News for 'MAHARASHTRA'

Maha drought worsens, govt cancels leave for 11 departments

Maha drought worsens, govt cancels leave for 11 departments

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra government has cancelled leaves for employees across 11 departments involved in drought management to assess widespread crop damage, particularly affecting soybean. This follows the declaration of drought in 265 talukas and the announcement of relief measures. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule is on an assessment tour, facing protests from Congress workers demanding immediate farmer relief.

Top Maha poll official seeks more powers for EROs in SIR

Top Maha poll official seeks more powers for EROs in SIR

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer has formally requested the Election Commission to modify the ECINet software, seeking greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers in addressing over 2 crore voter discrepancies.

Bollywood's Sordid History With The Underworld

Bollywood's Sordid History With The Underworld

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sunday's shooting incident targeting Tiger Shroff have rekindled memories of the film industry's dark past, when crime syndicates like Dawood Ibrahim's D-Company and Abu Salem's gang exerted significant influence through extortion, violence, and money laundering.

Ranji Trophy: Spinners take 15 wickets in Bengal-Services clash; Badoni, Arya hit big tons

Ranji Trophy: Spinners take 15 wickets in Bengal-Services clash; Badoni, Arya hit big tons

Rediff.com6 days ago

Fifteen wickets fell as Bengal gained a narrow edge over Services in the Ranji Trophy, while Delhi piled up 648/6 against Gujarat with Ayush Badoni scoring 217.

Inter-State CDR Racket Busted By Mumbai Police, Two Constables Arrested

Inter-State CDR Racket Busted By Mumbai Police, Two Constables Arrested

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Mumbai Police have arrested five individuals, including two constables from Jharkhand and Bihar, for their involvement in an inter-state syndicate illegally procuring and supplying Call Detail Records (CDRs), Subscriber Detail Records (SDRs), and live location data. The racket was uncovered after the arrest of a suspect who impersonated a police officer to track lost phones using illegally sourced data.

Bombay HC to hear Imran Khan's plea against deportation on Oct 26

Bombay HC to hear Imran Khan's plea against deportation on Oct 26

Rediff.com6 days ago

Actor Imran Khan, a US citizen, has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging a police notice directing him to leave India by October 28. The notice was issued after he was briefly detained near a political protest. Khan claims he did not participate in the protest and that the notice is arbitrary. The High Court will hear the plea on October 26.

Sanjay Raut ready to apologise to SC over remarks

Sanjay Raut ready to apologise to SC over remarks

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated on Friday that he is prepared to apologise to the Supreme Court if his remarks were deemed inappropriate, emphasising his party's respect for the judiciary. His comments followed observations by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant regarding attempts to browbeat the judiciary. Raut also linked his apology to demands for justice concerning alleged electoral roll irregularities and the delayed hearing on the Shiv Sena name and symbol dispute.

Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam Review: Honest Film

Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam Review: Honest Film

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Avinash Arun's Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam emerges as a rare honest film in contemporary Bollywood, skillfully navigating the sensitive narrative of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab without succumbing to propaganda, observes Prasanna D Zore.

'Salman Khan Is The Main Target, Not Tiger'

'Salman Khan Is The Main Target, Not Tiger'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'This incident will send a wave of fear through the entire Bollywood community.'

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Maharashtra police dogs to spend retirement with their handlers

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Retired police dogs in Maharashtra will now be allowed to stay with the security force for life rather than being sent to adoptive homes, following a directive by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, officials said on Sunday.

Inter-State Operation Leads To Arrest Of Haryana Trio In Pune Thefts

Inter-State Operation Leads To Arrest Of Haryana Trio In Pune Thefts

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Pune Police have arrested three men from Haryana in connection with nine theft cases, recovering valuables worth Rs 23 lakh. The accused allegedly targeted crowded places during Ganeshotsav. The investigation involved police travelling 4,600 km across multiple states.

Modi govt waging war against citizens to protect Gyanesh: Dipke

Modi govt waging war against citizens to protect Gyanesh: Dipke

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke has launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi government, saying it is shielding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Brawl over girl wearing shorts at Maharashtra fort, 8 booked

Brawl over girl wearing shorts at Maharashtra fort, 8 booked

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Eight members of a right-wing organisation have been booked by Pune police for allegedly assaulting a man at Sinhagad Fort. The incident occurred after the group objected to the man's friend's young daughter wearing shorts, leading to a heated argument and subsequent assault. The group also reportedly engaged in moral policing with another couple.

'Not anti-social elements': HC backs students protesting MPSC exams

'Not anti-social elements': HC backs students protesting MPSC exams

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Bombay High Court affirmed the right of students to protest alleged malpractices in MPSC examinations, stating they are not anti-social elements. The court stressed the state's duty to ensure impartial exams and asked the government to submit a roadmap within three weeks, while also urging students to return to their studies.

How A Bank Manager's Refusal Led To Unearthing A Multi-Crore Cyber Fraud

How A Bank Manager's Refusal Led To Unearthing A Multi-Crore Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Kanpur police have uncovered a Rs 2.66-crore cyber fraud operation, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the identification of 89 bank accounts nationwide. The investigation began after a bank manager reported alleged fake complaints filed by one of the accused, Akhil Singh Chauhan, who was denied banking facilities. The fraud involved a fake investment scheme that targeted an exporter, with money routed through numerous mule accounts.

'When Nature Declares War On Farmers, Govt Must Open Its Vault'

'When Nature Declares War On Farmers, Govt Must Open Its Vault'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'The drought situation of Maharashtra is more severe than in 1972.'

Shiv Sena symbol row: Shinde faction defends EC decision in SC

Shiv Sena symbol row: Shinde faction defends EC decision in SC

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Eknath Shinde faction on Wednesday defended the Election Commission's decision to recognise it as the real Shiv Sena and allot it the bow-and-arrow symbol in the Supreme Court. Senior advocate N K Kaul argued that no subsequent Shiv Sena constitution was submitted to the EC after 2011 and emphasised the importance of inner-party democracy. The hearing, which also touched upon the timing of the EC's decision and the pendency of disqualification petitions, remained inconclusive and will continue on Thursday.

Amit Shah meets Punjab drug victims' families, seeks CBI probe into deaths

Amit Shah meets Punjab drug victims' families, seeks CBI probe into deaths

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday met the families of individuals who lost their lives due to drug-related issues in Punjab, saying he had never felt so deeply saddened in life as he did while meeting them and also called out the AAP government for failing to curb the menace.

Robbery Suspected In Palghar Woman's Murder

Robbery Suspected In Palghar Woman's Murder

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A 61-year-old woman, Shobha Anil Pandit, was found murdered in her Palghar apartment on Sunday morning. Police suspect robbery as the motive, with neighbours discovering the body after noticing a break in her routine. A forensic team is collecting evidence and CCTV footage is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Rahul Gandhi's Anti-BJP Battle Faces A New Challenge

Rahul Gandhi's Anti-BJP Battle Faces A New Challenge

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Unless the Congress stops seeing a CIA and RSS in everyone who disagrees with it, many well-meaning people will find it difficult to rub shoulders with Rahul Gandhi, notes M R Narayan Swamy.

Nagpur Woman Murdered By Lover Over Marriage Pressure

Nagpur Woman Murdered By Lover Over Marriage Pressure

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A 38-year-old married woman in Nagpur was allegedly murdered by her lover, Javed Sheikh Shahid Manyar, after an argument over marriage. The accused reportedly hit her on the head with a heavy object and inflicted burns on her body using a room heater before fleeing. He was later arrested from Jalgaon.

Nagpur Woman Murdered By Lover Over Marriage Pressure

Nagpur Woman Murdered By Lover Over Marriage Pressure

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A 38-year-old married woman in Nagpur was allegedly murdered by her lover, Javed Sheikh Shahid Manyar, after an argument over marriage. The accused reportedly hit her on the head with a heavy object and inflicted burns on her body using a room heater before fleeing. He was later arrested from Jalgaon.

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Maharashtra Government Embraces Indigenous AI For Digital Transformation

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved the deployment of sovereign artificial intelligence solutions from Sarvam AI for its departments, with a two-year outlay of Rs 11.26 crore. This initiative includes the Indus AI workspace for 2,500 users, ensuring government data remains within India, along with citizen outreach agents and speech models for the MahaAI platform.

Man Arrested After Stabbing Woman For Rejecting Advances In Nanded

Man Arrested After Stabbing Woman For Rejecting Advances In Nanded

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A 19-year-old woman in Nanded, Maharashtra, was seriously injured after being stabbed multiple times by a 21-year-old man for rejecting his advances. The accused, Rohit Pohare, had allegedly been pursuing her for two years. He has been arrested and charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and POCSO Act. The victim is reported to be stable.

How A Graphic Designer Masterminded A Rs 150 Crore Cyber Fraud

How A Graphic Designer Masterminded A Rs 150 Crore Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A graphic designer, Pankaj Gupta, was arrested by Mumbai Crime Branch for creating malicious Android Package Kit (APK) files that enabled cyber fraudsters to cheat over 9,600 people of Rs 150 crore. Gupta, who previously escaped a digital arrest scam, developed APKs disguised as government services, selling them to cybercriminal networks in Bihar and Jharkhand.

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has denied signing any bond preventing further protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, vowing to continue taking to the streets. He accused Delhi Police of illegal detention and mistreatment, including not allowing him to contact family after his grandmother's death on Saturday, and criticised the government's handling of protests and alleged police brutality.

400-500 persons booked for CJP protest at Shivaji Park

400-500 persons booked for CJP protest at Shivaji Park

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Mumbai police have registered an FIR against the organisers and 400-500 unidentified individuals involved in the Cockroach Janta Party's October 2 protest at Shivaji Park. The case cites unlawful assembly and wilful disobedience, stemming from a resident's complaint, with investigations ongoing and no arrests made yet.

Nana Patekar's helping hand made this village 'tanker-free'

Nana Patekar's helping hand made this village 'tanker-free'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Following the death of veteran actor Nana Patekar, a Maharashtra village, Dhondalgaon, recalls how his NAAM Foundation funded a water conservation project ten years ago, transforming it from a drought-prone area to a 'tanker-free' and economically thriving community. The project, which involved desilting barrages, boosted agriculture and dairy farming, and eliminated farmer suicides.

Governor Varma Champions Bamboo For Sustainable Growth

Governor Varma Champions Bamboo For Sustainable Growth

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has advocated for a bamboo-based economy to drive sustainable development, create rural livelihoods, and offer green alternatives to plastic. Speaking at a summit, he highlighted bamboo's crucial role in climate change mitigation, its potential to empower local communities, and its benefits for farmers.

Consensual Relationship, Not Rape: Thane Court Acquits Man

Consensual Relationship, Not Rape: Thane Court Acquits Man

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A Thane court has acquitted a 35-year-old man accused of rape under the pretext of marriage, ruling that the relationship was consensual. The court cited a Supreme Court precedent, noting that a promise of marriage made after the first sexual encounter does not constitute a false promise.

US returnee became 'lone wolf' after watching extremist videos: Maha ATS

US returnee became 'lone wolf' after watching extremist videos: Maha ATS

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Maharashtra ATS has filed a chargesheet against Zaib Ansari, a US returnee, for allegedly stabbing two security guards in Thane. The chargesheet states Ansari self-radicalised by watching extremist videos and was battling personal issues. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

PT Usha Advocates For Robust Sporting Ecosystem

PT Usha Advocates For Robust Sporting Ecosystem

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha has called for a stronger, athlete-centric sporting ecosystem, emphasising the need for robust federations, committed coaches, quality infrastructure, and effective sports science support. She highlighted that sporting excellence requires institutions that prioritise athletes and provide fair opportunities, while also congratulating recent Asian Games gold medallists.

Domestic Dispute Turns Fatal: Son Kills Father In Dombivli

Domestic Dispute Turns Fatal: Son Kills Father In Dombivli

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A 70-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death by his 32-year-old son in Dombivli, Thane district, following a domestic dispute. The incident occurred on Friday morning, and the son has been apprehended by police. A murder case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.

Actor Imran Khan asked to leave India days after taking part in protest

Actor Imran Khan asked to leave India days after taking part in protest

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American national, has been issued a notice by Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating immigration laws by participating in a political protest.

'Everyone Used To Call Me Mamata Banerjee!'

'Everyone Used To Call Me Mamata Banerjee!'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Questions give you courage, and they also give you answers. Sometimes those answers are uncomfortable, and sometimes they are comfortable.' 'You must be able to accept both in the same stride.'

Ankur Bhattacharjee, Diya Chitale Crowned National Table Tennis Champions

Ankur Bhattacharjee, Diya Chitale Crowned National Table Tennis Champions

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Ankur Bhattacharjee and Diya Chitale have won the men's and women's singles titles, respectively, at the second National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Panchkula. Bhattacharjee defeated Raegan Albuquerque in a hard-fought final, while Chitale overcame Syndrela Das. Priyanuj Bhattacharyya and Divyanshi Bhowmick also secured U-19 titles.

Latur Police Appeal To Minor Victims In School Founder Sexual Harassment Case

Latur Police Appeal To Minor Victims In School Founder Sexual Harassment Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Police in Latur, Maharashtra, have appealed to minor girl students who may have been sexually harassed by the founder of Adarsh International School, Bashir Usman Shaikh, to come forward. Shaikh was arrested on Wednesday under the POCSO Act, and authorities assure protection and confidentiality for victims.

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Maharashtra ends mandatory service bond for MBBS graduates

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has abolished the mandatory one-year service bond for MBBS students, citing an "inverse ratio" of available positions to graduating candidates. This decision benefits graduates from various medical colleges, exempting most from the bond, though those who have already joined their postings must complete it. The move aims to ease postgraduate admission difficulties and address issues of competency and motivation in bond service, a decision welcomed by the Maharashtra Association for Resident Doctors (MARD).

'Does India Belong to Gyanesh Kumar's Father?'

'Does India Belong to Gyanesh Kumar's Father?'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Amid sweltering October heat in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray turns up the heat against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, hinting obliquely about Nuremberg-like trials once the wheels of electoral fortune change.

Eight Pune students on picnic drown off Maha's Diveagar beach

Eight Pune students on picnic drown off Maha's Diveagar beach

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Eight students from a Pune-based coaching class drowned in the Arabian Sea off Diveagar beach in Maharashtra's Raigad district during a picnic. The incident, which saw all bodies recovered, has led to criticism from a local MLA regarding inadequate safety measures and the need for better guidance for young visitors at popular tourist spots.