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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
Man born out of wedlock booked for threatening to reveal dad to his two wives
The Dongri police have registered a case against a 24-year-old man for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 10 lakh from his 60-year-old biological father by threatening to leak private photos of the older man and his mother on social media. Accordingto police sources, the complainant had been married twice—first in 1983 and again in 2003. He has children from both marriages, and both his wives live with him. The complainant had tied the knot twice—in 1983 and in 2003—but hadn’t married the accused’s mother. Representation pic/iStock In 1998, he was in a relationship with a woman, whom he did not marry, and lived with her in Bandra until 2001. During this time, they had three children together, one of whom is the accused. Following their separation, he continued providing her with monthly financial support. In 2015, his former partner requested R5 lakh as a final settlement and he agreed on the condition that she would take full responsibility for their children’s upbringing. He paid the amount with mutual consent, after which she moved away with the children and ceased all contact with him. “On March 7, the accused approached his house and demanded R10 lakh. When the complainant refused, the accused allegedly threatened to defame him by posting certain photos on a local YouTube channel and social media. In the last few days, the pressure increased, prompting the complainant to approach the police,” said an officer from Dongri police station. “Following the complaint, we have registered under Section 308(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita—which deals with extortion, specifically punishing those who, to commit extortion, put someone in fear or attempts to do so—against the son of the complainant and have launched an investigation. However, no arrests have been made so far,” the officer added. March 7Day accused allegedly threatened his biological father
27 March,2025 10:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Mumbai’s top chain snatcher shot dead by Chennai police
Jaffar Gulam Hussain Irani, 35, the most wanted chain snatcher in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai with over 100 cases against him, was shot dead in an encounter by the Chennai police early Thursday morning near Taramani Railway Station. Two of his accomplices, identified as Misamum Dhusvasam Mesam Irani and Salman Hussain Irani, were also arrested. In a dramatic chase, Jaffar and Misamum were apprehended at the Chennai airport. Jaffar had already boarded a flight to Mumbai, while Misamum was heading to Hyderabad. The only clue the Chennai police had was Jaffar’s bright-coloured shoes, which were spotted in CCTV footage near Taramani railway station. Jaffar, Misamum, and Salman are members of the Irani gang from Irani Basti near Ambivli in Thane. The gang frequently travelled across multiple states by air, targeting high-profile areas. After committing 5-10 chain-snatching incidents, they would flee to another city via flight. CCTV grabs of the accused on the bike A gang led by Jaffar arrived in Chennai on Wednesday morning and targeted the Taramani area, known as the city’s IT corridor. Within an hour, at least eight chain-snatching incidents were reported, all carried out by bike-riding gang members. As complaints poured in, the police launched a manhunt and set up nakabandis at key exit points. After the thefts, the gang abandoned their bikes and some valuables at Taramani railway station before booking a cab to Chennai airport. Jaffar booked a flight to Mumbai, Misamum to Hyderabad, but Salman, lacking proper documents, couldn’t book a ticket. Jaffar then instructed him to return to the railway station and take a train to Hyderabad. While reviewing CCTV footage, police noticed the suspects changing clothes near the railway station. A critical clue—Jaffar’s bright-colored shoes—helped track him. Alerts were issued, and officers received leads about two men trying to book last-minute Hyderabad tickets. Acting swiftly, police rushed to the airport, where they found Jaffar’s flight delayed. Jaffar was arrested at the boarding gate while he was about to fly to Mumbai, while Misamum was taken off a Hyderabad-bound airplane. During interrogation, the duo revealed details about their parked bikes and stolen jewellery. Around 2.30 am on Thursday, police took them to Taramani railway station to recover the loot. However, Jaffar had hidden a country-made pistol there. Under the pretext of retrieving the jewellery, he pulled out the weapon and fired at the police. Despite repeated warnings, he refused to surrender, prompting officers to retaliate. Jaffar was injured and taken to a private hospital, where he was declared dead. Meanwhile, Salman, who had boarded a train, was arrested at Ongole station in Andhra Pradesh with the help of the Railway Protection Force. Dr N Kannan, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), South Chennai, told mid-day, “The accused appears to have conducted a recce of the area. The bike used in the crime was brought from Karnataka. . He was apprehended at the airport, but during the recovery of the bike and jewel-lery, he fired at the police. In retaliation, he was injured and later suc-cumbed to his injuries.” Speaking to mid-day, Jafar’s aunt, Mariam, said, “The family is in immense pain. I don’t want to say anything right now. We will decide our next steps only after bringing him to Ambivali and per-forming the last rites.” Criminal History Jaffar Gulam Husain Irani, 35Jaffar Husain Irani, also known as Jafar Bhura, is a notorious history-sheeter with over 150 cases registered against him across the country. Previously imprisoned under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), he was released on bail a few months ago. Irani lived with his parents, wife, and child in Ambivali and had a long record of criminal activities. His father, Gulam Irani, also had a history of crime. Misamum Dhusvasam Mesam Irani, 23An alleged member of the Irani Ambivali gang, Misamum belongs to a family with a deep-rooted criminal background. His father, Amjad Irani, and his brother, Abbas Irani, have been imprisoned under MCOCA since 2021. His mother, Fatima, was arrested last year in an attempt-to-murder case for attacking a MIDC police team at Ambivali station. Police sources reveal that Miasmum has been booked in more than three MCOCA cases, and five of his uncles are also in jail under MCOCA charges. Married six months ago, Miasmum had been living in Karnataka since then. Salman Irani, 35Salman Irani is implicated in at least 45 cases of snatching and other crimes across, Maharashtra, and multiple states in India. He was particularly active in Madhya Pradesh and committed several offenses in Uttar Pradesh. Jailed in Lucknow until November 2022, he resumed his criminal activities after release, frequently moving between states with his associates.
27 March,2025 06:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan | Samiullah Khan
Body of newborn found in dustbin at Mumbai Airport
The body of a newborn was found inside a dustbin in the washroom of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2 on Tuesday night. Police suspect that a pregnant woman delivered a stillborn in the washroom, abandoned the infant, and fled the scene. Authorities have identified the woman using CCTV footage and discovered that she had boarded a flight from Mumbai Airport to Ranchi later that night. The infant's body has been sent for post-mortem, and officials are awaiting the report. According to a police officer, the incident occurred around 10:30 pm on Tuesday when the woman entered the airport washroom. It is believed that she delivered a stillborn boy inside the washroom, placed his body in a dustbin, and fled the scene without informing anyone. Around 1.30 am on Wednesday, a cleaning staff member discovered the infant's body in the dustbin and immediately alerted the police following which he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. A police officer said, "We examined the CCTV footage and found that the woman boarded a flight to Ranchi around 2 am after the incident. A team has been dispatched to Ranchi to trace the mother. The doctors suspect that the woman was nine months pregnant." Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Manish Kalwaniya of Zone 8, confirming the incident, said, "We have registered an FIR (first information report) against the unknown woman under the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) 2024 sections 91 and 94. Efforts are ongoing to identify the woman who abandoned her newborn in the airport washroom." Mumbai cops are waiting for the post-mortem report to ascertain if the baby boy was killed or if he was stillborn.
26 March,2025 08:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish Vaktania
Surat man arrested for killing four-year-old boy in Mumbai
The Mumbai Police on Wednesday arrested a man from Surat in Gujarat for allegedly killing a four-year-old boy from the family of pavement dwellers in Mumbai last week, an officer said. The murder was committed around 3 am on March 22 when the family was sleeping on the roadside in the Iraniwadi locality of Kandivali (West), he said. During the interrogation of the accused, Akshay Ashok Garud, 25, it came to light that he knew the child's family and was taking care of the boy for the past three years, the Kandivali Police officer said. On the day of the incident, the accused was giving a bath to the boy when he suddenly relieved himself. Incensed by it, the accused allegedly hit on the child's head with his hand and he fell to the ground, he said. Garud then got scared and fled the spot. His image was captured in the CCTV footage of the area and six teams were formed by the police to nab him, the official said. The police examined the footage of more then 200 CCTVs and subsequently nabbed the accused from Surat, he said. Initially, the police believed the boy was strangulated to death, but medical reports confirmed he died due to a head injury, the official said. The child's family had found him lying motionless on a road in the area at around 4 am on Saturday. They took him to a hospital where he was declared dead before admission. After the incident, the Kandivali Police registered a case of murder against the then unidentified person and launched a search for the culprit, the officer 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.
26 March,2025 05:43 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Truck owner booked for calling Mumbai cops ‘thieves’ in viral video
A truck owner, frustrated over receiving an online challan, has landed in legal trouble after making a video of his argument with a traffic constable go viral on social media. A truck owner, frustrated over an online challan, is facing legal trouble after making a video of his argument with a traffic constable go viral on social media. The incident took place in Kandivali East on March 24, when the truck, operating without a cleaner, was issued a… pic.twitter.com/kaztFAasyB — Mid Day (@mid_day) March 26, 2025 According to police sources, the incident occurred in Kandivali East on March 24 when the truck, being driven without a cleaner, was issued a challan. The truck owner, identified as Yashwant Bandgar, got into a heated argument with the issuing constable, Vikas Pol, who is attached to the Samta Nagar Traffic Division. Bandgar recorded the incident and later posted the video on Facebook, referring to the police as "Kandivali thieves" and urging people to make the video go viral. Upon discovering the post, Constable Pol lodged a formal complaint at Samta Nagar Police Station. Following an inquiry, the police registered a case against Bandgar under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including: Section 3 of the Police (Incitement to Disaffection) Act, 1922 – for attempting to cause disaffection against the police force or inducing officers to withhold services. Section 356(2) of BNS – for defamation through the publication of false statements. "The matter is now under investigation, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings," said an officer from Samta Nagar Police Station.
26 March,2025 01:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Kunal Kamra Row: Mumbai Police to issue second summon today after rejecting plea
In a fresh development in the ongoing controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, the Mumbai Police have denied his request for an extension to appear before authorities. Kamra had sought a week's time, but his appeal was rejected. According to ANI, Kamra’s lawyer personally submitted the appeal and the response at Khar Police Station. However, the authorities have declined his request for additional time. The Khar Police are set to issue a second summons to Kamra today under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Earlier, the Mumbai Police had summoned Kamra, instructing him to appear before the investigating officer on Tuesday. The case was initially registered by the MIDC Police, before being transferred to Khar Police for further investigation. AS PER ANI, Kamra sparked a political uproar with his controversial ‘gaddar’ (traitor) joke, which was allegedly directed at Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. His remarks during a stand-up performance led to strong reactions from political circles, with multiple leaders condemning his statements and demanding legal action. ANI REPORTS that Kamra responded to the backlash by releasing a new video on Tuesday, in which he ridiculed Shiv Sena workers for vandalising The Habitat, a well-known comedy venue in Mumbai where he had previously performed. The attack on the comedy club was carried out in protest against his remarks. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the controversy, stating that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had already spoken on behalf of the government. “Our CM has said that action will be taken as per the law,” Pawar noted. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a firm stance on Kamra’s remarks about Eknath Shinde while speaking in the state Assembly on Monday. He emphasised that while humour and satire are appreciated, the government would not tolerate misuse of freedom of expression that borders on “tyranny.” “We welcome political satire and humour, but we do not accept freedom of expression when it leads to tyranny,” the Chief Minister asserted. He also dismissed Kamra’s performance as “low-quality” comedy. Fadnavis further criticised Kamra’s approach, stating, “This individual makes controversial statements about the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, and now Eknath Shinde, all in an attempt to gain notoriety. People will ultimately decide whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or a selfish person.” (With inputs from ANI)
26 March,2025 12:29 PM IST | Mumbai
Maharashtra man sentenced to life imprisonment for murder after robbery in 2017
A court in Maharashtra’s Thane district has sentenced a 31-year-old man to life imprisonment for the murder of a woman following a robbery that took place eight years ago. According to PTI, Additional Sessions Judge Mangala A Mote, presiding over the Kalyan court, delivered the verdict on Tuesday, convicting Mukesh Ganpat Nimse, a resident of Kharivali village in Shahapur taluka. Along with the life sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the accused. As per PTI reports, the judge ordered that Rs 19,000 of the fine be awarded as compensation to the victim’s family, while Rs 1,000 would be credited to the state to cover prosecution costs. The prosecution, led by Additional Public Prosecutor Kadambini Khandagale, informed the court that the crime took place on 9 August 2017. The accused robbed Sandhya Ganesh Nimse, the wife of a carpenter, of her gold jewellery and subsequently murdered her on agricultural land in Kharivali village. During the trial, the advocate representing the accused pleaded for a lesser sentence, arguing that the case did not fall under the “rarest of rare” category, which is typically required for the death penalty. However, the court rejected this plea. As per PTI, the judge stated that although the case does not meet the criteria for capital punishment, the accused committed a grave crime driven by greed for ornaments. The nature of the offence, the court noted, warranted strict punishment. PTI reports that the prosecution successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Over the course of the trial, a total of 13 prosecution witnesses were examined to establish the guilt of the accused. After considering all evidence and arguments presented, the court concluded that Mukesh Ganpat Nimse was guilty of murder and robbery, thereby sentencing him to life imprisonment. In a similar case a court in Maharashtra's Thane district has sentenced a 30-year-old man to life imprisonment for the murder of a man in 2016, reported news agency PTI. Additional sessions judge A N Sirsikar convicted the accused, Ajay Lalbahaddur Vishwakarma, of the charges under section 302 (murder) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced him to life imprisonment and a five-year rigorous imprisonment term, reported PTI. The sentences will run concurrently, the court ordered. The court, however, acquitted Sanjay Firatlal Goutam, a co-accused in the case, citing lack of conclusive evidence against him. A copy of the order passed on Thursday was made available on Saturday. Additional public prosecutor Rekha Hiwrale informed the court that on July 27, 2016, the victim, Jay Prajapati, went missing after informing his father that he was at Bhayandar railway station, reported PTI. She said messages were sent from Prajapati's mobile phone, demanding Rs 15 lakh for his release. However, despite efforts by his family and the police, the victim could not be traced, and his body was later discovered wrapped in a motorcycle cover in the mangroves. The prosecution said the forensic investigation and digital evidence linked Vishwakarma to the crime. At least 16 prosecution witnesses, including the victim's kin and medical officers, were examined during the trial, she said. The court noted that key prosecution witnesses testified after a six-year delay, leading to some discrepancies, reported PTI. However, judge Sirsikar observed that minor inconsistencies should not undermine the credibility of the evidence. The court ruled that while the prosecution failed to prove the ransom demand and the involvement of the second accused, it successfully established that Vishwakarma had a motive to kill Prajapati due to personal enmity. He highlighted that the discovery of the deceased's body at the instance of the accused and the extra-judicial confession before a witness played a crucial role in securing the conviction, reported PTI. The judge, in his order, ruled that the case did not fall under the 'rarest of rare' category warranting capital punishment. The court acquitted the co-accused, Sanjay Firatlal Goutam, stating that his mere presence at railway stations captured in CCTV footage was insufficient to establish his role in the crime. (With inputs from PTI)
26 March,2025 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai
Thane woman loses Rs 15 lakh in work-from-home scam; police launch probe
A 37-year-old woman from Maharashtra’s Thane district has allegedly fallen victim to a fraudulent work-from-home scheme, losing a sum of Rs 15.14 lakh to a group of scammers, including a woman, PTI reports. The incident took place between February and July last year, according to police officials. AS PER PTI, the fraudsters contacted the victim, a resident of Dombivli town, through online platforms and lured her with promises of lucrative earnings in exchange for completing simple tasks remotely. To carry out the deception, they instructed her to use the Telegram application, where they assigned various online activities as part of the so-called job opportunity. Police officials from Manpada police station revealed that the scammers gradually gained the victim’s trust, convincing her to transfer substantial sums of money over multiple transactions. In total, she ended up paying Rs 15,14,460 to the fraudsters, expecting a return on her investment as well as the promised earnings. However, once the payments were made, the accused ceased communication and failed to deliver any remuneration or refund her money. When the woman realised that she had been duped, she approached the authorities and lodged a formal complaint. Based on her account, the Manpada police registered an FIR against three individuals involved in the fraudulent operation. AS PER PTI, the case has been filed under relevant sections of the law, though no arrests have been made as yet. Further investigation has revealed that at least five more individuals may have been deceived using the same modus operandi, and authorities are probing the extent of the scam. In a similar incident of deception earlier this year, a 48-year-old hotelier from Thane has allegedly been defrauded of Rs 13 lakh by a man posing as an excise department official, who falsely promised to secure a liquor sale license for his establishment, police said. According to PTI reports, the accused approached the victim, who runs a hotel in the Kalwa area of Thane, in January last year. Claiming to be an employee of the Maharashtra state excise department in Nashik, he assured the hotelier that he could procure the necessary permit for him in exchange for a fee. Believing the offer to be genuine, the hotelier paid the accused Rs 13 lakh over multiple transactions. However, despite repeated assurances, the victim never received the promised liquor permit. As months passed and the accused failed to deliver on his commitment, the hotelier grew suspicious. Upon confronting the alleged fraudster and demanding a refund, he received evasive responses. Realising that he had been deceived, he approached the Kalwa police station and lodged a complaint. (With inputs from PTI)
26 March,2025 10:17 AM IST | Mumbai