A 36-year-old man was arrested for allegedly molesting seven minor schoolgirls, aged between 14 and 15 years, in the Malvani area of Malad in Mumbai. The accused reportedly lured the girls with the promise of taking them for a drive before molesting them on a public road. Acting swiftly, the police registered a case under sections related to molestation and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and apprehended the accused within hours. According to police, one of the victims, a 14-year-old girl from Santacruz who studies in Malvani, left home for school around 7.30 a.m. She and her classmates were standing near the school premises when the accused approached them. Before the girls could react, he allegedly got close, hugged them, made obscene gestures, and molested all seven minors. Police said the accused also allegedly told the girls to meet him regularly at the same spot and promised to take them for a drive in his car. Terrified by the incident, the girls raised an alarm, which attracted local residents to the scene. Following the recording of the statement of the victim's mother, the police registered an offence against the accused. Malvani Police rushed to the location and, after recording the statement, formally registered the case under the POCSO Act and the relevant sections of the BNS. The accused was detained and later arrested in the afternoon. He was produced before the Dindoshi court, which remanded him to police custody for further investigation. Authorities said the police are investigating whether the accused may have been involved in similar incidents in the past. Mumbai Police confirmed that strict action has been taken due to the seriousness of the offence and the age of the victims, and assured that the investigation is ongoing. The incident has created fear in the area, and with the arrest, the authorities tried to address the situation. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
09 January,2026 11:08 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSA 17-year-old girl missing from Jogeshwari West for nearly eight months was finally traced after Oshiwara police cracked a digital clue — she had been secretly accessing Instagram using borrowed mobile phones — triggering a dramatic three-state chase that ended near a railway station in Assam. The teenager had gone missing in May 2025. Despite sustained efforts, including inter-state inquiries and two fruitless trips to Bihar, investigators found no physical or technical leads, and the case had gone cold. The breakthrough came when officers revisited the girl’s social circle and discovered that although she did not own a phone, she was logging into Instagram through borrowed devices. After tracing her Instagram ID, the linked mobile numbers were placed under technical surveillance. Initial location data showed movement in Assam before the phone went silent for several weeks. In late December, a brief activation revived the trail, prompting a team to rush to Assam. When that lead fizzled out, another sudden location ping surfaced near Tiruvallur, close to Chennai, forcing the officers to pivot overnight to Tamil Nadu for two days of intensive searches. Fresh technical inputs and renewed Instagram activity eventually pointed police back to Assam — this time to Lumding, a sensitive railway town. Coordinating with local police, the team traced the girl near Lumding railway station, where she was found alone. She was taken to the local police station with the assistance of a woman constable and later produced before the Child Welfare Committee, which ordered her placement at a One Stop Centre (OSC), also known as Sakhi, for care and protection. Senior officers said the case underscores how fleeting digital footprints and social media activity can revive long-stalled missing-person investigations when conventional leads run dry. May 2025Month ever since the 17-year-old girl was missing
09 January,2026 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilThe Yellow Gate police have cracked a rare and daring high-seas robbery that took place nearly 65 nautical miles into the Arabian Sea, arresting two men from Gujarat for allegedly attacking a fisherman and looting gold from a fishing boat. The incident took place around 5 pm on December 16, 2025, when ‘Swargdan’, a fishing vessel operating far off the Vasai coast, suffered a gear failure and collided with another boat. Police said two men from the other vessel allegedly boarded ‘Swargdan’ and launched a sudden assault on fisherman Ashok Kashinath Pakacha, 50, of Vasai Koliwada. The accused allegedly attacked Pakacha with an iron rod and a knife, causing serious injuries, before forcibly snatching three gold chains weighing approximately 110 grams, valued at around '3.8 lakh. When other fishermen attempted to intervene and rescue him, they too were allegedly assaulted before the accused fled the spot. Following a complaint, Yellow Gate police registered a case under relevant provisions of the BNS. Given the offshore location of the crime, investigators relied on technical analysis of maritime movements, vessel routes, and confidential intelligence inputs. The operation was carried out under the leadership of Senior Police Inspector Chetan Rathod and PI (Crime) Sudarshan Chavan, with the investigation team comprising API Sachin Shelke, and Police Constables Deepak Netke, Sangram Jadhav, and Pralhad Mandave. The trail eventually led police to Jafrabad in Gujarat, where the accused — Bhupatbhai Shardulbhai Siyal, 45, and Kamlesh Bhupatbhai Siyal, 22, — were traced and arrested with the help of local police. During the arrest, police recovered two stolen gold chains weighing approximately 93 grams, valued at around '3 lakh. Efforts are on to recover the remaining stolen property. Police described the case as a significant breakthrough, highlighting the challenges involved in investigating crimes committed deep inside the Arabian Sea. Dec 16Day the incident occurred
08 January,2026 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilA housekeeper from Goregaon was allegedly cheated of Rs 2.49 lakh and blackmailed with her semi-nude video by cyber fraudsters posing as a doctor and senior police officials, police said. In the first week of December 2025, the victim received a WhatsApp call from an unknown international number. The caller, who introduced himself as “Dr Sunny”, claimed to be an Indian doctor working abroad and gradually gained her trust through frequent calls and messages. During a video call, he allegedly coaxed her into removing her clothes above the waist. The call was secretly recorded. On December 15, the woman was told that the doctor had been arrested at the airport while allegedly travelling to Mumbai with expensive clothes, jewellery and foreign currency. Soon after, another caller posing as a ‘commissioner of police’ demanded money to secure his release. Terrified, the woman borrowed money and transferred multiple amounts — Rs 21,000, Rs 50,000, Rs 78,000 and more — through Google Pay and bank transfers to accounts provided by the fraudsters. Between December 15 and December 21, she transferred around Rs 2.49 lakh, including Rs 50,000 withdrawn from a fixed deposit. The threats did not stop there. The callers allegedly warned her that she and her children would be jailed and her property in her native village would be seized if she failed to comply. The harassment escalated on December 23 when the accused allegedly sent a voice note claiming he was in jail and threatened to make her private video viral if more money was not paid. The fraudsters also shared a screen recording of the semi-nude video from another international number. The woman initially remained silent before confiding in her employer, who helped her approach the police. The complainant has submitted screenshots of chats, bank transaction details, voice notes and the obscene video clip. A case has been registered against unknown persons under sections related to cheating, extortion, criminal intimidation, cyber fraud and outraging the modesty of a woman. Police are tracing the accused using mobile numbers and bank accounts used in the crime. Further investigation is underway. Dec 15Day when the fraudsters began extorting the victim
08 January,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Malad police have arrested a housekeeping staff member for allegedly stealing gold jewellery worth Rs 26.5 lakh from a locked flat in Malad West. The police have recovered the stolen property. According to the complainant, Devang Shashikant Shah, 36, he and his family had locked their flat before going out for dinner sometime between December 11 and December 15, 2025. During this period, an unknown person allegedly entered the house and stole approximately 185 grammes of gold jewellery from a cupboard in the complainant’s mother’s bedroom. Investigation and arrest Upon receiving information about the offence, a crime detection team led by Assistant Police Inspector Deepak Raivade visited the spot and collected CCTV footage from the residential building. Analysis of the footage and technical inputs revealed that the accused had closely observed the complainant’s movements and studied the layout of the house. Police suspect that the accused, Anil Fugni Chaupal, 34, had access to the cupboard key. On December 11, after keeping watch on the complainant and his family, the accused allegedly entered the flat through a window. The suspect was brought to the police station for questioning, during which his involvement in the offence was established. He was subsequently arrested and produced before the Borivli holiday court, which remanded him in custody. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime and handed over the jewellery to the police. The investigation was conducted by Assistant Police Inspector Deepak Raivade, with the assistance of Head Constables Jaideep Juvatkar, John Fernandes, and Mandar Gonjari and Police Constables Sujay Shere, Samadhan Wagh, and Vikram Babar. Further investigation is underway.
08 January,2026 08:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA racket involving fake education certificates has been exposed during immigration checks at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Immigration officials detained Prathamesh Shirishbhai Maniyar, 39, a resident of Jamnagar, Gujarat, while he was arriving in Mumbai from Bangkok. Based on the findings, the Sahar police registered a case against him on Sunday under relevant sections. Investigations revealed that he charged between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh for each forged document. According to Immigration Counter Officer Rohitash Kumar, posted with the Bureau of Immigration, Mumbai, Maniyar appeared for immigration clearance during the night shift and presented his Indian passport, but he failed to give satisfactory answers regarding his profession during preliminary questioning. Subsequently, he was referred to the wing in-charge for further inquiry. A police officer said, “During interrogation, Maniyar confessed that he had been working as an agent for nearly 10 years, arranging school and college admissions and providing forged higher secondary and university certificates for individuals seeking jobs in Canada and the UK. It has emerged that he charged between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh for each certificate.” “A search of his mobile phone during the investigation revealed documents of various universities and several fake educational certificates. Maniyar admitted that these certificates were prepared with the help of other agents. It was also found that he used multiple bank accounts for financial transactions related to the racket,” a police officer said. According to the police, Maniyar revealed the names of other agents who helped him to forge documents.
08 January,2026 08:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Kurar police have arrested a man for cheating and practising black magic after he allegedly duped a local jeweller of Rs 7.5 lakh by claiming he could magically convert copper metal into rare antique coins worth crores. The arrested accused has been identified as Suraj alias Tinku Namdev More. Three of his associates, including a self-proclaimed astrologer and a self-styled tantric, are absconding. According to police, the accused targeted a 47-year-old goldsmith who owns a jewellery shop in Malad East. The complainant was allegedly lured with claims that copper, silver, or gold could be transformed into miraculous antique coins using secret chemicals, mantras, and black magic rituals. The gang claimed these coins could fetch exorbitant prices in India and abroad and even promised that the process could “make it rain money”. In his statement, the complainant said he was first introduced to Hasibul alias Pintu Sheikh, a local resident. Sheikh later brought in Santosh Gangaram Shelar, a self-proclaimed astrologer who carried so-called mystical stones. The trio eventually introduced Suraj More, projecting him as the mastermind behind the so-called miracle coin process. In September 2024, after repeated persuasion, the jeweller handed over '3.5 lakh. When no coins were delivered, the accused cited a fake police raid in Bhayandar as an excuse for the delay. In March 2025, the gang struck again, convincing the jeweller to invest more money. This time, '4 lakh was paid through cash and online transfers. The accused then made the complainant rent a room at an SRA building in Malad East, which they turned into a so-called black magic laboratory. Police said the accused staged elaborate rituals, coating copper coins with chemicals, wrapping them in red cloth, placing needles beside them and chanting mantras. A man identifying himself as Sunny Dutta Bengali, posing as a tantric expert, allegedly led the rituals, claiming the process would take 10 to 15 days. On March 19, the gang demanded an additional Rs 60,000, promising a “final miracle”. After collecting the money, all the accused disappeared without delivering any coins or refunding the total amount of Rs 7.5 lakh, police said. After repeated follow-ups failed, the victim approached the Kurar police, who registered a case. “Under the guidance of DCP Mahesh Chimate and Senior Inspector Sanjeev Tavde, PSI Avinash Nalavade and his detection team arrested Suraj alias Tinku More on January 4. The other accused, including Hasibul Sheikh, Santosh Shelar, and Sunny Dutta Bengali, are currently absconding,” said a police officer. The police are probing whether the gang has cheated other jewellers or individuals using similar scams. Rs 7.5LTotal amount conned
08 January,2026 08:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanAn Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena candidate was on Wednesday evening allegedly attacked with knife in Bandra east area of Mumbai and has been rushed to a hospital, police said. The candidate was identified as Salim Qureshi who had been campaigning in the area after filing his nomination, sources said. Shaikh was injured in the knife attack in Bandra East on Wednesday evening, they said. According to the police, the incident took place around 5 pm in Sant Dyaneshwar Nagar, where Qureshi suffered cuts to his stomach. The police said that he is currently out of danger and receiving medical care. Mumbai Police said that multiple teams are actively investigating the incident on the ground and will take appropriate legal action. The motive behind the attack is yet to be confirmed, and further details are awaited. Congress leader attacked in Akola, critical Meanwhile, in an another incident, a Congress leader was allegedly attacked with sharp weapon in Akola district on Tuesday. The Congress leader, Hidayat Patel, was seriously injured as unidentified persons attacked him with sharp weapons soon after he offered namaz at a mosque in Akot taluka of the district, police said. The police said that Patel (66) was allegedly attacked over an old enmity at Mohala. He sustained injuries in the incident and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Akot, the police said. The former Congress district president was at the Jama Masjid in Mohala for afternoon prayers. Around 1.30 pm on Tuesday, just as he was stepping out of the mosque after offering namaz, unidentified assailants attacked him on his neck with sharp weapons. Local residents rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. With the civic polls in parts of the state being just around the corner, the incident has caused panic in the district, sources said. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward
07 January,2026 10:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Kolsewadi police in Kalyan area of Thane district in Maharashtra arrested a 21-year-old man who was allegedly roaming in the Netivali area with a firearm late on Monday night, officials said. Senior Police Inspector Hemant Gurav received a tip-off about the incident, after which they laid a trap in the Netivali area of Kalyan East at around 11 pm on Tuesday. Police recovered pistol The accused has been identified as Karan Jitu Nishad (21), an unemployed resident of Desale Pada in Dombivli East. During the search, police recovered a steel-made pistol valued at Rs 25,000 from his possession. Police said the seized firearm is 17 cm in total length, with a barrel measuring 10.8 cm, fitted with a magazine and having a chocolate-coloured coating on both sides of the grip. Probe underway The accused has been arrested under relevant sections of the Arms Act, and further investigation is under way. The probe is being conducted by Police Inspector Sandeep Bhalerao. “He will be presented in court today. We have asked for police custody. As of now, we do not know why and from where he procured the weapon. We will be investigating it once the accused is in police custody,” said a police officer.
07 January,2026 07:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA Mumbai court has acquitted all eight accused nearly ten years after film set construction contractor Raju Shinde was shot dead in Aarey Colony. They were initially arrested by Mumbai Police in connection with 2015 Film City murder case and nearly 10 years later, the sessions court on Monday acquitted all eight accused in the case. The murder took place in May 2015, when Shinde was attacked by two bike-borne assailants near Film City. Court acquits accused of charges The verdict was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge T.T. Aglawe of the City Civil and Additional Sessions Court. The court acquitted the accused of charges under Section 302 (murder) and Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, along with charges under the Indian Arms Act. Names of the accused cleared The eight persons acquitted were identified as Sumit Atmaram Talekar, Jugal alias Papu Babu Dhodiya, Yogesh Ramkrishna Kokane, Sandip Pitambar Khairnar, Satish Ashok More, Jeetu Shankar Dheevar, Suresh Subhash Gaikwad and Ismail Aadam Khan. Release ordered, bonds directed The court directed that the accused be released immediately if they were not required in any other case. Each accused has been asked to submit a personal bond of Rs 15,000 under Section 437-A of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court also ordered that seized weapons be sent to the District Magistrate for lawful disposal. Seized mobile phones and a motorcycle will be auctioned after the appeal period ends. Accused presented from jail and on bail At the time of the verdict, some of the accused were produced from Thane and Taloja jails, while others were present in court on bail. Advocates Bhanudas Jagtap and Anushka Jagtap represented four of the accused. Other defence counsels included Advocate Shirsath and Advocate J.B. Mane.The prosecution was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor I.K. Shaikh. Background of case Raju Shinde, who had a criminal record with more than 13 cases, was shot three times near a studio in Film City on May 22, 2015. He was rushed to hospital but died on July 2, 2015, after remaining under treatment for several weeks. Police had claimed the murder was the result of a criminal conspiracy, allegedly triggered by a physical altercation after Shinde refused to provide employment to the accused in his film set construction work. Police likely to challenge acquittal Sources in the Aarey Colony Police said they plan to challenge the acquittal in a higher court. Officials added that they are awaiting a certified copy of the detailed judgment before filing an appeal.
07 January,2026 05:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA single click on a fake Regional Transport Office (RTO) e-challan link allegedly cost a Byculla-based lawyer Rs 2 lakh, after cyber fraudsters gained access to his credit card and carried out unauthorised online transactions, police said. The fraud took place after the victim downloaded an APK file sent through an SMS claiming a traffic fine. According to the police complaint, the 38-year-old advocate received a message on December 23 at around 7.30 pm, stating that a Rs 300 traffic challan had been issued against him. Although he was certain he had not committed any traffic violation, he downloaded the attached APK file to check the details. The application asked for Aadhaar, PAN and mobile number, but he did not enter any personal information. Soon after installing the app, his mobile phone began overheating and working slowly, prompting him to delete the application the next day. Fraud detected after midnight The scam came to light in the early hours of December 25, when the victim received 21 OTP messages within just two minutes, between 2.50 am and 2.53 am. Police said the OTPs were generated for transactions linked to his credit card. Rs 2 Lakh spent through online transactions Investigators said four transactions were successful, including three payments of Rs 50,000 each and one of Rs 50,299, all made through Amazon Pay. The total unauthorised amount debited was Rs 2,00,299, while the remaining transaction attempts were blocked by the bank. Automated calls raised suspicion Around the same time, the lawyer received multiple automated calls from unknown and international numbers. Police believe that malware hidden in the APK file may have given fraudsters remote access to his phone, allowing them to intercept OTPs in real time. The victim blocked his credit card at 4.06 am and later approached the police, submitting call records, OTP alerts and bank statements. Police register case, probe underway The Byculla Police registered a case of online cheating and unauthorised electronic access on January 6. Officials said efforts are underway to trace the digital trail, IP addresses and beneficiary accounts involved in the fraud. Public warned against APK files Police have warned citizens not to download APK files received through SMS or WhatsApp, especially messages claiming to be traffic challans or government notices. They advised people to verify traffic fines only through official government websites or apps.
07 January,2026 05:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilADVERTISEMENT
