reservoirs and the flooding in Maharashtra. Karjol said that the final judgment by Justice Brijesh Kumar of the Krishna Tribunal II includes a reference to increasing the height of the dam. Maharashtra has not raised any objections to this in the Supreme Court. There is no justification in opposing it now, he said. Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil, who also served as Water Resources Minister in the past, said Karnatakas reservoirs were not responsible for flooding in Sangli, Miraj, and Kolhapur. Similar is the opinion of the Excise Minister RB Timmapur, who called the claims of Maharashtra as baseless and aimed only at creating disharmony between the two states. Informed sources said that the Maharashtra government in 2020 had constituted an expert committee to study and submit the report. During that time, the team had visited Almatti dam where officials of Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Limited, with the technical documents, had told the team that the dam height has no links to floods in Maharashtra. Karnataka to take Almatti Dam dispute with Maharashtra to PM Modi: DK Shivakumar

Chandrahar Patil to join Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, quits Uddhavs UBT faction

Wrestler-turned-politician Chandrahar Patil, who had fought the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Sangli seat in Maharashtra is all set to join the ruling party and will part ways with Uddhav Thackeray`s Shiv Sena (UBT)

Karnataka to take Almatti Dam dispute with Maharashtra to PM Modi: DK Shivakumar

BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, stated on Monday that the Maharashtra government has raised objections to Karnatakas proposal to increase the height of the Almatti Dam in Vijayapura district from 519.6 to 524 metres. The Karnataka government, he said, plans to take up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging Union ministers and MPs from the state to stand united in safeguarding Karnatakas interests. Describing Maharashtras objection as shocking, Shivakumar pointed out that the neighbouring state, which had never opposed Karnatakas decision in the past, has now raised concerns that the proposed increase could lead to flooding in Sangli and Kolhapur districts. Flooding in Maharashtra is its internal matter and that state should fix it. We will meet the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister and press for approval of our project, he said. Shivakumar further noted that Karnataka has been awaiting a gazette notification permitting the increase in the dams height since 2013. He emphasised that there is no scientific basis for the recent letter from the Maharashtra Chief Minister opposing the move. According to the Krishna Tribunals order, Karnataka is entitled to raise the height of the Almatti Dam to 524 metres. Maharashtra, which remained silent when the tribunal delivered its judgement in 2010 and even submitted an affidavit supporting the implementation, is now opposing the project, Shivakumar said at a press briefing in Bengaluru. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on 9 May, urging him to reconsider the plan. Shivakumar said Siddaramaiah would respond to the letter soon and reiterated that the project is Karnatakas right accorded by the Krishna Tribunal. Shivakumar added that Karnataka is not seeking confrontation with its neighbours but warned that further delays would lead to increased project costs. He estimated that the state may require up to Rs 1 lakh crore for land acquisition if the implementation is delayed further.

Maharashtra reports 59 new COVID-19 cases, active count at 494

MUMBAI: As many as 59 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Maharashtra, 20 of them in Mumbai alone, taking the number of infections since January 1 this year to 873 in the state, the health department said on Monday. According to a health department statement, a total of 12,011 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the state since January 2025, and the tally of active cases stood at 494, while 369 patients have recovered from the viral infection, whose counts have risen in India in the last few months. Of the new cases, 20 were detected in Mumbai , 17 in Pune Municipal Corporation limits, four in Thane and one in Pune district (outside civic body areas). Other cases were reported from municipal limits of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (7), Pimpri-Chinchwad, Satara, Kolhapur, Akola (2 each), Sangli (1) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (1 - outside civic areas), said the release. Surge in Covid-19 cases, two deaths in Delhi last 24 hours Mild symptoms are being found in COVID-19 patients in the state and testing and treatment facilities are made available by the department, it said. These symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat and congestion or runny nose, among others. Mumbai has reported 483 COVID-19 cases since January 1 and a bulk of it - 477 - were recorded in May alone, said the department. Nine patients have succumbed to the ailment in the state since the start of the year, seven of whom had comorbidities (simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions), including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, nephrotic syndrome (kidney disorder) with hypoglycemic seizures (caused by very low blood sugar levels), cerebral infarction (cerebrovascular disease) and ILD (interstitial lung disease), the release added. In view of the rising coronavirus cases, health experts have said there was no cause for alarm, but people should remain alert. Private hospitals in Kerala step up Covid preparedness amid surge in cases

Maharashtra Chief Minister objects to increasing Almatti dam height; Karnataka to take up the issue with Prime Minister

In his letter, Devendra Fadnavis has claimed that Sangli and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra would face flooding if the height of the dam is raised

Maharashtra MBBS Student Drugged, Gang-Raped, Classmates Among 3 Arrested

A third-year MBBS student was allegedly raped in Maharashtra's Sangli district by her two classmates and one of their friends after they spiked her drink, police said on Friday.

Maharshtra: MBBS Student Gang-Raped In Sangli District, 3 Held

The 22-year-old medical student was allegedly targeted on May 18, when she and the accused had planned to watch a movie in a theatre around 10 pm. Before that, the accused took her to a flat for a brief halt.

Maha BJP MLA demands renaming of places to erase traces of Mughal era

Mumbai: BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar on Saturday, April 26, demanded the renaming of certain towns and villages in Maharashtras Sangli district to erase the traces of the Mughal era, and called for restoring the original names of these places. Talking to reporters, he said he will soon write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to request Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Pahalgam Attack: Maharashtra juice seller survives, mistaken for victim in emotional mix-up

Santosh Laxman Jagdale, a juice seller from Sangli, was caught in a mix-up after the Pahalgam terror attack. He was at the attack site an hour before the incident. Another Santosh Jagdale from Maharashtra died in the attack. This led to confusion and many calls to the juice seller. He and his group narrowly escaped the attack.

Old Video of Bike Rally Falsely Shared as Bajrang Dal Reaching West Bengal'

The video dates back to February 2025 and shows bikers returning after a pilgrimage in Sangli, Maharashtra.

Maha sees 823 communal unrest since Jan

Maharashtra has witnessed 823 incidents of communal unrest since January this year, with demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and the spread of distorted facts on social media fomenting fresh trouble. Districts like Nandurbar, Pune (Rural), Ratnagiri, Sangli, Beed, and Satara have seen communal unrest in recent days due to right-wing organizations' demands for the demolition of the Mughal emperor's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The state witnessed 4,836 Hindu-Muslim related communal crimes in 2024, with 170 incidents classified as cognisable and 3,106 as non-cognisable cases. The violence in Nagpur, triggered by protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, highlights the role of social media in spreading inflammatory content and instigating people. While the state has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation, concerns remain over the impact on communities and the need for promoting peace and understanding.

Why Are Illegal Bangladeshis Moving To Maharashtras Sangli? Shocking Details Emerge In Police Investigations

Illegal Bangladeshis use forged documents to settle in different parts of the country. They usually settled in cities like Mumbai and Pune. However, recent investigations by Maharashtra ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) revealed that the infiltrators are moving to Sangli, thereby turning it into a hub for illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The plot came to light after suspect Continue reading Why Are Illegal Bangladeshis Moving To Maharashtras Sangli? Shocking Details Emerge In Police Investigations The post Why Are Illegal Bangladeshis Moving To Maharashtras Sangli? Shocking Details Emerge In Police Investigations appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .

One injured as drunk driver crashes car into two-wheelers in Maharashtra's Sangli

MUMBAI: One person was injured after a man allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol hit two motorcycles in Maharashtra's Sangli district, police said on Sunday. The accident occurred on the Sangli-Khotwadi Road on Saturday night, an official from the Sangli rural police said. He said that the car driver, Nilesh Patil (31), who runs a jewellery shop, was nabbed after he tried to flee the scene. Patil, a resident of Atpadi taluka, was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his car into two-wheelers, the official said. He said one of the motorcyclists was injured, while Patil also sustained injuries to his hand as the car overturned after the crash. A case was registered against Patil, and he was issued a notice and let off, the official said.

Ahmedabad: 2 held for selling private videos of women at maternity hospital

Ahmedabad cyber crime police on Thursday, February 20, arrested three people for their involvement in uploading and selling private videos of women at hospitals across social media platforms. The accused aged between 20 and 25 have been identified as Prajwal Ashok Teli from Maharashtras Latur, Prajapati Rajendra Patil from Sangli, and Chandraprakash Phoolchand from Uttar Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Gujarats cybercrime branch busts racket selling videos of female patients; three arrested

AHMEDABAD: Ahmedabad Cyber Crime has arrested two suspects from Maharashtra and one from Uttar Pradesh in connection with the viral videos of female patients undergoing treatment and examinations at Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital near Raiya Circle in Rajkot. The accused were allegedly selling these illicit videos on a Telegram channel, charging hefty amounts from subscribers. Investigators have uncovered further evidence of the financial transactions linked to the illegal activity. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Cyber Crime has confirmed that the hospitals CCTV IP system was hacked, allowing unauthorised access to private footage. One such video, showing a woman receiving treatment in a gynecological hospital, recently went viral on Telegram, with group members being invited to access similar content. The circulation of such videos is a direct violation of patient privacy, prompting authorities to register a case and take strict legal action. Gujarats Ahmedabad Cyber Crime and Crime Branch teams conducted coordinated raids across multiple states, leading them to Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, where they apprehended three suspects. Among them, Pragnesh Patil and Prajwal Teli were arrested from Sangli and Latur in Maharashtra, while another suspect was caught in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, investigators are interrogating seven more individuals linked to the case, hinting at a larger operation. The case revolves around the illegal sharing of private videos capturing female patients undergoing sensitive medical procedures, including sonography, breast check-ups, gynecological treatments, childbirth, and CT scans at a Rajkot maternity hospital. These videos were allegedly uploaded and sold through Telegram and YouTube channels, exposing victims to severe privacy violations. Cyber Crime ACP Hardik Mankadia confirmed earlier that viral videos on YouTube and Telegram have come under the cybercrime department's radar, linking the probe to their spread. Investigators are analysing the content, he said, adding that the video surfaced on YouTube on January 6 and a Telegram channel was created in September 2024. Mankadia stated that legal action is imminent. A case registered under Sections 66E and 67 of the Cyber Crime IT Act, reinforcing the departments strict stance. According to the crime branch, the two arrested suspects were actively profiting from this illicit trade by charging substantial amounts for access to the content. As the investigation deepens, officials are preparing to transfer the suspects from Maharashtra to Ahmedabad for further legal action, strengthening their crackdown on the perpetrators. Preliminary findings suggest a nationwide racket exploiting hospital CCTV footage, with cybercriminals operating across Gujarat and at least two other states. The misused footage was traced back to Rajkot's Payal Maternity Home & Surgical Hospital, prompting an immediate raid by Ahmedabad Cyber Crime officials. Statements from doctors and staff have been recorded, as authorities work to dismantle the larger network behind the privacy breach.

Maharashtra cabinet approves anti-narcotics task force expansion

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved the creation of 346 new posts in the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), and the setting up of the Sixth State Finance Commission, among other decisions, officials said. The decision to expand ANTF aims to enhance enforcement efforts and curb the spread of narcotics. The government sanctioned the setting up of such an entity on August 31, 2023. The cabinet's approval includes 310 permanent posts and 36 contractual positions within the task force. These include roles ranging from senior police officials to clerical staff and scientific assistants. The state government has sanctioned a recurring expenditure of over Rs 19 crore and a one-time expenditure of more than Rs 3 crore for vehicle procurement and other needs, the government stated. Chairing the meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis underlined the importance of acting decisively against drug networks across Maharashtra. He said strengthening the task force would help law enforcement agencies tackle the growing use of narcotics more effectively. The council of ministers also sanctioned Rs 1,275 crore to improve the Varkhede Londhe Barrage Medium Project in Jalgaon district. The project, located on the Girna River, will provide irrigation facilities to 8,290 hectares of land in Chalisgaon and Bhadgaon talukas. The latest approval marks the third administrative sanction for the project, which aims to enhance water availability in the region. In another decision, the cabinet approved the establishment of the Sixth State Finance Commission, which will give suggestions for financial planning and resource distribution from April 1, 2026, to March 31 2031. The commission is expected to submit its report by December 31, 2025. The chief minister has been given the authority to recommend the names of the commission's chairman and members to the governor. The commission will review the financial status of local self government institutions and suggest measures to improve their economic management, as per an official release. The cabinet also approved a Rs 1,594 crore solar energy project to enhance the energy efficiency of the Mhaisal Lift Irrigation Scheme in Sangli district. This project aims to meet the scheme's annual electricity requirement of approximately 39.8 crore units by leveraging solar power. The Krishna Koyna Lift Irrigation Project, which includes the Mhaisal scheme, is crucial for providing water to drought-prone areas in Sangli and Solapur districts, the statement said. Under the approved plan, 65 out of the 108 pumps in the Mhaisal scheme will be upgraded to energy-efficient models. Additionally, an advanced monitoring system and a 200 MW solar power plant will be installed. The generated electricity will be supplied to the Narwad substation through a dedicated transmission line. The project's financial structure includes a loan of Rs 1,120 crore from Germany's KfW Bank and a state government investment of Rs 474 crore, the statement said. The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission and other state agencies will oversee the implementation of the project, which is expected to reduce operational costs and promote the use of green energy in the state's irrigation sector. The water will benefit 1,08,197 hectares of agricultural land from tehsils like Miraj, Kavathe Mahankal, Tasgaon and Jat in Sangli districts and Sangola and Mangalvedha in Solapur district The cabinet approved the allocation of land to Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune to construct a bridge over a nullah on a nominal annual lease of Re 1. The hospital, run by the Dinanath Mangeshkar Foundation, had requested 795 square metres of land for the bridge to connect its properties in Erandwane and Karvenagar. The land will be given on a nominal annual lease of Rupee 1. The foundation will bear the construction costs. The bridge is expected to improve accessibility for patients staff and ambulances.

Jayant Patil attends event with Gadkari, mocks media over speculative reports

PUNE, Feb 17: Maharashtra NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil on Monday took jibes at the media over speculation of his joining the BJP as he attended an event with Union minister Nitin Gadkari. In a sarcastic vein, Patil also asked the media to not report that Gadkari is joining the NCP (SP). Patil was speaking at an event where a hostel building of Rajarambapu Institute of Technology (RIT) in Islampur in Sangli district was inaugurated in the presence of chief [] The post Jayant Patil attends event with Gadkari, mocks media over speculative reports appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Cricket analogy abound in LS, barbs against BJP, Congress traded

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Tuesday described the Congress as a atsman who is trying to get the other partners of the INDIA bloc un out. Independent MP from Maharashtra's Sangli, Vishal Patil, too resorted to cricketing lexicon to take a swipe at the Mahayuti government, and said that after winning the assembly polls, the alliance got the 12th man to run the government there. Participating in the discussion on the Union budget in the Lok Sabha, Shinde said INDIA bloc is like a cricket team that has a batsmen named Congress who is bent on getting others run out. He added, The Congress is the 'Bhasmasur' of Indian politics, whomever it supports is destroyed. In our Maharashtra, it put off the 'mashaal' of the UBT. Those who moved away from the Hindutva ideology, look at their situation in Maharashtra now. Alleging that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi spoke like a spokesperson of China, Shinde said, When you abuse 'Make in India' then you don't just abuse the government but all labourers, engineers and doctors, as they are all part of it. Shinde also lauded the Union Budget to say, When we call (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji, the captain of Team India, then we can call Nirmala Sitharaman, the winning all-rounder of Team India. He said the BJP-led Centre proved everyone wrong in the opposition by building the Ram Temple, and abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. In these 10 years, mandir was constructed, 370 was removed and in Delhi, (BJP) government has come to power. In this life only, UCC will also come, he said. Independent MP Patil accused the Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra of finagling the voters by switching the chief minister it promised them before the election. In olden times, in order to get a useless guy married, people used to show the photograph of an intelligent boy and then get the useless person married instead. This is what has happened in Maharashtra, they showed the face of Eknath Shinde and after the results some other person became the groom, Patil said in a swipe at BJP leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The man of the match was made the 12th man and the 12th man is now running the government after becoming the captain, he said.

Pune driver latest GBS fatality, toll rises to seven; confirmed case tally 167

PUNE: A 37-year-old driver from Pune, diagnosed with rare nerve disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), has died in a city hospital during treatment, health officials said on Monday. The latest fatality took the toll of suspected and confirmed deaths linked to GBS in Pune to seven. Meanwhile, the number of suspected GBS cases rose to 192 after eight more infections were recorded. The tally of confirmed cases is 167 , while 21 patients are on ventilator support. The deceased worked as a driver in Pune. He was initially brought to a city-based hospital following complaints of weakness in the lower limbs, Pune civic health officials said. His relatives didn't admit him to Pune hospital and instead took him to Nipani in Karnataka on February 1. He was subsequently admitted to a Sangli-based hospital by his relatives where he was administered IVIG injections, a treatment for GBS, they said. On February 5, the relatives of the patient took a discharge against the medical advice (from Sangli) and admitted him in the ICU of Pune municipal corporation-run Kamala Nehru Hospital on the same day, according to the officials. He suffered supra-ventricular tachycardia, a heart rhythm disorder during treatment. He suffered a cardiac arrest on February 9 and died, the officials added. Officials said of the 192 suspected cases, 167 patients were diagnosed with GBS. Among 192 cases, 39 patients are from Pune municipal corporation areas, 91 are from newly-added villages in the civic area, 29 from Pimpri Chinchwad civic body, 25 are from Pune rural region and eight are from other districts. Among these cases, 91 patients have been discharged till now, 48 are in ICU, and 21 are on a ventilator, according to the release from the state health department. Investigations still on to identify cause behind Guillain-Barre Syndrome spurt: ICMR chief