The Times of India

A Mumbai sessions court is set to deliver its verdict today in the 2021 murder case of Jhanvi Kukreja. Accused Shree Jogdhankar and Diya Padalkar face murder charges after Jhanvi was found dead with 48 injuries following a New Year's Eve party. The prosecution presented circumstantial evidence, including forensic reports and CCTV footage, to build its case.

Sunetra Pawar's appointment as deputy chief minister is a strategic move by senior NCP leaders to preemptively quell leadership speculation following her husband's passing. This decision, endorsed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to stabilize the political landscape before the potential merger of NCP factions, ensuring control amidst potential demands from Sharad Pawar's camp.

A Ghatkopar businessman was promised a Rs 200 crore interest-free loan. He was duped of Rs 11.50 crores by individuals claiming to have Rs 300 crore cash in a Bihar godown. The accused demanded money to redeem the cash. The businessman transferred funds but was defrauded. The accused disappeared, leaving the businessman with significant losses.

The Bombay High Court has quashed criminal proceedings under the MPID Act against developer Jagdish Ahuja and his associates. This decision followed an amicable settlement of a long-standing financial dispute between the developer and the complainant parties. The court found the dispute to be of a predominantly civil nature, and its continuation would not serve justice.

The Bombay High Court denied anticipatory bail to Sandeep alias Karan Arora, the prime accused in a 12.06 crore financial fraud case involving Tata Capital Finance Ltd. The court cited the seriousness of the allegations and the accused's extensive criminal history, including a fake invoicing racket and alleged VAT fraud in the UK, as reasons for the rejection.

A 46-year-old app cab driver suffered grievous injuries after falling over an exposed water pipeline during road repairs in Borivli East. The incident occurred due to a lack of safety precautions by the road contractor. The driver sustained a fracture and underwent spleen removal. Police have registered an FIR against four individuals and are investigating the matter further.

Bhojpuri actress Akanksha Awasthi and her husband Vivek Kumar alias Abhishek Kumar Singh Chauhan, have been booked by the Mumbai Police for allegedly cheating a Mumbai-based customs clearance agent of Rs 11.50 crore.

Pilot Sumit 'Bunny' Kapur, 62, died in a charter plane crash in Baramati alongside Maharashtra's deputy chief minister. Remembered for his warmth and professional precision with 20,000 flight hours, Kapur was a respected examiner. His family, preparing for a wedding, mourns the loss of the 'heart' of their close-knit household.

A 27-year-old man, Omkar Shinde, has been arrested for allegedly murdering a college teacher, Alok Kumar Singh, during an altercation on a local train at Malad station. Shinde reportedly stabbed Singh with a pair of tongs after being shoved and having his hair pulled. He was apprehended five days after the incident, having been unaware of the victim's death.

Mumbai welcomes a bright and sunny Friday with pleasant temperatures around 28C. While yesterday's air quality was poor (AQI 157), today's clear skies offer a refreshing change. Expect comfortable humidity and gentle breezes, perfect for outdoor activities. The week ahead promises similar mild weather, ideal for enjoying the city.

Low visibility initiated a series of events leading to the Learjet crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. CCTV footage revealed the aircraft abruptly rolled left and descended near-vertically, suggesting a loss of control at low altitude. Pilots had no time for recovery, with potential causes including engine failure or control surface issues.

Pilot Shambhavi Pathak, 25, was among five killed in a Learjet crash in Baramati. Her residence in Delhi's Safdarjung Enclave was filled with grief as relatives and neighbours mourned the loss of the lively and dedicated pilot. Pathak, who had a distinguished aviation career, was preparing for her wedding.

Flight attendant Pinky Mali, who died in a plane crash with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, was cremated in Dadar. Her father and husband expressed deep hurt over the lack of communication from the airline and government, demanding a thorough investigation. Neighbours remembered Pinky and her husband as a warm couple.