Suspect allegedly kept watch while accomplices broke through wall and entered jewellery shop.

The Case

The police have made another arrest in connection with the burglary at a jewellery shop in Kopri village, Vashi, where thieves escaped with silver ornaments worth around Rs 6 lakh.

The incident took place at Meghana Jewellers in Sector 26A during the early hours of Friday. According to the police, the accused had rented the shop next to the jewellery store, allegedly posing as fruit sellers. They then made a hole through the common wall to gain entry into the jewellery shop.

The burglars reportedly stole around 2.5 kg of silver articles kept on display. They also attempted to open the shop’s safe, which contained gold jewellery. However, the alarm went off, forcing them to abandon the attempt and flee.

Police said the thieves may have taken advantage of the loud music and drums during a Ganpati immersion procession, which helped mask the sound of drilling and breaking the wall. CCTV footage helped investigators trace the suspects. One accused was arrested from Mankhurd and police suspect that he was keeping watch outside while the others entered the shop.

Investigators have identified three more suspects, including the person who had rented the neighbouring premises. Police said all four suspects are from Jharkhand. A search is underway for the remaining accused, while efforts are also being made to recover the stolen jewellery. The investigation is being conducted by the APMC police, who are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to establish the full sequence of events.

Maharashtra minister says attempts to create distrust in constitutional institutions will not succeed.

The Criticism

Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his statements concerning the Election Commission, saying that attempts to create distrust in constitutional institutions will not succeed.

According to Naik, recent statements by the three Election Commissioners showed that decisions related to the election process, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, were taken collectively. He said there were no differences among the commissioners on these decisions.

Naik also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s repeated criticism of constitutional institutions. He alleged that a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary, which was linked to a deputation-related appointment, was being presented as evidence of differences within the Election Commission. The minister also spoke about Form 6, used for voter registration, and said confusion was being created around its use. He maintained that the form is being used in accordance with the applicable process.

Naik further referred to Congress victories in states such as Telangana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, asking why the Election Commission was accepted when the party won but questioned when it lost. The remarks come amid a wider political dispute over electoral rolls, SIR and the functioning of the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders have raised allegations concerning the electoral process, while the BJP and Election Commission have rejected those allegations.

Naik said public confidence in constitutional institutions should be maintained and that electoral rolls should be made more accurate and transparent through established procedures.

NSS students and citizens come together to remove waste and protect the city’s coastal environment.

The Drive

More than 2,000 NSS students and local residents came together for a citywide cleanliness drive aimed at protecting Navi Mumbai’s mangroves, creeks and waterfront areas. The initiative was organised by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation’s (NMMC) Solid Waste Management Department under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan – Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign. The drive focused on removing waste from environmentally sensitive coastal locations and creating greater awareness about keeping water bodies clean.

One of the major cleanup activities was held at the Dolaya coastal area in Karave, where students, residents and civic officials participated in the drive. Similar activities were conducted at Diwale Jetty in Belapur, Sarsole Jetty in Nerul, Vashi Jetty, Turbhe Lake, Dharan Lake in Kopar Khairane, Ghansoli Jetty, Airoli Jetty and Digha Lake. Volunteers collected plastic waste, glass bottles, footwear and other non-biodegradable material that had accumulated along creek banks and mangrove areas.

Students from colleges in Nerul, Vashi, Airoli, Kopar Khairane and Kharghar actively participated. Along with cleaning the areas, volunteers took a cleanliness pledge and urged citizens to avoid dumping waste into lakes, creeks and other water bodies. The campaign, being held from September 17 to October 17, 2026, is part of NMMC’s wider efforts to encourage public participation in cleanliness and environmental protection.

The large turnout showed how students and citizens can play an important role in keeping Navi Mumbai’s natural spaces clean and healthy.