News for 'Maharashtra Times'

Thane Court Acquits Man In Kidnapping, Rape Case

Thane Court Acquits Man In Kidnapping, Rape Case

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Thane court acquitted a 27-year-old man in a kidnapping and rape case, citing the victim's adult status and voluntary accompaniment. The court emphasised the victim's capacity to make her own decisions, leading to the acquittal.

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led central government of playing 'dangerous games' with Punjab, alleging the misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI for political purposes.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway missing link to open on May 1; cuts travel by 30 mins

Mumbai-Pune Expressway missing link to open on May 1; cuts travel by 30 mins

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said the long-awaited 'missing link' on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, aimed at bypassing the winding Bhor Ghat section and improving safety, will be inaugurated on May 1.

GST growth slipped to five-year low of 5.6% in FY26

GST growth slipped to five-year low of 5.6% in FY26

Rediff.com4 May 2026

India's like-for-like gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue growth slowed to a five-year low of 5.57 per cent in FY26, reaching Rs 23.32 trillion, primarily driven by a significant surge in import revenues.

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A controversy has erupted over remarks made by Maharashtra MLA Vijay Wadettiwar regarding the shooting incident at an event attended by former US President Donald Trump. The BJP has demanded a condemnation from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Wadettiwar justified the incident and is hoping for a similar attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Self-Proclaimed Godman In Police Custody For Cheating

Self-Proclaimed Godman In Police Custody For Cheating

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A court in Nashik remanded self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat in police custody until May 4 in connection with a case of cheating a Pune-based businessman of over Rs 5 crore.

Inter-State Child Trafficking Ring Uncovered In Gujarat

Inter-State Child Trafficking Ring Uncovered In Gujarat

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Police in Gujarat have busted an inter-state child trafficking racket, arresting the kingpin from Telangana. The gang, known as the 'Murugan Gang,' allegedly trafficked newborn babies from multiple states, selling them at high prices. The investigation is ongoing to rescue the trafficked children.

Ralph Lauren Faces Heat Over Bandhani Skirt

Ralph Lauren Faces Heat Over Bandhani Skirt

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'It is disappointing that a craft, which is protected by the Geographical Indication Tag, Polo Ralph Lauren has turned it into a cheap wrap skirt, that too, printed.'

'Give priority to Hindus in jobs': Maha min flags 'corporate jihad'

'Give priority to Hindus in jobs': Maha min flags 'corporate jihad'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane sparks controversy by alleging 'corporate jihad' and urging companies to prioritise hiring Hindu candidates to combat perceived religious conversion efforts.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

Accused Acquitted In Rape Case Due To Age Discrepancy

Accused Acquitted In Rape Case Due To Age Discrepancy

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A special court in Thane acquitted a 28-year-old man accused of raping a minor, citing insufficient evidence regarding the victim's age and indications of a consensual relationship.

Congress pulls out of Baramati bypoll in favour of Sunetra Pawar

Congress pulls out of Baramati bypoll in favour of Sunetra Pawar

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Congress party has announced it will not contest the bypoll to the Baramati assembly seat out of respect for Ajit Pawar, whose death necessitated the election.

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Jhon Arokiasamy Scripts TVK's Stunning Rise

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Building a party from scratch and leading it to electoral success is an entirely different challenge.

West Bengal Off To A Flying Start At Rugby Sevens

West Bengal Off To A Flying Start At Rugby Sevens

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Defending champions West Bengal began strongly in the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship, securing decisive victories. Haryana also impressed, while Maharashtra recorded a massive win. The tournament progresses to the knockout stage.

Pune Rape-Murder: SIT Formed, CM Assures Fast Trial

Pune Rape-Murder: SIT Formed, CM Assures Fast Trial

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune district, Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured a fast-tracked trial and pushed for the death penalty for the accused, amid public outrage and protests.

MNLU Students Killed After Motorcycle Plunges Into Pit Near University

MNLU Students Killed After Motorcycle Plunges Into Pit Near University

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Two law students from Maharashtra National Law University (MNLU) died after their motorcycle crashed into a pit near the university. The accident occurred when the rider lost control of the speeding motorcycle.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Sent To Jail In Sexual Exploitation Case

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Sent To Jail In Sexual Exploitation Case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Self-proclaimed godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat has been remanded to judicial custody until May 12 in connection with an eighth case of sexual exploitation. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating a total of 12 cases of sexual exploitation and financial fraud registered against Kharat.

Worli Woman Criticises Parties' Apathy Towards Public

Worli Woman Criticises Parties' Apathy Towards Public

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The woman who confronted BJP workers during a protest in Mumbai's Worli area last month has criticised all political parties for disregarding the general public.

Why A Man In Palghar Killed A Mother And Daughter

Why A Man In Palghar Killed A Mother And Daughter

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

A 27-year-old man allegedly stabbed a woman and her daughter to death in Palghar district, Maharashtra, following a dispute over a marriage proposal. The accused then attempted suicide and is currently hospitalised.

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Unlike films that end with the underdog becoming winner and being sworn in at a public ceremony, Vijay's trial by fire is only about to begin, predicts Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has denied reports of a secret meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing the claims as false news.

Man Gets Life Sentence For Stabbing Neighbour To Death

Man Gets Life Sentence For Stabbing Neighbour To Death

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

A man in Thane, Maharashtra, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his neighbour, while his parents were acquitted due to lack of evidence.

NCW Addresses Obscene Video Circulation In Amravati

NCW Addresses Obscene Video Circulation In Amravati

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has voiced its concern over the circulation of obscene videos of young girls in Amravati, Maharashtra, and has directed authorities to remove the content from online platforms. The NCW is closely monitoring the case and has asked for regular progress reports.

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Syndrela Das Completes Double At Junior Table Tennis Nationals

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Syndrela Das won the U-19 singles title after securing the Under-17 singles crown at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships. Karnataka's Tanishka Kalbhairav and Himanshi Chowdhary won the U-19 doubles title, while West Bengal's Ankolika Chakraborty and Ahona Ray won the U-17 title.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary (Information and Publicity), Maharashtra, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and encouraged women journalists to embrace this technological shift to enhance their skills and drive positive change.

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

Court Denies Bail To TCS Employee In Conversion Case

Court Denies Bail To TCS Employee In Conversion Case

Rediff.com4 May 2026

A Nashik court denied pre-arrest bail to a TCS employee accused of sexual harassment and forcible conversion, citing a 'systematic plan' to brainwash the victim and send her to Malaysia. The court emphasised the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the root of the case, highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of the alleged offence.

Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal At Asha Bhosle's Funeral

Ranveer Singh, Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal At Asha Bhosle's Funeral

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

April 12 was the day music truly died, as Asha Bhosle passed into the ages at the age of 92.

Law Students Face Charges Over Ragging Allegations In Pune

Law Students Face Charges Over Ragging Allegations In Pune

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Police in Pune have registered a case against five law students for allegedly ragging a junior, following a complaint initially lodged with the college authorities in 2024. The FIR was filed after the complainant escalated the matter through the UGC's anti-ragging mechanism.

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A court in Nashik has declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Nida Khan, a key accused in the sexual harassment and religious coercion probe at a Tata Consultancy Services unit. The court has directed the Nashik Police and the complainant to file their formal responses to her anticipatory bail application.

Jacqueline Fernandez seeks to turn approver in Rs 200-cr fraud case

Jacqueline Fernandez seeks to turn approver in Rs 200-cr fraud case

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A Delhi court has sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate on Jacqueline Fernandez's plea to become an approver in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving Sukesh Chandrashekar.

Law Students Face Charges Over Pune Ragging Incident

Law Students Face Charges Over Pune Ragging Incident

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Five students from a law college in Pune have been booked for allegedly ragging a junior student. The FIR was registered after the complainant escalated the matter to the UGC following dissatisfaction with the college's initial investigation.

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If Trump doesn't like India, that is his choice. But to use such distasteful language on a public platform is deeply offensive and needs to be called out, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

How Police Cracked Interstate Cannabis Smuggling Ring

How Police Cracked Interstate Cannabis Smuggling Ring

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Madhya Pradesh Police dismantled an interstate cannabis smuggling syndicate, arresting six individuals from Odisha, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh after a 25,000 km investigation.

Delhi High Court Upholds AITA Elections Under Supervision

Delhi High Court Upholds AITA Elections Under Supervision

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Delhi High Court has validated the All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections held in September 2024, but stipulated that the elected body will operate as an interim arrangement under the supervision of a court-appointed Administrator.

How Hyderabad Police Plan To Combat Cyber Fraud

How Hyderabad Police Plan To Combat Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar has proposed a Joint Working Group with the RBI and banks to address the issue of mule bank accounts used in cyber fraud. The proposal follows 'Operation Octopus,' which exposed vulnerabilities in KYC verification. Sajjanar also recommended strict directives for banks to fix accountability and adopt advanced technology to detect suspicious transactions.

Priyanuj Bhattacharya, Ritvik Gupta Triumph At National Table Tennis

Priyanuj Bhattacharya, Ritvik Gupta Triumph At National Table Tennis

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Assam's Priyanuj Bhattacharya and J&K's Ritvik Gupta emerged victorious in the Under-19 and Under-17 Boys' Singles finals respectively at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships.