The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office, on Friday facilitated the restitution of Rs 311.67 crore towards long-pending workmen dues of the Kingfisher Airlines Limited (KAL). This marks a significant step in victim-centric restoration of proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The restitution has been enabled pursuant to an order dated December 12, 2025, passed by the Recovery Officer of the Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT)-I, Chennai. The order by the DRT directed the release of funds realised from the sale of attached shares, which had earlier been restituted to the State Bank of India (SBI) by the ED under PMLA provisions. As per the orders, the amount will now be transferred to the Official Liquidator for disbursement to former employees of Kingfisher Airlines. Earlier the ED had initiated its investigation based on multiple FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Kingfisher Airlines, its promoter Vijay Mallya, and associated entities for offences relating to bank fraud and criminal conspiracy—scheduled offences under the PMLA. The probe, however, revealed large-scale diversion and syphoning of loan funds, leading to the attachment of movable and immovable properties belonging to KAL, Vijay Mallya, United Breweries Holdings Ltd, and other associated entities. Following that, Vijay Mallya was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, on January 5, 2019. Furthermore, the ED has, to date, restituted properties and assets worth Rs 14,132 crore to SBI under Section 8(8) of the PMLA, creating an asset pool from which the present restitution has been facilitated. Moreover, in furtherance of its mandate, the ED proactively coordinated with all stakeholders to ensure settlement of the long-pending workmen dues. The agency engaged with senior SBI officials and facilitated the utilisation of PMLA-restituted assets for payment of employee claims. Acting on this facilitation, SBI approached the DRT, offering the restituted assets for discharge of workmen dues and expressly consenting to the priority of such dues over secured creditor claims. This led to the DRT directing the Official Liquidator to disburse workmen dues amounting to Rs 311.67 crore to former employees of Kingfisher Airlines. Moreover, the restitution underscores the ED’s continued commitment to depriving economic offenders of the proceeds of crime while ensuring restoration of such proceeds to rightful stakeholders, including affected employees.
19 December,2025 06:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish PatilIn an extremely unfortunate incident at Nagpur, three workers died, while six other persons sustained injuries after a water tank collapsed at a solar panel manufacturing plant in Nagpur's Butibori MIDC on Friday. As reported by news agency ANI, the accident occurred while the workers were working on a construction project near the water tank at the Awada company, which manufactures solar panels. The water tank collapsed and trapped them underneath, according to Nagpur Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar. Out of those injured, three of them sustained serious injuries. While the officials also addressed that the workers are receiving treatment at various private hospitals. The Nagpur Superintendent of Police also emphasised, "The labourers were working on a construction project near the water tank when it collapsed, trapping them underneath," as per ANI. Soon after receiving the information, the police and fire brigade reached the spot to take control of the situation. While further information about the incident is yet to come, further investigation is also underway. Two teenagers die after scooter crashes into truck in Mumbai's Malad In a different scenario in Mumbai's Malad area, two teenagers have lost their lives in a road accident in Evershine Nagar. The unfortunate incident occurred in the late hours of Wednesday after their scooter crashed into a trailer truck allegedly parked dangerously on the roadside. According to police, the accident occurred around 10:09 pm near Ryan International School on Dhiraj Kirti Road. The victims have been identified as Ridge Irwin D’Souza, 18, and Kellyan Alicia Fernandes, 17, who were travelling on a TVS Jupiter scooter when they collided with the rear of the trailer. When police reached the spot, they found the scooter lodged under the rear right wheel of the truck, with both riders lying unconscious and bleeding. Locals helped rush them to Evershine Nursing Home, where doctors found no pulse and advised shifting them to a BMC hospital. They were later taken by private ambulance to Trauma Care Hospital, Jogeshwari East, where doctors declared both dead on arrival around 11:50 pm. Briefing more about the incident, the police officials said that the trailer was parked in a manner that obstructed traffic and endangered lives. They also said, “A case has been registered against the trailer driver,” said senior inspector Ravindra Avhad of Bangur Nagar police station.” (With inputs from ANI)
19 December,2025 06:31 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentA 29-year-old Maharashtra police constable on night patrol duty was reportedly killed in a hit-and-run incident in Ahilyanagar district of state, officials said on Friday, the PTI reported. The hit-and-run took place on Thursday when the cop, a Police Constable, identified as Sudam Rajkumar Pokale, was on a patrolling duty with colleagues in Rashin village. He was attached to the Rashin police outpost under Karjat police station, officials said. Recklessly driven vehicle struck cop Police said that a recklessly driven vehicle struck Pokale, causing fatal injuries. The driver allegedly fled the scene immediately. The police officials rushed to the spot and shifted the cop to a hospital where he was declared dead. Pokale is survived by his parents, brother, wife, and young son. Senior police officials offered condolences, describing him as a dedicated and sincere officer. "A case has been registered and are a team of police officials are making efforts to trace the vehicle and its driver," said an official. Two teenagers die after scooter crashes into truck in Mumbai's Malad Meanwhile, in a different incident, two teenagers lost their lives in a road accident in Evershine Nagar, Malad West area in Mumbai, late Wednesday night after their scooter crashed into a trailer truck allegedly parked dangerously on the roadside. According to police, the accident occurred around 10.09 pm near Ryan International School on Dhiraj Kirti Road. The victims, identified as Ridge Irwin D’Souza, 18, and Kellyan Alicia Fernandes, 17, were travelling on a TVS Jupiter scooter when they collided with the rear of the trailer. When police reached the spot, they found the scooter lodged under the rear right wheel of the truck, with both riders lying unconscious and bleeding. Locals helped rush them to Evershine Nursing Home, where doctors found no pulse and advised shifting them to a BMC hospital. They were later taken by private ambulance to Trauma Care Hospital, Jogeshwari East, where doctors declared both dead on arrival around 11.50 pm. Police said the trailer was parked in a manner that obstructed traffic and endangered lives. “A case has been registered against the trailer driver,” said senior inspector Ravindra Avhad of Bangur Nagar police station. The girl was a resident of Link Road, Mithchowki, Malad West, while the boy lived at Sundar Lane in Orlem, Malad. They were both travelling towards Dhiraj Kirti at the time of the accident. Police are investigating the matter. A week of mishaps - On Sunday, in the wee hours, two friends, residents of Mira Road, identified as Zahir Amlani, 28, and Irshad Hussain, were killed in a hit-and-run incident near Dahisar Metro Station on the Western Express Highway - Similarly, on Monday, two college students identified as Jenil Thumar, 19, and Mehak Nirman, 19, met with an accident on the Sudhir Phadke Bridge. The duo was returning to their homes in Mira Road from college.
19 December,2025 06:23 PM IST | Beed (Maharashtra) | mid-day online correspondentA meeting of the Greater Chennai Corporation council, chaired by Chennai Mayor R. Priya was held on Friday. During the meeting, DMK councillor Semozli raised concerns about broken roads following the monsoon rains and sought updates on restoration work. Mayor Priya responded, providing details on ongoing repair efforts. "There are more than 35,000 roads in Chennai, including bus route roads and interior roads. Of these, restoration work on 3,985 roads damaged by the rains has been completed," Mayor Priya said. She assured that the remaining damaged roads would be repaired in the new year. "The remaining 688 roads will be repaired after January," she said. Meanwhile, BJP councillor Uma Anand staged a walkout from the council meeting, alleging that opportunities to raise questions during Question Hour and Zero Hour were being denied to members. "The council meeting was not held last month due to SIR work. During Question Hour, opportunities are given only to four or five members. My demand is that opportunities should be provided seven or eight times a year. I walked out of today's council meeting because I was not allotted time during either Question Hour or Zero Hour. If time is not allotted, how can questions be raised when the turn comes? If an opportunity is given only after three months, the very purpose of Question Hour is defeated," she stated. Anand also raised concerns over wage irregularities for sanitation workers in Zone 7. "There are only 700 sanitation workers in Zone 7 of Ambattur, but salaries are being paid for 400 workers who are not actually working. I want to know to whom this money is being paid. The money is transferred to another account two days after being credited into bank accounts. Despite the corporation forming a committee, the irregularities continue. When funds are sought for certain projects, officials say that there is no money," she alleged. She further urged for transparency and accountability from the corporation. "Since the Corporation Commissioner has constituted an inquiry committee, a white paper should be released. I have openly leveled allegations against the Marxist Communist unions," Anand added. The council meeting highlighted ongoing civic challenges in Chennai, including infrastructure repairs and governance issues, amid political disagreements between the ruling DMK and opposition BJP members. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 December,2025 06:12 PM IST | Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India] | ANIThe government will constitute the Bureau of Port Security, a statutory body for the security of vessels and port facilities, which will ensure timely analysis, collection and exchange of security-related information, with a special focus on cybersecurity, officials said on Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a meeting for the constitution of a dedicated body for ports and vessel security on Friday, which was attended by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, an official statement said. Modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) will be headed by a director general and will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, it said. The BoPS will be responsible for regulatory and oversight functions relating to the security of ships and port facilities, the statement said. "The BoPS shall be headed by an IPS officer (Pay Level-15). During the transition period of one year, the Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGMA) shall function as the Director General of BoPS", it said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 December,2025 04:07 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Arunachal Pradesh has arrested a government officer for alleged misappropriation of funds related to a highway project in East Kameng district, officials said on Friday ACB Superintendent of Police (SP) Mridul Yadav said a case was registered on the basis of a complaint, jointly submitted by members and office-bearers of the All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA), East Kameng unit. Following a detailed scrutiny of documents, interrogation of persons concerned and technical analysis, the ACB arrested the district land revenue and settlement officer (DLRS) on December 17 for alleged misappropriation of compensation funds related to the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway project, he said. The SP said the investigation into the alleged misappropriation of compensation funds for those who are affected by land acquisition is underway, he said. The frontier highway, a 1,748 km-long strategic road along the India-China border, is a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in remote border regions of Arunachal Pradesh and enhancing India's border management and security, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 December,2025 04:06 PM IST | Itanagar | PTICash of Rs 4.62 crore, 313 kg of silver and 6 kg of gold bullion has been seized by the ED during fresh raids in an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to illegal transport of Indians to the US through the 'dunki' route, officials said on Friday. The searches were launched at over a dozen locations in Delhi, Punjab (Jalandhar) and Haryana (Panipat) on Thursday. The officials seized Rs 4.62 crore in cash, 313 kgs of silver and 6 kg of gold bullion worth a total Rs 19.13 crore from the premises of a Delhi-based travel agent, they claimed. The investigators also recovered some "incriminating" chats from the phones and electronic devices found during the searches. From the premises of a "key" player in Haryana, the officials said, records and documents related to 'dunki' business have been found. The agent used to keep property documents of people wanting to go to the US illegally as surety for payment of his commission amount, the officials alleged. The word "donkey", "dunkey" or "dunki" refers to the donkey-like long and hard journey undertaken by immigrants to enter countries illegally. The federal probe agency conducted the first round of raids in July and recently attached assets worth Rs 5 crore of some travel agents after identifying some alleged accused operatives who were behind this illegal racket. The ED investigation stems from a clutch of FIRs registered by the Punjab and Haryana Police in connection with the deportation of 330 Indian nationals to India onboard military cargo planes in February 2025 by the US government. These people were found to be living "illegally" on the US soil. Describing the alleged modus operandi undertaken by the agents, the ED had said that they "cheated" gullible people by luring them under the pretext of sending them to the US legally and charged "hefty" amounts for this. However, the travellers were sent through dangerous routes via South American countries even as they were made to cross over into the US illegally through the country's border with Mexico. Throughout the journey, as per an ED statement issued a few days back, these people were tortured, extorted for even more money and made to commit illegal acts. These agents and their associates generated proceeds of crime (definition for illicit money under the PMLA) by cheating these people, it said. The US has deported more than 1,500 Indian nationals so far this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 December,2025 04:05 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIPolice have arrested four accused involved in a cattle theft case following an encounter early Friday, officials said. Circle Officer Manjhanpur Shivank Singh said that on December 18, Rahul Yadav, a resident of Shamshabad village under Manjhanpur police station, reported that three of his buffaloes had been stolen by Firoz, Guddu and Dilshad, residents of Karari police station area in Kaushambi district. Based on his complaint, an FIR was registered. The CO said that on the intervening night of December 18 and 19, police received information that the accused involved in the cattle theft were present near Patauna bridge and were planning to commit another offence. Acting on the tip-off, the police team reached the spot and arrested Firoz, Guddu and Dilshad near Patauna bridge. During interrogation, the arrested accused confessed to their involvement in several incidents of buffalo theft. They also disclosed that another accomplice was present on the Raghavapur road in the police station area. The officer said that when the police team conducted a raid at the indicated location, the accused, identified as Aryan alias Barati Lal, opened fire on the police after finding himself surrounded. In retaliatory firing, he was hit by a bullet in the leg. A country-made pistol and a cartridge were recovered from his possession. The injured accused has been admitted to the district hospital for treatment. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 December,2025 04:04 PM IST | Kaushambi (UP) | PTIA leopard entered a residential building in Bhayandar on Friday morning, causing panic among residents. Confirming the incident to mid-day, Deputy Conservator of Forests Sachin Repal of the Thane Territorial Forest Department said the department had received reports of the animal’s presence and immediately dispatched a rescue team to the site. Volunteers from NGO SARRP- India are also on the spot to assist the forest department. A total of six injured were taken to the local government hospital. Repal urged locals to stay away from the building and avoid provoking the leopard, warning that any such attempt could trigger a human–leopard conflict. Watch full video | Leopard enters in Maharashtra's Bhayander residential building View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) A leopard entered a Bhayandar residential building, injuring six people, prompting forest and NGO teams to rush in and safely rescue and contain the wild animal.Vc 📷: Special arrangements pic.twitter.com/C7uG59DJAh — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 19, 2025 A local said, "The presence of local politicians and their workers in large numbers near the building is making it difficult for the forest department to rescue the leopard."People gathered near the site as the leopard caused havoc, sparking panic among residents. Pic/Ranjeet Jadhav SGNP Director Anita Patil has sent the SGNP leopard rescue team to the spot along with Wildlife veterinarian Dr Nikhil Bangar, who has expertise to rescue the Leopard. Rescue efforts are underway. PIC/ Aditya Shinde The leopard was trapped inside a room at the Paraijat Cooperative Housing Society. Police manage crowd as rescue operation continues at Parijat CHS, Bhayandar East. PIC/Satej Shinde. A veterinarian trying to dart the leopard. PIC/ Sources An official from the Forest Department confirmed that the leopard was successfully tranquilised around 2.18 pm. The leopard is now rescued and taken to SGNP.
19 December,2025 03:00 PM IST | | Ranjeet JadhavDelhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Friday announced that air purifiers will be installed in 10,000 classrooms to ensure clean air for the students. Addressing a press conference, Sood said that the government is committed towards tackling the problem of pollution through long-term administrative measures. "We are not those who flaunt IIT degrees and do campaigns like Odd-Even or Gaadi On, Gaadi Off campaign. We are tackling the issue of pollution through long-term administrative measures," he said, taking a dig at the previous Aam Aadmi Party government. He added, "We want our children to study smart and also breathe smart air. In the first phase, air purifiers will be installed in 10,000 classrooms." The minister, who also holds the urban portfolio, said the Public Works Department, using the environment cess, will also procure mechanical road sweepers for each of the assembly constituencies. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
19 December,2025 02:17 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday claimed that some of those arrested for allegedly supplying illegal codeine-based cough syrup have links to the Samajwadi Party, reported news agency PTI. “Everyone knows that every ‘mafia’ group has ties with the Samajwadi Party,” Adityanath told reporters ahead of the Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The chief minister said the Legislative Assembly is unlikely to transact any business on Friday due to the sudden death of an MLA. However, the government will respond to questions in the Legislative Council or if the issue is raised outside the House. “Initial investigations have revealed that some of the men arrested by the STF or the UP Police have links to the Samajwadi Party. The involvement of the Samajwadi Party, which already has a tarnished reputation, will also come to light as a state-level SIT is monitoring the entire case. Officers from the UP Police and the Food and Drug Safety Administration (FDSA) are part of it,” Adityanath said, reported PTI. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday alleged that a massive scam involving the illegal supply of codeine-based cough syrups, worth thousands of crores, originated in Uttar Pradesh, and accused the BJP government of shielding those involved. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters after a meeting of SP MLAs, Yadav claimed the racket started from the “area of Pradhan Sansad” (Varanasi MP), indirectly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per PTI, he said that several important issues to be raised in the upcoming Assembly session were discussed, with the alleged codeine cough syrup racket being a major concern. Taking a jibe at Yadav on Friday, Adityanath said the SP chief was “cleaning the mirror to remove dust from his face.” “Details of illegal transactions will come to light. Let the investigation proceed. The truth will be revealed to everyone,” he said. The UP chief minister said codeine phosphate, used in the manufacture of cough syrup containing codeine, falls under the NDPS Act and is regulated by the Central Narcotics Bureau. In this case, he said, the state government acted after receiving complaints about its misuse as a narcotic substance and illegal trafficking in several places. The Uttar Pradesh government, through the FDSA, UP Police and the STF, is conducting the investigation. So far, a large-scale illegal trafficking operation has been uncovered and numerous people have been arrested, Adityanath added, reported PTI. FDSA officials said codeine-based syrups fall under Schedule H and are legal if sold against a valid prescription. Violations occur when large quantities are supplied without proper documentation, often facilitating their abuse as intoxicants. Officials said FIRs have been registered against 128 establishments across 28 districts under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act. (With PTI inputs)
19 December,2025 02:16 PM IST | Lucknow | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
