A scrap dealer from Navi Mumbai has been arrested for allegedly supplying a weapon to the shooters involved in the killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. The arrest brings the total number of individuals in custody to 10. Baba Siddique was fatally shot on October 13 near the office of his son, an MLA, in Bandra.

The accused, identified as Bhagwat Singh Om Singh (32), originally from Udaipur, Rajasthan, and currently residing in Navi Mumbai, was arrested by the Mumbai Police’s crime branch. He was remanded to police custody until October 26.

Two shooters, Gurmail Baljit Singh (23) and Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap (19), are also in custody, while three conspirators, including Shivkumar Gautam, remain absconding.

Of the 10 arrested, five individuals initially demanded ₹50 lakh for the job but later withdrew due to a dispute over payment and the influence of the slain politician. These five, who provided logistical support to the shooters, were paid ₹5 lakh.

The police have also suspended three officers for negligence after videos surfaced showing a Lawrence Bishnoi gang sharpshooter commenting on Siddique’s murder while in custody. A lookout circular has been issued for three additional suspects, including Shivkumar Gautam, Shubham Lonkar, and Mohammed Zeeshan Akhtar.

A serious cleanliness and health crisis has emerged in the project-affected villages of Sonari and Karal due to garbage accumulation in a natural water drainage channel built by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The blocked drain, constructed at a cost of crores, was intended to manage water drainage for the villages but has now become a hotspot for waste buildup.

The situation has resulted in increased health risks for local residents, as stagnant water and accumulated waste have led to a rise in mosquito, rat, and cockroach populations. This has heightened concerns over the potential spread of diseases.

The problem is further exacerbated by the presence of numerous hotels, food outlets, and liquor shops along the JNPA-Panvel main road near Karal Fata, a bustling area that contributes to the waste issue. Local residents have called for immediate action from authorities to clear the blockage and address the sanitation crisis before it worsens.

Efforts to clean the drainage system and enforce better waste management practices are urgently needed to ensure the health and safety of the affected communities.

Anamika Gayen, a distinguished entrepreneur from Vashi, was recently honored at the ‘Empowered Women Summit’ (Shashakt Nari Shikhar Sammelan) held in Indore. Organized by the National Women Empowerment Association, the event celebrated the achievements of 101 women entrepreneurs from across India. The awards were presented by prominent leaders during the national event.

An MBA graduate and an alumna of IIM Kashipur, Gayen began her entrepreneurial journey in her father’s engineering company before launching her own e-commerce business. Her venture focuses on promoting rural artisans and small entrepreneurs, offering a platform to showcase and sell their crafts. Gayen’s dedication to supporting small businesses and her innovative approach have garnered widespread recognition. In 2023, she was invited to the Global Investors’ Summit, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Beyond her business success, Gayen is deeply committed to social causes. She actively supports the ‘Save Soil’ campaign led by spiritual leader Shri Sadhguru, advocating for environmental sustainability and soil conservation.

Gayen’s accomplishments and contributions to both business and social causes continue to inspire women entrepreneurs across the country, highlighting the impact of empowered women in shaping India’s future.