In a significant breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), in coordination with the Mumbai Crime Branch on Saturday arrested a 23-year-old accused from Agra in connection with the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu. The accused, Pradeep Sharma alias Golu, had been absconding since the February 1 incident, allegedly carried out at the behest of the notorious Shubham Lonkar gang to create panic and assert dominance. Firing incident aimed at creating panic According to police, unidentified shooters opened fire outside Shetty Tower in Juhu on the night of February 1, targeting the filmmaker’s residence. “The attack was meant to send a strong message to the film industry, businessmen, and the public,” officials said. Joint operation leads to arrest Acting on technical inputs and surveillance, the Mumbai Police sought assistance from the UP STF. A joint team tracked Sharma to Mahavir Nagar in Agra, where he was arrested on Saturday after attempting to evade capture. Social media influence and gang links During interrogation, Sharma told police he was influenced by the gang’s posts on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. He was allegedly encouraged by his associate Shivam Dubey to get involved. Investigations further revealed that co-accused, including Vishnu Kushwaha and Deepak, played key roles, with Deepak allegedly carrying out the firing after travelling to Mumbai. Further investigation underway Police said several accused were arrested earlier in February, while Sharma had been on the run. He has now been handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further legal action. A case was registered by the Mumbai Crime Branch under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act.
21 March,2026 07:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA 29-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by her husband in Mumbai’s Wadala area following a dispute over his alcohol consumption, police said on Saturday, reported news agency IANS. The accused, identified as Mahesh Narayan Wad, was arrested after initially fleeing the scene, reported IANS. Brutal assault leads to woman’s death The victim, Kavita Mahesh Wad, was allegedly assaulted by her husband using kicks and punches during an argument at their residence in Ganesh Nagar near a local temple in Wadala, reported IANS. Police said the accused also threw a mobile phone at her, causing serious injuries. She was later rushed to KEM Hospital, where she died during treatment. Delay in medical aid worsened condition Authorities said the victim did not receive immediate medical attention, which may have contributed to the severity of her condition, reported IANS. Kavita reportedly lost consciousness at home before being taken to the hospital. Post-mortem reveals severe injuries The post-mortem examination found multiple injuries on her body, including black-and-blue marks, indicating sustained physical assault, reported IANS. Case registered, accused arrested A case of murder has been registered against the accused at Wadala Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following the complaint, police formed two teams to trace the accused, who had gone into hiding. He was later arrested from a relative’s residence, reported IANS. Complaint filed by victim’s brother The complaint was lodged by Kavita’s brother, Shubham Ramesh Lodi, a resident of Navi Mumbai. Police said the couple had frequent disputes, allegedly due to the accused’s alcohol addiction. Investigation underway Officials said further investigation is in progress to establish all circumstances surrounding the incident, reported IANS. The case has once again highlighted concerns over domestic violence and the need for timely intervention in such disputes. Labourer held for stabbing to death man in Badlapur fish market In another case, a labourer was arrested in the early hours of Friday for allegedly murdering a man in a fish market in Badlapur East in Thane district, a police official said. Dhirajkumar Babulal Baiga (35) stabbed to death Subodh Kumar (in his late 30s) at around 8pm on Thursday, he added. Baiga was arrested some hours later at 2am, the Badlapur East police station official said. The motive of the crime is yet to be ascertained, he said, adding Baiga is being interrogated. (With inputs from IANS)
21 March,2026 02:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAuthorities in Maharashtra's Thane district have carried out a crackdown against illegal sand mining in Bhiwandi taluka and destroyed various equipment, including barges, collectively valued at around Rs 90 lakh, officials said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The revenue department carried out the operation in Kevani creek area on Friday based on a tip-off, an official release said. "The revenue department took major action against the mafia involved in illegal sand mining in the Kevani Sand Port area. In this operation, property worth about Rs 80 to 90 lakh was destroyed," it said, reported PTI. During the operation, led by District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal, authorities destroyed five suction units and eight barges allegedly used in extraction of sand. The equipment was burnt and the barges were sunk in the creek, resulting in heavy financial losses to those involved in illegal activities, it added, reported PTI. The mafia had created 12 large storage tanks along the creek to stock illegally extracted sand. These tanks were demolished using three backhoe loader machines, the release said. Authorities said the land used for storing the sand falls under the 'reserved forest' category. "Since the activity was being carried out on reserved forest land, strict action will also be taken by the forest department and the Mangrove Conservation Unit," it said, reported PTI. Personnel from Bhiwandi Rural police station were deployed during the operation to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident, the release added, reported PTI. The district administration said it has intensified its campaign against illegal sand mining in recent months, with multiple cases registered and equipment seized in earlier drives. Labourer held for stabbing to death man in Badlapur fish market In another case, a labourer was arrested in the early hours of Friday for allegedly murdering a man in a fish market in Badlapur East in Thane district, a police official said, reported PTI. Dhirajkumar Babulal Baiga (35) stabbed to death Subodh Kumar (in his late 30s) at around 8pm on Thursday, he added, reported PTI. Baiga was arrested some hours later at 2am, the Badlapur East police station official said. The motive of the crime is yet to be ascertained, he said, adding Baiga is being interrogated. (With inputs from PTI)
21 March,2026 01:25 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentWhat began as a harmless Facebook friendship turned into a chilling spiral of manipulation, sexual exploitation, blackmail and financial ruin for a 36-year-old woman — pushing her to the brink of suicide. Over more than a year, the accused, posing as an astrologer, allegedly gained her trust, exploited her, and siphoned off nearly Rs 33 lakh, including loans and gold. The ordeal ended only when a two-line message to her husband triggered a race against time that ultimately saved her life. 1. A casual FB conversation slowly turned into control, as a man posing as an astrologer gained her trust by revealing personal details and positioning himself as someone who ‘understood’ her life better than anyone else 2. Meetings that started innocently at a café soon escalated to isolated outings, where emotional manipulation blurred boundaries, leaving her vulnerable to exploitation she did not see coming 3. The turning point came when intimacy was weaponised, secretly recorded and turned into a tool of fear, trapping her in a cycle of silence, coercion and repeated abuse 4. Over months, threats replaced trust as she was forced to part with nearly R33 lakh, take loans, and hand over gold, each payment buying temporary relief but tightening the grip of blackmail 5. Crushed by guilt and relentless pressure, she reached her breaking point, sending a final message to her husband, believing escape from life was the only way out 6. Reading between the lines, her husband sensed the danger instantly, choosing calm over panic as he kept her engaged, speaking to her continuously while racing against time to reach her 7. When he finally stood at the door and opened his arms, it broke the silence she had been living in, and she collapsed into him, recounting a year of fear, manipulation, and suffering Illustrations/Uday Mohite 8. What followed was not just healing but action, as the couple approached the police together, leading to a case being registered and the arrest of the accused, bringing an end to the deception that had nearly cost her life. The case at a glance Victim: 36-year-old womanAccused: Man posing as astrologerPlatform: FacebookDuration: Over 1 yearMoney lost: Rs 33 lakhOther losses: 8 tolas goldCrimes alleged: Sexual assault, blackmail, extortion, cheating How the trap unfolded . Fake identity builds emotional trust. Personal details used to convince and control. Meetings escalate from café to beach to lodge. Sexual assault was allegedly recorded secretly. Video used for repeated blackmail and exploitation The breaking point Overwhelmed by fear and guilt, the woman decided to end her life. Before doing so, she sent a message to her husband: “I am not worthy of you… I cannot face you… I am leaving, never to return.” Stayed on call for 1 hour and 45 minutes . Reassured her repeatedly. Reached home just in time. “I told her she is my life… she ran into my arms and told me everything”
21 March,2026 10:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Mumbai Press Club received a threat email claiming that poison gas bombs have been planted. While the email was received on Thursday, it was opened on Friday, triggering a thorough search of the building by security agencies. According to officials, the email was sent by a person named Neeraja Ajmal Khan, who claimed that “42 small poison gas bombs have been installed in Mumbai Press Club, and they will explode.” Officials search for the planted ‘gas bomb’ inside the Club premises On Friday, Press Club secretary Mayuresh Ganapatye reported the matter to Azad Maidan Police Station. DCP Zone I, Pravin Munde, was also informed. Following the complaint, teams from the Azad Maidan Police, along with the Cyber Cell, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, and Dog Squad, arrived at the club premises. However, no suspicious object was found during the search. ThursdayDay the email was received 3000+No. of members in the Mumbai Press Club ‘Will not be intimidated’ The Mumbai Press Club said in a statement that it “strongly condemns this malicious and alarming threat”. “The Club has always upheld and promoted liberal, secular, and democratic values and has consistently stood against all forms of extremism and violence. With a membership of over 3000 journalists, the Mumbai Press Club will not be intimidated by such threats and remains committed to its principles,” it stated. What was in the email? The threat email made political claims in the message and stated that the bombs were planted with the help of Maoists and Pakistani secret cells.Excerpts from email . We, the Muslims of Coimbatore, have learned a harsh truth: [Stalin] Udhayanidhi’s [Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu] cunning family used us as a mere vote bank and punished us in the name of protecting us. . Leaders who supported DMK in the last election have now been arrested under ‘UAPA’ by the same Udhayanidhi whom we had supported. . With the help of Naxalites and secret cells linked to Pakistan in Coimbatore, we only had enough resources to blow up three to four buildings. We never imagined we would have to use them, because we were confident you would help us expose the DMK government. We thought at least other states like Madhya Pradesh weren’t under the DMK’s thrall. . You too are living off Udhayanidhi’s money. Therefore, we’ve used the bomb resources at your Press Club office. . Intent is to cause property damage; please evacuate everyone safely. . Signed by ‘Long live the Naxalite Jihad Committee!’
21 March,2026 08:54 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentTWO minor boys allegedly strangled their 15-year-old co-worker with a handkerchief on March 17 in a room at Ganesh Nagar, Andheri West, suspecting he had complained about them to their employer, Mumbai Police said. The duo reportedly slept beside the body and later called the victim’s father, claiming the boy was not waking up. The case was first registered as an accidental death report (ADR) by DN Nagar Police, but a post-mortem at Cooper Hospital confirmed death due to strangulation, with visible neck injuries. During sustained interrogation, the minors allegedly confessed, saying they were angered by the victim’s complaints about their laziness to the restaurant owner. All three boys, from the same village and age group, worked together at a restaurant in Andheri. Accused sent to Dongri Child Observation Home, investigation on Based on a complaint by the victim’s father, Mohammed Afsar Farid Sheikh, 41, a labourer, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused have been apprehended and sent to the Dongri Child Observation Home. A police officer told mid-day.com, "No CCTV footage was available from the spot.” Further investigation is underway.
20 March,2026 10:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Mumbai Press Club reportedly received a threatening email from a woman identifying herself as Neerja Ajmal Khan, claiming that multiple small bombs containing poisonous gas had been placed inside the building and were set to explode at 1 pm on Friday, an official said, the ANI reported. Mumbai police deployed the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and dog squad as a precautionary measure. According to initial information, the email was allegedly sent by an individual identifying herself as Neerja Ajmal Khan. The sender claimed that as many as 42 'poison gas' devices had been installed inside the Press Club building. Threat email alleges Coimbatore leaders arrested, media blocked voices exposing DMK According to the news agency, the email stated: "We, the Muslims of Coimbatore, have learned a harsh truth: Udhayanidhi's cunning family used us as a mere vote bank and punished us in the name of protecting us. All our leaders who supported DMK in the last election have now been arrested under UAPA by the same Udhayanidhi whom we had supported. When we tried to expose them, Tamil Nadu media outlets blocked us. So, we came to your state, but you also disappointed us." The mail also claimed that the alleged devices were intended only for property damage and urged that the building be evacuated. It added: "To be honest, with the help of Naxalites and secret cells linked to Pakistan in Coimbatore, we only had enough resources to blow up 3–4 buildings. We never imagined we would have to use them, because we were confident you would help us expose the DMK government. We thought at least other states like Madhya Pradesh weren't under the DMK's thrall. But now it's clear that you, too, are living off Udhayanidhi's money. Therefore, we've used the bomb resources we had at your Press Club office. We only intended to cause property damage; please evacuate everyone safely. Long live the Naxalite Jihad Committee!" More details are awaited. St Xavier’s College in Mumbai's Mahim gets bomb threat; police terms it hoax St Xavier's College in Mumbai received a bomb threat on Tuesday, officials said, adding that the probe revealed it to be a hoax. According to the Mumbai Police, no suspicious objects were found during the search, and the threat is being treated as a hoax. Authorities have initiated appropriate action and begun an investigation, with further details awaited, reported ANI. The incident follows a series of similar threats reported across the city earlier this week. On Wednesday, threat emails were sent to multiple locations, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Vidhan Bhawan and the Bombay High Court. Bomb search operation Police teams, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), were deployed at the sites. Authorities said adequate security measures have been put in place, and necessary legal action is being taken at the respective police stations, reported the news agency. Earlier, on March 8, a hospital in Mumbai also received a bomb threat email warning of an “LED blast”, triggering panic among patients and staff. The BDDS later conducted a thorough inspection of the premises. (With ANI inputs)
20 March,2026 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 46-year-old man was arrested in Maharashtra’s Thane district for allegedly possessing ganja worth Rs 4.27 lakh, police said on Friday, reported PTI. Kuldeep Bacchu Singh, a resident of the Mithpada-Sangampada area, was apprehended on Wednesday by the Crime Branch Unit-II of Bhiwandi police with 8 kg of the contraband, an official said. The seized ganja is valued at Rs 4.27 lakh, he added. The accused, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the news agency reported. A probe is underway to identify the source of the contraband and its intended recipients, the official said. Punjab Police conducts statewide anti-drug operation, carry out 187 arrests in a day: DGP Arpit Shukla Punjab Police carried out a massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) across the state as part of its ongoing anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, resulting in the registration of 155 cases and the arrest of 187 individuals in a single day, Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla said on Thursday. Speaking on the development, the DGP said the operation was conducted under the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and targeted identified drug hotspots across the state. “The operation was supervised by senior officers, including ADGs, IGs, and DIGs from the headquarters, along with district SSPs and DIGs. We have recorded 155 cases today, arrested 187 individuals, and recovered a huge quantity of heroin and tablets,” Shukla stated. Highlighting the impact of the year-long campaign, he said that ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ has been instrumental in curbing drug-related activities in Punjab. “The campaign has been operational for the past year and has led to the registration of around 80,119 cases, with 54,190 arrests made. Additionally, more than 2,384 kilograms of heroin has been recovered so far,” he added. In a separate incident earlier on March 14, Amritsar Rural Police busted an ISI-sponsored terror and cross-border arms smuggling module, apprehending two accused and recovering rifles, pistols, and cartridges, according to the Punjab DGP. Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with foreign-based handlers through social media. The module was also involved in radicalisation and spreading anti-India and anti-police narratives. (With PTI inputs)
20 March,2026 12:42 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA shocking cyber fraud case has come to light in Mumbai’s Sion area, where a 22-year-old woman was allegedly cheated out of Rs 15.93 lakh by fraudsters posing as spiritual healers. The scam reportedly began in 2023 when the victim, a resident of Pratiksha Nagar, came across an Instagram post titled “Powerful Obsession Healer.” The post promised solutions for career, relationship, and personal issues. After clicking the link, the woman was directed to WhatsApp, where she started communicating with a man who introduced himself as “Wahid” and “Sahil” at different times. Scammers promise supernatural help The accused gained the woman’s trust by assuring her of a bright future. They claimed to perform a special tantric ritual and said a jinn, a supernatural spirit, could fulfill all her desires, including financial success and personal happiness. Believing these claims, the woman agreed to follow their instructions. Initially, the fraud began with a demand of Rs 25,000. Over time, the scammers continued to ask for money under various pretexts, including incomplete rituals, negative energy that needed removal, or threats that the jinn had become angry. The woman even sold her family’s gold to make payments. Each transaction was made to different bank accounts under names like Sumra Mohammed, Mohsin Salim, and Gulnaz, raising suspicions that an organised network could be behind the scam. Realisation and police action It took more than two years for the woman to realise she had been cheated. She then contacted the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 and lodged a formal complaint. Following her complaint, the Mumbai Cyber Cell started tracing the Instagram accounts, mobile numbers, and bank details linked to the accused. A senior official said, “Investigators believe this case may be part of a larger network targeting individuals through social media by exploiting superstition and emotional vulnerability,” as per IANS reports. Police have warned citizens to stay cautious online. A spokesperson advised, “do not engage with unknown individuals offering supernatural solutions or guarantees for personal or financial problems. Always verify before making any payments.” This case highlights how social media can be misused to exploit trust and belief in supernatural powers. It also serves as a reminder to check credentials, avoid transferring money to unknown sources, and report suspicious activity promptly to authorities. (With IANS Inputs)
20 March,2026 12:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Police have uncovered a large-scale racket selling counterfeit mobile accessories in Ghatkopar. During the raids, authorities seized fake products worth approximately Rs 16.33 lakh and filed cases against six shopkeepers allegedly involved in the operation. The crackdown followed intelligence reports that several shops in Ghatkopar East were selling fake Apple accessories as original items. Police teams focused on the Patel Chowk and Niloyog Mall areas, where these products were reportedly being sold openly. Coordinated raids To ensure swift action, police formed six separate teams and conducted simultaneous raids across different locations. This prevented the accused from escaping and allowed authorities to recover a large quantity of counterfeit goods. The seized items included mobile chargers, adapters, USB cables, mobile covers, back panels, earphones, Air-Pods, and batteries. Officials noted that the products closely resembled genuine Apple accessories, making it difficult for customers to distinguish between real and fake items. Investigation and legal action Preliminary investigations revealed that the shopkeepers procured the counterfeit items at low prices and sold them at higher rates, using Apple’s logo and designs without authorisation. Company representatives confirmed that all recovered products were fake and stated that identifying such items requires specialised training. The six accused have been booked under Sections 51 and 63 of the Copyright Act. The seized goods have been sealed and sent for further examination, while police continue to investigate and track other individuals linked to the racket. Officials emphasised that similar drives against counterfeit products will continue across Mumbai to protect consumers and curb the illegal sale of fake branded goods. (With IANS Inputs)
20 March,2026 11:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major controversy is unfolding in Malad’s P North ward, often referred to as a treasure trove, raising serious questions about alleged political patronage, repeated postings, and intimidation. At the heart of the matter is civic engineer Jayesh Kumar Raut, who, despite multiple transfers, has allegedly returned to the same ward. Allegedly threatened to implicate Zakir Husain Khan in a criminal case on March 10 Most recently, Raut — currently posted in the building and factory department of P North — was transferred to the sewerage department in Worli, with clear instructions from senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials to be relieved within three days. However, sources claim he has not yet been relieved and is allegedly attempting to stall the transfer. How issue escalated Civic engineer Jayesh Kumar Raut Social worker and activist Zakir Husain Khan had filed a formal complaint with senior authorities, including the BMC. Khan alleged that Raut approached him and attempted to “settle” the matter by offering money to withdraw complaints filed against him. When Khan refused, the situation allegedly worsened. Khan, a businessman and whistleblower active in the Malwani area, said he had repeatedly raised concerns through RTI applications and official letters regarding Raut’s postings and alleged irregularities, following which a departmental inquiry was reportedly initiated The alleged pressure tactic Social worker and activist Zakir Husain Khan Speaking to mid-day, Khan further alleged that during a meeting on March 10 near Liberty Garden, Raut smashed a glass on his own head and threatened to falsely implicate him in a criminal case. Khan claimed the act was intended to intimidate and pressure him into withdrawing his complaint so that the transfer could be stalled. Fearing for his safety, Khan has written to top authorities, including the Mumbai police commissioner, seeking urgent action. He has also warned that he would approach the Bombay High Court if no action is taken ‘Everything is in place’ Meanwhile, sources from the BMC’s P North ward, speaking on condition of anonymity, said all formalities related to the transfer had been completed, and the order had already been signed by the officer concerned. However, Raut had allegedly not reported to collect the transfer papers Three postings According to RTI records, Raut has been posted in P North ward on three occasions: first in February 2013 as a junior engineer (till December 2016); second in August 2017 as a secondary engineer (till September 2021); and third in October 2024, where he continues despite a transfer order issued on March 10, 2026, shifting him to Worli’s sewerage department Other side Raut denied all allegations. Speaking to mid-day, he termed the claims “completely false” and alleged that activists were harassing Khan, who he termed a land grabber with multiple cases against his name in Malwani police station, and were blackmailing him. He added that he had filed a complaint at Malad police station, and the process of registering an FIR was underway. “Once it is registered, I will share a copy and speak in detail. Right now, I am busy,” he said.
20 March,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
-1773979354588_d.png "Social media scammers cheat woman using fake spiritual powers. Representational Pic")
