A new helpline and campaign invite residents to report corrupt officials with full privacy guaranteed.

The Campaign

If a government official demands a bribe for work that should be routine, you no longer have to suffer in silence. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Navi Mumbai has launched a public awareness drive titled “Bribe-Free Navi Mumbai – Our City, Our Responsibility.”

The campaign encourages residents to take a stand against corruption and report any public employee demanding money beyond official fees. Authorities emphasize that stopping systemic bribe-taking requires active participation from everyday citizens.

To make reporting safe and simple, the ACB has activated a toll-free helpline, 1064, alongside a dedicated WhatsApp number (9920351064). Residents can also reach out via email at dyspacbnm@gmail.com. Acknowledging the common fear of retaliation, officials reassure the public that every complaint will be handled with strict confidentiality. No citizen’s identity will be revealed, and prompt legal action will follow against any official found guilty.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Dharmaraj Sonke urged citizens to refuse illegal demands flatly: “Corruption can only be effectively curbed when the public says no. Do not pay bribes under any circumstances report it immediately.” With accessible channels now open, local officials hope citizens will feel empowered to help build a fairer, more transparent city.

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.