The Enforcement Directorate (ED) tightened its focus on suspected funding channels linked to the alleged ISIS-inspired ‘Al Sham’ zone created in Borivli-Padgha belt near Bhiwandi. Acting on intelligence from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the agency on Thursday carried out nearly 40 coordinated searches across Maharashtra, Delhi, Kolkata, Uttar Pradesh, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace money flows believed to be sustaining the network. During the operation, the ED seized Rs 3 crore in cash, gold jewellery, property-related documents, and information pointing towards a hawala network. Of these, 30 raids were in Padgha. ‘Al Sham’ concept Investigators said several accused arrested earlier by the NIA in the 2023 Delhi-Padgha ISIS module case had begun informally referring to pockets of Padgha as ‘Al Sham’, borrowing a term used by ISIS for its envisioned Islamic realm. Officials clarified that this was not an attempt at territorial separation, but a symbolic ideological exercise aimed at creating psychological influence over a specific cluster of youth. Heightened security in the area. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Previous ATS investigations had indicated discussions about an alternative decision-making setup, covert gatherings and attempts to create a symbolic “parallel order” in the region. Even though former SIMI-linked accused Saquib Nachan — believed to have influenced several youths — died in judicial custody recently, agencies suspect that fragments of this ideological network may have continued beyond his presence. Funding under ED lens Investigators said the ED is now examining a wide spectrum of financial movements suspected to have supported the alleged Al-Sham concept. This includes possible foreign remittances, hawala routes, domestic transfers, and encrypted communication channels linked to recruitment or ideological outreach. ED sources confirmed that among the seized documents were details of Khair (Kaith) wood trade, a suspected clandestine revenue-generating network. Preliminary scrutiny suggests that transactions linked to illegal cutting and sale of Khair (Acacia catechu tree) wood may have been diverted to support extremist-linked activities. Officials said the revenue trails a crucial part of the ongoing PMLA probe. The agency is now piecing together whether the funds were systematically routed to sustain ideological activities or logistical support. “So far, we have not found evidence of foreign funding, but we are conducting further investigations in that direction,” said an official. Why Padgha again? Padgha has been on the radar of central agencies for over three decades. The region came into the light for SIMI-linked activities in the 1990s, Indian Mujahideen operations in the 2000s, and most recently, the 2023 ISIS-linked module arrests. Fresh digital intelligence indicating renewed conversations among a small cluster prompted Thursday’s ED action. Village on edge The sudden movement of ED and ATS teams created visible tension in the Borivli-Padgha belt, with residents reporting heavy police activity through the night. Additional security deployment and precautionary advisories remain in place as investigators analyse the large volume of seized data. More action expected Sources said a layered forensic analysis of the seized digital evidence will help map money trails, communication links, and any surviving ideological structures. Summonses are likely to be issued soon to individuals connected to the financial trails, and more searches may follow depending on emerging leads. Investigators emphasised that all findings remain preliminary until the digital evidence is fully examined. Material seized in raids >> Digital devices >> Encrypted communication tools >> Financial papers >> Suspicious transaction records >> Property-related documents >> Handwritten notes believed to indicate fund movement >> Large amounts of cash
12 December,2025 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilMore than three months after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) banned third-party agencies from collecting waste from bulk waste generators, organic waste from hotels, schools and housing societies in Matunga and Sion will now be used to power the biomethanation plant at Sion Hospital. Sion Hospital was among five hospitals chosen in 2023 for a pilot project to generate fuel from processed organic waste and use it to run their kitchens. At present, two hospitals — GTB and Sion — have operational biomethanation plants as part of the civic body’s larger plan to decentralise organic waste processing at the ward level. What is the pilot project? The BMC aims to build an end-to-end system that ensures a steady supply of organic waste to its biomethanation plants. These plants perform best when fed with high-energy organic material such as lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. The new pilot lays out a detailed plan to keep this feedstock flowing. Key features of the project >> Around 1700 kg of segregated organic waste will be collected daily by a third party from Sion, Matunga and Dharavi (F South ward).>> Waste must be segregated at source.>> Organic waste will be transported to the biomethanation plant at Sion Hospital.>> The third-party operator will conduct awareness drives in societies, hotels and schools to ensure segregation.>> Bulk generators who fail to segregate will face fines from the BMC.>> Dry waste will be returned to bulk generators, who will have to handle its disposal themselves.>> A specialised electric vehicle will be used to collect segregated waste from bulk generators. Bulk waste generator? Any establishment producing more than 100 kg of waste a day is categorised as a bulk waste generator. In 2017, the BMC stopped collecting waste from these generators and outsourced the job to private agencies, which were tasked with collection, segregation and processing. Housing societies were also urged to treat their own waste within their premises. However, earlier this year, the civic body cancelled permissions for these agencies after discovering that waste from bulk generators was being dumped illegally elsewhere in the city.
12 December,2025 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSShiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, asserting that it is a "regular, constitutionally-approved process" conducted periodically by the Election Commission across the country and accusing the Opposition of "creating needless fear for political mileage," reported news agency ANI. "The Special Intensive Revision of the voter list is a regular, constitutionally-approved process that is conducted by the EC time to time across India. There is no novelty here. It is meant to ensure transparent, updated, accurate electoral rolls. Opposition seems to be rattled because a clean voter list means the end of bogus voting, means the end of any duplicates, means the end of fake voters, means the end of their legacy, the SP. So, linking SIR with NRC is not just a cheap attempt to play with the people's emotions, but you are playing to create communal polarisation," Shaina NC said, reported ANI. She further criticised the Opposition for not raising objections with the Election Commission despite having the opportunity to do so. Calling the objections raised by Opposition parties "useless excuses," she alleged that their reactions showed they were "scared of accountability." "When the EC has said clearly that if there are questions, issues of credibility, bring it up - there you have chosen to keep quiet. The truth is simple, the Opposition parties are scared of accountability, and by bringing forth these kinds of useless excuses, it is amply clear that whether it is Akhilesh Yadav or the Congress, they are very redundant in the public space because they are not for development or transparent practices of stability. They are only there for drama and scaring people," Shaina NC added, reported ANI. On Wednesday, tensions in the Lok Sabha escalated when Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi engaged in a heated exchange over allegations of "vote chori". Gandhi repeatedly challenged Shah to debate on issues raised in the press conference, including claims of irregularities in the electoral rolls. Shah responded firmly, saying "Parliament won't function as per his wish," and insisted he would address all questions in his own sequence. Shah also defended the special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, calling it a necessary process to "sanitise" electoral rolls. Accusing the Opposition of double standards, he said they praised the Election Commission when they won and attacked it when they lost. The confrontation culminated in Opposition MPs walking out during Shah's reply, prompting the Lok Sabha to adjourn. (With inputs from ANI)
12 December,2025 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLast week, a ball python (a non-venomous constrictor snake) was rescued from a Mumbai building by Police Constable Sachin More, a wildlife enthusiast. On December 4, More, from the LA-1 Naigaon police station, received a call from a Mahim resident about a snake outside their sixth-floor flat. “It wasn’t a native species but an exotic ball python,” said More. “I checked with the building residents, but no one claimed it. I rescued the snake and handed it over to the forest department with my friend Atul Kamble.” Conservationists say such incidents are becoming increasingly common, often because owners cannot manage the care of exotic pets. They warn that escaped non-native species can pose zoonotic disease risks and disrupt local ecosystems. Pawan Sharma, president, NGO RAWW, told mid-day, “Illegal wildlife trafficking has always been a matter of serious concern in India and around the globe. This is not the first time an abandoned, escaped, or deliberately released exotic animal has been rescued from the city”. A hidden ball python in Mahim building before the rescue We have already seen non-native and invasive species like the Red-eared Slider establishing themselves in local habitats and causing significant, yet still unassessed, ecological damage. He added that alien species are often found in drains, ponds, lakes, and creeks, affecting native aquatic life, including turtles and their prey. Sharma further said the illegal exotic wildlife trade is an extremely cruel industry, often run by organised networks and trafficking syndicates. “These groups pose threats not only to wildlife but also to national security, with links to illegal arms, narcotics, human trafficking, hawala routes, and even terror financing.” Experts urge stronger public awareness and government policies, highlighting the legal and ethical implications of releasing exotic animals. Did you know? Releasing or allowing an exotic pet to escape violates the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Those responsible can face legal action, particularly after recent amendments that regulate the trade of non-native species. Exotic species rescued in Mumbai Iguanas, ball pythons, African grey parrots, conures, and alligator snapping turtles. About ball pythons The ball python is one a non-venomous constrictor. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions across the Eastern Hemisphere. The species originates from West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. The snake prefers warm, secure hiding spots and often takes refuge in underground burrows.
12 December,2025 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAarey police have arrested a 38-year-old man, Ishrat Khan, for allegedly flashing, masturbating and making obscene gestures at women in the Royal Palms and Aarey Colony area. Police said the accused, an egg supplier, regularly visited hotels and shops in the locality to deliver eggs. During these rounds, he allegedly targeted women, exposing himself and making vulgar gestures. The complainant, a 29-year-old house help, was first harassed on November 24 while she was on her way to work. Shaken, she left the spot immediately and informed her employer, who told her that Khan had behaved the same way with her 20-year-old daughter a few days earlier. They tried looking for the accused, but couldn’t locate him. On December 3, Khan allegedly repeated the act after spotting the complainant again. She informed her employer, but he fled before they returned to the spot. On December 11, the complainant spotted him again. She informed her employer, who rushed there, called the police, and with help from locals, caught Khan and handed him over to the Aarey police. “Based on the housemaid’s complaint, a case has been registered under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused has been arrested and will be produced in court today,” said Senior Inspector Ravindra Patil of Aarey police station.
12 December,2025 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Santacruz police have prevented a businessman from losing R3 crore after two individuals allegedly hacked his mobile phone, sold shares, and purchased penny stocks worth Rs 1.5 crore. During the investigation, the police sought assistance from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The complainant, Raju Devani, 57, a resident of Santacruz West, is involved in the printing business. The accused have been identified as Anil Kumhar, 32, a share market advisor from Shahapur, who hails from Rajasthan, and Pushpa Bind, 32, also a share market advisor and a resident of Thakur Village, Kandivli East. A police officer told mid-day, “On November 9, both the accused visited the complainant’s house claiming they were representatives from the bank handling his demat account. They took Devani’s mobile phone, eventually gaining complete access to it. Three days later, they changed the password of his share trading account and sold all the shares he had invested in.” Anil Kumhar, accused who resides in Shahapur; Pushpa Bind, accused who resides in Kandivli “After selling the shares, the accused purchased penny stocks. We immediately registered an FIR and arrested both the accused,” the officer added. Under the guidance of Senior PI Yogesh Shinde, a team comprising PSI Samir Bodkhe, Cyber Constable Pravin Survase, PSI Vijay Sardesai, and Constable Akash Rane was formed to crack the case. The police team coordinated with the NSE and BSE and froze the complainant’s share trading account. They traced the IMEI number of the mobile phone allegedly used to log into the victim’s account, which led them to Kumhar in Rajasthan and Bind in Kandivli. With the help of the cyber unit, the police recovered the entire amount from the share market and returned it to the victim. Mumbai Commissioner of Police Deven Bharti also rewarded and felicitated the investigation team for its swift and effective action. The police suspect that the accused are connected with the penny stocks company involved in the matter.
12 December,2025 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaWinging it as a babysitter An egret seems to stand guard as a buffalo calf catches a few winks at a shed in Aarey Colony, Goregaon Chilean vibes on Dharavi’s street canvas Children work on the mural (right) kids pose with Cindy Sandoval (centre, in grey tshirt) in front of the completed mural The children of The Dharavi Dream Project (TDDP) school had a lesson in creative chaos from Chilean muralist Cindy Sandoval at a special workshop on Thursday. The muralist is in India as part of an art grant from the Chilean Art Council and the Ministry of Culture of Chile to explore and collaborate with street art in Mumbai. Cindy Sandoval and Rodrigo Ardiles Helmed by the city-based graffiti artist NME, the session also saw Rodrigo Ardiles, creative director, Dundas West Open Air Museum, Canada, join in the proceedings to create a new mural that captures the idea of children’s education. “This is our first trip to India, and we have been here only for the last three days. We do want to explore the country, and its street art. That’s why we hope to extend our stay. The grant offers us a chance to collaborate with students, and share our experience with them,” shared Ardiles, also a muralist himself. Adulting in Colaba Pankil Shah and A Burra Della being plated Although regulars might swear it feels like much longer, neighbourhood gastropub Woodside Inn is ringing in its sweet 18th this week. “A lot has changed over the last 18 years, much like the city it is based in. We constantly evolve to reflect the changing preferences of our guests, be it a shift from gin to tequila or from avocados, to matcha,” said co-founder Pankil Shah. A view of the Colaba pub’s interiors Some bragging rights are only natural, we say, for surviving in an industry that has been shedding restaurants all year long. Not so soon, believes Shah, who revealed that plans for a new Bengaluru outpost are in the works. “It’s almost impossible to predict what the future holds. But we will set higher standards for ourselves to ensure that our guests always have a reason to keep returning,” he told this diarist. Tamil kathai in Mumbai It will be a return to her roots for Bengaluru-based Lavanya Prasad (below) as she joins the Mumbai Storytellers on an online session of Folktales from Tamil Nadu (Nattupura Kadaigal) from Tamil Nadu on December 13. “When Usha [Venkatraman, founder] contacted me, we reached out to Tamil storytellers across India. We were looking for ‘mannin manam’ [smell of the earth],” shared the curator. Featuring six artistes, the session will be stitched together by the ‘solvadai’ (aphorisms). Readers can log on to @mumbai.storytellers.society on Instagram for more details. Remember the time A dated photograph of (from left) Ramesh Shotham, Radha Thomas and Suresh Shotham (on guitar). Pic Courtesy/DigginginIndia on Youtube Mumbai-based flautist Rajeev Raja will lead his outfit, The Rajeev Raja Combine in a tribute tour to The Human Bondage, the 1970s rock band led by Ramesh Shotham, Suresh Shotham, Babu Joseph, Radha Thomas, and the late Xerxes Gobhai in January 2026. Rajeev Raja “This will be a tour running through Bengaluru, Mumbai and Goa. We will invite the old timers to rock, and get the younger generation to jam with us, too,” Raja shared. Let’s spread ummeed Children at an arts workshop UMMEED Child Deve-lopment Centre will host its annual Family Day on December 13, to raise awareness about neurodivergent disabilities. Revathi Iyer (inset), senior project lead at Ummeed said, “The event will offer a safe space where families can gather, enjoy activities, relax together, and feel supported without the fear of being triggered, or overwhelmed by the surroundings.”
12 December,2025 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayOver the past 15 days, the Mumbai Police have recovered over 5000 mobile phones owned by Mumbaikars that were stolen or had gone missing but were reactivated with new SIM cards. Most of these devices were traced to Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and other northern states, pointing to a well-organised interstate syndicate dealing in stolen phones. About 20 days ago, thanks to the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) — a centralised database of mobile equipment identifiers operated by the Department of Telecommunications, the police learnt that than 25,000 stolen or missing mobile phones from Mumbai had been recently reactivated with new SIM cards. The Mumbai Police receive pop-up notifications about stolen phones being reactivated via the CEIR portal. Representation Pic/iStock As part of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti’s mission to crack this network, nearly 100 to 150 police officers were deployed outside Mumbai to track and retrieve the phones. The haul exposes how the syndicate funnelled high-end stolen phones out of Mumbai and resold them in rural markets for as little as Rs 1000 to Rs 3000. How it started Over the past three months, the police have been receiving several complaints about mobile phones either going missing or being stolen from the city. In response, the cops registered missing complaints on the CEIR portal, where the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of missing mobile phones are listed. These are unique 15-digit codes identifying specific mobile devices on cellular networks. After this process, as and when the devices are reactivated with new SIM cards, the Mumbai Police receive pop-up notifications. The cops also receive details such as the name of the SIM owner and their registered address. How phones were traced A police source told mid-day, “This entire mission is being handled by the Mumbai Cyber Police under the guidance of CP Deven Bharti. A few policemen are still recovering mobile phones from Pratapgarh district in Uttar Pradesh.” "We are visiting the addresses of the new SIM card users and recovering the missing mobile phones. A lot of the expensive devices are being used by labourers who purchased them at throwaway prices in their villages,” a police officer explained. The officer added, “The inter-state syndicate believed that Mumbai Police would not go to UP to recover a R2000 mobile phone. But they were wrong. We are going to every spot where missing or stolen mobile phones pop up in the CEIR portal.” DCP R Ragsudha said, “Our team is in UP tracing missing mobile phones. Our officers have been recovering mobile phones from remote villages.” DCP Mahindra Pandit said, “The list of stolen or missing mobile phones is large. We are tracing all of them.” Rs 1000 to Rs 3000Price range of devices in rural markets
12 December,2025 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaWith December comes the season of annual day rehearsals in schools across Mumbai. But in a bold departure from tradition, Lion MP Bhuta School in Sion has replaced the usual dance and drama programmes with something far more practical, an event that teaches its students real-world skills. Located inside a Jain housing society, the school draws most of its students from the slums of Dharavi and Matunga Labour Camp. Many are first-generation learners whose parents work as domestic workers, drivers, potters, steelware sellers, restaurant staff and hawkers. Students practise archery for their Umang stall. Pics/Aditi Arulkar Three years ago, as these families struggled after the pandemic, principal Jagdish Indalkar decided to try something new. Instead of a costly annual day, he organised an exhibition where students could learn simple trades. Some made incense sticks, lip balms, soaps, perfumes, bracelets and other handmade items. Others set up food and game stalls. The initiative generated extra income for their households and give birth to the annual event, Umang. Students fine-tune their game stall for Umang. Pic/Aditi Arulkar Now in its fourth edition, Umang will be held on December 23 and 24. Students take over the two-storey school, turning corridors and classrooms into buzzing marketplaces. Food and gaming stalls pack the school hall. “This allows every child to participate while learning a fallback skill. We want them to stay in school, but even if they don’t, they’ll never leave empty-handed; they will always know a skill,” Indalkar said. The idea behind Umang... What’s the event? Students from Std IV to Std X set up food, game and accessory stalls. They learn to create products, calculate profits and losses, and maintain balance sheets with help from the school clerk. Some give a share of earnings as ‘rent’, while others hand profits to their parents. Students Speak Students from the robotics team making 3D pen keychains Rajan Prajapati, Mohammed Ansari, Omkar Satarkar and Vignesh BokkiStall: Keychains made using 3D pens from the school’s robotics lab.The Dharavi-based group wanted to produce items that merged creativity with modern technology Vishal and Ranveer rehearse their Gujarati word game Ranveer Dantani and Vishal VaghelaStall: A Gujarati word game where participants create 50 words in under a minute.Last year, Ranveer earned Rs 1100 from his food stall, paid part of his school fees and gave the rest to his parents. Aarohi and Aradhya preparing incense sticks for their stall Aarohi Satve and Araadhya ShirkeStall: Incense sticks made from dried festive flowers, scented with oils.Both sixth graders chose incense making to explore craft and earn some money. What does it teach? Marketing, advertising, crowd management, teamwork, business basics and hands-on skills like mehendi, beading and handicrafts. ParticipationStalls: 125+Volunteers: 350+Visitors: parents, nearby residents, students from other schoolsLast year’s footfall:Approx 20,000Other attractionsArchery, rifle shooting, puzzles, word games, food stalls, accessories
12 December,2025 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for December 12. Aries March 21 – April 20A business meeting is super successful. Further negotiations work to your advantage. Don’t give a definite ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer today. Cosmic tip: Treat everyone as you’d like to be treated. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Keeping out of any controversy at work is possible if you remain aloof. Cosmic tip: Be peaceful. It makes no sense to worry about the future. The universe is taking care of it. GeminiMay 21 – June 21It’s a sociable day since friends who have relocated are in town, waiting to meet you. Leave on time for an important meeting.Cosmic tip: Remain willing to learn, modifying habits that need changing. Cancer June 22 – July 23Sometimes it’s best to give the benefit of the doubt especially when interacting with someone opinionated. Stay away from impulsive decisions. Cosmic tip: Evolve through karmas made in a positive manner. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A client may be considering hiring another company to handle their work, so do your best to make them change their mind. Cosmic tip: Enjoy this exclusive time together. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Several positive messages are received about a business contract, or a contact. Plan a business trip painstakingly, working through information collected. Cosmic tip: Work through karmic debts uncomplainingly. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Keeping a balance between work and personal life is more important than you realise, as family is feeling sidelined. Cosmic tip: Make a new idea workable by changing the angle worked on. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Some may be considering getting involved in land development as another business option. Cosmic tip: Let go of situations you know aren’t going to change because you want them to. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Enquire what’s the actual grouse someone has against you instead of retaliating. A contract is signed just before leaving office. Be patient while navigating traffic. Cosmic tip: Flow peacefully in this slow karmic cycle. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Keep the budget in mind when planning unveiling a new product. Receiving a job offer is annoying since you haven’t been looking for a change. Cosmic tip: Don’t try to be a people pleaser. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Using willpower laced with diplomacy always works for you in the manner decided. Important work issues are sorted out by noon. Cosmic tip: Smoothen out certain complicated issues in life. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Trying to hurry work through may actually create more delays since this is a plateau karmic cycle for the day. Cosmic tip: Remember you have to give before you receive.
12 December,2025 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseOne person died and two others were injured after a portion of a balcony collapsed near Masjid railway station in Mumbai on Thursday night, civic officials said. The incident took place at Kotak Bhavan building at Narsee Natha Street in south Mumbai. According to the civic body, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) received information regarding the incident at 8:57 pm. According to officials, a portion of the second-floor balcony suddenly collapsed on Thursday evening. All three persons were rushed to near by JJ Hospital, where doctors confirmed that one victim succumbed to injuries, while the other two are currently undergoing treatment. According to information received from JJ Hospital, 28-year-old Mukesh Dendore, an owner of the tea stall, was declared brought dead. Two customers who were present at the stall at the time of the incident are currently undergoing treatment. They have been identified as -- Shafiq Islam, 40 and Shalikram Jaiswal, 52. Fire brigade teams, along with police and civic officials, were at the site conducting inspection and further safety checks. Further details are awaited.
11 December,2025 11:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
