A designated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has sentenced a former Deputy General Manager (DGM) of New India Assurance Company, to four years of rigorous imprisonment in a case involving fraudulent claims of service benefits, the officials said on Wednesday. The Ex- DGM Anand Prakash Mittal who was serving as the Managing Director of the company’s Nigerian subsidiary while on deputation, has also been fined, and the court ordered the confiscation of six fixed deposits (FDs) amounting to Rs 1.3 crore, they said. The proceeds, along with accrued interest, are to be credited to the State Treasury. The case was registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on September 14, 2016, following a written complaint from New India Assurance Company Limited, a Government of India Public Sector Undertaking. The CBI’s investigation revealed that Mittal, during his tenure in Nigeria, abused his official position and committed a criminal breach of trust, the officials said. “He allegedly secured unauthorised parting gifts and a pension at 18 per cent, totaling Rs. 1.62 crore, without the approval of the board of directors or any competent authority. The funds were then converted into fixed deposits in the names of his relatives,” the CBI said in its statement. After a detailed investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on December 27, 2017. Following the trial, the Special Judge for CBI cases in Mumbai pronounced the sentence, concluding the case.
06 November,2024 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanMumbai Police on Wednesday arrested a man from Karnataka for allegedly sending a threat message to Salman Khan on traffic police's helpline, an official said, reported the PTI. The man had allegedly send a threat message mentioning a demand for Rs 5 crore from Bollywood actor Salman Khan, an official said. The 35-year-old accused who was identified as Bhikaram Jalaram Bishnoi, a resident of Haveli in Karnataka, was held by a team of the Worli police station in Mumbai on Wednesday following his interrogation, he said, according to the PTI. Bhikaram Bishnoi, who is originally from Jalore in Rajasthan, had allegedly sent a threat message on the WhatsApp helpline of the Mumbai traffic police control room on Monday night following which the police had launched an investigation into the matter, he said. The threat message read: "If Salman Khan wants to stay alive, he should go to our temple and apologise or pay Rs 5 crore. If he does not do so, we will kill him; our gang is still active." The message sender claimed he is the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, he said. A case was registered at the Worli police station in central Mumbai against the accused person, he said. The phone number of the caller was traced to Karnataka and a team of police officials had reached Karnataka to nab the suspect. "During the investigation, it came to light that the accused hailed from Karnataka, following which a team of Worli police was sent to apprehend him. Bishnoi was nabbed late on Tuesday and after his interrogation, he was placed under arrest by the Worli police," he said, the news agency reported on Wednesday. He was produced before the local court for transit remand, the official said, adding that he is being brought to Mumbai. Earlier, an unknown person threatened him, demanding Rs 2 crore, the Mumbai Police said on October 30. With the series of threat messages to Salman Khan after Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader Baba Siddique's murder, the Mumbai Police has increased security outside the actor's home in Bandra's Bandstand. (with PTI inputs)
06 November,2024 07:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOne more person was arrested in connection with the Baba Siddique murder case from Pune. The accused, identified as 23-year-old Gaurav Apune, will be produced in court today. This is the 16th arrest by the Crime Branch. Officials stated that Apune was involved in the conspiracy, attended several meetings, and was part of the first batch of shooters. "Apune, a resident of Karve Nagar in Pune, was arrested after his role in the murder was established. He had full knowledge of the intended target and was involved in the in the conspiracy of the attack, with the promise of substantial consideration from the absconding accused. The absconding accused in the case also provided Apune with weapon-handling training," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Datta Nalawade. Two associates of the late NCP leader received threat calls from unknown numbers Two men who were close to the late NCP leader Baba Siddique said they received threat calls from unknown numbers. The alleged harassment began just days after the political heavyweight was assassinated by three shooters linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Bandra East on October 12. An officer attached to Khar police station said, “The unknown callers apparently belong to Bishnoi’s gang.” One of the men, Iqbal Shaikh, an eyewitness in the murder case, on October 31, registered an FIR at Khar police station after a caller demanded Rs 5 crore as protection money. Another victim, Shoaib Khan, approached the Nirmal Nagar police, who registered a non-cognisable (NC) offence. According to the FIR registered under section 308A (Extortion) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Shaikh received the extortion call from an unknown number and the caller told him, “Tu paanch khoka ready kar le, nahi to tere ko bhi tere boss [Baba Siddique] ke paas pahucha denge…thik hai na! Tera case bhi usi crime branch ke pass investigation ke liye jaega jaha tere boss ke case ka investigation chal raha hai.” Sources in the Khar police station told mid-day that a police constable has been deployed to Shaikh’s building where a few suspects were seen clicking photographs a few days ago. “The caller seems to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Since it’s an extortion case, we have handed over the matter to the crime branch for further investigation,” said the officer at Khar police station requesting anonymity. Earlier incident Meanwhile, Khan said that he received an unknown call from a Pakistan-based number within a week of Siddique’s murder. “I am a social worker and was working with Baba Siddique to help get the poor admitted to government hospitals. On October 18, I received a call from a Pakistan-based number and the caller said he would kill me,” Khan said. “I immediately approached the Nirmal Nagar police station to register an FIR, but the police filed an NC,” he said. Khan added that the caller had used an image of a police officer for his display picture. “After I met the officers at Nirmal Nagar police station, I was told to make a video call to the same number. The unknown caller responded, but he blinded the camera lens to conceal his face. When he saw a policeman, he disconnected the call immediately.” “I am in constant fear. My entire family is terrified. I have demanded police protection, but the cops have not even registered an FIR,” he added. “Shoaib Bihari bol raha kya? Malum hai na tera baap Baba Siddique gaya… ab tu jaega…taiyaari kar le…aur tere char bete bhi jaenge. [Are you Shoaib Bihari? Do you know that your father Baba Siddique is no more? Now, it is your turn, so get ready! Your four sons will also be killed],” reads Khan’s complaint letter, which he wrote to all the senior officials of Mumbai police, chief minister and Maharashtra home minister.
06 November,2024 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanA special NIA court in Mumbai, currently conducting the final hearings in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case, received a bomb threat, the official sources said. Following the incident, the presiding judges have written to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, requesting enhanced security for their residences. According to police sources, on October 30, a threatening call was received at the registrar’s office of the Mumbai Sessions Court, claiming the special NIA court would be blown up. In response to the threat, a team from Colaba Police Station, along with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), arrived at the court premises to conduct a thorough investigation. The threat specifically targeted Courtroom 26, which is handling the Malegaon case. After the threat, judges of the special NIA court jointly addressed a letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, emphasising the need for increased security at their homes. The letter stated that given their daily involvement in sensitive terrorism-related cases, the safety of both the judges and their families should be prioritised. Consequently, they requested Mumbai Police to bolster security around their residences. Senior Public Prosecutor Adv. Avinash Rasal, who is handling the Malegaon Blast case, expressed his concern over the recent bomb threat to the NIA court. “Most cases related to national security and terrorism are heard in Mumbai’s NIA court, making such threats deeply concerning. The investigating agency must ensure the safety of all judiciary members, lawyers, and witnesses attending these courts. Previously, I had Y+ category security, which has now been downgraded to X category. Our demand is that these cases be taken seriously, and all necessary actions to ensure security should be implemented,” he stated. Mumbai Police stated that no such complaints have been made to them so far. However, sources indicated that the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) visited the court on October 30. “No such complaint has been registered with Colaba Police Station,” said Pravin Munde, DCP Zone 1.
06 November,2024 01:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanTwo men who were close to the late NCP leader Baba Siddique said they received threat calls from unknown numbers. The alleged harassment began just days after the political heavyweight was assassinated by three shooters linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Bandra East on October 12. An officer attached to Khar police station said, “The unknown callers apparently belong to Bishnoi’s gang.” One of the men, Iqbal Shaikh, an eyewitness in the murder case, on October 31, registered an FIR at Khar police station after a caller demanded Rs 5 crore as protection money. Another victim, Shoaib Khan, approached the Nirmal Nagar police, who registered a non-cognisable (NC) offence. According to the FIR registered under section 308A (Extortion) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Shaikh received the extortion call from an unknown number and the caller told him, “Tu paanch khoka ready kar le, nahi to tere ko bhi tere boss [Baba Siddique] ke paas pahucha denge…thik hai na! Tera case bhi usi crime branch ke pass investigation ke liye jaega jaha tere boss ke case ka investigation chal raha hai.” Sources in the Khar police station told mid-day that a police constable has been deployed to Shaikh’s building where a few suspects were seen clicking photographs a few days ago. “The caller seems to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Since it’s an extortion case, we have handed over the matter to the crime branch for further investigation,” said the officer at Khar police station requesting anonymity. Earlier incident Meanwhile, Khan said that he received an unknown call from a Pakistan-based number within a week of Siddique’s murder. “I am a social worker and was working with Baba Siddique to help get the poor admitted to government hospitals. On October 18, I received a call from a Pakistan-based number and the caller said he would kill me,” Khan said. “I immediately approached the Nirmal Nagar police station to register an FIR, but the police filed an NC,” he said. Khan added that the caller had used an image of a police officer for his display picture. “After I met the officers at Nirmal Nagar police station, I was told to make a video call to the same number. The unknown caller responded, but he blinded the camera lens to conceal his face. When he saw a policeman, he disconnected the call immediately.” “I am in constant fear. My entire family is terrified. I have demanded police protection, but the cops have not even registered an FIR,” he added. “Shoaib Bihari bol raha kya? Malum hai na tera baap Baba Siddique gaya… ab tu jaega…taiyaari kar le…aur tere char bete bhi jaenge. [Are you Shoaib Bihari? Do you know that your father Baba Siddique is no more? Now, it is your turn, so get ready! Your four sons will also be killed],” reads Khan’s complaint letter, which he wrote to all the senior officials of Mumbai police, chief minister and Maharashtra home minister.
06 November,2024 10:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar Sharma
Two men who were close to the late NCP leader Baba Siddique said they received threat calls from unknown numbers. The alleged harassment began just days after the political heavyweight was assassinated by three shooters linked to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in Bandra East on October 12. An officer attached to Khar police station said, “The unknown callers apparently belong to Bishnoi’s gang.” Baba Siddique and his son Zeeshan outside the Legislative Assembly. File pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi One of the men, Iqbal Shaikh, an eyewitness in the murder case, on October 31, registered an FIR at Khar police station after a caller demanded R5 crore as protection money. Another victim, Shoaib Khan, approached the Nirmal Nagar police, who registered a non-cognisable (NC) offence. According to the FIR registered under section 308A (Extortion) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Shaikh received the extortion call from an unknown number and the caller told him, “Tu paanch khoka ready kar le, nahi to tere ko bhi tere boss [Baba Siddique] ke paas pahucha denge…thik hai na! Tera case bhi usi crime branch ke pass investigation ke liye jaega jaha tere boss ke case ka investigation chal raha hai.” The complainant has submitted the following transcript of the extortion call to the authorities. Unknown caller: Tera details aaya hai mere paas… tera address, family ka… tera bada bhai Shakeel police ka khabri hai… chhota bhai, saara tere family me kaun hai, kiddar rehta hai, kya karta hai, kis car me jata hai… saara mere pass pada hai! (I have got the entire details of your address and family. Your elder brother is a police informer. I have the details of your younger brother, too. I know who all are there in your family members…I have everything) Iqbal Shaikh: Acchha! (Ok) Unknown caller: Kya kaam dhandha karta hai, thik hai na? Baat ye hai ki tu paanch khoka ready kar le, nahi to tere ko tere boss ke paas pahucha denge, thik hai na? (I know what business you are in, okay! So, keep R5 crore ready, else you will meet the same fate as your boss Baba Siddique, okay?)Shaikh: Acchha acchha achha, thik hai! (Okay!) Unknown caller: Abhi mere ladke dekh pehle tere boss ko marne aaye the, jiska tu paisa manage karta hai na..Baba Siddique ka? (See, earlier my shooters were sent to kill your boss, and you manage his money, right?) Shaikh: Haan (Yes) Unknown caller: Uska kaam kiya abhi, tu matt soch tu bach jaega….abhi teri baari hai. Abhi tere liye bhi ladke bej dunga, thik hai na, sahi hai? Jo karna hai kar le, apne bhai ko bol le ki police ke jitne link hai laga le…thik hai na? Cr****l mall ke bahar baithe hote ho na tum log? Abhi tere ko bata dia, thik hai? Tujhe police ke paas jana hai, chala ja.. apne bhai ko bol de, uske paas jaa ke meri baat karwa diyo…pata karwa liyo kaun bol raha hai, kaha se bol raha hai… sab pata chal jaega. (You have managed his money, so don’t think that you will be spared. Now, it’s your turn. I will send my shooters for you, okay? Do whatever you want… tell your brother to use his all police contacts… I am aware that you guys sit outside Cr****l mall… I have told you everything, okay? If you want to go to the police, go; if you want to tell your brother, tell him… connect me when you go to your brother… get my details like who and from where I am; you’ll get everything) Shaikh: Kaha se bol rahe ho aap? (From where you are calling?) Unknown caller: Number dekh le tru****** pe, daal ke dekh le, chahe police ke paas jaake… tera bhai police ka khabri hai na? Bol usko pata kar lega kaun bol raha hai, thik hai? (Check this number on tru******, you will get to know everything. Or, you can go to police, your brother is their informer… tell your brother to get the details who I am, okay?) Shaikh: Thik hai (Okay) Unknown caller: To abhi paanch khokha ready kar le, thik hai? Nahi to tere ko bhi boss ke paas pahucha denge, thik hai na? Tere case ka bhi investigation wohi chalela crime branch me jaha tere boss ka chal raha hai… abhi tere ko iske baad ek aur call karunga, dubara call nahi aega meri, thik hai? (So, now, you keep R5 crore ready, okay? Else you will also meet the same fate as your boss and your case will also be investigated by the same crime branch whose officers are probing into your boss’s murder case, is that okay? After disconnecting, I will call you once more and then I will not call again, is it okay?) Shaikh: Thik hai (Okay). Sources in the Khar police station told mid-day that a police constable has been deployed to Shaikh’s building where a few suspects were seen clicking photographs a few days ago. “The caller seems to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Since it’s an extortion case, we have handed over the matter to the crime branch for further investigation,” said the officer at Khar police station requesting anonymity. Earlier incident Meanwhile, Khan said that he received an unknown call from a Pakistan-based number within a week of Siddique’s murder. “I am a social worker and was working with Baba Siddique to help get the poor admitted to government hospitals. On October 18, I received a call from a Pakistan-based number and the caller said he would kill me,” Khan said. “I immediately approached the Nirmal Nagar police station to register an FIR, but the police filed an NC,” he said. Khan added that the caller had used an image of a police officer for his display picture. “After I met the officers at Nirmal Nagar police station, I was told to make a video call to the same number. The unknown caller responded, but he blinded the camera lens to conceal his face. When he saw a policeman, he disconnected the call immediately.” “I am in constant fear. My entire family is terrified. I have demanded police protection, but the cops have not even registered an FIR,” he added. “Shoaib Bihari bol raha kya? Malum hai na tera baap Baba Siddique gaya… ab tu jaega…taiyaari kar le…aur tere char bete bhi jaenge. [Are you Shoaib Bihari? Do you know that your father Baba Siddique is no more? Now, it is your turn, so get ready! Your four sons will also be killed],” reads Khan’s complaint letter, which he wrote to all the senior officials of Mumbai police, chief minister and Maharashtra home minister.
06 November,2024 06:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaAn unidentified thief recently stole a vault containing gold jewelry and cash, worth around Rs 19.63 lakh, from a private finance firm in Pydhonie area of Mumbai. The police have filed a case against an unknown person and launched a probe into the theft. They are relying on the CCTV footage of the firm to track down the suspect. According to Mumbai Police, Ramchandra Sakharam Pawar, a resident of Maharashtra Nagar in Mankhurd, serves as a manager at Hanuman Nagari Patpedhi Limited, the finance firm located on Samuel Street. The firm, which employs five staff members, is chaired by Shankar Kisan Pawar. It provides loans to clients against pledged gold, which is typically stored securely in a private bank in Bhuleshwar. However, owing to an upcoming audit, all the gold assets were temporarily brought back to the office for July 2024’s scheduled checks. After the audit, the gold, alongside other cash reserves, was stored in the firm’s vault. This included approximately 250 grams (25 tolas) of gold valued at Rs 18.5 lakh and cash worth Rs 1.13 lakh. On October 30, the employees secured the office before leaving for the night. On arriving at the firm the following morning, one of the employees, Sanjay Bajirao Chavan, found the office in disarray, with files scattered across the floor and the vault missing. On checking the premises, the employees discovered that three bars on the grill of the rear window had been cut, suggesting the entry point of the thief. Upon discovering the theft, Pawar immediately informed Mumbai Police. Officers arrived at the scene promptly and, based on Pawar’s report, filed a theft case against an unidentified individual. The police have since seized CCTV footage from the finance firm and its nearby locations and launched a search operation to identify and apprehend the accused.
05 November,2024 09:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheMumbai Customs on Tuesday said that two passengers were held at the Mumbai airport for alleged wildlife smuggling after the officials seized exotic turtles from them. In an official statement, the Mumbai Customs said that the officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI) intercepted two passengers arriving from Bangkok, uncovering a wildlife smuggling attempt involving 12 exotic turtles. The endangered reptiles were found hidden in a sophisticated manner, concealed inside rectangular plastic boxes buried beneath food packets in the passengers' trolley bags. Upon inspection, the officials discovered a total of eight Japanese Pond Turtles (Mauremys Japonica) and four Scorpion Mud Turtles, also known as Red Cheek Mud Turtles (Kinosternon scorpioides). Both species are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule IV of India's newly amended Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which imposes strict regulations on the trade and transportation of endangered wildlife, the statement said. "The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) – Western Region, Navi Mumbai, immediately took action upon identifying the species. The exotic turtles were carefully handed over to airline staff for repatriation to their country of origin, as per international wildlife protection protocols," the statement said. It said that the officials have initiated legal proceedings against the two passengers under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. "The two suspects have been arrested and are currently in custody for violating multiple laws related to wildlife trafficking," the officials said.
05 November,2024 03:54 PM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe investigation into the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddiqui has intensified, with the Mumbai Police confirming that the firearms used in the crime originated from Rajasthan. The Crime Branch has mobilised five teams outside Maharashtra in a concerted effort to locate the suspects involved in this high-profile case. One of the primary targets is Zeeshan, who has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the murder. As the investigation unfolds, the Crime Branch has also recovered another weapon connected to the killing from the Pune residence of Rupesh Mohol, one of the accused. This marks the fifth weapon retrieved in relation to the case. Authorities are still searching for one additional weapon and three live cartridges, believing that a total of six firearms were transported to Mumbai as part of the murder plot. Prior to this latest recovery, a weapon was found at the residence of Ram Fulchand Kanoujia in Raigad, Maharashtra, where he was living on rent. The police have revealed that, upon examining the mobile phones of the shooters, images of pistols were discovered, further implicating the accused in the crime. Thus far, the Crime Branch has arrested a total of 15 individuals in connection with the murder, with 10 of them currently in judicial custody. Baba Siddiqui, a former minister in Maharashtra, was shot dead by three gunmen on October 12, near the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, in Nirmal Nagar, Mumbai. The responsibility for the murder has been claimed by the gang of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. As the Mumbai Police continue their pursuit of justice, the focus remains on apprehending Zeeshan and dismantling the network of individuals involved in this brazen act of violence. The authorities are committed to ensuring that all those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice, and they are working diligently to uncover any further evidence that may aid in the investigation. (With inputs from ANI)
05 November,2024 11:55 AM IST | MumbaiBollywood actor Salman Khan has received a fresh threat, as reported by a police official on Tuesday. The threat, which was sent to the Mumbai traffic police helpline, has left authorities concerned for the actor's safety. According to the police, the message was read around midnight by an officer who was monitoring the helpline. The individual behind the threat claims to be a brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The message was quite alarming, stating that if Salman Khan wishes to remain alive, he must either visit the temple of the Bishnoi community to apologise or pay a sum of Rs 5 crore. The sender went on to threaten that if Khan fails to comply, there would be dire consequences, implying that the gang is still operational and would carry out their threats. In light of this new threat, the police have initiated an investigation to trace the origin of the message. They have also increased security measures around Salman Khan to ensure his safety. The police are looking into potential links between this threat and Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated on a range of serious charges, including attempted murder and extortion. This incident is not isolated, as Salman Khan has faced threats in the past, primarily linked to the Bishnoi gang. The Bishnoi community has a longstanding feud with the actor, dating back to a 1998 incident involving the alleged poaching of endangered blackbucks during the filming of "Hum Saath-Saath Hain." This has made Salman Khan a target for threats from members of this community. The police are taking this situation seriously, and the increased security for Salman Khan is a precautionary measure amid the ongoing investigation. The actor's fanbase and the wider public are now on alert as they await further developments regarding this concerning situation. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as threats against high-profile individuals like Salman Khan highlight the serious nature of gang-related violence in India. The police urge anyone with information about the threat to come forward and assist in the investigation, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the safety of the actor and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by organised crime in the region. (With inputs from PTI)
05 November,2024 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan KhanThe DB Marg Police has filed a POCSO case against a Surat man who was found dead in a hotel room in Mumbai. The manager of a south Mumbai hotel had informed police on November 2 about a guest who was found unconscious. The man was then rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead. During inquiry into his death, the police found out that the deceased was a native of Surat and he was accompanied by a 14-year-old girl. A police official told mid-day, "The deceased and the victim were in a room and based on the victim’s mother’s statement we have registered an FIR under the relevant sections of the POSCO Act."
04 November,2024 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheADVERTISEMENT
