Surat

Surat: Scrutiny of nomination papers for the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) elections began on Monday, with leaders and party workers thronging election offices as officials examined candidates’ forms. Party representatives also lodged objections where they flagged discrepancies or misleading information.The Congress candidate from Ward 12 (Nanavat–Saiyedpura–Kubernagar–Mahidharpura) had his nomination rejected after an error in the…

Surat: A 47-year-old Surat-based real estate businessman, currently working at a motel in the US, filed a complaint alleging that he was cheated out of Rs 5.8 crore, after being lured into investing in a South Indian film project with promises of high returns.The complainant, Hitesh Patel, alleged that the accused induced him to invest…

Surat: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has organized an AI-driven Speed Business Networking Conclave on Saturday, offering business and industry leaders an opportunity to showcase their products and services with the support of artificial intelligence.The conclave has been designed to use AI in a practical way to help participants establish meaningful…

Surat: Police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut initiated action under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) against habitual offenders to maintain law and order, prevent untoward incidents and ensure that the local self-govt elections are conducted peacefully.Over the past eight days, 31 persons have been detained under PASA and sent to jails in Ahmedabad, Bhuj,…

Surat: A 62-year-old homemaker from the Adajan area was cheated of Rs 11.03 lakh in an insurance policy fraud where the accused posed as officials of the “Bima Lokpal Office” and extracted money on the pretext of bonuses and refunds. Surat cybercrime police registered an FIR against five persons and launched a probe.According to the…

Surat: Residents of the 700 demolished homes of Pragya Nagar in City Light are facing a strange situation. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is demanding property tax for properties it demolished itself a year ago.Notices to vacate the buildings for redevelopment were served two years ago, after which residents began moving out. Despite the evacuation,…

A local official, D C Brahmankachh, was tragically found dead on railway tracks near Umargam station. SURAT: Umargam mamlatdar and executive magistrate D C Brahmankachh was found dead on railway tracks near Umargam railway station, triggering shock across the region.Govt Railway Police registered an unnatural death and began an investigation. Brahmankachh was from Sherimal village…

Surat: A month after Surat police warned gym owners over rising cases of harassment, the Special Operations Group (SOG) has arrested a 50-year-old gym trainer for allegedly trapping a married woman in a relationship and later attempting to extort money from her husband.The accused, Shabbir Trunkwala, allegedly demanded Rs 5 lakh from the woman’s husband,…

Surat: The gem and jewellery (GJ) sector showed signs of stabilization in the 2025-26 financial year, with annual exports falling by only 3% compared to sharper declines seen over the past two years.Total GJ exports stood at $27.7 billion during the year. However, the sector witnessed a steep 35% drop in exports in March compared…

Surat: Chowk Bazar police have arrested a 37-year-old RTI activist for allegedly extorting money from a manufacturer by threatening action against his ongoing construction project.The accused, Prashant Kachhadiya, had filed an RTI application with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) against a four-storey building being constructed by the complainant, Mansukh Pansuriya, and allegedly demanded Rs 20…