Mumbai: A 25-year-old biker employed in a digital marketing company was killed in a road rage incident near Inorbit Mall in Malad (West) on Saturday morning, and the Bangur Nagar police arrested a taxi driver and his passenger in connection with the case.The deceased was identified as Sharik Ansari (25), a Malvani resident, who was heading to his workplace in Malad (West). Cab driver Satyendra Gupta (28) and passenger Sunil Pal (27) are both residents of Laljipada in Kandivli West.Gupta alerted the police over the phone that a biker was involved in a fight with him, but before the police could reach the spot, the biker had been stabbed. “The problem started after the biker crashed into the cab after the cabbie applied the brake. During the scuffle, the cab driver allegedly took out a sharp object from his vehicle and stabbed Ansari. The weapon pierced Ansari’s chest and the back of his neck. The accused was caught at the spot as he himself called the police when the fight broke out,” said DCP (Zone XI) Sandeep Jadhav.The incident occurred between 11 am and 11.30 am near Inorbit Mall under the Oswal Metro station. Police said both Ansari and Gupta were travelling from Malwani towards Andheri via Link Road when a heated argument broke out near Mith Chowky Junction while they were driving. “The verbal spat quickly escalated as both continued driving while arguing. The confrontation intensified when they stopped their vehicles near Infiniti Mall in Malad under the Oswal Metro station and got into a physical fight after the cab driver stepped out of his vehicle,” said the police officer.The officer said Ansari was riding behind the taxi, and his bike slightly touched the vehicle. “Gupta then stopped his cab and blocked the biker’s way, following which an altercation broke out. During the argument, Ansari hit the taxi’s windscreen with his helmet and damaged the glass. Gupta then got angry and stabbed him. The passenger, Pal, was also involved in the altercation. Hence, both Gupta and Pal were booked,” said the officer. According to the police, witnesses intervened and rushed Ansari to Criticare Hospital in Malad West, where doctors declared him dead. “The passenger, who is also accused in the case, is into water pump repair work,” said the police. Police have seized the weapon that Gupta used to stab Ansari.

NEW DELHI: The automobile industry has warned govt over possible disruptions in diesel vehicle operations and supply chains due to uncertainties in the availability of Technical Grade Urea (TGU), a key input used to produce Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) due to the West Asia conflict.In a letter to govt, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers warned that disruptions in imports of TGU due to shipping issues in West Asia could impact the supply of DEF, which is mandatory for Bharat Stage VI diesel vehicles to reduce emissions. The industry body said there is “no clear visibility of TGU supplies beyond early April 2026” as shipping routes and port operations in the region face disruptions.

The letter stated India currently imports 50-60% of its TGU requirement through hubs such as Dubai and Egypt and any disruption in DEF availability could have a wider impact on the transport ecosystem of India.

“All BS-VI commercial vehicles and large diesel passenger vehicles are equipped with a mandatory engine interlock mechanism under which the vehicle cannot operate if DEF levels are exhausted,” it said.It asked govt to direct Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers & Chemicals – the country’s only domestic producer of TGU – to maximise output and prioritise supplies for DEF manufacturing until imports normalise. GNFC currently produces 15,000-20,000 tonnes of TGU per month, meeting only about 50% of the national requirement, with the rest met through imports.Apart from TGU, SIAM and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association sought assurance on the continued supply of LPG, pipped natural gas and propane used in several automobile manufacturing processes, warning that any restrictions could disrupt production and affect the wider auto supply chain.ACMA said exporters were facing rising logistics costs and delays in shipments due to vessel rerouting, container shortages and higher insurance premiums, with export lead times increasing by 2-4 weeks.Rajesh Menon, director general of SIAM, said the geopolitical situation remains a concern for the auto sector. “While March has festive drivers in several parts of the country. The recent conflict in West Asia remains a concern, both from the perspective of the supply chain, which could impact manufacturing processes and exports,” he said.Industry executives also told TOI about emerging shipping disruptions. Ishwar Kumhar, co-founder and CEO of Original Equipment Manufacturing startup, Brandworks Technologies, said global shipping routes saw modifications due to the crisis, leading to occasional delays and fluctuations in freight rates.

JODHPUR/NEW DELHI: Ladakh social and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Central Jail Saturday afternoon after the Centre revoked his detention under the National Security Act. His release comes almost six months after he was detained on Sept 26, 2025, two days after protests had broken out in the region while he was on a hunger strike seeking statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. Police had opened fire on protesters, killing four people and injuring over 80. Wangchuk left prison in the company of his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who had arrived Saturday morning to receive him. Ratanada SHO Dinesh Lakhawat said police escorted the couple, who were in a private vehicle, out of the prison premises at about 1.30pm. A Union home ministry statement had earlier announced the Centre’s decision to rescind his detention “with immediate effect”, citing its commitment to “fostering an environment of peace, stability and mutual trust in Ladakh so as to facilitate constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders”.

The end of Wangchuk’s incarceration six months short of the permissible detention period under NSA comes ahead of a March 16 protest called by Ladakh Apex Body to press for resumption of dialogue with the Centre on constitutional and other safeguards.Govt eyes trust reset with Ladakh leaders after Wangchuk’s releaseThe Centre’s move to free activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to placate members of the Ladakh Apex Body, who had been complaining that no follow-up talks were scheduled to take the dialogue forward on constitutional and other safeguards for the Union territory after the round in early Feb. The decision came just three days before the next hearing in Supreme Court on the habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuk’s wife challenging his imprisonment. Sources said the govt’s stance in letting Wangchuk walk free is expected to heal any mistrust in LAB regarding the former’s intention to find an amicable solution that takes care of the interests of all sections of Ladakh, adding that it would, simultaneously, strengthen locals’ belief in LAB’s ability to extract the best terms. A source said the home ministry heard the latter’s demands, including for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, and had explained their legal and financial limitations, at last month’s meeting. The Ladakh representatives were told to come back with a revised proposal indicating the financial viability of their demands. However, a senior govt official claims, they instead accused the Centre of failing to call them for the next round of dialogue. “The politicisation of the dialogue through bandhs/protests and the legal challenge to Wangchuk’s detention only added to the atmosphere of mistrust. Freeing Wangchuk should ease the protests and put the dialogue process back on track,” the senior govt official told TOI. The Centre said Saturday it has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community figures in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region. “However, the prevailing atmosphere of bandhs and protests has been detrimental to the peace-loving character of the society and has adversely affected various sections of the community, including students, job aspirants, businesses, tour operators and tourists, and the overall economy,” the govt conceded. The govt said it “reiterates its commitment to providing all necessary safeguards for Ladakh. It remains hopeful that the issues concerning the region will be resolved through constructive engagement and dialogue, including through the mechanism of the high-powered committee as well as other appropriate platforms”. Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena described the decision to release Sonam Wangchuk as a “positive step” by the Centre towards fostering peace and mutual trust. Saxena said all concerns can be resolved amicably through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, and that there was no place for agitation, bandhs, or violence in Ladakh. Wangchuk had reiterated his commitment to Ladakh in a post on X on March 12: “I have not stepped away from activism. My commitment to Ladakh remains unchanged. But activism must serve a larger purpose: a just, lasting future for Ladakh. It will require clarity, unity, and sincere dialogue. Our struggle has always been for Ladakh’s protection, dignity, and long-term wellbeing and shall continue to be!!” Welcoming his release, former Rajasthan chief minister and Congress politician Ashok Gehlot also took to social media, writing, “The news of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s release is welcome, but the entire episode raises serious questions about the functioning of the Modi-led central govt. The person who, a few months ago, was put behind bars after being described as a ‘threat to the nation’s security’ is now suddenly being released, which implies that no evidence was found against him. In such a situation, who will account for the 170 days of his detention? Why was he arrested in the first place?”

NEW DELHI: Kerala minister VN Vasavan on Saturday said the CPM-led LDF government continues to stand by the affidavit it filed in the Supreme Court in 2007 on the Sabarimala women’s entry issue, while accusing the BJP of being responsible for the 2018 verdict allowing women of menstruating age into the shrine.Responding to queries on the affidavit to be filed before a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, Vasavan said the government’s position remains unchanged — that the question of allowing women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple should be decided by experts in ritualistic matters, news agency PTI reported.“We had stated in our 2007 affidavit that the matter should be determined by experts in ritualistic traditions. We continue to maintain that stand,” the minister said.He clarified that the Supreme Court has not sought the state government’s position on women’s entry at present, but has asked for clarification on certain constitutional questions. The state has entrusted the Advocate General and constitutional experts to submit its response before the court, he added.Vasavan also blamed lawyers associated with the BJP for triggering the legal battle that led to the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the hill shrine.“It was young lawyers linked to the BJP who approached the Supreme Court and later hailed the verdict as historic. Now they are taking a different stand,” he alleged.The minister rejected allegations that the LDF government had taken special interest in facilitating women’s entry into the temple following the 2018 ruling, saying the state had only implemented the Supreme Court’s order.“If the apex court gives a verdict, how can we oppose it? The women’s entry was the decision of the Supreme Court,” he said.The 2018 ruling sparked widespread protests across Kerala, and the Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions seeking a review of the verdict.Meanwhile, CPM general secretary MA Baby said the LDF government had implemented the court’s directive in 2018 as it was legally bound to do so.“At that time, there was hardly any political party that did not welcome the verdict. Later, some of them changed their stand,” he said, adding that the court itself is now reconsidering the earlier judgment.He also said that when issues involving religious traditions are examined, the views of ritual experts and social reformers acceptable to the public could also be considered.On the other hand, BJP state general secretary MT Ramesh claimed the Kerala government’s fresh affidavit amounted to an admission of its earlier mistake.“The BJP demands that the state government apologise to Ayyappa devotees,” he said, questioning why the government had changed its stance after strongly supporting reforms in 2018.Ramesh further alleged that more than 10,000 cases were registered against people who participated in protests during the agitation over the Sabarimala issue and demanded that these cases be withdrawn in light of the government’s new position.