Mumbai Police on Monday said that it has arrested a notorious fraudster from the city airport for allegedly swapping ATM cards and cheating people. The accused had been allegedly cheating people at ATM centres by swapping their cards while pretending to offer help, an official said, adding that the arrest was made by the Kandivali Police. The police said that the accused used a WagonR car to visit ATM centres and wore a helmet to hide his identity. On the pretext of assisting customers, he would cleverly exchange their ATM cards and later withdraw money from other ATMs. Investigations revealed that several similar cases have been registered against him in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and other districts and states. The arrested man has been identified as Syed Kalamuddin Khan (35), a tours and travels driver and a resident of Yadav Mistry Chawl, Khairani Road, Sakinaka, Andheri East. Police recovered Rs 6,900 in cash from his possession. Incident at Kandivali ATM According to police, the incident took place on 13 January 2026 between 12.35 pm and 12.55 pm at a Bank of Baroda ATM on S.V. Road, Kandivali West. The complainant was setting the PIN for his ATM card when the accused distracted him and secretly swapped the card. The accused later withdrew Rs 50,000 from another ATM, causing financial loss to the victim. Suspect booked Based on the complaint, Kandivali Police registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on the same day. During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the ATM and nearby government and private establishments. This helped them identify the accused and verify his criminal background. Police then kept watch on his movements. Acting on a tip-off from a confidential informant, the accused was detained from Mumbai Airport in the early hours of 30 January. Three-day surveillance led to arrest A police team visited the accused’s residence in Sakinaka but found it locked. Officers in plain clothes kept the house under surveillance for three days. During this period, police received information that the accused had travelled to his native village in Uttar Pradesh and was returning to Mumbai on a flight from Varanasi. The police team tracked the flight details and arrested him as soon as he landed, an officer said. Investigations underway The action was taken under the guidance of Senior Inspector Karan Sonkawade. The team was led by PSI Nitin Satam, along with police personnel Pravin Jopale, Rajendra Gautam, Swapnil Jogalpure, Sudhir Nadkar, and Pravin Waghmare. Special assistance was provided by the Crime Detection Team of Dadar Police Station, led by API Ram Sagade. The accused has been remanded to police custody till February 2, 2026. Further investigation is underway to find out whether he was involved in similar ATM fraud cases in other places.
02 February,2026 11:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanShubham Lonkar, an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, has been declared a wanted suspect in the firing case at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Mumbai’s Juhu area, a police official said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. At around 12:45 am on Sunday, five shots were reportedly fired at Rohit Shetty’s nine-storey home, with one bullet hitting the glass of the building’s gym. Lonkar is also wanted in connection with the October 2024 murder of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, who was shot dead in Bandra East. According to police, Lonkar allegedly claimed responsibility for the firing incident in a social media post, reported PTI. A police official said the firing was carried out with the intention of killing the filmmaker, who was in his residence on the seventh floor of Shetty Tower, located on Road Number 10 at Mehmood Chowk. A case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Maharashtra Police Act, and Arms Act for attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, and other offences has been registered at Juhu police station. The Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) of the Mumbai Crime Branch has also initiated a probe. Four people have been arrested so far. Firing at Rohit Shetty's house Meanwhile, the accused who allegedly fired the five rounds at the filmmaker's home remain at large, and multiple teams have been formed to apprehend him and his associates, the official added. According to PTI, the arrested accused have been identified as Swapnil Bandu Sakat (23), Samarth Pomani (19), Siddharth Yenpure (19), and Aditya Gayki (19), all residents of Vadgaon, Dhayri, and Karve Road areas in Pune. These four are accused of providing the scooter used in the crime and offering logistical support. Sakat is unemployed, Pomani is a college student, while Yenpure and Gayki work as delivery boys for app-based services. One of the four has a prior case registered against him. "The weapon used is of good quality. The scooter was found abandoned near Kings Hotel on St. Joseph Church Road, Vile Parle West," the official said, reported PTI. The complainant in the case is a 31-year-old security guard deployed at Shetty's residence. Typically, the building is guarded by three private personnel and two police officers assigned to the filmmaker's security, the complaint mentioned. According to the complaint, two security guards were monitoring CCTV screens while one police officer was having his meal on the sixth floor when the complainant heard a sound resembling firecrackers. Upon checking the CCTV, he spotted a man wearing a black jacket and white pants, carrying a pistol-like weapon and firing, the official said, quoting the complaint. "After firing five rounds, the accused fled on a scooter. Five empty cartridges were recovered from the spot. Mobile phones of the four arrested accused have been seized. Investigations are also underway to trace the weapon's origin and how the shooter obtained it," he added, reported PTI. Police are also probing aspects such as funding for the crime and whether the accused carried out prior reconnaissance of the filmmaker's building. (With PTI inputs)
02 February,2026 10:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police on Monday said that certain social media handles were allegedly misrepresenting data and spreading rumours about cases of missing and kidnapped children in the city. The police categorically denied the claims and said that such posts may create unnecessary public panic and that the officials were in process of taking action against such misleading posts. In an official statement, Mumbai Police said that action is being taken, including the registration of FIRs, against individuals who are deliberately spreading false information on social media platforms. According to the online claims, the social media posts have claimed that the disappearance of minor children has become a serious crisis in Mumbai. The social media posts alleged that 12 minor children went missing within 36 hours from the jurisdictions of seven police stations, and that eight of them were girls. However the claims have been denied by Mumbai cops. The posts further claimed that FIRs were registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on suspicion of kidnapping, based on complaints filed by parents and guardians. "The registration of FIR against persons indulging in mischief and creating panic in society by deliberate false representation of data with respect to kidnapping of children is under process," a senior Mumbai Police official said on Monday. Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims.Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and… — मुंबई पोलीस Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) February 2, 2026 Social media posts suggested trafficking networks The social media posts also suggested that the alleged incidents pointed to the presence of organised child trafficking networks operating in Mumbai. However, Mumbai Police said these claims are false and misleading, and urged citizens not to believe or forward unverified information. The police stressed that such rumours can cause fear among the public and divert resources from genuine cases. Mumbai Police on Monday said that certain social media handles were allegedly misrepresenting data and spreading rumours about cases of missing and kidnapped children in the city. The police categorically denied the claims and said that such posts may create unnecessary public… pic.twitter.com/6qmxqyPhcJ — Mid Day (@mid_day) February 2, 2026 Appeal Sources said that the officials have appealed to citizens to verify information through official sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed posts. In a social media post on its official X handle, Mumbai Police wrote, "Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims. Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic, is under process."
02 February,2026 07:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday said that strict action against vehicle owners whose illegal parking obstructs fire-fighting and rescue operations in Mumbai. In such cases, a First Information Report (FIR) will be registered against the concerned vehicle owner. According to an official statement, the BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani has issued clear instructions in this regard, stressing the need for effective and timely emergency response. The decision was taken after discussions at the commissioner’s office and official orders have now been issued. The BMC said that it has been repeatedly observed that unauthorised parking along roads creates major obstacles for Mumbai Fire Brigade vehicles while responding to fires and other emergencies. Fire engines, rescue vehicles, advanced equipment and trained personnel are required to reach disaster sites quickly. However, illegally parked vehicles often delay access, making rescue operations difficult and increasing the risk of loss of life and property. The civic body has termed the issue extremely serious, as even a short delay during emergencies can have severe consequences. FIR to be registered after completion of rescue work The BMC has stated that if, during a fire or disaster, loss of life, injuries or major property damage occurs and it is found that illegal parking caused delays in fire or rescue operations, strict action will follow. In such cases, after the emergency operation is fully completed, the fire officer or staff on duty will - - Take photographs of the obstructing vehicle - Record the vehicle registration number - File a direct FIR at the concerned police station with senior approval "The aim is to deter illegal parking, create public awareness and ensure faster emergency response," official said. Citizens’ complaints to be forwarded to cops The BMC further said that it has also prepared a system to handle complaints from citizens regarding illegal parking. If residents report unauthorised parking that affects emergency movement, the Mumbai Fire Brigade will forward the complaint to the concerned police station, traffic police department and the relevant ward office. The complainant will also be informed about the action taken, said Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar.
02 February,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA man arrested in connection with a theft case managed to escape from police custody at a station in Maharashtra’s Thane district, officials said on Monday, reported news agency PTI. The incident occurred at Navghar police station on Sunday morning. The accused, identified as Abdul Wajidli Maniyar, a resident of Azad Nagar in the Bhayander area, had been taken into custody late Saturday night for his alleged involvement in a house theft in the Navghar locality, reported PTI. According to police, Maniyar fled from the lock-up around 9.19 am while routine cleaning work was being carried out inside the police station premises. A search operation has been launched to trace the absconding accused, officials said. Police have also begun an internal inquiry to determine how the escape took place and to examine whether there was any negligence or lapse in security arrangements, reported PTI. 18 laptops stolen from courier firm's godown in Thane; cops launch probe In another case, as many as 18 laptops valued at Rs 12.6 lakh have allegedly been stolen from a courier company's godown in Maharashtra's Thane district, police said on Monday, reported PTI. A consignment of laptops had been handed over to the courier company for delivery to Chennai and Bengaluru and kept at its warehouse in the Bhiwandi area, reported PTI. Some persons allegedly broke open the sealed computer boxes and removed the laptops between September 11 and 25 last year. To conceal the theft, the boxes were refilled with dummy material, an official from Narpoli police station said. The theft came to light after the consignment failed to reach the intended destinations and the boxes were later checked, he said. "On verification, it was found that 18 laptops valued at Rs 12,61,730 were missing," the official said, reported PTI. Based on a complaint by the warehouse manager, the police registered an FIR on January 30 against unidentified persons under relevant legal provisions. "We are examining the role of the courier company staff involved in handling the shipment and checking transport and delivery records," the official said, reported PTI. (With inputs from PTI)
02 February,2026 12:02 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Ghatkopar police have booked a man for allegedly posing as an Indian Navy officer and duping a family of Rs 2.01 lakh on the pretext of offering jobs to two daughters, officials said. A case has been registered against Vinod Vishnu Gaikwad following a complaint by a 40-year-old woman who works as a bus conductor with the BEST. Police said the accused approached the woman in early June 2025, claiming he was facilitating “offline recruitment” and promised clerical/office posts for her daughters. The job offers were allegedly made to the complainant’s daughters, aged 18 and 19. To build credibility, he allegedly showed what appeared to be official identity cards and appointment letters and spoke of formalities linked to recruitment. The complainant told police the accused then began demanding money citing various reasons, including medical certificates, uniforms, security deposits, hostel fees, and training material. In June last year, the family allegedly made UPI transactions of Rs 2,01,400 to accounts shared by the accused. Suspicion arose when promised joining dates were repeatedly postponed, and the accused stopped responding to calls. The complainant realised she had been cheated after independently verifying the claims and approached the police.
02 February,2026 07:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerAfter shots were fired outside actor Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments in 2024, a similar firing incident is now reported outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu. The incident took place around 12.40 am on Sunday at the 10-storey Shetty Tower, located at Hasya Kalakar Mahmood Chowk. An unidentified man allegedly fired five rounds at the building before fleeing the spot. The filmmaker, along with his family, was present at his residence when the firing occurred. The forensic team recovered five used bullet cartridges from the scene Following the incident, the Mumbai Crime Branch, with assistance from Juhu police and the Pune Crime Branch, detained five suspects from Pune in connection with the case. The incident According to police sources, the accused had purchased a two-wheeler in Pune a few days earlier. The vehicle was registered in another person’s name. The shooter allegedly conducted reconnaissance of the area and mapped out escape routes prior to the attack. “At around 12.40 am, the accused arrived on the two-wheeler and parked it two buildings away from Rohit Shetty’s residence. He then walked to the spot and fired five rounds,” a police officer said. CCTV footage shows suspected shooter walking towards Shetty Tower moments before opening fire. Pics/By Special Arrangement “One bullet struck the safety glass of a balcony, two hit the wall on the first floor, and the remaining two hit the safety wall near the building entrance.” The entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the building and nearby areas. After firing, the accused fled on the two-wheeler. However, upon encountering a police nakabandi near the Tulip Star Hotel junction, he made a U-turn and escaped towards Juhu Church. Out of fear of being caught, he abandoned the vehicle near the church and boarded an autorickshaw. When the driver refused to go to Kalyan from Juhu, he was dropped at Juhu Chowpatty. He later changed autos, reached Santacruz station, travelled to Kalyan and eventually escaped to Pune by train, police said. Investigation During the investigation, police examined multiple CCTV cameras but found only blurred footage of the accused parking the two-wheeler. The vehicle was seized from the spot. Using the registration number, police traced the original owner, who revealed that he had recently sold the vehicle to the shooter. Mumbai Crime Branch officials subsequently alerted the Pune Crime Branch, leading to the detention of five suspects from different locations in Pune. Suspects detained >> Aman Anand Marote, 27, resident of Karve Nagar>> Aditya Gnaneshwar Gayaki, 19, Karve Nagar>> Siddharth Deepak Yenpure, 20, Dhayari>> Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji, 18, Dhayari>> Swapnil Bandu Sakat, 23, Pune district Forensic evidence Police recovered five used bullet cartridges and sent them for forensic examination. Bullet impact marks have also been documented. No prior threat A senior Crime Branch officer said Shetty had not received any threat calls or messages prior to the incident. “There is no record of threats or any ongoing dispute. He was not involved in any controversy. We are still trying to determine why his residence was targeted,” the officer said. Verifying Bishnoi gang claim Following the firing, a social media post surfaced claiming responsibility in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Police said the post, which also carried threats aimed at the film industry, is currently being verified. No official confirmation has been made so far regarding the authenticity of the claim. Investigators are also examining whether the incident could be linked to the recent launch of a book on the Mumbai underworld by former police commissioner Rakesh Maria, an event attended by Shetty and actor Ajay Devgn. Police have not established any direct connection so far. Not an attempt to kill “This was not an attempt to kill the filmmaker,” a Crime Branch officer said. “It appears to be an act meant to intimidate. The motive behind the firing is still unclear and remains under investigation.”
02 February,2026 07:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaA man missing for 10 years have been reunited with his family after Palghar cops traced him to Delhi during a special operation, officials said on Sunday. According to the police, the man had left his home in Maharashtra’s Palghar district in 2016 and has been reunited with his parents years later, following sustained efforts by the local police, reported the PTI. The man, identified as Praveen Pawar, now 39, was traced in Delhi on Saturday. Police said that Pawar is originally from Ahilyanagar. While working at a hospital in Vikramgadh in Palghar district, he reportedly had a dispute with his parents and left home in 2016. Since then, he remained untraceable, according to the PTI. Operation Muskan leads to breakthrough The case was taken up under Operation Muskan-14, a special campaign launched by Palghar Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh to trace missing children and adults by revisiting old and unsolved cases, as per the PTI. Police teams reopened the case and began following fresh leads using modern investigative tools. Technical and human intelligence used to trace the man Wada police station inspector Dattatray Kindre said Pawar was located in Delhi using technical investigation methods, human intelligence, and social media tracking. “Utilising leads from technical investigation, human intelligence and social media traces, we were able to locate Pawar in Delhi. His family is extremely happy,” Kindre said, reported the PTI. The police are now completing the formalities to ensure Pawar’s safe return and reunion with his family. Lost for 12 years, mother reunites with sons A woman who went missing in city some 12 years ago has finally been reunited with her three sons from Parbhani, thanks to the compassion and persistent efforts of the Mumbai Police. The woman was found by the police officials while she was begging on the city streets, said an official. According to the officials, over a decade ago, the woman had travelled to Mumbai with her family. During the visit, she got separated from her relatives in the city’s crowded streets. Despite repeated attempts to trace her, the family failed to find any clue. With time, hope faded. Her children eventually returned to their native place in Parbhani, believing that their mother was lost forever. Chance encounter during police drive The turning point came on January 13, when police from JJ Marg police station were conducting a routine drive against beggars and homeless persons. At JJ Junction, they noticed a woman in her seventies begging on the roadside. She appeared confused, weak, poorly clothed and mentally distressed. When questioned, she was unable to give clear answers and spoke incoherently. ‘My name is Godavari and I am lost’ Under the guidance of senior police inspector Rais Shaikh, a team including sub-inspector Jamadar and women constables Bhosale and Gavit began efforts to identify the woman, a police official said. After she was cleaned up and given food, she repeatedly said just one sentence: “My name is Godavari. I am lost.” Shelter home and NGO support With very limited information, the police completed legal formalities and, following a court order, shifted her to a shelter home in Chembur. To move the case forward, the police sought help from Koshish, an NGO that works with beggars and homeless people. During counselling sessions conducted by the NGO along with women police personnel, the woman mentioned Selu in Parbhani district. Missing complaint found after 12 years This vital clue led JJ Marg police to contact Selu police station. A check of old records revealed a missing person complaint filed 12 years ago for a woman matching her description. Her three sons were called to the police station and shown photographs shared by Mumbai Police. The moment they saw the picture, they broke down—it was their mother. An emotional reunion Overcome with emotion, the sons immediately travelled to Mumbai, carrying a new sari and food for their mother. After completing all legal procedures, JJ Marg police formally reunited the woman with her children. As the family came together after 12 long years of separation, tears of joy were shared by the sons and the personnel who witnessed the reunion in Mumbai, the official said.
01 February,2026 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai police have registered a case against a Dubai-based individual for allegedly duping a local businesswoman of Rs 43.41 lakh under the pretext of lucrative business investments, police said here Sunday, reported news agency PTI. The 44-year-old woman, engaged in the e-commerce business and residing in the Old Panvel area of Navi Mumbai, saw an advertisement on Instagram in 2023 for a dealership in prayer mats and garments, reported PTI. After contacting the listed WhatsApp number, she began communicating with a man who claimed to be based in Dubai. Over several months, the man won her trust and asked her to invest additionally in rental properties for bachelors, promising an annual profit of Rs 1.20 lakh per house, and purchasing cheap laptops from the US for resale with a 15 per cent profit margin, a police official said, reported PTI. Between June 21, 2023, and February 5, 2024, the victim transferred Rs 43,41,350 to different accounts using her own funds and those of her father, husband and sister, he said. Despite multiple follow-ups, the accused failed to provide any returns or refund the principal amount, the official said. The victim later approached the police, who registered a case on January 30 against the man on charges of cheating, he said. Navi Mumbai businessman loses Rs 1 crore in share investment fraud In another case, a 75-year-old businessman from Navi Mumbai has allegedly been cheated of Rs 1.08 crore after being promised high returns in share market investments, police said on Sunday, reported PTI. The victim, a resident of the Vashi area in Navi Mumbai, last month clicked on an advertisement that he came across on Facebook promising lucrative returns for investments in the share market, reported PTI. He was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group and directed to various fraudulent websites to set up a trading account. Between December 5, 2025, and January 6 this year, the victim was deposited Rs 1.08 crore into various accounts in 18 separate transfers, a cyber police official said, reported PTI. To gain his trust, the fraudsters initially showed his "profits" growing to over Rs 4 crore on the platform. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, the fraudsters demanded further payments under the guise of taxes and IPO subscription fees, the official said. He then filed a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police registered an FIR on January 29 against two unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act for cheating. (With inputs from PTI)
01 February,2026 02:44 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA 75-year-old businessman from Navi Mumbai has allegedly been cheated of Rs 1.08 crore after being promised high returns in share market investments, police said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI. The victim, a resident of the Vashi area in Navi Mumbai, last month clicked on an advertisement that he came across on Facebook promising lucrative returns for investments in the share market, reported PTI. He was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group and directed to various fraudulent websites to set up a trading account. Between December 5, 2025, and January 6 this year, the victim was deposited Rs 1.08 crore into various accounts in 18 separate transfers, a cyber police official said. To gain his trust, the fraudsters initially showed his "profits" growing to over Rs 4 crore on the platform. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, the fraudsters demanded further payments under the guise of taxes and IPO subscription fees, the official said, reported PTI. He then filed a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police registered an FIR on January 29 against two unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act for cheating. Case against Dubai-based man for duping Navi Mumbai businesswoman of Rs 43 lakh In another case, the Navi Mumbai police have registered a case against a Dubai-based individual for allegedly duping a local businesswoman of Rs 43.41 lakh under the pretext of lucrative business investments, police said here Sunday, reported PTI. The 44-year-old woman, engaged in the e-commerce business and residing in the Old Panvel area of Navi Mumbai, saw an advertisement on Instagram in 2023 for a dealership in prayer mats and garments. After contacting the listed WhatsApp number, she began communicating with a man who claimed to be based in Dubai. Over several months, the man won her trust and asked her to invest additionally in rental properties for bachelors, promising an annual profit of Rs 1.20 lakh per house, and purchasing cheap laptops from the US for resale with a 15 per cent profit margin, a police official said, reported PTI. Between June 21, 2023, and February 5, 2024, the victim transferred Rs 43,41,350 to different accounts using her own funds and those of her father, husband and sister, he said. Despite multiple follow-ups, the accused failed to provide any returns or refund the principal amount, the official said, reported PTI. The victim later approached the police, who registered a case on January 30 against the man on charges of cheating, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
01 February,2026 10:32 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentWhen a UK-based doctor and social media influencer, Sangram Patil, was stopped at Mumbai airport earlier this year in connection with allegedly objectionable online content, it underlined a shift in how Mumbai Police are responding to crimes committed from beyond India’s borders. The intervention at the airport was not dramatic, nor out of the ordinary for investigators, but it highlighted the police’s intention of implementing the familiar mechanism of the Look Out Circular (LOC), sans the pomp and show it is normally associated with. Traditionally associated with high-profile economic offenders and fugitives who flee the country after large-scale frauds, LOCs are now being increasingly used in cases involving digital crimes, both civil and criminal crimes — that include social media posts, threat emails and online communications — where the accused may be physically located overseas but legally answerable in India. From financial fugitives to digital accused For years, the term LOC conjured images of sensational cases involving business tycoons accused of bank fraud, or international fugitives, and organised crime figures. Names like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi are synonymous with the mechanism that alerts immigration authorities when an accused enters or attempts to leave the country. A LOC is passive but persistent; police are alerted via agencies when a culprit, who has committed a civil or criminal act against a resident Indian, enters the country. Illustration/Uday Mohite Senior Mumbai Police officers observe that while the legal framework for LOCs has remained untouched, it is the nature of cases in which they are invoked that has seen a strategic change. “In major economic offences, accused persons usually know the inner workings of a system well. They anticipate an LOC and take steps accordingly,” an officer familiar with the process explained. “But in cases linked to online behaviour — posts, emails or threats — many accused underestimate the consequences,” further adds the official. It is this arrogance of beating the system, police say, that has made LOCs particularly effective in cases involving digital offences. The digital trail that leads back home Mumbai Police are increasingly dealing with cases where alleged offences originate online but have real-world consequences — threats sent via email, provocative content posted on social media, or messages aimed at public figures. Often, the sender is traced to an overseas location, with the perpetrator working under the assumption that physical distance will guarantee protection. Once an FIR is registered, however, investigators rely on technical tools — IP analysis, platform-level data, email headers and coordination with service providers — to identify suspects. After identity is established, the question becomes one of timing: when will the accused return to India? That is where the LOC comes in. Unlike arrest warrants that require active execution, an LOC lies in wait. It does not chase the accused; it waits for them. How an LOC actually works A Look Out Circular is issued to immigration authorities across all ports of entry and exit—airports, seaports and land borders. It carries specific instructions based on the nature of the case and the stage of investigation. Another case In one instance, Mumbai Crime Branch investigators traced threatening emails sent to a political figure’s family member to a man working in the Caribbean. An LOC was issued soon after an FIR was registered. Months later, when the accused landed in Mumbai, immigration authorities flagged the alert, leading to his arrest before he could leave the airport premises. Subsequent investigation revealed that similar threats had been sent to other public figures as well. In another case, threatening emails directed at a Bollywood actor were traced to a student studying abroad. An LOC was issued, ensuring that whenever the accused returns to India, authorities are alerted. “These are not cases where we know when the person will return,” an officer said. “But the system ensures we are notified the moment they do,” they added. Why are online offenders often caught off guard? Police officials note a recurring pattern: individuals accused of online offences often assume that distance equals immunity. “There is a belief that if time passes, the case will lose momentum,” a senior officer explained. “But an LOC does not expire quietly. It stays in the system.” This persistence has proven critical in digital-era policing, where offences may be committed in seconds but investigations stretch across jurisdictions and time zones. Deterrence beyond arrests While arrests are the most visible outcome, police stress that LOCs also serve as a deterrent to crime. “The knowledge that an LOC can be issued even for online behaviour changes how people act,” an officer said. “It sends a message that digital anonymity does not override legal accountability,” they added. Police also emphasise that LOCs are not issued casually. Each request must be supported by an FIR, detailed case grounds and approval from competent authorities. A tool shaped for the digital age For the Mumbai Police, the mechanism has become a way to bridge the gap between global digital activity and local legal accountability. “Crimes today don’t respect geography,” an officer said. “Our response cannot be limited by it either,” he added. As digital footprints continue to expand and borders grow increasingly porous online, the Look Out Circular remains one of the few tools that ensures accountability waits patiently — right at the country’s gates. A tool shaped for the digital age As online platforms increasingly intersect with public order, security and personal safety. For Mumbai Police, the mechanism has become a way to bridge the gap between global digital activity and local legal accountability. “Crimes today don’t respect geography,” an officer said. “Our response cannot be limited by it either,” he added. What the experts say Nishant Salunke, Senior Cyber Forensic Expert “Cyber offences are borderless, but digital actions always leave traceable forensic footprints, irrespective of where the offender is physically located. IP logs, device identifiers, email headers, account metadata and platform records allow investigators to establish attribution even when activity originates overseas. Once attribution is confirmed and an FIR is registered, the passage of time or physical distance does not weaken the case. A Look Out Circular acts as an enforcement bridge, translating digital evidence into physical accountability at immigration checkpoints. Unlike arrest warrants, an LOC is passive yet persistent, remaining active until formally withdrawn. Online offenders are frequently caught off guard because they assume overseas activity provides immunity from Indian law. Immigration-linked alerts enable real-time notification as the individual enters the country. LOCs are effective in cyber cases because the alerts are instantaneous. The mechanism reinforces deterrence by signalling that online behaviour carries real-world legal consequences.’ Police officials describe three broad operational LOC categories Detain and inform: The person is detained on arrival, and police are alerted immediately. Prevent and inform: The individual is stopped from leaving the country, and police are informed. Inform only: Used mainly for monitoring travel movements, without alerting the individual. Over the years, LOC rules have evolved. Earlier, standing LOCs had a limited validity period. Under revised norms, a standing LOC now remains active until formally withdrawn, ensuring that alerts continue even if investigators are transferred or cases remain pending for years.
01 February,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilADVERTISEMENT
