The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday released its first list of candidates, containing 291 names, for the two-phase April elections to the 294-member West Bengal Assembly and set the scene for a "battle royale" in Bhabanipur constituency in south Kolkata, from where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will contest again. As per the candidates' list released by Banerjee, she will be contesting from Bhabanipur this time as well, where she will face the Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, reported IANS. BJP announced first candidates list and nominated Adhikari from Nandigram On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its first list of 144 candidates and nominated Adhikari from his current constituency of Nandigram in East Midnapore district, as well as from Bhabanipur. This is the second time that Banerjee will be pitted against Adhikari. Adhikari was elected as a legislator from Nandigram for the second consecutive time in 2021, defeating Banerjee. Later, Banerjee was elected from Bhabanipur in a by-election and retained the post of chief minister for the third consecutive term. Trinamool fields candidates on 291 seats, gives Darjeeling hills to BGPM While the Trinamool will be contesting from 291 constituencies, they have spared three assembly constituencies in the North Bengal hills, namely Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, for their political ally in the hills, Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), founded by Anit Thapa, who is also the chief executive of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). At Nandigram, Trinamool fielded erstwhile local BJP leader and a close confidant of Adhikari, Pabitra Kar, who joined the party just a couple of hours before the chief minister released the party candidates' list. "This time our candidates will win from at least 226 Assembly constituencies. After the elections, this type of BJP will have no ground in West Bengal," Banerjee said. No alliance for Congress and Left Front in Bengal In the 2021 assembly elections, the Trinamool won 215 seats, while the BJP secured 77 seats. The CPI-M-led Left Front and the All India Secular Front (AISF) had a seat-sharing arrangement in 2021. While AISF managed to win one seat, both the Left Front and the Congress failed to win any seats at all. This time, the Congress and the Left Front are contesting the elections separately. On Tuesday, the Chief Minister also gave a note of caution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I would like to ask the Prime Minister, if you had faith in the people of West Bengal, why he was hurting Bengal's sentiments. Remember, the people will retaliate in the elections!" she said, reported IANS. (Inputs from IANS)
17 March,2026 07:26 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentAs many as 41.41 lakh ineligible ration cards were deleted in 2025, with maximum in Haryana, followed by Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, according to the government data placed before Parliament on Tuesday. According to PTI, about 13.43 lakh ineligible ration cards were deleted in Haryana, 6.05 lakh in Rajasthan, 5.97 lakh in Uttar Pradesh, 3.74 lakh in West Bengal, and 2.60 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, as per the data given by the Minister of State for Food Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya in the Rajya Sabha. Bambhaniya, in her written reply, said as an outcome of the use of technology in the Public Distribution System (PDS), all states and Union Territories have been able to weed out ineligible ration cards in order to achieve rightful targeting. Over 41 lakh fake ration cards deleted in 2025 as PDS goes fully digital A total of 41.41 lakh fake ration cards were deleted in 2025, as against 48.85 lakh in 2024 and 41.99 lakh in 2023. Under the ongoing reforms in the PDS, the ration card and beneficiary database have been completely digitised across all states/UTs, reported PTI. Almost all fair price shops (FPS) in the country have been automated through the installation of electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) devices for the distribution of foodgrains. Further, 99.2 per cent of beneficiaries have been Aadhaar-seeded and 98.75 per cent of foodgrain distribution is being carried out through digital authentication modes, including Aadhaar biometric and iris authentication. "Digitisation of the PDS aims to enhance efficiency and transparency to ensure rightful targeting of beneficiaries, and address challenges such as leakages and diversion of foodgrains," the minister added, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
17 March,2026 07:05 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIn a powerful step towards safeguarding the health and future of young girls, several states, including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, and Mizoram, are leading from the front in the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign. Within just a fortnight of its launch, nearly 3 lakh girls aged 14 years have already been vaccinated, marking an encouraging start to this critical public health initiative, a health ministry official informed, reported ANI. According to experts Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine plays a vital role in preventing cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women. The enthusiastic participation seen so far reflects growing awareness among parents, schools, and communities about the importance of early protection. HPV Vaccination drive gains strong response despite ongoing exams According to ANI, the campaign has been strategically rolled out during the academic period, and while examinations are currently underway in many regions, the response has remained strong. With the conclusion of the exam season approaching, the momentum of the vaccination drive is expected to accelerate significantly, enabling wider coverage and ensuring that more girls benefit from this life-saving intervention. "Health authorities are actively working in coordination with schools, local bodies, and healthcare workers to ensure smooth access to the vaccine. Parents and guardians are urged to support and encourage eligible girls to get vaccinated at the earliest," said officials The offical also said that this is more than a campaign, it is a collective movement towards a healthier, cancer-free future for our daughters. Earlier, on March 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign and development projects worth Rs 16,680 crore in Rajasthan's Ajmer. PM Modi highlights the campaign as a step towards empowering the women of the country Addressing a large public rally after the event, PM Modi said the BJP's double-engine government in Rajasthan has completed two years, and the state is now advancing on a new path of development, as per ANI. The Prime Minister called the HPV vaccination campaign an important step towards empowering the women of the country Today, from this land of brave women, I have got the opportunity to launch an important campaign for the daughters of the entire country. The HPV vaccination campaign has been launched in Ajmer. This campaign is an important step towards empowering the women of the country," PM Modi said. The promises of development with which the BJP government came to serve you are being fulfilled with great speed. And today is the day to accelerate this very campaign of development," he said, reported ANI. Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Prime Minister added, "Just a short while ago, the BJP's double-engine government in Rajasthan completed two years. I am pleased that today, Rajasthan is advancing on a new path of development." (Inputs from ANI)
17 March,2026 07:04 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA 4-magnitude earthquake hit northwestern Nepal's Sudurpaschim province on Tuesday, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of any damage caused by it. The earthquake struck at 10:12 am in the Sitaula area of the Darchula district, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre. There were no immediate reports about any damage to life or property caused by the tremor. Nepal, which experiences multiple earthquakes in any given year, lies in one of the most active tectonic zones (Seismic zones IV and V), making it extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. The Himalayan nation ranks 11th among the world's most earthquake-prone countries. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 March,2026 06:52 PM IST | Kathmandu | PTIThe Centre on Tuesday said it has intensified action against LPG hoarding across the country, conducting over 12,000 raids and seizing more than 15,000 cylinders amid reports of panic buying and rumours of a supply shortage, reported news agency IANS. Officials, however, reiterated that there is no shortage of LPG and urged consumers to avoid unnecessary bookings. 12,000 raids conducted to curb hoarding Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, said enforcement teams have been actively carrying out inspections to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders, reported IANS. She said the large-scale crackdown is aimed at stabilising supply and ensuring that cylinders reach genuine domestic consumers without disruption. Govt assures adequate LPG availability Despite the surge in demand, the government maintained that LPG stocks remain sufficient across the country. Sharma noted that nearly 70,000 bookings were recorded on Monday alone, largely driven by panic buying, reported IANS. She appealed to consumers to remain calm and avoid excessive or duplicate bookings, stating that the supply chain is functioning normally. Push for digital bookings and compliance Highlighting the role of digital platforms, Sharma said around 94 per cent of domestic LPG bookings are now being made online. She encouraged consumers to continue using digital channels for convenience and transparency, reported IANS. She also noted an improvement in Delivery Authenticity Code (DAC) compliance, which has reached 76 per cent, helping streamline distribution and reduce irregularities. States allocate LPG for essential services Several states, including Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttarakhand, have taken steps to prioritise LPG supply for essential services by allocating non-domestic cylinders where required. These measures are intended to ensure uninterrupted functioning of critical sectors such as hospitals, community kitchens and other essential establishments. Fresh supplies arrive amid global disruptions Amid concerns over global energy disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia, the government said fresh LPG shipments are continuing to arrive in India. Special Secretary (Shipping) Rajesh Kumar Sinha informed that the LPG carrier Nanda Devi docked at Kandla port early Tuesday, while another vessel, Shivalik, arrived at Mundra port a day earlier. He added that cargo is being transferred from larger ships to smaller vessels for efficient inland distribution, reported IANS. Diversifying imports to ensure stability To safeguard against potential supply disruptions, India has begun sourcing LPG from multiple global markets, including the United States, as part of its strategy to diversify imports, reported IANS. Officials said these steps are aimed at maintaining steady availability and preventing any future shortages amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Indian crew safe, nationals repatriated Providing an update on the situation in the Gulf region, Sinha said all 22 Indian vessels and their crew members remain safe. He added that 161 Indian nationals have been brought back to the country in the past 24 hours, reported IANS. The government reiterated that it is closely monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to ensure energy security and public convenience. (With inputs from IANS)
17 March,2026 06:22 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentMinistry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Tuesday said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Brussels at the invitation of European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas. Addressing the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, Jaiswal stated that the leaders underlined the need for dialogue to bring an end to the crisis. "Our External Affairs Minister visited Brussels. He was invited by the EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas, to attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. At the meeting, apart from discussing India-EU ties, he and other ministers of the European Union, foreign ministers of the various countries of the EU, discussed global challenges, particularly the situation in West Asia, including its effects on energy security. The ministers also underlined the need for dialogue and diplomacy to be drafted to bring an early end to this particular conflict," he said. 📡LIVE NOW📡Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in #WestAsia 📍National Media Centre, New Delhi Watch on #PIB's 📺➡️Facebook: https://t.co/ykJcYlNrjj ➡️YouTube: https://t.co/vKT1M1iViKhttps://t.co/04cR90sPiq — PIB India (@PIB_India) March 17, 2026 Jaishankar undertook a two-day visit to Brussels. In a post on X, he said: "Concluded a productive visit to Brussels, meeting with the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, calling on Presidents of the EU Council Antonio Costa and EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and holding talks with EU HRVP Kaja Kallas. Also met EU counterparts and held separate bilateral discussions with many." Concluded a productive visit to Brussels, meeting with the #EuropeanUnion Foreign Affairs Council, calling on Presidents of the @EUCouncil António Costa and @EU_Commission @vonderleyen, and holding talks with EU HRVP @kajakallas. Also met EU counterparts and held separate… pic.twitter.com/Ff0s5HdOoY — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 16, 2026 FTA, tech cooperation, supply chains among key focus areas in India-EU talks Jaishankar outlined key takeaways from the discussions, highlighting that the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could mark a turning point in India-EU ties by unlocking economic potential and strengthening strategic engagement. He further noted that both sides aim to enhance cooperation in critical technologies through the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), strengthen supply chain resilience, and promote trade and investment linkages. Mobility of skilled talent, expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India, and progress on the Security and Defence Partnership were also discussed. Both sides agreed to expedite the Security of Information Agreement and advance connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Emphasising the importance of multilateralism, Jaishankar said India and the EU would continue to strengthen institutional cooperation through regular high-level consultations. He added that in an increasingly multipolar world, the India-EU partnership can serve as a pillar of stability and resilience. (With ANI inputs)
17 March,2026 05:27 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentTwenty passengers were injured after a private tourist bus overturned and caught fire following a tyre burst in Maharashtra's Beed district on Monday, news agency PTI reported, quoting a police officer. The incident took place at 2.30 am near Surani on Manjarsumba-Ambajogai Road in Kaij tehsil, around 50 kilometres from the district headquarters, the officer quoted above added. "The bus, with 28 passengers, was on its way from Jalgaon to Latur. Its tyre burst at a sharp curve, causing the vehicle to go out of control, break the roadside railing and fall into a ditch on the entrance (left) side. Passengers from a Nanded-Pune bus passing by rushed in and managed to rescue those in the ill-fated vehicle, which caught fire soon after", the officer said. He further highlighted that around 20 passengers were injured. They were shifted to the sub-district hospital nearby in six ambulances by a team under Kaij Police Station Inspector Swapnil Unawane. Medical Officer Dr Awez Shaikh, speaking about the incident, said, "Eleven passengers were later shifted to Swami Ramanand Teerth Government Rural Hospital and Medical College in Ambajogai and the remaining nine to a facility in Latur." Police said the fire gutted passenger belongings and also spread to a nearby farm plot, destroying mango, jamun, tamarind, berry, and lemon trees. The injured include a three-month-old child, the police said. 50-year-old, son killed as speeding car rams into motorcycle in Latur A 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son were killed after a speeding car crashed into their motorcycle on the roadside in Maharashtra's Latur district, police said on Tuesday. The tragic accident took place near Umarga Pati village in Jalkot tehsil around 8 pm on Sunday. Ankush Vishwanath Gite, who served as deputy sarpanch, and his son Omkar were riding home on their motorcycle and had stopped by the side of the road when the car rammed into them. The impact caused the car to fall into a nearby pit, an official said. Locals immediately rushed the father-son duo to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead on arrival.The occupants of the car survived the crash as the airbags deployed, the official added. The car driver has been handed over to the police. (With PTI inputs)
17 March,2026 05:20 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentIn a brazen and deeply disturbing act, several people were seen walking behind a tiger on the public road between Moharli and Chandrapur near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to click pictures and shoot videos. The incident sparked outrage among wildlife conservationists, who warned that the reckless behaviour could have ended in tragedy. In a shocking incident, several people were seen walking behind a tiger on a public road between Moharli and Chandrapur near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, attempting to click pictures and record videos. Wildlife experts warned the reckless act could have turned dangerous.… pic.twitter.com/zzWeDFFOzs — Mid Day (@mid_day) March 16, 2026 Wildlife conservationists have strongly condemned the reckless act and demanded strict legal action against those seen in the video, warning that such behaviour could have triggered a serious human-wildlife conflict incident. Wildlife photographer Sanjeev Siva, a regular visitor to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, said, “Around one to one-and-a-half years ago, tigress C3 had three sub-adult cubs near the Sitarampeth-Kondegaon area. At the time, strict restrictions were in place to ensure vehicles did not stop and disturb the tigers. However, people continued using the road to travel between villages.” “On Sundays and public holidays, especially when visitors came from nearby cities like Chandrapur, people would often shout and scream at the tigers visible by the roadside. I have personally seen the tigers respond with mock charges and even growls in anger,” he further added. Expressing concerns, he also asserted that eventually, one of the male tigers, known as ‘Collarwala’, killed a Moharli safari driver, Amol, and developed a habit of charging at bikers. “It was later removed from the forest and, I believe, sent to a rescue centre,” Siva said. Referring to the Padmapur-Moharli road, Siva said it is frequently crowded with tourists heading to resorts as well as members of the public travelling to and from Chandrapur. “There is regular movement of at least five to six tigers crossing this road. Anyone getting off a vehicle or stopping on this stretch can be fined Rs 2,000 or Rs 5,000. These people seen in the video are not tourists who came for tiger safaris, so imposing restrictions only on safari tourists will not solve the problem. Whoever makes these mistakes, the tiger gets the sentence (and at times, innocent villagers too lose their lives in conflict) – both who haven't started this unfortunate trail of events," he added. What Maharashtra Forest Department officials have to say The Maharashtra Forest Department in a statement said, “A case has been registered in connection with the viral video on the Moharli-Padmapur road; the search for the accused has begun.” “On March 15, a video of people stopping vehicles on the Mohali-Padmapur road and taking videos went viral on social media, blocking the path of a tiger and trampling it. The forest department has started an investigation into this serious matter,” the department added. Hinting that apt action will be taken against the accused, the department said, “Action will be taken to seize the vehicles that stopped vehicles on the tiger's migration route.” “A forest crime case has been registered against the accused who came down the road under the Indian Forest Act 1972, and legal action will be taken after identifying the accused,” the department further said. The case is being investigated by Range Forest Officer, Mohorli Range, and if citizens can identify the accused, they can inform the department on 9834689541.
17 March,2026 04:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, where the two leaders discussed a range of issues concerning the state as well as the evolving situation in the Gulf region. The meeting, held at Parliament House, lasted for over an hour, according to sources. Shiv Sena Members of Parliament, led by Parliamentary Party leader Shrikant Shinde, also interacted with the prime minister during the visit. Focus on Maharashtra development and national concerns During the meeting, Shinde is learnt to have briefed the prime minister on key infrastructure and development projects in Maharashtra, while also discussing broader national concerns amid tensions in the Gulf region. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Shinde said his party stands firmly with the Centre during what he described as a “critical time,” reiterating support for decisions taken in the interest of national security. He also informed the prime minister about efforts to bring back citizens from Maharashtra who were stranded in Gulf cities such as Kuwait, Dubai and Muscat. According to Shinde, these individuals have now been safely returned to Mumbai and Pune. Political sparring over opposition remarks Shinde also targeted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of making statements that could harm national interest during a sensitive geopolitical situation. Without elaborating on specific remarks, Shinde alleged that certain comments were aimed at gaining international attention rather than reflecting national unity. He further criticised opposition parties, including the Congress and the Uddhav Thackeray faction, accusing them of spreading “baseless rumours” about a gas shortage in Maharashtra. He maintained that there is no shortage of gas cylinders in the state and said the government is taking steps to prevent black-marketing. Reference to Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology Invoking Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Shinde said the party continues to prioritise the nation above politics, particularly in times of crisis. “There are many issues for political debate, but at a time when the country must stand united, such politics is inappropriate,” he said. Rajya Sabha election and party developments Shinde also announced that Dr Jyoti Waghmare has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha, describing her as an educated leader with a strong understanding of issues affecting underprivileged communities. Meetings with Lok Sabha Speaker, Union ministers Separately, Shinde met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at Parliament House. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Piyush Goyal were also present during the interaction. Rijiju, who welcomed Shinde earlier, praised the performance of Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in the Lok Sabha, describing his contributions as “impactful.” The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and ongoing political exchanges between the ruling alliance and opposition parties at the national level.
17 March,2026 04:15 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid the escalating West Asia War, crude oil prices once again rebounded by Rs 261 to Rs 8,981 per barrel in futures trade on Tuesday. The surge happened amid firm global trends and uncertainty over supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. As reported by PTI, crude oil on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) for March delivery increased by Rs 261, or 3 per cent, to Rs 8,981 per barrel in a business turnover of 12,183 lots. However, earlier on Monday, it declined by Rs 332, or nearly 4 per cent, to close at Rs 8,720 per barrel. The April contract also appreciated by Rs 305, or 3.52 per cent, to Rs 8,978 per barrel in 13,778 lots. In the previous session, it had dipped by Rs 270, or 3 per cent, to settle at Rs 8,673 per barrel on the MCX. Expert opinion Analysts, while expressing their views on crude oil prices, said that the rebound after a sharp correction in the previous session continues to weigh on evolving geopolitical developments and their potential impact on global oil supply. In the international market, Brent oil futures for May delivery gained USD 3.32, or 3.31 per cent, to USD 103.53 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for the May contract went up nearly 4 per cent to USD 96.09 per barrel in New York. Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at IndusInd Securities, expressing his views on crude oil prices amid the crisis, said, "WTI crude futures rose toward USD 96 per barrel after losing more than 5 per cent in the previous session, as investors continued to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict on global supply," as cited by PTI. Tankers safely pass the Strait of Hormuz On Monday, oil prices declined sharply after several tankers safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns about a prolonged disruption in one of the world's most critical oil transit routes. However, volatility persisted as geopolitical tensions remained elevated, with markets closely monitoring the situation in the region. In a bid to stabilise energy markets, the United States is preparing to release the first tranche of emergency crude reserves. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also signalled readiness to further tap global stockpiles, as per PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
17 March,2026 04:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 28-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly selling LPG cylinders illegally in southeast Delhi's Jamia Nagar, police said on Tuesday, reported the PTI. The accused, identified as Shahnawaz, was detained during routine patrolling in the Yamuna Pusta area. Police officials said they found Shahnawaz standing near a tempo loaded with LPG cylinders and selling them to local residents. When questioned, he failed to produce any valid licence or authorisation. A total of 62 cylinders — including 48 filled and 14 empty ones — were recovered. The vehicle used to transport them was also seized, according to the PTI. Illegal sales for profit During preliminary questioning, the accused admitted to selling LPG cylinders without issuing receipts in order to make higher profits. He also revealed that he was working with an associate, identified as Mukesh, who allegedly arranged the supply of cylinders. Supply chain traced to UP Police said that the cylinders were sourced from a gas agency in Meerut. They were reportedly loaded onto the vehicle at a secluded location before being transported to Delhi for illegal sale. The suspect told investigators that he had brought around 70 cylinders from Uttar Pradesh a day before his arrest and sold them at inflated prices in the Jamia Nagar area. Legal action and ongoing probe A case has been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police are now working to arrest the co-accused Mukesh, while further investigation is underway. The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by the Delhi Police on illegal storage, refilling and black marketing of LPG cylinders. Officials said that more than 600 cylinders have been seized in multiple cases registered across the city in recent days. Delhi Police issues advisory, warns public of cyber fraud amid LPG crisis Meanwhile, the Delhi Police had last week on Friday issued an advisory for public and warned people of cyber fraud amid LPG shortage concerns due to tensions in West Asia, reported the PTI. The police has cautioned residents against cyber fraudsters attempting to exploit rumours about a shortage of LPG cylinders. It warned that scammers are spreading panic and using deceptive messages and calls to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information or installing malicious applications. In an advisory shared on social media, police said that fraudsters are circulating suspicious links and impersonating gas agency representatives in an attempt to steal personal and financial details, according to the PTI. According to officials, cyber criminals may contact residents claiming to represent gas agencies and insist that immediate verification or registration is required to secure an LPG cylinder. Victims are often urged to click on links or download files sent through messaging platforms, the news agency reported. Once users interact with these links, scammers may gain access to personal data or banking information, potentially leading to financial losses. Police specifically warned citizens not to download files with the “.apk” extension, which are Android application packages capable of installing software directly onto smartphones. Such files may contain malware that can compromise devices and allow criminals to access confidential information, including passwords, banking credentials and one-time passwords (OTPs). This access could enable fraudsters to siphon money from victims’ bank accounts, police said. (with PTI inputs)
17 March,2026 03:36 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
