Showing posts with label Devendra Fadnavis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devendra Fadnavis. Show all posts
Moushumi Chatterjee writes to PM Narendra Modi; raises alarm over environmental damage
10:47 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 18, 2026)
The heat is relentless, the rains are erratic, and concrete seems to be winning over little green cover. Disturbed by what she sees as a worsening ecological crisis, veteran actor Moushumi Chatterjee has written to the country’s top political leaders, urging them to protect nature before development comes at an irreversible cost.
The actor addressed her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, expressing her grievances. She says, “The rise in temperature is causing heat waves. The rains have been absconding. This is proof in itself of where we are heading whilst tampering with Mother Nature. After cutting trees at Aarey, they want to cut mangroves in Mumbai, our first line of defense against coastal erosion.”
She questions the government’s plans for the livelihoods of the fishermen who depend on the ecosystem. While crediting authorities for building parks, sanctuaries, reserves, and eco-homestays, she says, “it’s not the same”.
“The ecological balance is disrupted, and the consequences are far-reaching. The Maharashtra State Wildlife Board approved a mining project in a crucial Tiger corridor despite a wildlife committee’s objection, which involves cutting over 18,000 trees across 35.95 hectares. For the upcoming Andaman and Nicobar Project, several animal and plant species and tribal families in the area will be affected. Is progress necessary to destroy our air, water, and food? I’m sure the authorities are aware of the bigger picture, and will consider the long-term implications of their decisions,” she hopes.
On stray dogs
Chatterjee is also appalled by the court’s order to relocate stray dogs. She questions Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Pankaja Gopinath Munde on how she “plans to help financially struggling shelters”.
“Compassionate citizens who feed them are being harassed. Community dogs are being killed for no reason. Progress, development, and providing protection is not a legal reason to harm an animal and plant species,” she argues.
AICWA seeks action against Shilpa Shinde over false sexual harassment claims
9:55 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (June 7, 2026)
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action after actress Shilpa Shinde admitted that the sexual harassment allegations she made against Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! producer Sanjay Kohli were false.
On Friday, the association posted a statement on Instagram, calling the matter a serious concern for the film and television industry. The statement read, “A false sexual harassment allegation can cause irreparable damage to a person’s reputation, family, children, career and mental well-being. Such accusations can permanently tarnish an individual’s image and have devastating consequences not only for the accused but also for their Shilpa Shinde family members and loved ones.”
Condemning false accusations, the association added, “AICWA believes that if a person knowingly makes false allegations, it not only harms the accused but also undermines the credibility of genuine victims who come forward seeking justice.”
The association further stated, “It is important to make it clear that not all women make false allegations. Thousands of women in the film and television industry have genuinely faced harassment and exploitation and deserve support, respect, and justice. The actions of one individual should never be used to discredit or question the experiences of genuine victims.”
Ex-censor chief, producer Pahlaj Nihalani dies at 76
10:54 PM
Bella Jaisinghani (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 5, 2026)
Mumbai: Producer Pahlaj Nihalani died at age 76 Thursday, reportedly of a liver ailment. He had produced successful films like ‘Ilzaam’ and ‘Aag Hi Aag’ which introduced actors Govinda and Chunky Panday respectively.
Nihalani’s first venture was ‘Haathkadi’ (1982) featuring Reena Roy’s song ‘Disco Station’, followed by ‘Aandhi Toofan’, ‘Paap Ki Duniya’, ‘Aankhen’, ‘Gunaahon Ka Faisla’, ‘Mitti Aur Sona’ and ‘Shola Aur Shabnam’.
He was also president of the (former) Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for 29 years.
Nihalani courted controversies during his tenure as chairman of the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2015 until his eventual sacking in 2017. His criticism of certain artistes raised concern, and his 98 edits of ‘Udta Punjab’ were defeated after the makers approached court. Critics said Nihalani’s moralistic stand over the depiction of Indian culture in cinema contrasted with bold portrayals and songs in his own films like ‘Andaz’ and ‘Julie 2’.
He is survived by his wife and three sons. The last rites were performed at Santacruz crematorium where Govinda arrived to pay respects.
He said, “Nihalani ji was like a foundation stone for many of us. Several artists, including me, who rose from impoverished backgrounds, received his support and encouragement. He shaped the careers of at least one dozen artistes. He had a rare ability to identify talent and help people rise to the skies of fame.”
CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “The news of the demise of renowned film producer and former CBFC Pahlaj Nihalani is heartbreaking. His contribution to the film industry will be remembered forever. With his passing, the film world has lost an experienced personality.”
As Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty receive threat calls, film bodies unite to discuss urgent safety measures
10:06 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 16, 2026)
Leading film industry bodies met in Mumbai on Saturday (February 14) to chart urgent action following recent threat calls and extortion attempts targeting members of the Hindi film fraternity.
Representatives of the Producers Guild of India, Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Western India Film Producers’ Association (WIFPA), and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) convened at the IMPPA office in Andheri at noon. Those present included Guild members Nitin Tej Ahuja and Shibasish Sarkar, along with FWICE president Birendra Nath Tiwari and senior representatives from other bodies. IFTPC president Ratan Jain could not attend but extended his support to whatever decision was taken.
The meeting follows threats targeting actors Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh, and filmmaker Rohit Shetty, among others. “This is no longer about isolated incidents. There is a palpable sense of fear. When leading actors and directors receive threats, the anxiety trickles down to every unit member, from spot boys to assistant directors. This is how Sikandar (2024) was shot following threats on Salman Khan and in the past year, the fear has only escalated,” a source told mid-day.
The bodies resolved to draft a joint letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking immediate intervention.
“We will collectively urge the state to ensure protection not just for high-profile celebrities, but for entire film units. Shoots involve hundreds of daily wage workers. Their safety cannot be compromised,” an insider told mid-day.
The source added, “If there is disruption due to fear or extortion, it directly impacts livelihoods of workers on set. These are regular people trying to make an honest earning. Films will be impacted because fear will drive people out of the industry.”
Universal Music acquires 30% stake in Excel Entertainment
10:48 PM
Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production house valued at Rs. 2,400 cr
Javed Farooqui (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; January 5, 2026)
Mumbai: The India unit of Universal Music Group (UMG), world's largest music company, has acquired a 30% stake in Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Bollywood production house Excel Entertainment at an enterprise valuation of Rs 2,400 crore, in one of the largest deals in the film entertainment business.
Under the agreement, Akhtar and Sidhwani will retain creative control, while UMG gains a foothold in the video business and strengthens its Bollywood music catalogue. Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India & South Asia and SVP of Strategy for Africa, Middle East and Asia, will join Excel Entertainment’s board.
The deal marks the third major M&A transaction in the Hindi film industry in recent times, following Adar Poonawalla’s Rs 1,000 crore investment for a 50% stake in Dharma Productions and Saregama’s Rs 325 crore investment in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bhansali Productions.
The transaction highlights a renewed consolidation wave in the media and entertainment sector, as companies chase scale, capital and stronger IP portfolios amid shifting consumer behaviour. UMG becomes the second music label after Saregama to invest in a film production company, expanding its presence beyond music into filmed entertainment.
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, Founders of Excel Entertainment said, “India’s entertainment landscape continues to grow from strength to strength, and this is the perfect moment to build meaningful global collaborations. We’re excited to partner with UMG in what we believe will be a truly creative and transformative alliance—one that unlocks fresh opportunities for artists and repertoire across music, film, and emerging formats. Together, we aim to take culturally rooted stories to the world.”
Vishal Ramchandani, CEO, Excel Entertainment said: “This partnership with UMG marks a pivotal step in our journey to broaden creative opportunities and tell Indian stories with a global lens. With a shared vision for innovation and excellence, we aim to transform Excel into a creative global studio—one that brings clutter-breaking, original content to audiences across platforms and geographies.”
Adam Granite, UMG’s CEO of Africa, Middle East and Asia (AMEA), said: “Today’s announcement further strengthens UMG’s position in India, a dynamic and strategically important music market for the group globally. Original soundtracks remain at the heart of India’s fast-growing music market, with Indian listeners showing a growing desire to access more music in that genre. By investing in and partnering with Excel Entertainment, UMG will be uniquely positioned to contribute from the earliest stage to Excel’s future endeavours and throughout the creative process, providing huge benefits to both parties.”
Devraj Sanyal said: “Farhan and Ritesh have built an exceptionally impressive business, and we’re thrilled to be working with them on the next phase of their journey. The Indian film scene presents a hugely exciting opportunity for music and the music-led entertainment business, and Excel is the perfect partner for us to work with going forward”.
The investment and strategic partnership, he added, would help UMG deepen its presence in a high-potential recorded music market.
India is the world’s 15th-largest recorded music market by revenues, according to the latest IFPI data, with strong linkages between the country’s audio-visual and music sectors. The opportunity is further underpinned by more than 375 million OTT viewers and an estimated 650 million smartphone users.
Founded in 1999, Excel Entertainment has released more than 40 films and scripted series. Its breakout film Dil Chahta Hai set the tone for a slate that includes Lakshya, Don, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Fukrey, Dil Dhadakne Do and Gully Boy.
The company was also among the earliest studios to embrace streaming, producing Amazon Prime Video’s first Indian original series Inside Edge, followed by titles such as Mirzapur, Made In Heaven, Dahaad and Netflix’s Dabba Cartel.
AZB & Partners acted as legal counsel to Universal Music Group. Ernst & Young and KPMG served as transaction advisors to Excel Entertainment and Universal Music Group, respectively. Morgan Stanley advised Excel Entertainment, while Khaitan & Co acted as its legal counsel.
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Javed Farooqui (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; January 6, 2026)
Mumbai: The Universal Music Group-Excel Entertainment deal could catalyse fresh foreign merger and acquisition interest in India's media and entertainment industry, with the Maharashtra government promoting Mumbai as a global hub to produce creative content, people familiar with the development said.
At least three similar transactions are currently under discussion, though details remain under wraps due to commercial sensitivities, said a top-ranked Maharashtra government official closely tracking the discussions, requesting anonymity.
Universal Music Group's India unit has agreed to acquire a 30% stake in Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani-promoted Excel Entertainment at an enterprise valuation of Rs. 2,400 crore, marking one of the largest deals in India's film and entertainment space.
The Maharashtra government was involved in facilitating the transaction.
The deal follows a series of consolidation moves in the sector, including Adar Poonawalla's acquisition of a 50% stake in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions for Rs. 1,000 crore in 2024, and Saregama's Rs. 325 crore investment in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bhansali Productions.
"The film industry is ripe for consolidation, and companies with strong IPs are likely to attract foreign investors," the official said. In the past, several Hollywood studios like Disney and Paramount either scaled back or exited the Indian market due to challenges around scale.
"Global companies today look for five things when choosing where to invest: talent, policy stability, respect for IP, speed of execution and a complete ecosystem. Mumbai and Maharashtra offer all five. That is why we are seeing sustained global interest across music, films, OTT, gaming, AVGC and the creators economy," Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said announcing the Excel-Universal deal.
UMG CEO for Africa, Middle East and Asia Adam Granite said the company will remain a minority investor in Excel Entertainment, while retaining a say in creative decisions, even as Sidhwani and Akhtar continue to exercise creative freedom.
Satish Shah no more; friends, colleagues in shock
8:16 AM
Avijit Ghosh (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 26, 2025)
In 1984, India could not have enough of the riotous TV comedy ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’. The most-talked about element of that rib-tickling show on DD, then the country’s only TV channel, was Satish Shah’s impeccable comic timing and astonishing range — over 40 different characters, ranging from an unwanted guest to a thief, each funnier than the last.
Those roles propelled Shah, who passed away on Saturday following kidney failure at a private hospital in Mumbai at age 74, to the cover of the reputable Hindi film magazine Madhuri, a space then reserved for major film stars. The June 7, 1985, issue, which also featured fellow ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’ actor Swaroop Sampat, carried the headline, ‘Aap ke chahete sitare’ (Your favourite stars). The characters were not specifically written for him, Shah recalled in a TV interview two years ago. He said they were people he might have seen in school, college and other places and subconsciously absorbed. “I give full credit to Mumbai city, a melting pot, which gave me the opportunity to see them,” he said.
Fellow actor, friend and FTII (Film and Television Institute of India), Pune, batchmate Rakesh Bedi said, “With his talent, he converted an outsider into the most interesting and eagerly-awaited performer of ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’.”
Shah brought laughter, grace and depth to Indian cinema and television with iconic performances, said FTII.
Shah’s journey began at FTII, captured in student films like ‘Bonga’, ‘Corpses’, ‘End Of The Game’, ‘Khukari’, ‘Lokayat’, ‘Masks’, ‘Shikast’, ‘Duniya Chalti Hai’, ‘Out of Focus’, ‘Sab Maya Hai’, ‘Sadama’ and ‘Tenth Floor’.
The actor, who featured in nearly 200 films and TV serials, marked his presence even in cameos. Few would have played the corpse of corrupt municipal commissioner D’Mello better than him in Kundan Shah’s political sidesplitter ‘Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro’ (1983).
“I changed my expressions as per scenes,” he once said. And who can forget his spit-showering ‘How dare you’ face-off with Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Main Hoon Na’ (2004). He featured in a clutch of Shah Rukh films, including ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge’ (1995), ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ (2003) and ‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007).
His talent for mimicry shone in Ramsay Brothers movies such as ‘Purani Haveli’ (1989), where his parodies of old hit Hindi film songs drew guffaws. He also played two minor negative characters in ‘Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai’ (1980) and ‘Umrao Jaan’ (1981). But TV gave him roles of length and heft. In ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ (2004), Shah made the part of Indravadan Sarabhai, the irreverent patriarch of a well-heeled Gujarati family in swank south Mumbai, his own.
Shah faced a curious problem when starting out. At a time when actors were neatly slotted as hero, villain and comedian, he could not find himself fitting into any. “I was too tall and well-built for comedies, too soft a face to become a villain and not conventionally good-looking for a hero,” he once said on TV. But the versatile actor, who grew up in south Mumbai playing cricket with neighbourhood kids such as Sunil Gavaskar and Sudhir Naik, did well nonetheless.
Bedi recalled that Shah was as funny off screen as on it. And that his sense of humour never left him. “Some of us went to see him when he had open-heart surgery a few months ago. We were with him for two hours. He laughed and joked, making sure that he was the centre of attention,” he said.
CM Devendra Fadnavis paid tributes to Shah, describing him as a versatile artist who left an indelible mark on Indian cinema and theatre. The CM said Shah, who passed away at 74, will be remembered for the effortless charm and authenticity he brought to every role he portrayed. “Through his natural and graceful performances, he carved a permanent place in the hearts of audiences,” Fadnavis said.
He said Shah, who had also acted in films by the late Dada Kondke, contributed to enriching Marathi cinema. “His demise has caused a great loss to the world of art. A guiding link that connected generations of artists has been severed,” the CM said.
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (October 26, 2025)
Veteran actor Satish Shah died on Saturday afternoon at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, following kidney failure. He was 74. The actor was known for his impeccable comic timing and iconic performances across films and television. He is survived by his wife Madhu Shah.
Trade expert Ashoke Pandit, one of the first to confirm the news on social media, wrote: “Sad and shocked to inform you that our dear friend and a great actor, Satish Shah, expired a few hours ago due to kidney failure. He was rushed to Hinduja Hospital, where he breathed his last. A great loss to our industry. Om Shanti.”
Actor-producer J D Majethia, who worked very closely with Satish in the hit sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, expressed deep grief over the actor’s passing when we reached out to him: “For me, it wasn’t just work; he was family, an elder brother to me. I just spoke with him the day before yesterday, and he was hale and hearty. He was the life of every gathering. Suddenly, I feel a vacuum around me.”
Satish began his career in the late 1970s and went on to become one of India’s most recognizable faces on screen. On TV, he is remembered for his standout performances in Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Filmy Chakkar and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, where his humour and timing made him a household name. In films, Satish delivered memorable roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Main Hoon Na (2004) and Om Shanti Om (2007).
Inputs by Akash Bhatnagar
Film body urges Maharashtra Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, for new Film City in Mumbai
8:06 AM
Singham Again and Heeramandi are among the recent projects shot in Film City
Film body urges Maha’s Revenue Minister Patil for new Film City in Mumbai; recommends R10k crore investment to build a property along the lines of UP’s project
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2024)
For decades, the Film City in Goregaon has been the hub of countless movie and television shoots. But of late, many in the entertainment circle feel that the property is unable to accommodate the burgeoning film industry’s demands. On July 10, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) had a meeting with Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Maharashtra’s Revenue Minister, to discuss their proposal of the state investing Rs. 10,000 crore in constructing a new Film City.
The AICWA underlined that the existing Film City is primarily situated on forest land, rendering it impossible to expand further. Citing the example of Uttar Pradesh’s in-the-works Film City, which boasts proximity to metro stations and an airport, they emphasized the need for a new facility in Mumbai.
Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President, AICWA, shares, “We met with Patil Sir, and he has assured us that he will take up the matter with the Chief Minister [Eknath Shinde] and Ajit Pawar [Deputy Chief Minister]. The existing Film City cannot be developed further. Our infrastructure doesn’t match up [to the needs] of the film industry. The UP government has ensured that there is metro and airport connectivity, and everything possible [in the Noida Film City]. What is done for Bollywood here?”
While it is still at the discussion stage, Gupta hopes the concerned authorities will take prompt action. “If you drive through Film City, you’ll see that the roads are broken, there are no street lights, and the roofs of sets are leaking. We have requested that 500 acres of land around Mumbai be identified, and work on a bigger studio set-up begins. No one is asking them to cut forest land. That should be preserved at all costs.”
In the proposal, the AICWA has recommended that the new property have important features. One of the suggestions is that it could include hostels.
“About 60 lakh people come to work here every year, and more than 50 per cent of them return [after being unable to make ends meet]. Hostels can be built for them. A filmmaking institute can be made. Today, most of the studios are sold or on the verge of sale—from RK Studios to Filmistan. Shoots in Mumbai have reduced a lot. For our heritage and employment, this needs to be done.”
Cine workers’ union to meet Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde to request SIT probe into Noor Malabika Das’ death case
8:23 AM
Concerned about incidence of suicides in industry, cine workers’ union plan to meet Maha CM to request SIT probe into Noor Malabika’s death case
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 12, 2024)
Shocked by actor Noor Malabika Das’ death, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) is planning to have a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and urge for a thorough probe into the alleged suicide. The union has shot off a letter to them to this effect. Noor, who was last seen in Kajol’s The Trial, was found dead by the Oshiwara Police at her Lokhandwala flat on June 10, four days after she passed away on June 6. The police found her when they broke into her apartment after her neighbours reported a foul smell coming from her residence.
Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President, AICWA, says he is concerned about the high incidence of suicides in showbiz.
“There are many suicide cases among actors in the Indian film industry, which is why the government needs to investigate this issue seriously. I will meet the Chief Minister and Home Minister regarding Noor Malabika Das’ case and demand an SIT [Special Investigation Team] probe. In the case of actress Tunisha Sharma, who allegedly died by suicide on set [in 2022], I have been fighting to have it investigated as a potential murder. The central government must also be made aware of and investigate the high rate of suicides in Bollywood,” says Gupta. In the letter, the union also stated that one cannot rule out foul play.
With Noor’s death investigation underway, more details are emerging. On Tuesday, her aunt Arati Das reportedly indicated that she was battling depression. She said that the actor hoped to make it big and was “unsatisfied with her achievements, which forced her to take this extreme step.”
Hailing from Assam, Noor was a flight attendant with Qatar Airways, before featuring in a few web series.
Nitin Desai case: Five staffers of creditor group booked for abetment to suicide
8:29 AM
A 21-gun salute by the Raigad police to the departed soul
Art Director Was Pressured Over Loans: Wife Plaint
George Mendonca (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 5, 2023)
Mumbai: Two days after art director Nitin Desai died allegedly by suicide at his sprawling studio in Karjat, five employees of the financial group he owed money have been booked for abetment to suicide.
His widow Neha Desai has submitted a written complaint to police alleging that employees of ECL Finance and the Edelweiss Group were pressuring her husband to recover an outstanding loan. Her complaint says Desai was fed up with the harassment and hence took the drastic step of ending his life. In all, Desai owed Rs 252 crore.
The Khalapur police had recorded an accidental death case. In the wake of her complaint, police have registered an FIR under IPC sections 306 (abetment to suicide) and 34 (acts by several per-sons in furtherance of common intention) against the five accused staffers and others, said Raigad police.
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Mumbai: Film art director Nitin Desai’s firm ND’s Art World, which managed his studio, took a loan of Rs 150 crore in two instalments in 2016 and Rs 31 crore in 2018. Repayment had stalled since January 2020 and the pandemic had worsened the firm’s financial situation. The amount that was due included unpaid interest. In all, recovery due was Rs 252 crore. The National Company Law Tribunal in Mumbai had recently allowed a petition by the Edelweiss group to initiate corporate insolvency proceedings against ND Art World.
On Thursday, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had told the Maharashtra assembly that Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company's role in the incident would be probed.
The suicide abetment case is now being investigated by Vikram Kadam, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Khalapur.
Raigad additional superintendent of police Atul Zende said, “As part of the investigation into the abetment of suicide case, the accused will be summoned to Khalapur police station by the investigating officer for recording their statements.”
Zende added, “Before committing suicide, Nitin Desai sent 11 audio clips to his advocate Vrunda Kumbhar. We are awaiting the forensic lab report of those audio clips to verify his voice, which will provide vital evidence in the case.”
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Anurag Kamble and Apoorva Agashe (MID-DAY; August 5, 2023)
The Raigad police on Friday said they have booked four officials of Edelweiss group for allegedly harassing and mentally torturing art director Nitin Desai, leading to his suicide. They will now be summoned for questioning, cops added. The FIR has been filed under IPC Sections 306 (abetment of suicide) and 34 (common intention) at Khalapur police station based on the complaint lodged by Nitin’s widow Neha Desai.
“According to the written complaint given by Neha Desai, both the companies consistently mentally tortured Nitin Desai. The torture led to the suicide of the Nitin Desai,” Superintendent Somnath Gharge of Raigad police said.
The names:
Those booked are—Edelweiss Finance CEO and Chairman Rashesh Shah; Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) officials Keyoor Mehta, Smit Shah and R K Bansal; and Jitendra Kothari, an insolvency professional appointed by the NCLT, Mumbai.
“...soon the COVID-19 pandemic hit the entertainment industry and shoots were stalled. Nitin Desai knew this will lead to defaults and pilling up of interest. He contacted the borrowers and asked about a one-time settlement,” states the FIR. Nitin was ready to pay the settlement amount, but Edelweiss ARC kept postponing their meetings, according to the FIR.
“Nitin begged for settlement, but without intimating him, Edelweiss ARC went to NCLT and even to Raigad collectorate,” it adds. In 2019, Nitin sold is Powai office to pay off six months of EMI, according to the FIR.
The loan:
Nitin’s company ND’s Art World Pvt Ltd had mortgaged a total of 43 acres of land, on which his ND Studio stands, and borrowed R185 crore through two loans from ECL Finance in 2016 and 2018. ECL Finance is a non-banking finance arm of the Edelweiss Group.
Later on, Art World’s debt was transferred to Edelweiss ARC, which had appealed in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for insolvency. Edelweiss had sent a proposal to the Raigad collector to seize the mortgaged land. The proposal has been pending before the collector for the past two months. Desai had named the officials in a voice note he had left, accusing Edelweiss ARC of trying to usurp his studio.
Alleged threat:
It is alleged that on July 29, Jitendra Kothari told Nitin’s lawyer and Neha that he is sending his bouncers to “to look after” N D Studios.
Nitin told his wife that no new assignments are coming to the studio because of all this and hence they have incurred a loss of Rs. 100 crore, according to the FIR.
We will probe creditor firm’s role in Nitin Desai’s death-Devendra Fadnavis
8:26 AM
Relatives and friends of Desai at JJ hospital, where his post-mortem was conducted, on Wednesday night. Pic/Ashish Raje
Priyanka Kakodkar & Clara Lewis | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 4, 2023)
Mumbai: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis told the state assembly on Thursday that the role of Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company would be probed in connection with the death of Bollywood art director Nitin Desai, report Priyanka Kakodkar and Clara Lewis. He owed the firm Rs 252 crore and had recently lost the case before the National Company Law Tribunal. BJP MLA Ashish Shelar had demanded the government probe the company’s role.
The Raigad police on Thursday sent 11 audio clips found after Desai’s death to a forensic lab to test for voice authenticity. The clips purportedly contain mention of names. Desai’s financial advisors have also been summoned for investigation.
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Mumbai: BJP MLA Ashish Shelar on Thursday demanded the state government probe the role of Edelweiss ARC and chairman of the group Rashesh Shah in art director Nitin Desai’s death and alleged they were “modern money lenders”. He said he had details of two other cases involving the company and was ready to hand these over to the home minister.
“Shelar has raised some concerns about the ARC. That angle will also be addressed in the probe. It will examine whether some other kind of pressure was being put on Desai by ARC to gain control of his studio. Was he being forced?” deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday announcing a probe. He added, “It will examine whether he was being cheated and charged a rate of interest that was beyond the norm.” He said Desai had mortgaged his studio and was trying to pay off his debts.
Fadnavis also said, “A Marathi manoos had set up the studio. We will examine the legal position and see if the state can refurbish the studio or take it over to set up something in Desai’s memory.”
Earlier, Shelar alleged, “This is not the first such case involving Rashesh Shah and his company… The probe should not be limited to the suicide but should also examine the role of Edelweiss ARC, their interest rate, their manner of functioning and recovering loans. There is a fear that the common man will go towards suicide,” Shelar said.
He added, “I am speaking specifically about Rashesh Shah and this company. I have details of two other cases… A special team should be formed, if possible.” He said the probe was already examining an audio clip of a conversation between Desai and the company’s manager.
Congress’ Ashok Chavan supported the demand for a probe and said government should take over the studio “to pay homage to Desai.” “We should not allow the studio to be auctioned,” he said.
In the council, BJP’s Pravin Darekar demanded an investigation. He said, “About 3 months ago, he (Desai) had come to meet me at Vidhan Bhavan. He had taken a loan of Rs 150 crore. We held 2-3 meetings at our Mumbai Bank, but his account was already NPA. We could have helped him if it was a matter of Rs 10-15 crore and could have earned the blessing of having saved his life, but it was not to be. This regret will be with me,” he said.
Darekar said Desai had even met PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah and thereafter had got a huge contract in Rajasthan. “But the process for seizure had started and this Marathi manoos was disheartened,” he said.
He said he took Desai to CM Eknath Shinde and helped him get temporary relief for three months. But thereafter, there was pressure from ARC; Desai had been served notice for confiscation of the studio. “For someone who had risen from poverty, the thought that it (studio) could be seized had caused him restlessness. I had been trying to help him, met him a couple of times to find a way out, but for nearly 1-2 months I was not in touch with him and thought he had found a way out. The other day when I switched on the TV, I saw the news and I was stunned. The government must take over N D Studio and develop it further on the lines of Ramoji Studio. It should provide a platform for Marathi, Hindi artistes,” he said.
Voice clips sent to forensic lab; cremation at studio today
Navi Mumbai: Raigad police have sent 11 audio clips found after art director Nitin Desai’s death to a forensic lab to check for voice authenticity. The clips purportedly contain names. The financial advisors of Desai too have been summoned for investigation. The last rites of Desai will be held between 12 noon and 4 pm on Friday. He will be cremated inside the N D Studios, in keeping with his wish which he mentioned in an audio clip recovered by the police, said Raigad superintendent of p olice Somnath Gharge.
Several film personalities and TV artistes are expected to attend the funeral. In one of the audio clips, Desai apparently offers his “last respect to Lalbaugcha Raja” and in another he has purportedly said, “Taking (final) steps to g o towards Pandhari (Pandharpur).” Gharge said, “We have n ot kept any copy of the clips and have sent them to the lab. His cremation wish was recorded in one clip but not in any note or suicide note.” Umesh K Parida
Visitors turn up to look at sets
Mumbai: A stream of visitors on Thursday arrived at Nitin Desai’s studio, only to return dejected after learning about his death. N D Studios, also known as ND’s Film World, was founded by Desai in Karjat in 2005. Hundreds of tourists visit the studio every day to have a look at the grand sets. Unaware of Desai’s death, several visitors turned up on Thursday. However, they had to return as the studio has been closed from Wednesday morning.
- PTI
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Home minister promises thorough probe into roles of Edelweiss CEO and his firm in connection with ace art director’s death; police to summon officials named in voice note
Anurag Kamble, Dharmendra Jore (MID-DAY; August 4, 2023)
The home minister on Thursday assured a probe into the roles of Edelweiss Group CEO Rashesh Shah and his financial firm in renowned art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai’s death allegedly by suicide. The Raigad police also said they will also be questioning Edelweiss ARC officials who have been accused by Desai, in a voice note, of trying to usurp his ND Studio.
The Raigad police, who are investigating the alleged suicide of renowned art director Nitin Chandrakant Desai, said they will be questioning officials of Edelweiss ARC, as the 57-year-old, in a voice note, has accused them of trying to usurp his ND Studio.
The art director left 11 voice notes, including one urging the state government to acquire the studio, according to sources in the Raigad police. A few notes were addressed to his family. In the longest voice note, which is of 20 minutes, he described his journey in the art world, his struggle and his dream and passion, a source in the Raigad police said.
In one clip, Desai, who was found hanging in his ND Studio on Wednesday, has accused a few officials of Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) of usurping his ND Studio by pushing him to bankruptcy. After Desai failed to repay a loan, the Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) approached the National Company Law Tribunal as well as the Raigad collector to seize 46-acre land, which comprised 90 per cent of his studio.
4-5 names in voice note
“We can’t say when these voice notes were recorded, because during the wee hours of Wednesday, Desai handed the recorder over to his assistant Yogesh Thakur. But he immediately took it back and asked Yogesh to collect it from his office around 8.30 am-9 am on Wednesday,” said a source.
“He has taken 4 to 5 names of the officials of Edelweiss ARC and objected to their process and questioned their functioning. He alleged the company, rather than helping him reconstruct his loan or getting out of debt, pushed him towards bankruptcy,” said another officer. Desai had instructed Yogesh to transfer the voice notes to his phone through the computer in his office, and WhatsApp them to his sister and his lawyer.
“Based on the voice notes, we will summon the officials named by Desai for questioning. So far there is no complaint or application from Desai’s family. If they do file one, we will register an FIR,” said a senior officer. In a statement sent to mid-day on Thursday, Edelweiss ARC said, “We are committed to fully cooperating with all the relevant authorities. Our commitment to transparency, cooperation, and adherence to the legal process remains steadfast.”
Took a stroll
On Tuesday, Desai arrived from New Delhi and went to ND Studio, where he offered prayers at the temple. “He then took a stroll on the property, and visited all the sets,” Yogesh said in his police statement.
“Then, he asked me to get the key to the main studio floor, which is hardly 100 meters from the office. He then asked me to open the door and switch on the lights. A rope was hanging at the centre and there was a ladder nearby. I didn’t suspect anything, as he had already told us a couple of months back that the rope was there for vastu reasons. After checking the rope, Desai left for bungalow No. 2 and took the key with him,” Yogesh stated.
Raigad cops, who have registered an accidental death report, have secured CCTV camera footage of the studio. “The suicide must have happened between 4 am and 6 am, because footage of him walking towards the main studio floor is of around 4 am,” said another source.
Death by hanging
His post-mortem examination was conducted at JJ hospital by an expert panel of four doctors. The report mentions the cause of his death as ‘asphyxia, due to hanging’. His blood and viscera samples have been kept reserved for further chemical analysis.
SIT for Disha Salian case, announces Devendra Fadnavis
8:36 AM
Chittaranjan Tembhekar (THE TIMES OF INDIA; December 23, 2022)
Nagpur: The state on Thursday announced that it would form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the death of Disha Salian, manager of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, reports Chittaranjan Tembhekar.
Salian died on June 8, 2020 after a fall from the 14th floor of a Malad building, a week before Rajput was also found dead at his home.
Replying to a demand from MLAs of the ruling BJP Shinde Sena combine that Salian’s death be probed, deputy CM Fadnavis called upon those with clinching evidence to hand it over to police.
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Mumbai: The high-profile Disha Salian case was first raised in the House on Thursday by Bharat Gogavale, MLA of Balasahebanchi Shiv Sena, the Sena faction led by chief minister Eknath Shinde. He was joined by BJP legislator Nitesh Rane, Ameet Satam, Madhuri Misal and Devyani Farande.
In November this year, the Shiv Sena (UBT) had hit out at the BJP after the CBI reportedly concluded that Salian’s death was an accident. CBI sources had however then said that they had not registered any case or conducted any specific probe into her death. As part of their probe into Rajput’s death, they had said, they had conducted some inquiry as she was his talent manager, but they had not arrived at any conclusion.
Nitesh Rane sought a “narco test” on Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray in connection with the deaths of Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Salian based on allegations levelled by Lok Sabha MP Rahul Shewale of the Shinde faction.
Shewale had asked on Wednesday about the status of the CBI probe into Rajput’s death and the possible involvement of influential people, including a senior figure in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. He said there were “44 calls from AU to (actress) Rhea Chakraborty” and alleged the Bihar police had concluded that “AU” was “Aaditya Uddhav.”
Questioning why Thackeray's name cropped up every time the deaths of Rajput and Disha Salian were discussed, Rane said the allegations made by Shewale must be taken seriously as he was close to the Thackeray family for a long time.
A “narco test” (narcoanalysis test) must be carried out on Aaditya Thackeray so that the truth about their deaths comes out, Rane told the media outside the Vidhan Bhavan complex.
The demand to probe the Salian case came in the wake of the opposition raising the phone tapping case in the House and also the alleged use of toilets in the Nagpur MLAs’ hostel to wash utensils used to serve breakfast to legislators.
Leader of opposition Ajit Pawar objected to the decision to form an SIT in the matter, pointing out that the CBI had already concluded the case and Salian’s parents too had requested that her image should not be maligned by repeatedly raising the issue of her death in public. Hence, Pawar said, the case should not be viewed from a political angle and should not be given a political twist.
Fadnavis clarified that the Salian case had never gone to the CBI, so there was no closure report and hence an SIT can be set up.
“Mumbai police are already investigating the case. Those who have proofs can hand them over for further probe through SIT,” Fadnavis announced amid sloganeering from the opposition as well as the ruling benches.
Fadnavis also pointed out in the House that the CBI had made it clear before the court in the Rajput case that they had not investigated the Salian case.
While Shiv Sena (UBT) and some NCP leaders had earlier alleged that the BJP had targeted the Thackeray family and tried to sully their reputation, Nitesh Rane had claimed that all evidence in the case had been destroyed by the police when the Maha Vikas Aghadi was in office.
In March, Nitesh had told the state assembly that he had a pen drive containing statements of an eyewitness to what he called Disha Salian’s “murder. ” He had said in the assembly, “The pen drive has an eyewitness who tells us that a state minister was involved...Salian was raped and killed.”
Jitendra Awhad, 100 NCP activists booked for Har Har Mahadev's show, assaulting man
8:07 AM
Nishikant Karlikar (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 9, 2022)
Thane: Senior NCP leader Jitendra Awhad and 100 unidentified workers of the party were booked on Tuesday for disrupting the Marathi film ‘Har Har Mahadev’ at a Thane multiplex on Monday night and assaulting a businessman. Awhad had alleged that the film had distorted facts and depicted historic characters in poor light.
Police said they have filed a case of assault and under different IPC sections for rioting. However, no arrest has been made. The police action came on a complaint filed by a businessman, Parikshit Durve, who said he suffered blows, punches and kicks from the NCP mob as he protested the stalling of the show.
With the film being disrupted in Pune too, deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis spoke tough on Tuesday, saying beating up moviegoers would not be tolerated and action would be taken against those involved in the ruckus. He said people could express their opposition in a democratic way. “I have not seen the movie and am not aware of the row,” he added.
According to Durve, the cinema hall at the multiplex in Viviana Mall was occupied 50%, when the NCP activists began asking them to leave. “While Awhad was making an address, someone said they should get a refund to which the former state minister said the mall authorities would ensure that. In the meantime, someone remarked that anyone comes to theatres and stalls shows,” said Durve, adding that this enraged the mob, and 8-10 NCP workers came close to his wife. When Durve intervened, he was assaulted, the complaint said.
Later, Avinash Jadhav of the MNS restarted the show despite the NCP activists’ opposition. Jadhav also organized the screening of the film in three halls at the same multiplex on Tuesday, and all the venues were jam packed.
Durve told TOI, “It is unfortunate that political workers barge into a cinema hall with their political agenda. Law abiding people are heckled and assaulted for no fault of theirs. Is there any law for these political workers or are they just for the common man?”
He added, “My wife was initially shocked by the incident and ruckus, but is fine now. I have come for the special screening of the same film organized by the MNS.”
Aap aage badho hum aapke saath hain, says Maha Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to Bollywood
8:47 AM
At the recently held 67th Wolf777news Filmfare Awards, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, stressed on how the government is creating policies that will bring ease in doing business to support the film industry
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 4, 2022)
The 67th Wolf777news Filmfare Awards recently concluded in Mumbai amidst great pomp and show. The evening that celebrated the finest filmmakers, artistes and technicians in Hindi cinema also spotlighted the greatness of the state of Maharashtra, which partnered with the event as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. The evening began with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, lighting the ceremonial lamp. It was followed by an ode to the cultural heritage of the state and a speech by Sudhir Mungantiwar that highlighted the strong connection between the Hindi film industry and the state.
“Yeh baat sahi hai ki jis bhoomi pe hum hain, iss bhoomi se hi 1913 mein pehli shuruat Dadasaheb Phalke ne ki Raja Harishchandra banake… Jab main Marathi bhasha ki film ki baat karta hoon, toh uski pehli film, Ayodhyecha Raja, 1932 mein V Shantaram ji ke nirdeshan mein bani,” said Mungantiwar.
Talking about how Bollywood is the pride of the state of Maharashtra, he added, “The film industry will always have our support. It’s an industry that brings this state its aan, baan aur shaan. Aaj hamare upmukhyamantri Devendra ji aur hum yahan yeh batane ke liye upasthit hai ki aap aage badho hum aapke saath hain. We are working towards creating policies that encourage the film business to thrive in the state and encourage filmmakers to shoot here.”
“We are rich in geographical beauty. Yahan aisi sundar-sundar jagahein hai ki Switzerland jaane ki aavashaykta nahi hai. Bharat ka Tiger Capital Vidarbha mein hai, jungle hamare paas hai, nadiya hai, bahut paani hai, we have a lot of biodiversity, too. The state is rich in cultural and historical heritage. The film industry doesn’t just entertain all of us, it makes us think and reflect. It influences us in so many ways. When I arrived here, I was thinking of the first love letter I wrote to my wife, which had a Hindi film song in it. And when she had welcomed me into her maiden home, she, too, was inspired by a Hindi film song to convey her emotions. This industry has a role to play in everyone’s life. The Filmfare Awards are not just an acknowledgement of the work that the industry puts in, it’s also a form of encouragement to the industry that relieves everyone’s stress,” said Mungantiwar.
Sending his wishes out to the whole industry and hoping that it grows from strength to strength, he added, “Main bhagwaan Siddhivinayak ke charno mein prarthana karta hoon ki jo desh ki chitranagri Mumbai mein hai, yeh bahut fale-fule itni aage badhe ki jitna GST film industry ne pichle paanch saal mein nahi bhara uska dus guna woh agle saal mein de sake, itna vyavasay usko mile.”
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis said, “Mumbai is the entertainment and economic capital of India. We are very proud of our film industry. Main aisa maanta hoon ki jo hamara Bollywood hai usne duniya mein apni ek pehchaan banayi hai. Regional film industries are also making a name for themselves. Hamari Marathi film industry toh pehle se hi ek apni alag pehchaan rakhti thi. Lekin aaj jis prakar se dakshin ki filmon ne hamare desh mein hungama machaya aur duniya mein ek naya chitra tayar kiya hai, mujhe aisa lagta hai ki ek bahut hi naye daur se aaj hamari film industry guzar rahi hai. This industry doesn’t merely entertain, it creates employment and gives wings to dreams. We are working on creating policies that bring ease in doing business here. We hope to facilitate whatever the industry requires in various areas for its smooth functioning. The new government in Maharashtra is for everyone and for the film industry, too.”
Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Kartik Aaryan test positive for Covid
8:33 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (June 6, 2022)
Mumbai: BMC officials confirmed on Sunday that actor Katrina Kaif had tested Covid-19 positive on June 1 while actor Kartik Aaryan tested positive for Coronavirus on June 4.
“There was a party organised under the jurisdiction of K-West Ward on May 25. Many attended that party but it would be wrong to say that those who attended have tested positive. So far, there is no correlation between the actors testing positive for Covid-19 and the party held on May 25. We have not issued any new directives to studios. So far only Katrina Kaif (June 1) and Kartik Aaryan (June 4) have tested positive in the K-West Ward among celebrities,” said Prithviraj Chavan, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, K-West Ward.
While the BMC did not confirm that actor Shah Rukh Khan had also tested positive for Coronavirus, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wished him a speedy recovery on Twitter. “Just came to know that our brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan has been detected as Covid positive. Pray for the fastest recovery for the superstar. Get well Shah Rukh! Spring back asap” Banerjee said in a tweet on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, leader of the opposition Devendra Fadnavis tested positive for Covid-19. In a tweet, Fadnavis said that he was under home isolation and advised those who came in his contact to g et themselves tested for the virus. BMC officials said that they will ask those organising any large gatherings to inform the BMC so that in case there is any Covid-19 outbreak, contact tracing and testing can be done more effectively.
BJP, Shiv Sena leaders spar over The Kashmir Files; Jayant Patil says "the film is boring after the interval"
8:30 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (March 24, 2022)
Mumbai: Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday asked if state minister Jayant Patil had any problem with BJP MLAs attending the screening of Hindi film ‘The Kashmir Files’.
Hitting back, Patil said Fadnavis should ask the movie’s producer to donate its earnings for constructing homes for the displaced Kashmir Pandits.
Patil, on Tuesday, had taken a swipe at the BJP MLAs for attending the film's screening while business was still being transacted in the state assembly, saying watching the movie was more important for them than the issues concerning the state's development.
He had apparently referred to a special show of the movie organised by BJP leader Kripashankar Singh on Tuesday evening.
Speaking in the Lower House on Wednesday, Fadnavis said, “The minister spoke (about attending the screening) yesterday. We had decided and we watched 'The Kashmir Files' yesterday.”
“Do you have any problem with it? We did watch it. You talk about it outside (the House) if you have any problem,” he said.
Countering the BJP leader, Patil said the film is “boring and not quite interesting” after the interval. “See, you (the BJP leaders) know it. If you are praising the film, it was made spending Rs 17 crore and it earned Rs 150 crore. Ask the film’s producer to donate the earnings for constructing homes for Kashmiri Pandits,” the state water resources minister said.
Drugs-on-cruise case: Nawab Malik promises heated winter session
8:28 AM
Prafulla Marpakwar (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 30, 2021)
Mumbai: A day after putting out the filmy dialogue ‘Picture abhi baki hai mere dost,’ NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik on Friday said the film will be over only after NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede loses his job which he secured on the basis of a “forged” caste certificate.
“I will expose him on a daily basis. I want to reiterate that the main organizer of the cruise rave party, Kashiff Khan, was let off as he is a personal friend of Wankhede’s. I have massive evidence against Wankhede and politicians involved in illegal activities. A section of high-profile BJP leaders has been frequently visiting NCB’s office ever since Wankhede took over the reins of the western zone. I will expose them during the winter session of the state legislature. Once I speak, most of them will leave their political activities,” Malik claimed.
Malik alleged that Wankhede, with the help of the BJP, was maligning the image of the MVA government. “BJP is making all-out efforts to shift the Bollywood industry to Uttar Pradesh. It is all a conspiracy designed by the BJP.”
On Wankhede’s wife Kranti writing to CM Uddhav Thackeray saying he should help her as she is a ‘Marathi manoos,’ Malik said he too is Marathi as his family has been staying in Maharashtra for more than seven decades. “I was born in 1959, and since then have been a permanent resident of Mumbai. Am I not Marathi?” Malik said at a media conference.
Malik said he put out the picture of Wankhede’s first wife with her prior consent. “His first wife herself sent the pictures. So far as Kranti is concerned, I have never uttered a word against her. In my opinion, she should not use the Marathi card. Kranti Redkar should not forget that her husband was part of a conspiracy to defame Maharashtra and Mumbai,” Malik said.
Ever since Aryan Khan was arrested, Malik has launched a campaign against the NCB, saying all raids conducted by the central agency are fake. With a section of BJP leaders taking him on over his family business, Malik said his father was a scrap dealer and he too was involved in the family business. “I am proud of my business. My father was a scrap dealer, and I too was assisting him. It’s our family business,” he said.
Malik said the main task of a scrap dealer is to collect scrap, melt it and use it effectively for commercial purposes. “Now, I have decided to collect (political) scrap from all over Mumbai, and each and every nut and bolt will be melted and used suitably,” Malik said.
Wankhede has denied charges levelled by Malik and has said the minister has been lying.
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The Maharashtra minister assures he will expose the Opposition for its involvement in the drugs-on-cruise case
Dharmendra Jore (MID-DAY; October 30, 2021)
The drugs-on-cruise controversy is expected to overshadow proceedings in the forthcoming winter session of the state legislature, with senior minister Nawab Malik assuring to expose the opposition for its alleged involvement in the case, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ready with its gloves off, to give a fitting response.
The session, to be held in Nagpur, is five weeks away. By the time the sitting opens on December 7, the drug case and allegation against NCB officer, Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede will be in advanced stage. The celebrity accused were bailed out on Friday, but the case refuses to die down, with other matters surfacing every day. The state government has said.
Wankhede is being probed by his agency’s vigilance department and by the state police that have filed a first information report in the extortion charges one of the panch witnesses has made. The officer is also accused of faking his caste to get employment in the reserved quota for the scheduled castes.
‘Won’t stop!’
Malik promised to keep his tirade against Wankhede on. “The BJP will attack me in the session. They will take my name. Once I reveal the big names, the BJP leaders will not be able to show their faces in public,” said Malik on Friday, adding that Wankhede was BJP’s parrot, and a picture of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya with the Wankhede family, substantiated his claim of the party handling the officer. Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis said what Malik has been saying is not important to him or his party. “He speaks every day, anytime. He doesn’t have any work. He is the NCP’s parrot who speaks daily.”
Arguments, allegations
Sources say that the legislature was likely to witness unprecedented arguments and exchange of serious allegations. These would invite court proceedings if made outside the legislature that provides members immunity for the acts committed and words said inside. The proceedings, unless expunged by the presiding officer, are allowed to be reported and discussed outside the house.
3 freed in cruise drugs case over mounting pressure from BJP-Nawab Malik
8:48 AM
Prafulla Marpakwar (THE TIMES OF INDIA; October 10, 2021)
Mumbai: NCP spokesperson and skill development minister Nawab Malik on Saturday alleged the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) freed Rishabh Sachdeva, Prateek Gaba and Amir Furniturewala, detained in the drugs case, following mounting pressure from the BJP.
According to Malik, Sachdeva is the brother-in-law of BJP leader Mohit Bhartiya. Sachdeva and friends Gaba and Furniturewala are among 11 persons, including actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan, who were detained by the NCB during a raid on a cruise on October 2. Following Malik’s allegations, Bhartiya has served a Rs 100 crore defamation notice on the NCP leader.
Meanwhile, reacting to Malik’s statement, opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis said, “Instead of supporting the NCB, NCP has politicised the entire issue. I am told that among the three persons freed by NCB, one is a friend of a high-profile NCP leader’s son.”
In a press conference, Malik said, “My contention is that due to the BJP’s mounting pressure, Sachdeva, Gaba and Furniturewala were released. NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede must explain to the people why the three were let off. When Sachdeva was emerging from the NCB office, he was accompanied by his father and uncle.”
Malik released a series of videos on the entire episode to make his point. The NCP leader reiterated the October 2 raid was fabricated to defame the MVA government as well as the film industry.
A senior NCB official said Malik’s information is “half-baked, false, baseless, motivated, an afterthought and prejudiced” .“Not 11, but 14 persons were brought to the NCB office. All of them were served a notice under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. Their statements were recorded and thereafter, eight persons were arrested and the remaining six were let off since no incriminating evidence was found against them,” he said.
The NCB official reiterated all have been treated on par. “NCB follows a professional and unbiased approach in its ongoing mission of tackling the drug menace in the country. It takes serious action either on the basis of inputs received from public sources or based on developed intelligence inputs incorporating surveillance means,’’ he said.
Malik demanded examination of call detail records of Wankhede, Sachdeva and his father, “so people will know with whom they were in touch with after his detention and release. NCB’s operations have a direct link with the BJP”.
Meanwhile, Bhartiya said, “I have served a Rs. 100 crore defamation notice on Malik. He should tender an unconditional apology for making baseless charges. Malik is misusing his official position as a cabinet member. For obvious political reasons, he is hitting out at diligent officers of the NCB for the sole and ulterior motive of seeking vengeance for arresting his son-in-law.’’
Bhartiya added he is not an office bearer, but a BJP sympathizer.
State intel dept will probe celeb tweets, says Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh
8:17 AM
BJP Says MVA Targeting ‘Bharat Ratnas’ Sachin, Lata
Bhavika Jain & Clara Lewis | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; February 9, 2021)
Mumbai: Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh on Monday said the state intelligence department will conduct a probe into the tweets put out by celebrities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Lata Mangeshkar, Saina Nehwal and Akshay Kumar last week in response to pop star Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg’s comments on the farmers’ agitation. Deshmukh’s announcement, which came after Congress alleged the BJP had “pressured” the celebrities to tweet in support of the Modi government, drew sharp reactions on social media, with BJP leaders asking if Bharat Ratnas like Tendulkar and Mangeshkar would now be investigated for expressing their views.
BJP national president J P Nadda tweeted, “MVA in Maharashtra has a unique model of governance - hail noises of anarchy from overseas who show India in poor light but harass patriotic Indians who stand for the nation. It is difficult to decide what is more flawed: their priorities or their mindset?”
Former CM Devendra Fadnavis asked if the MVA government had lost its senses. “MVA should feel ashamed while using the word ‘probe’ for Bharat Ratnas. Actually, now it seems necessary to probe the mental state and stability of the ones who made such a demand and of people who ordered the probe against our Bharat Ratnas,” he said. He tweeted, “We will never find such ‘ratnas’ (gems) in entire nation who order probe against Bharat Ratnas who always stand strong in one voice for our nation.”
Celebrities across fields including Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane had tweeted on the farmers’ protests using hashtags #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.
On Monday, a delegation led by Congress general secretary and spokesperson Sachin Sawant had a video conference with Deshmukh, who tested positive for Covid-19 last week and is in quarantine. Sawant alleged that “the manner in which the tweets were timed, the common words used, reinforce the suspicion that BJP had pressured the celebrities to tweet.”
Deshmukh said, “The question raised by Congress is whether the celebrities were forced to issue those tweets. These celebrities can express their opinions, but the timing of the tweets, common words used and even the tagging of BJP officebearers in their tweets have raised certain doubts. Tweets by Akshay Kumar and Saina Nehwal are the same. Not a word is different... Our intelligence agency will probe the matter.”
Later, after the flood of reactions on social media, Deshmukh tweeted people conferred with the Bharat Ratna are “respected by us as well. But did any BJP leader put pressure on them? The Congress has demanded an inquiry against the leader.” Deshmukh said there has been an attempt to defame the farmers’ stir, so there were reactions across the world. “There is pressure on everyone who speaks out against the Centre. Media too is under pressure. CBI and ED are sent after politicians,” he alleged.
Kangana Ranaut's bungalow demolition row: Did Shiv Sena walk straight into BJP trap?
8:41 AM
Sena-run civic body's decision to demolish Kangana Ranaut's home office after her vitriolic attack seems so harebrained that even Sharad Pawar, MVA ally and master tactician, is irked
MID-DAY (September 10, 2020)
After the war of words between actor Kangana Ranaut and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, the action in the ugly drama following Sushant Singh Rajput's death moved on ground, with the BMC initiating demolition of the actor's office it deemed illegal. Ruling partner Sharad Pawar said the timing of the action will raise more questions than answers.The civic body started demolishing the alleged illegal constructions done at actress Kangana Ranaut's Pali Hill office on Wednesday morning but was stopped in its tracks by the Bombay High Court by noon which issued a stay order.
Meanwhile, there were 52,154 complaints against illegal structures across the city between January 2016 and July 2019, as per BMC's reply to an RTI application. Till last year, the BMC acted on 12,157 complaints.
On Wednesday, a team from the H West ward broke the wall and gate of the office during the demolition. Ranaut had approached the court challenging the notice and sought a stay. The high court also questioned the BMC on why it entered the property when the owner was not present at home.
An inspection of the office was done on Monday and a stop-work notice was pasted outside it on Tuesday morning. The notice was served under Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act which gives citizens 24 hours to produce relevant permissions.
On Tuesday evening, Ranaut's lawyer, in his reply to the BMC, asked for more time for the actress to furnish relevant information. On Wednesday, the corporation stuck a fresh notice saying it was not satisfied with the response and that the demolition will be carried out at her own risk and cost.
NCP chief and MVA architect Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday, "The timing of the demolition would raise doubts in the current situation (the actor's row with the Shiv Sena). I do not know the nature of the structural illegality of the office space and illegal work isn't a new thing in the city."
Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis said, "This is an act of revenge and cowardice. You cannot use government force to maim a person who speaks against you. This has never happened in the history of Maharashtra and the people here will never accept such an act."
94k Plaints In 43 Months
In its reply to an RTI application by activist Shakil Ahmed Shaikh, the BMC said they have received 94,851 complaints of illegal structures in the past three years.
In the span of 43 months from 2016 to 2019, 42,697 were duplicate complaints. Out of the 52,154 unique complaints, maximum complaints were received from L (Kurla) ward at 4,966. K west (Andheri W, Vileparle W) ward received 3,680 complaints and P North (Malad) ward had 3,690 complaints.
The corporation closed 7,230 complaints without notice and issued notices to 21,873 structures. Out of these, 5,461 structures were demolished and 12,157 complaints were closed till July 2019.
"Shiv Sena is taking action against Ranaut's office just to retaliate. There were so many disasters due to illegal constructions — Kamala Mills fire, Bhanu Farsan Mart, Hotel City Kinara, Sai-Siddhi buildings. But the BMC is not keen on taking action against these illegalities," said Shaikh. He added that the BMC spends at least Rs 20 crore on demolitions annually. And annually, an average of 15,000 structures are served notices, while demolition is carried out against 10 to 20 per cent of them.
14 Booked For Protests
While local police were deployed at the actress's office during the demolition to prevent law and order problems, a DCP rank officer was a part of the team that escorted the actress from the airport to her Khar residence.
"It is our duty to protect every citizen and we are committed to it. After her arrival, there were a lot of people protesting against her so we escorted her from another gate of the airport," a senior IPS officer told mid-day.
Police teams continue to be deployed at the actress's office and residence.
Khar police also registered a case against 14 people for unlawful assembly and violating the lockdown as they protested against BMC's demolition drive outside the office. According to the police, they were allegedly brought by a national TV news reporter to demonstrate in support of Ranaut. The protesters came with placards with the slogans #BharatForKangna #IndiaForKangna #WarriorsForSSR. "We are investigating the role of a journalist who brought them at the spot for his coverage. The TV channel was carrying the news with the same hashtags as seen on the protesters' placards," the officer added.
No Quarantine
Mayor Kishori Pednekar said that BMC's action is for the illegal structure and there is nothing wrong in it.
Also, P Velarasu, additional commissioner, said that the actress was exempted from quarantine as there is an online exemption application stating that she is on a short visit. Since she is staying for less than a week, she is exempted under the short term visitor category.
State orders probe by Mumbai Police into Kangana Ranaut’s ‘drug link’
8:16 AM
Bhavika Jain & Priyanka Kakodkar | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 9, 2020)
Mumbai: Trouble mounted for actor Kangana Ranaut as state home minister Anil Deshmukh said on Tuesday that the Mumbai police would probe allegations that she took drugs. Talking to reporters outside Vidhan Bhavan, Deshmukh said actor Adhyayan Suman, who was in a relationship with Ranaut earlier, had in an interview in 2016 claimed she consumed drugs and even forced him to take it.
In response to Deshmukh’s investigation order, Ranaut later tweeted, “I am more than happy to oblige @MumbaiPolice @AnilDeshmukh-NCP please do my drug tests investigate my call records if you find any links to drug peddlers ever I will accept my mistake and leave Mumbai forever, looking forward to meet you.”
Shiv Sena MLAs Pratap Sarnaik and Sunil Prabhu had raised the issue with Deshmukh. “They have submitted that in an interview in 2016, Suman had alleged that Ranaut consumed drugs and forced him to take the substance too. Mumbai police will look into the matter,” he said.
Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap, who moved a breach of privilege motion in the state council against Ranaut for comparing Mumbai with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also referred to the same interview. Jagtap said he was willing to provide proof about the interview. “Her comments on Mumbai show she is a traitor to the city and state. It is a betrayal of the martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement who fought to keep Mumbai in Maharashtra,” he said.
Ranaut had recently said that she feared the Mumbai police more than the ‘movie mafia’, and would prefer security either from Himachal Pradesh or the Centre. She was provided Y-plus security by the Centre on Monday.
Deshmukh said that the irresponsible statements made by Ranaut discredit the city where she got name and fame. “No one can tolerate such insult of the state and the city. She has insulted the same Mumbai police that caught Kasab [26/11 terror attack accused], and had officials like Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar and Vijay Kamte who died on the line of duty. We should all condemn her for such statements,” he said.
Condemning Ranaut’s remarks about the Mumbai police, leader of the opposition Devendra Fadnavis said that he knew the capability of the force since he had served as chief minister for five years. “But, the police can come under political pressure,” he added.
Seeking to dismiss allegations raised by the Shiv Sena-led MVA government that the BJP's demand for a CBI probe had demoralised Mumbai police, Fadnavis said many legislators had passed adverse remarks against the police at different points of time. “Even chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, during a rally in Kalyan, had said the police were capable of only washing utensils,” said Fadnavis.
Meanwhile, Union minister Ramdas Athawale, an ally of the BJP, said workers of his party RPI (A) will provide protection to Ranaut when she returns to Mumbai. “…she is scheduled to reach Mumbai on Wednesday. Our party workers will offer protection to her at the airport as well as at her residence,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)
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