A gang allegedly involved in selling counterfeit blood pressure medication branded as Telma AM has been busted following a raid by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with two men arrested and medicines worth Rs 8.94 lakh seized. According to police, the accused Pankaj Radheshyam Upadhyay (33), a distributor and medical representative residing in Dombivali East, was allegedly selling fake Telma AM tablets (Telmisartan 40 mg and Amlodipine 5 mg tablets IP) under the license name “Shriram Pharma,” falsely presenting them as products of the original manufacturer. “Upadhyay was aware that the medicines were counterfeit and potentially harmful, and that their consumption could pose a serious threat to human health, especially for patients suffering from hypertension,” an official said. Acting on specific information, the FDA conducted a raid on January 20 and seized 2,795 strips of the fake tablets, collectively valued at Rs 8,94,400. Following the seizure, a case was registered at the Manpada Police Station. Upadhyay was arrested on January 21. During the course of the investigation, police found that the counterfeit stock had allegedly been supplied to him by Bivek Ajaykumar Rai (35), a resident of Kandivali East. Rai was traced and arrested on February 16. Police said further investigation is underway to trace the source of manufacturing and to ascertain whether the fake medicines were circulated in other parts of the state.
18 February,2026 09:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA 40-year-old man was arrested by the Bhoiwada Police for allegedly stealing mobile phones from the premises of King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel. Police recovered nine stolen mobile phones collectively worth Rs 1 lakh from the accused. According to the police, the case was registered after a doctor attached to KEM Hospital lodged a complaint. The complainant stated that his Samsung A54 mobile phone, worth Rs 10,000, was stolen between 12.30 am and 7 am on January 4 from the hospital premises by an unidentified person. With complaints of mobile thefts rising inside the hospital campus, the crime detection team launched a detailed probe. Officers scanned footage from nearly 40 to 50 CCTV cameras installed across the premises and carried out technical analysis to trace the suspect. During the investigation, police identified the accused as Firoz Ismail Sheikh, 40, who was residing on the hospital premises. Police found that he allegedly visited the hospital around midnight on a specific day of the week with the intention of stealing mobile phones from staff and visitors. Based on this information, the police team, along with hospital staff, laid a trap on the premises for eight to ten consecutive days. On February 16, at around 1 am, Sheikh allegedly arrived at the spot to commit another theft. He was detained and searched, during which police found two stolen mobile phones in his possession. Following his arrest, further investigation led to the recovery of seven additional stolen mobile phones, taking the total number of seized devices to nine. The total value of the recovered property is estimated at Rs 1 lakh. Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the accused was involved in additional theft cases.
18 February,2026 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerIn a major crackdown at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the Airport Commissionerate of Mumbai Customs Zone-III has reported a sharp surge in narcotics cases this financial year, underscoring growing attempts to smuggle drugs through one of India’s busiest international gateways. According to officials, 207 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act till January 2026 (FY 2025-26), compared with just 57 cases in FY 2024-25, marking nearly a fourfold jump. Authorities said the spike reflects both heightened enforcement and increasingly sophisticated smuggling attempts being detected at the airport. Seizures surge fourfold In FY 2024–25, customs officials registered 57 cases, arrested 81 persons and seized 388.42 kg of narcotics valued at Rs 435.57 crore. The haul included 383.13 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs 383 crore and 5.09 kg of cocaine valued at Rs 50.9 crore. In contrast, between April 2025 and January 2026, authorities registered 207 cases and arrested 249 individuals. A total of 1,113.29 kg of drugs worth Rs 1,217.9 crore were seized, including 1,101.56 kg of hydroponic weed valued at Rs 1,102 crore and 11.626 kg of cocaine worth Rs 116.26 crore. Hydroponic weed a major concern Officials said hydroponic weed smuggling has emerged as a major threat, with Thailand identified as a key source country. Between April 2025 and January 2026, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) registered 200 cases involving more than 1,101 kg of cannabis. Investigations have revealed that Indian drug syndicates, in connivance with Bangkok-based agents, lure carriers with free flight tickets, hotel accommodation and small payments. Smugglers have adopted innovative concealment techniques, including fake “Diplomatic Pouch of the Ministry of External Affairs” markings, misleading baggage tags from unrelated flights, and concealment inside chips packets, shampoo bottles and even vegetables. More than 50 per cent of recent seizures were made without specific intelligence inputs, indicating evolving recruitment strategies. Officials noted that carriers ranged in age from 21 to 61 years and included families travelling with children and women, who account for nearly 25 per cent of booked cases. Cocaine trafficking via human carriers Cocaine smuggling continues to pose a serious challenge, often linked to transnational syndicates. In one case, a 61-year-old Ugandan national was found carrying 80 cocaine capsules (866 grams) concealed in his stomach. In another incident, an airline crew member was intercepted with 5.194 kg of cocaine. Under the NDPS Act, commercial quantity offences attract a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, extendable to 20 years, along with heavy fines. Repeat offenders may face up to 30 years in jail or even the death penalty in exceptional cases. In a separate development, the Mumbai Airport Commissionerate destroyed more than 415 kg of seized narcotics worth Rs 486 crore during the current financial year, in line with strict legal procedures. Officials reiterated their commitment to dismantling global drug syndicates and advancing the Centre’s vision of a drug-free India under the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.
18 February,2026 07:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanMaharashtra's Thane Police have arrested two men for allegedly selling counterfeit blood pressure medicines worth Rs 9 lakh by mimicking the name and packaging of a popular brand, officials said on Wednesday, reported PTI. According to a release from Kalyan police, the accused marketed fake “Telma AM” tablets, a combination of Telmisartan 40 mg and Amlodipine 5 mg, using the license of “Shriram Pharma” and passed them off as products of the original manufacturer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on January 20 and seized 2,795 strips of fake “Telma AM” tablets valued at Rs 8,94,400, the release said, reported PTI. Following the FDA’s complaint, a case was registered at Manpada police station in Dombivli under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules, 1945. The prime accused, identified as Pankaj Radheshyam Upadhyay (33), a distributor and medical representative residing in Dombivli East, was arrested on January 21. Distributor aware of threat to patients, yet sold tablets “The accused (Upadhyay) was aware that the said medicine was fake and that its consumption could pose a serious threat to human life, yet he continued to distribute it,” the release stated, reported PTI. During the investigation, police learnt that the stock of duplicate medicines had allegedly been supplied by Vivek Ajaykumar Rai (35), a resident of Kandivali East in Mumbai. He was arrested on February 16, police said. Further investigation is underway under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Atul Zende and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dombivli Division) Suhas Hemade, the release added. 176 retailers, 39 wholesalers lose licences over substandard medicines in Maharashtra Earlier in December 2025, the FDA cancelled the licences of 176 retailers and 39 wholesalers across Maharashtra for selling substandard medicines. In a written reply to a question raised by BJP MLA Amit Satam and others, Zirwal said that as part of a special FDA campaign, samples of cough syrups and other medicines were sent for testing and analysis, news agency PTI reported. “Licences of 176 retailers and 39 wholesalers were cancelled. Further, 136 retailers and 93 wholesalers were inspected. Show-cause notices were issued, and licences were cancelled for selling substandard cough syrups,” he said. Zirwal added that fake cough syrups were detected at drug stores and pharmaceutical companies during the FDA drive in October 2024. Doctors, clinical establishments, and pharmacists were instructed not to prescribe or sell medicines containing propranolol, he said, according to PTI. He further stated that 36 samples were tested across the Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Aurangabad, and Nagpur divisions, of which 34 were found to be substandard. The medicines included treatments for hypertension, diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, and blood purification, PTI reported. Six samples of a paediatric cough syrup brand were also found to be of inferior quality. (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 05:44 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police on Monday said that certain social media handles were allegedly misrepresenting data and spreading rumours about cases of missing and kidnapped children in the city. The police categorically denied the claims and said that such posts may create unnecessary public panic and that the officials were in process of taking action against such misleading posts. In an official statement, Mumbai Police said that action is being taken, including the registration of FIRs, against individuals who are deliberately spreading false information on social media platforms. According to the online claims, the social media posts have claimed that the disappearance of minor children has become a serious crisis in Mumbai. The social media posts alleged that 12 minor children went missing within 36 hours from the jurisdictions of seven police stations, and that eight of them were girls. However the claims have been denied by Mumbai cops. The posts further claimed that FIRs were registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on suspicion of kidnapping, based on complaints filed by parents and guardians. "The registration of FIR against persons indulging in mischief and creating panic in society by deliberate false representation of data with respect to kidnapping of children is under process," a senior Mumbai Police official said on Monday. Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims.Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and… — मुंबई पोलीस Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) February 2, 2026 Social media posts suggested trafficking networks The social media posts also suggested that the alleged incidents pointed to the presence of organised child trafficking networks operating in Mumbai. However, Mumbai Police said these claims are false and misleading, and urged citizens not to believe or forward unverified information. The police stressed that such rumours can cause fear among the public and divert resources from genuine cases. Mumbai Police on Monday said that certain social media handles were allegedly misrepresenting data and spreading rumours about cases of missing and kidnapped children in the city. The police categorically denied the claims and said that such posts may create unnecessary public… pic.twitter.com/6qmxqyPhcJ — Mid Day (@mid_day) February 2, 2026 Appeal Sources said that the officials have appealed to citizens to verify information through official sources and to avoid sharing unconfirmed posts. In a social media post on its official X handle, Mumbai Police wrote, "Certain social media handles are misrepresenting data and indulging in rumour-mongering regarding cases of missing and kidnapped children. We categorically deny these claims. Action, including the registration of FIRs against those deliberately spreading false information and creating public panic, is under process."
18 February,2026 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn Uttar Pradesh-based developer has alleged that a group of people have threatened him of dire consequences following an extortion bid at his under-construction site in Kandivali area of Mumbai. On his complaint, a case of alleged unlawful assembly, assault, and extortion has been registered after a serious incident at an under-construction site in the Charkop area of Kandivali West, officials said. The complainant, a 55-year-old businessman and developer, alleged that a group of individuals forcibly entered his construction premises. According to the complaint, the accused — said to be members of a state-level political party — allegedly forced open the iron gate after the security guard refused them entry. The guard was reportedly abused and physically assaulted during the incident, officials said. Rs 10 lakh demand and threats The group allegedly demanded Rs10 lakh from the complainant, warning that the factory would be shut down if the payment was not made. One of the accused is said to have spoken to the employer over the phone, claiming that the demand had been ongoing for six months. The accused allegedly suggested that scrap material be sold to arrange the money. CCTV cameras damaged Before leaving the site, the accused allegedly vandalised CCTV cameras and took away the DVR system. They also reportedly snatched a worker’s mobile phone, deleted video recordings of the incident, and later returned the device. Police investigation underway Police have registered a case based on the businessman’s complaint. The police are reviewing available CCTV footage and gathering further evidence to identify and arrest those involved. Further investigation is ongoing.
18 February,2026 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA 67-year-old homemaker from Malad was allegedly cheated of Rs 12 lakh in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam, in which fraudsters posing as police and central agency officers kept her under constant virtual watch for six days. The trap Cyber police said the woman received a WhatsApp video call from a man claiming to be a Mumbai Police officer. Using a profile photo with a police logo, he alleged that a bank account opened in her name in Lucknow had been used to route '17 crore for terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir. She was told she had earned a 10 per cent commission and could face arrest and up to 10 years in jail. Fake documents, real fear To make the threat appear genuine, the accused sent forged Supreme Court orders, an arrest warrant and an RBI notice. She was warned that the case involved “national security” and told not to inform her family. Under ‘house arrest’ Police said the woman was told she was under house arrest, forced to stay on video calls and to report daily, saying, “I am safe.” “Whenever I panicked, he would calm me down and tell me to relax. I thought he was genuinely helping me. So I told him everything,” the woman said. Police added that the accused used fear to build trust. On day three, she was asked to break a '12 lakh FD and transfer the amount via RTGS to a Coimbatore account for “verification.” How it surfaced The fraud came to light after her daughter checked her phone and alerted the 1930 cyber helpline. An FIR has been registered. Cyber safety advisory >> Dial 1930 immediately to report cyber fraud>> Police never conduct “digital arrests” on WhatsApp>> No authority asks for a money transfer for verification>> Warrants are never sent via messaging apps
18 February,2026 02:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA 65-year-old woman was allegedly beaten to death by her 15-year-old nephew and his friend after she scolded him over his television addiction in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police said on Tuesday. The incident occurred in Berhampur village in Vasai West on Sunday night. Police have detained the two minor boys in connection with the killing and further investigation is underway, an official said, reported PTI. The 65-year-old victim was found dead in her bungalow, where she lived alone, on Monday morning, Deputy Commissioner of Police Purnima Chowgule-Shringi said. She said investigations revealed that the woman had reprimanded her nephew, a school dropout, over his career path and addiction to television. Angered by the scolding, the teenager allegedly called his friend to the house. "The accused caught his aunt unawares and allegedly attacked her from behind with a wooden log and a bamboo stick. The woman died instantly due to the force of the assault," the official said, reported PTI. Minor boys attempted to hide body, escaped scene The boys allegedly attempted to hide the body under a bed but were unsuccessful and subsequently fled the scene, she said. The DCP said the murder came to light when the victim's daughter, unable to reach her by phone, sent her brother to check on her. He discovered the body lying on the floor. During the probe, police questioned the nephew, who allegedly confessed to the killing, she said, reported PTI. According to police, the minor had stolen from his aunt three months ago, following which she had deposited all her jewellery in a bank locker. A case of murder has been registered against the two boys, who have been sent to a remand home, the DCP added. Social media feud turns deadly in Beed; 23-year-old killed, two grievously injured A 23-year-old man was killed and two others were seriously injured in a knife attack allegedly triggered by a dispute over social media posts in Maharashtra’s Beed district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place on Monday night at Ruinalkol village in Ashti tehsil. Two suspects, including a minor, have been detained in connection with the case, officials said, reported PTI. Deepak Nalkol died in the attack, while Balu Khodke and Shashikant Lambade are battling for their lives at a private hospital in Ahilyanagar district, according to officials. “When a palanquin procession of Lord Mahadev was underway on Monday night on the occasion of Mahashivratri, accused Nilesh Gujar (25) and a minor confronted the victims in front of a school. The confrontation stemmed from a long-standing grudge over provocative stories and status updates posted by them against each other on Instagram and WhatsApp,” an official said, reported PTI. During the heated argument, Gujar allegedly stabbed Nalkol in the back with a sharp knife. At the same time, the minor attacked Khodke and Lambade. Nalkol succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital, while the other two remain in critical condition, the official added. Following a complaint lodged by the deceased’s brother, Ashti police registered a case of murder and attempt to murder. The two accused have been taken into custody, Inspector Sharad Bhutekar of Ashti police station said. (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 02:29 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentA woman tarot card reader was allegedly extorted of Rs 2 lakh after being called to a bungalow in Aarey Colony under the pretext of conducting a fortune-reading session. According to police, a group of individuals called her to a location in the Aarey Colony area and introduced themselves as police officers and officials from the Crime Branch. They then threatened the woman with false allegations of involvement in drug trafficking and demanded money to avoid legal action, said police. Fearing arrest and harassment, the woman reportedly paid Rs 2 lakh to the impostors. Based on her complaint, Aarey police have registered a case of extortion and impersonation. One accused held, a search is on to trace others.
18 February,2026 02:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA 24-year-old Malwani resident allegedly died by suicide on February 12, with his family accusing his wife, her relatives, and two associates of sustained harassment and abetment. Police have registered a case and begun an investigation. The deceased has been identified as Ajay Ramu Parmar, a resident of Ambedkar Chowk, Ambujwadi in Malwani, Malad. Family’s allegations Ajay’s mother, Sangeeta Parmar, claimed the couple was legally married and majors, but her daughter-in-law’s family continued to oppose the relationship. “My son and daughter-in-law were in love and married legally. But later, her family and others pressured her to return home,” she said. The family further alleged Ajay was threatened and pressured to end the marriage. Caste angle raised Ajay’s father alleged the marriage faced resistance because Ajay belonged to a lower caste while his wife came from a higher caste. “He was under tremendous pressure and depression. He was our only earning member,” said Ramu Parmar, demanding arrests in the case. Organisation reaction Mahendra Kale, Taluka President of Rashtriya Adivasi Manch Ekta, warned of protests if arrests are not made soon. “If police fail to act, we will launch an agitation, including a hunger strike,” he said. Accused named in complaint Wife: Khushbu ParmarAssociate: Anushka Chauhan, local political figureAssociate: Lalit Mishra, allegedly linked to a hardline Hindu organisationPolice said the probe is ongoing and all allegations are being verified. Marriage timeline Dec 22: Couple solemnises love marriage at Bandra court without parental consentDec 24: Police trace couple in Pune and bring them back to MumbaiLater: Wife returns to parental home following family pressureFeb 12: Ajay allegedly dies by suicide Case snapshot Name: Ajay Ramu Parmar, 24Area: Ambujwadi, MalwaniDate of death: February 12FIR registered: February 14Police station: Malwani Police Station Police response Senior Inspector Shailendra Nagar of Malwani Police Station confirmed: Case registered under relevant sections of lawStatements being recordedThreat allegations under examinationAll angles, including abetment to suicide, under probe“We are investigating the circumstances leading to the death,” he said.
18 February,2026 08:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanAn NRI homemaker has accused a city-based developer of cheating her out of Rs 80 lakh by selling the same flat to another buyer after taking full payment. An FIR has been registered at the Oshiwara police station for cheating and criminal breach of trust. The complainant, Fazila Akil Mustri, 44, niece of fashion designer Riyaz Gangji, said she invested in a flat at the Royal Green SRA Residential Project in Marol, Andheri East, after making full payment between 2015 and 2016. Despite repeated follow-ups, she neither received possession nor a registered sale agreement. The issue resurfaced in December 2023 when the developer allegedly acknowledged receipt of the entire amount and assured possession, which did not materialise. Subsequent checks revealed that the flat had already been sold in 2019. After multiple failed assurances and a bounced cheque, the complainant approached the police. “I have also filed complaints in this regard with MahaRERA and other concerned departments,” said Gangji. Responding, the developer, Sameer Bhubhe, denied the allegations, claiming only Rs 55 lakh was received, possession of one flat was already given, and that the complainants must either pay the balance with a penalty or take back the amount paid. Case details >> Flat in Royal Green SRA Project, Marol>> Total amount paid: Rs 80 lakh>> Rs 45 lakh via bank transactions; Rs 35 lakh allegedly in cash>> Allotment letter dated April 13, 2016 What they said Police Speak>> FIR registered at the Oshiwara police station>> Notices to be issued to the accused and associates>> Investigation initiated Riyaz Gangji says>> Complaints also filed with MahaRERA and other authorities>> Builder promised a buyback but stopped responding>> Demands strict action to prevent similar frauds Accused>> Case registered against six persons, including developer Sameer Bhubhe Rs 35LAmount the complainant paid in cash
18 February,2026 08:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanADVERTISEMENT
