Mumbai, Jun 2 (PTI) Following are the top stories from the Western Region at 1700 HRS.

BOM10 MH-ATS-LD SEARCHES **** Maharashtra ATS conducts searches in Thane in terror case; 12 detained Mumbai: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad on Monday detained 12 persons after conducting searches in Thane district, including at the houses of some former office-bearers and members of SIMI, in connection with a terrorism-related case, officials said. **** BOM7 CG-NAXAL-SURRENDER **** 16 Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh; Kerlapenda village becomes Maoist-free, say police Sukma: Sixteen Naxalites, including six carrying a collective cash reward of Rs 25 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Monday, police said. **** BOM12 MP-RAHUL-VISIT **** Pushed to margins of MP politics, Cong looks at redemption strategy during Rahul’s visit Bhopal: Rahul Gandhi will launch a CWC-approved campaign aimed at rebuilding the party in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday and address a string of brainstorming meetings in Bhopal to prepare the Congress to face the 2028 assembly polls and reclaim lost glory. **** BOM4 GJ-BYPOLL-CONG **** Gujarat bypolls: Cong announces candidates for Kadi and Visavadar seats Ahmedabad, Jun 2 (PTI) The opposition Congress has announced Ramesh Chavda and Nitin Ranpariya as its candidates from Kadi and Visavadar assembly constituencies, respectively, for the upcoming bypolls to the two seats in Gujarat.

BOM11 CG-PASWAN-BIHAR POLLS **** If it helps party, will definitely contest Bihar polls, says Chirag; backs Nitish for CM post Raipur: Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan on Monday said he will definitely contest the upcoming Bihar polls if his candidature consolidates his party’s position and “strike rate”. **** BOM9 MH-DESHMUKH-NCP-MERGER **** No discussion on merger: Deshmukh on meetings between Sharad, Ajit Pawar Nagpur: NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh on Monday downplayed speculation about a political reunion following recent meetings between Sharad Pawar and his estranged nephew Ajit Pawar, asserting there was no discussion on the rival NCP factions coming together. **** BOM8 MH-HC-HUSAIN PAINTINGS **** 25 rare Husain paintings to go under hammer after Bombay HC nod Mumbai: Twenty five rare paintings of late Indian modernist painter M F Husain, secured by NAFED as part of the proceeds of an alleged loan default case, will be auctioned on June 12 pursuant to a nod from the Bombay High Court. **** BOM5 GA-CONG-POSTER-KHARGE **** Kharge’s pic missing from Cong poster during Goa Statehood Day celebration; BJP slams party Panaji: The Goa Congress is facing criticism for failing to include a photo of its national president Mallikarjun Kharge in a banner put up during the Statehood Day celebration last week. **** PTI RSY