Thane Police have arrested two persons and seized mephedrone along with banned codeine-based cough syrup collectively valued at Rs 68 lakh, officials said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. The accused were apprehended during a late-night raid on February 24 at a dilapidated hut in Thakurpada. Acting on specific inputs, police conducted the operation and recovered narcotic substances allegedly intended for illegal sale. The arrested individuals have been identified as Azim Ahmed Naeem Ahmed Khan (29) and Abuzaid Imtiaz Khan (28). During the search, police recovered 338.1 grams of mephedrone and 57 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup from their possession, reported PTI. Officials said the duo was allegedly planning to distribute the contraband in the local market. Police noted that codeine-based cough syrups fall under regulated drugs and are often misused for intoxication. The accused allegedly procured and sold the syrup illegally, in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, reported PTI. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal drug trade and prevent substance abuse in the region. A case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Authorities are continuing the investigation to identify possible links to a larger drug network and trace the supply chain of the seized substances. Two booked for duping investors of Rs 1.78 crore in bogus share scheme in Thane Meanwhile, a case has been registered against two men in Maharashtra's Thane city for allegedly duping 12 people of Rs 1.78 crore by luring them to invest in a bogus share market scheme promising them high returns, police said on Friday, reported PTI. Based on a complaint lodged by a woman from Bhandup in neighbouring Mumbai, the Thane police have registered a case against Sagar Subodh Karivadekar, a resident of Sindhudurg, and Sachin Balkrishna Rane of Thane, under sections 318(4) (cheating), 316(2) (criminal breach of trust) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act, reported PTI. An official stated that the duo allegedly persuaded the complainant and 11 others to invest in a share market scheme they had floated between October 15, 2021, and December 30, 2025, promising lucrative returns. The complainant alone had invested Rs 26 lakh in the scheme, he said. However, the accused allegedly failed to return the invested sum, defrauding the complainant and others of Rs 1,78 crore over the last five years, the official said, adding that no arrests have been made so far. (With inputs from PTI)
27 February,2026 11:19 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThane Police have registered a case against two individuals for allegedly cheating 12 investors of Rs 1.78 crore through a fraudulent share market scheme promising high returns, reported news agency PTI. The accused have been identified as Sagar Subodh Karivadekar, a resident of Sindhudurg, and Sachin Balkrishna Rane from Thane. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by a woman from Bhandup in neighbouring Mumbai, reported PTI. According to police officials, the accused allegedly convinced the complainant and 11 others to invest in a purported share market scheme between October 15, 2021, and December 30, 2025. The duo reportedly promised lucrative returns to gain the trust of investors. The complainant alone is said to have invested Rs 26 lakh in the scheme, believing the assurances provided by the accused. Authorities said that instead of delivering returns, the accused allegedly failed to return the invested funds, defrauding multiple investors over a period of nearly five years, reported PTI. The total amount involved in the alleged scam stands at Rs 1.78 crore, making it a significant case of financial fraud in the region. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating and criminal breach of trust, along with provisions of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act, reported PTI. Police officials confirmed that no arrests have been made so far and further investigation is underway to trace the accused and recover the defrauded money. Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution while investing in schemes that promise unusually high returns and to verify the authenticity of such offers before committing funds. Mephedrone, codeine-based cough syrup worth Rs 68 lakh seized in Thane; two held In another incident, two persons have been arrested for alleged possession of mephedrone and banned codeine-based cough syrups worth Rs 68 lakh in Maharashtra's Thane city, police said on Friday, reported PTI. The accused were nabbed from a dilapidated hut at Thakurpada in the Mumbai area on the night of February 24, an official said. Azim Ahmed Naeem Ahmed Khan (29) and Abuzaid Imtiaz Khan (28) were found in possession of 57 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and 338.1 gm of mephedrone, which they were intending to sell, he said, reported PTI. The seized contraband is worth Rs 68 lakh, he added. "The stock of cough syrup containing codeine falls within the definition of drugs and is misused for intoxication. The accused purchased and sold the syrup illegally, violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act," the official said, reported PTI. A case has been registered against the duo under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
27 February,2026 10:37 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentEnergy drinks are now the latest target in Mumbai’s growing wave of digital payment scams. A 65-year-old Byculla shopkeeper says conmen have twice walked away with cartons of Red Bull after flashing fake QR payment screenshots, exposing how fraudsters are increasingly using forged digital proof to steal goods within seconds. The victim, Mohd Ilyas Ansari, outside his shop. Pics/By Special arrangement Police say such scams are rising across retail outlets, with offenders exploiting hurried transactions and trust in mobile payment. 2024 Incident (From left) The accused pretended to make an online QR-code payment at the shop counter; a shop worker loaded cartons of energy drinks onto the motorcycle, believing the payment was complete; the accused fled on the motorcycle with the cartons before the payment could be verified February 24 Incident 1 The accused flashed an online payment confirmation and ran from the shop 2 The shopkeeper chased the accused after realising that the payment had not been received Illustrations/Uday Mohite 3 The accused escaped on a motorcycle with the carton of energy drinks. The scam in numbers 2 cheating incidents.Same shop, same trick 2024First case reported Feb 24, 2026Second incident6 cartons stolenacross both cases How fake payment scam works Step 1: Customer pretends to scan QR codeStep 2: Shows fake payment screenshotStep 3: Goods loaded onto bike or scooterStep 4: Accused flee before payment verification Police warning to traders . Do not hand over goods until payment reflects in account. Screenshot is not proof of payment. Verify transaction in bank app or statement. Report suspicious attempts immediately Red flags to watch . Customer rushes you to hand over goods. Only screenshot shown, no confirmation received. Refuses to wait for payment alert. Tries to distract staff while loading goods Safety checklist for shopkeepers . Enable SMS alerts. Use verified merchant accounts. Check bank balance before delivery. Never rely on screenshots. Do not share OTP or banking details
27 February,2026 06:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanCriminals are now reading first information reports (FIRs) uploaded on the Maharashtra Police website and using knowledge gleaned from them to commit cybercrime. Among those targeted in this fashion is Aaryan Karia, a producer of the Marathi films Lai Bhaari and Hemalkasa, who registered an FIR on December 17, 2025, in connection with a housebreaking incident where three smartphones — including a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, a laptop, two frequency therapy devices, and cash were stolen. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 that was stolen, along with a laptop, two frequency therapy devices, and Rs 15,000 in cash, from the producer’s home in 2025. Pics/By Special Arrangement According to the police, the alleged cybercriminal noted down IMEI and mobile numbers from a copy of the FIR uploaded on the Maharashtra Police website and then called Karia on January 19, claiming he had found the latter’s smartphone. After gaining the producer’s trust by sharing the correct IMEI number, the fraudster asked him to transfer funds to courier the device, even producing a fake courier receipt. However, after making the transaction, Karia realised that he had been duped. A screengrab from CCTV footage of alleged thief, who broke into Karia’s house on December 17, 2025; (right) the suspected thief in complainant’s housing society on Feb 4. Cyber fraud Karia said, “On January 19, I received a call from an unknown number, and the person on the other end told me that he found my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in Assam. He even shared the IMEI number with me. Thus winning my trust, he told me to send him Rs 2597 to courier the device. The fraudster also sent a QR code to send money and a fake receipt. However, after transferring the money, I didn’t receive a parcel.” On January 21, Karia approached the cyber police station in Mulund and registered the complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCPR), and this was later forwarded to the Mulund police station. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 that was stolen, along with two other phones, a laptop, two frequency therapy devices, and Rs 15,000 in cash on December 17, 2025 The theft Recalling what transpired last year, Karia told mid-day, “I was asleep before my alarm woke me up at 4.04 am on December 17, but I resumed sleeping. When I awoke again, I found that three mobile phones, a laptop, two frequency therapy devices, and Rs 15,000 in cash were stolen. The lock on my door had been opened. The accused had entered the house around 4.42 am. I informed the Mulund police and registered an FIR.” The accused was captured by CCTV cameras in my society, and the footage was submitted to the police, Karia said. According to Karia, the alleged thief was captured entering his housing society from a neighbouring building on February 4. A screenshot confirming the transfer of money made in favour of the scammer Victim’s plight According to the complainant, fraudsters are reading FIRs as his IMEI number had not been mentioned anywhere else. “While registering the FIR, Mulund police mentioned everything, including the IMEI number of my stolen phone, my address, and my phone number. The accused had sent me a photo of a similar device.”
27 February,2026 06:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaIn a chilling case from Rabale MIDC in Navi Mumbai city of Maharashtra, a 31-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by four men over suspected scrap theft, and his body was later dumped in a drain to destroy evidence, officials said. The deceased has been identified as Sandeep Laxmikant Vishwakarma (31), a resident of Mankhurd, Mumbai. His body was found on February 16 within the jurisdiction of Rabale MIDC police station. Initially registered as an accidental death, the case took a grim turn after the post-mortem report confirmed death due to assault injuries. Police have registered a case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Technical analysis leads cops to scrap dealer With no immediate identification, the Crime Branch launched a technical probe. Mobile phone analysis revealed that Vishwakarma was last traced near Kopari, Sector 26, Vashi, where he had met a scrap dealer. Further investigations revealed that on February 15, the victim was allegedly caught stealing electric pole wires and DP materials. He was taken to a godown beneath a bridge where he was assaulted by four accused. Police sources said that after the assault, accused Sanket Jagtap allegedly extorted money from the scrap dealer via phone and later, along with another accused, transported the body in a rickshaw before dumping it in a drain in the MIDC area. Four arrested Within 48 hours, the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch arrested four accused who have been identified as Pritam Bharat Bhoir (26) from Koparkhairane, Shivaji Shankar Dumbre (57), a Juinagar resident, Amol Ramesh Gunjal (31) from Sanpada and Sanket Rajaram Jagtap alias Babya (29) from Turbhe MIDC.
26 February,2026 07:44 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghAt least six people were injured, two of them seriously, after a speeding car driven by a doctor rammed into several parked vehicles in the Kalyan area of Maharashtra’s Thane district, police said, reported the PTI. The incident took place on Wednesday morning. According to officials, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which then crashed into three to four vehicles parked along the roadside. The driver has been identified. He has been detained by the Khadakpada Police Station in connection with the accident, officials said. Police said an offence has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Two seriously injured The impact of the crash was severe, with several two-wheelers in the area suffering heavy damage. Local residents rushed to the scene to help the injured and shifted them to a nearby hospital. Of the six injured, two sustained grievous injuries and are undergoing treatment at a private hospital. Police are investigating whether the crash was caused by a technical fault in the vehicle or human error. Further investigations were ongoing, police said. 4 killed, 25 injured as goods van overturns in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh Meanwhile, in an another incident, four persons were killed and 25 others injured after a mini goods van overturned in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district, police said on Thursday, as per the PTI. The accident took place on Kapu-Khamhar road on Wednesday night when the victims were returning from a family function, Sub Divisional Officer of Police, Dharamjaigarh area, Siddhant Tiwari said. Nearly 30 persons from Bangursuta village in the Chhal police station area had gone to attend an engagement ceremony in the Gosipodi area, he said. On the way back, the speeding van overturned, leaving two persons dead on the spot. Two others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at the Raigarh Medical College hospital on Thursday, the official said, according to the PTI. The deceased have been identified as Kalaram Rathia (60), Sattar Singh Sidar (60), Neeraj Singh (65) and Ijbal Singh (50), all residents of Bangursuta village, he said. Twenty-five persons were injured, with eight reported to be in critical condition. The injured persons were admitted to Raigarh Medical College and Dharamjaigarh Hospital for treatment. The police seized the damaged vehicle and registered a case against the driver. An investigation into the incident is underway, the official said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
26 February,2026 06:15 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Borivali police have arrested four men for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 30 lakh from a Borivli-based jeweller by impersonating associates of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Between February 18 and 24, the victim received threatening calls and WhatsApp messages demanding money and warning of death. Police probe Acting on the complaint, officers negotiated a payment in gold coins with the accused persons and, under the pretext of delivery, called them to Mahim West. While the main accuse, Riyazuddin Mohammad Bashir, was apprehended from Mahim, others were arrested the same day from different parts of the city. Phones seized indicate a wider racket, with investigators probing possible data leaks and interstate links. The threat >> Calls and WhatsApp messages between Feb 18-24, 2026>> Demand: Rs 30 lakh>> Death threats issued while claiming Bishnoi gang links>> Threats referenced the murder of Baba Siddique and the firing outside Salman Khan’s residence Arrests >> Riyazuddin Mohammad Bashir, 29 — arrested in Mahim West>> Mohammad Faiyaz Mansuri alias Saddam, 27, arrested in Bandra>> Mohammad Ashraful Qadri, 36, arrested in Jogeshwari>> Mohammad Arbaaz Ansari, 27, arrested in Jogeshwari>> All residents of Wasseypur, Dhanbad district, Jharkhand Investigation angle >> Phones seized; more suspects likely>> No prior criminal records found>> Similar cases registered at DN Nagar and Vile Parle Case details FIR: G.R. No. 356/2026Section: 308(5), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)Police units involved: Borivali, MHB, Kandivli, Malad, Goregaon Status >> Accused produced in court>> Remanded to police custody>> Further investigation underway
26 February,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanActing within the crucial “golden hour”, the cyber cell of Oshiwara police station successfully recovered Rs 2.50 lakh that was fraudulently withdrawn from a 71-year-old senior citizen through a fake RTO e-challan message. Prompt coordination with the bank and merchant ensured that the entire fraud amount charged to the victim’s credit card was fully restored. Police, while highlighting the growing threat of such cyber frauds, urged caution. Victim details >> Name: Ashok Dingarani>> Age: 71>> Residence: Oshiwara, Andheri West Where the money went Fraudulent credit card transactions traced to a Croma outlet Police advisory >> Do not click on unknown WhatsApp/SMS links>> Avoid opening suspicious payment links or APK files Fraudsters can:>> Hack phones>> Access banking details>> Transfer money without consent How the fraud took place >> Victim received WhatsApp message>> The message carried a payment link He entered:>> Vehicle details, credit card information>> Fraudsters used the details to make unauthorised purchases worth R2.50 lakh Police action >> Complaint lodged immediately at the Oshiwara police>> Cyber Cell acted under Senior PI Sanjay Chavan Team included:>> PSI Sharad Devre>> ASI Ashok Konde>> PC Vikram Sarnobat Key steps taken >> Complaint registered on 1930 National Cyber Crime Helpline>> The transaction was traced from a bank alert>> Fraud amount tracked>> Bank and merchant nodal officers contacted>> Amount frozen within the golden hour Rs 2000Amount mentioned on fake RTO e-challan message
26 February,2026 08:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanFour aspiring police constables were caught cheating during the Maharashtra Police Recruitment Drive at the Armed Police Headquarters at Marol Police Camp in Andheri East on Tuesday. Sagar Nivrutti exchanges his RFID tag with his friend Omkar Wanjud, who is a better runner and not interested in applying In the first incident, a candidate exchanged his RFID tag, used for calculating the distance run, with his friend. In the second incident, two candidates took a shortcut in the third round of the 1600-metre run to complete the task. The Powai police registered an FIR against the four candidates and served them notice to be present for investigations. Case 1 — Chip swap Nivrutti is rushed by police officers to hospital and admitted for treatment. Illustrations/Uday Mohite On Tuesday, two friends, Sagar Nivrutti, 24, and Omkar Wanjud, 25, took part in the 100-metre running test at Marol Police Training Ground. Nivrutti is a good runner but wasn’t aspiring to join the police force. So he ran for Wanjud, to get him cleared. Just before the test began, Wanjud swapped his RFID chip with Nivrutti. Wanjud then pretended to collapse and was rushed to the HBT Trauma Care Hospital. Meanwhile, Nivrutti completed the run carrying Wanjud’s chip. Meanwhile, Omkar Wanjud completes the race carrying Nivrutti’s RFID chip, leading cops to get suspicious When the police sent a report regarding Wanjud from the hospital to the training ground, they found that he had already completed the run. The fraud came to light after the police checked CCTV footage of the ground. Case 2 — Shortcut to success? The police check CCTV footage of the ground and discover that the RFID chips had been swapped to give Nivrutti an advantage; both are booked During the 1600-metre run test, two candidates were caught taking a shortcut in the third round to complete the task. Scrutiny of CCTV footage revealed that the candidates failed to complete the mandatory four laps (400 metres each). Omkar Ravindra Pawar from Nashik, and Suyash Sitaram Khande from Mumbai, clocked run times that were suspiciously low. CCTV footage confirmed that they had cheated. Sections levied in FIR Two separate FIRs were registered against the four candidates under Sections 3(5), 318(4) and 319(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Omkar Ravindra Pawar from Nashik, and Suyash Sitaram Khande from Mumbai took a shortcut in the 1600-metre run by going off the track and re-entering later; both were booked Why are RFID chips used Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips are used in police recruitment across India to accurately measure the time taken by candidates in physical endurance tests, to ensure transparency. This tags at typically to the candidate’s ankle or shoe. 6000+No of aspirants participating daily
26 February,2026 07:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Bhandup police have arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with a house theft case in Bhandup West, where gold jewellery worth over Rs 8.64 lakh was stolen. According to the police, the accused wore gloves during the crime to avoid leaving fingerprints or forensic evidence at the scene in an attempt to evade arrest. The incident took place on January 19. The arrest follows a complaint filed by Poonam Hemant Gaud, 43, a tailor by profession. The accused, Anil Mistrilal Rajbhar, is a garment salesman and currently resides in Sakinaka. He is originally from Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh, said police. He was identified and arrested with the help of CCTV. Recovery of valuables The police have recovered gold ornaments collectively valued at Rs 8.64 lakh. Further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused is involved in similar offences. Jan 19Day the theft occurred
26 February,2026 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaMumbai Police have arrested two fruit sellers for allegedly applying rat poison on fruits before selling them to customers in Malad west, officials said on Wednesday. The accused, Manoj Sangamlal Kesarwani (42) and Rahul Sadanlal Kesarwani (25), both residents of Rajanpada in Malad west, were arrested on February 25 and later produced before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Borivali. Police sources said the case came to light after a video surfaced showing a fruit vendor applying a chemical substance called “Ratol” on fruits. The video was circulated in a local political WhatsApp group. Complainant Kunal Shivaji Salunkhe (39), a businessman and local political functionary, said the video was posted in a ward group on the evening of February 24. Acting on the information, he and others went to Akshardham Society, Panhalal Ghosh Marg, Rajanpada, Malad West, and allegedly found the two vendors applying the substance to fruits kept for sale. Accused claimed it was to keep rats away When questioned, the vendors allegedly admitted applying the chemical but claimed it was only to prevent rats from eating fruits at night, and that it was used on spoiled fruits outside the fruit baskets. However, the police said the substance recovered from the spot was Ratol, a rat-killing poison, and its application on edible items posed a serious threat to public health. A bottle of the chemical was seized from the location. Cops book suspects Based on the complaint, Malad Police registered an FIR under Sections 125, 274, 275, and 286 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which relate to acts endangering life and food adulteration. The accused were later produced before the Borivali court along with a police custody remand report. The court remanded both in judicial custody, said an officer from Malad Police.
25 February,2026 08:46 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
