The 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 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 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanTWO 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 KhanA special POCSO court in Palghar district of Maharashtra has sentenced a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl in 2018, describing the offence as “heinous”, reported the PTI. Special Judge N K Karande delivered the verdict on March 11, convicting the accused under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The incident took place on August 5, 2018, in Wada taluka of Palghar district. According to the prosecution, the accused lured the child to his house with the promise of sweets while her parents were away at work. The victim was later found injured and bleeding by her parents, as per the PTI. Court relies on testimony and evidence The court based its decision on the victim’s credible testimony and supporting medical evidence, which confirmed the assault. It rejected the defence’s claim that the case was fabricated due to a prior dispute and dismissed the argument that the injuries were caused by a fall, according to the PTI. The judge observed that no parent would falsely implicate someone at the cost of their child’s well-being. Defence arguments The defence pointed to the absence of external injuries and sought leniency, citing the accused’s financial condition and lack of prior offences, as per the PTI. However, the court ruled that the serious nature of the crime warranted strict punishment and declined to show leniency. Special Public Prosecutor Vijay M Munde presented the case, examining 12 witnesses, including the victim, to establish the charges, the news agency reported. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the convict. Girl abducted, raped and left unconscious at village centre in Beed Meanwhile, in an another incident, a minor girl was abducted from her home, raped and left unconscious at a village community centre in Maharashtra's Beed district, a police official had said last week, reported the PTI. The incident took place on March 10 when the victim, who is married, was at her house with her husband, the official said. "The accused entered the house, gagged and abducted her. He left her tied at the village community centre after raping her. She regained consciousness the following day. She then approached Pimpalner police station after narrating her ordeal to her mother and uncle," he said, according to the PTI. The accused has been arrested and further probe is being carried out, officials said. (with PTI inputs)
19 March,2026 04:15 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentAn Instagram post proved invaluable in tracing a 15-year-old boy from Santosh Nagar, Goregaon East, who had gone missing in September last year. The boy, who had travelled to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was recently brought back safely by the Dindoshi police. Shamu was outside with his aunt in Goregaon East before he hitched a ride with a two-wheeler rider in September last year The minor, Shyam ‘Shamu’ Gupta, had lost his parents during the COVID-19 pandemic and was living with his aunt in Mumbai. According to police, he was studying in Std VII but had started skipping school, which often led to scolding at home. “He used to leave with his school bag daily, but we later found he wasn’t attending classes,” said his cousin, Vikas Gupta. Police said Shamu wandered in Mumbai for a few days before boarding a train from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Kanpur. There, he joined a group of traders selling utensils at fairs and began travelling with them for work in exchange for food and shelter. After roaming around the city, he caught a train from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Kanpur The breakthrough Last month, a family member spotted Shamu in an Instagram reel. “My sister-in-law saw the reel a couple of weeks ago, and we immediately informed the police after seeing the video,” Gupta said. Acting on the clue, police traced his location to the Bhadohi Kotwali area and returned to his kin with the help of local police on March 15. The family then registered a missing person complaint. The boy posted a reel a month ago, surprising his kin Police team When the reel came to light, a team was formed under the guidance and instructions of DCP Mahesh Chimte. Zone XII Senior Inspector Mahindra Shinde led the operation, with PSI R. Thange, PSI Ajit Desai, ASI Wagmare, and PC Bhushan Mahajan. The boy with officers of the Dindoshi police station Homesickness During questioning, it was revealed that Shamu’s parents used to live in Kanpur, and the utensil sellers he was staying with also resides there. Since childhood, Shamu used to visit their home frequently. “After his parents’ demise, when his aunt brought him to Mumbai, he began missing his village. He was unable to focus on his studies and wanted to return to Kanpur,” a police officer said. ‘We’re happy he is back’ “We had stayed in Kanpur for nearly a month, but we had no idea that Shamu was there as well. If he had told us he was nearby, we would have been relieved. For the past few months, our family has been in deep distress. When my sister-in-law tried to contact him on Instagram, he never revealed his exact location, saying he was in Delhi and at other times elsewhere. A screenshot of the 15-year-old boy’s Instagram account. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT He had logged into his Instagram account from a phone belonging to the trader’s family he was staying with and posted the reel,” said Gupta. After months of uncertainty, the family expressed relief at his return. “We are extremely happy to have him back. We just want him to focus on his studies and build his future,” Gupta added March 15Day teenager was reunited with his relatives
19 March,2026 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThree passengers travelling in an SUV car were crushed to death after a container trailer crashed into multiple cars on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in Raigad district on Wednesday morning. Police said several others suffered injuries and are undergoing treatment at different hospitals. The accident occurred at 10.55 am on Wednesday near the Adoshi village limits in Khalapur taluka. Police told Mid-day that the container trailer — MH-43 CE-3289 — was being driven by Avadhesh Radheshyam Yadav, 37, a resident of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. The driver ignored road conditions and drove at a dangerous speed, losing control of the heavy vehicle, said police, adding that Yadav has been taken into custody. The uncontrolled trailer first rammed into a Tata Tigor car from behind; it then crashed into a Tata Punch car, and due to the impact, the Maruti Innova overturned on the expressway. The trailer subsequently hit a cement truck, resulting in a major multi-vehicle pile-up. Fatalities Ambadas Damu Petare, 41, resident of Sinhagad Road, Hingane, Pune Shrikant Anant Jadhav, 63, resident of the Girija Shankar Vihar area, PunePramod Shankar Pawar, 27, resident of Hanuman Wadi, Chinchwad Case registered A case has been registered at the Khopoli Police based on a complaint filed by one Swapnil Namdev Bhujbal, 36, a businessman from Pune who sustained injuries along with other passengers. Police said the accused driver has been booked under provisions of the BNS 2023/106(1), 1250 (A, B), and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act 184 for causing death and injuries due to negligent driving. Investigation team The probe is being conducted under the guidance of Sub-Divisional Police Officer Dr Vishal Nehul (Khalapur Division), while Police Inspector Sachin Hire of Khopoli Police Station is supervising the investigation. Police are examining technical evidence and eyewitness accounts to determine the exact sequence of events. Vehicles involved in incident • Container trailer: MH-43 CE-3289• Tata Tigor car: MH-12 WU-1868 • Tata Punch car: MH-14 MF-4185• Innova Hycross: MH-12 VV-7023 • Cement truck: MH-43 CE-9804
18 March,2026 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalADVERTISEMENT
-1773979354588_d.png "Social media scammers cheat woman using fake spiritual powers. Representational Pic")
