Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against gangs involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of gutka and other banned tobacco products. This move aims to treat such activities as serious organised crimes affecting public health, rather than mere regulatory violations, due to the sophisticated nature of the illegal trade.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against gangs involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of gutka and other banned tobacco products. This move aims to treat such activities as serious organised crimes affecting public health, rather than mere regulatory violations, due to the sophisticated nature of the illegal trade.
Mumbai Police conducted a two-day anti-narcotics operation, seizing drugs worth Rs 15.87 crore, arresting 21 absconding accused, and registering 72 cases. The drive, part of the 'Drug-Free Mumbai' and 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' campaigns, also saw the invocation of MCOCA against a drug syndicate and the demolition of illegal structures.
A 22-year-old accused, Balaji Shinde, booked under MCOCA for a theft case, attempted suicide in a police lockup in Beed, Maharashtra, by making a noose from blanket threads. Alert police personnel foiled the attempt, and Shinde is now stable and receiving medical treatment.
A Delhi court rejected the bail plea of Hariom, accused under the stringent MCOCA, stating that prolonged incarceration alone is not sufficient grounds for bail under special laws. The court emphasised balancing individual liberty with societal protection and legislative objectives.
The Maharashtra government has issued a circular directing authorities to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals, gangs, and organisations repeatedly involved in cattle smuggling.
The Supreme Court, hearing pleas on the Shiv Sena split, observed that a political party retains control over its legislature wing and its valid decisions must prevail, but also advocated for granting 'elbow room' to elected representatives for political decisions if a majority 'genuinely disagree' with party directions.
Ganesh mandals in Mumbai have requested the Maharashtra government to clarify the implementation of a recent Bombay High Court order on noise pollution during immersion processions. The order mandates a Rs 1 lakh security deposit and legal action for violations, causing confusion among organisers as the festival concludes.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of popular Mumbai restaurant Cafe Mondegar and three other food establishments due to serious food safety and hygiene violations. This action is part of an intensified crackdown by the FDA, which also saw inspections of 38 establishments, seizure of substandard food products worth over Rs 15 lakh, and action against banned gutkha products totalling Rs 1.35 crore in seized goods and vehicles across Maharashtra.
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.
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.
The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026 in Maharashtra has been postponed following a raid in Bhiwandi, Thane, where individuals were found with questions matching the actual exam paper. The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) confirmed the breach and initiated a thorough investigation, registering a criminal case. The postponement aims to ensure transparency and allow law enforcement to probe the malpractice racket.
Delhi Police has invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against an alleged multi-state crime syndicate led by Nasir Hafiz Khan, who is accused of numerous robberies and cheating cases. The action follows an investigation into a 2025 robbery, revealing Khan's extensive criminal history and previous MCOCA booking.
Venu Srinivasan, a trustee and Tata Sons nominee director, has requested a regulatory inquiry into the governance of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, one of the charitable entities controlling 66 per cent of Tata Sons, citing concerns over trustee appointments and the trusts' involvement in commercial affairs.
Police in Latur, India, have registered seven cases related to noise pollution against organisers of Ambedkar Jayanti processions for violating noise pollution norms.
Police have granted permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune, but with 30 stringent conditions, including prohibitions on 'objectionable' banners and directives to avoid hurting religious sentiments.
The Maharashtra government is considering invoking the stringent MCOCA law against those accused in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) question paper leak case. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse informed the assembly that three arrests have been made, and a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter. The government also plans to form a committee to explore online modes for conducting state-level examinations to prevent future leaks.
Police in Navi Mumbai have arrested four individuals, including a jeweller, and invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in connection with three chain-snatching incidents.
Holding that it was not the Centre alone, but states also have the power to enact laws to tackle insurgency, the Supreme Court upheld the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act.
An accused in the devastating 2011 Mumbai serial bomb blasts has been granted bail by a special MCOCA court, primarily due to his prolonged incarceration of nearly 15 years and the principle of parity with co-accused.
Police in Beed, Maharashtra, arrested a wanted gang leader, Ashish Shayamrao Athawale, after he allegedly opened fire inside a beer shop. Athawale, who was wanted under MCOCA, was apprehended after a chase through the city.
A BJP leader claims that the TMC in West Bengal is heading towards a split similar to the one witnessed in Maharashtra, citing internal contradictions and growing dissatisfaction among leaders.
Over 130 Indian nationals, including Kailash Manasarovar Yatra pilgrims and tourists, are missing or stranded in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have cut off central districts and disrupted communication links. Indian states and the embassy in Kathmandu have launched helplines to assist those affected.
A Thane court acquitted two men accused of robbery under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), citing a lack of substantial evidence linking them to the crime.
The Maharashtra government has constituted a high-level committee to address road repairs, traffic congestion and management issues in the rapidly expanding Chakan industrial belt in Pune district, and set up a mechanism for time-bound redressal of industrial grievances.
Delhi Police have arrested Kusum, an alleged kingpin of a multi-state drug syndicate, under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Kusum had been absconding and was declared a proclaimed offender in connection with an NDPS case.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has conducted a nationwide crackdown on wildlife trafficking, seizing over 440 endangered animals and 15 kg of ivory, and arresting 33 individuals involved in organised crime syndicates.
A stray dog bit at least 40 people in Kaij town, Beed district, Maharashtra, leading to a rush for anti-rabies vaccinations and heightened concerns about stray animal control.
Delhi Police's Crime Branch has arrested two alleged members of the Tillu Tajpuria gang, Vishal Pandit and Deepanshu, in Outer Delhi. The arrests, which included the seizure of illegal firearms and a car, revealed their involvement in gathering intelligence on the rival Gogi gang and their connection to the ongoing gang war, intensified by Tillu Tajpuria's killing in Tihar jail.
Mumbai police have filed a 1624-page chargesheet against 17 accused in connection with the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence. The chargesheet was presented in a special MCOCA court, detailing the involvement of 15 arrested individuals and two wanted suspects linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Jailed gangster Ravi Pujari has been arrested by Thane Police in connection with a 2017 extortion and firing case. He was produced before a special MCOCA court and remanded in police custody until March 27.
A key accused in the Rohit Shetty house firing case has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh, bringing the total number of arrests to 14. The arrest was made with the assistance of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force.
A special court in Mumbai has denied bail to an accused in the Baba Siddique murder case, citing his role in harbouring the shooters as supported by evidence. The court noted his involvement in the organised crime syndicate and conspiracy related to the murder.
Mumbai police have filed a chargesheet against 17 accused in the Rohit Shetty house firing case, revealing the motive was to establish gang supremacy.
A history-sheeter, wanted in connection with a 2023 attempted murder and extortion case involving an organised crime syndicate, was arrested at Mumbai's international airport after arriving from Dubai.
The West Bengal government plans to introduce two new bills in the Assembly to address public disorder, vandalism, and attacks on police and public servants. One bill will amend the existing Public Order Act, 1972, while the other, titled the Public Safety Control and Anti-Social Activity Bill, will comprehensively strengthen public safety measures. These legislative changes aim to curb incidents of violence and allow for compensation recovery from offenders.
Why the industry's public position changed is difficult to say. What the developments did establish, though, is that ethanol-blended petrol has become one of the country's most politically and commercially sensitive policy issues.
A Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against Sukesh Chandrashekar and 20 others under MCOCA and other offences related to extortion and organised crime.
A Delhi court has ordered the framing of charges against actress Jacqueline Fernandez, Sukesh Chandrashekhar, and others in connection with a Rs 200-crore money laundering case. The court also ordered charges against Chandrashekhar and others for offences including those under MCOCA in a separate case.
The Mumbai Police have requested the custody of gangster Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, who was arrested by the NIA after being deported from the US. He is wanted in connection with several major crimes in Mumbai, including the killing of an NCP leader and a firing incident outside actor Salman Khan's residence.
