Read Mumbai Crime News
Palghar: Robbers open fire near jewellery shop at Kelwa Road, no injuries
A group of robbers attempting to target a jewellery shop in Maharashtra's Palghar district opened fire before fleeing the scene after drawing the attention of locals, an official confirmed on Friday. According to PTI, the incident occurred near Mamta Jewellers in the Kelwa Road area on Thursday night. At approximately 8 pm, a few individuals arrived at the jewellery store and began displaying suspicious behaviour, prompting local residents to take notice and gather around the shop. As the crowd grew, the miscreants panicked and fired shots into the air before making a hasty escape, an official from Safale police station informed PTI. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, as per PTI. The authorities have launched a thorough investigation to track down the culprits, who managed to flee before law enforcement could intervene. PTI reports that police teams have been deployed in and around the area to scan for any clues that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity and questioning witnesses who were present at the scene. “As soon as the suspects realised they were being watched, they fired a few rounds in the air to create panic before escaping. We have launched a search operation and are confident of making arrests soon,” a senior police officer stated, according to PTI. In a similar incident earlier this year, a shocking jewellery heist took place at Mayank Jewellers in Vasai’s Kaul Heritage City, Agarwal & Dosti Complex. On a Friday night, two armed robbers stormed the store around 9:15 PM and fled with gold worth approximately Rs 40 lakh. Shop owner Ratanlalji Sanghvi was in the process of closing the store when two men arrived on a motorbike—one wearing a helmet and the other concealing his face with a mask. They forced their way into the store and brandished a gun to intimidate Sanghvi. When he resisted, they struck him on the head with the gun’s butt, injuring him. The robbers then emptied the store’s safe, escaping with 15 to 20 jewellery boxes filled with gold ornaments. The Vasai police launched an intensive investigation, deploying six crime branch teams to track the culprits. Speaking on the matter, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pournima Shringi-Chougule assured that the case was being pursued with urgency. CCTV footage from the vicinity was scrutinised to gather leads and expedite arrests. Meanwhile, Ratanlalji Sanghvi was admitted to Cardinal Gracious Hospital in Vasai, where doctors confirmed his condition as stable. His family, deeply shaken by the incident, expressed hope for a swift resolution. His younger son, Abhilesh Sanghvi, stated, “We are cooperating fully with the police and remain hopeful for justice.” (With inputs from PTI)
28 March,2025 12:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Couple arrested for killing ‘adopted’ four-year-old daughter in Maharashtra
A couple from Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district has been arrested for allegedly murdering their four-year-old ‘adopted’ daughter and attempting to conceal the crime by hastily conducting her last rites, an official said on Friday, as per PTI. The accused, identified as Fauzia Shaikh (27) and her husband Faheem Shaikh (35), were residents of Sillod. According to PTI reports, the couple had reportedly adopted the child, named Aayat, six months ago. However, the circumstances surrounding her adoption are now under investigation to determine whether it was legally conducted. The incident came to light when Aayat was taken to the sub-district hospital around 3 am on Wednesday. However, doctors declared her dead on arrival. While the couple initially claimed the child had succumbed to an illness or health complication, suspicions arose when a local resident alerted the police, stating that Aayat had not died of natural causes, PTI reports. Acting swiftly, law enforcement officials intervened before the couple could proceed with the child’s burial. The body was immediately sent for post-mortem, which revealed multiple injuries on Aayat’s body, confirming foul play. As per PTI, investigators subsequently questioned Fauzia Shaikh, who allegedly admitted to physically assaulting the child. Speaking to PTI, an official from Sillod police station stated, “The post-mortem findings pointed to multiple injuries. Fauzia confessed to beating the child. While we have booked both the accused for murder, we are also verifying whether the adoption was carried out legally.” In a similar incident earlier this year, a father in Mumbai was arrested for strangling his four-month-old daughter to death in Ghatkopar. The Pant Nagar police arrested the 40-year-old accused after Rajawadi Hospital reported the case. The child was brought in by her parents, but medical examination revealed strangulation marks on her neck. Initially, the father denied any involvement, but later confessed to using a cradle rope to kill the infant. During interrogation, the accused cited financial constraints as the reason behind his actions. He had been unemployed for eight years and already had two sons. Police investigations also revealed that the couple had previously attempted to abort the child but were denied as the pregnancy had progressed beyond five months. (With inputs from PTI)
28 March,2025 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai
Pune police seek dismissal of two suspended officers over Porsche crash cover-up
The Pune police have submitted a proposal to the Maharashtra home department recommending the dismissal of two police officers who were suspended in connection with the fatal Porsche car crash that occurred in May last year, according to PTI. The tragic incident, which took place in the early hours of 19 May in the Kalyani Nagar area, involved a Porsche allegedly being driven by a 17-year-old boy in an inebriated state. The high-end vehicle reportedly ran over two tech professionals who were travelling on a motorcycle, resulting in their deaths. Following the accident, Inspector Rahul Jagdale and Assistant Police Inspector (API) Vishwanath Todkari, both attached to the Yerawada police station, were suspended for dereliction of duty and late reporting of the case. An internal inquiry further revealed lapses in the manner the case was registered, including a significant delay in collecting the juvenile’s blood samples, PTI reports. “We have submitted a proposal to the state home department recommending the dismissal of these two suspended officers. The proposal was sent today,” Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated on Thursday, as per PTI. The case garnered national attention due to the alleged cover-up attempts, including efforts to manipulate blood samples to invalidate alcohol test results. The juvenile involved in the crash has since been released from an observation home. However, his parents, two doctors, a Sassoon Hospital staff member, two middlemen, and three other individuals remain in judicial custody. The incident sparked public outrage over the influence of powerful individuals attempting to shield the accused from legal consequences. Investigations revealed a deliberate effort to obstruct justice, with key figures reportedly involved in tampering with evidence and delaying crucial medical procedures that could have determined the blood alcohol level of the juvenile at the time of the crash. The Pune police have been actively pursuing those involved in the alleged cover-up, leading to multiple arrests. Authorities have also been closely monitoring legal proceedings to ensure that justice is served. The recommendation for the dismissal of the two officers is seen as a significant step towards accountability within the police force. Senior officials have emphasised that any negligence or misconduct in handling such high-profile cases will not be tolerated, particularly when it compromises the integrity of the justice system. (With inputs from PTI)
28 March,2025 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai
Mumbai Crime Branch probes Bangladeshi link to Nagpur violence
The Mumbai Crime Branch has launched an investigation to determine whether there is any connection between a Bangladeshi national arrested in Mumbai and the recent violence in Nagpur, PTI reports. According to PTI, a Bangladeshi national identified as Ajijul Rehman was apprehended near Dadar station on Thursday. Authorities received intelligence suggesting that Rehman had travelled to Mumbai from Pune and had previously resided in Nagpur. Investigators are now examining whether he played any role in the violence that took place in the city. The Mumbai Crime Branch, in a statement, confirmed the probe, saying: "We will investigate whether there is a connection between Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Mumbai and the Nagpur violence. One Bangladeshi national, Ajijul Rehman, was arrested near Dadar station yesterday. There were inputs that he was coming to Mumbai via Pune and had lived in Nagpur. The investigation has begun to determine whether he had any involvement in the violence." The unrest in Nagpur, which erupted on March 17, saw incidents of stone-pelting and vehicles being torched following rumours that a holy ‘chadar’ had been set ablaze. As per PTI, law enforcement agencies have taken stringent measures, leading to the detention of over 114 individuals and the registration of thirteen cases related to the violence. Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal told ANI, "Action is continuously being taken against those involved in the incident. Thirteen cases have been filed, and more than 114 people have been accused and detained. In some cases, the accused were from outside Nagpur, while others were local residents." Following the violent clashes, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s anti-encroachment squad demolished illegal structures linked to two of the accused, Yusuf Sheikh and Faheem Khan. This move is part of the administration’s wider crackdown on those involved in the unrest. The violence stemmed from demands for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave. According to PTI, tensions escalated after social media rumours alleged that a sacred religious text had been burned during a protest, leading to clashes where police personnel also came under attack. On March 22, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the state’s Home Minister, confirmed that 92 individuals had been arrested in connection with the incident. Speaking about the government's response, Fadnavis stated that damages caused during the unrest would be recovered from the rioters. (With inputs from ANI)
28 March,2025 10:47 AM IST | Mumbai
Mumbai: Gang smuggling ‘meow meow’ in broomstick handles busted
The Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 busted an international drug trafficking racket and arrested five history sheeters who had been couriering ‘meow meow’ (mephedrone) powder to Australia and New Zealand by concealing the contraband inside the cavities of handles of plastic bristle brooms used to clean bathrooms. The cops have recovered over 5 kg of meow meow having a street value of over Rs 10 crore from their possession. Over the past year, the police said, the gang has couriered meow meow worth Rs 30 crore to Australia and New Zealand after sourcing it from Chennai via different routes. “We have confiscated 52 such brooms. Each broom carried 100 gm of the drug, wrapped in a black plastic bag with the opening glued to a thick paperboard. These pouches were inserted into the cavities of handles of the brooms,” an officer explained. The officer added that it was a unique tactic used in the smuggling operation wherein the drug traffickers had used sanitary equipment to dodge police. The packages recovered during the Crime Branch operation The five traffickers have been identified as Jehangir Shaha Alam Shaikh, 29, Senaul Julum Shaikh, 28, Suresh Kumar Nagrajan, 40, Abdul Munab Kalim alias Yusuf alias Biji, 50 and Murusa Kulam Yakuth Ali alias Musa, 41. Some of the accused had developed their network inside Arthur Road Jail and after coming out of prison, they joined hands to run the international operation. The Crime Branch sleuths, led by encounter specialist and Senior Police Inspector Daya Nayak, swung into action after they learnt that some people were trying to sell commercial quantities of mephedrone in the city. Since the accused had been desperately looking for a buyer, the Crime Branch laid a trap and called them to a guest house in Dadar East, where a police informer had booked a room for a meeting with the accused to seal the deal. A large team of Crime Branch Unit 9 officers, Including PI Sachin Puranik, API Utkarsh Waze, API Mahendra Patil, PSI Sujit Mhaisdhune, and a number of police constables worked together to bust the racket. The brooms with concealed contraband in the handles “We wanted the accused to come to Bandra, but they feared a police crackdown. So they fixed a meeting at a guest house in Dadar East, where we reached and first arrested two people—Jahangir Shaha Alam Shaikh and Senaul Julum Shaikh. They were found to be in possession of 5.04 kg of mephedrone, which is a commercial quantity,” said a senior Crime Branch officer. Since the guest house falls under the jurisdiction of Matunga police station, a Crime Branch officer registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and brought the arrested duo to the Bandra office for interrogation. “During interrogation, we learnt that they had been procuring drugs from the southern part of India. So, a team was immediately dispatched and we arrested Suresh Kumar Nagrajan from Chennai in Tamil Nadu. His arrest led us to Biji, who told us that he had procured the drugs from Musa, who we subsequently arrested. Our efforts are on to arrest the mastermind, who is hiding somewhere in south India,” said another Crime Branch officer. The Crime Branch is yet to find the factory where the meow meow was manufactured. “It will be known after we arrest the mastermind,” said the officer. Jehangir is the resident of Mumbai while Senaul is the native of Malda city in West Bengal. The other three are residents of Chennai. Jehangir Shaikh and Senaul Shaikh Another Crime Branch officer said that Jehangir and Senaul were imprisoned in Arthur Road Jail in connection with NDPS cases and counterfeit currency notes. “They got out of jail around a year ago and got into the drug trafficking business together,” he said. According to the officer, the other three accused were already running the international drug operation using the same tactic before Jehangir and Senaul walked out of jail. “Since Jehangir was arrested in an NDPS case in past, the third accused Nagrajan contacted him to use his network to sell mephedrone,” the officer added. “It was a well-organised network and the Chennai-based trio would always come to Mumbai, stay in a hotel using fake identities, and then courier the contraband using the same forged documents. “It was the reason they were never detected, because they had been concealing their original credentials at the time of sending the contraband to Australia and New Zealand,” the officer explained. According to the police, over the past year, the gang has sent contraband worth Rs 30 crore to Australia and New Zealand. “We have procured every piece of crucial information from the courier company to make it a watertight case, as it is a case of possession of drugs for commercial quantity,” said the officer.
28 March,2025 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar Sharma
How the Torres scam was built: EOW files massive charge sheet
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a charge sheet exceeding 27,000 pages in the Torres scam, naming seven accused individuals and a firm. The charge sheet states that the operation was a well-orchestrated Ponzi scheme, where investors were lured with promises of high returns through the purchase of low-quality moissanite gemstones. The charge sheet states that investors were also lured into buying moissanite-based silver and gold jewellery. According to the EOW, the stones were sourced from Rajasthan and were actually ‘low-quality artificial Maisonette’, bought for just Rs 350 to Rs 500 and sold for as much as Rs 8000. From 2023 to January 2025, stones worth Rs 20 crore were purchased from the Rajasthan-based supplier. The charge sheet outlines the role of each accused in the scam. (From top left) Tausif Riyaz alias John Carter, whistleblower/accused, Olena Stoian, alleged mastermind of scam, who is absconding, Oleksandra Brunkivska, one of the absconding accused, Armen Ataian, Ukrainian national and a known actor in his country, Victoriia Kovalenko, Ukrainian national who is on the run, A Ukrainian national living in city for several years, key figure in scam One of them, Tausif Riyaz alias John Carter—who had claimed to be a whistleblower—has also been charge-sheeted. Investigators allege he played a key role in assisting foreign nationals in setting up the scheme in Mumbai and its outskirts. The EOW has claimed that the scam was of Rs 142.58 crore so far since only 14,000 investors have approached them. It was expected that more than one lakh people had invested in Torres and initially it was suspected that the scam could be worth more than Rs 1000 crore. The accused and their rolesTausif Riyaz alias John Carter According to the charge sheet, he played a crucial role in helping foreign nationals establish Torres operations in Mumbai. Meetings to discuss the scam reportedly began in February 2023 with wanted Ukrainian national and alleged mastermind Olena Stoian, along with another accused named Alex. Riyaz facilitated their plans by connecting them with CA Abhishek Gupta, a key witness in the case. He also helped procure PAN and Aadhaar cards for company registration and was appointed CEO of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd. Additionally, Riyaz assisted in securing rental properties for Torres jewellery showrooms across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Kalyan. Tania alias Tazgul Xastova A Ukrainian national residing in Mumbai for several years, Tania was caught in a fake passport case by Sahar police in 2008. In the Torres operation, she served as the regional manager, overseeing showroom operations and staff recruitment. EOW investigations revealed that she was caught with R68 lakh in cash during the state Assembly elections in November 2024 by the Election Commission. Following her arrest, over R77 lakh was seized from her residence, along with R13 lakh in cash from her personal belongings. She is considered a key figure in managing Torres’ India operations alongside mastermind Olena Stoian. Valentina Ganesh Kumar A 44-year-old Russian-born woman who has been living in India for 20 years, Valentina is married to an Indian and has an 11-year-old daughter. She worked closely with Tania and played an active role in promoting the Ponzi scheme. According to the EOW, Valentina gave investment lectures at Torres seminars. About R13 lakh in cash was also recovered from her during searches. She has approached the high court seeking quashing of the FIR, claiming she was merely an employee with no knowledge of the scam. Sarvesh Ashok Surve Listed as a director in the company, Surve initially claimed to be a mere employee and posed as a whistleblower. However, the charge sheet highlights his active involvement in the scam alongside foreign nationals and Riyaz. Armen Ataian A Ukrainian national and a known actor in his country, Armen was arrested after his role surfaced in connecting the foreign nationals with Riyaz. He also allegedly procured a fake birth certificate from the BMC, for which a separate case has been registered at Bhoiwada police station. He was arrested from Madh, where he was living with two Russian nationals, also involved in the scam and working as extras in films. Valentina Ganesh Kumar, a Russian-born woman, claims she was a mere employee Alpesh Khara Believed to be a hawala operator, he allegedly played a critical role in facilitating financial transactions for the foreign nationals involved in the scam. The EOW found that the accused frequently visited his jewellery store, indicating his deep involvement. Lallan Singh According to the EOW, Lallan Singh provided seed capital to Torres through a network of shell companies. These funds were instrumental in setting up Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, the firm under which Torres operated in India. He has a history of criminal cases, including cheating, and is also under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED found that his companies provided R13.8 crore as initial funding. The absconding accused named The charge sheet also names 10 absconding foreign nationals—primarily from Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. They have been identified as:>> Victoriia Kovalenko>> Olena Stoian (the mastermind)>> Imran Javed>> Mustafa Karakoc>> Oleksandra Borovyk>> Oleksandr Zapichenko>> Oleksandra Brunkivska>> Oleksandr Tredokhib>> Artem Oliferchuk>> Lurchenko Igor
28 March,2025 07:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan
Disha Salian case: Closure report cited father’s betrayal as a factor
Satish Salian, the father of Disha Salian—who recently filed a petition accusing several high-profile figures for his daughter’s death—was named in the earlier police closure report as one of the factors contributing to her alleged depressive state on the night of her death. The Malwani police’s closure report, submitted after investigating Disha Salian’s alleged suicide on June 8, 2020, states that apart from failed projects and misunderstandings with friends, her father had misused her hard-earned money, spending it on a female employee at his spice-making unit in Thane. Disha had confided in a few friends, including her fiancé, about this betrayal. On June 2, 2020, after confronting her father over the money transfers, she moved to stay at her fiancé Rohan Roy’s flat in Jankalyan Nagar. Following an extensive probe, which included evidence collection and witness statements, the Malwani police concluded that Disha had died by suicide. The closure report was filed on February 4, 2021. The fatal night On the night between June 8 and 9, 2020, Disha allegedly jumped from the 12th floor of Regent Galaxy Tower in Jankalyan Nagar, Malad. She was rushed to Evershine Nursing Home, then to Tunga Hospital, and finally to Shatabdi Hospital, where she was declared brought dead. The investigation revealed that the flat from which she jumped belonged to her fiancé, Rohan Roy. Disha and Rohan had been in a relationship since 2014 and got engaged in 2017, with plans to marry after the COVID-19 pandemic. Malwani police had concluded that Disha had died by suicide Salian had initially been living in Dadar Naigaon with her parents, but after purchasing the flat in Malad, she split her time between both places. Until the lockdown, she and Rohan were living at her father’s house in Naigaon, but they moved to the Malad flat on June 4, 2020. Further investigations revealed that Roy, an actor and model, had worked in several TV serials, while Salian was a celebrity manager and had previously worked with the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The Malwani police determined that at the time of the incident, Salian’s fiancé Roy was present, along with her childhood school and college friends—Indranil Vaidya, Deep Ajmera, Himanshu Shikhre, and Resha Padwal. Upon discovering the incident, they rushed Salian to the hospital and also informed her parents, Satish and Vasanthi Salian, over the phone, asking them to reach Shatabdi Hospital in the early hours of June 9, 2020. An inquest panchnama was conducted at Shatabdi Hospital in the presence of witnesses. Salian’s clothes and belongings were collected and sent for forensic examination. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a swab test was also conducted, and her body was kept for one to two days pending the results. Once the COVID test returned negative, an autopsy was performed at Bhagwati Hospital in Borivli. The autopsy report confirmed that Salian died due to multiple injuries, indicating an unnatural death. The police recorded statements from Salian’s friends, fiancé Roy, and her parents. “Everyone stated that Salian was under stress due to business and family issues. She was working as a celebrity manager at Cornerstone Company, and two of the projects she was handling had stalled, which left her upset. All of Salian's friends and her fiancé Roy also stated in their police statements that she had confided in them about her father’s affair and how he had spent the money she gave him for business on another woman. This deeply saddened her,” the report said. Party on June 8 As per the closure report Salian hosted a birthday party for her friends Indranil and Deep at her flat on June 8, 2020. The gathering started at 7 pm on June 8, with music and alcohol and Disha on the night of her death was was drunk. Around 11.45 pm, Salian received a call from her London-based friend, Ankita, and went to the bedroom. Indranil, Deep, Rohan, Risha, and Himanshu later joined her. Eventually, Himanshu returned to the hall, followed by Salian, who appeared distressed. Shortly after, Salian locked herself inside the bedroom. When Rohan’s friends noticed her absence, they informed him. He knocked but got no response. Assuming she was in the bathroom, he initially ignored it. After knocking again with no answer, they forced open the door, finding the room empty. The bathroom was vacant too. Seeing the open window, they looked outside and found Salian lying near a parked car. Satisfied with investigation Her parents accepted the police investigation, which concluded suicide as the cause of death. However, following Sushant Singh Rajput's suicide, fresh claims led to a reinvestigation. The final closure report reaffirmed suicide, with no note found. Statements from Salian's friends, parents, and all individuals who visited the building between June 4 and June 9, 2020, were recorded. Additionally, the statements of everyone who called Disha on or before the day of the incident were documented. Call data records, CCTV footage of the building, and a clone of Disha's mobile phone data were preserved. Statements from witnesses, relatives, and friends were also considered. Forensic and post-mortem reports were thoroughly analysed, and based on all collected evidence, it was concluded that ADR number 85/2020, registered with Malwani police, was a case of suicide. The reason for the suicide was not explicitly disclosed, and no suicide note was found. The police recorded detailed statements from Salian’s father, Satish, and mother, Vasanthi, who did not raise any complaints, leading to the registration of an Accidental Death Report (ADR). Social media allegations Social media later fueled allegations of gang rape and political involvement after Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide. On July 9, 2020, Salian’s father filed a complaint against three YouTubers for defaming his daughter. In 2023, he also filed a complaint against former Union Minister Narayan Rane and his son Nitesh. Currently, both are out on bail. Fresh petition The case resurfaced after Satish Salian filed a petition , alleging his daughter was raped and murdered. His petition names high-profile figures, including Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea Chakraborty, Dino Morea, Sooraj Pancholi, ex-Mumbai police commissioner Parambir Singh, and dismissed officer Sachin Waze, demanding a case against all accused in the 2020 incident. Other side The reporter attempted to contact Disha's father, Satish Salian, for his response, but he did not reply to messages or calls. However, his lawyer, Nilesh Ojha, provided a statement, saying: “It is important to note that as per the binding judgment of the Supreme Court, any closure report filed in an enquiry under Section 174 CrPC (Accidental Death Report/ADR) has no evidentiary value and cannot be relied upon by the accused in cases where cognisable offences are clearly disclosed. Therefore, the earlier closure report holds no legal weight.”
28 March,2025 07:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Was misled into believing my daughter died by suicide: Disha Salian's father
Nearly five years after the demise of celebrity manager Disha Salian, her father Satish Salian has sought the Bombay High Court's intervention for a fresh probe into her death. Satish Salian recently filed a written complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner seeking the registration of an FIR against Worli legislator Aditya Thackeray and others accused in connection with the case, news agency ANI reported. As per his advocate Nilesh Ojha, the complaint had been accepted by the Joint Commissioner of Police. The accused in the case, include Aaditya Thackeray, former Commissioner of Police Parambir Singh, Officer Sachin Vaze and actor Aditya Pancholi. As per ANI, Satish Salian claimed that he was misled earlier, prompting him to believe that his daughter had died by suicide. He also claimed that former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar had paid him a visit. "Kishori Pednekar (former Mumbai Mayor) had visited me at my residence. She told me that the media is showing incorrect things about my daughter, which is not good. She said that they have come to put an end to it. I was being told that this was suicide and nothing else. Police told me that they have her phone call records, places where she went and people she met. So, I was misled, that there was no false play, that it was a suicide," Satish Salian stated, according to ANI. Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, six days before her client and actor Sushant Singh Rajput allegedly died by suicide in his apartment in Bandra. This development came on the heels of the CBI reportedly submitting a closure report in Rajput's death case. Late celebrity manager Disha Salian's father meets senior cop, seeks action on his complaint The father of late celebrity manager Disha Salian on Thursday met a top Mumbai police officer and sought action on his written complaint demanding registration of a case against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and others in connection with case. Accompanied by his lawyers, Satish Salian, who has claimed his daughter was murdered and alleged a cover-up of the crime, met the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) at around 3 pm at the Police Commissioner's office in south Mumbai. During the meeting, Satish Salian and his lawyers discussed the issue of registration of an FIR against the persons named in the complaint submitted to the police officer on Tuesday. Speaking to media persons later, he said, "I am ready to undergo a narco analysis test today itself. However, along with me, the test should be conducted on the persons named in my application, including Aaditya Thackeray." Talking to a regional news channel on Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant had demanded a narco test on Satish Salian. (With inputs from ANI)
27 March,2025 10:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NCB busts clandestine drug lab in Mumbai, seizes Rs 50 crore worth of Mephedrone
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully dismantled a clandestine drug lab and seized 46.8 kg of Mephedrone (MD), a synthetic stimulant, with an estimated street value of Rs 50 crore. The operation, carried out on 22 March 2025, resulted in the arrest of two individuals from Mumbai’s Bhandup area. This operation aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a Drug-Free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat) and follows the directives of the Union Home Minister to curb drug networks across the country. Acting on intelligence inputs, NCB officers raided a residential location in Bhandup, where they discovered 46.8 kg of white powdery substance, purported to be Mephedrone (MD). The illicit drug was concealed in a plastic container at the residence of one of the accused. During interrogation, the accused disclosed that the narcotic substance had been manufactured in a secret laboratory located in Mahad Industrial Area, Raigad District, Maharashtra. Following this revelation, NCB conducted a second raid at the Mahad facility, seizing suspicious chemicals believed to be used in the production of Mephedrone. As per PTI reports, further investigations have revealed that the supplier of the drug has two previous cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The accused was out on bail at the time of this operation, raising concerns about repeat offenders in drug trafficking networks. NCB officials have confirmed that the case is currently under further investigation to trace additional links in the drug trade and identify potential accomplices involved in the production and distribution network. This major seizure underscores the NCB’s unwavering commitment to dismantling organised drug networks operating across India. The agency has urged citizens to play an active role in the fight against narcotics by reporting any drug-related activities. Individuals with information regarding illegal drug sales can contact the MANAS - National Narcotics Helpline on the toll-free number 1933.
27 March,2025 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Eight Bangladeshis, all transgenders, held for illegal stay in Mumbai
The Shivaji Nagar police in Govandi have arrested eight Bangladeshi nationals, all transgenders, for allegedly residing illegally in India. According to the police, all of them had been living in Rafiq Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, without valid documentation for more than five years. The police stated that the accused had been working as performers (dance artists). Additionally, they were allegedly involved in prostitution, cheating, and defrauding people. “Their main areas were Chedda Nagar Junction and Sion-Panvel Road near Vashi Naka, mostly during the night. Several cases of cheating were reported by individuals who had interactions with the accused. They would approach customers under the pretext of spending a night together and then loot them,” a police officer said, adding that many victims refrain from reporting such crimes due to social taboos. According to police sources, the accused entered India illegally through an agent. “The agent was previously arrested by the Vikhroli police and had disclosed details about the method of entry, revealing that more than 120 individuals were brought to different cities across India. A significant number of them settled in Mumbai and neighboring areas due to better business prospects,” a source said. The arrests followed a tip-off received by the Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) of the Shivaji Nagar police regarding illegal residents in their jurisdiction. Assistant Police Inspector (API) Vikrant Shinde led the operation, along with his team, raiding settlements and bars on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday, which led to the arrests. The arrested individuals have been identified as: Baisakhi Mohammad Khan (24) from DhakaMohammad Ridoy Pakhi (25) from KishoreganjMaruf Dhali (18) from DhakaShantakant Khan (20) from DhakaBarsha Khan (22) from NarayanganjMohammad Afzal Hussain (22) from KishoreganjMizanur Kolil (21) from KishoreganjShahadad Amir Khan (20) from Narayanganj, Bangladesh Mumbai police arrested eight Bangladeshi nationals, all transgenders, for illegally residing in Rafiq Nagar, Govandi, for over five years. They allegedly engaged in performing arts, prostitution, and fraud. Using fake documents, they blended into society but were traced through… pic.twitter.com/ve8Ibtgivw — Mid Day (@mid_day) March 27, 2025 Police added that all the accused had obtained fraudulent documents to falsely claim Indian citizenship. However, through technical investigation, officers traced their digital footprints, which revealed their connections to Bangladesh, where their families reside. “They had changed their names, identities, and, in some instances, even their genders. They appeared no different from other citizens. However, certain mobile applications they used to send money to their families helped us trace them through technical investigation,” a police source said. All the accused have been remanded to police custody and are being interrogated. “The investigation will focus on identifying others who entered India with them and those who assisted them in acquiring identity documents in the city or elsewhere,” an official confirmed.
27 March,2025 12:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
Security tightened in Thane’s Irani locality after robber shot dead in Chennai
Security has been heightened in Thane's Irani locality following the killing of a robber from an Irani gang based in the region during a police encounter in Chennai, officials reported on Thursday. According to PTI, Jaffer Gulam Hussein Irani, a member of the notorious gang known for robberies and chain-snatching, was shot dead by police after allegedly opening fire on them in Chennai on Wednesday. The gang operates out of the Irani Basti in the Ambivali area of Kalyan, Thane district, which has long been associated with criminal activities such as chain-snatching and motorcycle theft. Authorities have historically faced resistance when attempting to apprehend criminals from the Irani Basti. In several instances, police personnel from Thane, Mumbai, and adjoining areas have been attacked by locals, primarily women, when carrying out raids. Officers have sustained injuries in the past, and police vehicles have been vandalised during such confrontations. AS PER PTI, an official from Khadakpada police station confirmed that security measures have been reinforced in the area to prevent any potential unrest following Jaffer’s death. Currently, the situation remains under control, although an eerie silence has prevailed in the locality since Wednesday. Jaffer's family has been informed of his demise, the police added. Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun stated that Jaffer had concealed a pistol inside a motorcycle used for chain-snatching. When confronted by the police, he attempted to escape and attack them with the weapon. "The pistol was hidden inside the bike," Arun disclosed, adding that Jaffer and two accomplices had abandoned the motorcycle before attempting to flee Chennai after committing the crimes. A police statement issued in Chennai detailed the events leading to Jaffer’s fatal encounter. Around 2:30 am on Wednesday, while police were escorting him to the Taramani Railway Station area as part of an investigation to recover stolen jewellery and the vehicle used in the crimes, he retrieved a country-made pistol from the motorcycle and opened fire. Despite warnings from officers, he continued shooting, leaving them with no alternative but to retaliate. Jaffer sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared brought dead, the statement noted. PTI REPORTS that Jaffer, along with two accomplices, Mizammza Irani and Salman Hussain Irani, had carried out a spree of chain-snatching incidents in south Chennai, including in Saidapet, early on Tuesday morning. Within hours, police had intensified vehicle checks across the city, suspecting the involvement of gangs from outside Tamil Nadu. CCTV footage led authorities to the accused, who were caught attempting to flee. Jaffer and Mizammza were apprehended at Chennai airport, while Salman was arrested at Ongole railway station in Andhra Pradesh with assistance from the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Jewellery stolen during the heists was recovered. The Irani gang, primarily operating in and around Mumbai, is infamous for crimes across the country. Commissioner Arun remarked that these robbers had gained notoriety over the years for "attention diversion crimes," and their involvement in chain-snatching has now been firmly established. With security on high alert in Thane, authorities remain vigilant to prevent any further escalation of tensions in the area.
27 March,2025 11:23 AM IST | Mumbai