The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday said that it busted a gold smuggling racket at Mumbai airport and seized 3.05 kilograms of smuggled gold. The gold was valued at Rs. 3.89 crore, officials said. DRI officers acted on specific intelligence suggesting that foreign-origin gold in wax form was being smuggled into India. The information indicated that the gold would be concealed either on a passenger or inside baggage arriving at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, on December 31, 2025. Based on this input, DRI officers kept surveillance at the airport. Gold hidden inside water tumbler An Indian national arriving from Bahrain was intercepted by DRI officers on December 31, 2025. During a detailed examination of his baggage, officers recovered twelve capsules containing gold dust in wax form. The capsules were cleverly concealed inside a water tumbler, showing a high level of planning to evade detection. 24-carat gold seized under customs act The recovered gold was found to be of 24-carat purity. The total net weight of the gold was 3.05 kg, and its market value was estimated at Rs. 3.89 crore. The gold was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the smuggling network. DRI reaffirms crackdown on smuggling The DRI stated that it continues to carry out intelligence-led operations to protect the country’s economic interests and curb illegal trade.
31 December,2025 09:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilMumbai Police launched a security check on Wednesday afternoon after a car carrying a bomb threat message was found parked outside the residence of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut in Mumbai, officials said, reported the PTI. The incident took place outside Raut’s home in the Bhandup area of the city. According to police, the message was written on the dusty window of a WagonR car. The note read, "Aaj hoga hungama 12 baje bomb blast" (There will be chaos today, bomb blast at 12), according to the PTI. Supporters of the Rajya Sabha MP noticed the message and immediately informed the police. Bomb squad searches residence After receiving the alert, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) arrived at the location. The team conducted a thorough search of Sanjay Raut’s bungalow and the surrounding area. Police officials confirmed that nothing suspicious was found during the search. Car seized, case to be registered The parked car was seized by the police for further investigation. The officials were in the process of registering a case against an unidentified person in connection with the threat message. Police said further inquiry is underway to find out who left the message and why. Bomb threat emails to Mumbai courts earlier this month Earlier this month, bomb threat emails were sent to multiple courts and banks in Mumbai which triggered heightened security on December 18, prompting an extensive security sweep across judicial premises in the city. The threats targeted at least five courts, including the Bombay High Court, as well as two to three banks, police sources said. After detailed searches, no suspicious or explosive material was found at any location. Checks conducted at courts Officials said the emails were sent using Outlook-based email IDs, following which standard operating procedures were immediately activated. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, local police teams and senior officers conducted thorough checks at the high court and at least four to five magistrate courts across Mumbai. Banks that received similar emails were also searched as a precaution. Investigators believe the threats were sent by a repeat hoaxer who has been targeting sensitive institutions in Mumbai for over a year. (with PTI inputs)
31 December,2025 09:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) in Maharashtra arrested 25 people and seized drugs, including heroin and opium, valued at Rs 3.31 crore. The arrested individuals are residents of Punjab on Tuesday, officials said. Police received information that several people from Punjab were arriving in Navi Mumbai, renting rooms in lodges, hotels, and hostels, and supplying heroin and opium to local users and drug peddlers. Based on this, five NDPS cases were registered at Kalamboli, APMC, Taloja, CBD Belapur, and NRI police stations. Arrests and seizures The ANC arrested 25 accused, while 10 others have been declared wanted. Those arrested were sent to Taloja Jail. Police seized 680 grams of heroin, 182 grams of opium, 17 bottles of codeine syrup, 30 mobile phones and Rs 4.80 lakh in cash, police said. The total value of seized property is Rs 3.31 crore. Drugs transport routes identified During the investigation, police discovered that the drugs were transported from Punjab to Navi Mumbai via rail and road. A special team has been sent to Punjab to capture the remaining wanted accused. Police leadership and drive The operation was conducted under the guidance of Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe, Joint Commissioner Sanjay Yenpure, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Deepak Sakore, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Sachin Gunjal. The drive is part of a special initiative to make Navi Mumbai drug-free, officials said.
31 December,2025 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Naigaon Police's Crime Branch Unit-2 in Vasai on Wednesday said that it has arrested two persons and seized a country-made pistol, live cartridges, and a sword during a late-night search operation on Tuesday night. Assistant Police Inspector Sopan Patil received information that an individual would arrive in the Poman area of Naigaon carrying an illegal firearm. Acting on this tip-off, police laid a trap and arrested Deepak Adhyaprasad Singh (33), a resident of Sastikar Pada, Poman, Naigaon. Details of seizure Upon searching Singh, police recovered a country-made pistol valued at Rs 35,000, four live cartridges and a sharp sword Further arrest and investigation During further investigation, police arrested Vinod Hariram Verma (31), who allegedly supplied the firearm to Singh. Both accused are originally from Sultanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, said an official. The Naigaon police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation, the official said.
31 December,2025 08:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Thane police in Maharashtra have registered a case against two people for allegedly raping a woman for about seven years, including when she was a minor, an official said on Wednesday, reported the PTI. The 22-year-old housewife recently approached the police in New Delhi, where a 'zero FIR' was registered. The case was then transferred to the Bhoiwada police station in the Bhiwandi area of Thane district, officials said. A zero first information report is an FIR that can be registered by any police station irrespective of jurisdiction and later transferred to the respective police station under whose jurisdiction the alleged crime may have taken place. Citing case papers, the official said the complainant, now a resident of Delhi, was brought to Bhiwandi from her hometown in 2018 by one of the two accused who are brothers, as per the PTI. Brought on pretext of further education She was brought to the district by one of the accused under the pretext of providing her with further education when she was in Class 10, the PTI reported. According to the police, after her arrival, the woman said, he left for their village. During that time, his brother allegedly raped her on multiple occasions. When she informed him of his brother's actions, he allegedly coerced her into silence by promising to marry her, according to the PTI. Forced victim to maintain a physical relations The police said that the suspect allegedly forced the complainant to maintain a physical relationship with his brother. She told the police that she was subjected to physical and mental torture by both brothers at their residence in Bhiwandi between 2018 and August 2025, the official said, the news agency reported. It was immediately not clear how she reached New Delhi or when she got married. Cops launch probe An official said that after receiving the necessary documents, the Bhoiwada police on Tuesday registered a case against the two brothers for rape and criminal intimidation under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as well as the Indian Penal Code, the official said, as per the PTI. Assistant police inspector SR Patil said that a probe in the matter was underway. (with PTI inputs)
31 December,2025 07:06 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Kandivali Police in Mumbai have arrested two men for their alleged involvement in stealing donation boxes from temples in Mumbai, officials said on Wednesday. The accused have been identified as Prashant Pandurang Chorat (30) and Aliraj alias Ali Sainur Khan (38). Khan was arrested from Mira Road, while Chorat was nabbed from Satara. Another accused involved in the crime is currently absconding. Theft at Shankar Temple in Kandivali According to the police, the accused broke open a donation box at Shankar mandhir (Temple), operated by the Jalai Lohana Mitra Mandal Trust, located on S.V. Road, Kandivali West, on December 22. The accused allegedly fled with around Rs 50,000 in cash. A complaint was filed by Vipul Jataniya (57), following which the police registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Modus Operandi Police said Khan is an auto-rickshaw driver and has one leg affected by polio. Chorat, on the other hand, is a habitual offender who allegedly specialises in stealing donation boxes from temples. Investigations revealed that the trio committed the theft together, and Khan received Rs 15,000 as his share of the stolen money. CCTV footage leads to arrest Under the guidance of DCP Sandeep Jadhav (Zone XI) and Senior Police Inspector Karan Sonkawade, API Hemant Geete and his detection team began the investigation. CCTV footage from nearby areas was examined, leading to the identification of an auto-rickshaw used in the crime. The police traced the vehicle to Penkarpada, Mira Road, and detained Khan after obtaining his address and mobile number. During questioning, Khan confessed to the theft and named his associates Prakash alias Pakya and Ganesh alias Ganya. Suspect held in Satara Based on information provided by Khan, the police learnt that Pakya alias Prashant Chorat was hiding in Satara district of Maharashtra. With permission from senior officers, the police team travelled to Satara and arrested Chorat from Kondavili Khurd village, Vai taluka, on Tuesday. During the search, police seized over Rs 13,000 in cash and a mobile phone allegedly purchased using the stolen money. More thefts under investigation During interrogation, Chorat reportedly admitted to committing another temple theft in Kurar, just days after the Kandivali incident. Police confirmed that Chorat is a professional thief who specifically targets temples. Both accused were produced before a court and have been remanded to police custody until January 2. Police said efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the third accused, Ganesh alias Ganya.
31 December,2025 06:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Dahisar police have booked and arrested two persons, including a woman, for allegedly extorting money from the operator of an orchestra bar and restaurant in Dahisar East by threatening to file repeated false complaints with the police, fire brigade and civic authorities. Background of the complainant and business The complainant, Chandrashekhar Gurunath Shetty (47), a resident of Rawalpada in Dahisar East, manages the operations of an orchestra bar and restaurant owned by his cousin at Prabhat Industrial Estate near the Dahisar check post. According to Shetty, the establishment operates with valid FL-III licence permissions and complies with all government norms, including those related to staff and women performers. Alleged extortion and threats In his complaint, Shetty stated that in May 2025, a woman identified as Rima Rajesh Mohite and her accomplice Anil Yadav approached him at the hotel and demanded a monthly “installment” to allow the business to function without interference. The duo allegedly threatened that if the money was not paid, they would repeatedly lodge complaints with the police control room, fire brigade and civic authorities, accusing the bar of illegal activities. Pattern of harassment Shetty further claimed that he later learnt from other bar owners in the area that the accused were known to harass establishments by filing false complaints and extorting money. Despite requesting them not to harass his newly started business, the accused allegedly continued to threaten him. False emergency call and escalation On May 19, 2025, a false emergency call reportedly led to police, fire brigade and Adani Electricity officials arriving at the hotel in the early hours, causing panic and disruption. Following this incident, the accused allegedly intensified their threats and increased their monetary demands. Payments made under pressure According to the complaint, Shetty paid multiple installments through UPI transactions as well as in cash between May and December 2025, fearing harm to his business. The monthly amount allegedly rose from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, with the accused later demanding Rs 10,000 per month and abusing and threatening him in foul language. In total, Rs 22,000 was allegedly extorted from the complainant. Police action and investigation Based on the complaint and digital payment records submitted as evidence, the Dahisar police registered a case against Rima Rajesh Mohite and Anil Yadav under charges of extortion, criminal intimidation and other relevant sections. Both accused have been arrested, and further investigation is underway to determine whether other bar owners were similarly targeted.
31 December,2025 01:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanPolice have arrested four persons from a bar in Maharashtra's Palghar district, claiming that they were planning to rob a jewellery store, reported news agency PTI. According to a release by the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar police, the operation was launched after Inspector Shahuraj Ranaware of Crime Unit-III received a tip-off on Monday about five armed individuals gathered at Deepa Bar near the Nalasopara East railway station, reported PTI. A police team raided the bar and apprehended four men, while a fifth accomplice, identified only as Mohammad, managed to escape, it said. One firearm, three live cartridges, a pistol-shaped lighter, a cutter, and a screwdriver were recovered from the four. The gang intended to rob a jewellery shop located on Taki Road, Nalasopara East, police said, reported PTI. The arrested individuals have been identified as Irshad Niyaj Khan (42), a Lucknow resident with a history of serious crimes such as murder and robbery in Mumbai and Gujarat, Revadhar Durgadatt Bhatt and Mohansing Jogising Rawat, both from Nepal, and Sumit Pappu Rawat, who is also from the Uttar Pradesh capital, reported PTI. A case has been registered at the Achole police station, and an investigation is underway, they said. Badlapur couple loses Rs 21.9 lakh in share trading scam In another case, a couple from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly cheated of Rs 21.9 lakh by cyber fraudsters who lured them into indulging in share trading on a WhatsApp group, police said on Tuesday, reported PTI. The victims, who are residents of Badlapur, lost the sum within 11 days of joining a group called "Bull Market Guide Community" on WhatsApp in November, an official said, reported PTI. He said that unidentified fraudsters added the complainants to the WhatsApp group and promised them high returns through share trading. They were coerced into investing Rs 21.9 lakh in various shares, but found out that they had been cheated when they were unable to withdraw their original investment and the promised profits, reported PTI. The police have registered a first information report under Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act, the official said, adding that a probe is underway. (With inputs from PTI)
31 December,2025 12:45 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentThe Pantnagar Police have arrested a man for the alleged brutal murder of a 41-year-old woman, whose body was found with her throat slit outside her residence in Kamraj Nagar in Ghatkopar East, Mumbai. The incident occurred on December 24, when the woman had gone for a walk and did not return home. Her body was discovered the following day in a bush near Kamraj Nagar. A murder case under Section 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered based on a complaint filed by her husband against an unknown person. Fifteen police investigation teams, under the guidance of the deputy commissioner of police, zone 7, conducted a detailed probe, including reviewing CCTV footage, examining mobile phone records, questioning witnesses, and analysing financial transactions. Based on these efforts, the accused was identified as Mohammad Irfan alias Chand Fakre Alam Ansari (42), a resident of KT 8, Rising City of Ghatkopar East. Ansari was arrested on Monday. Investigations revealed that he allegedly murdered the woman in a fit of rage over a financial dispute involving a loan taken from his wife.
30 December,2025 09:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) on Tuesday said that it has ordered an inquiry into the Bhandup BEST bus accident in which four people were killed and at least 10 others were injured, an official statement said. "The BEST also announced Rs 2 lakh aid to the families of the deceased in the incident," said the statement. A BEST bus had on Monday night rammed into several pedestrians and passengers waiting at a bus stop near Bhandup Railway Station (West). The accident took place at around 10.05 pm when a BEST bus operating on Route A-606, travelling from Bhandup Railway Station (West) to Nardas Nagar, reached the bus stop. Bus lost control at bus stop The bus, bearing registration number MH01-CV 6515 and operated under an Olectra wet-lease arrangement, allegedly went out of the driver’s control suddenly. It crashed into a queue of passengers standing at the bus stop. As a result, 14 people were seriously injured. Among them, three women and one man died during treatment, while ten others are undergoing medical treatment. Injured undergoing treatment at hospitals The injured passengers were rushed to Rajawadi Hospital and Sion Hospital, both run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Some of the injured were also admitted to private hospitals, including Agarwal, Fortis, Mahavir and Minaz hospitals, for further treatment. Driver arrested The bus driver, Santosh Ramesh Sawant (52), has been arrested by Bhandup Police. A case has been registered against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act for negligent driving. Police have confirmed that further investigation into the incident is underway. Compensation announced by BEST The BEST undertaking expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The organisation has assured full medical assistance to those injured, the official statement said. BEST has also announced financial compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Injured passengers will receive medical support as per existing rules, it said. Internal inquiry ordered The BEST General Manager has ordered an immediate internal inquiry into the accident. Instructions have been given to submit a detailed report through a departmental committee at the earliest, officials said.
30 December,2025 06:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA couple from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly cheated of Rs 21.9 lakh by cyber fraudsters who lured them into indulging in share trading on a WhatsApp group, police said on Tuesday, reported news agency PTI. The victims, who are residents of Badlapur, lost the sum within 11 days of joining a group called "Bull Market Guide Community" on WhatsApp in November, an official said. He said that unidentified fraudsters added the complainants to the WhatsApp group and promised them high returns through share trading. They were coerced into investing Rs 21.9 lakh in various shares, but found out that they had been cheated when they were unable to withdraw their original investment and the promised profits, reported PTI. The police have registered a first information report under Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act, the official said, adding that a probe is underway. Driver held for stealing tour company's bus over unpaid wages in Palghar In another case, a former driver with a tour company has been arrested for allegedly stealing a bus over unpaid wages in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Tuesday, reported PTI. The owner of a tour company reported the vehicle missing from the Waliv Phata area on December 23, following which a theft case was registered, an official said. During the investigation, the police zeroed in on Kunal Kishore Gaikwad (27), a former employee. Upon interrogation, he confessed that he had stolen the vehicle in a fit of rage, as the company owed him one month's salary despite repeated requests, he said, reported PTI. The stolen bus, worth Rs 15 lakh, was recovered from Vasai, he added. Navi Mumbai man duped of Rs 32 lakh with promise of job at JNPT; one booked Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man from Navi Mumbai was allegedly cheated of Rs 32 lakh with a promise of a job at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), police said on Monday, reported PTI. The Vashi police have registered a case against Rishabh Rajesh Mhatre, a resident of Uran, under sections 318(4) (cheating) and 336(3) (forgery) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), an official said, reported PTI. He said that the fraud occurred between March and December 2024 when the alleged accused lured the complainant, a resident of Ulwe, with an offer for the post of "Export Assistant Manager" at JNPT, and created and presented forged documents related to the recruitment process. Over several months, the complainant was coerced into paying a total of Rs 32 lakh in instalments, and the complainant realised he had been duped when the job did not materialise, the official said, reported PTI. No arrest has been made so far, and a probe is underway, he added. (With inputs from PTI)
30 December,2025 01:09 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
