A Nahur-based woman lost Rs 3.86 lakh in a four-day online trading scam, police said. She was added to a Telegram group floated as a stock market investment platform, where members claiming to be trading mentors promised assured returns. The fraud began with small “trial trades” of Rs 120 and Rs 200, with fake profit screenshots shared to gain her trust. Encouraged by the apparent gains, she transferred larger sums between December 22 and 25, using multiple UPI IDs and bank accounts provided by the accused. When profits stopped reflecting and withdrawal requests went unanswered, she approached the police. Investigators have identified 11 bank accounts and UPI accounts allegedly used to siphon off the money. An FIR has been registered under the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions, and further investigation is underway. Money trail First stage (small transactions) Rs 93,700 Second stage Rs 1,93,130 Final stage (large transfer) Rs 1,00,000 Total amount lost: Rs 3,86,830 Accounts used: 11 bank and UPI accounts Police advisory . Do not trust trading tips or investment offers on Telegram, WhatsApp, or social media. Be wary of platforms promising assured or guaranteed profits. Verify whether a broker or trading platform is SEBI-registered. Never invest based on screenshots of profits or testimonials. Avoid transferring money to multiple or personal bank/UPI accounts. Report cyber fraud immediately to improve chances of recovery. Helpline: Dial 1930. Online complaint: cybercrime.gov.in
03 January,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe North Cyber police have arrested a 25-year-old from Surat, Gujarat, allegedly linked to a cyber fraud gang that duped a Malad-based businessman of over Rs 21 lakh by sending him a malicious APK (Android Package Kit) file designed to appear as a traffic e-challan message on WhatsApp. The accused, Hardik Ashokbhai Borda, is a BCom student who was running an online business selling weighing machines. Police said he played a key role in a multi-layered cyber fraud racket that targeted victims by posing as the Regional Transport Office (RTO). How it all unfolded According to police, the complainant, a 42-year-old businessman residing in Malad East, had travelled to Gujarat in November 2025 to attend a wedding in the family. On November 17, while he was busy with wedding engagements, the businessman received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number containing a file named “RTO Challan”. Believing it to be a genuine traffic e-challan, he clicked on the file to verify the details. Unknowingly, he downloaded an APK file, which gave cyber fraudsters remote access to his mobile phone and banking applications. Within minutes, R11,33,880 and R10,39,326 were siphoned off from his and his wife’s bank accounts, respectively. Hardik Ashokbhai Borda, the arrested accused, into whose bank account some of the money had been transferred The businessman realised something was wrong on December 1, when he visited the bank to update his passbook and noticed suspicious withdrawals. Bank officials alerted him to a possible cyber fraud, following which he immediately approached the North Cyber police and also lodged a complaint on the Cyber Helpline 1930. Money trail and arrest Investigations revealed that a total of Rs 21.73 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn from the couple’s accounts through multiple rapid transactions on the same morning. Of this amount, around Rs 8.5 lakh was traced directly to Borda’s bank account. Police said Borda subsequently transferred the money further using a credit card, pushing the funds into the second layer of the fraud chain to evade detection. Based on technical analysis, bank transaction trails, and digital evidence, the North Cyber Police tracked Borda to Surat and placed him under arrest. “Initial investigation shows this was a well-planned, layered cyber fraud. The arrested accused acted as a key link in the money-laundering chain,” a senior cyber police officer said. “We are now tracing the second and third layers of the racket and do not rule out more arrests.” The cyber police have urged people to remain alert and never download APK files or click on suspicious links, even if they appear to be from official sources like the RTO, banks, or courier services. ExpertSpeak Ankur Puranik, a cyber expert, told mid-day, “An APK is basically an application file used to install apps on Android phones. Normally, when you download an app from the Google Play Store, it undergoes security checks. But when someone sends you an APK on WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, or email and asks you to install it, that app is not verified by Google. Such files can be dangerous as they carry malware. Once installed, they can quietly access your contacts, photos, messages, OTPs, microphone, camera, and even banking apps. Many times, the user himself gives permissions without realising it, and the app keeps running in the background.” According to the police, the accused was part of a multi-layered racket. Representation Pic/iStock How an APK file can empty your bank account What happens when you install an unverified APK? Step 1: Permission trapThe app asks for permissions like:. SMS access. Accessibility service. Screen overlay. Notification access. Storage access. Most users click “Allow All” without reading Step 2: OTP & message theft. SMS permission allows the app to read OTPs silently. Hackers get your banking OTP before you even see it. Notification access lets the app read bank alerts without opening SMS Step 3: Full phone controlWith accessibility permission, the app can:. See everything on your screen. Read what you type. Auto-click buttons. Open banking apps. Change transaction limits. Perform high-value transactions remotely. Your phone starts working for the hacker Step 4: PIN and password capture. Screen overlay creates invisible layers. When you type in a PIN or a password, it’s secretly recorded and data becomes visible to cyber criminals Step 5: Remote control. Advanced APKs connect to a command server. Hackers control your phone in real time. Victims realise only after the money is gone Warning signs. App asks for unnecessary permissions. Phone slows down or heats up. Unknown apps running in the background. Sudden bank transactions Safety tipsRight: Never install APK files from WhatsApp or SMSRight: Download apps only from Google Play Store/Apple App StoreRight: Keep “Install from Unknown Sources” OFFRight: Check app permissions regularlyRight: Uninstall apps asking for unnecessary accessRight: Keep phone software updatedRight: Use a trusted antivirus
03 January,2026 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanMumbai Police on Friday marked the 'Police Day' by organising a special event to return stolen and lost mobile phones to their rightful owners. A special event was held by the police under the guidance of Dr. Mohitkumar Garg, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-II, and in the presence of Dr. Abhinav Deshmukh, Additional Commissioner of Police, South Region, officials said. During the programme, cyber officers, crime detection teams, and the zonal cyber lab of various police stations in Zone-II worked tirelessly using technical analysis to trace and recover mobile phones. A total of 200 mobile phones, with an estimated value of Rs 40 lakh, were identified and returned to their owners, police said. Complainants express gratitude After receiving their devices, the complainants expressed sincere appreciation for the Mumbai Police’s efficiency and prompt service, officials said. On Police Day, Mumbai Police reaffirmed their commitment to citizen safety and effective complaint resolution, highlighting that with additional modern technology it has enhanced its ability for public service.
02 January,2026 09:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA shocking incident unfolded in Mumbai's Santacruz area on New Year's Day when a woman allegedly called her lover to her home and then attacked him with a knife, stabbing him in his private parts, reported news agency ANI. The victim has been identified as Joginder Mahto, reported ANI. In his statement to the police, the victim said that his girlfriend was married and that they had been in a relationship before her marriage. However, they had separated after she got married, reported ANI. Even after her marriage, the woman repeatedly called Joginder and asked him to meet her, but he refused, citing his children as the reason. However, on New Year's Day, the woman deliberately called her former lover to her house and then attacked him with a knife, stabbing him in his private parts. The victim managed to escape from the woman's house and went to the hospital for treatment. The hospital authorities informed the Mumbai police, who then went to the hospital and recorded the victim's statement, reported ANI. He told the police that his former girlfriend had called him to her house on New Year's Day and attacked him with a knife, stabbing him in his private parts. Police have registered a case, and an investigation is underway. Further details are awaited. Man stabbed to death in Delhi's Adarsh Nagar In another case, a 50-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death following a minor altercation in north Delhi's Adarsh Nagar area on January 1, police said on Friday, reported ANI. The deceased has been identified as Bihari Lal, son of Nakshe Lal, a resident of A-318, Lal Bagh, Azadpur. He was working as a tailor in Shastri Nagar, reported ANI. According to police, the incident took place within the jurisdiction of PS Adarsh Nagar, where a Child in Conflict with Law (CCL) allegedly stabbed the victim during a verbal altercation. Police said the accused juvenile, a Class 9 school dropout, claimed that he acted in a fit of rage after being verbally abused by the deceased, reported ANI. Police further stated that an accomplice, a resident of D-Block, Azadpur, allegedly assaulted the victim by kicking him during the incident. The injured man was immediately shifted to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial (BJRM) Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, reported ANI. The police have apprehended the juvenile accused, and the weapon of offence has been recovered from his possession. Efforts are currently underway to trace and arrest the second accused, reported ANI. A case has been registered vide FIR No. 02/26 under Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at PS Adarsh Nagar. Further investigation into the matter is in progress, police added. (With inputs from ANI)
02 January,2026 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA cop from Maharashtra's Palghar district was booked for allegedly demanding Rs 50,000 from a citizen, while an official was held in Sindhudurg while accepting a bribe of Rs 22,000, ACB said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The accused cop, identified as assistant police inspector Sahebrao Shivaji Kachre, was posted at Gholwad police station in the district, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) said in a release, reported PTI. A person filed a complaint with the ACB on December 9, alleging that Kachre promised not to arrest his brother-in-law, who was an accused in a case, if he greased his palm. "Kachre has been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act after it was established that he demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 to refrain from arresting the complainant's relative and to remove his name from a case file," said the ACB release, reported PTI. The policeman will be arrested if needed, it said. Meanwhile, the ACB's Sindhudurg unit arrested an industry inspector while accepting a bribe of Rs 22,000 on Wednesday, officials said. Accused Pankaj Vitthal Shelke from the District Industries Centre in Oros had demanded the money to approve a proposal for a government subsidy concerning the purchase of a truck, reported PTI. Talathi caught taking Rs 2,500 bribe for issuance of income certificate In another case, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday caught a talathi in Maharashtra's Latur district while accepting a bribe of Rs 2,500 in exchange of issuing an income certificate required to avail government pension schemes, officials said, reported PTI. The accused talathi, a revenue department official, has been identified as Kamalakar Vitthalrao Munde (52). He was posted at Gunjarga circle in Nilanga tehsil of Latur district, reported PTI. The complainant, a 38-year-old resident of Sonkhed village, had applied for an income certificate in the name of his mother. The certificate was required to avail benefits of the government's pension and other welfare schemes. The complainant alleged that Munde initially demanded Rs 5,000 for issuing the income certificate, but later negotiated down the amount to Rs 2,500. Based on the complaint, the ACB laid a trap on Thursday and caught Munde while he was accepting the bribe amount in the presence of witnesses at his private office. During personal search, the cash of Rs 2,500 and a mobile handset were recovered from him, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
02 January,2026 10:40 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA businessman from Maharashtra's Thane district was duped out of Rs 50 lakh allegedly by two persons who promised to supply cooking oil of a popular brand at reduced rates, an official said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The alleged fraud took place between August 2020 and May 2021, said the complainant, a resident of the Ambernath area. The accused persons have been identified as Pune residents Mukesh Pandey and Pallavi Raut, reported PTI. As per the FIR registered on December 31, the accused approached the businessman with an offer to supply cooking oil at rates lower than the prevailing market price. "They also assured him of substantial profits from the resale of the oil," the official said, reported PTI. Believing their assurances, the complainant allegedly transferred Rs 50 lakh to the accused in several instalments. However, the promised consignment of cooking oil was never delivered, police said, reported PTI. "When the businessman later followed up for the supply or sought a refund, the accused allegedly avoided him and eventually became incommunicado. He then approached the police," the official added. Officials did not explain why the man filed the police complaint after so many years. Efforts are being made to trace Pandey and Raut, they said, reported PTI. Caretaker booked for swindling Rs 15 lakh from elderly man's bank account In another case, the police in Maharashtra's Thane district have registered a case against a caretaker for allegedly siphoning off nearly Rs 15 lakh from the bank account of an elderly man by misusing his mobile phone and digital banking facilities, an official said on Friday, reported PTI. The action against accused Rohan Rajbhar came on a complaint by the man's 33-year-old daughter, a resident of the Dombivli area, he said, reported PTI. "The complainant stated that the accused worked as a caretaker for her 69-year-old father between November and December 2025. During this period, Rajbhar allegedly gained access to her father's mobile phone and banking details and used them to steal money," the official said. According to the complaint, Rs 14,97,985 was fraudulently transferred to different bank accounts without the knowledge or consent of the senior citizen. The transactions came to light after the family checked his bank statements, reported PTI. A case has been registered at the Dombivli police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, the official said, adding that efforts are being made to verify the financial trail, identify beneficiary accounts and ascertain whether others were involved in the alleged fraud. (With inputs from PTI)
02 January,2026 10:08 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentPolice in Maharashtra's Thane district have registered a case against a caretaker for allegedly siphoning off nearly Rs 15 lakh from the bank account of an elderly man by misusing his mobile phone and digital banking facilities, an official said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The action against accused Rohan Rajbhar came on a complaint by the man's 33-year-old daughter, a resident of the Dombivli area, he said, reported PTI. "The complainant stated that the accused worked as a caretaker for her 69-year-old father between November and December 2025. During this period, Rajbhar allegedly gained access to her father's mobile phone and banking details and used them to steal money," the official said, reported PTI. According to the complaint, Rs 14,97,985 was fraudulently transferred to different bank accounts without the knowledge or consent of the senior citizen. The transactions came to light after the family checked his bank statements, reported PTI. A case has been registered at the Dombivli police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, the official said, adding that efforts are being made to verify the financial trail, identify beneficiary accounts and ascertain whether others were involved in the alleged fraud. Businessman cheated of Rs 50 lakh over cooking oil deal in Thane district In another case, a businessman from Maharashtra's Thane district was duped out of Rs 50 lakh allegedly by two persons who promised to supply cooking oil of a popular brand at reduced rates, an official said on Friday, reported PTI. The alleged fraud took place between August 2020 and May 2021, said the complainant, a resident of the Ambernath area. The accused persons have been identified as Pune residents Mukesh Pandey and Pallavi Raut, reported PTI. As per the FIR registered on December 31, the accused approached the businessman with an offer to supply cooking oil at rates lower than the prevailing market price. "They also assured him of substantial profits from the resale of the oil," the official said, reported PTI. Believing their assurances, the complainant allegedly transferred Rs 50 lakh to the accused in several instalments. However, the promised consignment of cooking oil was never delivered, police said. "When the businessman later followed up for the supply or sought a refund, the accused allegedly avoided him and eventually became incommunicado. He then approached the police," the official added, reported PTI. Officials did not explain why the man filed the police complaint after so many years. Efforts are being made to trace Pandey and Raut, they said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
02 January,2026 09:59 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentOn the occasion of New Year’s Eve, a 25-year-old woman allegedly invited her lover and then attacked him with a knife in Santacruz East of Mumbai, officials said. She also allegedly attacked his private parts, leaving him seriously injured, they said. The Vakola police have registered an FIR against the woman who is currently absconding, police said, adding that a manhunt has been launched to nab the suspect. The victim has been identified as Joginder Lakhan Mahato (44), while the accused is Kanchandevi Rakesh Mahato (25). The accused is married and has two children, said an official. Police said that she was allegedly pressuring Joginder to marry her and leave his wife. Woman had been forcing the victim to leave wife and live with her According to the complaint, Joginder and Kanchandevi had been in a relationship for the past 6-7 years. Disputes reportedly arose when Kanchandevi began forcing Joginder to leave his wife and live with her, leading to frequent arguments. Due to the situation, Joginder went to his native village in Bihar in November 2025 and stopped communicating with her. Police said that during this period, Kanchandevi repeatedly called him and allegedly threatened him to return to Mumbai and marry her. Joginder returned to Mumbai on December 19 and met her again on December 24, during which he reportedly explained that both of them already had two children each. Attacked with a knife A police officer said, “In the early hours of January 1, 2026, around 1.30 am, while Joginder was returning home from work, Kanchandevi allegedly called him and invited him over on the occasion of the New Year. She was at home with her two minor children. The accused allegedly assaulted the victim and attacked him with a knife. Joginder managed to reach his home, after which his son rushed him to VN Desai Hospital, where he was admitted.” Speaking to mid-day, Senior Inspector Prakash Khandare said, “The accused, Kanchandevi, is absconding after the incident. The victim is undergoing treatment at the hospital. We are tracing the accused.”
01 January,2026 10:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday said that it busted a gold smuggling racket at Mumbai airport and seized 3.05 kilograms of smuggled gold. The gold was valued at Rs. 3.89 crore, officials said. DRI officers acted on specific intelligence suggesting that foreign-origin gold in wax form was being smuggled into India. The information indicated that the gold would be concealed either on a passenger or inside baggage arriving at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, on December 31, 2025. Based on this input, DRI officers kept surveillance at the airport. Gold hidden inside water tumbler An Indian national arriving from Bahrain was intercepted by DRI officers on December 31, 2025. During a detailed examination of his baggage, officers recovered twelve capsules containing gold dust in wax form. The capsules were cleverly concealed inside a water tumbler, showing a high level of planning to evade detection. 24-carat gold seized under customs act The recovered gold was found to be of 24-carat purity. The total net weight of the gold was 3.05 kg, and its market value was estimated at Rs. 3.89 crore. The gold was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the smuggling network. DRI reaffirms crackdown on smuggling The DRI stated that it continues to carry out intelligence-led operations to protect the country’s economic interests and curb illegal trade.
31 December,2025 09:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilMumbai Police launched a security check on Wednesday afternoon after a car carrying a bomb threat message was found parked outside the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut in Mumbai, officials said, reported the PTI. The incident took place outside Raut’s home in the Bhandup area of the city. According to police, the message was written on the dusty window of a WagonR car. The note read, "Aaj hoga hungama 12 baje bomb blast" (There will be chaos today, bomb blast at 12), according to the PTI. Supporters of the Rajya Sabha MP noticed the message and immediately informed the police. Bomb squad searches residence After receiving the alert, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) arrived at the location. The team conducted a thorough search of Sanjay Raut’s bungalow and the surrounding area. Police officials confirmed that nothing suspicious was found during the search. Car seized, case to be registered The parked car was seized by the police for further investigation. The officials were in the process of registering a case against an unidentified person in connection with the threat message. Police said further inquiry is underway to find out who left the message and why. Bomb threat emails to Mumbai courts earlier this month Earlier this month, bomb threat emails were sent to multiple courts and banks in Mumbai which triggered heightened security on December 18, prompting an extensive security sweep across judicial premises in the city. The threats targeted at least five courts, including the Bombay High Court, as well as two to three banks, police sources said. After detailed searches, no suspicious or explosive material was found at any location. Checks conducted at courts Officials said the emails were sent using Outlook-based email IDs, following which standard operating procedures were immediately activated. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, local police teams and senior officers conducted thorough checks at the high court and at least four to five magistrate courts across Mumbai. Banks that received similar emails were also searched as a precaution. Investigators believe the threats were sent by a repeat hoaxer who has been targeting sensitive institutions in Mumbai for over a year. (with PTI inputs)
31 December,2025 09:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) in Maharashtra arrested 25 people and seized drugs, including heroin and opium, valued at Rs 3.31 crore. The arrested individuals are residents of Punjab on Tuesday, officials said. Police received information that several people from Punjab were arriving in Navi Mumbai, renting rooms in lodges, hotels, and hostels, and supplying heroin and opium to local users and drug peddlers. Based on this, five NDPS cases were registered at Kalamboli, APMC, Taloja, CBD Belapur, and NRI police stations. Arrests and seizures The ANC arrested 25 accused, while 10 others have been declared wanted. Those arrested were sent to Taloja Jail. Police seized 680 grams of heroin, 182 grams of opium, 17 bottles of codeine syrup, 30 mobile phones and Rs 4.80 lakh in cash, police said. The total value of seized property is Rs 3.31 crore. Drugs transport routes identified During the investigation, police discovered that the drugs were transported from Punjab to Navi Mumbai via rail and road. A special team has been sent to Punjab to capture the remaining wanted accused. Police leadership and drive The operation was conducted under the guidance of Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, Joint Commissioner Sanjay Yenpure, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Deepak Sakore, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sachin Gunjal. The drive is part of a special initiative to make Navi Mumbai drug-free, officials said.
31 December,2025 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaADVERTISEMENT
