Ranganath Bhimrao Beligundu, an 83-year-old retired resident of Mulund East, was allegedly cheated of gold jewellery worth R1.1 lakh by a conman posing as a police officer on Wednesday evening. The incident took place around 7.30 pm near the fire brigade area at Gavhanpada in Mulund East, where the victim had gone for his routine walk. According to police, the accused approached him on a motorcycle, and introduced himself as a policeman. He even showed an ID card bearing the name “Ashok Patil”. The crook then warned the victim about recent incidents of senior citizens being robbed of gold ornaments. “He told me that elderly people are being targeted these days and asked why I was wearing gold while walking. He said it was not safe and that I should remove it immediately,” Beligundu said. The accused then asked the elderly man to remove his gold chain and ring and place them in a piece of paper for safekeeping, claiming it would prevent any theft. While pretending to help him wrap the ornaments securely, he switched the original jewellery with fake items. “Only after I reached home and opened the packet did I realise that my jewellery had been replaced,” the victim said. Officers from Navghar police said the accused appears to be between 30 and 40 years old, of medium build and dark complexion. Rs 1.1 LThe value of the gold weighing 15 grams that was robbed
12 April,2026 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Vaishnavi ShettyThe Gorai Police have arrested two women for allegedly drugging a man and fleeing with valuables after befriending him through social media. The arrests have exposed a suspected gang targeting victims at resorts and lodges. According to police, the accused women are habitual offenders with multiple criminal cases registered against them under the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate. How the crime unfolded The complainant, a 43-year-old bank manager, stated that he came in contact with one of the accused, identified as Hani Thakur alias Bimaladevi Shravankumar Singh, 30, through a social networking app in July 2025. The two began chatting and later exchanged phone numbers. On August 17, 2025, they met at Andheri railway station and went to a restaurant and bar, where they consumed alcohol and grew closer. The woman later suggested a trip to Gorai for a night stay. On August 30, 2025, the complainant booked a room at a resort in Gorai. He met the woman at Borivli station, where she was accompanied by another woman, identified as Ruth Lucas Naidu, 28. The trio then proceeded to the resort. That night, they drank and ordered food. The complainant alleged that he fell asleep around 10 pm, after which both women fled the room. When he woke up the next morning, both women were missing. Upon checking, he found several valuables stolen, worth Rs 4.20 lakh in total. Cop speak Under the guidance of DCP Sandeep Jadhav Zone XI, senior inspector Mahesh Nivatkar PSI Bharat Poul began the investigation. “The duo are professional criminals involved in multiple cases of targeting men through social media, intoxicating them, and robbing valuables at hotels and resorts. The duo were booked and arrested today they remanded in judicial custody,” said an officer from Gorai police station. Fear of stigma The victim initially refrained from filing a complaint due to fear of social stigma. However, in March 2026, he came across social media reports stating that the same women had been arrested in similar cheating and theft cases at Kashimira and Mandvi police stations. On seeing the report, he approached the Gorai Police Station and lodged a formal complaint.
12 April,2026 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Mumbai Police have detained around 450 Bangladeshi nationals, including 23 caught by the Versova police for allegedly begging at traffic signals and religious sites, since January 1. According to police sources, of the 450 people, around 224 have been deported. Many detainees remain in custody or detention centres pending legal clearance. According to police sources, the 23 individuals were living in rented houses in Malwani, Malad. “On February 5, the ATC team of the Versova police, under the guidance of the DCP and Senior Inspector Deepshikha Ware, PSI Sachin Ugle, along with his team, cracked down on 18 people begging near Versova Dargah. Based on information obtained during questioning, the police detained five more such individuals on February 18. “In this manner, the Versova police eventually arrested 27 Bangladeshi nationals so far this year, of which 26 have been deported,” said a source. Last year, 1061 Bangladeshi nationals living in Mumbai illegally were detained. Police station-wise breakdown As per records till March 27, detainees to be deported to Bangladesh are spread across these police stations: Highest numbers Kurla (11), Bandra (10), Deonar (7), Powai (6) Five detainees each Amboli, Nagpada, Oshiwara, Park Site four detainees Santacruz, Shivaji Park, Byculla, Trombay, Pantnagar Three detainees Dadar, DB Marg, Dindoshi, Tilak Nagar, Wadala, JJ Marg, Sakinaka, Charkop, Colaba Two detainees Antop Hill, Aarey Colony, Chunabhatti, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Govandi, Nirmal Nagar, Samata Nagar, Sewri, Vanrai, Nehru Nagar, Wadala TT, Kalachowkie, Bhoiwada, RAK Marg, Kandivli, Malwani, Shivaji Nagar, Malabar Hill Single detainee Bangur Nagar, Dahisar, DN Nagar, Goregaon, Malad, Mankhurd, MHB Colony, Unit 11, Vikhroli, Khar, Kasturba Marg, Azad Maidan, Matunga, Tardeo Phased deportation drive March 27, 2026: 51 deported (31 from Pune, 20 from Navi Mumbai) March 29: 44 from Mumbai scheduled; six stayed by the High Court April 5: 50 from Mumbai, five from Navi Mumbai Deportation delayed Deportation in multiple cases has been delayed due to judicial intervention: Amboli police case: Three detainees filed a writ petition; the Bombay High Court stayed deportation until the hearing concludes Antop Hill case: High Court deferred deportation of one woman for a month Chunabhatti incident: Deportation stayed till next date Versova case: Sessions court stayed sentence; next hearing to be held on May 21, 2026
11 April,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA court in Maharashtra’s Thane district has acquitted a speech-impaired woman accused in 2020 murder case, citing serious inconsistencies in the evidence presented by the prosecution. The judgment, delivered on April 8 and made available on Friday, stated that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. The 48-year-old accused, Kamal Chandrakant Kanoja, a resident of Vikramgad in Palghar district, was charged with pouring kerosene on Amita Gotarna and setting her on fire on October 27, 2020 that allegedly led to her death, according to the PTI. The deceased was her would-be daughter-in-law, the news agency reported. The victim, who lived with the accused family, suffered 72 per cent burns and later died at Nashik Civil Hospital. Contradictory dying declarations The case largely depended on two dying declarations made by the victim. One statement, recorded by police, implicated the accused. However, another declaration recorded by a magistrate stated that the incident was accidental and mentioned that “nobody was present” at the time. The court observed that these conflicting versions weakened the prosecution’s case significantly. Concerns over witness influence and procedure The defence argued that the dying declarations may have been influenced by interested witnesses, including the victim’s father and brother. The court also noted that the medical officer who allegedly certified the victim fit to give a statement was not examined during the trial. Evidence found insufficient The judge further observed that chemical analysis reports did not conclusively link the accused to the crime. The possibility of the victim being influenced could not be ruled out, the court said. Concluding that the prosecution had failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt, the court ordered the immediate release of the accused woman. Thane court acquits eight accused of attempting to murder cop in 2016 Meanwhile, in an another case, a court in Thane district of Maharashtra has acquitted eight men accused of attempting to murder a cop in 2016, citing the victim’s inability to identify the assailants and key prosecution witnesses turning hostile, PTI reported. In her judgment delivered on April 6, Additional Sessions Judge V L Bhosale granted the benefit of the doubt to the accused, observing that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. A copy of the order was made available on Wednesday. According to the prosecution, police constable Bhaskar Sonavane was assaulted with sticks and beer bottles outside a bar in the city’s Upvan area on April 21, 2016. As per the news agency, the attack allegedly stemmed from a dispute between the hotel management and a customer named Kamlesh, whose brother Arun reportedly led a group of 10-15 people to the spot. Sonavane, who was at the location to meet an informant, suffered a skull fracture and brain injuries in the assault, the court was told during the trial. According to PTI, the eight accused had been facing charges of attempted murder under the Indian Penal Code. Victim fails to identify his attackers The court noted that the constable was unable to identify any of the accused as the assailants, as the incident took place at night, and he lost consciousness after being struck on the head. Additionally, hotel partner Rajesh Shetty and manager Naveen Gouda, the original complainant, turned hostile, the judge observed. “Having regard to all the evidence on record, I find that the prosecution has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused persons committed the offences,” the court said, acquitting all eight accused, PTI reported. (with PTI inputs)
10 April,2026 04:19 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA 26-year-old man was arrested for allegedly riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol during a late-night naka check in Ghatkopar, police said. Incident Took Place During Routine Night Patrolling The incident occurred around 2:30 am on April 6 at Bhimnagar junction on the Ghatkopar-Andheri Link Road, where officers had set up a checkpoint as part of routine night patrolling. Erratic Riding Raised Suspicion According to police, the accused, identified as Farman Maksud Siddiqui, was spotted riding in a zig-zag manner from Andheri towards Ghatkopar, which raised suspicion among the officers on duty. “He was driving in a zig-zag manner. A breathalyser test confirmed he had consumed alcohol beyond the permissible limit,” said Dipak Bhagwat Koli, a police officer from Ghatkopar Police Station. Alcohol Level Nearly Four Times Above Legal Limit The breathalyser test revealed 112.9 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood—nearly four times the legal limit of 30 mg. Case Registered Under Motor Vehicles Act and BNS The accused has been booked under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for endangering public safety. No injuries were reported in the incident.
10 April,2026 03:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs many as 24 women foreign nationals were held at Mumbai airport after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a major gold smuggling racket, officials said, reported the PTI. The officials said that the DRI seized 29.37 kg of gold worth approximately Rs 37.74 crore in the operation conducted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Officials said the action marks one of the biggest seizures at the airport this year. Operation ‘Dhahabu Blitz’ According to the PTI, based on specific intelligence inputs, the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit carried out the operation on Wednesday under the code name Operation Dhahabu Blitz. The word “Dhahabu” means gold in Swahili. Authorities had received information that a group of women arriving from Nairobi, Kenya, were attempting to smuggle gold into India. Gold hidden in baggage and clothing The intercepted passengers were stopped upon arrival at Mumbai airport. A detailed search of their baggage and clothing led to the recovery of 25.10 kg of gold bars and 4.27 kg of gold jewellery, as per the PTI. Officials believe the women were trained to conceal the gold and bypass airport security checks, suggesting involvement of a well-organised international smuggling syndicate. Organised network under scanner Investigators suspect that the arrested women were acting as carriers for a larger network. The method used indicates a coordinated effort to move gold into India using trained individuals to avoid detection. Authorities were now working to identify and arrest the key masterminds behind the racket, sources said. Further investigation underway The detained women will be produced before the court, while the probe continues to dismantle the wider smuggling network. Officials have said that efforts are ongoing to trace the kingpins and funding channels of the syndicate. Mumbai Customs seize Rs 1.1-crore gold at airport In an another operation at Mumbai airport in last month, the Officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, had conducted intensive profiling and spot checks between March 11 and 15, leading to multiple seizures of contraband, including hydroponic weed and gold. Two separate gold cases were detected in which 716 grams of gold were recovered from two passenger. The seized gold has an estimated market value of Rs 1.1 crore. During the period, a case was registered after customs officers recovered 12.688 kg of hydroponic weed from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. The illicit consignment is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 12.688 crore in the black market. The passenger has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. (with PTI inputs)
10 April,2026 03:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA dispute between residents of Atharva Landmark Co-operative Housing Society in Malad East and Khush Housing Finance Private Limited (KHFL) has escalated into criminal allegations, with flat owners accusing the finance company of forgery, cheating, and illegal attempts to take possession of their homes despite existing court protection orders. According to sources, two flat owners had purchased their homes after conducting due legal checks and were issued ‘No Dues Certificates’ by the developer. Independent title searches conducted in October 2021 confirmed that the flats were free from any mortgage or charge. Both complainants say they have been in peaceful possession since the purchase. The dispute arose after KHFL initiated proceedings under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, treating the flats as secured assets. Residents allege they were neither served demand notices under Section 13(2) nor informed of any loan linked to their properties. Flat owner alleges forged documents Raj Chandresh Sheth, owner of Flat No. 1201, said action based on fabricated records. “I am the owner of Flat No. 1201 and have had it since 2021 after purchasing it through a registered agreement and receiving a ‘No Dues Certificate’ from the developer. A title search confirmed that the flat was free from encumbrances,” Sheth said. (right) Pragnya, wife of Raj, along with Raj’s mother at their house. Pic/Nimesh Dave “But, KHFL initiated SARFAESI proceedings claiming my flat as a secured asset without serving any notice. Upon inquiry, I found that the mortgage documents submitted before the court are different from those registered with the sub-registrar. These documents contain altered dates, forged signatures, missing statutory stamps, and handwritten insertions. By relying on such documents, the company misled the court and is now attempting to take possession without lawful authority. This is a case of fraud,” he said. NBFC responds Atharva Landmark Co-operative Housing Society in Malad East, where residents have alleged illegal possession attempts by a housing finance firm A legal advisor for KHFL said the builder had committed fraud against both the buyers and the company. “The property was mortgaged and could not have been sold without our consent. The builder sold it regardless, making both the company and buyers victims,” the advisor said. “While buyers are victims, they also had a responsibility to verify the mortgage status and obtain an NOC. The matter is sub judice and will be addressed before the court,” the advisor added. Similar discrepancies Anilgiri Tulsigiri Goswami, owner of Flat No. 301 “I bought the flat after a proper title search confirmed there was no mortgage. I took possession in January 2021. Despite this, SARFAESI proceedings were initiated without notice. Documents submitted before the court contain discrepancies, including inconsistent dates, forged signatures and missing stamps.” Society alleges parking area illegally mortgaged Kailashnath Yadav, secretary, and Jagdish Rajpopat, chairman Atharva Landmark The housing society has also raised concerns over common areas. “As per plans, the entire second podium is designated only for parking. But, the finance company has claimed this area as ‘office units’ and mortgaged it to sanction a loan to the developer,” said Kailashnath D Yadav, secretary. “Attempts are now being made to take possession of our common parking area, which cannot be sold or mortgaged.” Legality of claims Advocate Jay Rajpopat, representing the society, said the space claimed by KHFL does not legally exist as saleable units. “As per BMC-sanctioned plans, the second-floor podium is approved as 43 parking spaces for which the society pays tax. These cannot be sold or mortgaged,” he said. Advocate Akshit Kothari, appearing for the flat owners, said any attempt to take possession amounts to overriding judicial orders.
10 April,2026 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Gorai police have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals for conducting an illegal horse cart race at the Gorai Beach. Video footage of the incident shows multiple horse carts speeding along the beach, raising concerns of animal cruelty and public safety. The case was filed on Monday, April 6, based on the complaint made by a citizen who had gone for a morning walk at the beach and recorded the incident. Based on the video evidence, the police registered an FIR. Alert citizen records proof The complainant has been identified as Pallavi Patil, 49, a legal advisor and animal lover. Pallavi, along with her son Sarthak Patil, 23, had gone for a morning walk at Gorai Beach around 6.30 am on April 6. At the beach, they noticed a large crowd gathered, along with several horse carts and bullock carts lined up for a race. A few minutes later, the race began. Patil recorded the videos and took photographs of the incident on her mobile phone. Animal cruelty These races are banned because they violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. The Bombay High Court had earlier banned the use of horse-drawn carriages. The Gorai police registered an FIR against the unknown people for conducting horse cart racing under various sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and BNS section 291, 3(5). Police Speak A police officer said, ‘We have registered an FIR against the unknown people for arranging horse cart racing. We are identifying the accused with the videos and photos.’
10 April,2026 10:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Dinesh VaktaniaActing on inputs from the Special Branch (SB-2) of Mumbai Police, officials, along with the Kurar Police Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC), carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations in Malad East, leading to the arrest of a 48-year-old suspect allegedly involved in hawala and terror funding activities. Accused Identified, Multiple Identities Suspected The accused has been identified as Mohd. Islam Ismail Khan (48), who was allegedly operating under multiple identities. Police suspect his involvement in illegal financial networks with potential international links. Simultaneous Raids at Three Locations According to police sources, the operation was launched based on confidential inputs received from senior officials. Teams from SB-2, with assistance from Kurar Police, conducted simultaneous raids at three locations — a flat in Fatima Tower, a residence in Sugra Park, and an office at Pearl Oasis Tower in Pathanwadi. Cash, Foreign Currency and Fake Documents Seized During the searches, police recovered Rs 12.47 lakh in cash, along with Kuwaiti dinars, multiple mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and several passports suspected to be fake or fraudulently obtained. The total value of seized items is estimated at Rs 14.07 lakh. Fake Passports and Foreign Travel Under Scanner Investigators revealed that Khan allegedly procured fake Indian passports using forged documents and frequently travelled to Kuwait. Authorities suspect his involvement in hawala transactions, money laundering, and possible terror funding activities. Evidence Points to Larger Financial Network At one of the locations, officials also seized cancelled passports, counterfeit Indian currency notes, multiple identity documents, and international debit cards, indicating the possibility of a larger financial network. Further Investigation Underway Police sources stated that the accused failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the seized cash and documents. He has been taken to Kurar Police Station for further investigation and forensic examination. Officials confirmed that a case has been registered, and further probe is underway to establish possible links with international networks and terror financing channels.
09 April,2026 08:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA man was allegedly assaulted at a tea stall in Badlapur West of Thane district in Maharashtra after he complained of being served 'cold tea', police said on Thursday, adding that two people have been booked in connection with the matter, reported the PTI. According to the police, the victim was assaulted on Wednesday evening at Swami Samarth Chowk. The Badlapur West police said that the stall owner allegedly struck 54-year-old Madhukar Mhaskar with a teapot and poured hot tea on him, resulting in burn injuries. Police stated that the argument began when Mhaskar complained about the cold tea served to him and his uncle. The vendor allegedly disagreed, and the situation escalated. Mhaskar’s uncle was also reportedly hit during the incident, as per the PTI. Two booked, probe underway A case has been registered against the stall owner and one other individual. Police said that an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the full details of the incident. A video capturing the assault was circulated on social media. The police was reviewing the footage as part of the probe into the matter. Four booked for assaulting cop inside police station in Bhiwandi Meanwhile, in an another incident, a case was registered against four persons, including a woman, for allegedly assaulting an assistant sub-inspector inside a police station in Thane district, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred around 7.30 pm on April 6 at the Shantinagar Police Station in Bhiwandi when Assistant Sub-Inspector Arun Ganpat Gholap was on duty. According to police, Saeed Khan and a woman, identified as Simran, arrived at the police station in connection with a case. Khan allegedly created a disturbance and hit his head on a pillar in the police station premises, police said. “When ASI Gholap attempted to intervene, Simran bit his left hand and injured him, besides obstructing him in his official work,” an officer said, citing the complaint. Following the incident, the police registered a case. Apart from Saeed Khan and Simran, the FIR also names Jabbo Sayeed Khan and Mousim Sayeed Khan, who were present at the police station at the time, the officer said, adding that further investigation is underway. (With PTI inputs)
09 April,2026 06:06 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe MIDC Police in Mumbai have registered a case under the NDPS Act and arrested two persons for allegedly possessing 21.460 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 5.35 lakh. A case has been registered under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(2), and 29 of NDPS Act, 1985, at MIDC Police Station. The offence took place around 12.30 am on Wednesday, and the FIR was registered at 2.56 am. The accused have been identified as Ranit Hemanto Aas (23) and Arijit Tapas Aas (26), both residents of Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon East. They were arrested at around 3.23 am on the same day. The complainant in the case is Gautam Gahininath Bade (40), a police hawaldar posted at MIDC Police Station. According to the police, Sub-Inspector Anandrao Kashid and his detection team were on patrol when they noticed two individuals carrying backpacks and a black bag near Bastiwala Compound on Mahakali Caves Road in Andheri East. Finding their behaviour suspicious, the team intercepted the duo. When questioned, they failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding the contents of the bag. Duo remanded in police custody after medical examination Acting on suspicion, the police conducted a search in the presence of panch witnesses, during which 21.460 kg of ganja, including leaves, flowers and buds, was recovered from their possession. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth Rs 5.35 lakh. The accused were subsequently taken to the police station, where a case was registered based on the complainant’s statement. During interrogation, their involvement in the offence was established, following which they were formally arrested in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. After undergoing medical examination, the accused have been lodged in police custody and will be produced before the court within the stipulated time for remand. Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the accused’s criminal background and possible links. The operation was carried out by PSI Anandrao Kashid along with a team comprising officers Bade, Jadhav, Lokhande, Avghade, Shingane and Shinde. The investigation was conducted under the guidance of DCP (Zone 10) Datta Nalawade, ACP (Andheri Division) Gajanan Pawar, Senior Police Inspector Ravindra Wani and PI Kale.
09 April,2026 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
