As many as 75 Maharashtra Police personnel including 31 cops from Maoist-affected Gadchroli have been awarded medals on the occasion of Republic Day 2026 celebrations. The 31 officials from Gadchiroli were recognised for acts of gallantry in the fight against Maoists, according to an official list released on Sunday. Of the 31 gallantry awardees from Gadchiroli district, two personnel, Naik Constable Bitaji Veladi and Constable Kare Irpa Atram, were honoured posthumously after laying down their lives while combating Naxalism, according to the list said. DCP Balkrishna Yadav of the Mumbai Police was recognised for his key role in implementing major policing initiatives such as CCTV surveillance, Dial 100/112 emergency response systems, the Radio Trunking System, and tactical communication networks for the Quick Response Team and Force One commando unit. The honours form part of a nationwide list released by the Union Home Ministry, which includes 982 personnel from police, fire services, home guards and civil defence units selected for gallantry and service medals this year. As per the Union Home Ministry, gallantry medals are awarded for acts of rare and conspicuous bravery, including saving lives and property, preventing crime, or arresting criminals while facing significant personal risk. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is conferred for an exceptional and sustained record of service, while the Medal for Meritorious Service recognises valuable service marked by dedication, initiative and professional commitment. Maharashtra Police officials awarded Sr. No. Name Rank Medal Remarks 1 Amol Nanasaheb Phadtare Assistant Police Inspector GM — 2 Wasudeo Rajam Madavi Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police GM — 3 Madhukar Pochayya Naitam Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police GM — 4 Santosh Vasantrao Naitam Naik Police Constable GM — 5 Late Sudhakar Bitaji Veladi Naik Police Constable GM Posthumous 6 Vilas Maroti Portet Naik Police Constable GM — 7 Vishwanath Sanyasi Sadmek Naik Police Constable GM — 8 Dnyaneshwar Sadashiv Tore Naik Police Constable GM — 9 Dilip Wasudeo Sadmek Naik Police Constable GM — 10 Ramsu Devu Narote Naik Police Constable GM — 11 Anandrao Bajirao Usendi Naik Police Constable GM — 12 Raju Pandit Chavhan Naik Police Constable GM — 13 Arun Kailas Meshram Police Constable GM — 14 Nitesh Gangaram Veladi Police Constable GM — 15 Mohan Lachhu Usendi Police Constable GM 1st Bar to GM 16 Sandip Ganpat Vasake Police Constable GM — 17 Kailas Devu Kowase Police Constable GM — 18 Haridas Maharu Kulyeti Police Constable GM — 19 Kishor Chanti Talande Police Constable GM — 20 Anil Raghupati Alam Police Constable GM — 21 Narendra Dashrath Madavi Police Constable GM — 22 Akash Ashok Uikey Police Constable GM — 23 Late Kare Irpa Atram Police Constable GM Posthumous 24 Raju Masa Pusali Police Constable GM — 25 Mahesh Dattuji Jakewar Police Constable GM — 26 Rupesh Ramesh Kodape Police Constable GM — 27 Mukesh Shankar Sadmek Police Constable GM — 28 Yogendrarao Upendrarao Sadmek Police Constable GM — 29 Ghissu Vanja Atram Police Constable GM — 30 Atul Bhagwan Madavi Police Constable GM — 31 Vishwanath Laxman Madavi Police Constable GM — Maharashtra – President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) awardees Sr. No. Name Designation State 1 Mahesh Udaji Patil Additional Commissioner of Police Maharashtra 2 Balkrishna Motiram Yadav Deputy Commissioner of Police Maharashtra 3 Cyrus Boman Irani Assistant Commissioner of Police Maharashtra 4 Vitthal Khanduji Kubade Assistant Commissioner of Police Maharashtra According to the Home Ministry, the list of nationwide police officials comprises: Delhi- Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Amit Nara Inspector GM 2 Braj Pal Singh Kushwaha Sub-Inspector GM 3 Satish Kumar Sub-Inspector GM 4 Udham Singh Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 5 Manoj Kumar Inspector GM 6 Anshu Choudhary Sub-Inspector GM 7 Aleem Ahmad Head Constable GM 8 Pramod Singh Kushwah Additional Commissioner of Police GM 9 Rajeev Kumar Sub-Inspector GM 10 Shibu R.S. Sub-Inspector GM 11 Nishant Dahiya Inspector GM 12 Manjit Jaglan Sub-Inspector GM 13 Amit Bhati Sub-Inspector GM 14 Krishan Kumar Inspector GM Bihar - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Kundan Krishnan, IPS Superintendent of Police GM 2 Arjun Lal Sub-Inspector GM 3 Jitendra Singh Constable GM Jammu and Kashmir - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal / Remarks 1 Javaid Ahmad Lone Deputy Superintendent of Police GM 2 Younis Khan Inspector GM 3 Davinder Kumar Assistant Sub-Inspector 1st Bar to GM 4 Shabeer Ah. Narwaroo Head Constable GM 5 Rakesh Kumar SgCT GM 6 Rattan Lal SgCT GM 7 Ms. Tanushree, IPS Senior Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 8 Mohmad Saleem Dar Constable 1st Bar to GM 9 Vicky Khajuria Constable GM 10 Reyaz Ahmad SgCT GM 11 Mohd Rafiq Inspector GM 12 Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan SgCT GM 13 Safeer Lone Constable 3rd Bar to GM 14 Javaid Ahmad Lone Deputy Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 15 Younis Khan Inspector 1st Bar to GM 16 Sameet Pal Singh Head Constable GM 17 Umar Nazir SgCT GM 18 Ab. Rashid Lone Constable GM 19 Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh Constable GM 20 Shabir Nawab Senior Superintendent of Police GM 21 Mohammad Shafi Magray Head Constable GM 22 Mohd Ramzan Rather Constable GM 23 Ajit Dhar Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 24 Ravi Kumar Head Constable GM 25 Abid Ali Dar SgCT GM 26 Sohail Ahmad Dar Constable GM 27 Manzoor Ahmad Bhat Constable GM 28 Malik Bashir-u-Din Head Constable GM 29 Mohd Ashrif Deputy Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 30 Sunil Raina Head Constable GM 31 Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir Constable GM 32 Mohan Lal Deputy Superintendent of Police 3rd Bar to GM 33 Abdul Rouf Wani SgCT 1st Bar to GM Manipur officials awarded as part of Republic Day 2026 celebrations - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Langoljam Lenin Singh Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 2 Sidrath Thokchom Assistant Sub-Inspector GM 3 Thounaojam Nichal Singh Havildar GM 4 Kumam Premananda Singh Rifleman GM 5 Ngasepam Vim Singh Constable GM Telangana - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal 1 Marri Venkat Reddy Head Constable GM Uttar Pradesh - Sr. No. Name Rank Medal / Remarks 1 Santosh Kumar Inspector GM 2 Saurabh Mishra Sub-Inspector GM 3 Kavindra Head Constable GM 4 Vinod Kumar Singh Additional Superintendent of Police GM 5 Ameet Inspector 1st Bar to GM 6 Baijnath Ram Head Constable GM 7 Manoj Kumar Singh Head Constable GM 8 Atul Chaturvedi Sub-Inspector GM 9 Pradeep Kumar Singh Sub-Inspector GM 10 Sushil Kumar Singh Head Constable GM 11 Rakesh Additional Superintendent of Police GM 12 Dharmesh Kumar Shahi Deputy Superintendent of Police 1st Bar to GM 13 Satya Prakash Singh Inspector GM 14 Yaswant Singh Sub-Inspector 1st Bar to GM 15 Rajanish Kumar Upadhyay Deputy Superintendent of Police GM 16 Jarrar Hussain Sub-Inspector GM 17 Sunil Singh Sub-Inspector GM 18 Kunal Malik Constable GM
25 January,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA businessman from Dombivli area in Thane district of Maharashtra lost Rs 77.10 lakh in a WhatsApp-based share trading scheme, a police official said on Sunday. As reported by news agency PTI, between November 17, 2025, and January 8, victim Prashant Prabhu (43) was added to a WhatsApp group by the accused. The victim, after being manipulated by the accused, invested the amount. As per the Manpada police station, he was promised high returns in share trading. The official further said, "The complainant neither received the promised profits nor a refund of the Rs 77.10 lakh he invested. The accused stopped responding thereafter, following which he approached police. An FIR was registered under the Information Technology Act, and efforts are on to trace the money trail and nab the accused, as per PTI. Goregaon businessman loses Rs 9.71 lakh after opening an APK file In a different scenario, a 53-year-old businessman from Mumbai's Goregaon lost Rs 9.71 lakh after falling victim to a cyber fraud linked to a fake e-challan message received on WhatsApp, police said on January 20. According to the police complaint, the fraud came to light when the businessman checked his bank statement and noticed three unauthorised IMPS debit transactions totalling Rs 971,380. The debits included amounts of Rs 500, Rs 4.80 lakh and Rs 4.90 lakh, all carried out without his knowledge or consent. The victim said that he did not receive any SMS or email alerts for the transactions. When he approached his bank, officials confirmed that most of the stolen money had been transferred to accounts held with Union Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank. The bank assured him that an internal inquiry would be conducted. Malicious APK file found on phone Further investigation revealed that a malicious APK file named “RTO Challan.apk” had been installed on the businessman’s mobile phone without his awareness. A security scan using a mobile safety application detected the file, which was later found to have been received via WhatsApp a few days earlier. Cyber experts believe the APK gave fraudsters remote access to the victim’s phone, allowing them to operate banking applications and transfer funds electronically. (With inputs from PTI)
25 January,2026 05:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs part of the Mumbai road concretisation project, the city police have issued 3-month long traffic restrictions at Padmavati Road in Dindoshi area of the city. According to the Mumbai Police, concreting work is currently underway on Padmavati Road, between Aarey Junction, Dudh Sagar and General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg, under the jurisdiction of the Dindoshi Traffic Division. The work is being carried out by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Due to the movement of heavy machinery and materials required for the construction, traffic congestion has been observed on this stretch of road, resulting in severe delays and disruption to smooth traffic flow, a traffic notification said. In view of the traffic congestion and to ensure public safety, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (Western Suburbs), Ajit Borhade, on Saturday issued a traffic order under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The order imposes traffic restrictions on Padmavati Road as a precautionary measure. One-way road implemented Padmavati Road has been declared a one-way road for vehicles travelling towards General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter Padmavati Road from General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg towards the junction, the traffic notification said. No Parking Zone enforced It further stated that both carriageways of Padmavati Road, from Siba Junction to A. K. Vaidya Marg, have been declared No Parking Zones for all types of vehicles. This is intended to ensure smooth traffic movement during the ongoing work. Alternative Route Drivers travelling towards Siba Junction from General Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg have been advised to follow an alternative route, the notification said. They must go up to Oberoi Junction, take a left turn, and proceed via the designated route, as instructed by traffic police. Order effective for 3 months The traffic restrictions will be in force on an experimental basis for three months. The public has been urged to cooperate with traffic officials and follow the instructions given on the ground, it said. Legal action against violators Anyone violating the traffic order may face legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable laws, the official traffic notification said.
25 January,2026 05:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Transport Minister and State Transport (ST) Corporation chairman Pratap Sarnaik on Sunday directed officials to immediately suspend drivers and other employees found consuming alcohol while on duty, warning that no compromise would be tolerated on passenger safety. The directive came during a surprise inspection of the Parel bus depot in Mumbai, where the minister visited restrooms used by drivers and conductors. Officials found empty liquor bottles at several locations, while some staff members were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. A visibly upset Sarnaik reprimanded senior officials present at the depot over the lapse. “Providing proper facilities at restrooms for drivers and conductors posted away from their hometowns is a priority for the government. However, alcohol consumption at such places is not just a case of indiscipline but a serious offence that directly endangers passengers’ lives,” Sarnaik said. He warned that employees reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol invite accidents and undermine the safety and credibility of ST services. “Such irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated and should lead to dismissal from service after due inquiry,” the minister said. Sarnaik also held senior officials accountable, stating that negligence by the ST’s safety and vigilance departments encourages indiscipline among staff. He ordered departmental inquiries against concerned safety and vigilance officers and directed strict action against those found responsible. The minister further instructed that breath analyser tests be made mandatory for all employees reporting for duty, particularly drivers. Any employee found intoxicated during the test should be suspended immediately, he said. He also ordered the appointment of a separate departmental inquiry committee to investigate the irregularities detected during the inspection and submit a report for further action. During the visit, Sarnaik reviewed sanitation facilities, cleanliness and bus operations at the depot, and directed officials to remain more vigilant about passenger safety and amenities. On Balasaheb Thackeray centenary, MSRTC rolls out statewide pilgrimage scheme On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Thursday launched a statewide religious tourism initiative titled the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray — ST Sange Tirtha Yatra scheme. The initiative aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible, affordable and safe for ordinary citizens across Maharashtra. Launched under guidance of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde The scheme was launched under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik highlighting its people-centric approach. Addressing the launch, Sarnaik said the initiative reflects a harmonious blend of faith, social justice, convenience and public welfare, while staying true to the legacy and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. Focus on senior citizens, women and weaker sections According to MSRTC officials, the scheme is founded on the principle of “affordable and safe” travel. Its core objective is to provide organised religious tourism experiences at rates that are within the reach of common travellers, particularly senior citizens, women and economically weaker sections. All existing concessions offered by the state government to various social groups will continue under the new scheme.
25 January,2026 02:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major fire broke out at Pawane MIDC in Navi Mumbai on Saturday, January 24, around 12.30 pm, engulfing four industrial units and triggering panic across the industrial belt. The blaze spread rapidly to Beta Chemical, Raigad Chemical, and two units of National Rubber, officials said. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the industrial premises as the fire intensified, raising concerns due to the presence of chemical and rubber materials in the affected units. Workers in nearby factories rushed out as a precautionary measure, while police and civic authorities moved quickly to secure the area. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Navi Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed multiple fire engines to the spot. Fire tenders from Koparkhairane, Shirvane, and CIDCO fire stations were deployed to tackle the blaze. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly three hours before bringing the fire under control. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the Vashi division, Adinath Budhwant, who was present at the site, said swift coordination between emergency agencies helped prevent further damage. “As soon as we received information about the fire at Pawane MIDC, fire brigade teams and police personnel were immediately deployed at the spot. The fire spread to four industrial units, but timely action helped contain the situation,” Budhwant said. He added that safety remained the top priority during the operation. “The area was secured to avoid any untoward incident. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported so far. The fire was brought under control after nearly three hours of continuous firefighting,” he said. Police personnel cordoned off the surrounding area to restrict movement, while nearby industrial units were advised to remain alert until the situation was fully stabilised. Civic officials said cooling operations were still underway to prevent any re-ignition. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Authorities said a detailed investigation will be carried out once the site is declared safe, and the extent of damage to the affected units will be assessed thereafter.
25 January,2026 01:51 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghA 31-year-old man was brutally stabbed to death following a scuffle while alighting from a local train at Malad railway station in Mumbai on Saturday evening. The victim has been identified as Alok Kumar Singh, a resident of Kandivali. According to police sources, the incident occurred around 6 pm on the platform. During an argument while getting off the train, a person attacked Singh, stabbing him in the abdomen with a sharp object, which led to his death. The accused fled the scene immediately. A joint team of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) has tracked down and arrested the prime accused in the fatal assault case at Malad station. The accused is currently being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation. Timeline as per railway records The passenger was to get down at Malad station, deceased was at the gate. Some altercation on getting down, and then the incident happened. Churchgate-Borivali train Malad arrival at 5.45 pmInformation received at 5.55 pmMaster at the site with medical help at 6.00 pm Departure for Shatabdi Hospital in an ambulance at 6.05 pmHospital arrival 6.25 pm Victim worked as a professor in Vile Parle college Singh was employed as a mathematics professor at a college in Vile Parle, police said. Confirming the incident, Senior Inspector Datta Khupekar stated that a murder case has been registered and the Borivali Government Railway Police (GRP) is conducting further investigations. Efforts are ongoing to nab the absconding suspect.
25 January,2026 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Mangrove Cell on Saturday conducted a waterbird census as part of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) programme, a citizen science initiative that monitors waterbirds and wetlands across Asia. The AWC is organised by Wetlands International under the global International Waterbird Census and is conducted annually in January. The census was carried out at four key waterbodies in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—Bhandup Pumping Station, Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, T S Chanakya Wetlands, and NRI Wetlands. Around 100 citizen volunteers, along with Forest Department staff, participated in the exercise. Participants were divided into four groups, each assigned to a site where waterbird species and their numbers were systematically recorded. The survey was guided by experienced bird experts and researchers from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the nodal agency for the AWC programme in India. More than 30 species of waterbirds were recorded during the activity, including several migratory species such as Northern Pintails, Eurasian Spoonbills, Gadwalls, Temminck’s Stints, Marsh Sandpipers, Wood Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Shovelers, Whiskered Terns and Brown-headed Gulls. Speaking on the occasion, Madhumitha S., Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, said, “The Asian Waterbird Census is an excellent programme for monitoring waterbirds and wetlands. It also plays an important role in raising awareness about the conservation of waterbirds and wetlands in the country.” S. V. Ramarao, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, said, “Such programmes provide a valuable opportunity for citizens and Forest Department staff to work together towards wildlife monitoring. The Mangrove Cell plans to conduct this census every year with the support of citizen volunteers.”
25 January,2026 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai is set to experience pleasant weather, with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Air quality across the city remains largely satisfactory, registering an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 96, which may cause only minor breathing discomfort for sensitive individuals, as reported by the Sameer app. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 114 Borivali East: 102 Byculla: 82 Andheri East: 106 Chembur: 98 Colaba: 76 Ghatkopar: 109 Meanwhile, Thane recorded an AQI of 100 and Navi Mumbai 85, both levels being satisfactory. Maharashtra weather update Several regions of Maharashtra experienced slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures on Sunday, with maximums dipping below seasonal averages in parts of the state. Ahmednagar recorded a high of 28.9 degrees Celsius, about 1.8 degrees Celsius below normal. Jalgaon and Jeur reported highs of 28.4 degrees Celsius and 31.0 degrees Celsius, respectively, remaining below average. Kolhapur and Mahabaleshwar saw more noticeable drops, with maximums of 28.4 degrees Celsius and 23.0 degrees Celsius, around 2–4 degrees Celsius lower than typical readings for this time of year. Mumbai continued to experience warm and pleasant conditions, with Colaba registering a maximum of 28.5 degrees Celsius and Santacruz reaching 29.8 degrees Celsius, slightly below seasonal norms. Minimum temperatures remained mild, hovering around 19.3 degrees Celsius in Colaba and 17.7 degrees Celsius in Santacruz. Northern and central Maharashtra experienced cooler nights, with Ahmednagar dropping to 11.4 degrees Celsius, Jeur at 11.0 degrees Celsius, and Jalgaon at 13.5 degrees Celsius. Malegaon recorded a comparatively warmer minimum of 13.8 degrees Celsius, 3.9 degrees Celsius above normal. Other districts such as Osmanabad (14.0 degrees Celsius), Parbhani (15.6 degrees Celsius), and Udgir (16.8 degrees Celsius) experienced mild nights, slightly deviating from typical patterns. Coastal and western regions recorded warmer minimum temperatures, with Dahanu at 15.9 degrees Celsius and Ratnagiri at 17.6 degrees Celsius. Harnai experienced a low of 20.4 degrees Celsius, marginally below its normal values. Overall, while daytime temperatures remained slightly below average in many interior districts, Maharashtra continued to witness pleasant winter conditions, with no extreme variations reported. AQI across key cities in Maharashtra Pune: 164 Nashik: 100 Nagpur: 232 Dhule: 100 Jalgaon: 92 Jalna: 110 Amaravati: 232
25 January,2026 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the arrest of three Kalyan–Dombivli residents at Bengaluru airport for smuggling exotic animals in a suitcase, conservationists are urging the forest department to investigate the area as a possible hub for wildlife trafficking. Sources indicate that officials are now searching for evidence of a larger trafficking network operating out of Kalyan-Dombivli. On January 16, there was an attempted import of live exotic animals from Bangkok to Bengaluru through Indigo Airlines Flight. The Air Intelligence Unit of Customs at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, had intercepted three passengers who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, to Bengaluru through Indigo Airlines Flight No 6E- 1056 on January 16. When the authorities checked the baggage of the three people, live exotic pets were seized from their bags. The accused are from Kalyan Dombivli The three accused were identified as Aryan Sudan Gite(21) a resident of Ashok nagar in Dombivli West, Alsana Aslam Shaikh , aged 26 Years, who is the resident of Mhatre Chal kalyan West and Zareen Aslam Shaikh(46) of the same Kalyan west area. What was seized? Exotic animals were seized at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, from three passengers arriving from Bangkok. The seizure included two squirrel monkeys (one dead), five green/yellow iguanas (all alive), eleven albino iguanas (four dead), five blue iguanas (all alive), two Abert’s squirrels (one dead), two Patagonian hares (one dead), and eight albino sugar gliders, of which seven were found dead. The live animals were handed over to wildlife authorities. The Rhinoceros rat snake found in Vietnam and southern China; (right) Brown Basilisk lizard is native of tropical lowlands of Mexico, Central America, and northwestern Colombia. Representational pics/Special Arrangement The exotic wildlife trade If you have been paying attention to the news, you will notice that incidents of illegal wildlife trafficking, as well as trade in exotic species, are growing more frequent, and the network for the same has only grown bigger. It is not limited to the usual suspects, like the super-rich as buyers and regular importers like breeders/traders, or sellers, as seen in previous years. The new customer cuts across economic classes Pawan Sharma, Advocate and wildlife conservationist, Founder & President RAWW (Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare) which has been assisting the state and centre in countering illegal wildlife trafficking since more than a decade said, “Kalyan Dombivali has been in the spotlight in the past as well when a baby Orangutan along with many snakes, lizards, tortoise and turtles were recovered from the house of a pet trader who earlier operated from Mumbai and had shifted base to KDMC limits. The location as a base seems to be of more strategic value, and the customer base has been expanding across the MMR — and not limited to Mumbai city alone,” he said. “The forest department and wildlife crime control bureau should investigate the Bangalore case in parallel and check the background and link of the three arrested, who are also residents of Kalyan-Dombivli,” he added. Sharma told Sunday mid-day that the interceptions are being noticed in areas that are otherwise considered highly secured. Airports, for example, have become the scene of intel-based raids and seizures. “Just imagine what would be coming in from the sea route and the roadways across borders unknown and unchecked. A national counter-trafficking team, including multiple agencies and multi-jurisdictional powers, is the need of the hour. This is not and cannot just be the job of the Forest Department, Police, or Customs, etc., as each department is already overburdened and understaffed,” added Sharma. Social media posts where people show off “owning” an exotic animal are also one of the major reasons that have influenced this spike in demand among everyday Indians, for whom this was earlier an indulgence of the affluent. The dark web has also provided a new trade channel, say officials involved in the rescues and seizures. Experts believe that not only traditional hunters and poachers but also a new wave of buyers and sellers, probably lured with a big payout, are involved in the smuggling. One can come to this conclusion as most who are caught seem to be first-timers, making the organised syndicate almost untraceable and therefore untouched. “The concept of exotic wildlife as pets has penetrated into the system so deeply and is spreading. The rich, elite, and influential people are seen practising and supporting this, including top business tycoons, actors, and politicians. The concept of regulatory trade through CITES has been exploited and misused to import and export several species of flora and fauna across the globe, and the unseen negative impact is immeasurable and equally ignored,” said Sharma. The situation seems to be right out of a crazy millionaire movie, “Private collection individuals and private zoos, both regulated and illegal in the name of exotic wildlife trade, revenue generation models in the name of rescue and rehabilitation, or spreading awareness and information, are falsely shown in a positive light without understanding the core ethics of wildlife conservation. What we see in the open is just the teaser, and the actual script is beyond imagination,” added Sharma Rohit Mohite from the Thane-based NGO-WWA, echoes Sharma’s sentiments of cross-departmental collaboration. “There is a need for enhanced coordination and intelligence-sharing among wildlife conservation authorities and enforcement agencies to assess whether certain pockets of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including Kalyan-Dombivli, are being misused as transit or operational points in the illegal exotic pet trade,” said Mohite. Mapping out the route being used, he explains, “Preliminary inputs suggest possible movement routes passing through Kalyan–Dombivli and Mumbra, with linkages extending to cities such as Pune, Thane, Palghar, and Nashik, indicating the likelihood of a wider inter-district supply chain that warrants close monitoring and timely action.” What do Forest Dept officials say A forest official, on condition of anonymity, said, “Preliminary observations suggest that areas such as Kalyan–Dombivli and Mumbra may be points from where exotic wildlife animals are supplied to parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and adjoining districts, including Thane, Pune, Nashik, and Palghar. Notably, the three individuals recently arrested in Bengaluru for possession of exotic wildlife pets are residents of Kalyan–Dombivli. Authorities are examining whether they have a prior history of involvement and possible links to a larger network.” An official from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) said they have received details of the three Maharashtra-based accused who were apprehended at Bengaluru airport with exotic pets, and efforts are underway to gather further information. “We will also keep a close watch on those who have been arrested,” the official added. What happens to seized species? Under existing Animal Quarantine & Certification Services (AQCS) and Indian Customs rules, these animals must be sent back immediately to their country of origin, with intimation to all relevant authorities there. The transport of animals and birds by air is already governed under Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 9 of 1985. The Dombivli case In November 2024, the Forest Department conducted a raid in Dombivli, during which orangutans and other wild species were rescued. Pricing of exotic animals Rs 10K-R15KSquirrel monkey Rs 10K-R20KBlue iguanas Rs 10K-R15KGreen yellow iguana pair Did you know? . As per the provisions of the Export Import(EXIM) policy, import of live animals listed under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are strictly regulated. . The import of such animals without a valid CITES Export Permit, a Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) license, NOCs from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC), and an Animal Quarantine Certificate is prohibited. . Furthermore, the commercial trade of species listed in CITES Appendix-l and Schedule-IV of the Wild Life (Protection) ACt, 1972, is also prohibited.
25 January,2026 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn a shocking breach of trust, a caretaker hired to look after an ailing senior citizen allegedly siphoned off Rs 70,000 from the elderly man’s bank account by forging his signature on a cheque. Charkop Police have arrested the accused after the fraud came to light. The arrested accused has been identified as Vishal Vikram Mane, 31, a native of Kolhapur district According to the police sources, the 73-year-old complainant, a retired professional currently residing at Eksar Gaon, Borivli West, lives with his daughter and son-in-law. Due to age-related illness and difficulty in walking and standing, the family had hired a full-time caretaker for his daily needs. According to the police complaint, while the family was residing earlier at Charkop, Kandivli West, they employed Mane, a native, as a caretaker from May 2 to October 2, 2025, for 12 hours a day (8 am to 8 pm). He was paid Rs 650 per day, mostly through Google Pay and occasionally in cash. At the time of employment, the family had collected xerox copies of his Aadhaar and PAN cards. The fraud came to light on October 6, 2025, when complaints noticed that R70,000 had been debited from his IndusInd Bank account. Alarmed, he visited the bank’s Santa Cruz West branch, where officials informed him that the amount had been transferred via cheque to the caretaker’s account. A closer inspection of the cheque revealed a disturbing detail while the cheque belonged to the complaints but, the signature on it was forged. The complaint told Charkop police that he had never issued or handed over any cheque to Mane. “Following the complaint, Charkop Police registered a case of cheating and forgery and launched an investigation. The accused caretaker was subsequently arrested on Friday, was produced before the court today and he remanded police custody till 27 January. Further probe is underway to ascertain whether similar offences were committed earlier, said an officer from Charkop police. “If the signature was forged, the cheque would have been dishonoured,” said the defence lawyer. Speaking to mid-day, criminal defence lawyer Meet Ashok Rajpopat, who represents accused Vishal Vikram More, dismissed allegations of cheque forgery, stating that the claim does not stand scrutiny under established banking procedures.
25 January,2026 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanWith Maharashtra State Board Class 10 and Class 12 examinations inching closer, schools and exam centres that do not have CCTV cameras in every classroom are being asked to set up surveillance in the nick of time. In the west zone of Mumbai alone, 42 of 198 SSC exam centres and 20 of 149 HSC exam centres have been sent a notice for not having enough CCTVs in the premises and classrooms on January 21. The Class 12 exams this year are to commence from February 10 and the Class 10 exams are to begin on February 20.“The schools and centres may have surveillance set up in their premises. However, ahead of the exams these exam centres need to have CCTVs in every classroom,” said education inspector Sanjay Javir. mid-day previously reported that in the Mumbai division — Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban 1 and 2, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Palghar — nearly 90-95 per cent of exam centres already have CCTV facilities as per the board chairman Rajendra Ahire. Over the past month, teacher and principal delegations have written to the Maharashtra board stating that implementing CCTV surveillance in such a short time using the school’s own funds would prove difficult for many. The groups had also taken objection to the exchange of exam centres, where teachers on supervision duty will have to move to other schools instead of their own.
25 January,2026 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarADVERTISEMENT
