Nagpur: In a major relief for farmers, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Revenue Department to waive the registration fee for documents related to the partition of agricultural land. The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting.

Until now, the registration fee for both agricultural and non-agricultural property transactions was uniform — 1% of the total value, with a cap of Rs. 30,000. While the stamp duty for agricultural land was nominal at Rs. 100, farmers still had to pay the registration fee. This led many to avoid registering such documents, which often resulted in legal disputes.

With the new policy, the economic burden on farmers will be reduced, and legal clarity on land ownership within families will be enhanced. Proper documentation through legal registration is expected to prevent future conflicts over land ownership.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule discussed the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, highlighting how the existing fees discouraged farmers from registering land partition documents. He emphasized that legal disputes over unregistered documents had caused unnecessary financial and mental stress to farmers and their families.

In line with Section 85 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, the government has now officially waived the registration fee for such documents. This move is expected to increase the number of registered land partition deeds and reduce disputes related to agricultural land usage.

Though the state government estimates a revenue loss of Rs. 35–40 crore annually due to this waiver, it considers the decision necessary to protect the interests of farmers and promote legal clarity in land ownership.

“This decision removes the financial burden of registration from farmers and will accelerate the process of land partition documentation,” said Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

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Nagpur: The Second Capital of Maharashtra and one of India’s fastest-growing metropolises, Nagpur is currently witnessing rapid infrastructure development. From large-scale urban projects to the upgrading of transportation systems, the city is undergoing a transformative phase. Key hubs like Nagpur Railway Station and the upcoming international airport are being modernized to meet the demands of the future.

Amidst this wave of development, a renewed call has been made to honour Nagpur’s historical legacy. Raje Mudhoji Bhosale, a descendant of the Bhonsle royal family, has formally requested the Central Government to rename the Nagpur Railway Station after the Maratha warrior king Raje Raghuji Maharaj Bhosale-I, founder of the Nagpur kingdom and a pivotal figure in the expansion of Hindavi Swarajya.

A letter to the Prime Minister

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Raje Mudhoji Bhosale highlighted the contributions of the Maratha kings to Indian history, particularly that of Raje Raghuji Maharaj Bhosale-I, who established and expanded the Nagpur kingdom.

“The entire nation reveres the Maratha kings – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj — who laid the foundation of Hindavi Swarajya. Continuing their legacy, Raje Raghuji Maharaj Bhosale-I played a crucial role in spreading the ideals of self-rule. His dominion once extended over 2,17,560 sq. km, covering present-day Odisha, Bihar, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gondwana, and Maharashtra,” the letter states.

Calling him a “valiant Hindu warrior whose name struck fear across the subcontinent,” Bhosale urged that such a heroic figure be honoured by naming the Nagpur Railway Station after him.

A long-standing demand

This is not the first time such a request has been made. For years, various community groups and citizens have urged authorities to rename Nagpur Railway Station in honour of historical and cultural icons. The demand, however, has gained renewed momentum with Bhosale’s appeal.

Copies of the letter have also been sent to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and senior railway officials. Supporters hope the Ministry of Railways will consider the proposal positively.

As Nagpur strides forward with modernization, the city’s royal descendants and historians seek to ensure its rich past is not forgotten — even as it embraces the future.

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Nagpur: In a significant move aimed at boosting exports from MIHAN (Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur) and attracting entrepreneurs, the Maharashtra government under Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced tax relief for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export-Oriented Units (EOUs).

Under the new policy, SEZs and EOUs will now be included in the RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products) scheme, which provides subsidies ranging from 1% to 4% based on product categories. The decision will be implemented from June 1.

Until now, SEZs and EOUs were excluded from the benefits under RoDTEP. With this inclusion, products exported from these units will now be eligible for duty and tax remission benefits, bringing much-needed relief and incentives to exporters operating in these zones.

The move is part of the central government’s ongoing efforts to enhance India’s competitiveness in global markets. Previously, SEZs and EOUs were left out of the RoDTEP framework, which was launched on January 1, 2021, in alignment with WTO norms to promote transparency and efficiency via a comprehensive end-to-end digital platform.

The decision follows recommendations by key industry bodies, including the Export Promotion Council, MIHAN Industries Association, ASSOCHAM, and FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organizations), which had been lobbying for the inclusion of SEZs and EOUs under the RoDTEP benefits.

With this development, a level playing field is expected for all exporters across various sectors, giving a much-needed push to India’s export economy.

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Nagpur: In a major success, the highway police in Nagpur district seized ₹60 lakh in unaccounted cash from a car near Pardi (Heti) on Thursday evening. The vehicle, a Tata Harrier, was en route from Bhopal to Raipur and was found to be carrying four youths—all under the influence of alcohol.

The operation was carried out at the Patansawangi Highway Assistance Centre, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Saoner Police Station.

Acting on a tip-off, Assistant Police Inspector Suhasini Sahasrabuddhe and her team increased surveillance along the Bhopal-Nagpur highway. They intercepted the suspicious vehicle bearing registration number CG 24 P 4773.

During questioning, the driver was found to be intoxicated, and the three other occupants were also reportedly drunk. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of ₹60 lakh in cash.

Following the discovery, the youths began making frequent calls from their mobile phones, raising further suspicion. Preliminary investigations indicate that the group had started from Bhopal and was headed to Raipur.

Sources suggest that the detained individuals may have connections to a chief minister from another state and a well-known spiritual leader. However, the origin of the cash and its intended recipient remain unclear and will be determined through an ongoing investigation by the Saoner Police.

The operation was reported to Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Anil Maske. The swift action and presence of mind shown by API Sahasrabuddhe and her team prevented the illegal transfer of a large sum of money.

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Nagpur/New Delhi: A 43-year-old woman from Nagpur, Sunita Jamgade, who had illegally crossed the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier this month, has been arrested by the Maharashtra Police under the Official Secrets Act. Authorities are now investigating possible espionage links, suspicious digital activity, and her connections with individuals in Pakistan.

Jamgade was repatriated by Pakistani authorities via the Attari-Wagah border on May 25 after she had been missing for nine days. Upon return, she was detained by Amritsar Police, and a Nagpur Police team later took her into custody. She was brought back to Nagpur late Wednesday night and formally arrested early Thursday morning after receiving court approval from Magistrate A.U. Mote, who issued the arrest order from his residence past midnight.

Arrest at New Delhi Railway Station

Sunita Jamgade, a former nurse, was detained upon arrival at New Delhi Railway Station before dawn. She was placed under CCTV surveillance at the Pardi Police Station and has been remanded in police custody until June 2.

Suspicious Connections with Pakistani Nationals

Police suspect she had been in contact with individuals in Pakistan for several months. Investigators are specifically examining her relationship with two individuals identified as Zulfiqar and a pastor in Pakistan. Authorities are trying to determine whether she shared sensitive information with them and are treating the case as a potential breach of national security.

Left Son Behind to Cross LoC

According to police, Jamgade left Nagpur on May 4 with her 13-year-old son and traveled to Kargil. On May 14, she went to Hunderman village, located near the LoC—the last Indian settlement before the border. There, she reportedly left her son at a hotel and crossed into PoK. She remained untraceable until May 23, when Pakistani Rangers handed her back to Indian authorities.

Claims of Job Search and Desire to Return to Pakistan

During interrogation, Jamgade initially claimed she crossed the border to find employment in a hospital in Pakistan to earn money and return to Nagpur. However, police officials report that she has repeatedly changed her statements. She is now reportedly saying that she wishes to return to Pakistan after securing bail.

Formatted Phone, Suspicious App Discovered

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5), Niketan Kadam, stated that Jamgade’s mobile phone was recovered, but it had been factory reset. A suspicious app was still installed on the device, prompting further concern. Forensic experts are now attempting to retrieve deleted data, and authorities are investigating whether spyware was installed on the device.

Ongoing Investigation into SIM Activity and Mental Health History

Investigators are also probing whether Jamgade had visited the Regional Mental Hospital on May 2, and are analyzing the activity of her SIM card before and during her disappearance. All angles, including psychological and digital, are under scrutiny.

The case continues to unfold as authorities work to determine whether this was a case of espionage, mental instability, or something else entirely.

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Nagpur: Even after being arrested for illegally crossing the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan, Sunita Jamgade, a 43-year-old former nurse from Nagpur, remains defiant. During interrogation on Thursday, she reportedly told investigators that she plans to visit Pakistan again after securing bail.

Police sources revealed that Sunita, who spent nine days across the border before being repatriated, appears emboldened rather than remorseful. Investigators say she has been altering her narrative repeatedly, raising suspicions that she may be trying to mislead the probe.

Described as adventurous and determined, Sunita previously travelled to Nepal and claimed she enjoyed foreign travel — but Pakistan, she told officials, had always been her “dream destination.”

Sunita’s checkered past includes a variety of short-term jobs in Mumbai and Nagpur. After a failed attempt to break into the acting industry in Mumbai, she returned to her nursing career to support her son’s education. She also briefly worked with a real estate firm. Separated from her husband since 2014, Sunita joined a matrimonial platform in 2018, through which she met a gem and jewellery businessman from Wardhaman Nagar who introduced her to the jewellery trade.

Her aspirations took a dramatic turn when she began chatting with a Pakistani Instagram user, @Zulfi_Anshul, who expressed interest in collaborating with her on a jewellery business venture. According to officials, this online friendship became the catalyst for her audacious plan to enter Pakistan.

On May 14, Sunita successfully crossed into Pakistani territory via Hundermaan, a remote hamlet near Kargil. She told police she was seeking employment at a hospital there, hoping to earn enough money to return to Nagpur with her son. During the perilous journey, she relied heavily on Google Maps for navigation and hitchhiked between locations. With little money, she joined langars and sought free food services, and frequently requested internet hotspots to access information online.

Disturbingly, police said that her son, who accompanied her initially, was left behind cold, starving, and with a nosebleed — a grim detail that has raised further concerns about her mental state and motives.

In Kargil, she stayed in a hotel despite being unable to pay the bills, assuring the owners that she would soon find a job. Security agencies are still probing the nature of her contact with the Pakistani individual and whether any larger motive was involved in her border-crossing act.

Authorities are not ruling out the possibility that her statements are part of a deliberate attempt to obscure the real reason for her entry into Pakistan. Investigations are ongoing.

Jamgade was taken into custody before sunrise on Thursday after arriving by train from New Delhi. Judicial approval was granted shortly after midnight by Magistrate A U Mote, who allowed police to place her under CCTV surveillance at Pardi police station. She is in police remand until June 2 under charges that include violation of the Official Secrets Act.

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Nagpur: Just a stone’s throw from the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) — a lifeline for patients from across Central India — Medical Square in Nagpur has once again exposed the city’s shocking lack of traffic management. What unfolded on Thursday evening wasn’t just a routine jam; it was a three-hour urban chokehold that put lives on the line.

From 5 pm to 8 pm, Medical Square, where six arterial roads converge, was reduced to a noisy, chaotic sprawl of honking horns, idling engines, and helpless commuters. In the heart of this urban paralysis were 10 to 12 ambulances, many of them likely ferrying critically ill patients to GMCH and nearby hospitals. Trapped in the congestion alongside them were at least 25 private long-distance buses and a flood of personal vehicles — all victims of official apathy.

The problem wasn’t just the volume of traffic. The complete absence of traffic police for over two hours turned a bad situation into a dangerous one. By the time they arrived, the damage had been done — delays, tempers flaring, and perhaps lives put at risk.

To make matters worse, adjacent roads leading from Reshimbagh Square to Baidyanath Square and Ashok Square to Medical Square were also clogged, creating a spillover of congestion that crippled movement across the entire stretch.

It is shocking that such a critical junction near one of the region’s largest hospitals has been allowed to spiral into a daily traffic hell. Patients rushing for emergency care shouldn’t be at the mercy of indifferent planning and absent enforcement. This isn’t just about traffic — it’s about priorities. In a city aspiring to be a Smart City, Medical Square remains a glaring example of what happens when civic responsibility takes a back seat.

The question now is: Will the authorities wake up before another life is caught — and possibly lost — in the gridlock?

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Nagpur: In a city grappling with the environmental consequences of rapid urbanization, a promising incentive by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to promote sustainable construction has found no takers. Despite announcing a 20% property tax rebate for certified green buildings in its 2025–26 budget, not a single such project is under construction, according to civic sources.

This apathy from the construction industry is glaring, especially at a time when climate change and environmental degradation demand urgent, practical responses. The NMC had also offered additional Floor Space Index (FSI) to builders opting for green buildings — a move meant to offset the higher upfront costs of eco-friendly construction. Yet, even reputed developers with large-scale residential and commercial projects in the pipeline have shown no interest in the green initiative.

Environmental experts and civic officials are dismayed. “The city is already buckling under the environmental pressure of unchecked construction. Despite multiple incentives, the builders are simply not prioritizing sustainability,” said an NMC official familiar with the scheme.

Green buildings are designed to reduce energy consumption, conserve water, and improve indoor air quality, and are certified by bodies such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). In fact, prior to 2020, developers opting for green norms received discounts on building premiums — a benefit now replaced by additional FSI and the newly introduced tax rebate.

So, what’s stopping the builders?

Sources in the real estate sector admit that the high initial cost of green technologies and the complex documentation and approval process are major deterrents. “Builders prefer quicker returns and fewer bureaucratic hurdles,” said a veteran construction consultant. “Green building norms require meticulous planning, third-party certification, and strict monitoring — all of which slow down project timelines.”

Moreover, the lack of awareness and technical expertise among smaller builders is also hampering adoption. Many are unaware of the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, both for developers and occupants.

Urban planners warn that unless the NMC enforces stronger regulations or launches an aggressive awareness campaign, the green building initiative will remain on paper. “Incentives are not enough. There needs to be accountability. We can’t afford to continue building the old way in an era of climate crisis,” said a senior architect from the city.

As Nagpur expands and more concrete replaces green cover, the absence of eco-conscious construction raises troubling questions about the city’s readiness to face a changing climate — and the construction industry’s willingness to be part of the solution.

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Nagpur: In a historic moment for the legal community of Nagpur, Justice Atul S. Chandurkar was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on Friday, becoming the eighth jurist from the city to reach the apex court. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud at a ceremonial function in New Delhi.

What makes the occasion even more remarkable is that for the first time, two sitting Supreme Court judges hail from Nagpur — Justice Chandurkar joins CJI Bhushan Gavai, who also traces his roots to the Orange City.

The elevation of Justice Chandurkar was part of a fresh round of appointments to the top court. On Thursday, the Union Government officially notified the appointments of three new judges following President Droupadi Murmu’s approval of the Supreme Court collegium’s recommendations made on May 26. The other two appointees are Justice N.V. Anjaria, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, and Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal confirmed the appointments on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint…”

Born on April 7, 1965, Justice Chandurkar began his legal career in 1988. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court on June 21, 2013, and has since presided over several significant civil and constitutional matters. His elevation comes at a time when representation from the Bombay High Court had dwindled following the recent retirement of Justice A.S. Oka.

Eighth Judge from Nagpur to join Apex Court

Notably, Justice Atul Chandurkar becomes the 8th judge from Nagpur to be elevated to Supreme Court. Justice Vivian Bose was the first from Nagpur to be elevated to Supreme Court. He worked at Supreme Court between March 5, 1951 to June 8, 1956. Justice M Hidayatullah was the second from Nagpur who was elevated to Supreme Court in 1958. He later on became Chief Justice of India in 1968. Justice M Hidayatullah rose to became Vice President of India in 1979 and worked as Acting President of India in 1982 as the then President V V Giri had resigned for contesting elections. Justice Janardan Mudholkar was the next in line from Nagpur to become Supreme Court judge and held that post from 1960 to 1966.

Justice A P Sen was another Nagpurian who was elevated as Supreme Court judge in 1978. Justice Vikas Sirpurkar was elevated in 2007 followed by Justice Sharad Bobade who became Chief Justice of India. Similarly, Justice Bhushan Gavai who recently took oath as Chief Justice of India was the seventh in line. Till Justice Gavai, Nagpurians had given three Chief Justices of India. Justice Prasanna Warale though was not from Nagpur but he spent longest term in Nagpur as Judge of Bombay High Court and later elevated to Supreme Court.

Justice A S Chandurkar is the eighth one from Nagpur to be elevated to Supreme Court. Justice Chandurkar currently serves as a judge of the Bombay High Court. He was first appointed as an Additional Judge of the High Court on June 21, 2013.

This legacy not only underscores Nagpur’s enduring contribution to the Indian judiciary but also highlights its growing significance as a nurturing ground for top legal minds.

Justice Chandurkar’s elevation is expected to restore Bombay High Court’s representation in the top court after Justice Gavai’s retirement later this year. If no further elevation takes place by then, he may remain the sole Supreme Court judge from the Bombay High Court.

The city’s legal circles have expressed immense pride over this milestone, calling it a moment of inspiration for the younger generation of lawyers in Vidarbha and beyond.

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Nagpur: The southwest monsoon has begun making inroads into Vidarbha, with its first showers recorded in isolated pockets of Gadchiroli district, particularly in Sironcha and Aheri, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Nagpur. However, a full-scale advance across the region remains pending, leaving most parts of Vidarbha dry and waiting.

Nagpur city received 23.6 mm of rainfall on Wednesday, followed by light drizzle in some areas on Thursday. But the relief was short-lived, as daytime temperatures climbed by 1.9°C to reach a scorching 37.8°C—typical during the mild phase of Nautapa, the nine-day period traditionally associated with intense heat.

Dr Praveen Kumar, scientist at RMC, confirmed that while monsoon activity has initiated in limited areas, broader conditions needed for its progression are still developing. “Rainfall will remain sporadic and light over the next four to five days, largely driven by local weather dynamics rather than monsoonal flow,” he said.

He also warned of a steady rise in humidity, which is expected to add to the discomfort over the next few days.

Dr Kumar advised farmers to postpone sowing activities until further updates are issued through official agricultural bulletins, stressing that the monsoon is yet to stabilize across the region.

As Vidarbha anxiously awaits more widespread rainfall, weather authorities continue to monitor the evolving conditions that will determine the pace of the monsoon’s advance.

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Nagpur: In a major breakthrough against inter-state narcotics smuggling, the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Nagpur have arrested a 49-year-old man from Koraput, Odisha, in connection with an abandoned consignment of ganja discovered on board the Gondwana Express last month.

The seizure occurred on April 11 during a routine inspection of train number 12409, Gondwana Express. GRP personnel, while checking one of the general coaches, found an unclaimed blue bag. Upon opening it, they discovered 8.550 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth Rs 1.28 lakh in the illegal market. A basic mobile phone was also recovered from the same bag, which later proved to be the crucial lead in cracking the case.

Treating the seizure as a case of organized smuggling, GRP officials registered an FIR and launched a digital trail investigation using the mobile phone’s Call Detail Records (CDR), Subscriber Details Record (SDR), and location data. The probe led the team to Koraput, a known hub for ganja cultivation and trafficking.

A dedicated GRP team was sent to Odisha and successfully apprehended the suspect — identified as Dawari Krishna Veerprakash Sharma — who later confessed to transporting the contraband via the Gondwana Express.

The operation was spearheaded by Superintendent of Police (GRP) Mangesh Shinde, with strategic oversight from Additional SP Dattaram Rathod, SDPO Pandurang Sonawane, and In-charge Officer Gaurav Gawande.

The arrest team included API Neelam Dongre, Head Constable Pushparaj Mishra, and constables Sanjay Patle, Kishore Ishwar, Azhar Ali, and Roshan Mogre.

Following the arrest, GRP has intensified its efforts to trace the wider network behind the inter-state drug trafficking syndicate. Investigators believe Sharma may be a small link in a larger smuggling operation that utilizes railway routes to ferry ganja from the eastern states to other parts of the country.

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Nagpur: Once celebrated as one of the finest public gardens in the city, Ambazari Garden — a cherished retreat for both children and the elderly — now stands as a shadow of its former self. What was once a lively and green haven has fallen into a state of utter neglect, leaving regular visitors deeply disappointed.

Located near the picturesque Ambazari Lake, the garden was once a hotspot for family outings, school picnics, and evening walks. However, due to poor maintenance and safety concerns, it was briefly closed to the public some time ago. Following persistent appeals from concerned citizens, authorities eventually reopened the garden — but with barely any improvements made.

Today, visitors are greeted not with lush lawns and cheerful laughter, but with broken swings, damaged slides, and rusted play equipment. The steps and walking tracks show signs of disrepair, and benches meant for senior citizens are cracked or missing. Children no longer play freely, as many of the play areas have become safety hazards.

“We were relieved when the garden was reopened, hoping things would be better,” said a local resident. “But sadly, nothing has changed. It’s painful to see such an iconic place in ruins.”

Despite being open again, the management of the garden has shown little to no initiative in addressing its deteriorating condition. There is no evidence of recent repair work, and cleanliness remains a concern. Residents point out that this garden is more than just a recreational space — it’s a vital part of the city’s social and environmental landscape.

Many feel that the Ambazari Garden deserves more respect and attention from civic authorities. “This was once Nagpur’s pride,” said a retired teacher who has been visiting the park for over two decades. “It’s high time the administration restores it to its former glory.”

Until then, the once-vibrant Ambazari Garden remains a silent reminder of what happens when heritage and public spaces are left to decay.

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Nagpur: A major financial fraud has been unearthed at the Indora-based Utthan Nagari Cooperative Credit Society in Nagpur, where crores of rupees collected from investors have allegedly been siphoned off. The police have booked 21 individuals, including the society’s Chairman and 20 directors, in connection with the Rs 4.5 crore scam.

The action follows a complaint filed by Special Auditor Narayan Gadhekar, who investigated the society’s finances between 2019 and 2023. According to his findings, the society had accepted large sums from ordinary citizens under fixed deposit (FD) and savings schemes, promising returns as per cooperative norms. However, investors claim they never received their money back.

The accused, including Chairman Mahendra Janardhan Raut and the entire Board of Directors, allegedly gained the trust of the public through agents, collected deposits, and misused the funds for personal gain rather than organizational purposes.

When the returns failed to materialize, several investors raised complaints with the authorities. In response, a detailed probe by the Special Auditor revealed glaring irregularities and misappropriation of funds.

Police have now launched a full-fledged investigation and are in the process of gathering crucial documents and evidence. Given the scale of the fraud, legal proceedings have been fast-tracked.

The revelation has triggered panic and anger among depositors, many of whom fear losing their life savings. Investors have demanded that strict action be taken against the accused and that steps be initiated to recover and return their deposits.

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Nagpur: A domestic feud turned deadly in the Bhimnagar area of Nagpur under the jurisdiction of MIDC Police Station, where a man allegedly strangled his estranged wife to death and tried to cover up the crime by claiming she had suffered a heart attack. The accused is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt to trace him.

The victim has been identified as Sheetal Johnson Mandpe, 39, while the accused is her husband, Johnson Prahlad Mandpe, 41. The couple, who have two children, had reportedly been living separately for the past seven years due to ongoing marital discord.

According to police sources, the incident occurred on the night of May 21. The next morning, Johnson informed neighbours and relatives that his wife had died of a heart attack. However, when Sheetal’s family reached the house and saw visible injury marks on her body, they grew suspicious.

Her mother, Gautami Chauhan, immediately alerted the police, suspecting foul play. Sheetal’s body was then sent for post-mortem examination. The autopsy confirmed death due to strangulation and physical assault, ruling out natural causes.

As the investigation progressed, Johnson fled from his residence, reportedly three days after the death. Police teams have since been deployed to trace him across various suspected locations, but the accused remains at large.

The shocking incident has stirred concern and anger in the local community, with Sheetal’s family demanding swift justice. Police have registered a case of murder and assured that every effort is being made to arrest the accused at the earliest.

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Nagpur: A tragic incident occurred in Hingna tehsil in Nagpur on Wednesday night when a security guard was swept away by floodwaters in the Vena River. His body was recovered nearly a kilometre from the incident site after 12 hours on Thursday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Nandvardhan Harba Shende, 45, a resident of Lakhni in Bhandara district. He was employed as a security guard at the Colgate Company Logistic Park in Vadgaon Gujar.

On Wednesday night around 10 pm, Nandvardhan was returning to his home in Satagaon, Butibori, on his two-wheeler. While passing near Vadgaon Gujar village, he encountered rising floodwaters overflowing the bridge on the Vena River.

Despite the dangerous conditions, Nandvardhan attempted to cross the bridge. Unfortunately, the strong current swept him away along with his two-wheeler. Onlookers who witnessed the incident immediately alerted the Hingna Police, who rushed to the spot and launched a search operation.

However, due to the darkness, efforts to locate the body were unsuccessful that night. The search resumed at first light on Thursday, and the body was eventually found trapped against a tree trunk about one kilometre downstream from the incident site.

With the help of local villagers, police retrieved the body and brought it back to the bridge area. The incident has cast a pall of grief over the local community, highlighting the dangers posed by overflowing rivers during the monsoon.

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Nagpur: In a major development for rail passengers across Maharashtra, the iconic Gondia-Kolhapur Maharashtra Express (Train No. 11040/11039) is all set to get a modern makeover with Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches starting June 1, 2025. This marks a significant leap in travel comfort, safety, and speed for one of the longest-running trains in the state.

The upgrade involves replacing the traditional ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches with 18 LHB coaches, known for their superior build quality, better safety features, and enhanced passenger amenities. The new rake will include:

• 1 Second AC Coach

• 2 Third AC Coaches

• 7 Sleeper Coaches

• 5 General Second Class Coaches (including 1 Divyang-friendly coach)

• 1 Generator Car

Each LHB coach will be equipped with modern pushback seats, clean and advanced toilets, mobile charging points, reading lamps, and ample luggage space. The improved suspension system ensures minimal jerks during long journeys, offering a significantly smoother ride.

A safer and more efficient journey

LHB coaches are lighter and capable of withstanding higher speeds (up to 130 kmph). They are also fitted with anti-collision technology and advanced braking systems, reducing the risk of derailments and enhancing safety. Their modular design also cuts down on maintenance costs.

According to railway officials, Train No. 11039 departing Kolhapur will run with LHB coaches from June 1, while Train No. 11040 from Gondia will adopt the new rake from June 3.

Connecting 12 districts across Maharashtra

The Maharashtra Express is one of the longest-distance trains within the state, covering 1,341 km across 12 districts including Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Pune, Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), Jalgaon, Akola, Buldhana, Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, and Gondia. The journey, which takes around 27 hours and 45 minutes, includes stops at 62 stations, such as Miraj, Satara, Pune, Manmad, Bhusawal, Akola, Wardha, and Nagpur.

• Departure from Kolhapur: 2:45 pm from Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus

• Arrival in Gondia: 6:00 am the next day

A historic milestone after 54 years

Launched on November 1, 1971, the Maharashtra Express has served generations of passengers across the state. The introduction of LHB coaches marks the train’s transition into a new era — one that prioritizes passenger safety, hygiene, and travel experience.

Legacy and manufacturing

LHB coaches are based on German technology developed by Linke-Hofmann-Busch and are manufactured at Indian Railways’ coach factories in Kapurthala, Chennai, and Raebareli. The first set of LHB coaches was imported in 2000 for the Shatabdi Express before domestic production began.

As Indian Railways continues its mission to modernize its fleet, the Maharashtra Express is now poised to deliver a more secure, hygienic, and enjoyable travel experience—a milestone move that benefits passengers across Maharashtra.

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District Sessions Court in Nagpur Delivers Landmark Verdict

Nagpur: In a rare and intriguing case, the District Sessions Court in Nagpur has acquitted two men who had been absconding for over 22 years. Despite being on the run, the court conducted hearings in their absence and finally declared them not guilty due to lack of evidence.

The case dates back to July 26, 2002, when Suraj Singh Ajitsingh Lote and Sapanjeet Jagdishsingh Lote were booked under IPC Sections 324 and 34 at the Jaripatka Police Station. The same day, both were arrested but later released on bail. Since then, they had been untraceable and were considered absconders.

After 22 years, 8 months, and 20 days, on May 27, 2025, the court announced its verdict, acquitting both accused due to insufficient evidence.

The Incident

According to the prosecution, on the evening of July 26, 2002, at around 7 PM, the complainant was standing near the NIT quarters in Kapil Nagar. The accused allegedly confronted him and hurled abuses because the complainant’s mother had earlier filed a complaint against them at the police station.

Court Proceedings

Following the filing of the charge sheet, the case remained pending as the accused repeatedly failed to appear in court. The court issued several non-bailable warrants, but the police were unable to trace the accused. Eventually, the court issued a proclamation declaring them absconders.

As per Section 299 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the court proceeded to record witness statements in the absence of the accused. The prosecution managed to produce three witnesses to support the government’s case. However, notices sent to the complainant and other key witnesses yielded no result, as police reported their whereabouts as unknown.

Weak Testimonies Led to Acquittal

One witness identified the accused and confirmed that police had summoned him to the crime scene as a “panch” (witness). However, during cross-examination, the same witness retracted most of his statements, claiming he did not recall specific details. Another witness stated he could not remember what he had told the police during the investigation.

The police had also seized a knife allegedly used to injure the complainant. Despite this, due to weak testimonies and lack of substantial evidence, the court gave the benefit of the doubt to the absconding accused and declared them not guilty.

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Nagpur: Former Indian badminton stars SR Arun Vishnu and Arundhati Pantawane wish to bring vibrant badminton culture to Nagpur. Both the former India Number One players, who have been coaching at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad for some time now, have decided to start a new chapter in Nagpur.

The couple is all set to launch state-of-the-art Arundhati -Arun Badminton Academy (AABA) in Besa on June 1.They have joined hands with Nayse family’s Nirmal Sports Academy and promise to give their best to improve badminton standard in the region. AABA, a dedicated badminton training centre, will be the first professional badminton academy in Nagpur where the trainees will be coached by a team of experienced coaches.

“With a vision to train athletes from grassroots to elite international levels, AABA offers world class coaching, advanced facilities, and comprehensive training programmes. Be it a beginner or a global competitor, AABA will soon be their gateway to badminton excellence. We want to bring vibrant badminton culture to Nagpur,” said Arundhati, a former National Games champion and world No 49 during a press conference at the academy on Thursday.

At AABA, there are five Yonex courts, a gymnasium, separate changing rooms for men and women, a gallery to accommodate around 600 spectators, an exclusive Yonex sports shop and ample parking space. Five-time national mixed doubles champion Arun Vishnu is also excited to train the local talent from the region.

“We have shifted from Hyderabad to Nagpur to start our own set up. Our aim is to train the promising players from the region and give them a perfect platform to launch their career. I am sure in the years to come, you can see players from our academy shining at the national and international level. Given the amount of talent we have in the region, it will take a year or two to churn out champions from our academy,” said Arun, India’s doubles coach and former world No 37.

Nirmal Sports Academy’s Sachin Nayse informed that they have signed a five-year deal with AABA. “We have constructed a huge badminton hall keeping in mind the talented players of the region. Earlier, top local players used to shift to major badminton academies in Hyderabad or Bengaluru. But now they will get all the best facilities at this centre. We are happy to tie up with AABA and I am sure champions will be produced from here soon. Both Arundhati and Arun are not only top badminton players of their playing days but now also established themselves as leading coaches. This centre will certainly improve the overall badminton standard in the region,” said Nayse.

Apart from Arundhati and Head Coach Arun, the academy will avail services of few more coaches. “Andhra Pradesh’s Ruthvik Kiran, Tanmay Gawande and Chhattisgarh’s Atul Tamrakar, who are all trained coaches, will be on the panel. We also have a gym and soon we will also hire a trainer and a physiotherapist,” added Arun.

Over a hundred players have already registered for availing the facility at AABA and it includes city’s top doubles player Ritika Thaker, Simran Singhi and Pondicherry’s Kavipriya. Nirmal Sports Academy’s Ramesh Nayse, Sushant and Sairaj were also present.

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Nagpur: In a significant verdict, the district court has acquitted five men in a 23-year-old motorcycle theft case filed under the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station. The court cited lack of evidence as the reason for declaring all accused not guilty.

The case dates back to the night of December 4-5, 2001, when complainant Pankaj Ravi Gupta alleged that his motorcycle, which was parked and locked outside his residence at Gandhi Chowk in Sadar, was stolen. He suspected five individuals of conspiring to steal the bike and filed an FIR accordingly.

Weak Evidence from Prosecution

During the trial, police conducted a panchanama (spot inspection) and submitted a charge sheet to the court. However, the prosecution produced only one witness, Bholumal Chandwani, who admitted that he was not present at the spot when the police conducted the panchanama.

The court noted that simply stating the motorcycle was locked outside the house was not sufficient. It was the prosecution’s responsibility to prove beyond doubt that the accused were involved in the theft — something it failed to do.

Verdict Delivered in Absence of Accused

The court also observed that the accused had been absent for several years during the hearing, which caused an unreasonable delay in the trial. Hence, the verdict was delivered in their absence.

The Acquitted Accused

The five accused — Suryaprakash Tiwari (resident of Kamptee), Manoj Gharade, Vikal Irshad Ahmed Sheikh Alauddin, Santosh Yadav, and Sham Bala — were charged by police in 2001. After a 23-year-long trial, the court finally declared them innocent due to lack of evidence.

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Nagpur: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the Vikramshila Polytechnic, run by a charitable trust, to deposit the required academic fee within seven days for the approval of the upcoming academic session. This comes as an interim relief following a plea by teachers who earlier approached the court over non-payment of regular salaries.

While the salary issue was previously resolved through court intervention, the management’s failure to pay the necessary fee for academic session approval has raised concerns over the institution’s future, prompting teachers to once again seek judicial intervention.

After a hearing, the High Court ordered the trust and college management to complete the fee payment and extension process within seven days. The AICTE was instructed to accept the fee if paid within this timeframe and to process further formalities accordingly. The court also clarified that any shortcomings found in the application should be immediately rectified by the management, and this order would not impact the trust’s right to proceed with the closure proposal in the future.

Background Highlights:

The petitioners’ lawyer pointed to a July 22, 2024 order in which the court had similarly directed the trust to apply for continuation of the institute’s operations. Based on that, AICTE had issued a renewal order on July 25, 2024. The management now argues that since it has applied for permission to shut down the college, the previous order no longer applies.

The lawyer for the petitioners also informed the court that the Maharashtra State Technical Education Board (MSTEB) has denied issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for closure. A document downloaded from the official AICTE website was presented in court, showing that the trust had applied for closure under the AICTE Approval Process 2025–26, but the matter was marked as “case closed” with no decision taken.

The institution’s counsel mentioned that a new committee has now been formed to examine the closure proposal.

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