Buying fresh buffalo milk in Mumbai is set to become more expensive from September 1, with the Bombay Milk Producers' Association (BMPA) raising the wholesale rate by ₹9 per litre. The price will increase from ₹93 to ₹102 per litre under the revised rate structure.The increase applies to milk supplied by local dairies and farms, commonly referred to as tabela milk. The revised wholesale rate will remain in effect until February 28, 2027, according to the association.

How much will Mumbai consumers pay?

The ₹102 figure is the wholesale rate, not a uniform retail price for every consumer.Retail prices are expected to vary depending on the location, supplier and vendor. According to the latest reports, fresh farm-supplied milk could reach around ₹110 per litre, while some parts of South Mumbai could see rates of about ₹112 per litre.That means the figure circulating on social media — that Mumbai buffalo milk could cost ₹110 per litre — is broadly consistent with reported retail expectations. However, ₹110 is not a citywide fixed retail price.

Why has buffalo milk become costlier?

The producers' association has attributed the hike to rising costs of maintaining dairy animals and buying cattle feed and fodder.Association representatives said prices of several feed ingredients have increased substantially, with some inputs reportedly rising by up to 25%. Higher labour, fuel, transportation and maintenance costs have also added to the cost of production.The association has said the cost of producing a litre of milk has reached around ₹98, making the earlier wholesale price of ₹93 difficult to sustain.

Will all milk prices in Mumbai rise?

Not necessarily. The latest decision specifically concerns the wholesale price of fresh buffalo milk supplied through the local dairy/farm network.Packaged milk sold by individual dairy companies follows its own pricing structure. For example, Gokul had separately increased the retail price of its buffalo milk by ₹2 per litre earlier in August, taking its Mumbai and Pune price to ₹78 per litre.Consumers should therefore check the latest rate from their particular milk supplier rather than assuming that every packet or brand will now cost ₹110–₹112 per litre.

Milk price hike comes ahead of festive season

The timing of the increase is significant as Mumbai enters the festive period, when demand for milk and dairy products generally rises.Higher milk procurement costs can also affect businesses that use milk as an input, including sweet shops, bakeries, restaurants and other dairy-product sellers. The extent of any resulting increase in products such as sweets, paneer or curd will depend on individual businesses and their input costs.For now, the confirmed change is the ₹9-per-litre increase in the wholesale buffalo milk rate, from ₹93 to ₹102, effective September 1, 2026. The revised rate is scheduled to remain in place through February 28, 2027.

Three newborns died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Maharashtra’s Amravati District Women’s Hospital early Monday morning. The incident occurred at around 3:30 am when 39 babies were undergoing treatment in the child care unit.

Preliminary information suggests that the blaze may have started following an explosion involving equipment inside the NICU on the hospital’s third floor. The fire quickly filled the unit with smoke, creating a critical situation for the newborns and hospital staff.

Doctors, nurses and other personnel present at the hospital immediately began evacuating the babies. Several newborns were moved to safety, while six children were shifted to a super-speciality hospital for further treatment.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be established. Initial reports have pointed to a possible blast involving a ventilator, while damaged equipment at the site has also led to questions about the electrical and medical systems operating inside the NICU. Authorities are expected to examine the equipment and other circumstances surrounding the incident as part of the investigation.

The fire caused significant damage inside the child care unit. Medical equipment and other items in the NICU were affected by the flames and smoke, with several objects found blackened after the fire was brought under control.

The incident has again raised concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness in neonatal units, where even a short delay in evacuation can put critically ill babies at serious risk. Newborns in NICUs often depend on ventilators, warmers and other life-support equipment, making the safe functioning of electrical and medical systems particularly important.

The Amravati incident comes amid another NICU fire-related tragedy reported in Madhya Pradesh. Two days earlier, a fire broke out at the NICU of Chhindwara District Hospital at around 2 am after a spark was reportedly noticed from the filament of a warmer machine.

Three newborns suffered burn injuries in that incident and were initially given first aid before being referred to Jabalpur for further treatment. One baby, who was reportedly born only a few hours before the fire, later died during treatment. The hospital administration subsequently began an inquiry into the incident.

Several hospital fires have also been reported in different parts of the country this year. In June, a fire at the ICU of Prasad Hospital in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, resulted in multiple deaths, with reports varying on the final toll. In March, 10 patients died in a fire at the trauma ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, while 11 staff members were injured.

In Maharashtra, an electrical sparking incident at Daga Memorial Government Women’s Hospital in Nagpur in May triggered smoke and a fire-like emergency in the Special Newborn Care Unit. Ten newborns were evacuated safely and six were shifted to another NICU. No deaths were reported in that incident.

The Amravati hospital administration and authorities are now expected to establish how the fire started, whether safety systems functioned properly and whether any lapses contributed to the deaths. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is investigating a suspected interstate wildlife trafficking network after 30 protected turtles were seized from two men in Indore. Preliminary questioning has indicated possible links with Maharashtra and other states, prompting officials to expand the investigation beyond the seized animals to identify their suppliers, buyers and other people involved in the alleged trafficking chain.

The State Tiger Strike Force arrested Keshav Sharma, a resident of Musakhedi, and Rohan Gaur in connection with the alleged smuggling. After being produced before a court, the two were remanded to the Forest Department's custody until August 24. Investigators are now trying to establish where the turtles were sourced, how they were transported to Indore and who was supposed to receive them. Officials are also examining whether the two accused had been involved in the trade for a longer period or had only recently become part of the network.

Suspected Supply Chain

According to the preliminary investigation, the two accused allegedly had separate roles in the operation. Keshav was responsible for contacting prospective customers and negotiating turtle deals, while Rohan allegedly handled deliveries to buyers. Investigators are now examining the contacts stored on their mobile phones, call records and other digital evidence to identify people operating behind them. Officials suspect that the wider network could include people involved in catching turtles, transporting them between locations, arranging supplies and delivering them to customers.

The investigation has widened after officials found indications of connections with Maharashtra and potentially other states. The Forest Department is seeking to establish whether the seized turtles were sourced locally or brought into Madhya Pradesh from another region. The agency is also looking into the alleged demand for these species beyond Indore, including claims that they are sought in international markets. Any interstate or international links will need to be established through further investigation.

Three Protected Species Seized

The operation led to the recovery of 30 turtles belonging to three species. Officials seized 14 Indian Star Tortoises, 10 Indian Roofed Turtles and six Spotted Pond Turtles, along with three mobile phones. According to the Forest Department, the recovered wildlife is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The seizure has raised concerns because protected turtle and tortoise species are targeted in illegal wildlife trade for various reasons, making the identification of the entire supply chain important for investigators. The Forest Department is expected to use the evidence recovered from the accused and their digital devices to trace the source of the animals and identify potential buyers. The remand period until August 24 will allow investigators to question the accused further and examine the suspected Maharashtra connection.

If the links identified during questioning are corroborated, the investigation could lead to more arrests and reveal a wider interstate network involved in the alleged trafficking of protected turtles.

India is considering limited duty-free sugar imports as domestic prices climb to record levels ahead of the festive season, according to a Reuters report citing government and industry sources. The proposed move, if approved, could bring overseas sugar into India for the first time in nearly a decade as authorities look for ways to increase supplies and prevent prices from rising further during the high-demand period from August to November.

Several measures are reportedly being discussed, including reducing import duties, allowing a limited quantity of sugar to be brought into the country, restricting the stocks held by bulk traders and changing the monthly quantity mills are permitted to release into the domestic market. Wholesale sugar prices in Kolhapur, one of Maharashtra’s major trading centres, have reportedly risen nearly 20 per cent since the start of August to around Rs 5,350 per 100 kg. The increase has come despite government assessments that domestic stocks should be sufficient to meet consumption until the arrival of new-season sugar. Industry participants, however, say supplies in the physical market have become tight. Ashok Jain, president of the Bombay Sugar Merchants Association, told Reuters that imports may be needed to improve availability and control prices during the festive period.

One proposal being considered would allow sugar mills to import around 1 million metric tonnes of sugar without duty before the end of October, according to a Mumbai-based dealer cited in the report. Mills could prefer raw sugar over white sugar because the current domestic price of refined sugar leaves limited room for profitable imports. India already has some port-based sugar refineries that can import raw sugar duty-free under a system requiring them to export an equivalent quantity of refined sugar. Authorities could also ask such refineries to redirect part of their existing stocks to the domestic market. One estimate cited in the report suggests this could potentially release around 300,000 tonnes of sugar locally.

The timing is important because sugar consumption normally increases during the August-November period. Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra and Diwali lead to higher demand from households, sweet manufacturers, confectionery businesses and other consumers. With prices already elevated, the government is looking to avoid another sharp increase during the festival season. Officials are also considering changes to ethanol production. Reuters had earlier reported that the government was examining whether less sugarcane should be diverted towards ethanol in the season beginning in October, allowing mills to use more cane for sugar production instead.

A decision to permit imports would mark a notable change in India’s recent sugar policy. The country has often relied on export restrictions and supply-management measures to protect domestic availability and keep prices under control. In May, India extended a ban on sugar exports until September 30, 2026, or until further orders. The latest discussions indicate that the supply situation has changed enough for imports to be considered despite those efforts. India is also the world’s biggest sugar consumer, meaning any substantial purchase from international markets could have an impact beyond the domestic market, potentially supporting benchmark sugar prices in London and New York. The government has not yet taken a final decision, and the exact quantity and terms of any imports remain under discussion.

 Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have received show-cause notices from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over their endorsement of Vimal Elaichi.

The Maharashtra FDA has alleged that the advertisement could amount to surrogate advertising of Vimal Pan Masala, a product banned in the state. The notices were issued on August 11, giving the three actors 15 days to respond and explain their role in the campaign.

According to PTI, the notices were sent to Shah Rukh Khan at his residence in Bandra, Ajay Devgn at his Juhu residence and Tiger Shroff at the address of his production company.

FDA Questions Advertisement

The FDA has raised concerns about the manner in which the Vimal brand is presented in the advertisement.

According to the notices, the product's name, dialogues, presentation and the broader market association of the brand raised questions about whether the campaign indirectly promotes a banned tobacco-related product.

The FDA said the advertisement prima facie promotes the Vimal brand, which it considers closely associated with pan masala.

The actors have been asked to explain their involvement and respond to the allegations within the stipulated period.

Pan Masala Ban in Maharashtra

The action comes against the backdrop of Maharashtra's continuing ban on pan masala and tobacco-containing gutkha products.

The state government has extended the ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of pan masala for one year from July 13, 2026, under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The state has maintained restrictions on tobacco and nicotine-containing gutkha and pan masala products since 2012, with the prohibition being renewed periodically.

FDA Steps Up Enforcement

The Maharashtra FDA has also intensified its enforcement campaign against illegal gutkha and tobacco networks.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe had directed officials to coordinate with police and explore action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against organised networks involved in the illegal trade.

Between May 25 and July 31, authorities conducted raids at 658 locations, according to FDA data.

During the campaign, banned products worth around ₹15.11 crore were seized. Officials registered 519 FIRs and arrested 701 people.

Authorities also seized 78 vehicles, with their combined estimated value reported at around ₹6.6 crore.

What Is Surrogate Advertising?

Surrogate advertising refers to a marketing strategy in which a restricted product is not directly advertised. Instead, another product carrying the same or a closely associated brand identity is promoted.

For example, a company associated with pan masala may advertise products such as elaichi, mouth fresheners or other permitted goods using the same brand name and visual identity.

Such advertisements can become controversial when regulators believe that the campaign is effectively reinforcing the identity of a restricted product.

In the Vimal case, the Maharashtra FDA has specifically questioned whether the Vimal Elaichi advertisement indirectly promotes Vimal Pan Masala.

Previous Vimal Elaichi Controversy

Vimal Elaichi advertising has faced regulatory scrutiny in the past as well.

In 2018, the Directorate General of Health Services reportedly issued a notice to Vishnu Pouch Packaging Private Limited, the company associated with Vimal Elaichi, under provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act.

The company subsequently argued before the court that it did not manufacture tobacco products under the Vimal brand for the domestic market.

The issue also reached the Delhi High Court.

In January 2024, the court upheld a trial court order permitting the company to advertise its non-tobacco products. The legal proceedings included arguments over whether advertising a tobacco-free product could be restricted when the product itself was not legally prohibited.

Actors Yet to Respond

The latest FDA notices do not amount to a finding of guilt against the three actors. They have been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and explain their involvement in the advertisement.

The regulatory action highlights the continuing legal and policy debate surrounding celebrity endorsements of brands that are also associated with tobacco or pan masala products.

With Maharashtra maintaining its ban on pan masala and authorities stepping up enforcement against illegal sales, the FDA's action could also bring renewed scrutiny to surrogate advertising campaigns featuring major Bollywood celebrities.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in a knife attack inside a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded on Thursday, police said.

The attack took place at around 1:45 pm inside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat. The assailant, identified by police as a Nihang, was taken into custody following the incident.

Assailant Detained

Nanded Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan said a Nihang attacked Badal with a kirpan, a traditional curved dagger.

The accused was immediately apprehended by the police, while Badal was taken to a hospital for treatment.

A local official said Badal sustained an injury to his hand and received two to three stitches.

Police have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack and are examining the motive behind it.

Fadnavis Orders Probe

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an investigation into the incident.

Fadnavis also contacted Badal to enquire about his health and sought details from the Nanded Superintendent of Police.

The chief minister directed the police to establish the circumstances that led to the attack and determine the motive of the accused.

Officials said the investigation would continue as the authorities gather more information about the incident.

Political Leaders Condemn Attack

Senior BJP leader R P Singh strongly condemned the attack, describing the incident as unacceptable in a democratic society.

Singh urged the Maharashtra government to ensure that the matter was investigated thoroughly and impartially.

He said political disagreements were a normal part of democratic life but violence could not be justified.

Badal Survived 2024 Attack

Thursday's incident comes nearly two years after Badal survived another assassination attempt at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

In December 2024, Badal was performing sewadar duty outside the shrine after the Akal Takht had pronounced a tankhah, or religious punishment, over what it described as mistakes committed during the SAD government's tenure in Punjab between 2007 and 2017.

During that incident, an attacker attempted to fire at Badal but was overpowered before he could cause serious harm.

The latest attack in Nanded has once again raised concerns over the security of the SAD leader.

Investigation Underway

Police have taken the accused into custody and are investigating the incident, including the circumstances in which the attacker approached Badal inside the gurdwara.

Authorities are also expected to examine security arrangements at the religious site and gather statements from eyewitnesses.

Badal's medical condition was reported to be stable after treatment, with officials saying he suffered an injury to his hand.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

At least five people were killed after a landslide struck a residential area in Mumbai's Ghatkopar early Wednesday morning, while rescue teams continued an intensive search for people feared trapped beneath the debris.

The incident occurred around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar, according to information shared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade. A portion of a hillside collapsed, sending debris onto two to three houses in the densely populated area.

Five People Killed

Officials said five people had died in the incident. Four to five others were initially feared trapped under the rubble as rescue teams began clearing the collapsed material.

The operation involves personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Specialised victim-detection cameras are being used to search the debris for signs of life, allowing rescuers to inspect areas that cannot be accessed immediately through conventional methods.

Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams have been working through the debris while authorities assess the stability of the affected hillside and surrounding structures.

Officials said the exact number of people trapped could not immediately be confirmed. DCP Ganesh Shinde said three to four people were suspected to remain trapped beneath the debris as the operation continued.

The bodies recovered from the site were sent to a hospital for further procedures. Police said further legal action and investigation would follow.

Two Injured in Hospital

Two people injured in the landslide were taken to hospital and were reported to be stable.

They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who suffered a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who sustained a back injury.

Medical teams are continuing to monitor their condition.

Civic Officials Visit Site

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Avinash Dhakne visited the affected location in Ghatkopar to assess the situation and review the rescue operation.

Tawde also announced financial assistance of ₹3 lakh for the families of those who died in the landslide. The assistance will be provided through the District Collector's Office.

Authorities are coordinating the rescue effort while continuing to assess the condition of nearby houses and the surrounding hillside.

Investigation to Follow

The landslide has raised concerns over safety in the densely populated hillside settlement, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall can increase the risk of slope failures.

Police and civic authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse and assess whether any structural or environmental factors contributed to the incident.

For now, the priority remains locating anyone who may still be trapped and completing the rescue operation safely.

The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Maharashtra, is set to release the MHT CET Counselling 2026 CAP Round 2 vacant seat list today, August 6, 2026. Candidates participating in the counselling process will be able to check the updated seat matrix on the official counselling portal.

The vacant seat list will help candidates understand the availability of seats across participating institutes and courses before submitting their preferences for the second round of counselling.

CAP Round 2 Choice Filling Starts August 7

Following the publication of the vacant seat list, the CET Cell will open the online option form submission and confirmation window from August 7 to August 9, 2026.

During this period, candidates must log in to their counselling accounts, fill in their preferred colleges and courses, and lock their choices before the deadline.

Seat Allotment Result on August 12

The provisional seat allotment result for CAP Round 2 will be announced on August 12, 2026.

Candidates who receive a seat allotment can check their result online using their login credentials and decide whether to accept the allotted seat.

Seat Acceptance Process

Students allotted a seat in Round 2 must complete the online seat acceptance process between August 13 and August 17, 2026.

Candidates receiving a seat for the first time in CAP Round 2 will be required to pay the prescribed seat acceptance fee through the online portal.

Applicants who are allotted one of their top three preferred choices will have their admission automatically frozen (Auto-Freeze) after accepting the seat. Such candidates will not be eligible to participate in any further counselling rounds.

Institute Reporting

After accepting the allotted seat online, candidates must report to their allotted institute between August 13 and August 17, 2026, carrying all required original documents for admission verification.

Failure to report within the stipulated period may result in cancellation of the allotted seat.

How to Check the CAP Round 2 Vacant Seat List

Candidates can access the vacant seat matrix by following these steps:

1. Visit the official MHT CET counselling website.

2. Click on the CAP Round 2 Vacant Seat List link.

3. Log in using the required credentials.

4. View the available seat matrix.

5. Download and save the list for future reference.

CAP Round 1 Completed

The CAP Round 1 seat allotment result was declared on August 2, 2026, while the deadline for accepting allotted seats and reporting to institutes concluded on August 5, 2026.

With Round 2 now underway, candidates are advised to carefully review the vacant seat list and prioritize their choices strategically before submitting the option form.

Police in Chhattisgarh have launched an investigation after a Raipur-based businessman alleged that he was cheated of ₹1.13 crore by a group that promised to supply ₹45 crore worth of counterfeit currency. Investigators are examining not only the alleged financial fraud but also claims of a suspected fake currency network operating across state lines.

The case has been registered at Telibandha Police Station, where officials described the matter as sensitive and said multiple aspects of the alleged conspiracy are under scrutiny.

Social Media Contact Led to Deal

According to the complaint, the businessman, identified as Umesh Gupta, first came in contact with the accused after watching videos on social media.

The complainant alleged that the accused claimed to have access to a large quantity of counterfeit currency and proposed supplying ₹45 crore in fake notes in exchange for an advance payment of ₹1.13 crore.

Believing the claims, the businessman reportedly initiated discussions with the group, leading to several rounds of negotiations.

Meetings Held in Raipur and Maharashtra

Police said the alleged deal was discussed during multiple meetings held at hotels in Raipur's Telibandha area. The complainant also travelled to different locations in Maharashtra, where further meetings were reportedly organised to finalise the transaction.

Investigators are verifying the details of these meetings through hotel records, CCTV footage and travel documents.

Accused Allegedly Took Advance, Never Delivered

According to the FIR, the accused repeatedly assured the complainant that the counterfeit currency consignment would be delivered soon. However, after receiving the advance amount, they allegedly continued delaying the delivery by citing logistical and security-related reasons.

Despite repeated assurances, neither the promised counterfeit currency was supplied nor was the advance amount returned, prompting the businessman to approach the police.

Police Examining Two Separate Offences

Investigators said the case involves two important aspects.

The first concerns the alleged cheating of ₹1.13 crore. The second relates to claims made in the complaint regarding the proposed supply and circulation of counterfeit currency, which could attract additional legal provisions if substantiated during the investigation.

Police are analysing financial transactions, mobile phone records, communication between the parties and other documentary evidence to determine whether a larger organised network may have been involved.

Evidence Collection Underway

Officials said investigators are collecting CCTV footage from locations where meetings reportedly took place and are verifying cash transactions linked to the alleged deal.

Police are also coordinating with authorities in Maharashtra to trace the movement of the accused and identify other individuals who may have participated in the meetings or the alleged conspiracy.

Authorities are examining whether similar complaints have been reported elsewhere involving the same suspects.

Police Call Case Sensitive

Senior police officials have termed the matter highly sensitive due to the allegations involving counterfeit currency.

They have refrained from sharing further details while the investigation remains in progress, stating that additional information will be disclosed after verification of evidence and identification of all persons involved.

Rewa Police have arrested a ₹7,000 reward-carrying accused who had been absconding for nearly two years in connection with a case registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The accused was traced to Maharashtra after a sustained search operation involving local police and the cyber cell.

The accused had allegedly been changing locations frequently to evade arrest since the case was registered against him. Due to his prolonged absconding, the Superintendent of Police had announced a cash reward of ₹7,000 for information leading to his arrest.

Accused Identified

According to police, the arrested accused has been identified as Kailash Shukla, a resident of Hardi village under the Gudh police station limits in Rewa district.

Investigators said he had been on the run for the past two years and was living in Maharashtra while concealing his identity to avoid detection.

Cyber Inputs Led Police to Maharashtra

Police recently received specific intelligence through informers and the cyber cell indicating the accused's whereabouts in Maharashtra. Acting on the information, Gudh police constituted a special team and dispatched it to the neighbouring state to verify the lead.

After collecting local intelligence, the team conducted a raid at the suspected location and successfully apprehended the accused.

Brought Back to Rewa

Following the arrest, the police team travelled nearly 1,000 kilometres to bring the accused back to Rewa.

After completing the required legal formalities, he was produced before the competent court, which remanded him to judicial custody.

Drive Against Absconding Accused Continues

Gudh Police Station In-charge Pushpendra Yadav said the district police are continuing a special campaign to trace and arrest absconding accused in pending criminal cases.

He credited the successful operation to coordinated efforts by senior police officials, the cyber cell and the field team, adding that similar action will continue against other proclaimed offenders.

A Surat-based Right to Information (RTI) activist has sought an official investigation into the financial background of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and his family, raising questions about the funding of his higher education in the United States and the functioning of the organisation.

The complaints have been submitted to the Maharashtra government, the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), seeking inquiries into the family's income, assets and CJP's financial operations.

Questions Raised Over US Education Funding

RTI activist Amit Tiwari has alleged that Abhijeet Dipke's father, Bhagwanrao Dipke, worked as a Junior Engineer (JE) with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and reportedly earned a monthly salary of around ₹60,000 to ₹65,000.

In his complaint, Tiwari has asked authorities to examine how the family financed the higher education of their children in the United States based on their declared income.

He has also urged the Maharashtra government to verify the family's income sources and assets.

Seeks Inquiry Into CJP's Functioning

The activist has further alleged that the Cockroach Janata Party is functioning as a political organisation without being registered with the Election Commission while collecting public donations.

In his representation to the ECI, Tiwari requested the Commission to examine whether CJP should be registered as a political party under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, if it is operating as one and raising public funds.

Complaint Over ₹1 Crore Legal Defence Fund

In a separate complaint submitted to the CBIC, Tiwari questioned the ₹1 crore contribution announced by Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal towards the CJP Legal Defence Fund.

He has sought an examination of whether the contribution attracts 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) under applicable laws.

The activist also alleged that although CJP initially campaigned on the NEET paper leak issue, its activities later expanded beyond student-related concerns. He further claimed that complaints had been submitted regarding remarks allegedly made during protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his late mother and his alleged foreign connections.

These allegations have been made by the complainant and have not been independently verified or adjudicated by the authorities.

Legal Defence Fund Announced for Students

On July 27, the Cockroach Janata Party announced the creation of a Legal Defence Fund to provide legal assistance to students facing criminal cases related to protests over the alleged NEET paper leak.

During the announcement, Kapil Sibal pledged ₹1 crore to the fund and appealed to lawyers across the country to contribute.

According to CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, the fund was established amid concerns that students could face criminal proceedings despite assurances from the Union government. He said the organisation was coordinating with Supreme Court lawyers to provide legal representation.

About Abhijeet Dipke

Abhijeet Dipke, 30, is a digital media strategist from Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. He studied journalism in Pune and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Relations at Boston University in the United States. He has previously worked with the Aam Aadmi Party.

A major tragedy was narrowly averted at Maharashtra's popular hill station Toranmal after a tourist was left hanging mid-air on a zip line above a deep gorge due to a suspected technical malfunction. The dramatic incident occurred at Sitakhai Point in Nandurbar district and ended safely after the operating staff carried out a successful rescue operation.

The incident, captured by onlookers on mobile phones, has triggered fresh concerns over safety standards at adventure tourism destinations.

Zip Line Stops Midway

According to preliminary information, the tourist was crossing the valley through a zip line when the system suddenly came to a halt midway because of an apparent technical fault.

With the cable immobilised, the tourist remained suspended high above the gorge for a considerable period, unable to move in either direction. Reports claimed the valley below was around 3,500 feet deep, leaving spectators visibly anxious as the rescue unfolded.

Several visitors recorded the incident, and videos showing the tourist hanging mid-air have since gone viral on social media.

Rescue Team Responds Immediately

As soon as the malfunction was detected, the zip line operators launched an emergency rescue operation.

Using specialised safety equipment and rescue gear, trained staff carefully reached the stranded tourist and brought him back to safety without causing further risk.

Officials said the rescue was conducted in a controlled manner, and the tourist escaped without any injuries. The successful operation was welcomed by visitors present at the site, who described it as a major relief.

Safety Concerns Raised

Although the incident ended without casualties, it has renewed debate over safety measures at adventure tourism destinations.

Experts say activities such as zip lining require regular inspection of cables, braking systems and harnesses, along with trained personnel capable of handling emergency situations. They also stress the importance of periodic maintenance and strict compliance with operating protocols to minimise the risk of accidents.

The incident has prompted calls for authorities to review safety standards and operational practices at adventure facilities across the state.

Toranmal's Growing Tourism Appeal

Located in Maharashtra's Nandurbar district, Toranmal has emerged as a popular destination known for its scenic valleys, cool climate and panoramic viewpoints. Sitakhai Point is among its most visited attractions, drawing tourists looking for both natural beauty and adventure experiences.

The recent introduction of activities such as zip lining has further boosted tourist footfall. However, Friday's incident has highlighted the need for robust safety infrastructure as adventure tourism continues to expand.

Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances that led to the malfunction and determine whether additional safety measures are required before similar activities continue.