The 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 KhanThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane district of Maharashtra has dismissed a Rs 50 lakh compensation claim filed by the family of a 32-year-old dock worker who died in a crane accident in 2019, reported the PTI. The tribunal ruled that the victim had entered a restricted area without safety gear, contributing to the fatal incident. MACT member K P Shrikhande observed that although the death of Kiran Lahanu Korade was tragic, the family failed to establish rash or negligent operation by the crane driver, the news agency reported. The order, passed on April 8 and released on Monday, stated that the claim lacked sufficient evidence to hold the operator responsible. Incident occurred in restricted zone According to the PTI, the tribunal noted that the accident took place at a container freight station (CFS) in Dronagiri, Uran, within a designated “no man’s zone”. Korade, employed as a dock clerk, was found to have entered a prohibited area at the facility operated by Seabird Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. when the accident occurred on 3 May 2019. Safety warnings ignored According to the tribunal, the deceased had ignored clear safety instructions, including a warning sign on the crane advising individuals to maintain a distance of at least 10 metres, as per the PTI. It also noted that crane operators are typically focused on lifting and stacking heavy containers at height, making it difficult to notice unauthorised persons on the ground. Insurance company not liable The tribunal further ruled that New India Assurance Co. Ltd. was not liable to pay compensation due to a breach of policy conditions, reported the PTI. It was found that the crane driver did not possess the required authorisation on his driving licence, invalidating the insurance claim. The court acknowledged that the premises owner had already paid Rs 31 lakh to the victim’s wife as a full and final settlement. However, it clarified that such a settlement does not prevent a claimant from seeking statutory compensation. Despite this, the absence of negligence led the tribunal to declare the petition unmaintainable, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
13 April,2026 02:41 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentTwo persons were booked for allegedly cheating devotees at the renowned Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik district, a police official said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI. The devotees were made to pay Rs 3,000 for "quick darshan", while the stipulated process involves buying a Rs 200 donation 'darshan pass', he said. "The incident took place on Saturday with two devotees who had come from Panchvati. They had taken the Rs 200 pass but the accused told them their turn would come after 4-5 hours due to the long queue. The accused took Rs 3000 and ensured the devotees got darshan in 10 minutes," the official said, reported PTI. Based on a complaint by the devotees, since they were not given receipts for the amount, Gotiram Manaji Peher and Abhishek Kadlag were booked under Bharatiya Naya Sanhita for cheating and other offences, the Trimbakeshwar police station official said, reported PTI. Pehre has been arrested, while efforts are on to nab Kadlag, who is on the run, the official added, reported PTI. The action was taken on the directions of principal district sessions judge RA Rokde, who had received such complaints about cheating of devotees in the name of quick darshan, the official said, reported PTI. Devotees must contact police if they encounter such issues, he added. 82-year-old woman cheated of Rs 73.3 lakh in 'digital arrest' scam In another case, an 82-year-old woman from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly duped of Rs 73.3 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam after fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials threatened to implicate her in a fake terror case, police said on Sunday, reported PTI. The scammers allegedly intimidated the complainant, a resident of Kalyan, by claiming that her mobile phone number was linked to a Pakistani soldier involved in the Pahalgam terror attack, an official said, reported PTI. He said that the accused coerced the woman into making massive bank transfers over four days to clear her name in the case. The unidentified accused contacted the octogenarian from multiple mobile phone numbers between April 6 and 10, and she lodged a complaint with the Mahatma Phule Chowk police station on Friday after realising she had been duped, he said, reported PTI. "Under the pretext of 'verifying' her bank transactions to clear her name from the alleged terror case, the accused coerced the complainant into carrying out multiple online money transfers," he said, reported PTI. The complainant followed instructions sent to her on WhatsApp, transferring a total of Rs 73.3 lakh into various bank accounts provided by the scammers, the official said. While the police have identified five local mobile phone numbers used in the crime, a probe is underway to ascertain the identities and addresses of the accused, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
12 April,2026 09:43 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentRanganath 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 KhanADVERTISEMENT
