Officers intercept suspects in Sector 35F, seizing mephedrone and counting equipment worth Rs 4.33 lakh.

The Arrest

A routine late-night patrol in Kharghar ended in a major narcotics bust after police spotted two young men acting suspiciously near Sai Symphony Society in Sector 35F.

The encounter led to the arrest of Mohammad Athar Husain Shamshad Husain Ansari, 28, and Altamim Awais Siddiqui, 20. Upon searching Ansari, officers recovered 14.11 grams of mephedrone (MD) valued at over Rs 70,000, along with cash, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle. A subsequent search of Siddiqui and his flat inside the residential building uncovered additional drugs, smartphones, an electronic weighing scale, and a currency-counting machine. In total, authorities seized drugs and contraband-related assets worth Rs 4.33 lakh.

Both men have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigating officer Assistant Police Inspector Shadar Barkade noted that police are actively working to trace the local supply chain and identify who supplied the drugs to the duo.

With illicit substances increasingly making their way into residential neighborhoods, local authorities hope this quick catch sends a clear signal that neighborhood patrols will remain vigilant against drug peddling in Navi Mumbai.

Protesters take to the streets, calling for accountability after public outcry over historical comparisons.

The Protest

Tensions flared in local political circles as members of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Women’s Wing staged a protest, demanding an immediate public apology from Congress leader Harshwardhan Sapkal over controversial historical remarks.

The controversy erupted following comments made by Sapkal, the President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, which drew sharp criticism for making sensitive comparisons involving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Protesters gathered in strong numbers, expressing deep resentment over what they described as an insult to historical sentiments and public pride.

Demonstrators chanted slogans, urging political leaders to exercise restraint and respect cultural heritage when making public statements. Local representatives from the NCP Women’s Wing warned that continued disregard for public sentiment would lead to wider agitations across the region.

Addressing the mounting backlash, Sapkal later clarified his stance, offering an unconditional apology to followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He emphasized that his words had been misinterpreted and reiterated his utmost reverence for the historic ruler.

While the apology aims to diffuse the situation, the incident highlights how deeply public sentiment remains tied to historical legacy, serving as a reminder to leaders about the impact of their public commentary.

Rejecting flower bouquets, supporters distribute fruits to hospital patients, raincoats to sanitation workers, and free bus passes.

The Drives

Transforming birthday traditions into meaningful public service, the Republican Party of India (Athawale) joined hands with local BJP leaders to celebrate former Airoli MLA Sandeep Naik’s birthday with a series of community-focused welfare drives in Sector 3.

Responding directly to Naik’s personal appeal asking supporters to skip expensive garlands and focus on social work, party leaders organized a multi-pronged community event led by NMMT committee member Advocate Yashpal Ohal and Airoli Assembly President Pratik Jadhav.

Volunteers visited the local Mother and Child Hospital in Sector 3 to distribute fresh fruits to recovering patients. Demonstrating appreciation for the city’s frontline workers, the team gifted durable raincoats to Navi Mumbai’s sanitation workers the Swachhata Doots whose daily efforts keep the municipality clean. Additionally, free NMMT bus passes were distributed to senior citizens and women at the Airoli Bus Depot to support local travel needs.

“A birthday is just a reason to gather, but our real goal is serving people,” said RPI(A) leader Sidram Ohal. “Sandeep Sahib has always guided us to prioritize public welfare over pomp. Honoring our sanitation workers and supporting our seniors is the best gift we could give him.”

The event drew strong support from civic representatives, including Transport Committee Chairman Vikas Jhanjhad and Corporator Shivajirao Khopde, showcasing a unified effort across political lines to turn a personal milestone into a day of tangible public good.