The Thane Police in Maharashtra have a launched a detailed probe after as many as 11 local residents were allegedly duped of lakhs of rupees in a fake 'MHADA housing scheme' and booked three people in connection with the matter. According to the police, the suspects allegedly cheated 11 residents of Maharashtra’s Thane district by luring them with promises of low-cost housing under a government scheme and using forged credentials to open bank accounts for larger financial transactions, police said on Monday, the PTI reported. Initially, a 54-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar in Thane, who filed the complaint, alleged that the accused won her trust by promising her a house at a concessional rate under the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) scheme. The accused lured the complainant and others by offering MHADA flats at low prices and collected money from them over the last two years, as per the PTI. Fraudsters misuse personal details to obtain SIM cards, email IDs, and bank accounts They also misused their personal details to procure SIM cards, create email IDs, and open bank accounts, an official from Hill Line police station said. The accused allegedly took Rs 5,000 each from 11 victims, collecting a total of Rs 55,000. They used the victims' credentials to route larger financial transactions through bank accounts opened in their names, he said. Alleged fund transfers carried out using forged signatures and documents "They allegedly transferred funds to various bank accounts of companies and builders using forged signatures and documents, thereby cheating the victims and breaching their trust," the official said, the news agency reported. Following the woman's complaint on Saturday, the police registered a case against three persons under relevant provisions for cheating and forgery, he added. The police suspect that more individuals may have been cheated and have urged people to verify claims related to government housing schemes before making payments. BJP MLA alleges Rs 2,000-crore housing scam in Mumbai; govt orders audit In a similar incident earlier in March, the Maharashtra government ordered a vigilance audit after a BJP MLA alleged a Rs 2,000 crore scam in housing schemes in Mumbai. The report of the audit is expected within 30 days, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal told the legislative assembly. Madhuri Misal further stated that action would be taken against officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) if they are found to have ignored violations of rules by developers. Mihir Kotecha, BJP MLA from Mulund, raised the issue through a calling-attention motion. He said, “Developers have misused provisions under Development Control Regulations (DCR) 33(11) and 33(20)(b), meant for in-situ Permanent Transit Camp (PTC) and Project Affected Persons (PAP) housing,” as per PTI. BJP MLA alleges Rs 2000 crore housing scam In-situ PTC housing was shown in approved plans, but instead the developers constructed and sold commercial units and high-end residential flats, he claimed, adding that transactions worth over Rs 100 crore had taken place in Mulund alone and the total scale of the scam across Mumbai was more than Rs 2,000 crore. Minister Misal admitted that certain irregularities had come to light, and some developers had failed to hand over mandatory housing stock to authorities despite availing additional Floor Space Index (FSI) benefits. She further added, "Stop-work notices have already been issued in some cases. If it is found that sales took place and BMC officials ignored them, strict action will be taken," as cited by PTI. Misal also said that the government is reviewing policies related to the relocation of slum dwellers, particularly the cases where beneficiaries are shifted beyond the stipulated five-km radius from project sites. However, she also added that "a final decision on policy changes will be taken after consultations", as cited by PTI. (With PTI inputs)
30 March,2026 01:06 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentSt Xavier's College in Mumbai received a bomb threat on Tuesday, officials said, adding that the probe revealed it to be a hoax. According to the Mumbai Police, no suspicious objects were found during the search, and the threat is being treated as a hoax. Authorities have initiated appropriate action and begun an investigation, with further details awaited, reported ANI. The incident follows a series of similar threats reported across the city earlier this week. On Wednesday, threat emails were sent to multiple locations, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Vidhan Bhawan and the Bombay High Court. Bomb search operation Police teams, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), were deployed at the sites. Authorities said adequate security measures have been put in place, and necessary legal action is being taken at the respective police stations, reported the news agency. Earlier, on March 8, a hospital in Mumbai also received a bomb threat email warning of an “LED blast”, triggering panic among patients and staff. The BDDS later conducted a thorough inspection of the premises. Mumbai bomb threat: Search operation launched at Vidhan Bhavan after threat email In a similar incident last week, the Mumbai Police launched a search operation at the Vidhan Bhavan premises after the state legislature received a bomb threat through its official website. According to official sources, the threat message was received before the start of the day’s proceedings during the ongoing state Budget session. Following the alert, security agencies tightened access to the complex and temporarily restricted entry to facilitate a thorough search operation. Police teams, along with BDDS personnel, scanned the entire area as a precautionary measure. Four locations mentioned in threat email State Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde said the threatening email was received at 6:57 am. The message claimed that four locations were targets — Mumbai Metro, a court, Vidhan Bhavan and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The Vidhan Bhavan complex witnesses heavy footfall during legislative sessions, with MLAs, MLCs, ministers and staff attending proceedings daily. Search operations Officials said the operation was launched to ensure safety at the legislature complex, considered a highly sensitive location during the session. Further details were awaited as authorities continued to examine the premises. (With ANI inputs)
30 March,2026 12:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police have booked a hotel owner and his manager for alleged illegal use of domestic LPG cylinders, officials said, reported the PTI. According to the police, an FIR has been registered against two individuals for allegedly storing and using domestic LPG cylinders for commercial purposes at a hotel in Kalbadevi. The LT Marg Police said that the suspects who have been identified as Harish Mehta and Prakash Purohit have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Essential Commodities Act, the news agency reported. The matter came to light after a rationing officer conducted a raid at Laxmi Vilas Hindu Hotel. During the inspection, officials found that domestic LPG cylinders, meant for household use, were being used in the hotel kitchen without proper authorisation or licence. Police said that one empty cylinder was recovered from the premises, while another filled cylinder had already been seized earlier and deposited at the police station. Manager and owner booked The hotel manager, identified as Prakash Hansaram Purohit (28), failed to produce valid documents for the use of the cylinders. The hotel owner, Harish Mehta, has also been named in the case for alleged involvement. Officials noted that such misuse of subsidised LPG cylinders is a growing concern, as it affects supply meant for domestic consumers. Recent LPG theft in Mumbai The development comes days after a major LPG theft was reported in Kandivali West. Unidentified persons allegedly stole 27 cylinders from a delivery vehicle in the Charkop area between the night of 25 and 26 March. The stolen cylinders included five filled and 22 empty units. Police have registered a case and launched efforts to identify the culprits. Similar cases in Delhi Authorities have also reported similar violations in Delhi. On 26 March, the Delhi Police Crime Branch uncovered an illegal operation in the Ranhola area involving the hoarding and misuse of LPG cylinders. During the raid, officials seized 459 empty cylinders, including those belonging to Bharat Petroleum and Indane, exposing a large-scale unauthorised storage and suspected black marketing network. Rising concern over LPG misuse Officials across cities have expressed concern over the increasing misuse and illegal trade of LPG cylinders, especially amid heightened public anxiety over fuel availability. Investigations in all cases were ongoing, officials said. (with IANS inputs)
30 March,2026 12:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Police in Maharashtra have booked three persons for allegedly duping a man of Rs 2.92 lakh on the promise of a lucrative job in Russia, officials said on Monday, reported PTI. According to the police, the suspects assured the 38-year-old complainant, a carpenter from Badlapur (East), that they would arrange employment for him at a mall in Russia through a travel firm. They promised to provide an employment visa along with necessary arrangements such as a passport, visa, and tickets, and took Rs 2.92 lakh from him between November 2025 and January this year. Employment visa claim found to be false "However, the complainant was allegedly sent abroad on a temporary visa instead of an employment visa," an official from Bhiwandi police station said, the news agency reported. The complainant further alleged that after reaching Russia, he was made to perform strenuous work and was not provided the job as promised. The accused also failed to return the amount taken from him, the official said. Charges include cheating and breach of trust Based on the complaint, the police registered a case on Saturday against two men and a woman under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 318(4) (cheating), 316(2) (criminal breach of trust), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), and 3(5) (common intention), he said. A search is on for the accused, and the police are also verifying the role of the travel agency involved, the official added. Man cheats UPSC aspirant of Rs 13 lakh in fake BMC job fraud In a similar incident earlier in March, the Kasturba Marg Police in Kandivali registered a case against one Himanshu Mishra for allegedly defrauding a UPSC aspirant of Rs 13 lakh by promising him a job in the BMC. According to the 26-year-old complainant, he came in contact with Mishra in 2024 through his friend Adarsh Yadav, who informed him that his acquaintance could arrange a supervisor’s job in the BMC’s Water Department and demanded money. The complainant initially transferred Rs 65,000 on July 31, 2024, to Yadav’s bank account, who claimed he forwarded the money to Mishra. Later, the complainant began directly communicating with Mishra, who allegedly demanded more money at different stages of the supposed recruitment process. Police said the victim eventually paid Rs 12,00,010 through digital transfers and Rs 1 lakh in cash, totalling Rs 13,00,010 to the accused. Fake joining letter On August 3, 2024, Mishra allegedly met the complainant in Borivali and handed him a joining letter and identity card for the post of worker-cum-helper in the BMC. However, when Mishra continued to demand additional money, the complainant grew suspicious and asked for a refund. Mishra allegedly then called him for a supposed interview at the BMC office in Santacruz, but the accused never appeared. Case filed Investigations revealed that Mishra had cheated another person of nearly Rs 12 lakh. Following the complaint, the Kasturba Marg Police have registered a case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and related offences against Himanshu Mishra, said an officer from Kasturba Marg Police. (With PTI inputs)
30 March,2026 11:00 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA 53-year-old lawyer from Mulund was allegedly cheated of Rs 15 lakh in a property fraud after a Gujarat-based couple sold the same house to another buyer despite taking a hefty advance from him. According to Mulund police, the complainant was looking to purchase a house in Valsad, Gujarat, when he was introduced to accused Maulik Shah through a friend. Shah, along with his wife Manali Shah, offered to sell their property for Rs 25 lakh. After discussions, the deal was finalised and an MOU was signed in April 2021. The victim subsequently transferred Rs 20 lakh in multiple instalments via RTGS between April and August 2021. The accused allegedly cited reasons such as pending loan clearance and unavailability of original documents to delay the registration process. However, in December 2022, the victim discovered that the same property had already been sold to another buyer for Rs 45 lakh. When confronted, the accused admitted to selling the house and returned only Rs 5 lakh, assuring that the remaining amount would be paid later. Despite repeated follow-ups, the balance Rs 15 lakh was not returned. The FIR was registered on March 25, nearly three years after the alleged offence came to light in December 2022. “The delay in registering the FIR occurred as the accused kept giving assurances to the complainant about completing the transaction and later partially returned Rs 5 lakh, leading him to believe that the remaining amount would also be paid. However, when the accused failed to return the balance and it became clear that the property had been sold to another person, the complainant approached the police,” an officer from Mulund police station said. The two accused have been booked for cheating.
29 March,2026 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA shocking tale of obsession, jealousy, and deceit has emerged from Dahisar, where a 40-year-old woman allegedly staged an elaborate conspiracy to defame her own lover and keep him away from another woman. According to information received, the complainant, a resident of Dahisar, approached the Dahisar Police in December with a disturbing allegation. She claimed that an anonymous letter had been found hanging on her door latch, containing defamatory remarks about her alleged relationship with a man from the same housing society, who is engaged in the imitation jewellery business. The letter, seemingly written by a woman, not only named both individuals, but also made derogatory comments about the man’s masculinity. Shocked and humiliated, the woman approached the police, claiming someone was trying to malign her reputation. FIR and early leads Taking the matter seriously, police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the BNS, including 75, 78, 351(2), 352, 356, along with provisions of the IT Act, and launched an investigation. Interestingly, police sources revealed that even before this complaint was filed, a young man from the same society had approached the police alleging that objectionable messages about his mother were being circulated in the society’s WhatsApp group. The messages claimed that his mother was in a physical relationship with the same imitation jewellery businessman and even mentioned alleged hotel meetings. Despite being urged by police, the woman (the boy’s mother) refused to file a formal complaint at the time. Investigation takes a twist As investigators dug deeper, startling facts came to light. Police discovered that the complainant herself shared close relations with the businessman named in the anonymous letter. Call records indicated that the two were in frequent contact, often speaking for hours. Further probe revealed that the mobile number used to circulate defamatory messages in the WhatsApp group had been arranged by the complainant through her housemaid. Investigators now believe that driven by jealousy over the man’s growing closeness with another woman in the society, the complainant orchestrated the entire drama. From planting the anonymous letter to spreading defamatory messages, the aim was to tarnish his image and isolate him from others. Next course of action Police have summoned the other woman for recording her statement and are preparing to have it recorded before a magistrate to strengthen the case. Officials confirmed that they are building a strong prosecution against the complainant, who is now likely to face arrest for filing a false complaint, spreading defamatory content, and misleading authorities. “This appears to be a clear case of a self-orchestrated conspiracy driven by personal motives. We are following all legal procedures,” said a police officer.
29 March,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanWhat began as a terrifying midnight “raid” on a Navi Mumbai family by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in February 2025 has culminated in a high-profile FIR against top officers of the agency. This comes nearly a year after the builder died by suicide, alleging that the officers put his family through weeks of harassment, followed by a chilling ultimatum to pay a staggering Rs 15 crore to have their children’s names “scrubbed” from a fabricated drug case. Deceased builder Gurunath Chinchkar’s wife, Dr Kiran Chinchkar, registered an FIR at the NRI Coastal police station at Seawoods, Navi Mumbai, on Friday. Three officers — including NCB Zonal Director Amit Ghawate — have been booked for abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the BNS. According to the FIR, the ordeal began on February 2, 2025, when a team of 15-20 men, allegedly led by NCB officer Akash Malik, stormed the Chinchkar residence. Without showing a search warrant, the team reportedly snatched the family members’ mobile phones and passports, and manhandled the domestic workers. The complaint alleges that the intimidation moved from the living room to NCB’s Zonal Office. There, Zonal Director Amit Ghawate allegedly told the family if they didn’t pay r15 crore, they would have to watch their sons rot in prison in a fake drug case. The FIR mentions that Senior PI Sandeep Nigde from Belapur joined the fray, allegedly visiting the victim’s office with a “criminal suspect” in tow to further humiliate and threaten Gurunath. On April 25, 2025, the pressure reached its breaking point. Gurunath, who had been hospitalised just days prior for stress-related hypertension, told his wife he had an early “NCB meeting.” Instead, he went to his office and ended his life with a firearm. A suicide note was found at the scene, which the police have now used as the primary basis for the FIR. Dr Kiran told this paper, “They didn’t just want money; they wanted to destroy our dignity. My husband was a broken man before he pulled the trigger.” Under Inspector Devendra Pol, the NRI Coastal Police are now scrutinising CCTV footage from the Chinchkar residence and the NCB office to verify the allegations of “marathon interrogation” sessions mentioned in the FIR. Sunday mid-day’s repeated attempts to contact NCB went unanswered till the time of going to press. Rs 15 cr Amount the officers allegedly demanded The allegations . Dr Chinchkar claims NCB team stormed their home at midnight without search warrant. NCB officers forced them to sign panchnamas (seizure documents) without providing copies . Officers kept the husband and wife in “illegal custody” until 9 pm on multiple occasions. The agents demanded Rs 15 crore to clear their sons’ names Officers booked NCB Zonal Director Amit Ghawate: Allegedly demanded r15 crore and threatened familyNCB Officer Akash Malik: Led the initial “unauthorised” raid and seizureSenior PI (Belapur police) Sandeep Nigde: Alleged verbal abuse and constant phone harassment
29 March,2026 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has granted a compensation of Rs 33.9 lakh to the family of a 40-year-old man killed in a motorcycle accident in 2021, reported news agency PTI. Tempo driver held solely responsible for crash Thane MACT member R V Mohite held the driver of a tempo, who crashed into the victim's motorcycle, solely responsible for the accident and ordered the owner and insurer of the vehicle to jointly and severally pay the compensation, along with the interest of 9 per cent per annum from the date of filing of the petition till realisation, reported PTI. A copy of the order passed on March 20 was made available on Friday. Fatal accident occurred on Kalyan-Murbad Road The victim, Hemant Krushnakant Vedpathak, an employee of a private firm, was killed in an accident on June 3, 2021, on the Kalyan-Murbad Road, reported PTI. The tribunal noted that Vedpathak was riding his motorcycle when a tempo driven in a rash and negligent manner dashed into the two-wheeler, causing fatal injuries to the victim. No contributory negligence by victim, says tribunal "The offending tempo came from the opposite direction at high speed, in a rash and negligent manner, left its lane and went towards the wrong side and dashed into the motorcycle of the deceased," it said. It held that the tempo driver was the person who had the last opportunity to avoid the accident, and pointed out that there was nothing on record to show any contributory act on the part of the deceased, reported PTI. Insurer liable; Rs 23.9 lakh to wife, Rs 10 lakh to daughter The tribunal also rejected the insurer's contention regarding breach of policy condition, stating, "From evidence on record, it is proved that the driver of the offending vehicle was holding a valid and effective driving licence as well as a valid fitness certificate and permit to ply the vehicle. There is no breach of the terms and conditions of the policy." Out of the total compensation of Rs 33.9 lakh, the tribunal awarded Rs 23.9 lakh to the victim's wife and Rs 10 lakh to his minor daughter, with a portion of the amount to be kept in fixed deposits as per directions. (With inputs from PTI)
28 March,2026 04:18 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA case has been registered against a tour operator from Maharashtra's Thane district for allegedly duping a woman of Rs 6.6 lakh with the promise of arranging travel bookings for her clients, police said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. The Ulhasnagar police have registered a first information report under section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against one Akash Ahuja, an official said, reported PTI. According to police, the fraud occurred between November 2025 and January 2026 when the accused allegedly offered to book flight tickets and hotel accommodations for the complainant's clients for tours to Dubai and Goa. He allegedly collected Rs 6.6 lakh from the victim and later provided fabricated booking documents as proof of the arrangements, the official said, reported PTI. Upon verification, all the booking details were found to be fake. The complainant approached the police earlier this week, he said, adding that no arrest has been made in the case, and a probe is underway. Two held for cheating Thane businessman with promise of arranging investment In another case, two persons have been arrested for allegedly cheating a businessman of lakhs of rupees by promising to arrange a Rs 50 crore investment in his company, police said on Thursday, reported PTI. Vinod Yadav alias Baba Yadav and Dilip Mamtora, along with another person, allegedly provided a fake 'Angadiya' (courier) receipt and SWIFT documents for USD 28 lakh to the complainant to gain his trust, and took Rs 34.20 lakh from him between August 2025 and March 2026, reported PTI. But the complainant received no funds in his accounts. A case was registered at Kashigaon police station in Bhayander under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy, and Yadav and Mamtora were arrested on Tuesday, officials said. Police have recovered Rs 34.20 lakh from the accused, said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Madan Ballal, reported PTI. "Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused have cheated several other individuals using a similar modus operandi," he added. Further investigation is underway, officials said. (With inputs from PTI)
28 March,2026 03:52 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA major theft involving LPG cylinders has been reported in Mumbai’s Kandivali West, adding to concerns over cooking gas availability in the city. According to the Mumbai Police, unidentified individuals allegedly stole 27 cylinders from a delivery tempo parked in the Charkop area, reported news agency IANS. The incident took place during the intervening night of March 25 and 26, when the vehicle was stationed with cylinders scheduled for distribution the following day. Delivery tempo targeted during late hours Police officials said the accused broke into the parked tempo and stole a total of 27 cylinders, including five filled and 22 empty ones. The nature of the theft suggests that the perpetrators were aware of the vehicle’s contents and targeted it deliberately, reported IANS. The tempo had been parked overnight after completing scheduled deliveries, making it an easy target in a relatively less monitored area. Driver discovers theft the next morning The complainant, Nandkumar Ramraj Soni (35), a resident of Malad West, has been working as a delivery agent with Shriji Gas Service for the past seven years. Delivering LPG cylinders door-to-door is his primary source of livelihood, reported IANS. On March 25, Soni completed his routine delivery work and parked the tempo at around 11 p.m. in Charkop before returning home. When he came back at approximately 8 a.m. on March 26, he found the vehicle had been tampered with, reported IANS. The window glass was broken and the rear lock damaged. Upon checking, he realised that all the cylinders had been stolen. Case registered, CCTV footage under review After initially confirming with colleagues that the cylinders had not been moved, Soni approached the police and filed a complaint. A case has been registered at Charkop Police Station against unknown persons. Police officials said multiple teams have been deployed to investigate the case. CCTV footage from nearby locations has captured some suspicious individuals and vehicles, which are currently being analysed. Illegal distribution networks under investigation Investigators are also exploring the possibility that the stolen cylinders may have been diverted to illegal gas distribution channels or scrap markets. Individuals linked to such activities are being questioned as part of the probe, reported IANS. The total value of the stolen cylinders is estimated at around Rs 15,500. Officials stated that despite the relatively low monetary value, the incident is being treated seriously due to potential safety risks and its impact on supply chains. The police have said that the investigation is progressing on multiple fronts and expressed confidence that those responsible will be identified and apprehended soon. (With inputs from IANS)
28 March,2026 01:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA four-year-old boy was abducted and robbed of his gold earrings in Vikhroli East on March 24 between 11 am and 11.15 am. The child had stepped out alone with a Rs 10 note given by his mother to buy biscuits. His father works as a supervisor at an engineering company. The four-year-old stepped out of his Vikhroli residence with a Rs 10 note to buy biscuits from a nearby shops Two men roaming nearby noticed the boy and his gold studs, picked him up, and took him to a secluded spot near a nullah behind the street. There, they bit and pulled out the earrings, injuring his ear, and fled. Probe and arrest Police said the crime was unplanned. The accused, residents with no prior record, targeted the child randomly and did not try to hide. The family initially did not complain, assuming the earrings were of low value, but later approached the Vikhroli police. Two men, Mohammed Bashir and Ubed Salim Shaikh noticed the boy’s gold earrings, picked him up, and took him to a secluded spot near a nullah With no CCTV cameras in the immediate vicinity, the investigation relied heavily on the child’s statement. “The boy is very smart for his age. He clearly remembered details like their dressing style, physical features, the way they walked and spoke, and even the direction they came from and fled towards. This helped us greatly in tracing the accused,” police said. After escaping, the injured child told Vikhroli police exactly how the men looked, the way they walked and in which direction they went Acting on these inputs, police teams tracked down the suspects and detained them. The accused, identified as Mohammed Bashir alias Ubed Salim Shaikh, 25, and Arbaz Zahidali Pathan alias Allu, 24, were detained and later confessed to the crime. After escaping, the injured child told Vikhroli police exactly how the men looked, the way they walked and in which direction they went. Using his clues, police tracked down and arrested the two accused. Illustrations/Uday Mohite The stolen four-gram gold earrings worth Rs 50,000 were recovered. Both have been remanded to three days’ police custody. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Senior PI Suryakant Naikwadi, PI (Crime) Mahesh Jadhav, API Ganesh Rathod, and PSI Yogesh Chinchole.
28 March,2026 10:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerADVERTISEMENT
