A 45-year-old man has been arrested from Uttar Pradesh after he allegedly stole gold ornaments worth Rs 4.50 lakh from a woman passenger on a local train in Thane, a GRP official said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. Police scanned CCTV footage across several railway stations and the Panvel ST bus stand. "The breakthrough came when a man wearing a cap, later identified as Furkan Sukhe Ansari, was spotted in CCTV footage at Badkhal," the official stated, reported PTI. The complainant subsequently identified Ansari as the person who had sat next to her in the local train compartment. Following a tip-off that the suspect frequented a market in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, to buy cattle feed, a police team was dispatched to the state, reported PTI. With the assistance of local police, a midnight raid was conducted at Raza Colony in Bijnor, leading to Ansari's arrest on April 4, police said, adding that stolen gold ornaments have been recovered, reported PTI. His three accomplices have been identified, and a search is on to nab them. Gang paid youngsters 'salary' to commit thefts on trains; 3 arrested In another case, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested three members of a gang which hired unemployed youngsters on a fixed monthly salary to commit thefts on trains, reported PTI. The arrested men were identified as Kailash Das (42) from Khagaria in Bihar, and Mithilesh Shah (29) and Kishan Nishad (22) from Chhattisgarh, reported PTI. According to RPF officials, a special drive was launched recently to curb rising cases of thefts on trains. "During the operation, we detained three suspects and questioned them. Their interrogation revealed an organised network behind these thefts," said an official, reported PTI. The mastermind, who is from Khagaria in Bihar, was still at large. He hired unemployed youths promising a salary of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 and provided them training as to how to commit a theft on a train, the official said, reported PTI. The gang operated across several regions including Nagpur, Itwari, Bhilai, Raigarh and Bilaspur. "More arrests are expected soon," the official said. (With inputs from PTI)
15 April,2026 07:25 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Charkop police have busted a major racket that allegedly duped hundreds of people across Maharashtra under the pretext of securing loans through NABARD schemes for small-scale businesses. While one accused has been arrested, the mastermind remains at large. The case came to light after a victim was cheated of Rs 5 lakh with a promise of setting up a dairy farm under a scheme. Following a complaint, an investigation was launched and Shrikant Gavde, 37, a resident of Charkop, was arrested on March 17. Role of accused Shrikant Gavde was previously employed as a manager in a multinational bank but later came in contact with the absconding mastermind, identified as Amol Thakre. Officials believe the Gavde is merely a middleman, and several such agents may be active across different districts. Cases across Maharashtra The accused not only operated in Mumbai but also carried out similar frauds in various districts in the state. Over the past five years, they allegedly cheated hundreds of people. Police have so far recovered around 280 files during the investigation, indicating fraud of over R40 lakh. The mastermind Amol Thakre, the alleged mastermind behind the fraud, posed as a government employee and lured agents like Gavde by offering commissions. They would promise loans ranging from R25 lakh to R5 crore and demand an advance commission of around 10 per cent. Gavde would collect the money in his bank account, withdraw it in cash, and hand it over to Thakre. What are the schemes under NABARD? The NABARD scheme offers loan options to support rural development and agricultural projects The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is India's apex development financial institution. The NABARD scheme offers various loan options to support rural development and agricultural projects. These loans cater to farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and infrastructure development. Modus operandi The accused targeted people seeking loans for small-scale businesses such as dairy farms, poultry, and other ventures. They promised to secure government-subsidised loans under NABARD schemes and collected documents from victims. To gain trust, the accused would initiate fake registration processes for required licenses and approvals in the victims’ names. However, police said that not a single victim has reported receiving any loan. Investigation underway Police have written to the government departments concerned seeking verification of the claims. Preliminary findings suggest that no loans were ever sanctioned to the victims. Out of the 280 files recovered, 95 are currently in police possession, while Gavde has informed investigators that the remaining files were handed over to Thakre.
15 April,2026 07:22 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and party workers on Wednesday staged a protest in Goregaon following the death of two MBA students allegedly due to drug overdose while attending a concert in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, along with several party workers reached the Vanrai Police Station in Goregaon and while protesting demanded a strict action in the matter. Party leaders including Kishori Pednekar and Sunil Prabhu were among others to join the protest. The incident had taken place at the NESCO complex in Goregaon East, raising concerns over drug abuse and safety in the city. Several senior party leaders and local representatives participated in the protest, calling for immediate and strong action against those responsible for the incident. गोरेगाव पूर्व येथील नेस्को संकुल येथे झालेल्या लाईव्ह म्युझिक कॉन्सर्टमध्ये अंमली पदार्थांच्या अतिसेवनाने झालेल्या दोन विद्यार्थ्यांच्या मृत्यूच्या घटनेमुळे मुंबईतील कायदे-सुवस्थेबाबत निर्माण झालेल्या गंभीर प्रश्नांविरोधात आज शिवसेना (उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे) पक्षाच्या वतीने वनराई… pic.twitter.com/lGQMosb4au — ShivSena - शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) April 15, 2026 Concerns over drug abuse Protesters raised serious concerns about the handling of security at the concert venue and alleged lapses that may have allowed illegal substances to be used. They urged the police to take strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure accountability. The incident The protest follows a recent incident in which two MBA students died and an another was hospitalised after allegedly consuming drugs at a live music concert in Goregaon. The case has sparked public outrage and led to multiple arrests, with investigations continuing into possible drug supply networks. The Vanrai police which is probing the matter have arrested six people so far in connection with the matter. The police had made the latest arrest on Tuesday. Congress alleges governance failure Meanwhile, the Congress on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra following the deaths of the students due to suspected drug overdose, calling the administration “inept and shameless” and accusing it of failing to curb the growing drug problem among youth. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, who alleged that the state’s governance failures have allowed drug abuse to spread unchecked. Sapkal questioned how such a large gathering, where drugs and alcohol were allegedly consumed openly, went undetected by authorities. He said the incident pointed to a major lapse by the Mumbai Police and the state’s Home Department, adding that it reflected poorly on the administrative machinery responsible for maintaining law and order. The Congress leader also demanded clarity on permissions granted for the event at the NESCO complex in Goregaon, raising concerns about regulatory oversight.
15 April,2026 03:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a key breakthrough in the NESCO concert deaths case, Vanrai police have arrested a sixth accused, a 25-year-old Kalyan resident, as investigators deepen their probe into the suspected drug supply network behind the alleged MDMA overdose that left two MBA students dead and another critical. Defence version Advocates Surendra Landge and Azad Gupta argued:>> No drugs were recovered from Patel>> He has been implicated due to his association with the co-accused>> He was unaware of the actual supplier or delivery process How the incident unfolded >> Victims allegedly consumed one pill inside a vehicle en route to the concert>> A second dose was reportedly taken inside the venue>> Police suspect overdose led to rapid health deterioration>> Two victims died; one remains critical Investigation status >> The case was registered under the relevant provisions of the drug and criminal laws>> Police seeking extended custody of Patel>> An officer said, “Patel is being questioned to uncover the supply chain and wider nexus.” What investigators are probing >> Source of the MDMA pills>> Role of delivery platforms in drug movement>> Whether the accused were part of a larger network>> Prior instances of drug procurement using similar channels Who is the latest accused Name: Anad PatelResidence: KalyanBackground: Associated with the construction businessLink: Friend of the earlier arrested accused What police suspect >> Patel allegedly acted as a drug conduit>> Ecstasy (MDMA) pills reportedly arranged via a delivery app>> Drugs were allegedly sourced a day before the concert>> His name emerged during the interrogation of a co-accused (student)>> Police say his reference was used multiple times earlier to procure drugs What Patel told police >> Denied supplying drugs>> Said co-accused are his friends>> Claimed drugs were earlier ordered through an app>> Stated his reference was used without his knowledge in this instance Case at a glance Case: NESCO concert drug deathsDeaths: 2 (including one woman)Injured: 1 woman, criticalLatest arrest: Anand Patel, 25, Kalyan Arrest date: April 13Custody: Till April 16Total accused: 6
15 April,2026 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThree people, including a senior citizen, were killed in separate incidents of fatal assaults reported in different parts of the city over the past 48 hours, police informed on Tuesday, the PTI reported. The incidents, which occurred in Dadar, Matunga, and Kherwadi in Bandra East, include a brutal assault on a 28-year-old man, a parking dispute involving a senior citizen, and a stabbing. Man beaten to death in Dadar In Dadar, Ankush Ambekar was allegedly beaten to death by a group of assailants in the Nako Sayaji Wadi area on Sunday, an official said. According to the news agency, Ambekar had a dispute with one of the accused, Gaurav Sanas. While he was on his way to meet a friend, a group intercepted him and brutally assaulted him in the presence of his wife. He sustained severe injuries and died while undergoing treatment at Parel's KEM Hospital, the official said. Based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s wife, Dadar police registered a case and arrested seven accused. Efforts are underway to nab others involved in the attack. Senior citizen dies in parking dispute In another incident, Naresh Vaghela, a senior citizen, died following an assault stemming from a parking dispute near Dadar Tata Bridge on Monday. Vaghela had objected to the manner in which a vehicle was parked, leading to an argument with the accused, Sahil Ghadge and Shahbaz Sheikh, the official said. According to police, the argument escalated and the duo allegedly assaulted Vaghela in front of his wife. He was taken to KEM Hospital, where he was declared dead. The two accused have been arrested, police said, the PTI reported. 25-year-old guard murdered near MHADA office in Mumbai's Bandra East In another similar incident reported by Mid-Day, which has raised serious security concerns in one of the city’s busiest business districts, a security guard was brutally murdered in broad daylight close to the MHADA office in Bandra East on Monday afternoon. At around 2.15 pm, the victim was allegedly attacked with a knife by two unidentified assailants who slit the throat of the 25-year-old man working as a security guard at a construction site. The injured guard was rushed to nearby Guru Nanak Hospital by an auto driver; however, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The deceased has been identified as Abhinav Kumar Chaudhary, a native of Bhagalpur, Bihar, who had recently joined duty at the site on April 1, 2026. He was employed by Torrear Security Agency. A fellow security guard, who reported for duty shortly after the incident, said on condition of anonymity, “I came for duty around 3 pm and got to know that he had been attacked earlier. I don’t know the reason, but I was told his throat was slit.” (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 08:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant development in the Vanrai drug overdose case linked to the NESCO Centre concert tragedy, the Vanrai Police have arrested a sixth accused. The accused has been identified as Anand Patel (25), a resident of Kalyan. He is reportedly involved in the construction business and is said to be a friend of the previously arrested accused. Key details Police suspect that Patel supplied drugs to the accused involved in the case. He was produced before a court on Tuesday, which remanded him to police custody till April 16. The case pertains to a drug overdose incident during a music concert that resulted in two deaths, including that of a woman, while another person remains critically ill. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out further arrests. Advocates Surendra Landge and Azad Gupta stated that no drugs were recovered from their client. They argued that he has been made an accused solely because he was in contact with the other accused and was their friend.
14 April,2026 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA 65-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her son after she refused to give him money to buy alcohol in Maharashtra’s Thane city, police said on Tuesday. The police have arrested the 29-year-old accused in connection with the brutal attack that took place at his house in the Dhokali area in the early hours of Monday, an official said. Drinking addiction turns fatal The accused, Mangesh Rajkumar Sahib, frequently argued with his mother, Sangeeta Sahib, over his drinking habit, he added. “The accused would regularly demand money from his mother to purchase alcohol. On Monday, when she refused, Mangesh lost his temper and allegedly stabbed her multiple times with a knife,” the official said, quoting the FIR. Accused kills mother on spot The victim died on the spot, and the accused’s sister, a resident of Bhiwandi, lodged a complaint with the police, he said. The official said the Narpoli police in Bhiwandi registered a “zero FIR”, which was later transferred to the Kapurbawdi police station in Thane city, under whose jurisdiction the crime occurred. “The accused was arrested late on Monday night under Section 103(1) (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” the official added. Teen stabs his uncle and cousin to death during wedding procession over land dispute in Maharashtra's Wardha In a similar incident earlier in April, a land dispute took a violent turn in Maharashtra’s Wardha district, when a teenager allegedly stabbed his uncle and cousin to death during a wedding procession, police said. The incident occurred in Barbadi village at around 10.30 am, sparking panic among residents. According to police, an argument broke out between the teenager and his relatives—his uncle, Prabhakar Bhalme (50), and cousin Ritesh (24)—during the procession. In a sudden escalation, the suspect allegedly attacked both men with a knife in a fit of rage, killing them on the spot. Long-standing dispute suspected Officials said the family had been embroiled in a prolonged land dispute. Prima facie, the attack appears to be linked to the ongoing conflict, the news agency reported. The bodies were sent for post-mortem examination. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 03:46 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA late-night techno music concert at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon East turned fatal after two MBA students, including a woman, died and another remains critical, allegedly after consuming suspected narcotic substances during the event on Saturday. Police have arrested five people, including two friends of the victims, the event organiser and a NESCO staff member, as investigations point to drug distribution, underage alcohol access and multiple safety violations at the venue. Screengrabs from Instagram videos show the crowd enjoying the concert at NESCO Exhibition Centre on Saturday night. Pics/By Special Arrangement What is MDMA? Full name: Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)Common names: Ecstasy, MollyType: Synthetic psychoactive drug How it affects the body . Increases energy and alertness. Produces euphoria and emotional warmth. Alters sensory perception (sound, light, touch) Health risks . Dehydration and overheating. Increased heart rate and blood pressure. Nausea, anxiety, confusion. Severe cases: organ failure, seizures, death Why it is dangerous at concerts . Crowded spaces and prolonged dancing increase dehydration risk. Often consumed with alcohol, compounding effects. Unknown purity or mixing with other substances Victims Deceased: Man, 28 Woman, 24Injured: Woman, 25, in ICU Timeline of events April 11 | 9:30 PMGroup of ~25 students from a reputed South Mumbai college attends “999999999 Music Concert” at NESCO Hall 05 During eventYellow pill (suspected MDMA) allegedly distributed and consumed. Victims continue dancing April 12 | 12:00–12:30 AMBreathlessness, dizziness and cramps reported 2:30 AMTwo women admitted to Trauma Care Hospital, Jogeshwari East. Both unfit to record statements 7:00 AMMan declared dead at Lifeline Hospital, Goregaon West Later on April 12One woman dies at Bombay HospitalOther remains critical What the survivor said . The injured woman stated she was given a “yellow pill” by her classmate. Said the others also consumed a similar pill. Group had attended together after booking passes online. “I do not remember what happened after that… when I last saw her [the deceased woman], she was fine and we were dancing,” the survivor said. Identified substance as suspected Ecstasy (MDMA), seen at similar events before Accused arrested . College student, 25, - allegedly gave drugs. Vihan aka Akash Samal, 31, - event organiser. Sunny Vinod Jain, 31, - NESCO event organiser/management. Balakrishnan Balram Kurup, 46, - internal security. Another college student, 24, – alleged supplier Arrest date: April 13, 2026Custody: 3 days police remand Key findings so far . Drug consumed suspected to be MDMA (Ecstasy). Narcotics allegedly distributed inside the venue. Event organisers failed to prevent drug use. Alcohol was allegedly served to individuals below 25 without permits. Event ran beyond permitted time (till ~12:30 AM vs 10:00 PM limit) NESCO statement “We extend our condolences to those affected. We understand the seriousness of the situation and are extending our full cooperation to the concerned authorities in their ongoing investigation. All relevant information and assistance are being provided to ensure that the facts are established at the earliest. At this stage, as the matter is under investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further. We remain committed to supporting the authorities and upholding all safety and compliance standards,” a NESCO spokesperson said. Mobile phones worth lakhs were also stolen at Goregaon concert In a case of theft reported during a high-profile music concert, several mobile phones worth lakhs were allegedly stolen from attendees at the NESCO Centre in Goregaon East. According to the complaint filed at the Vanrai Police Station, a 28-year-old businessman residing at Malad West, Mumbai, attended a music concert at NESCO Warehouse, Goregaon East, on April 11, 2026. The event, held at Gate No. 1, Hall No. 5, witnessed a massive crowd of nearly 15,000 people. The complainant stated that he reached the venue around 9:15 PM with his mobile phone in his possession. However, at approximately 9:40 PM, he discovered that his phone, which was kept in his pocket, had gone missing. Despite searching the area, he could not locate the device. During inquiries at the venue, he came across other attendees from Chembur, Pune, Ulhas Nagar, Kalyan, Chinchookli Dindoshi, and others who had also allegedly fallen victim to similar thefts during the concert. Police said that multiple high-end smartphones, including iPhone 17, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Air models, were allegedly stolen from the crowded concert venue. The total value of the stolen devices is estimated to be around Rs 3.40 lakh. Based on the complaint, an offence has been registered against unknown persons for theft. The Vanrai Police have initiated an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from the venue to identify the accused.
14 April,2026 11:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanWhat began as a familiar face offering prayers at a Vikhroli temple allegedly turned into a calculated property fraud, with a 52-year-old priest losing Rs 84 lakh after being lured into buying a flat in a Bhandup redevelopment project that the seller did not own. Police have booked a developer, his associate and bank officials, alleging that the accused built credibility through a bank-sanctioned home loan and selectively verified documents, before routing large sums through multiple accounts and concealing prior transfer of development rights. Role of bank officials under scanner . Loan sanctioned despite incomplete and selective verification. Outdated or invalid documents accepted. Prior transfer of development rights allegedly ignored. No-objection certificate accepted from an unauthorised individual At a glance Complainant: 52-year-old temple priest, Vikhroli Accused: Developer, associate, bank officials Project location: Bhandup redevelopment site Loan component: ~R33 lakhTimeline: 2021-2023 How the deal was made to look legitimate . Home loan of ~R33 lakh arranged via the accused’s contacts. Loan sanctioned and disbursed by bank officials. Payments made via bank transfers, cheques, and online modes What exposed the fraud Civil dispute filed in 2023 by original project stakeholders Probe revealed:. Flat belonged to an original member, not the accused. Development rights already transferred years earlier. Key facts concealed How the trust trap was built . Accused frequented the temple, befriended the priest (since 2021). Offered flat below market rate in a redevelopment project. Gained confidence through repeated interactions Where the money went . Funds routed to multiple third-party accounts. Transfers done on the accused’s instructions. Excuses of “financial issues” given when questioned Legal action . Case registered under cheating and criminal conspiracy. Probe underway into all accused, including bank officials. Money trail across multiple accounts is being traced
14 April,2026 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against 13 people for allegedly cheating ten individuals of Rs 1.54 crore on the pretext of providing government jobs, an official said on Monday. According to PTI, all the accused are currently absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest them. The complainant, a construction contractor residing in Charkop, came into contact with the main accused, identified as Satish Wankhede, through a friend. Fake government job promises made Wankhede allegedly claimed that he had strong connections with senior officials in various government departments and could secure jobs without examinations. To gain trust, he reportedly shared fake appointment letters via WhatsApp, police said, the news agency reported. Money collected for multiple posts He promised jobs in the State Excise Department, Thane Municipal Corporation, and the State Legislature, demanding Rs 60 lakh in return. Out of this, Rs 20 lakh was taken as an advance. He further collected Rs 10 lakh for a Police Sub-Inspector post but failed to deliver. Subsequently, Wankhede and other accused targeted acquaintances of the complainant and organised meetings to lure more victims. Fake appointment letters exposed fraud When the promised jobs did not materialise, the accused issued fake appointment letters. Upon verification, the documents were found to be forged. Police said the magnitude of the fraud may increase as more victims come forward. An investigation is underway. Land-for-jobs scam case: SC refuses to quash CBI FIR, chargesheet against Lalu Prasad Yadav The Supreme Court on Monday declined to quash the CBI FIR in the alleged land-for-jobs case involving Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family members, reported the PTI. A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh granted the 77-year-old former Bihar chief minister exemption from appearing before the trial court during the proceedings, the news agency reported. The top court permitted Yadav to raise the issue of the applicability of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act during the trial. Yadav has argued that the investigation, FIR and subsequent chargesheets are invalid due to the absence of prior sanction required under this provision, according to the PTI. (With PTI inputs)
13 April,2026 10:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 19-year-old was caught red-handed while allegedly stealing chocolates worth Rs 12,000 from a supermarket in Borivali West in the early hours of April 13. According to the complaint filed by Pravin Nagaram Chaudhary (19), a shopkeeper and resident of Ganesh Nagar, Charkop in Kandivali West, the incident occurred at his uncle’s shop, “Shri Ashapura Mataji Super Market”, located at Shop No. 33-34, Basil Grove, Garden Grove Complex, Chikuwadi, Borivali West. Chaudhary stated that he helps his uncle run the supermarket and usually opens the shop at 7:00 am, while his uncle closes it around 11:00 pm. On April 12, after closing the shop at around 11:00 pm, he, along with his sisters Rinku and Manju, went to sleep inside the premises. At approximately 4:00 am on April 13, he woke up after hearing suspicious noises. Upon checking the CCTV cameras installed in the shop, he noticed three unknown persons attempting to steal items from refrigerators placed outside the shutter, which contained cold drinks, ice cream, and chocolates. He immediately rushed outside and tried to catch the suspects. During the attempt, the accused pushed him and tried to flee. While two of them managed to escape, Chaudhary successfully apprehended one of the accused on the spot and alerted the police. The detained accused was identified as Shahid Nasir Khan (19), a resident of New Collector Compound, Malvani, Malad West. Police arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody. Upon inspection, it was found that chocolates worth approximately Rs12,000 had been stolen from the shop. A case has been registered against the accused for theft and dishonest intention. Further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accomplices.
13 April,2026 09:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
-1776248140310_d.png "Party leaders including Kishori Pednekar and Sunil Prabhu were among others to join the protest. Pic/X")
