A Nashik-based man who had in December last year left a snake in the Vande Bharat Express train was nabbed from Thane district in Maharashtra after almost 50 days of manhunt, officials said. They said that the Central Railway's Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested the man accused of placing a snake inside a coach of the Vande Bharat Express train. The accused, identified as Jagan Arjun Bhale (37), a resident of Nashik district in Maharashtra, was apprehended from Mumbra on February 12, 2026. The incident took place on December 27, 2025, when a snake was discovered in the toilet of Coach C-16 of Train No. 22225 Vande Bharat Express. Railway staff immediately closed the toilet and informed the Control Room. The train continued its journey, and the snake was safely rescued at Solapur station. CCTV footage later showed an unidentified person placing the snake inside the toilet. Case registered under Railways Act Following the incident, a case was registered under Sections 145(B), 147 and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989, and an investigation was launched. With the help of CCTV footage and a tip-off from an informer, the RPF traced and arrested the accused from Mumbra. During questioning, the accused allegedly confessed to the offence. The accused was produced before the Railway Court in Kalyan, which granted 14 days of Magisterial Custody Remand. A detailed investigation is now underway. Central Railway officials praised the RPF team for their swift action and efforts in ensuring passenger safety. Thief flees away with gold and cash worth Rs 32 lakh; held in West Bengal Targeting a passenger on board Vidarbha Express train in Maharashtra, a thief allegedly fled away with gold worth Rs 26.88 lakh but was later held in in West Bengal, officials said on Thursday. According to the officials, the Mumbai Railway Police have arrested the 'habitual thief' for allegedly stealing a passenger’s bag on the train. The police have also recovered stolen property worth Rs 26,88,014, including 186.23 grams of gold jewellery and cash. The incident took place on January 17, 2026 on Train No. 12104 Vidarbha Express. The complainant was travelling in Coach S3, Seat No. 32. While he was asleep, the train passed Nashik Road railway station at around 2:42 am. During this time, an unknown person stole his green sack bag. The stolen bag contained gold jewellery and cash worth Rs 32,73,714. Based on the complaint, CSMT Railway Police under Section 305(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). CCTV footage helped identify the accused After the case was registered, the Crime Branch of Kalyan Unit 3 immediately began an investigation. Police officers checked CCTV footage from railway stations between Nashik and CSMT where the Vidarbha Express stopped. The footage showed a suspect boarding the train at Dadar railway station and getting down at CSMT railway station. He was seen carrying a green sack bag matching the description given by the complainant. Further investigation through police records and informers revealed that the suspect was a known habitual offender. He was identified as Jahir Jamal Sheikh, aged 28, originally from Malda district in West Bengal. Arrest in West Bengal Police teams from Kalyan Unit 3 travelled to Malda, West Bengal, after receiving technical information and local inputs. After a search operation, the accused was located and arrested. During interrogation, the accused confessed to committing the theft. Police recovered part of the stolen property from him. Stolen property recovered The recovered property includes 4 gold bars weighing 90.690 grams worth Rs 13,00,135, 2 gold bangles weighing 36.200 grams worth Rs 4,92,296, 1 gold bangle weighing 28.500 grams worth Rs 3,95,656, 1 gold bracelet weighing 16.480 grams worth Rs 2,30,177, 1 gold chain with pendant weighing 14.360 grams worth Rs 2,00,250 and cash of Rs 56,500 (113 notes of Rs 500). An OPPO mobile phone worth Rs 13,000, allegedly purchased using the stolen cash was also recovered, the officials said. The total recovered property is valued at Rs 26,88,014, they said. The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior railway police officials including the Commissioner of Railway Police, Mumbai, and other senior officers. The investigation team was led by Senior Police Inspector Vijay Khedkar, with Assistant Police Inspector Deepak Patil as the Investigating Officer, along with other officers and staff from the Crime Branch, Kalyan Unit 3 and the Technical Branch.
13 February,2026 05:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKasturba Marg Police Station in Mumbai has arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly stealing a Honda Activa scooter from Borivali East, an official said, adding that it is suspected that he is also linked to a mobile theft case. According to police, the theft took place between 10 pm on January 25, 2026 and 5 am on January 26, 2026. The complainant, Saurabh Shivamurthy Verma, had parked his scooter outside his residence when an unidentified person stole it. A case was registered under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During the investigation, the Crime Detection Team examined footage from nearly 40 to 50 CCTV cameras along the suspected escape route. The accused was seen walking towards the Malwani area. With the help of local intelligence, police identified and traced the suspect. The accused, Mohammad Umer Saleem Sheikh (19), a resident of Malwani in Malad West, was detained and brought to the police station along with the stolen scooter. The vehicle has been seized. Linked to another theft case Further investigation revealed that the accused was also involved in a mobile phone theft case registered at the same police station under Section 305(a) of the BNS. The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior officers, including the Additional Commissioner of Police (North Region), the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 12), the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dahisar Division), and Senior Police Inspector Jayaraj Ranware. The Crime Investigation Squad team, including PSI Dheeraj Waykos, took part in the operation. Police said further investigation is underway.
13 February,2026 04:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Opposition Congress on Friday sharply criticised the Maharashtra government, claiming that law and order in the state, including Mumbai, is worsening. The party raised concerns over threats to Bollywood celebrities like Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, and filmmaker Rohit Shetty, allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Earlier this week, Ranveer Singh, star of Dhurandhar, reportedly received a threat via WhatsApp from unknown individuals. Meanwhile, an unidentified shooter fired five rounds at Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu. A member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the attack. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, "Failure of law and order could be seen even during election time. There have been threats to filmstars Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh, and filmmaker Rohit Shetty. Shots were fired at Salman Khan's house, and these things are happening frequently, but the government does not have an answer to these issues." Government failing to act Londhe criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the home minister, saying the state government lacks effective measures to curb crime. "We have a so-called powerful chief minister, who is also serving as the home minister. And it is his responsibility. Law and order situation is deteriorating not only in Mumbai but also in his hometown Nagpur," he added. He accused the government of being distracted by political debates rather than addressing pressing issues like unemployment, inflation, and women’s safety. "It is very clear that this government is short of ideas and not in a position to take strict actions. They are only after Hindu-Muslim debates instead of addressing unemployment, inflation and women's safety," Londhe said. Bishnoi gang operating from prison? Londhe also raised questions about how gangster Lawrence Bishnoi continues to operate despite being behind bars. "He is in prison, and you are in power and controlling the prison, but still, he is able to do all these things. So whose failure is this? It is completely the failure of Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra government," he said as per PTI reports. The Congress leader alleged that Bishnoi may have support from within the administration and political circles, which allows him to continue criminal activities. Londhe reminded that when the Congress was in power, strict actions were taken against extortion rackets and underworld gangs in Mumbai. He contrasted this with the current government, saying it has failed to rein in criminal elements despite repeated incidents targeting high-profile personalities.
13 February,2026 04:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA clerk from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly accepting a bribe at Mantralaya, the state secretariat in Mumbai. According to the ACB, Rajendra Dherange was caught red-handed on Thursday while allegedly taking Rs 35,000 from a complainant. The complainant had sought restoration of his medical licence. The clerk was posted on the second floor of Mantralaya and was responsible for preparing papers for departmental hearings. Minister Narhari Zirwal reacts Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal said the incident was serious and assured strict action. “What has happened is serious. The accused will have to face the consequences. He was tasked with preparing papers for departmental hearings,” Zirwal told reporters in New Delhi. He also said he was ready to step down if any connection between him and the accused is proven. “You all know my conduct. I don't indulge in such things. If any link to me is proved, I will quit,” he said. When asked if he holds moral responsibility, Zirwal said yes, but made it clear that the accused would not be spared. Congress attacks Mahayuti government The Congress party strongly criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government over the incident. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad called the arrest “shocking and shameful.” In a social media post, she said if bribery is happening openly in Mantralaya, citizens have nowhere left to seek justice. She demanded the immediate suspension of the arrested clerk and a detailed probe to find out whether the case involves a wider network. Gaikwad also questioned who the intended beneficiaries of the bribe were and asked for the truth to be made public. She claimed that a “pay-and-get-your-work-done culture” has spread under the current regime. Earlier, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal alleged that “bribery and commission-taking are happening openly in the Mantralaya under the Mahayuti government.” He demanded that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis disclose full details of the case and remove the minister concerned. The controversy has intensified political tensions in the state, with the opposition demanding accountability and the minister promising strict action if any wrongdoing is established. (With PTI Inputs)
13 February,2026 03:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Pantnagar police have registered an FIR against a 76-year-old woman and her two grandsons for allegedly cheating her son, a BMC supervisor, in a Rs 17 lakh property dispute in Ghatkopar East. The complaint was filed by a 54-year-old supervisor attached to the BMC’s K-East ward and pertains to a 12x22 ft room at Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar. The complainant told police he bought the room in 1995 through an Agreement for Transfer after paying Rs 80,000 to his sister. According to the complaint, the man moved out of the area in 2008 and allowed his mother to use the room. He alleged that during his absence, the room was split into two portions and fresh documents were created to show separate ownership. The complainant said he discovered the alleged forgery in 2024 while arranging funds for his mother’s cancer treatment, when one portion of the room was being sold for R17 lakh. Documents showed that part of the property had been transferred to his nephew through a gift deed. After receiving no clear explanation from family members, the complainant approached the police. Senior Police Inspector Lata Sutar said an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and that an investigation is underway. 2024Year the alleged property forgery came to light
13 February,2026 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerDindoshi police have arrested a woman, her son and their associate for allegedly extorting Rs 11.5 lakh from a Goregaon East beautician by exploiting superstition and fear over nearly two years. Police said the amount could rise to around Rs 23 lakh, including interest. The accused, identified as Alka Sakte, her son Sagar and associate Utsav Singh, have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for extortion, cheating and criminal intimidation, and remanded to police custody till February 14. Police said the ordeal began in July 2023 when Alka allegedly told the victim that a “serious spiritual crime” had occurred in her house. Initial demands for temple offerings allegedly escalated into repeated payments for fake rituals, fabricated deaths and threats of police action. The victim was threatened with harm to her family and was told money was needed to stop police cases. To meet the demands, she mortgaged gold jewellery, borrowed money at high interest and took a Rs 2.5 lakh bank loan. The scam came to light in January 2025 after the victim’s husband overheard a threatening phone call. The woman reportedly suffered a mental breakdown and attempted self-harm, after which a complaint was filed.
13 February,2026 09:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanNerul police have arrested seven persons and a minor for running a drug trafficking racket under the cover of a scrap business in Sector 28, near the railway tracks at Nerul. The action was taken under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act following a tip-off about drug sales from a scrap shop. The investigation is ongoing. What was seized Small drug packets containing heroin and ganja were seized during the raid on Thursday How the racket operated Scrap shop located near railway tracksDrugs stored in nearby hutsPackets prepared and sold for Rs 200 eachOrders passed to relatives in adjoining hutsPackets transported to the scrap shop for deliveryPolice said the accused were caught red-handed during the raid The raid Nerul police personnel conduct a raid at a scrap shop and adjoining huts near the railway tracks in Sector 28. Date: ThursdayTime: Around 12.30 pmTeam: 4 officers and 15 personnel (male and female)Location: Scrap shop and residence near Nerul railway lineA case has been registered at the Nerul police station under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. The seven accused and a minor in police custody after the NDPS crackdown Arrested >> Rakesh Sachin Waghri>> Rajendra Bhima Kale>> Anita Sanjay Pawar>> Raju Babu Rathod>> Shivraj Laxman Pawar>> Kamalabai Babu Rathod>> Suman Raju Rathod All are residents of a hutment near the public bridge adjoining Nerul railway station. >> Police said the main accused, Raju Rathod, has previously been booked in cheating and fraud cases >> Police are searching for two more accused, identified as Vishal and Ganga Kale
13 February,2026 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaA 36-year-old man was reportedly attacked by three people in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, after they accused him of taking part in a cricket tournament despite being an “outsider,” police said on Thursday. He suffered serious injuries in the incident, which occurred early Sunday in Aare village, Guhagar, approximately 290 kilometres from Ratnagiri, the official added, reported the PTI. “The victim, a resident of Kalyan in Thane who works with a bike-taxi operator firm, had come to his native Guhagar to play in a tournament as part of the Adarsh Krida Mandal cricket team. Other local teams raised objections, claiming he was an outsider and not a village resident,” the official said. In the early hours of Sunday, the victim was allegedly attacked by Omkar Borkar, Avinash Shetye, and Saiprasad Borkar while sitting with his family outside his house, the official added. Victim assaulted with steel rod and fists “They abused, struck him with a steel rod, and repeatedly punched him before fleeing. He was left seriously injured and is currently hospitalised. Doctors have confirmed that he is out of danger,” the official said, reported PTI. Based on a complaint filed by the victim's relatives, a case has been registered at Guhagar police station against Omkar Borkar, Avinash Shetye, and Saiprasad Borkar under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), for voluntarily causing hurt by a dangerous weapon, intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace, and other offences. “The accused have filed an application in court seeking a stay on their arrest. The court has granted a stay on their arrest until February 20,” the official said, reported PTI. Meanwhile, the victim's elderly mother staged a protest at Guhagar police station on Wednesday, demanding the arrest of the three accused. She also stated that she will approach the court to seek justice. Confrontation over assault on elderly man turns fatal for 43-year-old in Mumbai; friend arrested for murder Earlier in January, a moment of anger and a sharp exchange of words ended a long-standing friendship in Worli, Mumbai, with tragic consequences. A 43-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by his close friend after confronting him for assaulting an elderly person. Mumbai Police have arrested the accused, a labourer with a prior criminal history, and booked him for murder. The incident occurred late on the night of January 10 near an electric repair workshop at Worli Naka, a normally busy locality that fell silent after the brutal assault. The complainant, Pravin Ramesh Kadam (34), a housekeeping worker from Premnagar, Worli, told police that both the accused and the victim were his acquaintances and had shared a close bond for several years. The victim, Pramod Ram Gupta, and the accused, Nilesh Kalidas Sadke (40), were reportedly good friends who often spent time together in the area. According to investigators, trouble began when Gupta was allegedly seen assaulting an elderly man in the neighbourhood late on the night of the murder. Alarmed by the scene, Sadke intervened and questioned Gupta about his behaviour. Instead of backing down, Gupta allegedly reacted angrily and snapped at his friend, reportedly saying, “What is it to you?” Police believe this aggressive response enraged the accused, triggering a sudden and violent outburst. A police officer said, “The argument escalated rapidly. What began as a verbal confrontation turned into a physical assault within minutes.” (With PTI inputs)
12 February,2026 10:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOfficers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III uncovered a rare smuggling attempt involving antique coins arriving from London. The seizure took place during duty checks on a passenger who landed on Virgin Atlantic Airlines Flight VS-354 from London on 9 February. Customs officials recovered a collection of historically significant coins, including: Gold Coin weighing 12.37 grams: East India Company, Bengal Presidency, Gold Mohur from Murshidabad Mint, bearing the name of Shah Alam II, AH 1202/RY 19. Gold Coin weighing 8.00 grams: Ancient Kushan Empire, Huvishka, Gold Dinar. Silver Coin weighing 11.44 grams: Mughal era, Jahangir, Silver Rupee with Zodiac Sign Cancer, Ahmadabad Mint. The operation highlights sophisticated smuggling methods targeting India’s antique numismatic heritage. The passenger is currently under investigation, and authorities are tracing the origin and intended destination of the coins. This seizure marks one of the rare instances of historical coins being smuggled into the country, prompting increased vigilance at international airports. Mumbai Customs seize US dollars, weed, gold and diamonds worth crores at airport; multiple passengers held Earlier in January, Mumbai Customs said that officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III made several significant seizures, including US dollars, weed, gold, and diamonds worth crores. The operations were carried out between January 21 and January 29, 2026. The actions were based on passenger profiling, intelligence inputs, and routine checks at Mumbai airport, officials said. Customs officials registered four cases involving hydroponic weed. “Two of these cases were identified through spot checks and APIS profiling, while the other two were based on specific intelligence,” officials said. Weed seizure cases According to Mumbai Customs, in the first two cases, 10.561 kg of suspected hydroponic weed was recovered from two passengers arriving from Bangkok. In the second set of cases, 15.961 kg of suspected hydroponic weed was recovered from two other passengers, also arriving from Bangkok. The total value of the seized narcotics in the illicit market is estimated at around Rs 26.522 crore. All four passengers have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The suspects attempted to conceal the contraband inside their trolley bags. Gold smuggling cases Customs officers also intercepted five gold smuggling cases, recovering a total of 3,632 grams of 24-karat gold, valued at around Rs 4.99 crore. On January 27, 2026, 1,470 grams of gold, worth approximately Rs 2.1 crore, were seized in a case involving a Bangladeshi transit passenger and an airport staff member. The gold was handed over to a staff member of Hardcastle Restaurants Private Limited (HRPL) at Mumbai airport by the transit passenger. Both individuals were arrested. “The gold was concealed inside the body cavity,” an official said. In four other cases, 2,162 grams of gold were seized from four passengers. Diamond smuggling case In a separate case, Mumbai Customs officials seized 10,660 carats (2,132 grams) of diamonds, valued at Rs 1.81 crore, from a single passenger. The diamonds were concealed inside the passenger’s check-in baggage. Currency seizures Mumbai Customs officers also booked three cases involving foreign currency, recovering a total equivalent of Rs 1.18 crore from four passengers. The currency was hidden in both check-in and hand baggage, officials said.
12 February,2026 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bhandup police have booked five persons in three separate FIRs registered for allegedly cheating families of Rs 21.58 lakh on the pretext of selling flats. Police said that the accused used middlemen, misleading documents, and claims of connections with BMC and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) officials to gain the confidence of the victims. Victim number 1 In the first case, a 33-year-old Prabhadevi resident alleged that Sunil Trimbak Nikalje, 59, a Powai-based estate agent, duped him of R3.58 lakh between October 2024 and February 2025 by promising a room at Utkarsh Nagar under an SRA project. Nikalje allegedly claimed to have links with BMC and SRA officials and showed the complainant what later turned out to be a fake receipt. Victim number 2 In the second case, a 49-year-old Bhandup-based woman alleged that Ashok Kumar Singh and his wife, Sheela Ashok Kumar Singh, took Rs 13 lakh from her after signing an MoU for the sale of a room in Khindipada. The couple assured her that the property would be transferred in her name after receiving the balance amount. However, they later refused. Victim number 3 In the third case, a 52-year-old private employee claimed that Satish Manik Kasbe, a property agent, along with one Komal Sitaram Singh, cheated him of Rs 5 lakh in 2021 by claiming that a hut in Nahur was eligible under an SRA project and available for sale. However, he later discovered that the hut was registered in another woman’s name. Case filed Based on the complaints, cases have been registered under relevant sections of the BNS. Police said notices will be issued to the accused persons to appear before Bhandup police station for questioning.
12 February,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe North Cyber Police have arrested a man from Surat in Gujarat for his involvement in a multi-layered cyber fraud network operating across the country. According to investigators, Narayan Shankar Mali, 23, was linked not only to an e-challan malware scam but also to investment and “like-and-share” fraud schemes that cheated victims to the tune of lakhs. Tech analysis led to arrest Police said the Mali, originally from Bhilwara district in Rajasthan, was residing in Surat, where he managed his brother-in-law’s ice cream shop. However, investigators allege that this was just a front and that he was actively assisting cyber fraudsters. The 23-year-old ran an ice cream shop in Surat, from where he allegedly carried out illegal activities. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK Acting under the guidance of senior officers, Police Sub-Inspector Amole Kamble and the cyber team, supervised by Senior Police Inspector Kiran Aher, traced Mali using bank KYC details and technical analysis. He was apprehended from Surat last week and subsequently brought to Mumbai for further investigation. “This syndicate would run different types of cyber fraud operations at the same time. The Mali acted as a financial facilitator and digital distributor within the network,” a senior police officer said. Role in e-challan scam During interrogation, police found that Mali was a key member of a cyber fraud syndicate. His primary role was to provide bank accounts for routing defrauded money and to distribute fake e-challan APK links to associates based in Rajasthan. “Four individuals working under him in Bhilwara would circulate fake e-challan APK files to thousands of mobile numbers across India. Once downloaded, the malware gave fraudsters remote access to THE victims’ mobile phones, enabling financial theft and data compromise,” said an officer. The gang, police said, earned commission for each malicious APK file successfully circulated. Fraud modules operated >> E-challan APK malware scam>> Investment and share trading fraud>> Like-and-review scam
12 February,2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
-1770891164204_d.png "Customs officials recovered a collection of historically significant coins. PIC VIA SAMIULLAH KHAN")
