Maharashtra woman doctors suicide: Main accused sub-inspector arrested
MUMBAI: Police Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane, the main accused in the rape and harassment case linked to the suspected suicide of a lady doctor in Maharashtra , surrendered on his own at Phaltan rural police station on Saturday late at night. The suspended PSI is the main accused in this case.He was on a run for the last 36 hours. His last location was traced at Pandharpur in Solapur district.He will be produced in the court today. The Satara Police had on Saturday, early morning, arrested a techie, Prashant Bankar , the second accused. The Phaltan court granted the police custody of the accused till October 28. Gopal Badane was on night duty at Phaltan police station when the rape and suicide of the doctor surfaced. Following a public outrage, Badane ran away and was absconding for the last 36 hours. It was alleged that the police were helping Badane to be in safe locations. Following the incident and public outrage, Satara district police had formed two teams, one of which arrested Prashant Bankar from a friends farmhouse in Satara on Saturday morning. Maharashtra doctor who died by suicide had complained against MP, police; opposition seeks SIT probe A 26-year-old woman doctor in Phaltan, Satara district, Maharashtra, died by suicide after leaving a seven-line note on her palm. In it, she accused police sub-inspector Gopal Banade of repeatedly raping and sexually exploiting her, and alleged that her landlords son, Prashant Bankar, harassed and tortured her. She stated that both mentally tortured her for four months. She also alleged in her earlier statement before an inquiry committee that she was pressurised to change medical reports and give fake fitness certificates. Meanwhile, Bankar's family members refuted all allegations, claiming he is innocent and was framed in this case. They said they are confident that once the case is probed fairly, the truth will come out. The suicide note stated that PSI Gopal Badane raped her four times. It also alleged that, besides being sexually assaulted by the police officer, she was pressured by powerful individuals, including an MP and his aides, to issue fake medical fitness certificates for the accused. She wrote that the harassment escalated when she refused to comply. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the incident very painful. The doctor had to write on her palm before committing suicide; it is a shameful incident, he said. He added that the government will not spare anyone, and all the guilty will be arrested and punished. Oppositions should not play politics over this tragic issue. They should respect the sentiment, said Fadnavis. Ambads Danve, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and leader of the Opposition, state legislative council, sharing the complaint letter of the lady doctor on the social media platform X, said that the lady doctor has ended her life due to the failed and corrupt system. The letter shared by Danve revealed that despite repeatedly complaining to senior officers by the deceased lady doctor to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), no action was taken against the culprit. He said that the lady doctor had complained several times about how she was harassed and tortured by being called and pressuring her to change postmortem reports and giving fake fitness certificates. The local Lok Sabha MP and BJP MLA are also harassing this lady doctor; therefore, the call records of this doctor and their conversation have to be probed to get the truth and facts of this case. The call records' details will reveal many things. But Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies are busy in politics and buying votes by distributing lollipops and chocolates. The ruling party beats drums about their Ladli Bahin scheme, but no sister is safe and secure in Maharashtra; this is the harsh reality of the state, Danve alleged.
BJP Steps Up Induction Drive Ahead Of Maharashtra Local Body Polls
The developments have triggered concern within the NCP camp. Sensing growing unrest in the party fold, Mr. Bharne convened an urgent meeting with party office-bearers at Tembhurni in Solapur.
He has been brought to Bengaluru for questioning
Reliance Foundation steps in to supports flood-hit families in Solapur, Beed
Around 22,000 animals have been vaccinated with HS-BQ vaccines based on the risk assessment by the Animal Husbandry Department, an official statement said
41K displaced, 65L acres of crops damaged in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: More than 41,000 people were displaced and crops over 65 lakh acres of land were damaged amid the torrential rains across Maharashtra. According to a state disaster management report, 156 people were displaced in Thane, 36 in Palghar, 13,724 in Solapur and 38 in Nasik district. Moreover, 25 people were displaced in Jalgaon district, 3,497 in Ahilya Nagar, 8,029 in Sambhaji Nagar, 8,500 in Jalna, 2,000 in Beed, 3,957 in Dharashiv, 85 in Parbhani and 1,020 in Nanded district. A total of 41,067 have been displaced across Maharashtra. The state government has set up 4,167 temporary shelters for them.
Maharashtra: Deadline to fill class 12 exam forms extended till Oct 20
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has extended the Class 12 exam form submission deadline to October 20 due to heavy rainfall and floods in Marathwada, Nashik, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar.
Maharashtra rains: Fadnavis reviews relief ops, urges evacuation in vulnerable areas
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday reviewed the rainfall situation and ongoing relief operations in eight Marathwada districts and Solapur, and directed officials to intensify field-level efforts. Incessant rains battered several parts of Marathwada on Saturday, cutting off villages and inundating low-lying roads and bridges in the traditionally drought-prone region. Solapur, located in western Maharashtra, has also witnessed heavy rains and crop damage. With water discharge from dams being increased due to heavy rainfall, Fadnavis stressed the need to focus on evacuating people from vulnerable areas, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said on Sunday. As per the CMO statement, Fadnavis held discussions with collectors of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Dharashiv, Parbhani and Solapur districts and took stock of the situation arising from heavy rains and floods. All officials must remain on the ground and closely monitor relief and rescue operations, he said. Taking note of reports of fodder shortage in some areas, the chief minister directed the immediate supply of fodder for livestock. He reviewed the discharge situation of dams across the state and directed the Water Resources Department to coordinate closely with local administrations and remain on high alert. Due to around 150 mm of rainfall in the catchment and dam area of the Jayakwadi project, 1,25,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water is being released into the Godavari River, which may increase up to 1.5 lakh cusecs, it said. From the Majalgaon dam, 41,701 cusecs of water were being released, which has been reduced from the earlier 95,000 cusecs. Amid heavy rainfall in Dharashiv, Solapur, Ahilyanagar and Beed districts, 75,000 cusecs of water were being discharged from the Sina Kolegaon dam, while in some places the discharge was 60,000 cusecs. Additionally, 1 lakh cusecs of water were being released from the Ujani dam, the statement said. The CMO, in a series of posts on X, said that 4,002 people have been rescued from flood-affected areas in Solapur so far, while around 6,500 have been housed in relief camps, where arrangements have been made for food, water, and medical care. Damage assessments of affected houses are underway, and immediate assistance of Rs 10,000, along with 10 kg of rice and 10 kg of wheat, is being provided to each affected family, it said. The administration has coordinated with local entrepreneurs and community leaders to organise relief measures, establishing district and taluka-level relief centres, and health camps will be conducted under the local administration. As many as 17 dams in Beed have reached their full capacity, while two reservoirs are around 90 per cent full, with water being released only from Majalgaon, the CMO said. Several villages in Wadwani taluka have been cut off, and essential assistance is being provided in these areas. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army are deployed in Beed for rescue operations. Heavy rainfall affected at least 48 areas in Beed district on Saturday, with villages along riverbanks being put on alert. At least 60 people have been relocated from Ashti, it stated. As per the CMO statement, 2,567 families have been moved to safer locations this month, and 10 people have lost their lives; financial aid has been provided to eight of the affected families. Heavy rainfall affected around 26 areas in Jalna, and 48 out of 51 irrigation projects in the district are overflowing. Rescue operations have been carried out in Bhoypur, Arjunnagar, Lalbagh, and Khandasari, where 225 people were relocated, and 52 others were rescued from flood-affected areas. Since June, nine people have lost their lives in the district, the post stated. In Nanded, heavy rainfall lashed 23 areas on Saturday and 13 on Sunday, inundating catchment areas of the Godavari, Manjara, and Manyad rivers, and 67 people were rescued. At least 424 people are in 16 relief camps set up in the district, the CMO stated. Damage assessments indicate that 56 houses were destroyed, and immediate assistance is being provided to the affected families. More than 500 people have been evacuated from Ahmadpur, Nivadi, Udgir, Chakur, Renapur, and Jalkot areas of Latur and housed in relief camps. Approximately 60 roads and bridges were inundated earlier, but they have now been cleared for traffic. Although the situation is under control in Latur, NDRF teams remain on standby. In Parbhani, 1,386 people were relocated due to heavy rains over the last few days. The district in Marathwada has reported six deaths due to rain-related incidents since June this year. The CMO tweeted that nearly 23 areas in the Hingoli district have been affected by heavy rainfall, and 10 villages were cut off, but the water is gradually receding. At least 13 people have lost their lives, and financial assistance has been provided to their families. A relief fund of Rs 231.27 crore has been allocated for distribution in the district. According to the CMO, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district has received 818.5 mm of rainfall so far, significantly higher than the average of 581.7 mm. Around 68 revenue circles have reported heavy rainfall. In Dharashiv, six villages have been cut off due to heavy rains, and 3,615 people have been safely relocated to safer locations, the CMO said.
Jayant Patil said he visited several flood-affected villages in Solapur, Dharashiv and Beed districts over the past two days and found that landless farm workers have suffered severe losses
Mumbai Rains Live Updates: Heavy rains lash Mumbai, IMD issues heavy rain alert till September 30
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday reviewed the rainfall situation and ongoing relief operations in eight Marathwada districts and Solapur, and directed officials to intensify field-level efforts.
Tempo Loses Control On Pune Highway, 1 Dead; Horrific Accident Caught On Camera
One person was killed in a horrific crash between two tempos on Pune-Solapur National Highway.
KKRTC to operate 500 extra buses to clear Dasara rush
These extra services will run from district, taluk centres in Kalyana Karnataka to Bengaluru and Tuljapur in Solapur district of Maharashtra
Marathwada Flooded: Highways Shut, Trains Slow Down As Villages Go Underwater
In Solapur district, 16 villages in Madha taluka are surrounded by floodwaters from the Sina river, while in Dharashiv, the Manjara river has overflowed after torrential rain
Five killed in Maharashtra rains; Cabinet approves aid of 2,215crore for farmers
The most affected districts in Maharashtra are Dharashiv, Beed, Solapur, and Ahilyanagar
100% rainfall for 20 Maharashtra dists, crops damaged
MUMBAI: Farmers of Maharashtra bore the brunt of excess rainfall this season, as 20 districts received more than 100% rainfall. Over 63 lakh acres of standing crops have been damaged. The government is yet to assess the total damage. Agriculture minister Duttatray Bharane said, The government has released financial assistance for crop loss to farmers. The funds will be directly credited intofarmers accounts from next week. The state agriculture department said the 20 districts are Thane, Palghar, Solapur, Sangli, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Nanded, Parbhani, Hingoli, Buldhana, Akola, Wasim, Yavatmal, Wardha, Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli.
Surekha Yadav, Asias first woman loco pilot, to retire after 36 years of service
NEW DELHI: Come 30 September, Surekha Shankar Yadav, Asias first woman locomotive pilot, will retire after 36 years of dedicated service. Currently working in the Central Railways Mumbai division, Yadav holds the distinction of being the continents first woman to operate a locomotive. Hailing from Satara, a village in Maharashtra, she joined the railways on 13 February 1989 as the first woman loco pilot. At present, she serves as a loco pilot (mail) under Central Railways. Throughout her remarkable career, Yadav has worked in various capacities - shunting, goods, motorwoman, and recently, mail and express trains. She is not only credited with being Asias first woman loco pilot but also the first woman to operate goods trains, EMUs, and iconic services such as the Deccan Queen, the Pushpak Express, and, most recently, the Vande Bharat Express (SolapurCSMT on 13 March 2024). Yadavs pioneering work and dedicated service have been recognised at both national and institutional levels. In 1998, she received the Jijau Puraskar, followed by the Women Achiever Award in 2001, the Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Award in 2002, the Lokmat Sakhi Manch Award in 200304, the Sahyadri Hirkani Award in 2004, the Prerna Puraskar in 2005, the Central Railway Woman Achiever Award in 2011, and the Railway GM Award in both 2011 and 2017. ED (I&P) Dileep Kumar said, Over 36 years of service, Surekha Yadav has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for women in railway operations. From being the first woman Assistant Loco Pilot to commanding Indias prestigious trains like the Deccan Queen, Rajdhani Express, and Vande Bharat Express, she has consistently exemplified professionalism, precision, and safety. He described Yadavs journey as a beacon of empowerment and inspiration for more than 1,600 Loco Pilots across Indian Railways, motivating future generations of women to pursue careers in Indian Railways and beyond. Kumar added, Surekha Yadavs story is not just about driving trains, its about driving change, breaking barriers, and proving that no dream is too distant. The entire railway fraternity regards her as a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired countless women by becoming Asias first woman loco pilot. Her journey will forever remain a symbol of womens empowerment in Indian Railways, Central Railway her employer zone remarked in a post.
Solapur Divisions first KAVACH trial run carried out between Dhavalas-Bhalwani
Key safety features, including prevention of Signal Passing at Danger, and generation of emergency alerts, tested
Crops over 42.84 lakh acres damaged by heavy rain in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: Over 42.84 lakh acres ready-to-harvest crops got badly damaged in the torrential rain in Maharashtra . According to the Maharashtra agriculture minister Duttaray Bharne, the 17, 85,714 hectares (42.84 lakh acres) of standing and ready to harvest crops got damaged. Nanded is one of the worst-affected districts, where 7.28 lakh hectares of crops got badly impacted, following 2.03 lakh hectares of crops damaged in Wasim district. In Yavatmal district, 3.18 lakh hectares, while 1.57 lakh hectares in Dharashiv, 1.77 lakh hectares in Akola, 47,266 hectares in Solapur, and 89,782 hectares of crops in Buldhana district were ruined in the heavy rain. In the torrential rain, impacted affected districts are Hingoli, Parbhani, Amravati, Jalgaon, Wardha, Sangli, Ahilyanagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Dhule, Jalgaon, Ratnagiri, Chandrapur, Satara, Nashik, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Gadchiroli, Raigad, Nagpur, and Pune. The most suffered crops include soybean, maize, cotton, urad, tur, moong while other places, vegetables, fruit crops, millet, sugarcane, onion, jowar and turmeric crops have also been affected. 35 lakh acres of crops damaged in torrential rain in Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Bharen said that Maharashtra has been witnessing heavy rains and floods over the last two months, which havecaused huge losses to farmers. The heavy rains in August and September of this year have caused huge losses in a total of 195 talukas across 30 districts of Maharashtra. The rains during this period have caused huge losses to Kharif crops in 654 revenue circles, the agriculture minister said. He further added that the Panchnamas in some districts have been completed, and compensation has also been extended to the affected farmers. The Panchnamas in the remaining areas are going on a war footing. The state is taking all possible measures to provide financial assistance to the affected farmers. State government is standing firmly with the farmers in times of this crisis, Bharne said. Sharad Pawar , in his Nasik farmers outcry rally, criticized the state government for ignoring the farmers. He said that in the last two months, more than two thousand farmers committed suicide, but no serious attention has been given.
Maharashtra Married Man, Blackmailed By Lover, Found Dead In Car With Bullet In Head
A 38-year-old married businessman, Govind Jagannath Barge, was found dead inside his car with a gunshot wound to the head in Maharashtra's Solapur district.
CM Devendra Fadnavis seeks report on Ajit Pawar-IPS officer exchange
MUMBAI: Days after a massive political row erupted in Maharashtra over a viral video showing Deputy CM Ajit Pawar threatening a female IPS officer Anjana Krishna over an anti-mining operation in Solapur, CM Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the matter. Fadnavis has sought a report in this regard from the district collector of Solapur. He said he would be able to comment on the incident only after he receives the report. Oftentimes, the claims made by locals dont align with briefings by officers. Sometimes, we are fed incorrect information. Therefore, it has to be verified at the local administrative level through a ground report. I have asked the district collector to submit a report on the incident, he said. 'How dare you': Ajit Pawar rebukes IPS officer who acted against illegal sand quarrying in Solapur; video goes viral
43-year-old Nepal national held for supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistan ISI operatives
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police Special Cell has busted an espionage module and arrested a 43-year-old Nepal national for allegedly supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistani ISI operatives, officials said on Tuesday. These SIMs were being used from across the border for espionage and other anti-India activities through social media platforms like WhatsApp. The investigation has revealed that the accused came into contact with ISI handlers in 2024 through a Nepali intermediary. He was lured with promises of a US visa and opportunities in journalism abroad. In return, he was tasked with supplying Indian SIM cards and collecting information related to DRDO and Army establishments. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik said that on August 28, a tip-off was received that a person, associated with ISI handlers, was present in Vijay Block, Laxmi Nagar. A trap was laid and the accused was apprehended, who was later identified as Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya, a resident of Birganj in Nepal. During questioning, the accused revealed that he had procured 16 SIM cards using his Aadhaar credentials and sent them to Nepal, of which 11 SIMs were being operated on WhatsApp from Lahore, Bahawalpur, and other parts of Pakistan by ISI operatives, the DPC said. Digital devices containing incriminating material and multiple SIM cards envelopes were recovered from the accused. Using his Aadhaar card registered at Latur, Maharashtra, he procured SIM cards from telecom stores in Bihar and Maharashtra. These SIMs, after activation, were smuggled to Kathmandu, Nepal, through conduits and were subsequently handed over to ISI handlers. WhatsApp accounts registered on these SIMs were operated from Pakistan to establish contact with Indian Army personnel and to pursue other sensitive espionage objectives, Kaushik stated. Chaurasiya completed his Class XII in Nepal, pursued intermediate studies in Bihar, and later obtained a B.Sc. degree in Information Technology along with a diploma in computer hardware and networking. Professionally, he worked in the pharmaceutical sector across Pune, Latur, Solapur, and Delhi as a medical representative and area sales manager. In 2017, he set up Neo Terminal and Logistics Company Pvt. Ltd., Kathmandu, Nepal which collapsed due to heavy financial losses. In Kathmandu, he came into contact with ISI operatives. Out of desperation to go abroad, he not only agreed to supply Indian SIM cards, but also agreed to collect sensitive Indian defence-related information for ISI operatives, police said.
The 2022-batch IPS officer, presently Sub-Division Police Officer, Karmala in Solapur district of Maharashtra, grew up in a modest household in Thiruvananthapuram
35 lakh acres of crops damaged in torrential rain in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: Over 35 lakh acres of farm land across 29 districts of Maharashtra were affected by torrential rainfall between August 15 to 20 of this year. According to the Maharashtra agriculture minister, in the primary survey, it was revealed that 14.36 lakh hectares (35.90 lakh acres) of standing crops have been affected in 29 districts in the state. Out of these, 12 districts have affected more than 10,000 hectares, and the most impacted district is Nanded in Marathawada, where over 6.20 lakh crops got damaged. Agriculture minister Dattatreya Bharne said that every year, farmers in Maharashtra suffer huge losses due to heavy rains and floods. He said the recent heavy rains have caused major damage in 191 talukas of 29 districts of Maharashtra. The rains during this period have caused massive damage to kharif crops in more than 654 revenue circles. The heaviest rains between August 15 and 20 have caused major damage to crops. In Maharashtra, major damages are reported in Nanded, that is 6, 20,566 hectares, while 1,64,557 hectares in Wasim, 1,64,932 hectares in Yavatmal, 150,753 hectares in Dharashiv, 89,782 hectares in Buldhana, 43,828 hectares in 43,828 hectares in Akola, 47,266 hectares in Solapur, and 40,000 hectares of crops damaged in Hingoli district. The most affected crops are mainly Soybean, maize, cotton, urad, tur, moong, besides, at some places, vegetables, fruit crops, millet, sugarcane, onion, jowar, and turmeric crops have also been affected. The minister said that the Panchnama work has been started in the affected areas and is in the final stage, and appropriate assistance will be provided to the farmers immediately. He said the state government stands firmly with the farmers and no farmer will be deprived of financial assistance. Opposition alleged that the state government is only giving the data, but the actual work of the panchnama and extending financial relief has been started. Shreenivas Bikkad, Maharashtra Congress media coordinator, said that if the state government does not take immediate steps, then this calamity can result in farmer suicides because in this rain, farmers are completely devastated.
IPS officer row: Sharad Pawars NCP (SP), family in split over action against Ajit Pawar
MUMBAI: Former Union Minister Sharad Pawars NCP (SP) and the Pawar family stand divided over defending Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar after a video surfaced showing him rebuking a woman IPS officer for acting against illegal sand quarrying in Solapur district. Opposition demanded action against DCM Ajit Pawar, but Sharad Pawar led NCP SP MLA and newly appointed general secretary, Rohit Pawar, came to the rescue of her uncle Ajit Pawar. Defending Ajit Pawar, NCP SP leader Rohit Pawar said that there are many issues in the state, such as farmers' loan waiver, damage caused by unseasonal rains, but instead of discussing these critical issues, unfortunately, more discussion seems to be happening about the conversation between the female police officer and Ajitdada over sand quarrying. He said, In reality, even if Ajitdada speaks casually, a new person meeting him might feel that he is angry or upset. But Ajitdada's working style, nature, and straightforwardness have been known to the entire Maharashtra for the past 35-40 years. In the Solapur incident, the concerned IPS lady officer is also not at fault in any way, Rohit Pawar said. My intention was not to interfere with law enforcement: Ajit Pawar on viral IPS officer call He further alleged and blamed this controversy on the Mahayuti alliance partners. It appears that the friendly parties themselves are attempting to deliberately give a different spin to the conversation in Ajitdada's phone call and target him. Even though we are in opposition, my nature has always been to call a spade a spade, so Ajitdada should take note on this occasion of how our own friends are setting a trap. However, we will continue to draw the government's attention to the real issues without adding fuel to unnecessary controversies, Rohit Pawar. Other hand, senior NCP SP Lok Sabha MP and daughter of Sharad Pawar and cousin sister of Ajit Pawar, without taking Ajit Pawar's name, asks Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take cognisance of the BJP-led Mahayuti government DCM intimidating and attacking a lady IPS officer. She said, The member of the ruling dispensation attacking the credentials of IPS Anjana Krishna is a grave assault on our Constitution. When elected officials orchestrate character assassination, it undermines the Rule of Law, Article 14 & 311. Ms Sule further said, Such systematic targeting of a woman officer violates constitutional guarantees of gender equality also. All members of the Executive must be protected from political intimidation to uphold the 'Idea of India' our Constitution enshrines. We expect that appropriate action will be taken to preserve the dignity of public office and independence of the civil services, Ms Sule added, tagging the Prime Minister's office (PMO), Home Ministry and and Maharashtra CM Dev_Fadnavis.
Ajit Pawar Clarifies on Solapur Police Row, Denies Interference
Deputy CM stresses respect for police, rule of law; vows strict action against illegal activities including sand mining
Ajit Pawar Reacts To Viral Video Of Phone Call To IPS Officer: 'Was Ensuring Situation On Ground...'
Ajit Pawar issued this statement after a video clip of him having a heated discussion with an IPS officer, who was taking action against alleged illegal excavation of soil in Solapur, went viral.
No intention to interfere, was trying to defuse situation: Ajit Pawar on 'rebuking' IPS officer
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar faced criticism after a video surfaced showing him seemingly rebuking a woman IPS officer for acting against illegal soil excavation in Solapur. Pawar clarified he aimed to de-escalate a tense situation, not interfere with law enforcement.
'Intention Wasn't To Interfere But...': Ajit Pawar On Viral Woman IPS Video
Following a huge controversy over him hreatening a woman police officer who was cracking down on illegal excavation in Maharashtra's Solapur, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said he was only trying to prevent an escalation in the situation.
My intention was not to interfere with law enforcement: Ajit Pawar on viral IPS officer call
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has responded to a viral video showing him purportedly rebuking a woman IPS officer over a phone call, asserting that his intention was not to interfere with law enforcement but to ensure that the situation on the ground remained calm and did not escalate further. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Pawar said his attention had been drawn to the circulating videos regarding his interaction with police officials in Solapur. I have the highest respect for our police force and its officers, including the women officers who serve with distinction and courage. I value the rule of law above all, he wrote. He added that he remains firmly committed to transparent governance and to ensuring that every illegal activity, including sand mining, is dealt with strictly as per the law. . , , Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) September 5, 2025 The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anjali Krishna being allegedly rebuked by Pawar over a phone call. Krishna was reportedly taking action against individuals involved in illegal excavation of 'murrum' soil in Solapur. In the viral clip, Pawar is heard instructing her to stop the action and inform the tehsildar that it had been stopped on his orders. - CM - IPS DCM !! pic.twitter.com/CMouSgl7Dc Gaurav Singh Sengar (@sengarlive) September 4, 2025 Earlier, the Nationalist Congress Party had clarified that Pawar did not intend to completely halt the action. Krishna, a 2022-23 batch IPS officer from Kerala, did not recognize Pawars voice in the initial call and asked him to contact her on her official number. When he identified himself as the Deputy Chief Minister, she insisted on continuing the conversation only via her official line. Pawar allegedly reacted angrily, warning her, How dare you talk to the DCM in such a way? I will take action against you so that you remember my face. He then reportedly video-called Krishna, directing her not to take action against the illegal sand quarrying and to coordinate with the town revenue officer. No police complaint has been lodged regarding the incident so far. The viral video has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the footage indicates that honest officers taking action against illegal activities are being intimidated. Raut alleged that Pawar and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde joined the BJP to protect their alleged illegal businesses and interests, and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action against Pawar. (With inputs from ENS)
Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar faced criticism after a video surfaced showing him allegedly reprimanding a female IPS officer for taking action against illegal soil excavation in Solapur. Pawar clarified that his intention was to maintain calm and not interfere with law enforcement, emphasising his respect for the police force.
MUMBAI: A video has surfaced of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar purportedly chiding a woman IPS officer who was in the midst of taking action against illegal excavation of 'murrum' soil in Solapur district. NCP, however, claimed that Pawar didn't intend to stop the action but might have berated the officer to placate party workers. It also said that the clip of the incident, which reportedly took place two days ago, has been intentionally leaked. In the video aired on regional news channels, Pawar purportedly speaks to Anjana Krishna, sub-divisional police officer, Karmala, from the phone of an NCP worker. - CM - IPS DCM !! pic.twitter.com/CMouSgl7Dc Gaurav Singh Sengar (@sengarlive) September 4, 2025 However, the Indian Police Service (IPS) officer doesn't recognise his voice. Pawar then makes a video call to the police officer and purportedly sternly asks her to stop action against illegal excavation of murrum, which is widely used as a sub-base and filling material for road construction. As per the viral clip, Krishna is heard saying she could not figure out that the deputy CM was talking to her. Will you be able to recognise my face? How dare you?Ajit Pawar asks over the phone. NCP state president Sunil Tatkare said the video has been deliberately leaked. Ajit Dada may have chided the IPS officer to placate party workers. He didn't mean to stop the action completely, Tatkare said. Ajit Pawar is known for his straight talk and never supports any illegal activity, said Tatkare. He perhaps meant to stop the action briefly just to defuse the situation, added the NCP leader.
A video has surfaced from Solapur district showing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar purportedly reprimanding a woman IPS officer during action against illegal 'murrum' soil excavation.
How Dare You? Ajit Pawar's Exchange With Woman IPS Officer Over Excavation
Ajit Pawar was purportedly heard speaking to a woman IPS officer, Anjana Krishna, who was taking action against the illegal excavation of soil in Solapur.
Indian Railways rolls out biometric sign-on system for TTEs
NEW DELHI: In a first, Indian Railways has introduced a new biometric sign-on and sign-off system for its ticket checking staff, marking a significant step towards modernising railway operations and enhancing accountability. The first digital TTE lobby of Indian Railways also became operational at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction under the East Central Railway on August 29 this year. According to the Railways, this innovative system has already been successfully implemented in the Banaras Division of Northern Railway, Sonpur Division in East Central Railway, Ratlam Division in Western Railway, and TTE lobbies at CSMT, Pune and Solapur in Central Railway. It is also operational in Malda Division in Eastern Railway, Mysore Division in South Western Railway, Bhopal in West Central Railway, and Madurai, Palghat, Trichy in Southern Railway, along with the Kota Lobby in West Central Railway. Additionally, it is being phased in across various divisions of the North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Western Railway zones. The Jammu Division of Northern Railway is set to roll out the system shortly. ED I&P, Railways Ministry, Dileep Kumar said, The new system integrates biometric authentication with the Ticket Examiner (TTE) Lobby system, allowing staff to authenticate themselves using an Aadhaar-enabled biometric device. This ensures a tamper-proof, transparent, and privacy-compliant attendance process that accurately records working hours and duty status in real time. He outlined the objectives of the biometric system, stating that authentic attendance will ensure that attendance records are accurate and verifiable. He said that the system will also provide real-time data on staff availability and duty status, allowing for more efficient management. He further mentioned that the system also offers effective monitoring of working hours and lobby operations. He added that the system integrates with Hand Held Terminals (HHTs) and duty rosters for streamlined staff deployment. Detailing the initiative, Kumar said that the implementation of this system is a testament to Indian Railways commitment to improving efficiency and transparency. The biometric sign-on/off system will not only streamline staff deployment but also significantly enhance the overall efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the ticket checking staff, ultimately improving the experience for all passengers, he said.
MUMBAI: Manoj Jarange's stir at Mumbai's Azad Maidan for Maratha quota entered the third day on Sunday with the activist hardening his stand by maintaining his demand was constitutionally valid, even as some Maharashtra ministers from the BJP said the community must avail the existing EWS quota. He has been demanding 10 per cent quota for Marathas and wants them to be recognised as Kunbis -- an agrarian caste included in the Other Backwards Classes category -- which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education. Asserting that he will not leave Mumbai till his demands are met, Jarange said, The government has records of 58 lakh Marathas as Kunbis. Jarange, who refused to soften his stand after a delegation under retired HC judge Sandeep Shinde met him a day earlier, on Sunday said, From tomorrow, I will stop taking water as the government is not accepting the demands. But I am not going back till the quota demand is met. We will get Marathas reservation under the OBC category no matter what. Meanwhile, Maharashtra ministers Chandrakant Patil and Nitesh Rane, both from the BJP, have said the Maratha community should benefit from the existing EWS quota rather than being categorised as OBCs. We want only reservation; do not test patience of Maratha community: Jarange Both Patil and Rane belong to the Maratha community. Rane also accused NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar of funding Jarange's protest Speaking to reporters in Solapur district on Sunday, Chandrakant Patil said Marathas never faced untouchability and were not backward by caste, but shrinking landholdings over the years pushed them into financial distress. Patil also said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is never rigid but there are some constitutional limitations. Normally, delegations come to meet the CM, not the other way round. However, he (Fadnavis) is so flexible that he can even go. But it must bring a solution, not just lead to humiliation, Patil said. Rane claimed Jarange's demand to classify all Marathas as Kunbis and include them in the OBC category would not be acceptable across Maharashtra. Maratha quota: Talks with govt delegation fail; Jarange firm on continuing protest If Jarange restricts his demand to Marathwada, the government may examine it. But in Konkan, where I come from, Marathas and Kunbis have distinct identities and are content with their present status. Marathas cannot get quota benefits through the OBC category, Rane said. The BJP leader also alleged Opposition NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar had funded Jarange's protest and said he could provide proof if the latter denied it. Meanwhile, efforts to reach a solution continued at the state government level with Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis late Saturday night, sources said. Vikhe Patil heads a cabinet sub-committee on issues related to the Maratha community's demand for reservation and its social, educational and economic condition. The sub committee is expected to meet again during the day. Fadnavis has said the government was trying to find a solution to the issue within the constitutional and legal framework. Asked about Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's statement that all questions on the Maratha stir must be addressed to Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Jarange said the Thackeray brand and both brothers (Raj and Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray) are good. But he (Raj) is a person who can easily believe what others say, the activist claimed. In January last year, Jarange's march to Mumbai had stopped in Navi Mumbai following a request by the then government headed by Shinde who assured that quota demands would be met. On Saturday, a delegation under retired HC judge Sandeep Shinde failed to get Jarange to call off the stir, with the latter steadfast on the demand that all Marathas of Marathwada be recognised as Kunbis for the purpose of quota. Amid the area around the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus resembling a camp due to the presence of thousands of quota supporters, many of them sleeping and cooking on the footpaths and platforms alleging lack of amenities from the BMC, Jarange appealed that they not be considered as a crowd. They have come here with a lot of pain, he said, while urging his supporters to park vehicles in designated spots and come to the protest site by train. He also said meals should should be distributed through food trucks to the protesters at Vashi, Chembur, Sewri, Masjid Bunder and other places, wherever they are parking their vehicles. As the Agitation at Azad Maidan still continues, agitators are present at CSMT Junction Impacting traffic in the area and near by junctions. Motorist are advised to avoid these route and take an alternate route to reach their destination, the Mumbai Traffic Police said on X. Since Friday, the area around CSMT and the BMC headquarters, both just a few hundred meters away from Azad Maidan, has witnessed unprecedented scenes, including youth cooking on the streets and bathing in the open using water from tankers arranged by the organisers or the BMC. A group of seven to eight young men was on Saturday seen bathing in a fountain near the BMC building. The protesters have arrived here from across Maharashtra, mostly from Marathwada, in some 8,000 vehicles, as per police. Nearly 800 sanitation workers have been deployed to maintain cleanliness and arrangements also made for more than 300 toilets for the Maratha quota protesters, the BMC said on Sunday. It also said arrangements have been made for drinking water and garbage collection.
Solapurs terry towel industry braces for Trump tariff, plans global push
Solapur, Maharashtras leading textile hub, is using the Trump administrations tariff as a springboard for growth. With its GI-tagged terry towels, the city is set to diversify exports beyond the US and capture new opportunities in global and domestic markets
Over 23 lakh acres of crops damaged in Maharashtra rains; Nanded worst hit
MUMBAI: Torrential rains in Maharashtra over the past few days have wreaked havoc on standing crops across the state, with a preliminary government report estimating crop damage over 23 lakh acres (approximately 9.25 lakh hectares). Nanded has emerged as the worst-affected district. According to the Maharashtra government's initial assessment, 148 tehsils have been severely impacted by the heavy rainfall received between 15 and 20 August. The report highlights that 12 districts have each reported damage to over 10,000 hectares of crops. In terms of scale, Nanded has suffered the most, with standing crops damaged over 7.13 lakh acres, followed by Wasim (4.11 lakh acres), Yavatmal (2.95 lakh acres), Buldhana (2.24 lakh acres), Akola (1.09 lakh acres), and Solapur (1 lakh acres). In contrast, the least affected districts include Satara (84 acres), Dhule (57 acres), Latur (25 acres), and Ahilya Nagar (7.5 acres), indicating the uneven impact of the downpour. The crops most affected are soyabean, cotton, corn, and pulses, with some areas also reporting significant damage to vegetables and grain crops. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the administration to conduct panchanamas (damage assessments) and ensure financial compensation reaches the affected farmers. However, farmer dissatisfaction is mounting. Opposition leaders have alleged that compensation for crop losses due to unseasonal rains earlier in May is still pending. They claim that the government is failing to deliver timely assistance, further deepening the agrarian crisis. The government only makes promises, but help must reach farmers. Otherwise, they will collapse economically, and that could lead to a spike in farmer suicides, said noted farmer leader Vijay Jawandia. With the Rabi crops now also suffering due to recent rainfall, pressure is growing on the state government to act swiftly and provide relief to prevent further distress in rural Maharashtra.
Solapur-CSMT Mumbai Vande Bharat Express to run with 20 coaches from August 28
Solapur Shocker: Stepmother Arrested After Strangling 3-Year-Old For This Trivial Reason...
In Mohol taluka of Maharashtra's Solapur, a woman was arrested for allegedly strangling her 3-year-old stepdaughter to death
Bombay HC gets 4th Bench at Kolhapur; sittings from August 18; Maharashtra CM hails move
The new Bench is likely to have jurisdiction over six districts Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg (last two located in coastal Konkan region)
After Prada appropriation, Maharashtra to certify authentic Kolhapuri chappals with QR code
KOLHAPUR: The humble Kolhapuri chappal, one of India's most iconic traditional crafts, is enjoying renewed prominence not only in domestic fashion circles but also in international markets, amid Italian brand Prada being accused of appropriating the footwear. The GI-tagged handmade flat leather sandals, known for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage, now carry an added layer of protection and authenticity in the form of QR codes, thanks to recent technological and legal innovations. The move aims to check counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan behind each product, boost consumer trust and strengthen the market position of the traditional craftsmen, officials from the government-run Leather Industries Development Corporation of Maharashtra (LIDCOM) said. Recently, artisans cried foul after footwear similar to the Kolhapuri chappals featured in Italian luxury fashion brand Prada's new collection, alleging violation of the GI (Geographical Indication) rights. Following the row, Prada had acknowledged the sandals showcased in their men's 2026 fashion show were inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear. The brand, however, clarified in a reply to the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce that the showcased sandals are still at the design stage and not yet confirmed for commercial production. A team of experts from Prada visited Kolhapur earlier this month to interact with artisans and assess the local footwear manufacturing process. Dating back to the 12th century, the footwear has been primarily crafted in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, Sangli and Solapur districts. Its distinctive design, made using naturally tanned leather and handwoven straps, has been preserved through generations of artisans. A major boost came in the early 20th century when visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj promoted it as a symbol of self-reliance and Swadeshi pride. He encouraged the use of these chappals, helping elevate the rural craft into a respected cottage industry. Kolhapuri chappal row: Bombay HC dismisses PIL against Prada; questions petitioners' right to sue What was once a humble, coarse village slipper, soon became a symbol of swadeshi identity under the royal patronage. To safeguard this cultural legacy and ensure fair recognition for artisans, the Maharashtra and Karnataka governments jointly secured the GI tag in 2019. Under international trade rules such as the TRIPS agreement, this GI status legally reserves the rights to manufacture and market Kolhapuri chappals to artisans from specific districts in both the states. The certification defines the product as handmade, using traditional techniques and natural leather, with open-toe construction, prohibiting the use of synthetic materials or mechanised processes. Going a step further, the LIDCOM has introduced QR-coded certification for each pair of chappals, the corporation said in a statement. This digital initiative aims to tackle counterfeiting and highlight the identity of the artisan or self-help group behind each product, it said. Buyers scanning the code can access details like name and location of the artisan or production unit, district of manufacture in Maharashtra, craft techniques and raw materials used, validity and status of the GI certification. This initiative not only boosts consumer trust but also strengthens the market position of traditional craftsmen, the LIDCOM said. The corporation is now calling upon consumers, designers and the common public to stand in solidarity with India's indigenous craft traditions. Kolhapuri chappals are not just fashion accessories. They are a powerful expression of traditional skill, identity and the dignity of small artisan communities, the statement quoted LIDCOM Managing Director Prerna Deshbhratar as saying. Founded in 1974, LIDCOM has been a pivotal institution in empowering rural leather artisans. Through training programmes, market development, design innovation and economic support, the organisation has transformed traditional footwear-making into a symbol of Maharashtra's cultural pride and grassroots economy. Kolhapuri chappals have now regained global spotlight, blending heritage with modern relevance. More than just the traditional footwear, they are a symbol of skilled artisanry and indigenous pride. Since 1974, LIDCOM, also known as the Sant Rohidas Charmodyog and Charmakar Vikas Mahamandal, has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting this heritage craft, as per the statement. The corporation has empowered thousands of rural artisans by offering skill development training, encouraging innovation, expanding markets and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, it said. On the organisation's vision, Deshbhratar, said, Kolhapuri chappals are not merely utilitarian items. They embody stories of self-reliance, national pride and a living cultural tradition. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen the hands that preserve this legacy and inspire generations to come. Apart from economic uplift, the corporation is also committed to cultural conservation. It continues to implement a wide range of initiatives -- from developing training centres and empowering self-help groups to building linkages between buyers and suppliers across domestic and international markets -- to ensure the traditional craft survives and thrives in a changing economic landscape, the statement said.
Smoke in Hassan-Solapur Express train triggers panic among passengers
Women should be freed from regressive customs and traditions: Bhagwat
Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS chief, stated that women's empowerment is vital for a nation's progress. Speaking at an event in Solapur, Maharashtra, he emphasized freeing women from outdated customs. Bhagwat highlighted women's unique qualities and their ability to excel in all fields. He urged men to support women's aspirations, noting that a woman's progress uplifts society.
Attack on Sambhaji Brigade leader: Congress demands strict action; CM says accused nabbed
Mr. Gaikwad was manhandled and ink was hurled on him allegedly by activists of an organisation over his reported remarks on Swami Samarth, who is believed to be a reincarnation of Shree Dattatreya, at Akkalkot village in Solapur district
Sambhaji Brigade leader Pravin Gaikwad manhandled in Solapur for remarks against Swami Samarth
Pravin Gaikwad alleged that he was targeted over his progressive thoughts by followers of Hindutva ideology
Ink Attack On Maratha Outfit Leader Sparks Row, BJP Leader Allegedly Involved
Maratha outfit Sambhaji Brigade's state president, Pravin Gaikwad, was attacked with black ink during an event organised by the Fattesingh Education Institute and Sakal Maratha Samaj in Akkalkot, Solapur.
Elderly Couple Killed In Hit-And-Run On Pune Highway, Captured In CCTV: Cops
An elderly couple was killed in a suspected hit-and-run accident on the Pune-Solapur Highway near Bhigwan in Pune district on Sunday morning, a police official from Pune Rural Police said.
Minor girl travelling in car sexually assaulted on Pune highway, her family robbed
PUNE: A 17-year-old girl travelling in a car was allegedly sexually assaulted and three other women occupants robbed of gold jewellery by two motorbike-borne unidentified persons on a highway in Maharashtra's Pune district, police said. The incident took place around 4.15 am on Monday near Bhigwan on the highway in Daund area when the car in which the victims were travelling halted after the driver wanted to answer nature's call, a police official said. There were seven persons in the car -- the driver aged 70, three women, two 17-year-old boys and a 17-year-old girl. They belonged to two different families from a village in Junnar tehsil of Pune district and were on way to Pandharpur temple town in neighbouring Solapur district, he said. As the driver felt sleepy, he halted the car near a tea stall. When the driver stepped out to answer nature's call, two unidentified men approached the vehicle and threatened the occupants with sharp weapons and robbed gold jewellery. One of the accused then took the minor girl out of the car and sexually assaulted her, the official said. The duo then fled the spot on their motorcycle, after which the traumatised car occupants gathered strength and informed police about the incident, he said. The 73-year-old owner of the tea stall, where the car passengers had stopped, witnessed the incident, but due to his old age, he was not able to provide all relevant details, according to the official. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Eight teams have been formed to trace and nab the accused, Pune (Rural) Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said.
