A fire broke out in Mumbai’s Dharavi on Monday night after multiple gas cylinders exploded in a parked truck, triggering panic and traffic chaos. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, which took place near Maharashtra Nature Park on the Sion Dharavi Link Road.

According to officials, the fire erupted around 9.50 pm after a series of blasts from a truck loaded with LPG cylinders near PNGP Colony. The blaze was categorized as a level II (medium emergency) and brought under control by 19 fire tenders deployed to the site.

Deputy chief fire officer Santosh Sawant stated that an LPG cylinder used for home delivery services was the first to explode, which escalated the fire. The situation led to damage to at least four nearby vehicles, but swift evacuation and emergency response ensured no injuries occurred.

“The explosion led to the fire’s escalation. We dispatched five fire engines following level II protocol. No reports of injuries have been received so far,” Sawant said.

Residents of nearby buildings, including Raju Darshan A1 and B2, rushed out in panic after hearing the loud explosions. Ansarul Shaikh, a local resident, claimed that around 20 cylinders exploded, although officials have not confirmed this figure.

“The blasts caused panic, and many ran for cover. Fortunately, pedestrians were on the other side of the road. The police managed crowd control, and the fire brigade acted promptly,” Shaikh added.

The incident also caused a traffic jam along the busy Sion Dharavi Link Road. Crowds gathered at the site, many capturing videos of the blaze, which quickly circulated on social media.

Probe underway

Authorities have identified the truck driver and are in the process of apprehending him. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the cylinder explosions.

Officials assured that the situation is now under control and urged the public not to panic. Further updates are expected once forensic analysis and the fire department’s full report are available.

In a rare show of political consensus, both ruling and opposition parties have come together demanding answers in the controversy involving Justice Yashwant Varma, after the alleged recovery of unaccounted cash from his residence and a subsequent mysterious fire. However, the incident, which unfolded without an FIR or any formal police investigation, has ignited a larger debate on judicial transparency.

Questions over transparency

Justice Varma, who has denied knowledge of the cash recovered from his residence, has been relieved of his duties in the Delhi High Court and repatriated to the Allahabad High Court, a move that was met with resistance from the local Bar Association. Meanwhile, a Supreme Court-formed three-member committee is investigating the matter.

Despite the high-profile nature of the case, no FIR has been lodged, and no formal forensic or police report has emerged to clarify the cause of the fire or the source of the cash. Legal experts and senior officials argue that such developments would normally lead to immediate action under income tax and anti-corruption laws for ordinary citizens.

Legal experts question silence

Legal voices across the board have called for equal treatment under the law. Several experts also pointed out that the police are obliged to investigate the discovery of unclaimed or suspicious assets under Section 102 of the CrPC (now BNSS). A retired judge emphasized that the law should compel an investigation into the ownership and potential criminal origin of the cash.

Calls for CBI probe

As demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe grow louder, many believe the matter cannot be brushed aside. A senior advocate from Allahabad High Court alleged that something more serious might be hidden beneath the surface and warned against scapegoating.

The incident has also reignited the debate over the collegium system of judicial appointments. Justice L Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, pointed out that the absence of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) framework has left the system vulnerable to opacity and lack of accountability.

A test of judicial equality

The controversy has now become more than a singular issue. It is being viewed as a test of whether the justice system will uphold the fundamental principle of equality before the law. Experts and political leaders alike are demanding that judicial integrity be preserved through transparency and lawful action.

As the investigation awaits further clarity, the silence from enforcement agencies continues to fuel public suspicion, raising the core question: Can the law truly be equal for all?

Maharashtra police have arrested journalist Prashant Koratkar in Telangana for allegedly making derogatory remarks about 17th-century Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji. The arrest follows widespread outrage over a viral audio clip and legal proceedings that culminated in the rejection of his anticipatory bail.

Arrest follows legal battle and public outrage

According to police, Koratkar was taken into custody in Telangana and is being brought to Kolhapur for further legal procedures. Kolhapur Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit confirmed the development, stating that the journalist will now face the legal process in Maharashtra.

The case stems from an audio conversation between Koratkar and Kolhapur-based historian Indrajeet Sawant, in which Koratkar allegedly made objectionable remarks. The recording, shared by Sawant on social media, sparked strong public backlash and demands for Koratkar’s arrest.

Koratkar was initially booked on February 26 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions for promoting enmity between groups. Despite being granted interim protection from arrest by a sessions court until March 1, the Kolhapur police challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court, seeking cancellation of the relief.

On March 18, Additional Sessions Judge D V Kashyap in Kolhapur rejected Koratkar’s anticipatory bail plea. In his defense, Koratkar claimed his phone was hacked and the viral audio was doctored. He also issued a public apology and alleged that the audio was released with the intent to stir communal tension.

Maharashtra CM denies police inaction

Amid political criticism, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed claims that police were shielding Koratkar, who hails from his hometown of Nagpur. Fadnavis asserted that law enforcement was actively pursuing the case and would take action wherever Koratkar was found.

With his arrest now confirmed, Koratkar will face further legal proceedings in Kolhapur as authorities continue their investigation.