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One dead, two injured after man attacks group for teasing his 'sister' in Mumbra

One 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 correspondent
A case was registered against a 36-year-old butcher, police said. Representational Pic/File/iStock

Thane: Butcher booked for violating 'meat ban' order on Mahavir Jayanti

The 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 correspondent
An SUV in Rohit Shetty’s convoy passes through an area in the suburbs last week. Pic/Nimesh Dave (right) The same vehicle on Wednesday, after all embellishments were removed. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Convoy ‘golmaal’ ends as Rohit Shetty removes police markings

Beacon-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 Khan
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty

What’s the ‘Golmaal’, Shetty? ‘Police’ tags, lights on private cars are illegal

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty is under scrutiny over splashing the word ‘Police’ and fitting police-style lights on at least two of his private cars, both Indian-made sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Shetty, 52, has directed some of the Hindi movie industry’s biggest hits of the past two decades, including the Singham trilogy, Chennai Express, and the Golmaal franchise, the fifth of which is currently being shot in the city.  Both these acts are illegal and subject to punishment under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, as amended in 2019. No vehicles apart from those belonging to law enforcement are allowed to use these. Rohit Shetty’s convoy with the police sticker and other embellishments passes through an area in Mumbai for a shoot last week. Pic/Nimesh Dave mid-day has photographs of both the SUVs, and traffic officials confirmed that they belong to Shetty. Vehicle details as listed with the RTO. Pic/By Special Arrangement Police officials told mid-day on condition of anonymity that Shetty had not received the level of police security he had sought. One officer said, “His request is still under consideration.” No response from police mid-day reached out repeatedly to the top brass of Mumbai Police including Commissioner Deven Bharti; Joint Commissioners Satyanarayan Choudhary (Law & Order) and Anil Kumbhare (Traffic); a senior official from the Security and Protection department of the DCP of Operations; and the Mumbai Police public relations officer (PRO). No one responded until 10.30 pm on Tuesday, the time of this newspaper going to print. Filmmaker's spokesperson issues statement However, by Wednesday afternoon, Shetty’s Spokesperson issued an official statement, stating that the stickers have now been “discontinued”. The statement read: “Following the firing incident at Rohit Shetty’s residence, the police had implemented heightened security measures and provided protection. Identification stickers were placed during the initial phase which have now been discontinued. At present, Rohit Shetty continues to remain under police security, with two personnel deployed for his safety, as the matter remains under active surveillance. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Mumbai Police for their steadfast support and cooperation during this challenging period.” The well-regarded filmmaker and television show host was at the receiving end of extortion threats earlier this year, and a firing incident was reported outside his residence in the early hours of February 1.  According to the police, the Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the February 1 shooting as well. A couple of weeks after the firing incident, Shetty wrote to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti asking for enhanced protection for himself and for the cast and crew of his upcoming movie Golmaal 5, which is currently being shot in Mumbai. The movie’s actors include Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Shreyas Talpade, Arshad Warsi, and Tusshar Kapoor. Rohit Shetty’s convoy passes through a suburban area in Mumbai for a shoot last week. Pics/Nimesh Dave Legal implications A senior traffic officer said: “Writing ‘POLICE’ on private vehicles or using police lights is illegal. Only official police vehicles are permitted.” Records accessed by officers of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) reveal that both SUVs in question are registered in Shetty’s own name, not the police department. A senior RTO official said, “Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as amended in 2019, displaying a “Police” sticker, logo, or board on a private vehicle is a punishable offence under Section 177. This section serves as the general provision for punishing traffic violations where a specific penalty is not stipulated elsewhere.” An RTO inspector told mid-day, “Whenever such cases are brought to our notice, we alert the local police.”  Activist responds Right to Information Act activist Anil Galgali who has exposed civic officials using police sirens told mid-day that the use of “POLICE” markings, unauthorised name plates, and illegal flashing lights are all serious violations of the law, and “a matter of grave public concern.” He said, “Such actions create a false impression of authority, mislead citizens, and undermine law enforcement agencies’ credibility.” He demanded that an FIR be registered against Shetty. “A high-level inquiry must be initiated to ascertain under whose permission, negligence, or possible complicity such misuse has been allowed. Clear and strict guidelines must also be issued,” Galgali said.

01 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
The dog was found dead in the society’s parking lot with signs of a struggle. Representational Pic

Stray dog beaten to death in Thane housing society; case filed

A stray dog was allegedly beaten to death at a housing society in Maharashtra's Thane district, prompting police to register a case against unidentified persons, officials said on Wednesday. According to PTI, the incident occurred at Bhoirwadi in Kalyan on Sunday night. Videos circulating on social media showed people walking with sticks in the residential area. The canine was later found dead in the society’s parking lot with signs of a struggle, an official from Khadakpada police station said. Complaint lodged by local feeder A local animal feeder lodged a complaint following the incident. Representatives of the Plants and Animals Welfare Society (PAWS) also took up the matter with the police, PTI reported.  Based on the complaint, police registered a case against unidentified persons on Monday under relevant sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the official said. Police are examining CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits, he added. The incident comes just days after a separate case was filed against a resident of the same society. On March 27, a 43-year-old woman, an animal lover, alleged that the resident threatened to poison stray dogs following a dog-bite incident involving a minor. A case of criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered against him. Stray dog beaten to death in Jogeshwari West, Mumbai Police book duo In a similar incident earlier in January this year, two unidentified men allegedly beat a stray dog to death and dumped its body into a drain near Ajit Glass Garden in Jogeshwari West on Saturday. The Oshiwara police have registered an FIR and launched a manhunt to trace the accused. According to the police, the incident occurred around 4.15 pm when the duo allegedly assaulted a brown stray dog with bamboo sticks before throwing the grievously injured animal into a drain nearby. The dog reportedly stopped moving shortly after. Local residents, alerted by the commotion, reached the spot and rushed the dog to a nearby veterinary clinic, but doctors declared it dead during examination. Subsequently, a complaint was filed by Kumari Gunjan Shankar Ram Jaiswal, 18, a resident of the area. Gunjan told the police that she and her sister Lali witnessed the brutal assault. “One man was wearing a black T-shirt and the other a white shirt. They repeatedly struck the dog with bamboo sticks. The dog was badly injured before they threw it into the drain,” Gunjan stated. Gunjan told police that while she does not know the accused by name, she can identify them. She has demanded strict legal action against the two men.The statement was recorded at Oshiwara police station and verified by Assistant Police Inspector Dharmaji Dokhare. The police confirmed that a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway. According to locals, the dog was gentle-natured and posed no threat. The alleged motive behind the killing was that the dog “barked” and disturbed a few residents. Witnesses claimed that the accused attacked the dog while it was sleeping, striking its head repeatedly with sticks until it died. (With PTI inputs)

01 April,2026 11:30 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
The accused, Rehmatulla Jafar Khan and Arshad Razzaq Khan. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

MD worth Rs 5.95 lakh seized in Mumbai's Andheri; two arrested

In a crackdown, the Daulat Nagar Police arrested two persons and seized 119 grams of MD (mephedrone) worth approximately Rs 5.95 lakh from Andheri West late on March 29. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Police Inspectors Avinash Derade and Sachin Khondre raided a room in a chawl near Usmaniya Dairy in Andheri West around 1.30 am. During the raid, 52-year-old Rehmatulla Jafar Khan and Arshad Razzaq Khan (31), both residents of the locality, were found in possession of the contraband and were arrested on the spot. Police have also booked an absconding accused, Arbaaz Muzammil Khan alias Nanu, for allegedly supplying the drugs. A case has been registered under Sections 8(c), 22(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, at Daulat Nagar Police Station.  The seized MD has an estimated market value of Rs 5.95 lakh. Further investigation is underway. Mumbai Police seize 37 kg ganja in Malwani, three arrested Mumbai Police on Tuesday seized 37 kilograms of ganja and arrested three individuals in Malwani during a late-night operation, officials said on Tuesday. The operation was carried out by the Malvani Police Station. The officials further registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. As per the police officials, the incident occurred around 3:00 am on March 31, when a surveillance team was patrolling near the Poonam Rose Nursery on Marve Road in Mumbai. During the patrolling, the officers noticed suspicious movement in the area and conducted a search, leading to the recovery of 37 kg of ganja allegedly meant for sale. The officials, while further asserting about the seizure, said that the seized contraband is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 18.5 lakh in the illegal market. Following the operation, the police have arrested three accused: Lavkush Phulchand Verma (28), Ankit Kumar Mansingh (24), and Situ Ramkumar Verma (24). The officials further said that all three accused are currently residing in Bhiwandi but are originally from Pratapgarh. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Senior Police Inspector Nagarkar and on the directions of Sandeep Jadhav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 11). Further investigation is underway to trace the source and supply network of the seized narcotics, police added.

31 March,2026 10:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A post-mortem examination has been conducted, police said. Representational Pic/File

Mumbai: British broadcast engineer associated with BCCI found dead at hotel

A British national who was a  broadcast engineer, associated with the BCCI was found dead at a hotel in south Mumbai, the police said, adding that so far nothing suspicious has been found. According to the police, the 76-year-old British citizen was identified as Jan William Langford. He was found unconscious at the hotel in Mumbai on the morning of March 30, 2026. Langford, a broadcast engineer associated with BCCI and IPL, was immediately taken to Bombay Hospital, where he was declared dead, a senior Mumbai Police official said. Investigation A post-mortem examination has been conducted. An official said that nothing suspicious was found at the scene. The case has been registered as Unnatural Death at the Marine Drive Police Station. Further enquiries are ongoing. DCP Zone 1, Dr Pravin Mundhe, said that the investigation is underway. BCCI express condolences  The IPL Governing Council and all stakeholders involved express their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Mr. Ian Williams Langford, a dedicated broadcast engineer, who was an integral part of our broadcast operations. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends back home. The IPL is committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to Mr. Langford’s family during this incredibly difficult time. The health, safety and overall security of every member involved in the smooth functioning of the IPL continues to remain of utmost importance.

31 March,2026 05:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
Representational Image

Maharashtra: Raigad PWD junior engineer held for accepting Rs 2.5 lakh bribe

A 29-year-old woman junior engineer from the Public Works Department (PWD) in Raigad was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh from a contractor for clearing his pending bill. Accused Identified; Initial Demand of Rs 3 Lakh The accused, identified as Shraddha Bohade, was posted as a Class-II junior engineer at the Murud sub-division of the PWD. According to ACB officials, she had initially demanded Rs 3 lakh from the complainant, a contractor, to prepare and process the final bill estimate for a road work project completed in 2024. Road Project and Withheld Payment Trigger Complaint The project involved constructing slab drains along the Murud–Ekdara–Rajapuri–Khokri road stretch. Despite completing the work, the contractor’s bill was allegedly withheld, prompting him to approach the ACB on March 28 with a complaint regarding the bribe demand. Verification Conducted; Bribe Amount Negotiated Following the complaint, the ACB Raigad-Alibaug unit conducted a verification exercise between 12 pm and 1:30 pm on March 30, during which the accused allegedly reiterated her demand. The amount was later negotiated down to Rs 2.5 lakh. Trap Laid at Murud Office; Accused Caught Red-Handed Subsequently, a trap was laid at the PWD sub-division office in Murud the same day. At around 5:40 pm, Bohade was caught accepting the bribe amount in the presence of panch witnesses. Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act Officials confirmed that a case has been registered at Murud police station under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation is underway. ACB Team Led by Senior Officials Conducts Operation The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior ACB officials, including Superintendent of Police Shivraj Patil, Additional SP Bhagwat Sonawane and Additional SP Suhas Shinde. The trap was executed by a team led by DySP Sarita Bhosale, along with inspectors Nishant Dhanwade and Narayan Sarode. ACB Urges Citizens to Report Corruption The ACB has once again appealed to citizens to come forward and report instances of corruption, assuring strict action against erring public servants.

31 March,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal. File Pic

Narhari Zirwal video controversy: Transperson’s brother booked by Mumbai Police

Mumbai Police have registered a case against the brother of a transperson, seen in a viral video with Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader Narhari Zirwal, for allegedly circulating of an alleged Artificial Intelligence (AI), doctored video, an official said on Tuesday, PTI reported.  A viral video which first appeared online last week, showed Zirwal with a transperson. The objectionable and obscene video quickly went viral, sparking a controversy.  The purported video allegedly showed the Minister of Food and Drug Administration in a compromising position with a transperson at his official residence. The transperson lodged a police complaint a few days ago, alleging that several videos of her had been recorded months earlier and were doctored using artificial intelligence technology, the official said, the PTI reported.  Alleged blackmail attempt According to the complaint, the transperson’s brother allegedly made the video viral as part of a blackmail attempt and demanded money or a job in the minister’s department. Following the circulation of the doctored video, the transperson approached the Cuffe Parade police station and filed a complaint. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, the official added, noting that further investigation is underway. Zirwal claims video doctored using two clips Earlier, the NCP minister said the viral video was doctored using two clips, and the CM had ordered a probe Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking to the media, mentioned that Zirwal called him to explain his side. “We will verify the video. If found guilty, action will be taken,” the chief minister said. Zirwal, MLA from Dindori, landed in controversy after an objectionable video allegedly showing a trans person in his room went viral. Zirwal dials CM Fadnavis Zirwal, who holds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) portfolio in the Mahayuti government, had made a phone call to Fadnavis, claiming the clip was misleading and was created by stitching together two different videos.  Previous controversy The controversy has mounted pressure on the NCP to take action against the minister, as this is not the first time the party MLA and minister is in the eye of a storm. Last month, an FDA clerk was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while allegedly accepting a bribe, triggering a political storm in Maharashtra. Immediately after the arrest, Zirwal denied any involvement in the case and distanced himself from the actions of his department staff. (With PTI inputs)

31 March,2026 02:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai Police has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. Representational Pic/File/iStock

Digital arrest: Man held hostage online for 25 days, defrauded of Rs 1.57 cr

A 69-year-old retired officer from the DN Nagar area of Andheri in Mumbai was subjected to a so-called “digital arrest” for 25 days and defrauded of Rs 1.57 crore by cyber criminals impersonating police and court officials, reported the IANS. The accused even staged a fabricated court hearing over a video call, invoking the name of a former Chief Justice of India to intimidate the victim and lend credibility to their claims. According to the Mumbai Police, prompt action on the complaint led to the arrest of an auto-rickshaw driver, Ashok Pal, who allegedly played a key role in facilitating the fraud. Investigators revealed that Pal permitted the fraudsters to use his bank account to channel the stolen funds in return for a commission, according to the PTI. Fraud began with impersonation call Police stated that the incident commenced on December 6, 2025, when the victim received a telephone call from an individual claiming to be a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) official named Sanjay Kumar Gupta. The caller alleged that objectionable MMS messages were being circulated from the victim’s mobile number and that a criminal case had been registered against him at the Bandra Crime Branch, as per the IANS. The call was subsequently transferred to another person posing as a police officer, identified as Pradeep Sawant, who instructed the victim to present himself at a police office in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. False money laundering allegations used The fraudsters escalated the deception by accusing the victim of involvement in a money laundering case, falsely linking him to businessman Naresh Goyal. They also cited an alleged investigation by an officer named Vijay Khanna to heighten the urgency and psychological pressure on the victim, the news agency reported. In order to reinforce the illusion of legitimacy, the accused orchestrated a mock courtroom environment via video call, presenting it as official proceedings overseen by the former CJI. The victim was threatened with immediate arrest and legal consequences should he fail to comply with their instructions. Under severe psychological distress, the victim was instructed to transfer all his financial holdings—including fixed deposits, mutual funds, and savings—into designated bank accounts under the pretext of “verification” for the ongoing investigation. Fearing arrest, he complied and transferred Rs 1.57 crore in multiple transactions between December 8 2025 and January 3, 2026, as per the IANS. The deception came to light when communication from the fraudsters abruptly stopped after the transfers were completed, raising suspicion. Upon consulting family members and acquaintances, the victim approached the Cyber Cell and formally reported the incident. Money trail leads to arrest During the course of the investigation, police traced the flow of funds and discovered that a substantial portion had been routed through Ashok Pal’s bank account. Upon questioning, he admitted to allowing cybercriminals to use his account in exchange for monetary gain. Authorities have since taken Pal into custody, while efforts continue to identify and apprehend other members of the organised fraud network, reported the IANS. Public advisory by police Mumbai Police has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. Officials stressed that no legitimate government authority or law enforcement agency ever requests money transfers over phone calls or video conferencing platforms. They clarified that terms such as “digital arrest” or “online court proceedings” in such contexts are entirely fraudulent. Citizens have been advised not to panic upon receiving suspicious calls and to verify claims through official channels. In the event of suspected cyber fraud, individuals should promptly report the matter to the national cybercrime helpline by dialling 1930. (with IANS inputs)

31 March,2026 01:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Accused with police after arrest in the extortion case. Pic/By Special arrangement

Tarot card reader extortion case: Four more held by Mumbai Police

In a follow-up to an earlier report by mid-day on the extortion of a tarot card reader, Mumbai Police have arrested four more persons, including two women, taking the total number of arrests in the case to six. The women were allegedly operating an NGO while posing as social workers. The other accused includes a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Mumbai Police and a journalist associated with a Hindi daily. Extortion plot According to police, the 40-year-old complainant, a tarot card reader, was called to a villa at Royal Palm in Aarey Colony on February 15 under the pretext of conducting a session for friends. On arrival, she was allegedly threatened by four men and two women, who warned they would implicate her in false prostitution and drug smuggling cases if she did not pay Rs 5 lakh. Under pressure, she transferred Rs 2 lakh online before approaching the Aarey police to lodge a complaint. A case was registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Read more: Fake crime branch officers extort Rs 2 lakh from woman in Aarey Mastermind missing During the probe, the crime detection team, under Senior Inspector Ravindra Patil and led by PSI Sachin Panchal, traced the bank account where the money was transferred. The account holder, Farhan Mustafa Qadri, 33, was arrested and revealed that the funds had been routed to his account by Ahmed, who is believed to be the mastermind and remains absconding. Arrests made Acting on further leads, police arrested the remaining accused, Swapnali Sunil Nadekar, 38; Kavita Ajay Yadav, 40; Rahul Suryakant Kambli, 41; Pradeep Mrityanjay Pathak, 36, and Eric Girgol Vegas, 60. Further investigation is underway to identify other victims and any additional accused.

31 March,2026 12:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
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