ABVP initiative sees thousands of students participate spontaneously ahead of Republic Day.

The Initiative

Patriotic fervour gripped Navi Mumbai as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised a massive 1,111-feet-long Tricolor Yatra, witnessing spontaneous participation from thousands of students and citizens on the eve of Republic Day.

The yatra was held as part of Youth Week celebrations and to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, with the objective of inspiring nationalism, unity and social responsibility among the youth. Students marched proudly while holding the enormous national flag, raising slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Hind,” creating an atmosphere charged with patriotic emotion.

The rally began at Blue Diamond Chowk, Vashi, and culminated at Rajiv Gandhi College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Sector 10A, where a short programme was organised. Speakers highlighted the role of students in nation-building and appealed to the youth to actively contribute to society beyond academics.

Prominent attendees included ABVP state minister Rahul Rajoria, sports coordinator Arpita Malik, and college principal Dr Basukinath Pandey, who praised the enthusiasm and discipline shown by the participants. They urged students to uphold constitutional values and remain socially responsible citizens.

The event’s smooth execution was attributed to the efforts of Dr Akshay Shet and more than 100 volunteers. Participants and local residents said the Tricolor Yatra strengthened the sense of unity and national pride, making it a memorable and inspiring pre-Republic Day event for Navi Mumbai.

With the Uran civic elections approaching, local residents and political observers are raising serious concerns about the persistent garbage problem across the area. Overflowing waste on main roads and traffic lanes has emerged as a key issue in the election campaign, with voters expressing frustration over poor civic management.

Several key thoroughfares in Uran, especially around busy intersections and residential localities, have been seen strewn with garbage that has not been collected for days. Piles of waste are causing traffic disruptions, foul odour and unhygienic conditions, prompting complaints from commuters, shopkeepers and local residents.

Civic activists and opposition leaders have criticised the local administration for its failure to ensure regular garbage collection and proper waste disposal. They say that poor sanitation has not only affected the appearance of the town but also posed health risks, especially during peak summer months.

Residents pointed out that despite repeated assurances from officials, garbage is frequently left uncollected in several areas, leading to water logging and breeding of insects. Many voters have highlighted this issue as a priority concern affecting their daily lives and have demanded immediate action from authorities.

Political parties contesting the Uran elections have responded by promising stricter monitoring of waste collection, improvement in street cleaning, and deployment of more resources for solid waste management.

As election day approaches, garbage disposal and civic cleanliness have become central themes in public discussions, reflecting growing citizen demand for improved basic services and accountable governance.

Fraudsters lure victim with promise of huge returns through Telegram and mobile app.

The Fraud

A 68-year-old senior citizen from Nerul has been cheated of over Rs 4 crore in a well-planned online fraud after being lured with promises of massive profits in the betting market. The case has been registered with the Navi Mumbai Cyber Police, and investigations are currently underway.

According to police officials, the victim was first contacted through Telegram, where the accused assured him of quick and high returns on investments linked to betting activities. The fraudsters later added the senior citizen to a WhatsApp group and asked him to download a mobile application that showed fabricated profit figures, creating an illusion of legitimate earnings.

Believing the scheme to be genuine, the victim transferred money in multiple instalments over a period of nearly nine months. In total, he deposited approximately Rs 4 crore into various bank accounts provided by the accused. Despite repeated assurances, the promised returns never materialised.

When the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, the fraudsters stopped responding to his messages and calls. Realising he had been cheated, the senior citizen approached the cyber police and filed a complaint.

The police have registered a case against three unidentified persons under relevant sections related to cheating and cyber fraud. Efforts are underway to trace the accused, track the money trail and identify the digital platforms used in the scam.

Cybercrime officials have once again urged citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain cautious of unsolicited online investment offers and schemes promising unusually high returns.