The Times of India
Elections 2026Maharashtra / The Times of India
Jiya Jacob, the 11th accused in a drug overdose case that killed two MBA students, was remanded to judicial custody. Police are searching for her live-in partner, Mahesh Khemlani, who allegedly transferred Rs 14.95 lakh into Jacob's account, suspected to be drug proceeds. Jacob, a bar dancer, has been uncooperative.
Former MLA Bachchu Kadu has officially joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, securing a nomination for the MLC polls. Kadu stated Shinde accepted his conditions, including farmer welfare and strengthening the Divyang ministry. His Prahar Janshakti Party will continue its social work, while political members will now support Sena.
Authorities across India are taking action against songs and content deemed vulgar and glorifying crime, leading to takedowns and FIRs. This crackdown, involving police, courts, and regulatory bodies, sparks debate on balancing creative freedom with social responsibility, particularly concerning youth influence.
Mumbai diners will soon know if their paneer is dairy-based or a vegetable oil substitute. Maharashtra's FDA mandates eateries to clearly label analogue paneer or cheese analogue from May 1. This move aims to boost transparency, protect consumers from misleading descriptions, and empower informed choices about what they eat.
Mumbai's real estate is set for a major shift as the new Mumbai-Pune Expressway bypass, the Missing Link, promises to slash travel times. This development is expected to boost areas like Karjat and Lonavala, attracting buyers with improved connectivity, affordability, and a better quality of life. The project, alongside other infrastructure upgrades, is driving decentralisation and creating new growth corridors.
SpiceJet flights from Mumbai experienced significant disruptions, with multiple flights to Bangalore, Delhi, and Ahmedabad facing lengthy delays and cancellations. Passengers endured sleepless nights at the airport due to these issues. This follows a trend of poor on-time performance for SpiceJet, which recorded the lowest OTP among Indian carriers in March.
Mumbai Metro One commuters experienced delays and overcrowding on Thursday due to temporary speed restrictions. The operator implemented these curbs following essential rail grinding work, a collaborative effort with Bangalore Metro to enhance track quality and ride safety. These necessary measures, aimed at ensuring commuter safety, are expected to be in place for a limited duration.
Maharashtra FDA faces delays in testing watermelon samples linked to four deaths, as watermelons have vanished from local markets. Investigators require samples from a 5-10 km radius of the incident, but vendors are reluctant to sell due to public panic and police questioning, hindering the probe.
In a significant step toward enhancing railway services, Central Railway has successfully removed 45 unauthorized huts near Wadi Bunder, paving the way for a vital Vande Bharat maintenance depot. This decisive action, in accordance with judicial directives, will speed up the build-out of essential facilities, including stabling lines and an expansive covered shed.
The Bombay High Court has denied Faheem Ansari, acquitted in the 2008 Mumbai attacks case, a police clearance certificate for autorickshaw driving. Authorities cited ongoing surveillance due to alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba links, despite his acquittal by higher courts. This decision prevents him from obtaining the necessary permit to work as a driver, impacting his efforts to rebuild his life.
A social enterprise named Rangeet has launched a 15-day summer camp in Jogeshwari East for underprivileged children, offering fun learning and life skills. This initiative, supported by Pratham Mumbai Education Initiative and OILF, uses a play-based curriculum to foster empathy, resilience, and environmental awareness.
A police constable tragically lost his life after a heavy piling rig collapsed onto him at an under-construction flyover site in Mumbai's Mankhurd area. The incident occurred Tuesday night as the officer was returning home on his motorcycle. Authorities are investigating potential negligence by the contractor and reviewing safety protocols at the site.
A 45-year-old man was arrested by Malwani Police for sexually abusing a dog on a Malad West pavement. Clinic staff alerted authorities after a resident witnessed the act and heard the dog yelping in pain. The accused was booked under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Mumbai Traffic Police have announced significant road restrictions in central Mumbai on May 1st for the Maharashtra Day Parade at Shivaji Park. Commencing from 6 am to noon, several roads including Keluskar Road South and North will be closed to all vehicular traffic except for invitees. Motorists are advised to avoid the affected routes and follow diversions.
The Supreme Court has dismissed L&T's special leave petition, ending a long legal battle over a prime Bandra property. The company must now hand over vacant possession of the 'High Trees' bungalow, where its chairman emeritus resides, affirming an eviction decree upheld by the Bombay High Court.

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