News / Author / Shrinivas Deshpande

Shrinivas Deshpande

Articles by Shrinivas Deshpande

Foetus, vestigial organs found dumped in roadside garbage in Daund

Police said the incident was reported on Tuesday morning at Jijamata Nagar. Locals informed the police about the case, and a team of Pune rural police rushed to the spot

Ten glass containers containing foetus and vestigial organs were found dumped in the garbage by the roadside in Daund in the morning, they said. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 26, 2025 06:10 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Farmers blame freebie schemes for labour shortage, rising costs in rural Maharashtra

Many say these schemes have caused shortfall of agricultural workers, driving up labour costs and affecting productivity

The impact of labour shortage is not limited to agriculture. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 25, 2025 06:50 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar, Shrinivas Deshpande

Journalist booked for anti-Shivaji Maharaj remarks held from Telangana

Koratkar was booked on February 26 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions for promoting hatred or enmity among groups on the basis of an audio conversation between him and Kolhapur-based historian Indrajeet Sawant

Koratkar had allegedly made the objectionable comments during the conversation, which Sawant posted on social media. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 25, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Two MSRTC bus drivers suspended for using phones while driving

The transport authority acted swiftly after a vigilant passenger recorded the incident near Lonavala on March 22 and forwarded the video to state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik.

Pune

Published on Mar 23, 2025 10:32 PM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Khuldabad’s timeless legacy: Sufi shrines, Mughal tombs, and the ongoing debate

Aurangzeb, who died in 1707 in Ahmednagar, was buried in Khuldabad as per his wishes, near the dargah of his spiritual guide, Shaikh Zainuddin Shirazi

Unlike the grand mausoleums of other Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb’s tomb is a simple, unadorned structure, in line with his request to be buried with humility. (HT)

Pune

Published on Mar 23, 2025 06:30 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Man held with 60kg ganja near Swargate

Police officials said that members of Anti-Narcotics Cell 1 were patrolling the Shankarsheth Road area based on intelligence

During the search, police found 30 packets of Ganja worth <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>12 lakh filled in four nylon bags. (HT)

Pune

Published on Mar 23, 2025 06:04 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Minor booked for ‘glorifying Aurangzeb’ on social media

Lonavla police booked a minor for posting an objectionable social media post about Shivaji Maharaj, leading to tensions and demands for action.

A case was registered against the accused under section 196 (Promoting enmity between different groups on the ground of religion) of the BNS and further investigation is underway. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 23, 2025 05:24 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Woman who had accused minister Gore of harassment arrested for ‘extortion’

During the investigation, it was revealed that the woman demanded the amount in exchange for withdrawing her planned protest at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, scheduled for March 17

The same woman had earlier filed a molestation and torture case against Minister Gore in 2017. (HT FILE)

Pune

Published on Mar 22, 2025 07:42 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

IIT Engineer held for killing his 3-year-old son

On Thursday, Swaroopa, who is also an engineer, reported that her son went missing on Thursday at 12:30 PM while he was with her husband

During the investigation, police reviewed CCTV footage, which showed the accused Madhav Teketi leaving the housing complex premises with the child but not returning with him. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 22, 2025 07:00 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Aurangzeb’s Deccan folly ignites India — 300 years later

Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra faces demands for removal amid rising tensions linked to historical grievances, ignited by recent films and protests.

The Deccan campaign was, in the end, a tragedy for Aurangzeb too. Unlike in the north, where Mughal rule was entrenched, the south was a frontier, says Audrey Truschke. (HT Photo)

India News

Published on Mar 20, 2025 06:12 AM IST

ByYogesh Joshi, Shrinivas Deshpande

VHP, Bajrang Dal protest over removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb

Security was beefed up around the tomb with police mandating the visitor registration and asking tourists to provide identity documents

Pune

Published on Mar 18, 2025 06:36 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Shirdi admn seals three shops for overcharging devotees on pooja items

Shirdi Municipal Council along with Shirdi police sealed three shops in the temple town for selling pooja items at inflated prices to devotees visiting the revered Sai Baba Temple

Pune

Published on Mar 16, 2025 08:52 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

13 booked in Solapur for social media post on Aurangzeb

Thirteen individuals, including five minors, have been booked by Solapur rural police for posting social media statuses glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, officials said on Saturday

Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Thirteen individuals, including five minors, have been booked by Solapur rural police for posting social media statuses glorifying Aurangzeb, officials said on Saturday. (HT FILE)

Pune

Published on Mar 16, 2025 08:50 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Madhi village controversy: ‘Vendors who do not adhere to ‘Hindu rituals’ barred’

The revised version was passed a day before the month-long yatra began, its members told HT on Saturday

The yatra begins on Holi and concludes on Gudi Padwa, which falls on March 30 this year. (HT FILE)

Pune

Published on Mar 16, 2025 08:20 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Bajrang Dal, VHP threaten ‘karseva’ at Aurangzeb’s tomb

Amid repeated demands for the tomb’s removal, the district administration has increased security around the site.

Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have threatened to conduct ‘karseva’ (symbolic purification) if the government fails to take steps to remove Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. (HT FILE)

Pune

Updated on Mar 16, 2025 05:07 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Significant dip in footfall at Aurangzeb’s tomb amid controversy

The grave of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, located in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), has experienced a noticeable decline in visitor footfall

Pune

Updated on Mar 15, 2025 02:41 PM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Food for thought: Debate over Halal vs Malhar meat

While its proponents argue that the meat is hygienic and ethically sourced, critics see it as a politically motivated.

Launched by state fisheries and port development minister Nitish Rane earlier this week in Mumbai, the initiative has been positioned as an alternative to Halal certification. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 13, 2025 08:14 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Beed sarpanch murder: Pankaja Munde seeks action against BJP MLA Suresh Dhas

Suresh Dhas had questioned why Pankaja Munde had remained silent on the murder case until her cousin Dhananjay Munde was removed from the cabinet

Mumbai

Published on Mar 13, 2025 07:40 AM IST

BySurendra P Gangan, Shrinivas Deshpande

Malhar certification sparks debate over religion, commerce and politics in meat industry

Nitish Rane launched Malharcertification.com, an aggregator promoting meat sold by Hindu butchers, earlier this week.

Mumbai

Published on Mar 13, 2025 07:14 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Fintech firm staff, five others held for cyber fraud

The fraud was reported in January 2025, in which the victim lost ₹2,80,432 in an online investment fraud

According to the police, the accused used platforms such as Airpay, Instant Pay, Pay World, and Spice Money to create accounts to deposit money obtained through fraudulent means into these wallet accounts instead of direct bank transfers. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 12, 2025 06:30 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Tailor’s tag on shirt helps police crack murder case

On March 9, a decomposed body of a man, aged between 30 and 35, was found stuffed in a gunny bag on the Nira riverbed in Sarola village, Bhor, Pune district

The victim’s hands and legs were tied, and there were no identification documents or personal belongings on him, making it difficult for the police to establish his identity. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 12, 2025 06:12 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

18 booked for submitting fake residential documents for RTE admissions

The RTE Act mandates that 25% of the seats in private schools be reserved for underprivileged students

Upon discovering the discrepancies, the authorities reported the matter to the police leading to a case being registered at Bavdhan police station on Sunday. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 11, 2025 06:48 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande, Dheeraj Bengrut

Jejuri Khandoba Temple implements dress code for devotees

As per the new rule enforced by Shri Martand Dev Sansthan, Jejuri, devotees will be required to wear traditional Indian attire to enter the temple for darshan

The trust has made it clear that devotees will not be allowed inside the temple wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing. (HT FILE)

Pune

Published on Mar 11, 2025 06:42 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

FIR against NCP (SP) workers for disrupting Pune Metro services; one suspended

The party later suspended Narendra Pawtekar, NCP (SP) Pune city deputy president, who led the protest, and an FIR has been filed against 10-12 workers, said officials

The protest was not related to metro but aimed at demanding better employment opportunities and action against corruption. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 10, 2025 07:02 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Satara police arrest journalist from Mumbai days after minister Gore accuses him of raking up old complaint

Satara police arrested journalist Tushar Kharat for extortion after a complaint by Minister Jaykumar Gore, who claims Kharat defamed him by reviving a 2017 case.

According to the police, Kharat was arrested from Mumbai following a complaint filed by Gore at the Dahiwadi police station in Satara district. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 10, 2025 06:58 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

A gangster’s horse, trapped in legal limbo

During the investigation into Shelke’s murder, the police found that Dabhade had been using horses to navigate the hilly terrain, making it difficult for authorities to track him down. His prized white-and-chocolate mare, valued at ₹5 lakh, was among the assets seized

While most of Dabhade’s assets, including vehicles, were disposed of following police seizure, the mare, housed at a cattle shelter in Maval, has been left in bureaucratic limbo with no resolution in sight. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 09, 2025 07:16 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Man in BMW urinates at Pune traffic signal, indulges in obscene act when confronted

The incident occurred around 7.30am at Shastrinagar Chowk when Gaurav Ahuja, one of the accused, stepped out of the vehicle that halted in the middle of the road, left its door open and began urinating on the road divider

When bystanders objected, he allegedly reacted with obscene gestures and reportedly masturbated before fleeing in the high-end car. (VIDEO GRAB)

Pune

Published on Mar 09, 2025 06:24 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Four arrested after violent clash at Khed industrial unit over company work

The incident occurred on February 28 at the gate of an international automobile company, where two groups clashed over work-related issues

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rushikesh Narayan Pawar (20), Prakash Vilas Wykar (27), Vishal Ashok Shinde (27), and Mayur Bhagat (28), all residents of Nimgaon. The arrests were made on March 1. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 09, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande, Abhay Khairnar

Husband, wife assaulted in koyta attack; three arrested, two minors detained

Police have arrested three accused—Mohan Gore (20) of Hingane Khurd, Karan Barge (19) of Koradwasti, and Sahil Pathan (19) of Sainagar—while two minors have been detained in connection with the attack

Angered by the intervention, the accused first attacked Nisha. When Ravishankar attempted to defend his wife, he was struck on the head with a koyta. The assailants then fled the scene. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 09, 2025 06:14 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

Police arrest suspect from UP in Dighi murder case

The accused, Abdul Malik (45) resident of Dudulgaon and originally hailing from Uttar Pradesh was arrested along with Jeba Amusahab Mulla (30), who is the wife of the deceased Amusahab Mulla (34)

On February 28, Dighi police recovered the body of Amusahab Mulla in the forest hill near Dudulgaon. (HT)

Pune

Published on Mar 06, 2025 06:10 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande

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Shrinivas Deshpande

Police said the incident was reported on Tuesday morning at Jijamata Nagar. Locals informed the police about the case, and a team of Pune rural police rushed to the spot

Many say these schemes have caused shortfall of agricultural workers, driving up labour costs and affecting productivity

Koratkar was booked on February 26 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions for promoting hatred or enmity among groups on the basis of an audio conversation between him and Kolhapur-based historian Indrajeet Sawant

The transport authority acted swiftly after a vigilant passenger recorded the incident near Lonavala on March 22 and forwarded the video to state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik.

Aurangzeb, who died in 1707 in Ahmednagar, was buried in Khuldabad as per his wishes, near the dargah of his spiritual guide, Shaikh Zainuddin Shirazi

Police officials said that members of Anti-Narcotics Cell 1 were patrolling the Shankarsheth Road area based on intelligence

Lonavla police booked a minor for posting an objectionable social media post about Shivaji Maharaj, leading to tensions and demands for action.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the woman demanded the amount in exchange for withdrawing her planned protest at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, scheduled for March 17

On Thursday, Swaroopa, who is also an engineer, reported that her son went missing on Thursday at 12:30 PM while he was with her husband

Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra faces demands for removal amid rising tensions linked to historical grievances, ignited by recent films and protests.

Security was beefed up around the tomb with police mandating the visitor registration and asking tourists to provide identity documents

Shirdi Municipal Council along with Shirdi police sealed three shops in the temple town for selling pooja items at inflated prices to devotees visiting the revered Sai Baba Temple

Thirteen individuals, including five minors, have been booked by Solapur rural police for posting social media statuses glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, officials said on Saturday

The revised version was passed a day before the month-long yatra began, its members told HT on Saturday

Amid repeated demands for the tomb’s removal, the district administration has increased security around the site.

The grave of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, located in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad), has experienced a noticeable decline in visitor footfall

While its proponents argue that the meat is hygienic and ethically sourced, critics see it as a politically motivated.

Suresh Dhas had questioned why Pankaja Munde had remained silent on the murder case until her cousin Dhananjay Munde was removed from the cabinet

Nitish Rane launched Malharcertification.com, an aggregator promoting meat sold by Hindu butchers, earlier this week.

The fraud was reported in January 2025, in which the victim lost ₹2,80,432 in an online investment fraud

On March 9, a decomposed body of a man, aged between 30 and 35, was found stuffed in a gunny bag on the Nira riverbed in Sarola village, Bhor, Pune district

The RTE Act mandates that 25% of the seats in private schools be reserved for underprivileged students

As per the new rule enforced by Shri Martand Dev Sansthan, Jejuri, devotees will be required to wear traditional Indian attire to enter the temple for darshan

The party later suspended Narendra Pawtekar, NCP (SP) Pune city deputy president, who led the protest, and an FIR has been filed against 10-12 workers, said officials

Satara police arrested journalist Tushar Kharat for extortion after a complaint by Minister Jaykumar Gore, who claims Kharat defamed him by reviving a 2017 case.

During the investigation into Shelke’s murder, the police found that Dabhade had been using horses to navigate the hilly terrain, making it difficult for authorities to track him down. His prized white-and-chocolate mare, valued at ₹5 lakh, was among the assets seized

The incident occurred around 7.30am at Shastrinagar Chowk when Gaurav Ahuja, one of the accused, stepped out of the vehicle that halted in the middle of the road, left its door open and began urinating on the road divider

The incident occurred on February 28 at the gate of an international automobile company, where two groups clashed over work-related issues

Police have arrested three accused—Mohan Gore (20) of Hingane Khurd, Karan Barge (19) of Koradwasti, and Sahil Pathan (19) of Sainagar—while two minors have been detained in connection with the attack

The accused, Abdul Malik (45) resident of Dudulgaon and originally hailing from Uttar Pradesh was arrested along with Jeba Amusahab Mulla (30), who is the wife of the deceased Amusahab Mulla (34)

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