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By:

Dr. Abhilash Dawre

19 March 2025 at 5:18:41 pm

Rs 27 crore worth narcotics seized; inter-state cartel uncovered

Thane : In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, Mumbra police have seized a massive stockpile of mefedrone valued at approximately 27.21 crore. Acting on critical intelligence, the Narcotics Control Unit conducted a special operation extending as far as Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the arrest of five key drug traffickers involved in supplying large quantities of mefedrone to the Thane region.   The operation was led by Assistant Police Inspector Rohit Kedar and Ganesh Jadhav under...

Rs 27 crore worth narcotics seized; inter-state cartel uncovered

Thane : In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, Mumbra police have seized a massive stockpile of mefedrone valued at approximately 27.21 crore. Acting on critical intelligence, the Narcotics Control Unit conducted a special operation extending as far as Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the arrest of five key drug traffickers involved in supplying large quantities of mefedrone to the Thane region.   The operation was led by Assistant Police Inspector Rohit Kedar and Ganesh Jadhav under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Anil Shinde. The initial seizure took place near Bilal Hospital, where suspect Basu Sayyed was caught with 23.5 grams of mefedrone. Further interrogation revealed a large-scale supply chain sourcing drugs from Madhya Pradesh.   Subsequently, police arrested Ramsingh Gujjar and Kailas Balai, recovering an additional 3.515 kilograms of mefedrone from their possession. Investigations traced the supply back to two major traffickers Manohar Gurjar and Raju Mansuri based in Madhya Pradesh.   The Mumbra police team then traveled to Madhya Pradesh, arresting both Gurjar and Mansuri and confiscating a staggering 9.956 kilograms of mefedrone from them.   In total, the operation resulted in the seizure of 13.6295 kilograms of mefedrone, with a street value exceeding 27.21 crore. All five accused have been taken into custody.   According to police sources, the arrested individuals have prior records involving serious offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Indian Penal Code, and Arms Act. They were engaged in trafficking mefedrone in bulk quantities from Madhya Pradesh to the Thane region.   This successful operation was carried out under the guidance of ACP Priya Damale (Kalwa Division), Senior Police Inspector Anil Shinde, Crime Inspector Sharad Kumbhar, and supported by the NDPS unit officers and staff of Mumbra Police Station.   Since January this year, Mumbra police’s NDPS unit has conducted 954 seizures and 58 raids, confiscating narcotics worth over 48 crore, significantly impacting drug trafficking activities in the area.

When Divine Wisdom Meets the Call of Spring

In India, festivals are not just celebrations; they are living expressions of faith, nature, and inner transformation.

India is a land where spirituality and nature walk hand in hand, where festivals are not merely dates on a calendar but living expressions of faith, seasons, and inner transformation. Among such deeply symbolic celebrations are Maghi Ganpati and Basant Panchami—two sacred observances that, though distinct in origin, harmoniously converge in spirit. Together, they represent the awakening of wisdom, the removal of obstacles, and the blossoming of knowledge, creativity, and new beginnings.


Maghi Ganpati

The auspicious presence of the remover of obstacles, Maghi Ganpati, is observed during the holy month of Magha. The festival holds immense importance in many parts of India, especially Maharashtra. This year it is observed on 22nd January. Lord Ganesha, revered as Vighnaharta—the remover of obstacles—and Buddhi Pradata—the bestower of wisdom—is worshipped on this day with special devotion.


Unlike the grand public celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, Maghi Ganpati is more introspective and spiritually intense. Devotees wake up early, perform ritual baths, and offer prayers seeking clarity, stability, and success. The idol of Ganesha during Maghi is often shown in a calm, meditative form, symbolising inner balance and thoughtful decision-making.


Maghi Ganpati reminds us that obstacles are not always external; many lie within—fear, doubt, hesitation, and ego. By invoking Ganesha during Magha, devotees seek not just material success but the wisdom to walk the righteous path with humility and confidence.


Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring, a season of renewal, warmth, and hope. Celebrated on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight of Magha, this festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge and the embodiment of learning, art, music, and intellect. This year, it is observed on 23 January.


Nature itself participates in the celebration—fields glow with mustard flowers, trees begin to bloom, and the air carries a gentle optimism. Yellow, the colour of energy, knowledge, and prosperity, dominates attire, offerings, and food. From students placing their books before the goddess to artists and musicians seeking inspiration, Basant Panchami is a celebration of creative awakening.


It is believed that Saraswati blesses her devotees with clarity of speech, sharp intellect, and refined artistic sensibility. For children, this day often marks the Vidyarambh—the beginning of formal education—making it a cornerstone of intellectual and spiritual growth.


Sacred Confluence

Wisdom begins with the removal of obstacles. When Maghi Ganpati and Basant Panchami are viewed together, a deeper philosophical harmony emerges. Before knowledge can flourish, obstacles must be cleared. Before creativity can bloom, mental blocks must dissolve. Lord Ganesha prepares the ground, and Goddess Saraswati sows the seeds of wisdom.


Ganesha grounds us, stabilising our minds and helping us overcome resistance. Saraswati governs higher consciousness—speech, intellect, and creative expression. Together, they guide an individual from foundation to fulfilment.


One teaches us to pause and reflect; the other encourages us to flow and create.


Spiritual Renewal

Magha is traditionally considered a month of purification—both of the body and the soul. Rivers are revered, fasting is observed, and charitable acts are encouraged. The combined observance of Maghi Ganpati and Basant Panchami during this period multiplies the theme of renewal.


Just as spring cleanses the earth of winter’s stagnation, these festivals invite us to shed old habits, negative thoughts, and emotional burdens. They inspire us to begin anew—with wisdom, courage, and optimism.


Modern Life

In today’s fast-paced world, Maghi Ganpati and Basant Panchami hold timeless relevance. Students seek focus, teachers seek clarity, professionals seek wise decision-making, and families seek harmony. These festivals remind us that true success is a balance of intellect and intuition, planning and creativity, and effort and grace.


They encourage us to slow down, reconnect with our inner selves, and align our actions with a higher purpose. In doing so, they transform routine living into mindful existence.


Stillness to Bloom

As we bow to Lord Ganesha and seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, may our lives be free of obstacles, rich in wisdom, and vibrant with creativity—just like the golden spring that Basant Panchami so joyfully announces.


Happy Maghi Ganpati and Basant Panchami to you.


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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