Major fire in slums in Mumbai; none hurt
Mumbai, Mar 13: A major fire broke out in slums in suburban Malad on Monday afternoon, but no casualty was reported, a Fire Brigade official said.
The level 3 (major) fire engulfed slums located in the Appa Pada locality and efforts were on to douse the flames, he said.
Smoke billowing out of the area could be seen from several kilometres away.
According to the official, fire tenders, jumbo water tankers and other equipment were engaged in controlling the blaze. An ambulance has been also stationed at the site.
No details were immediately available on the cause of the fire.
#BREAKING | Major #fire reported in slums at Appa Pada area of Malad east, #Mumbai
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) March 13, 2023
More details awaited
(HT video) pic.twitter.com/e0sdCIjT16
#BREAKING | Major #fire reported in slums at Appa Pada area of Malad east, Mumbai
— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) March 13, 2023
The #fire has been declared as level 3 by #Mumbai Fire Brigade pic.twitter.com/4H30tYXhhp
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Allahabad HC orders probe into 'reinstatement' of teacher in UP's Barabanki
Lucknow (PTI): The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court on Friday ordered a probe by the special task force (STF) into alleged irregularities in the rejoining of a teacher at City Intermediate College in Barabanki, observing that the reinstatement appeared to be prima facie illegal.
The court also directed the recovery of the salary paid to the teacher during the disputed period.
A bench of Justice Rajeev Singh passed the order on a petition filed by the college management committee. The court expressed doubts over the roles of the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS), Barabanki, the college principal and the teacher concerned and hence, directed a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Taking note of alleged manipulation of records and misleading submissions, the court ordered the immediate transfer of the Barabanki DIOS to ensure a fair probe. It also directed the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the then joint director of education of the Ayodhya division.
In its order, the court found that the teacher, Abhay Kumar, was initially appointed as an assistant teacher in 2018 but joined an Eklavya Model Residential School in Chhattisgarh as a lecturer in June 2024 without obtaining permission from the management. His subsequent request to retain the lien was rejected.
Despite this, he was allowed to rejoin the Barabanki College in September 2025 on the directions of the joint director of education and the DIOS, and was even paid the salary for October 2025. The court termed the rejoining "wholly illegal" and lacking any legal basis.
The bench also expressed concern over lapses in communication within the education department and directed the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to ensure that official orders are communicated through email and WhatsApp as well, to prevent disputes.
The matter is next listed for hearing on May 28 when a compliance report is sought.
