The Times of India
Elections 2026Maharashtra / The Times of India
Chembur's St. Sebastian School Road buzzed with life as Happy Streets transformed it into a car-free haven. Residents of all ages enjoyed exercise, art, and community bonding. Actor Manish Goel energized the crowd with a dance performance, calling the event therapeutic and fun.
A significant step in Navi Mumbai International Airport's development, a fully automated air cargo hub, has been inaugurated. This Rs 2,500 crore facility, a dedicated FedEx hub, aims to boost India's trade competitiveness by connecting it to global markets. Expected to be operational in two years, it will create over 6,000 jobs and enhance logistics.
The NCP has requested a CBI investigation into the Baramati aircraft crash that claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar and four others. The party cited several concerns, including changes in flight crew, Air Traffic Control anomalies, and onboard safety systems. They believe a central agency probe is necessary to ensure fairness and public confidence in aviation safety and institutional accountability.
Investigations reveal the Shubham Lonkar gang used social media and local contacts to recruit shooters for the firing outside Rohit Shetty's home. Youths were promised money, fame, and identity. The main shooter received an advance payment. Police arrested seven more individuals, identifying two modules involved in the operation. Financial details are under verification as accused statements vary.
Maharashtra's Social Justice Department has revoked the 5% reservation previously granted to certain Muslim communities under the SEBC category. This decision, based on court rulings and existing legal frameworks concerning the 2014 policy, impacts admissions to educational institutions and government job recruitments. The earlier order has now been officially cancelled.
Veteran film writer Salim Khan, 90, was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Bandra on Tuesday morning for an undisclosed ailment. His sons, including superstar Salman Khan, rushed him to the hospital and are reportedly concerned. Khan, a celebrated writer known for his iconic collaborations with Javed Akhtar, has a distinguished career in Bollywood.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is seeking specialized US assistance to retrieve data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder of a Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati, killing five, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. While the Digital Flight Data Recorder has been successfully downloaded, the CVR sustained fire damage.
Mumbai Traffic Police have announced significant road restrictions for the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation event. Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron will attend engagements in South Mumbai on February 17. Major roads in South Mumbai will be closed to traffic from 2 pm to 9 pm.
Traffic police have announced road restrictions in South Mumbai and Western Suburbs on February 17 for the India-France Year of Innovation event. Key roads in South Mumbai will be closed to traffic, with alternative routes provided. Heavy vehicles will be restricted on the Western Express Highway.
The Bombay High Court criticized the divisional joint registrar for overturning a membership grant to a housing society. Justice Amit Borkar stated the registrar overstepped jurisdiction by delving into succession disputes, which falls outside the scope of membership regulation. The court emphasized that a nominee's role is to facilitate dealings after a member's death, not to establish ownership.
Six more individuals have been arrested in connection with the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's house, bringing the total to 11. The Mumbai Crime Branch suspects an organized crime network, with the alleged mastermind linked to a previous murder case. Accused are in police custody for further investigation.
Shiv Sena (UBT) appointed its Muslim corporator Syed Iqbal Syed Khwaja as Parbhani's first Muslim mayor, acknowledging the community's contribution to the party's growth. This move, supported by substantial Muslim backing in the region, highlights the party's inclusive approach.
Mumbai's coastal road, built for swift travel, is failing commuters due to inadequate public transport. Despite a dedicated bus lane, only two routes with infrequent services operate, negating the road's time-saving potential. Passengers face long waits, urging BEST to increase frequency and prioritize this route for better connectivity and a shift from private vehicles.
In a surprising turn of events, Anas Ali, a cab driver, found himself behind bars thanks to the vigilant Sahar Police. His crafty brain conjured up a scam that duped both passengers and the Rapido app. With the clever use of two mobile devices, he orchestrated fake bookings, sneaking away with fares without ever giving a proper ride.
A Metro-4 viaduct collapse in Mulund tragically killed Ramdhan Yadav and severely injured two relatives, turning a family wedding into a funeral. The grieving family demands justice and adequate compensation, questioning the authority's accountability. Authorities have ordered a safety audit and arrested five individuals linked to the project.
A 25-year-old relative has been arrested within 24 hours for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a one-and-a-half-year-old girl in Dahisar. Rescued near a nullah, the child, who suffered serious injuries and underwent surgery, is recovering. Police have added stringent charges under BNS and POCSO Act. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is monitoring the case.
Mumbai witnessed 32 vehicle fires between January 2025 and mid-February 2026, with two recent incidents on the Western Express Highway causing traffic disruptions. Fire safety experts attribute these fires to electrical faults, often caused by rodents damaging wiring, and also mention issues with electric vehicle batteries as a significant concern.
Pune resident Subham Lonkar, a key associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is reportedly in Portugal, while Zeeshan Akhtar, involved in Baba Siddique's murder, is allegedly under protection in Pakistan. The gang's operations have evolved, with overseas handlers guiding shooters and recruiting local youths through social media.
A Ghatkopar businessman, Dhrumil Patel, has died from injuries sustained in a road accident. He was hit by a car allegedly driven by a 17-year-old boy. Patel's wife was also injured and is recovering. Police are investigating the incident. The minor driver and his father were arrested. Charges will be added to the FIR following Patel's death.

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