Mumbai this week: IIT student arrested in Darshan Solanki case; two rappers booked for songs ‘targeting politicians’

The Mumbai police last week registered an FIR against a rapper and called him in for questioning in connection with a his song ‘Janta bhongli keli (You made citizens naked)’, which went viral on social media. This is the second case in a week in which the police have booked a rapper, the first being lodged by the Ambernath police against another person on similar charges.

Why Sharad Pawar can’t be decoded through a narrow political prism

NCP president Sharad Pawar’s comments on the Adani row and his opposition to a probe by a joint parliamentary committee has created a flutter in the political corridors, but political parties cutting across ideological differences have been exercising caution in reacting to his statements.

Pawar, 82, is a shrewd, seasoned politician’s every word has its own meaning and far-reaching implications. But is it so easy to decode Pawar play?

CM’s Ayodhya trip another leap towards claiming Bal Thackeray’s legacy?

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Ayodhya tour seems to be a well-planned strategy of ally BJP to help the former wrest the Hindutva space that was once occupied by Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray. Promoting Shinde as the Hindutva leader in Maharashtra is an integral aspect of BJP’s goal as part of ‘Operation Lotus’ to decimate the Thackeray Sena at the grassroots across the state ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, remarked political pundits.

After Ashish Deshmukh’s ‘khokha’ remark on Nana Patole, Congress sees feud within ranks

In an indication of yet more fissures among the Opposition, Maharashtra Congress leader Ashish Deshmukh said his suspension will be revoked when he replies to a showcause notice served to him after he alleged that the state unit president Nana Patole accepted “Rs 1 crore monthly” from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Here is how contradictions within MVA pose greater threat to Oppn unity in state

Covid spike comes amid low stock at vaccination centres

Maharashtra has recorded 16 Covid-19 deaths in April so far, raising concerns among doctors over the uptick in the last few weeks. No Covid deaths were reported in the state in February. Experts said the state is likely to record more fatalities this month. Public vaccination centres in the city have been running low on stock since April 1, awaiting fresh consignment from the central government. Less than 15 per cent of the city’s population has taken the booster dose. Around 98 lakh people in Mumbai got two doses, according to official data.

Other important news this week:

1. Task forces to come up at wards to identify air pollution sources
2. Damaged pipelines, water cut leave Mumbaikars dependent on tankers
3. Which are the city’s 20 accident-prone blind spots identified by BMC?
4. Cracks found on Gateway of India but structure is fine: Govt
5. BMC starts demolition of illegal studios in Madh Island
6. Mumbai airport runways to remain shut for 6 hours on May 2
7. Soon, vehicles to be fined over poor quality of tyres on Nagpur-Mumbai expressway
8. Bombay High Court reserves order in succession row for Dawoodi Bohra’s leadership
9. Incessant rain to fall in ‘natural calamities’ category: State govt
10. Woman files complaint in court, seeks FIR against Prithvi Shaw, friend

Photo of the week:

Apple will soon open its first-ever retail store in India at BKC .
(Express photo by Pradip Das)

News to watch out for next week

1. The second joint rally ‘Vajramuth’ (iron fist) of Maha Vikas Aghadi will be held on April 14 in Amravati district.
2. Following fellow IIT student’s arrest, police hope to get clarity on what drove Darshan Solanki to die by suicide.
3. On April 11, a court is likely to pass an order on the anticipatory bail application of NCP leader Hasan Mushrif in connection with the case filed by the Enforcement Directorate.
4. On April 13, Mumbai police will produce Arman Khatri, the IIT student booked for the alleged abetment of suicide of student Darshan Solanki, for a hearing on his remand.

News from Mumbai: March 20-26

News from Mumbai: March 13-19

News from Mumbai: March 6-12