Latest news with #Raigad-based
India Today
27-07-2025
- India Today
Narcotics bureau busts drug syndicate in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, 3 detained
In a joint two-day operation on July 22-23, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), along with the Rajasthan and Maharashtra Police, busted an interstate drug syndicate involved in the manufacture of synthetic drugs, including Mephedrone and operation began with a breakthrough by the Barmer district police, who discovered a clandestine drug manufacturing facility in a buffalo barn located in the secluded village of Dholakia, raid revealed large quantities of precursor chemicals such as chloroform, ammonium chloride, propylene chloride, toluene, and bromine, along with lab equipment used to manufacture Mephedrone. Police detained two members of the syndicate at the Dholakia facility. Their interrogation, conducted with assistance from NCB Jodhpur, led to the identification of another accomplice based in Raigad, Maharashtra. This individual had allegedly procured and transported the chemicals and equipment to set up the illegal lab in on the information, NCB shared the details with Raigad Police, who detained the Raigad-based suspect. During questioning, he revealed his past association with M/s Rohan Chemicals, a now-shuttered factory in Raigad.A subsequent search of the Rohan Chemicals premises by NCB Mumbai and Raigad district police led to the recovery of approximately 34 kilograms of Ketamine in powder form and 12 litres of Ketamine in liquid form. Authorities also found a large stock of precursor chemicals and laboratory equipment. Evidence suggests that the closed factory was being covertly used to manufacture investigation has revealed the involvement of a mastermind previously implicated in drug trafficking cases handled by both the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the success of the operation was made possible through 'real-time sharing of information and coordinated operations by Barmer Police, Raigad Police and NCB Zones at Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and Mumbai,' enabling authorities to dismantle the network over the course of two are ongoing under the jurisdiction of Barmer and Raigad district NCB Jodhpur had also busted a similar clandestine lab in Sri Ganganagar, recovering 5 kilograms of Mephedrone and precursor chemicals. Notably, the accused in that case included physics and chemistry teachers.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Maharashtra#Rajasthan
Time of India
19-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Researchers demand better protection and preservation of ancient Buddhist caves and petroglyphs
Navi Mumbai: Over 300 ancient history researchers from the group 'Buddhist Caves Preservation Samiti' held a day-long agitation at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Saturday. They demanded better protection and preservation of these priceless caves, which are over 2,000 years old and have the potential to become significant tourist sites. The researchers also urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to fully protect all ancient rock art forms or carvings (petroglyphs), most of which are over 10,000 years old, in the Konkan belt of Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Sindhudurg districts. "This matter of protecting the ancient Buddhist caves has been brewing for the past few years, as we are witnessing a lack of maintenance and shocking encroachments around these historic caves, despite having the heritage notices of ASI displayed at the sites," said a Raigad-based researcher, Vikas Dhanave. For example, Dhanave pointed out: "In Karjat taluka, there is a cluster of caves dating back to the 2nd century BC Satvahana era (over 2,000 years old), known as Kondhane caves and Ambivali Leni caves. These are beautifully cut into a rocky hill to make space for Buddhist viharas and other work areas of that era. However, some developmental works worth Rs 1 crore have started next to Ambivali Leni, including the construction of a 'changing room', as if the visitors are going to a five-star resort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch at Godrej Sector 12 | Luxurious 3 BHK + S & 4 BHK Homes @₹2.90 Cr* Godrej Majesty Learn More Undo No permission from ASI was taken for such changes." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The researchers also pointed out that, like the famous Karla Buddhist Caves near Lonavala, which are thankfully protected and depict intricate, artful rock cuttings, the other neglected caves along the Konkan belt and other sites must also be fully preserved. The officials of ASI Mumbai circle, who met a delegation of the agitating researchers on Saturday, assured them that all their demands would be inquired into and action taken in accordance with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. "There was a famous 'Keru Mata Caves Temple' at Dungi village, near Panvel. Unfortunately, these 5th century AD caves cut from a single rocky monolith have been fully destroyed to make the Navi Mumbai International Airport complex. This way, we slowly lose our connection with ancient history. Perhaps these Dungi caves were used as a resting place by merchants en route to the busy Panvel market. These can be fascinating relics," said another researcher. Regarding the exemplary petroglyphs (also known as geoglyphs), which display carvings of tigers, elephants, deer, rhinos, human shapes, and even marine creatures like sharks and starfish, environmentalist B N Kumar noted: "Imagine, 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, the Konkan region had such a rich biodiversity. This is why these animal shapes have been created on laterite rocks. Today, there are practically no elephants in these parts. Our ancient Indian heritage must be protected. We do not want another highway or a chemical factory to be built over these vulnerable petroglyphs." In August last year, the Maharashtra govt announced that they are declaring certain petroglyphs in Ratnagiri district as 'protected monuments'.
