Shiv Sena man arrested on terror charges, party maintains silence

Agencies
August 21, 2018

Mumbai, Aug 21: In a major embarrassment to Shiv Sena, the Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is investigating an alleged involvement of its party member Shrikant Pangarkar in 'harbouring and funding' men accused of conspiring terror attacks in Maharashtra.

A press release issued by ATS confirmed terror charges being pressed against Pangarkar under Sections 16, 18, 20 of Unlawful Activities Prevention (UAPA) Act. "During further investigation of ATS police station C.R. No. 11/2018 u/s 4,5 Explosive Substances Act r/w 9-B Explosives Act r/w 120 (B) IPC r/w 16,18,20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention ) Act, etc- a male accused person aged about 40 yrs r/o Jalna is arrested today evening," a release from ATS DCP said.

Besides, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may also seek 40-year-old Pangarkar's custody to investigate his alleged role in the murder of Rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in August 2013.

Pangarkar is an ex-corporator from Jalna district of Maharashtra. He was arrested by Maharashtra ATS on Sunday after interrogation of three persons -- Sharad Kalaskar, Vaibhav Raut and Sudhanwa Gondhalekar -- revealed his alleged involvement. Pangarkar was produced in court on Monday and has been sent to police custody till August 28.

According to ATS, the questioning of Kalaskar, Raut and Gondhalekar revealed a larger conspiracy and it was found that they, along with Pangarkar, were planning terror activities in Mumbai, Nala Sopara, Thane, Pune , Satara and Solapur districts of Maharashtra. Sources said detailed maps of these areas, communication devices, explosives and weapons such as two gelatine sticks, 22 crude bombs, 15 country made pistols and some partially assembled pistols were recovered from Kalaskar, Raut and Gondhalekar. These three persons were arrested on August 10.

In addition, the CBI during the interrogation of one Sachin Andure, arrested in the Dabholkar murder case, got hints of Pangarkar's alleged role in the killing of the rationalist. CBI sources have confirmed that Pangarkar's role in Dabholkar murder case is being investigated and if needed, CBI would seek his custody in connection with the case.

Pangarkar has been active in programmes of right wing organisations like the Hindu Jan Jagruti Samiti and others. The Sanatan Sanstha in a statement has denied any kind of association with all the five accused persons - Pangarkar, Kalaskar, Raut, Gondhalekar and Andure.

While top leaders of the Shiv Sena are keeping silent on the arrest of its former corporator Pangarkar, one of its local leader from Jalna, Bhaskar Ambikakar, told ANI, "Shrikant Pangarkar was working with me in the organisation for past 25-30 years. He was a good organisational convenor and communicator. I don't think he can be involved in any act of violence. But this is all matter of investigation by the police."

ANI tried to contact party spokespersons but they were reluctant to speak on the issue. Party's Minister of State for Home in Maharashtra, Deepak Kesarkar, could not be reached for comments. The Home Department looks after ATS operations.

Opposition parties like Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) have been critical of the Shiv Sena's silence on the arrest of their ex-corporator.

Reacting to the arrest of Pangarkar and others in the terror conspiracy case, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said, "These people were getting support from the ruling parties since long. We are not astonished with the findings of ATS...and all this could have been avoided had they accepted our demand to ban these people."

"Now after arrest of Shrikant Pangarkar, ATS must investigate the larger conspiracy behind it. It should be investigated whether Pangarkar was doing it individually or his party was also supporting him in the crime," AIMIM MLA from Aurangabad, Imtiyaz Jalil, told ANI.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: In a decisive move to tackle the city’s deteriorating sanitation infrastructure, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has announced a massive ₹1,200 crore action plan to overhaul its underground drainage (UGD) network.

The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV, aims to bridge "missing links" in the current system that have left residents grappling with overflowing sewage and environmental hazards.

The Breaking Point

The announcement follows a high-intensity phone-in session on Thursday, where the DC was flooded with grievances from frustrated citizens. Residents, including Savithri from Yekkur, described a harrowing reality: raw sewage from apartments leaking into stormwater drains, creating a "permanent stink" and turning residential zones into mosquito breeding grounds.

"We are facing immense difficulties due to the stench and the health risks. Local officials have remained silent until now," one resident reported during the session.

The Strategy: A Six-Year Vision

DC Darshan HV confirmed that the proposed plan is not a temporary patch but a comprehensive six-year roadmap designed to accommodate Mangaluru’s projected population growth. Key highlights of the plan include:

•    Infrastructure Expansion: Laying additional pipelines to connect older neighborhoods to the main grid.

•    STP Crackdown: Stricter enforcement of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) regulations. While new apartments are required to have functional STPs, many older buildings lack them entirely, and several newer units are reportedly non-functional.

•    Budgetary Push: The plan has already been discussed with the district in-charge minister and the Secretary of the Urban Development Department. It is slated for formal presentation in the upcoming state budget.

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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