A 75-year-old businessman from Navi Mumbai has allegedly been cheated of Rs 1.08 crore after being promised high returns in share market investments, police said on Sunday, reported news agency PTI. The victim, a resident of the Vashi area in Navi Mumbai, last month clicked on an advertisement that he came across on Facebook promising lucrative returns for investments in the share market, reported PTI. He was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group and directed to various fraudulent websites to set up a trading account. Between December 5, 2025, and January 6 this year, the victim was deposited Rs 1.08 crore into various accounts in 18 separate transfers, a cyber police official said. To gain his trust, the fraudsters initially showed his "profits" growing to over Rs 4 crore on the platform. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw his funds, the fraudsters demanded further payments under the guise of taxes and IPO subscription fees, the official said, reported PTI. He then filed a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police registered an FIR on January 29 against two unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act for cheating. Case against Dubai-based man for duping Navi Mumbai businesswoman of Rs 43 lakh In another case, the Navi Mumbai police have registered a case against a Dubai-based individual for allegedly duping a local businesswoman of Rs 43.41 lakh under the pretext of lucrative business investments, police said here Sunday, reported PTI. The 44-year-old woman, engaged in the e-commerce business and residing in the Old Panvel area of Navi Mumbai, saw an advertisement on Instagram in 2023 for a dealership in prayer mats and garments. After contacting the listed WhatsApp number, she began communicating with a man who claimed to be based in Dubai. Over several months, the man won her trust and asked her to invest additionally in rental properties for bachelors, promising an annual profit of Rs 1.20 lakh per house, and purchasing cheap laptops from the US for resale with a 15 per cent profit margin, a police official said, reported PTI. Between June 21, 2023, and February 5, 2024, the victim transferred Rs 43,41,350 to different accounts using her own funds and those of her father, husband and sister, he said. Despite multiple follow-ups, the accused failed to provide any returns or refund the principal amount, the official said, reported PTI. The victim later approached the police, who registered a case on January 30 against the man on charges of cheating, he said. (With inputs from PTI)
01 February,2026 10:32 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentWhen a UK-based doctor and social media influencer, Sangram Patil, was stopped at Mumbai airport earlier this year in connection with allegedly objectionable online content, it underlined a shift in how Mumbai Police are responding to crimes committed from beyond India’s borders. The intervention at the airport was not dramatic, nor out of the ordinary for investigators, but it highlighted the police’s intention of implementing the familiar mechanism of the Look Out Circular (LOC), sans the pomp and show it is normally associated with. Traditionally associated with high-profile economic offenders and fugitives who flee the country after large-scale frauds, LOCs are now being increasingly used in cases involving digital crimes, both civil and criminal crimes — that include social media posts, threat emails and online communications — where the accused may be physically located overseas but legally answerable in India. From financial fugitives to digital accused For years, the term LOC conjured images of sensational cases involving business tycoons accused of bank fraud, or international fugitives, and organised crime figures. Names like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi are synonymous with the mechanism that alerts immigration authorities when an accused enters or attempts to leave the country. A LOC is passive but persistent; police are alerted via agencies when a culprit, who has committed a civil or criminal act against a resident Indian, enters the country. Illustration/Uday Mohite Senior Mumbai Police officers observe that while the legal framework for LOCs has remained untouched, it is the nature of cases in which they are invoked that has seen a strategic change. “In major economic offences, accused persons usually know the inner workings of a system well. They anticipate an LOC and take steps accordingly,” an officer familiar with the process explained. “But in cases linked to online behaviour — posts, emails or threats — many accused underestimate the consequences,” further adds the official. It is this arrogance of beating the system, police say, that has made LOCs particularly effective in cases involving digital offences. The digital trail that leads back home Mumbai Police are increasingly dealing with cases where alleged offences originate online but have real-world consequences — threats sent via email, provocative content posted on social media, or messages aimed at public figures. Often, the sender is traced to an overseas location, with the perpetrator working under the assumption that physical distance will guarantee protection. Once an FIR is registered, however, investigators rely on technical tools — IP analysis, platform-level data, email headers and coordination with service providers — to identify suspects. After identity is established, the question becomes one of timing: when will the accused return to India? That is where the LOC comes in. Unlike arrest warrants that require active execution, an LOC lies in wait. It does not chase the accused; it waits for them. How an LOC actually works A Look Out Circular is issued to immigration authorities across all ports of entry and exit—airports, seaports and land borders. It carries specific instructions based on the nature of the case and the stage of investigation. Another case In one instance, Mumbai Crime Branch investigators traced threatening emails sent to a political figure’s family member to a man working in the Caribbean. An LOC was issued soon after an FIR was registered. Months later, when the accused landed in Mumbai, immigration authorities flagged the alert, leading to his arrest before he could leave the airport premises. Subsequent investigation revealed that similar threats had been sent to other public figures as well. In another case, threatening emails directed at a Bollywood actor were traced to a student studying abroad. An LOC was issued, ensuring that whenever the accused returns to India, authorities are alerted. “These are not cases where we know when the person will return,” an officer said. “But the system ensures we are notified the moment they do,” they added. Why are online offenders often caught off guard? Police officials note a recurring pattern: individuals accused of online offences often assume that distance equals immunity. “There is a belief that if time passes, the case will lose momentum,” a senior officer explained. “But an LOC does not expire quietly. It stays in the system.” This persistence has proven critical in digital-era policing, where offences may be committed in seconds but investigations stretch across jurisdictions and time zones. Deterrence beyond arrests While arrests are the most visible outcome, police stress that LOCs also serve as a deterrent to crime. “The knowledge that an LOC can be issued even for online behaviour changes how people act,” an officer said. “It sends a message that digital anonymity does not override legal accountability,” they added. Police also emphasise that LOCs are not issued casually. Each request must be supported by an FIR, detailed case grounds and approval from competent authorities. A tool shaped for the digital age For the Mumbai Police, the mechanism has become a way to bridge the gap between global digital activity and local legal accountability. “Crimes today don’t respect geography,” an officer said. “Our response cannot be limited by it either,” he added. As digital footprints continue to expand and borders grow increasingly porous online, the Look Out Circular remains one of the few tools that ensures accountability waits patiently — right at the country’s gates. A tool shaped for the digital age As online platforms increasingly intersect with public order, security and personal safety. For Mumbai Police, the mechanism has become a way to bridge the gap between global digital activity and local legal accountability. “Crimes today don’t respect geography,” an officer said. “Our response cannot be limited by it either,” he added. What the experts say Nishant Salunke, Senior Cyber Forensic Expert “Cyber offences are borderless, but digital actions always leave traceable forensic footprints, irrespective of where the offender is physically located. IP logs, device identifiers, email headers, account metadata and platform records allow investigators to establish attribution even when activity originates overseas. Once attribution is confirmed and an FIR is registered, the passage of time or physical distance does not weaken the case. A Look Out Circular acts as an enforcement bridge, translating digital evidence into physical accountability at immigration checkpoints. Unlike arrest warrants, an LOC is passive yet persistent, remaining active until formally withdrawn. Online offenders are frequently caught off guard because they assume overseas activity provides immunity from Indian law. Immigration-linked alerts enable real-time notification as the individual enters the country. LOCs are effective in cyber cases because the alerts are instantaneous. The mechanism reinforces deterrence by signalling that online behaviour carries real-world legal consequences.’ Police officials describe three broad operational LOC categories Detain and inform: The person is detained on arrival, and police are alerted immediately. Prevent and inform: The individual is stopped from leaving the country, and police are informed. Inform only: Used mainly for monitoring travel movements, without alerting the individual. Over the years, LOC rules have evolved. Earlier, standing LOCs had a limited validity period. Under revised norms, a standing LOC now remains active until formally withdrawn, ensuring that alerts continue even if investigators are transferred or cases remain pending for years.
01 February,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilA businessman has finally got back his licensed revolver 22 years after it was seized, after a court failed to order its return despite his acquittal in the case in 2007. The firearm was seized in 2004, when a Bhuleshwar-based gold and diamond trader was detained by the Crime Branch while transporting cash for business purposes. The businessman, Mahesh Patel, a resident of Vile Parle, was intercepted along with five partners by Crime Branch Unit-2 while travelling in two cars with Rs 68 lakh in cash. The cash was seized, and all six were arrested under an FIR registered at LT Marg police station. According to police, the group was on its way to deposit the money in a bank. Investigations later revealed that the cash belonged to their business partner, Rakesh Patel, and was neither stolen nor linked to any illegal activity. In August 2006, the Esplanade court in South Mumbai ruled that the money was legitimate and ordered its return. All six accused were acquitted in 2007. The licensed revolver seized in 2004 and returned to its owner after 22 years of legal battle However, while the cash was returned, the court failed to pass any order for the return of Patel’s licensed revolver, which had also been seized during the arrest. The other accused in the case were Jyotiram Dongre, Natvarbhai Patel, V K Shankaran Kochan, Murli Pille, and Chandrakant Patel. Despite repeatedly approaching the police, Patel was unable to retrieve his weapon as the case papers were reportedly untraceable. “We were falsely arrested. We proved that the money belonged to us and were acquitted, but my licensed revolver was never returned because the court did not mention it in the order,” Patel told Sunday mid-day. “I approached the police several times, but the records could not be located,” he added. Patel later approached advocate Sunil Pandey, who helped him initiate proceedings for the return of property. “After legal follow-up, the court finally ordered the firearm’s return earlier this month. “I am extremely happy to have my revolver back. With official permission, I got it serviced and tested. Even after 22 years, it is in good working condition,” Patel said. He added that he had purchased the revolver in 1998 for personal safety. Advocate Pandey said the delay occurred due to serious procedural lapses. “We eventually sourced the old order copy from one of the accused. Based on that document, we applied for the return of the firearm and finally succeeded,” Pandey added.
01 February,2026 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaIn the 2021 Khar murder case of 19-year-old Jhanvi Kukreja, a Mumbai sessions court on Friday sentenced the prime accused to life imprisonment, while acquitting the co-accused by extending the benefit of doubt. The court held accused Shree Jogdhankar guilty of murder and awarded him life imprisonment after examining the evidence and witness testimonies presented during the trial. Her mother says she will challenge the acquittal of the co-accused. File pics However, the co-accused — Diya Padalkar — was acquitted. The court observed that the prosecution had failed to establish her guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Reacting to the verdict, the victim’s mother, Nidhi Kukreja, said she respected the judicial process but would challenge the acquittal of the co-accused. What happened in 2021? Nineteen-year-old Jhanvi Kukreja was found murdered on January 1, 2021, inside a residential building in Khar, hours after attending a New Year’s Eve gathering. Police said she was last seen with Shree Jogdhankar and Diya Padalkar, who were part of her social circle. The prosecution alleged she was assaulted inside the building and sustained fatal injuries.
01 February,2026 07:00 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe 55th Sessions Court in Mumbai on Friday delivered its judgment in the high-profile Khar murder case of 19-year-old Jhanvi Kukreja, who was found dead on New Year’s Eve 2020. The court sentenced Shree Jogdhankar to life imprisonment, holding him guilty of murder. However, co-accused Diya Padalkar was acquitted, with the court giving her the benefit of doubt. Speaking outside the court, Kukreja's mother Nidhi said, “I have faith in the judiciary. I have attended the court for the past six years and I will challenge the acquittal. The court has obliged us by acknowledging the presence of Diya Padalkar at the crime spot at the time of the crime.” Advocate Trivankumar Karnani, counsel for the victim’s family, added that the judgment recorded Padalkar’s presence at the crime scene alongside Jogdhankar, as well as an unexplained injury on her lips and false submissions made to the hospital. Jhanvi Kukreja murder: Family to challenge Diya Padalkar's acquital “We will obtain the certified copy of the judgment, analyse the reasoning for her acquittal, and accordingly challenge it,” said Karnani. Kukreja was found dead on the stairs of a residential building in Khar, where she had attended a New Year’s Eve party. She had been accompanied by Jogdhankar and Padalkar, both of whom were her friends. Police investigations suggested that an argument led to a violent scuffle on the staircase, resulting in her death. Forensic evidence reportedly showed blood stains belonging to Jhanvi on Jogdhankar’s shirt.
31 January,2026 08:40 PM IST | MumbaiThe Government Railway Police (GRP) has arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with a series of thefts reported onboard express and local trains in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. Earlier this week, the Kalyan GRP arrested Dilip Ramavatar Sahu (52), a resident of Vitthalwadi, Kalyan East, and seized gold jewellery and mobile phones worth Rs 7.15 lakh, the official said, reported PTI. The GRP was probing the theft of a gold chain at Kalyan railway station on January 16, senior inspector Pandhari Kande said, reported PTI. "Based on technical analysis and sustained patrolling during peak hours, a trap was laid at the railway station, and the accused was apprehended," he said. During interrogation, the accused confessed to committing multiple thefts within the jurisdiction of the Kalyan GRP, the official said, adding that a gold chain worth Rs 3 lakh and 18 stolen mobile phones valued at Rs 4.15 lakh were recovered, reported PTI. The accused was involved in several theft cases registered between 2023 and 2026 with Kalyan GRP, he said. Woman dies after falling off crowded local train in Thane district In another incident, a 28-year-old woman died after falling off a crowded suburban local train during the morning rush hour in Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday, the Government Railway Police (GRP) said, reported PTI. The incident occurred around 8.10 am at the Badlapur railway station, an official from the Kalyan GRP said. The victim, Chetana Devrukhkar, was attempting to board a moving train heading for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) when she slipped and fell on the platform, senior inspector Pandhari Kande of the Kalyan GRP said, reported PTI. He said that the deceased worked with a firm in Thane and was travelling to work. A case of accidental death has been registered in connection with the incident. Thane court acquits man accused of wife's murder Meanwhile, a court in Maharashtra's Thane district has acquitted a 50-year-old man accused of murdering his wife, citing inconsistencies in the testimonies and ruling that the prosecution had not been successful in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Principal district and sessions judge S B Agrawal acquitted Mohammed Tariq Pirmohammed Shaikh, a resident of Daighar, of the charge of murdering his wife, Sagufta Shaikh. (With inputs from PTI)
31 January,2026 01:51 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMalad police have registered an extortion case against a prostitute and her associates for allegedly blackmailing a politician who contested the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on a national party ticket and lost. One woman has been arrested, while the alleged mastermind and other accomplices, including people posing as journalists and activists, are still absconding. A search operation is underway to trace them. According to police, the victim, a Malad resident, was reportedly trapped and blackmailed using intimate photographs. The ordeal began in December 2025, when he met the 43-year-old woman through a mutual acquaintance. The two met at various hotels, and payments were made as mutually agreed, both in cash and online. The situation turned alarming when the victim received a half-naked photograph of himself on WhatsApp from the same woman. She allegedly threatened to make it viral unless money was paid. Under pressure, the victim transferred Rs 9000 online and made several cash and digital payments over the following days. The extortion racket reportedly escalated, with the victim receiving calls from unknown numbers. The woman later proposed a “settlement” of R1 lakh, sending another woman to collect the cash. When fresh calls came from people claiming to be journalists and social activists, threatening to defame him and demand more money, the victim approached the Malad police and filed a complaint on January 27. “Investigations revealed the gang had extorted Rs 1,49,500 — Rs 1 lakh in cash and Rs 49,500 online — and demanded an additional R3 lakh, threatening to circulate the photographs on social media”, an officer said. Senior inspector Dushyant Chauhan confirmed the arrest of one woman and said PSI Akshay Mandale, under the guidance of DCP and ACP, is leading a manhunt for the remaining accused. Authorities are also probing whether the gang targeted other victims using similar tactics.
31 January,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanOmkar Shinde (27), the prime accused in the murder of 31-year-old college professor Alok Kumar Singh at Malad railway station in Mumbai, was produced before the Borivali Metropolitan Magistrate Court for the second time as the Government Railway Police (GRP) sought his custody again. The court remanded Shinde in 12-day judicial custody. Mumbai local train murder: Accused used ‘chimta’ to attack victim Singh, a Kandivali resident and mathematics professor at a Vile Parle college, was fatally stabbed during a scuffle while alighting from a Churchgate–Borivali local train on the evening of January 24 at Malad station. According to Borivali GRP, the murder weapon — a stainless-steel tweezer (chimta) commonly used by jewellers to hold tiny ornaments of gold, silver, and diamonds during polishing — has been recovered. Police have also seized the bloodstained clothes allegedly worn by the accused at the time of the crime. A police source said the front tip of the tweezer was curved and sharp. When Shinde stabbed Singh, it penetrated the kidney, and the curved tip caused severe internal damage, leading to massive bleeding. Advocate Jaywant Patil, appearing for the accused, told mid-day.com that since the police have already recovered the weapon and seized the bloodstained clothes, there was no justification for further custodial interrogation. “These points were placed before the court, following which the accused was remanded in judicial custody,” Patil said. Mumbai local train murder: Search for more eyewitnesses continues Police sources said there is currently only one eyewitness — the victim’s friend. Efforts are underway to identify additional witnesses. The Borivali GRP is scanning CCTV footage from Malad station to trace commuters who were present in the coach at the time of the incident. Authorities are also trying to identify and locate a woman who was travelling in the same compartment, as a dispute involving her allegedly triggered the argument between Singh and the accused. The statement of the prime witness is expected to be recorded before the court soon, sources said. Mumbai local train murder: Case details As per railway records, the Churchgate–Borivali local arrived at Malad station at 5.45 pm on January 24. An altercation broke out near the train door as passengers were alighting, during which Singh was stabbed. Railway staff and medical assistance reached the spot at 6 pm. The victim was rushed to Shatabdi Hospital in an ambulance, arriving at 6.25 pm, where he was declared dead. A murder case has been registered at Borivali GRP, which continues to investigate.
30 January,2026 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Malad Police in Mumbai have arrested a 47-year-old for allegedly stalking a minor girl, showing her obscene videos on his mobile phone, and demanding sexual favours. According to police sources, the arrest was made after the Malad Police Station registered a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. “The incident occurred between January 20 and 22, between 2.30 pm and 4 pm, within the Malad Police’s jurisdiction. The accused allegedly followed the minor from Ashirwad Building at Liberty Garden to the Flag Hotels area for three consecutive days. During this period, he reportedly caught hold of her hand, showed her obscene videos on his mobile phone, and demanded sexual gratification. Based on a complaint lodged by the girl’s guardian, the police registered a case and launched an investigation,” an officer said. The investigation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 11) Sandeep Jadhav, Assistant Commissioner of Police Prakash Bagal, Senior Inspector Dushyant Chavan, and Inspector (Crime) Sanjay Bedwal. Mumbai Police nab accused from Kandivali A police team comprising Sub-Inspectors Tushar Sukhdev and Niloba Jakkalwad, Head Constables Santosh Satavse, Amit Gawand and Avinash Jadhav, and constables Mahesh Doifode and Vaibhav Thorat conducted the probe. During the investigation, the team collected CCTV footage from the area and scrutinised visuals from nearly 40 to 50 cameras along the possible escape route. The accused was seen travelling in an autorickshaw towards the Malvani area. Acting on technical analysis and informer inputs, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Sukhdev kept the suspect under surveillance for two days. He was eventually traced to his residential area in Kandivali and arrested. The accused is a contractor by profession. Further investigation is underway.
30 January,2026 05:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA viral video circulating on social media captured a violent clash between two groups in South Mumbai’s Nagpada area late Thursday night, leaving several people injured and triggering a heavy police deployment. Authorities said one person remains in critical condition, once again highlighting security concerns in the densely populated locality. "A fight broke out between two groups in the Nagpada area of Mumbai last night. Five to six people were seriously injured in the incident, and one person is reported to be in critical condition. The Police have so far detained thirteen people in connection with the incident and are questioning them further. The Mumbai Police have registered a case under relevant Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and are conducting further investigations," Mumbai Police told ANI. Mumbai Police says, "A fight broke out between two groups in the Nagpada area of Mumbai last night. Five to six people were seriously injured in the incident, and one person is reported to be in critical condition. The Police have so far detained 13 people in connection with… — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2026 Clash between rival party workers in Bhiwandi leaves six injured, two cops hurt Earlier this month, six people, including two police personnel, were injured in a clash between workers of two rival parties in Bhiwandi town of Maharashtra’s Thane district, officials said. Activists of the Konark Vikas Aghadi (KVA), a local political outfit, allegedly hurled stones and ransacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office during the violence late on Sunday night, forcing police to resort to a lathicharge to restore order, they said. The violence broke out at Shivaji Chowk between KVA and BJP activists, apparently triggered by tensions following the recently concluded Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation elections. Videos circulating on social media showed people throwing stones as police intervened to disperse the crowd. “It was a murderous attack on BJP activists at the party office by our rivals. They even attempted to raid my residence unsuccessfully,” local BJP MLA Mahesh Chowgule alleged, PTI reported. He further claimed that some people manhandled police personnel during the incident. However, KVA functionary Vilas Patil dismissed the allegations, asserting that BJP activists had initiated the violence and that KVA members were the victims. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-II) Shashikant Borate said six individuals — including a police officer, a constable, and four political workers (two from each side) — sustained injuries and were undergoing treatment at a local hospital, PTI reported. Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the rioters, he said. The situation is currently under control, and heavy security has been deployed in the area to prevent further escalation, an official from the Thane city police control room said. The Nizampura police are in the process of registering a case in connection with the incident, officials added. In the January 15 elections to the 90-member Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation, the Congress secured 30 seats, followed by the BJP with 22. The KVA won four seats. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) bagged 12 seats each, the Samajwadi Party won six seats, the Bhiwandi Vikas Aghadi (Ekta Manch) secured three seats, while one seat went to an independent candidate.
30 January,2026 02:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter 73-year-old Asha Patil was killed in a hit-and-run while on her morning walk in Pune on Saturday, January 24, the Chaturshringhi police arrested the tempo driver involved after tracking the vehicle through CCTV footage. The accused has been identified as Siddharth Sarang Gaikwad, 22, a tempo driver. He was traced after police followed CCTV visuals of a tempo fleeing the spot and gathered local intelligence from cattle shed owners in the Sus area. Assistant Police Inspector Amol Dhas, leading the probe, said officers questioned cow and buffalo shed owners, who shared details of fodder suppliers operating from Perne Phata. Using this information, police identified Gaikwad as the driver. He allegedly confessed during questioning and was taken into custody. The tempo involved has also been traced. Gaikwad was produced in court and remanded to police custody till January 31. Investigators, including constables Babu Shirke, Sandeep Durge, and Sandeep Shinde, are probing whether negligence or speeding caused the fatal collision. 73Age of the victim
30 January,2026 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghADVERTISEMENT
