Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has been sentenced to one month in jail by a court in Sindhudurg in connection with a 2019 incident in which an engineer of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was assaulted by being covered in mud during a protest.

The court held Rane guilty of insulting and humiliating a public servant during an inspection of the Mumbai-Goa highway, where he had raised concerns over poor road conditions.

Court says lawmakers cannot take law into their own hands

While delivering the verdict, the court observed that elected representatives are expected to uphold the law and not engage in acts that undermine public officials. It noted that even if the intention was to highlight public grievances, such actions cannot be justified.

The judge also emphasised that such conduct could discourage public servants from performing their duties with dignity if left unchecked.

Sentence suspended, appeal likely

Soon after pronouncing the sentence, the court suspended the one-month imprisonment, allowing Rane time to challenge the conviction in a higher court.

In the same case, 29 other accused were acquitted due to lack of sufficient evidence.

Background of the case

The incident dates back to 2019 when Rane, then in the opposition, led a protest over the poor condition of the Mumbai-Goa highway. During the demonstration, an NHAI engineer was allegedly restrained and mud was poured on him in public.

The case had led to multiple charges, including assault on a public servant and criminal conspiracy, though the court did not find enough evidence to sustain most of these charges.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the proposed India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a “landmark moment” in the relationship between the two countries, highlighting its potential to deepen economic engagement.

Speaking on the development, Mr Modi said the ongoing efforts towards a trade pact reflect growing trust, shared values and common ambitions between India and New Zealand. He noted that closer economic cooperation is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties.

The discussions around the agreement are aimed at strengthening trade and investment flows, while expanding collaboration across sectors such as agriculture, technology, education and innovation. According to the Prime Minister, enhanced engagement could create new opportunities for businesses, professionals and students.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also described the development as a significant step forward, stating that stronger trade ties could support economic growth and improve market access for exporters in both countries.

Officials indicated that the proposed framework is expected to facilitate smoother trade flows and encourage sectoral cooperation, while contributing to long-term economic partnership.

Mr Modi added that advancing trade relations with New Zealand aligns with India’s broader global economic strategy and could help unlock new opportunities, strengthening ties between the two nations.

Four members of a family, including a couple and their two teenage daughters, died in Mumbai’s Pydhonie area in a suspected case of food poisoning, police said.

The victims — a 40-year-old man, his 35-year-old wife, and their daughters aged 16 and 13 — reportedly fell ill within hours of consuming food at home.

Sequence of events

According to officials, the family had hosted relatives for dinner on the night of April 25. Around nine people ate together during the gathering.

Later that night, after the guests had left, the four family members consumed watermelon.

By early morning on April 26, all four developed severe symptoms, including vomiting and other signs of illness, prompting their hospitalisation. Despite medical efforts, they could not be saved.

Suspicion on watermelon

Initial findings suggest that the watermelon consumed later in the night could be linked to the suspected food poisoning, as other relatives who shared the earlier meal reportedly did not fall ill.

Authorities have registered an accidental death case and launched an investigation. Food samples and biological specimens have been collected for forensic testing to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigation underway

Police said the exact reason behind the deaths will only be confirmed after post-mortem and laboratory reports are completed.

Experts note that while food poisoning is usually treatable, severe cases can turn fatal if caused by high levels of contamination or toxins.