The leopard killing case took a dramatic turn on Thursday with two key accused — Anil Dhawade and Harshad Chandar Jadhav — surrendering before forest officials hours after their arrest. Their disclosures triggered a late-night crackdown, leading to two more being picked. This takes the total number of accused in custody to six. They were produced in court and remanded to the forest department’s custody till April 4. Anil Dhavde and Harshad Chandar Jadhav, the key accused arrested on Thursday Key confession Sources said the duo, residents from the periphery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), have revealed crucial details during questioning. “They may have carried out the actual killing” an official said. Preliminary inquiries indicate all six accused are from settlements along the park’s periphery and encroached forest pockets, though individual roles are still being verified. Dinish Pagora and Santosh Ghoshe, the duo arrested based on statements by the key accused Probe expands Forest officials will conduct a detailed spot panchnama inside the park today, recreating the crime scene with the accused at the exact location of the killing. Investigators are also tracing where the remaining body parts were disposed of. Sources said more arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe progresses.
04 April,2026 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA former BMC corporator from Chembur has been booked nearly two decades later for allegedly contesting and winning a civic election from a Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved seat using a fake caste certificate, in a case that has resurfaced after years of inaction. According to Chembur police, an FIR was registered on Thursday against Ramesh Suresh Kamble, 55. Police allege that Kamble fraudulently obtained a caste certificate in 1998, claiming he belonged to the Hindu Mahar community, and used it to contest the 2002 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election from Ward 192, a seat reserved for Scheduled Caste, on a Congress ticket. How case came to light The issue first came to light when the runner-up candidate, Rajendra Waman Waghmare approached the Caste Scrutiny Committee at Konkan Bhavan in CBD Belapur. Kamble challenged the decision in court, but both the Bombay High Court and later the Supreme Court upheld the committee’s findings, ruling the certificate to be bogus. Despite these findings, no criminal case was registered at the time. System wakes up Police said the present FIR has been filed based on Salunke’s complaint, which cites the earlier findings and court orders. The case was initially registered as a zero FIR at Belapur police station before being transferred to Chembur, which has jurisdiction over Ward 192, where the election documents were submitted. Kamble has now been booked under multiple sections of the IPC, including cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust, and using forged documents as genuine. In a letter to the additional commissioner of police (East Region), Salunke alleged that despite clear findings, Chembur police had failed to initiate proceedings earlier. She termed police response “mechanical” and raised concerns over the probe, seeking that the investigation be transferred to the Crime Branch. Key numbers 20 years Delay before criminal case 4721 votes Votes secured by Kamble 3252 votes Votes secured by runner-up 4+ years Time served as corporator 1 seat SC-reserved ward allegedly secured with fake claim 1998 Caste certificate allegedly obtained 2002 Contests and wins BMC election (ward 192) 2005 (Nov) Caste scrutiny committee declares certificate invalid 2006 Term as corporator ends HC + SC Uphold certificate as bogus 2026 FIR finally registered
04 April,2026 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerIn a swift action, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch’s Unit 6, in coordination with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) health officials, raided two illegal clinics in the Shivajinagar area of Govandi and arrested two men for practising medicine without proper qualifications. The accused, identified as Rajiv Kapildev Rajan (34) and Kuberanath Gomti Yadav (56), were allegedly examining patients and administering treatments, including injections and antibiotics, while charging hefty consultation fees. Neither of them possessed a valid medical degree, licence, or registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council. During the raid, the police seized a significant quantity of medicines, injections, syringes, and other medical equipment from the clinics. Two separate first information reports (FIRs) have been registered at Shivajinagar Police Station under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961. In a press note, the police said the operation was based on credible intelligence and carried out under the supervision of senior officers, including Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade, and Deputy Commissioner (Zone 1) Vishal Thakur. The raid was led by Unit 6 in-charge, Inspector Bharat Ghone. Maharashtra to form committee against bogus doctors, illegal nursing homes in state In March, the Maharashtra government announced plans to form a committee to monitor bogus doctors and unauthorised nursing homes in the state. The panel will identify individuals practising medicine without proper qualifications and clinics operating without the required permissions. The government has also stated it plans to amend the existing law to increase penalties for such violations, including stricter fines and longer jail terms for fake doctors and illegally operating hospitals. Members of the state Legislative Council raised concerns about the lack of checks on bogus doctors and nursing homes in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. They demanded stern action and strict punishment for erring doctors and hospitals. Replying on behalf of Eknath Shinde, who holds the urban development portfolio, Minister Uday Samant informed the State Legislative Council that the government has decided to form a committee to address this issue. Samant further stated that the committee will inspect all clinics, hospitals, and complaints, and submit a report to the Maharashtra Legislative Council before the next session, expected to commence in June during the monsoon session.
03 April,2026 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA priest was arrested in Dombivli area of Thane district in Maharashtra for allegedly sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl, a police official said, reported the PTI. According to a Tilaknagar police station official, the suspect used to visit homes of the people to perform rituals. "He was known to the victim's family. When the minor's parents had stepped out for work, he allegedly entered the house and sexually assaulted the girl. He was arrested after the child narrated the ordeal to her parents, who lodged a complaint," he said, according to the PTI. The accused was booked under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the official informed. Palghar Zilla Parishad staffer booked for molesting teenage girl Meanwhile, in an another incident, a 45-year-old employee from the Palghar Zilla Parishad in Maharashtra has been booked for allegedly molesting a minor girl under the pretext of providing information about a scholarship programme, police said on Friday, as per the PTI. The 17-year-old girl had visited the education department of the Zilla Parishad office on April 1 along with her sister. During the interaction, an official allegedly touched her inappropriately while pretending to provide scholarship details, reported the PTI. Girl resisted the molestation The girl resisted the advances and reportedly slapped the accused before rushing to the Palghar police station to lodge a formal complaint, an official said. A case has been registered against the accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, he said. Inquiry to be launched into the incident According to the PTI, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Manoj Ranade promised an inquiry into the alleged incident. "The said employee is known to be a good worker, and it is difficult to believe such an incident took place. We are awaiting a report from the police," Ranade told reporters. The CEO said the administration would not shield the accused if found guilty. "We have a Vishaka Committee (to handle sexual harassment at the workplace), which will look into the matter. We will also carry out an internal probe. If any wrongdoing is established, strict action will definitely be taken," he said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 03:52 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA 59-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly preparing fake documents to facilitate the illegal sale of a Navi Mumbai plot reserved for public use by CIDCO, police said on Friday, the PTI reported. Police stated that the plot, located in the Koparkhairane area, had been reserved by the planning agency City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for public services and utilities. However, forged documents were allegedly created for the land, after which it was illegally sold, and construction activities were reportedly carried out on the site. Following a complaint, police launched an investigation and found that Prabhakar Atmaram Mhatre, a resident of Nerul village in Navi Mumbai, had allegedly fabricated the documents and facilitated the illegal sale of the CIDCO plot. He was taken into custody on Wednesday, an official said, PTI reported. Further investigation into the case is underway, the official added. Dream home turns nightmare as Mumbai Police crack fake flat racket Earlier in January, what seemed like a dream opportunity to buy “affordable flats” turned into a nightmare for many homebuyers, after Malad Police uncovered a well-organised property fraud racket that lured victims with under-construction apartments at unusually low prices. The police have arrested five accused in the case, while the alleged mastermind is absconding. The accused allegedly used popular real estate portals such as Housing.com, NoBroker, and social media platforms to post attractive advertisements offering flats worth around Rs 1 crore for just Rs 60–70 lakh. According to police, the gang’s biggest strength was the authenticity of its paperwork. Investigations revealed that one of the accused illegally procured flat-related documents from the registrar’s office, digitally replaced the real owner’s photograph with his own, and posed as the legitimate flat owner. “The documents appeared absolutely genuine. Once the buyer paid the advance amount, the accused would disappear,” a police officer said. In one such case, a 31-year-old complainant, Navaldev Narayan Rajput, a resident of Malad East, was allegedly cheated of Rs 30 lakh. The accused showed him Flat No. 1301 at Shubhashree Orchard, Zakaria Road, Malad West, claiming it belonged to one Poptlal. The deal took place between November 4 and December 23, 2025, and an FIR was registered on December 29, 2025. The case has been registered at Malad Police Station (CR No. 943/2025) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including provisions related to cheating, forgery, impersonation, criminal conspiracy, and misappropriation. (With PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 02:24 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentTwo suspects, including a man and his girlfriend, was held for allegedly murdering a man in north Mumbai and transporting his body to Chiplun in Maharashtra’s Konkan region for disposal. The investigation was launched after the remains of one Ejaz Qureshi—who was reportedly killed in Malad in November last year—were discovered on Tuesday, officials said, reported the PTI. The police recovered charred remains in a mango orchard in Awatewadi village of Rampur area in Chiplun, including bones, a ring, and an iron rod lodged in the victim’s leg. According to the PTI, within 24 hours of the discovery, authorities identified Vishal Khoddekar and his girlfriend Jannatunisa Khan as suspects. Khoddekar allegedly confessed to assaulting Qureshi during a financial dispute, resulting in his death. The conflict reportedly arose after Khan rented a property from Qureshi, paid a high deposit, and later demanded her money back. Attempt to destroy evidence According to the police, Khoddekar later returned to Chiplun upon discovering the exposed body and set it on fire using diesel in an attempt to destroy evidence. Both Khoddekar and Khan have been remanded in police custody for six days while the investigation continues. Mumbai Police nabs man accused in attempt to murder case after 45 years Meanwhile, in an another incident, a 72-year-old man was arrested from Sangli after being on the run for 45 years in an attempt to murder case registered in Mumbai, a police official said on Thursday, reported the PTI. The Trombay police station official identified the accused as Popat Govind Vaydande, who was held from Ambegaon in Kadegaon taluka. The attempt to murder case registered in 1981 was recently reopened after a court sought a search report and directed absconder Vaydande to appear before it, the official said. "Our subsequent probe found he was externed from Mumbai in 1981. A tip off led police to Shenoli in Satara, where he once lived with a woman. This 74-year-old woman was found living in a hut under a railway bridge in Shenoli. She had left Vyadande due to the latter's alcoholism. Her daughter told police he might be in Sangli," the official said, according to the PTI. Vaydande was arrested from a field, and his identity was confirmed through a voter's ID card, the official added. (with PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 02:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA petty dispute over Rs 600 escalated into a horrifying incident in Pal Nagar, Kurar, Malad East on Wednesday afternoon, leaving eight to nine people injured with acid burns. What transpired A financial disagreement between a family dealing with imitation jewellery and a workshop owner spiralled out of control, leading to a heated argument. The situation worsened when a group barged into the plating workshop. Workshop owner Samar Bahadur Singh During the chaos, the workshop owner picked up a container of acid used for polishing imitation jewellery and attempted to throw it at the other group. In the struggle that followed, acid spilt out of the container, injuring nearly everyone present with acid burns. Senior Police Inspector Umesh Patil confirmed that all those injured are receiving treatment, and an investigation is underway. Background of dispute Singh runs a plating workshop for imitation jewellery. The Kanojia family, who deal in imitation jewellery, used his services. During an online transaction of Rs 26,000, an amount of Rs 27,000 was mistakenly transferred. After deducting Rs 400 as labour charges, Rs 600 was to be returned, triggering the dispute. How it escalated Sheetal Kanojia visited the workshop to demand the amount when the argument broke out. Later, her son, Mayur Kanojia, returned with friends, and the dispute turned violent. During the scuffle, acid spilt from the container, injuring everyone involved. Police arrest three Samar Bahadur Singh, 38 (workshop owner)Hemant Rathod, 20Nitin Dhobi, 24 Police action >> Cross FIRs registered against both groups>> Three accused arrested, more under investigation>> Injured admitted to hospitals; condition reported stable
03 April,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA courier operator and his UP-based associate allegedly ran a coordinated racket targeting gold traders by misusing the Value Payable Post (VPP) system, cheating victims of jewellery worth over Rs 70 lakh, police said. The LT Marg police on Wednesday arrested Daya Shankar Sharma, 39, a resident of Kalbadevi, who worked with a courier firm before starting New Bright Courier in Kalbadevi. His associate, Avdhesh alias Avinash Goldy — a jeweller based in UP — is on the run. Police said Sharma used his job at the courier firm to build contacts among jewellers and later targeted them. A police official said, “They first gained the trust of jewellers by completing small deals or making partial payments. Then they got them to send large gold parcels and avoided paying the full amount, taking the gold and cutting off contact.” VPP system The police said the accused exploited the Value Payable Post (VPP) system. In VPP system the courier hands over the goods only after collecting payment from the buyer and remitting it to the sender; no payment, no delivery. “The courier deliberately delivered parcels without collecting full payment to build confidence,” an officer said. Case 1 A 36-year-old wholesale gold trader operating from Sheikh Memon Street, was approached by Sharma, who introduced Goldy as a genuine buyer. Goldy first placed a small order of gold and made prompt payment. He then placed a larger order, following which the victim sent 217.56 gm of gold through Sharma’s courier. Payment was never made, and a cheque later issued by the accused bounced. Case 2 A 46-year-old jeweller from Nalasopara, alleged that he was cheated after being introduced to Goldy through Sharma. He sent 714.5 gm of gold jewellery via the same courier under VPP system. The accused were to pay in gold equivalent before delivery. However, while the accused initially returned 225 gm of gold and transferred R11 lakh via RTGS, followed by R1 lakh later, they failed to return the remaining 322.15 gm of gold worth Rs 31.57 lakh. Case 3 On April 1, police received a written complaint from a Zaveri Bazaar-based jeweller alleging a similar modus operandi by the same accused. A preliminary inquiry is underway, and a complaint is likely to be converted into an FIR. Courier’s role in scam The police said Sharma played a crucial role by leveraging trust built over years with jewellers and acting as the link between victims and the UP-based trader. “He specifically targeted his old clients and assured them safe transactions. In some cases, victims had clearly instructed that parcels be handed over only after payment, yet the accused bypassed this,” an officer said. ThreeNo of complaints so far against accused duo More victims fearedWith three victims having come forward so far, the police suspect more traders may have been cheated using the same method and have urged victims to approach them. Manhunt onWhile Sharma has been arrested, teams are working to trace Goldy in Uttar Pradesh. Police are also probing whether the duo targeted traders outside Mumbai
03 April,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerOne person was killed and two others injured after a man allegedly opened fire on a group of men he accused of teasing a woman he considered his sister in Maharashtra's Thane on Thursday, police said, reported the PTI. The shooting occurred at approximately 11:30 am at Bismillah Chawl in the Kailas Nagar area of Mumbra. Authorities stated that the accused, 51-year-old Jayan Shivanandan Nair, confronted the trio—identified as Abdul Hasan Sheikh, Akbar Abdul Sheikh, and Sameer Ahmed Sheikh—over their alleged misconduct toward the woman, according to the PTI. Senior inspector Anil Shinde of Mumbra police station explained that a heated argument quickly escalated into a physical altercation. Nair reportedly drew a revolver and fired at the three men before fleeing the scene. Casualties and arrest All three victims were transported to Kalsekar Hospital in Mumbra, police said. Akbar Sheikh succumbed to his injuries during treatment, while the other two remain hospitalised, as per the PTI. Police later apprehended Nair and recovered the revolver used in the incident. A case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder and attempted murder, along with relevant provisions of the Arms Act. Authorities are investigating the exact sequence of events leading to the shooting and tracing the source of the firearm used. Police confirmed that the probe is ongoing. Man held for firing outside hotel over ID proof dispute in UP's Saharanpur Meanwhile, in an another incident, a man was arrested for allegedly opening fire outside a hotel after a row over being asked to provide proof of identity in Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, an officer said on Thursday, reported the PTI. The incident occurred on March 29 at a hotel along the highway under the jurisdiction of the Deoband police station. A group of individuals arrived at the hotel and requested a room, but when the staff asked them to present their identity documents, they refused and allegedly engaged in an argument with the employees, police said, according to the PTI. Circle Officer Deoband Abhitesh Singh told PTI that the accused not only assaulted the hotel staff and hurled insults but also fired shots outside the hotel, causing panic among those present, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
02 April,2026 03:54 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Police in Maharashtra have booked a butcher for allegedly violating 'meat ban' order on Mahavir Jayanti 2026, officials said on Thursday, reported the PTI. According to the police, a case was registered against a 36-year-old butcher for allegedly violating a meat sale ban imposed on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. The suspect, a resident of Bhoiwada in the Bhiwandi area of Thane district, is alleged to have kept his shop open and continued selling meat products on Tuesday in defiance of official restrictions in place for the festival, police said, as per the PTI. Violation detected during police patrol According to an officer from the Narpoli Police Station, a patrolling team discovered the shop allegedly operating despite the ban. The suspect was found allegedly flouting the prohibitory order by continuing business activities, the news agency reported. An FIR has been registered against the individual under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to knowingly disobeying lawful orders issued by public servants. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing, as per the PTI. Itanagar civic body directs hotels to remove meat references from signboards Meanwhile, the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) has instructed all hotels and restaurants in the city to remove references to specific animal meats from their trade licence names and signboards, citing concerns related to public decency and prevailing sensitivities, reported the PTI. In a recent directive, IMC Joint Commissioner Datum Gadi stated that several establishments had been obtaining trade licences with names explicitly mentioning animal meats such as pork, chicken, beef and mutton. The civic body described such naming practices as “inappropriate” and not in line with norms concerning animal welfare and public sentiment. Invoking powers under the Arunachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 2019, the IMC has directed that all existing trade licences bearing such names must be revised to adopt more general and suitable business titles, according to the PTI. No new licences with meat references The civic authority also clarified that it will no longer issue new trade licences that include references to specific animal meats. Hotel and restaurant owners have been asked to update their signboards and promotional materials accordingly, the news agency reported. The order mandates compliance within 10 days from the date of issuance. The IMC has warned that failure to follow the directive will result in action under relevant laws and municipal byelaws. (with PTI inputs)
02 April,2026 12:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBeacon-style lights and ‘Police’ stickers have been removed from two sports utility vehicles in filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s private convoy after this newspaper brought the matter to light, following allegations that the automobiles were being made to resemble official police cars, raising concerns about potential misuse of authority. Responding to the controversy, Shetty’s spokesperson told mid-day, “Following the unfortunate firing incident at Rohit Shetty’s residence [on February 1], the police promptly implemented heightened security measures, protecting both his home and film sets. During the initial phase, police identification stickers were placed on certain vehicles as part of these arrangements, which have now been removed.” Shetty remains under police security, with two personnel watching over him, as the matter remains under active surveillance. “We sincerely thank the Mumbai Police for their unwavering support and cooperation during this difficult time,” the spokesperson said. Rohit Shetty, filmmaker. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE Sources in the know said that police personnel with weapons and security guards, often in plain clothes, used to occupy both SUVs. They were reportedly dressed like private security or bouncers, as uniforms could possibly deter people from approaching during public appearances. On-duty personnel accompanying the director will now don police uniform. Case details The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that two SUVs, were being used as part of his convoy, allegedly fitted with police-style lights and marked ‘Police’, despite being privately owned vehicles (registered with the name of Rohit Shetty as per RTO records). The SUVs were reportedly manned by private security guards. No reply by cops This reporter again contacted senior Mumbai Police officials concerned seeking what action was taken in this case, but received no response till press time. The pictures show embellishments which were later removed. Pics/Nimesh Dave (Before) and By Special Arrangement (After) Activist Speak Anil Galgali, Activist told mid-day ‘I have written a letter to the Mumbai police commissioner and the joint commissioner of police (traffic), seeking action against Rohit Shetty. This is a very serious matter, as displaying ‘Police’ on private vehicles and using beacon lights or sirens is strictly prohibited and punishable under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Amendment 2019). Such acts mislead citizens, undermine the authority of the police system, and can potentially create law and order issues. Strict action must be taken, as has been done in similar cases in the past.’
02 April,2026 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
