Police register FIR and launch search for accused after late-night incident.

The Case

A woman travelling home after attending a party in Chembur has alleged that her cab driver tried to molest her after stopping the vehicle at an isolated location in Navi Mumbai during the early hours of September 6.

According to her complaint, the incident took place around 1:30 am. The driver reportedly stopped the cab on the roadside, saying he wanted to drink water. After getting back into the vehicle, he allegedly moved to the back seat, held the woman’s hand and tried to remove her clothes despite her resistance.

The woman strongly protested, following which the driver allegedly fled from the spot. She then contacted her family and approached the police to report what had happened. Police identified the accused as Mohammed Afzal Sheikh and registered an FIR based on the woman’s complaint. Multiple police teams have reportedly been formed to trace and arrest him.

Investigators are using technical information and other leads to locate the accused. Police have said the complaint is being taken seriously and that appropriate legal action will follow. The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of passengers travelling alone in cabs during late-night hours. Police are continuing their investigation into the case.

Thousands of devotees join colourful processions as towering idols arrive in Navi Mumbai.

The Grand Ganesh Celebration

With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, the festive spirit has already taken over Navi Mumbai. Vashi and CBD Belapur witnessed enthusiastic celebrations as devotees gathered to welcome two towering Ganesh idols.

In Vashi Sector 17, the 12-foot idol of Navsala Pavnara Maharaja arrived on September 4 amid the beats of dhol-tasha and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” Nearly 3,000 devotees took part in the welcome procession. The idol, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on an elephant, will be installed in a grand replica of a royal palace. The mandal is celebrating its 43rd year.

Meanwhile, CBD Belapur Sector 2 welcomed the CBD Cha Raja, a 12.5-foot idol prepared by renowned sculptor Bhendkar from Chembur. A large number of devotees gathered to seek Bappa’s blessings during the arrival ceremony.

The mandal, now entering its 44th year, is creating a replica of the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura as this year’s main attraction.

Beyond the grandeur, the celebrations also reflect Navi Mumbai’s spirit of unity. People from different communities come together to participate in aarti, puja and havan at the mandal. As the city prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi, these celebrations have brought communities together and set the mood for a festival filled with devotion, tradition and togetherness.

Potholes and damaged roads to be fixed on key routes used for Ganesh idol processions and immersions.

The Repairs

With Ganeshotsav just around the corner, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has stepped up efforts to make city roads safer and smoother for residents and devotees.

NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has directed officials to inspect damaged roads and take up urgent repairs, with priority being given to routes that will witness the movement of large Ganesh idols and immersion processions. Engineering teams are inspecting roads for potholes, uneven surfaces, damaged manholes and problems with storm-water drains. Since the monsoon is still active, temporary repairs are being carried out using materials such as cold mix and mastic geopolymer. Permanent road surfacing will be taken up once there is a sufficient break in the rainfall.

To improve monitoring, officials are also geo-tagging potholes so that their locations can be tracked and repairs can be completed without missing important stretches. The civic body is also working on improving street lighting, cleanliness and facilities at immersion points to make the festival more convenient for citizens.

For many residents, smooth roads are more than just a civic issue during Ganeshotsav they are essential for ensuring that processions can move safely and families can participate in the celebrations without worrying about potholes and damaged stretches. NMMC has also appealed to citizens to cooperate with the civic authorities and celebrate the festival responsibly, while keeping the city clean and environmentally friendly.