11 killed in Mumbai building collapse, at least 30 still trapped

Agencies
August 31, 2017

Mumbai, Aug 31: At least 11 persons died and more than 30 others are still feared trapped after more than a century-old building caved in off the Pakmodia Street in Bhendi Bazaar near the Sir JJ Hospital in south Mumbai on Thursday.

The 117-year-old Husaini Building was redeveloped by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) controlled by the Bohri Muslim community.

The building caved in like a pack of cards around 0830 hrs with a loud thud - after that smoke and dust billowed out of the debris.

So far, 11 persons including three women have been declared dead at the Sir JJ Hospital. Fifteen persons who were rescued and two firemen are also undergoing treatment. Three of those admitted to the hospital are said to be in critical condition.

Teams of BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), Mumbai Police and Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority have rushed to the spot.

Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) that were stationed in Mumbai in the wake of Tuesday's heavy downpour too have rushed there. "Recue and relief operations is in progress. There is a sweets manufacturning unit, food preparation unit on the ground floor. Smoke is coming out and so assmell of gas from one side. Residents of two to three adjacant buildings have been vacated," said MFB's chief fire officer Prabhat Rahangdale.

Mumbai mayor Prof. Vishwanath Mahadeshwar and municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta are at the spot supervising the rescue and relief operations.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis was briefed about the incident and he has directed officials to extend all possible help to the affected people.

"We are extending all help to the people," said local Congress MLA Amin Patel. "The building is more than a century old and the area is congested," said local BJP corporator Atul Shah.

This ground+6 building housed a total of 13 tenants which included 12 residential and 1 commercial. Out of these, the trust had already shifted 7 families in 2013-14.

MHADA notices dated 28 March, 2011 and 20 May,2011 declaring the building dilapidated were issued along with offer of transit accommodation to the remaining tenants and occupants.

"We are extremely saddened and concerned at this unfortunate incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families," a SBUT spokesperson said.

A probe has been ordered into the incident and housing minister Prakash Mehta and industries minister Subhash Desai said that the exact causes would be known only after the probe is complete. We are extending all help to the injured persons, said health minister Dr Deepak Sawant, who was present at the Sir JJ Hospital.

"The building was up for redevelopment. The project was cleared. Why people have not shifted out and why the redevelopment was delayed would also be probed," minister of state for housing Ravindra Waikar said.

According to eye-witnesses, there was a play school, however, since it opened after 1030 hrs, a bigger tragedy was averted.

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News Network
November 21,2025

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed on Friday, November 21, afternoon during its aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show, plunging to the ground at around 2:10 pm local time while performing a manoeuvre before thousands of spectators.

The IAF confirmed the incident, stating that a Tejas aircraft participating in the show had crashed and that further details were being gathered. An Air Force spokesperson said more information would be shared after initial assessments.

The crash sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky near the airport, causing panic among visitors, including families and children who had gathered to watch the display. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the pilot managed to eject before the aircraft went down. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, and officials have not released information on casualties or damage so far.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter aircraft developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Designed for versatility, it is capable of offensive air support, close combat, ground attack missions and maritime operations. The aircraft family includes single-seat fighters and twin-seat trainers for both the Air Force and Navy.

HAL describes the latest version, the LCA Mk1A, as the most advanced in the series, featuring an AESA radar, an upgraded electronic warfare suite with radar-warning and self-protection jamming, smart multifunction displays, a digital map generator, a combined interrogator–transponder system and a modern radio altimeter. These enhancements significantly improve the aircraft’s combat capability and survivability.

Further updates from IAF and UAE authorities are awaited.

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News Network
November 21,2025

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Udupi: The Malpe Police have arrested two men from Uttar Pradesh for allegedly sharing classified information related to Indian Navy vessels with individuals in Pakistan, posing a serious threat to national security.

According to a complaint filed by the CEO of Udupi Cochin Shipyard, Malpe—an institution under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways—the prime accused, Rohit (29), was working as an insulator through subcontractor M/S Shushma Marine Pvt Ltd. He had earlier served at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, Kerala, where naval ships are under construction.

Udupi SP Hariram Shankar said the accused had unlawfully shared, via WhatsApp, confidential identification numbers of Navy-related ships and other classified details while working in Kerala, allegedly for illegal gains.

After joining the Malpe shipyard unit, Rohit reportedly continued collecting sensitive information through a friend in Kochi and circulated it to unauthorised individuals, violating national security protocols and potentially endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.

Based on the complaint, Malpe Police registered a case under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

A police team led by Karkala Subdivision Assistant Superintendent of Police Harsha Priyamvada—along with PSI Anil Kumar D, ASI Harish, and PC Ravi Jadhav—conducted the investigation and arrested the two accused, identified as Rohit (29) and Santri (37), both residents of Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.

The duo was produced before the court, which remanded them in judicial custody till December 3. Further investigation is in progress.

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News Network
November 29,2025

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New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday put up a dramatic display of unity at a closely watched joint press briefing, firmly dismissing weeks of speculation about a power-sharing tussle within the Congress. With the high command nudging both leaders to sit together and settle the dust, the meeting became a political spectacle, ending with the duo declaring that there was “no confusion, no differences.”

Calling the reports of a rift “manufactured confusion,” Siddaramaiah said the talks had gone smoothly, even joking about their breakfast. “Breakfast was very good. All three of us enjoyed it,” he said. “We want to end this confusion once and for all. For local elections and for 2028, our mission is clear — Congress must return to power. There is no difference between me and DKS, not now, not before.”

He blamed the media for fuelling rumours and reiterated absolute adherence to the party leadership. “From tomorrow, let there be no confusion. What the high command says, we will follow.”

Siddaramaiah also assured that the Assembly session starting December 8 would run smoothly and vowed that Congress would take on the BJP and JD(S) “together.”

Shivakumar echoed the chief minister word for word, stressing loyalty and discipline. “People have given us a massive mandate. It is our duty to deliver,” he said. “This government was formed under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. We both have complete trust in the high command. If they tell me to wait, I will wait.”

He added that the two leaders had discussed strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. “Whatever the CM says, I agree. We are loyal soldiers of the party. The party may be facing challenges nationally, but we will keep it strong in Karnataka.”

Shivakumar also said Siddaramaiah would soon visit his home for lunch or dinner — another symbolic gesture meant to underline their unity.

Both leaders later posted on social media describing the breakfast meeting as “productive” and focused on “Karnataka’s priorities.”

The BJP, however, rejected the show of camaraderie as “pure bunkum,” accusing Congress of trying to paper over an internal power struggle. But Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar insisted their united front would continue — and that there was “no confusion” within the state leadership.

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