The latest arrests from Diva-Mumbra have helped investigators trace alleged drug supply links as police continue to probe the network and its financial transactions.

The Case

Navi Mumbai Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with a drug seizure worth Rs 3.57 crore in Taloja, taking the total number of arrests in the case to three.

The Anti-Narcotics Cell arrested Destiny Akachukwu Ugochukwu, 34, a Nigerian national, and Poonam Basnet, 30, from the Diva-Mumbra area on October 14. Police suspect that the two were linked to the supply network behind the seized drugs.

The investigation began on October 8, when officers arrested Ani Ikechukwu Darlington, 41, in Taloja. Police allegedly recovered 2.497 kg of mephedrone, commonly known as MD, and 566 grams of cocaine from his possession and residence. The seized drugs were valued at Rs 3.57 crore. Further questioning and investigation reportedly helped police trace the alleged supply links to the two newly arrested suspects.

Investigators are also examining financial transactions connected to the case. Police suspect that QR codes linked to a bank account may have been used to collect payments for drug deals. The two accused have been remanded to police custody for further questioning. Police are now working to identify the source of the drugs, their intended recipients and others who may have been involved in the alleged network. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are examining financial records and other evidence to establish the full extent of the suspected drug operation.

The decision aims to help farmers recover pending payments from traders, while a move towards digital transactions seeks to improve transparency in the market.

The Relief

In a major relief for farmers, the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) has removed the six-month deadline for filing complaints against traders over unpaid dues and other irregularities. The decision was taken at an executive board meeting on October 15, chaired by Maharashtra Marketing Minister and APMC Chairman Jaykumar Rawal.

Earlier, farmers had to file complaints within six months if traders failed to pay them for their produce or if they faced issues related to weighing. Those who missed the deadline often found it difficult to recover their money. With the new decision, farmers will be able to approach the market committee even after six months, giving them another opportunity to seek justice and recover long-pending payments.

The minister emphasised that recovering farmers’ outstanding dues would remain a priority. Officials will also examine questionable transactions and transfers carried out without the required approvals. In another step towards improving transparency, the APMC has directed officials to begin digitizing market transactions within seven days. Banks, including HDFC and ICICI, are being approached to suggest suitable digital systems.

The proposed digital system is expected to make transactions easier to monitor and help reduce irregularities in the market. The removal of the deadline is expected to benefit farmers who have struggled to recover their payments. However, the effectiveness of the move will ultimately depend on how quickly complaints are addressed and outstanding dues are recovered.

Shiv Sena corporator Kishor Patkar seeks official records, questioning the different treatment given to two municipal officers.

The Decisions

A controversy has emerged in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) over two separate decisions involving civic officials, with questions being raised about transparency and the rules followed by the administration. The issue centres on former Deputy Commissioner Dr Kailas Gaikwad and Assistant Director of the Town Planning Department Somnath Kekan. The municipal general body recently approved a proposal to revoke Gaikwad’s suspension and reinstate him, despite his alleged involvement in a bribery case investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

In contrast, Kekan has reportedly been barred from entering the municipal office, even though a single-member inquiry had reportedly cleared him. The inquiry report, however, has not received approval from the general body. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Kishor Patkar has questioned the apparent difference in treatment. He has sought clarity on the legal grounds and procedures behind the two decisions. On October 14, Patkar wrote to the municipal secretary, requesting copies of the relevant resolutions, inquiry reports, official notes and legal opinions. He also asked which rules and provisions were used to justify the decisions.

The matter has sparked concerns over consistency in the civic body’s disciplinary process and the role of the municipal general body in such cases. The documents sought by Patkar are expected to help clarify the circumstances surrounding both decisions and whether the prescribed procedures were followed. The controversy has brought the administration’s handling of disciplinary matters under scrutiny.