Category: STATE

Mumbai, May 2 (IANS) No adulteration was found in the food samples of four members of a family who passed away in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area after eating watermelon and biryani, officials said on Saturday.

Four members of a family, a 40-year-old husband, his 35-year-old wife, and their two daughters aged 16 and 13, died due to suspected food poisoning in Pydhonie on April 26.

The Mumbai Police are awaiting the toxicology report regarding the case.

In this matter, preliminary investigations by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have found no harmful substances in the food consumed, officials said.

The FDA found no evidence of adulteration in the 11 food samples collected from the family’s residence in Pydhonie. These samples included biryani, watermelon, water stored in earthen pots and from the refrigerator, raw and cooked rice, raw and cooked chicken, dates, and spices.

Meanwhile, according to the police, the post-mortem report indicated the presence of morphine (a painkiller). It revealed an abnormal green discolouration in certain body tissues — a phenomenon potentially caused by a toxic substance. However, the officials are currently awaiting the toxicology report to confirm these findings.

This case came to light on April 26, when 40-year-old Abdullah Dokadia was admitted to the hospital. He informed the doctors that he and his family members — his wife Nasreen (35) and daughters Ayesha (16) and Zainab (13) — had complained of a sudden deterioration in their health after consuming watermelon. Subsequently, all four individuals passed away.

The police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and have initiated an investigation into the matter.

An officer associated with the investigation stated, “We are examining the case from all angles. However, we have not yet reached a definitive conclusion and are awaiting detailed medical reports from the Kalina Forensic Laboratory, the FDA, and JJ Hospital.”

The toxicology report will clarify whether or not any form of poison was consumed in this case, and if so, determine the timeline of its ingestion, officials said.

According to the police, no suspicious financial transactions have surfaced in connection with this case thus far. Statements provided by family members describe the family as “happy”, and no information regarding any disputes or underlying concerns has come to light.

Call Detail Records (CDRs), digital communications, and other electronic data are currently being scrutinised; however, no concrete leads have been uncovered as of yet, police said.

Meanwhile, an official from the Kalina Forensic Laboratory has confirmed that preliminary examinations of the viscera samples revealed the presence of certain unidentified foreign particles.

The official stated that the initial report indicates the presence of “foreign substances within the samples”.

“However, it remains unclear at this stage whether these substances are toxic, medicinal, or of some other nature. A detailed investigation is currently underway,” the official added.

–IANS

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Chennai, May 2 (IANS) With Tamil Nadu having completed polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies on April 23 and counting scheduled for May 4, the State’s two principal political rivals — the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) — have ramped up preparations, activating high-functioning war rooms to manage counting-day operations and contingencies.

According to senior functionaries, both parties have established centralised control systems to ensure seamless coordination with candidates, counting agents, and district-level officials across the 62 counting centres identified by the Election Commission of India.

These war rooms are expected to function as nerve centres, handling real-time updates and responding swiftly to any issues that may arise during the counting process.

AIADMK sources said extensive communication networks have been put in place. “We have circulated contact details of key officials, including Returning Officers, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police.

“If any issue arises at the counting centres, our candidates and agents can immediately alert the war room and receive quick assistance,” a senior party functionary said.

The DMK has adopted a similar strategy, but with an added legal layer. Party insiders revealed that legal experts and senior coordinators have been deployed to closely monitor proceedings and intervene in case of disputes, discrepancies or procedural concerns.

The aim, sources said, is to ensure that every vote is accounted for and that any irregularity is addressed without delay. The heightened vigilance reflects lessons learned from previous elections.

In the 2021 Assembly polls, several constituencies witnessed extremely narrow victory margins, with multiple seats decided by fewer than 1,000 votes. This has made parties wary of complacency, prompting them to maintain strict oversight until the final round of counting is completed.

The stakes appear even higher in the 2026 election, which has seen a multi-cornered contest with the entry of new political players and shifting voter dynamics.

Party strategists believe that vote splits could result in tighter races across several constituencies, increasing the possibility of close finishes and contested outcomes.

With counting day fast approaching, both DMK and AIADMK are leaving little to chance, ensuring that their organisational machinery remains fully geared to respond swiftly in what could be a closely fought electoral battle.

—IANS

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Mumbai, May 2 (IANS) A distressing hit-and-run incident has come to light in the Powai area of Mumbai, where a speeding tempo struck three labourers working along the road and fled the scene. All three victims sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

According to police officials, the Powai Police have registered a case against an unidentified driver and launched a search operation to trace and apprehend the accused. The incident occurred in Morarji Nagar, where a contractor appointed by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation had deployed a team of labourers for sewer cleaning work.

Preliminary reports indicate that while the labourers were engaged in cleaning activities, a tempo moving at high speed rammed into them. The driver immediately fled the spot without offering any assistance to the injured.

In connection with the case, the contractor has been taken into custody for questioning, and further investigations are underway to determine any lapses in safety protocols at the work site.

In a separate incident on May 1, a woman lost her life in a hit-and-run accident near Majiwada junction in Thane. The victim, employed as housekeeping staff at a nearby residential complex, was attempting to cross the busy Mumbai–Nashik highway while returning home to Mumbra.

Police said the woman had crossed to the Nashik-bound side of the eight-lane highway in search of transport but misjudged the speed of oncoming traffic. She was struck by a tempo, whose driver also fled the scene. The victim was taken to Kalwa Government Hospital but was declared dead on arrival, informed senior Inspector Manjusha Bhongale of Kapurbawdi police station.

Data from the city traffic police highlights the growing concern over road safety, revealing that hit-and-run incidents accounted for 38 per cent of all fatal crashes in Mumbai in 2023, with pedestrians comprising 54 per cent of the victims.

–IANS

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Bhubaneswar, May 1 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said that the tireless hard work and sacrifices of workers are helping Odisha and the country move forward, adding that ensuring fair wages and a dignified working environment for them remains a key priority of his government.

Addressing a special event on the occasion of International Workers’ Day in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said: “Workers are the true builders of human civilisation, and their tireless hard work and sacrifices are helping our nation and the state move forward. Therefore, we must work collectively to ensure fair wages for them, along with their equitable rights, social security and safety at the workplace.”

Recalling the historical significance of May Day, the Chief Minister said the day symbolises the unity, struggle and rights of workers. He added that the government has taken several initiatives for the overall welfare of workers.

Highlighting the steps taken by the state government, Majhi said that in the financial year 2025–26, more than 5 lakh construction workers have been newly registered under the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, and assistance exceeding Rs 541 crore has been provided to them. He also said that special measures have been taken to ensure social security for workers engaged in the unorganised sector.

Expressing satisfaction, the Chief Minister said that all necessary services are being delivered smoothly to workers through the ‘Shramik Sathi’ mobile app.

On the occasion, Majhi announced an increase of Rs 10 per day in variable dearness allowance for workers, effective retrospectively from April 1.

As a result, daily wages will increase to Rs 472 for unskilled workers, Rs 522 for semi-skilled workers, Rs 572 for skilled workers, and Rs 622 for highly skilled workers.

The Chief Minister said that the government is giving special emphasis to the safety and assistance of migrant workers, with a helpline system providing prompt support.

“With large-scale industrialisation, the issue of distress migration (Dadana system) will be resolved in the coming days, and workers will find employment within the state. Steps have already been initiated in this direction. Reverse migration has already begun, with Odia workers returning from places like Tiruppur and Coimbatore to work in the state’s textile industry,” he said.

He said that within just 22 months of the BJP-led government assuming office, around 92,000 youths have secured employment in the private sector. Of these, about 10,000 have returned from other states and are now working in Odisha.

He added that to ensure year-round employment for workers, the government is launching the ‘Dalkhai Yojana’, which will play a key role in addressing distress migration.

On Friday, 6,000 eligible construction workers across the state were issued identity cards, and Rs 150 crore in assistance was disbursed to beneficiaries on the occasion.

–IANS

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Bhopal, May 1 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced to accelerate the Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor project, significantly increasing the share of developed land allotted to farmers.​

The Bhoomi Pujan for the first phase of the project will be performed by the Chief Minister on May 3 at Sector A, Village Nainod, Indore.​

The first phase, with an estimated cost of Rs 326.51 crore, will mark the beginning of infrastructure development works, a press note said on Friday.​

The allocation has been raised from 50 per cent to 60 per cent, a move that has strengthened farmers’ confidence and encouraged their voluntary participation in the project.​

The Indore-Pithampur Economic Corridor is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming the region’s industrial landscape.​

Planned development will take place across a 300-metre zone on both sides of a 75-metre-wide, 20-kilometre-long road, said a press note on Friday.​

The project spans 1,300 hectares of land and is estimated to cost Rs 2,360 crore.​

It promises modern infrastructure and amenities for industrial, commercial, and service sectors, thereby attracting large-scale investment and creating new employment opportunities.​

One of the biggest challenges for the project was acquiring land with the consent of farmers, as land in the area is in high demand due to its proximity to Indore city.​

By prioritising farmers’ interests, Yadav has struck a balance between development goals and community welfare. His decision has led to a surge in farmer participation, ensuring smoother progress for the corridor.​

Under the scheme, farmers receive developed land equipped with basic facilities such as roads, electricity, and water supply in exchange for their original land.​

With the increased allocation of 60 per cent, farmers stand to gain greater financial value in the future. They can use this land for residential, commercial, or other economic activities, creating sustainable income sources for themselves and their families.​

This project is expected to strengthen connectivity, foster modern infrastructure, and provide a conducive environment for industrial growth.​

Alongside this, local youth will benefit from new employment opportunities, giving fresh momentum to the region’s socio-economic development.​

–IANS

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Nadia (West Bengal), April 26 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday expressed strong confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) prospects during the ongoing election campaign in West Bengal, asserting that the “party would secure a majority” and form the government in the state.

Speaking to IANS during a roadshow in Nadia district, Chief Minister Saha said that the growing public support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP was clearly visible on the ground.

He described this support as “the need of the hour” and stressed that the people of West Bengal were looking for a political change.

“You can see how much the people support PM Modi and how much they support the Bharatiya Janata Party. This is very important for West Bengal at this time,” Chief Minister Saha said.

He emphasised that ensuring peace in the state was a key priority and linked it to broader national security concerns.

Highlighting the issue of illegal infiltration, Chief Minister Saha said it was crucial to stop the entry of infiltrators from Bangladesh, adding that such measures were necessary for maintaining the country’s security.

He also claimed that the BJP will win between 105 and 110 seats in the first phase of polling and would perform strongly in the subsequent polling phase as well.

“The BJP will perform strongly in the second phase also and is going to form the government with a majority,” he asserted.

Chief Minister Saha added that the political mood in West Bengal indicated fatigue among voters with previous governments.

Referring to past governments, he said, “People have seen the Communist Party of India-Marxist for many years and then the Trinamool Congress for the last 15 years. Now they feel that nothing will happen without the BJP.”

The Tripura Chief Minister added that wherever he campaigned, the sentiment among voters remained consistent, with many expressing a desire for change and support for the BJP.

Chief Minister Saha said that the atmosphere in the state was already indicative of an impending political shift.

“Change will definitely come. You can say it has already come. The atmosphere is very good everywhere,” he noted.

Pointing to the large crowds at campaign rallies, Chief Minister Saha said the scale of public participation itself was a sign of the results expected when votes will be counted on May 4.

“By looking at the massive crowd here, you can imagine the result that is going to come, People want BJP,” he added.

–IANS

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Kolkata, April 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered prayers at the Thanthania Kali temple in north Kolkata during his poll campaign, invoking West Bengal’s long-standing tradition of Kali worship.

PM Modi began his roadshow by performing puja at the temple and seeking blessings from the priest. The roadshow started from B.K. Pal Avenue and concluded at Khanna Crossing via Shobhabazar and Hatibagan.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had begun his speeches at several public meetings with the chant ‘Jai Maa Kali’.

A section of political observers believes that this approach has resonated with the sentiments of people in the state.

The Prime Minister addressed two public meetings on Sunday. The first was held at Thakurnagar in North 24 Parganas district, while the second took place at Haripal in Hooghly district.

In the afternoon, PM Modi’s convoy reached the Thanthania Kalibari, where he performed Kali aarti. The priest blessed the Prime Minister by placing flowers from the idol on his head.

After the puja, PM Modi proceeded to B.K. Pal Avenue, from where the roadshow commenced.

He held the roadshow in support of BJP candidates from seven Assembly constituencies — Kashipur-Belgachia, Shyampukur, Beleghata, Maniktala, Chowringhee, Entally and Jorasanko.

All seven candidates were present ahead of the Prime Minister’s vehicle.

Large crowds gathered on both sides of the route to catch a glimpse of him. At several points, he was welcomed from temporary stages, with flower petals showered along the route.

The police had a difficult time managing the crowd, as a section of enthusiastic supporters attempted to breach barricades at several places, including Shobhabazar and Hatibagan. However, police and central forces brought the situation under control quickly.

The Prime Minister also targeted the Trinamool Congress government during his two public meetings on the final Sunday of campaigning ahead of the second phase of polling on April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

–IANS

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