Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19A situation from the past could resurface, and you should handle it in an appropriate manner. This is a positive time for property and inheritance matters.Career tip: Get all the information you need before making any career decision. This is a positive time for entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Those dealing with any legal matters need to make sure they have all the paperwork needed. Let go of any fears stopping you from moving ahead.Career tip: Be culturally aware if you are negotiating with a possible client abroad. Positive time for entrepreneurs looking to expand their business. GeminiMay 21 – June 20What seems to be a possibly challenging situation may not be as bad as it seem. Listen to your instincts, as well as sense of what is right and wrong.Career tip: Handle any competitive colleagues intelligently, and avoid giving them any information they do not need. Make any decisions only after careful thought. CancerJune 21 – July 22A friendship or relationship may need a little extra effort, and you should give it the focus it requires. Let go of any need to be right all the time.Career tip: Respond to communication timely and be clear in negotiating new contracts. Don’t rely on verbal assurances and get written commitments. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Keep a check on your temper if you’re getting irritable. Handle finances well, and do not take on a loan you will not be able to pay back.Career tip: An idea would have potential, but be aware of the challenges. Get all the information needed before making a presentation. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Challenges can be worked through if you listen to your intuition and do not overcomplicate things. Be careful about whom you trust.Career tip: Expand on any information you have, and maintain accounts balance properly. Positive time for self employed people who have a home-business. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Take time out for a hobby you enjoy without getting competitive about it. Be very careful with investment and financial matters.Career tip: Pay attention to any information you get from a senior. Avoid indulging in gossip with colleagues and focus on your work. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Deal with any situation from the past in a strong manner, and do not back down. Put in the hard work needed to reach your goals.Career tip: Maintain a cordial but professional equation with bosses and seniors. Leverage your professional network to the best of your ability. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Do what is right, and do not allow yourself to get influenced by another person’s opinion. Make the best of opportunities that come your way.Career tip: A small project could have potential if handled correctly. This is a positive time for entrepreneurs and those who have a side gig going. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Deal with any challenges to the best of your abilities, and do what you need to do to make your daily schedule more efficient. This is a positive time for singles.Career tip: Finish any pending small jobs and don’t let emails pile up. This is a positive time for start ups, if you know what is really needed. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Handle any changing situation in a decisive manner. Those going through any relationship challenges should look at the larger picture before making a decision.Career tip: Take only thought out risks before making a career change. Avoid gossiping with colleagues, even if they are friends. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21What you do will come back to you, even if it is in an unexpected manner. Be realistic in you expectations from others but don’t lower your standards.Career tip: Be careful with all communication, as any mistake could be problematic. This is a positive time for entrepreneurs.
25 January,2026 02:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseA 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, an unidentified person attacked Singh, stabbing him in the abdomen with a sharp object, which led to his death. The accused fled the scene immediately. Police have launched a search operation to apprehend the attacker. 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.
24 January,2026 11:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has initiated the second phase of the biomining project at the Aadharwadi dumping ground. Under this ambitious plan, approximately nine lakh metric tonnes of waste will be processed using biomining techniques to clear the entire site at Kalyan, Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goyal informed. He also directed officials to accelerate work by deploying additional machinery and manpower. Goyal, along with Additional Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Ramdas Kokre, inspected the ongoing operations at Adharwadi, as well as the wet and dry waste management projects at Umbarde and Barave in Kalyan. He highlighted that waste dumping at Adharwadi had been stopped since the Covid-19 period, and the biomining process has successfully segregated thousands of metric tonnes of waste so far. Refuse derived fuel (RDF) generated from the process is being supplied to cement factories, while the soil recovered will be used for proposed civic landfill projects, the civic body said in a statement. The project will also facilitate future development of a proposed ring road from Durgadi to Barave once the site is cleared. Goyal said the work is expected to be completed within the next six to eight months and urged officials to enhance machinery and workforce deployment to maintain pace. The cleared space will later be used for city beautification, parks, and other public amenities. KDMC civic chief reviews Barave and Umbarde waste projects in Kalyan During the inspection, Goyal noted a significant increase in segregated waste at Barave’s dry waste project, which has a capacity of 200 tonnes per day. Currently, 150 tonnes of segregated waste are being processed daily, reflecting growing citizen participation. He praised residents for contributing to waste segregation, noting that the RDF produced benefits cement and plastic factories, promoting environmental sustainability alongside urban cleanliness. Goyal also reviewed operations at Umbarde and Barave, seeking detailed updates on processes and advising officials on improving project efficiency. He lauded the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Ramdas Kokre, who, during the Covid-19 period, had achieved 90 per cent waste segregation, allowing the Aadharwadi dumping ground to be shut down. Plans are underway to permanently eliminate dumping in the area and develop it into a well-planned civic space. Executive Engineer Jaywant Vishwas and various project contractors were present during the inspection.
24 January,2026 08:12 PM IST | Kalyan | mid-day online correspondentAndheri West residents expressed their gratitude to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after unauthorised constructions were removed from the area, improving road and pedestrian movement. On Saturday, residents felicitated Assistant Municipal Commissioner (K-West Ward) Chakrapani Alle at his office for the sustained action against illegal structures. Under the guidance of Mumbai civic chief Bhushan Gagrani, and Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, the BMC has been consistently carrying out operations to remove unauthorised constructions across the city and its suburbs. In Andheri West, a campaign led by Alle, under Deputy Commissioner (Zone-3) Vishwas Mote, focused on clearing illegal structures along Veera Desai Road, Captain Samant Road, JP Road, and Apna Bazaar areas. The operation has significantly eased vehicular and pedestrian traffic, reduced congestion, and prioritised public safety by opening up roads and footpaths. Local resident associations and community groups in Dhake Vasahat and surrounding areas lauded the decisive and effective measures, which have received a positive response from citizens. The BMC administration has assured residents that such operations to improve traffic flow and civic safety will continue in the future. BMC files multiple FIRs during crackdown on unauthorised banners, removes 41 across Mumbai The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday said that it has filed multiple FIRs during a crackdown on illegal banners in city and removed at least 41 unauthorised banners from parts of Mumbai. An official statement said that the civic body has taken strict action against individuals and organisations for putting up unauthorised banners in public places across Mumbai. Despite the civic body providing designated spaces for temporary advertisements, several banners were found illegally installed on electric poles and along roadsides without prior permission, officials said. "The BMC’s Licensing Department has registered cases against unidentified persons at Gamdevi, Malabar Hill and Dr D. B. Marg police stations. The action was taken on January 21 and 22, 2026, during which 41 unauthorised banners were removed," an official statement said. The Mumbai civic body has appealed to organisations, associations and businesses to display advertisements only at approved locations and after obtaining proper permission. The operation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special) Chanda Jadhav. Removal drives were conducted in several areas including Peddar Road, Pandita Ramabai Road, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, Dr Dadasaheb Bhadkamkar Road, Maulana Shaukat Ali Road, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road and Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road.
24 January,2026 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway (CR) will impose special traffic and power blocks on the UP and DOWN Main Lines between Panvel and Kalamboli on the night of January 25–26 (Sunday-Monday) to facilitate the launching of a 110-metre open web girder, weighing 1500 metric tonnes as part of the dedicated freight corridor corporation (DFCC) project. In the shadow of this block, the following blocks will also be operated: A traffic and power block for placing a temporary steel girder under the running line for subway construction at km 67/55–57, Panvel. Girder-launching work for the construction of a foot overbridge (FOB) at Panvel station. A traffic and power block for de-launching an existing dilapidated Chowk FOB at km 85/8–9 on the Panvel–Karjat section. The blocks will be in effect on the Kalamboli–Panvel section from 1.20 am to 5.20 am, lasting approximately four hours. Impact on train services Train 22193 Daund–Gwalior Express will be diverted via Karjat–Kalyan–Vasai Road. Train 20112 Madgaon–CSMT Konkan Kanya Express will be regulated at Somatane (Pune district) from 3.52 am to 5.20 am. Train 12134 Mangalore–CSMT Express will be regulated at Apta (Raigad district) from 2.50 am to 5.15 am. Train 11004 Sawantwadi Road–Dadar Tutari Express will be regulated at Jite (Raigad district) from 4.14 am to 5.10 am. Train 12620 Mangalore–LTT Mumbai Matsyaganda Express will be regulated at Pen from 4.32 am to 5.05 am. Train 10103 CSMT–Madgaon Mandovi Express will be rescheduled to depart CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) at 8.20 am. Train 17317 Hubballi–Dadar Express will face a delay of 15–20 minutes due to train regulations in the section. Central Railway emphasised that these blocks are essential for infrastructure upkeep and passenger safety and appealed to passengers to plan their journey accordingly and bear with the railway administration for the inconvenience caused. Central Railway to operate mega block between Matunga-Mulund and its Harbour line on Sunday The Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will operate a mega block between Matunga-Mulund and its Harbour line on Sunday. The block will affect both the Main Line and the Harbour line, resulting in train diversions, delays and suspension of some services, an official statement said. It said that the mega block will be taken on the suburban sections on Sunday, January 25, 2026, for engineering and maintenance work.
24 January,2026 04:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress has resolved an internal dispute related to the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation (CMC) following a high-level meeting of party leaders, Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI. 13 corporators aligned with MP Pratibha Dhanorkar The meeting was convened after 13 Congress corporators—out of the party’s 27 elected members in the CMC—on Friday registered themselves as a separate group amid a disagreement between Wadettiwar and local Congress MP Pratibha Dhanorkar. The 13 corporators were aligned with Dhanorkar. Subsequently, the remaining 14 corporators backing Wadettiwar reached the venue and objected to the registration. State party chief to decide group leader At the online meeting, it was decided that the Congress group leader in the CMC would be finalised by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal. Decisions regarding the mayor and the standing committee will be taken by Wadettiwar in consultation with Dhanorkar, reported PTI. The meeting was attended by Congress Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, along with Sapkal, Dhanorkar and Wadettiwar. Congress emerges as single largest party in CMC In the 66-member CMC, the BJP has secured 23 seats while the Congress has won 27. A minimum of 34 corporators is required to form the civic body government. Wadettiwar said the leaders held detailed discussions on the political situation in Chandrapur following the recent confusion over the formation of the Congress corporators’ group. It was also decided that Dhanorkar would handle the decision on the mayor’s post, while the deputy mayor’s post would be allotted to those supporting the Congress in forming the civic body government, reported PTI. Wadettiwar adopts conciliatory tone Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said he had taken a conciliatory approach in the larger interest of the party. “As a party leader, one has to remain patient. Even if someone criticises or abuses you, you must continue to work for the organisation,” he said, adding that he has worked for the Congress for 25 years and would continue to take decisions in the party’s interest, reported PTI. He alleged that the BJP had begun efforts to form the government in Chandrapur by offering money and positions to corporators, claiming that some were offered Rs 1 crore and posts to switch sides. “Both the Congress and the BJP need support from others to form the government. The question is whether money and posts will work, and whether independents will fall for it,” he said. Swipe at BJP over Chhagan Bhujbal clean chit Taking a swipe at the BJP, Wadettiwar said senior minister Chhagan Bhujbal received a clean chit in the Maharashtra Sadan case after joining the BJP-led alliance. “Once you go to the BJP, all allegations are washed away. They have a powerful machine that cleans everyone who joins them,” he said, reported PTI. Questions raised over accountability in Bhujbal case He also questioned who would compensate Bhujbal for the two-and-a-half years he spent in jail in the case and what action would be taken against those who had levelled allegations against him. (With inputs from PTI)
24 January,2026 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out in the ground-floor electrical room of a residential building on Waterfield Road in Bandra West on Thursday afternoon, triggering power disruptions in several surrounding buildings. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at around 1:40 pm at Hicons, a residential structure located along the busy Waterfield Road. The fire is believed to have originated in the building’s electrical installation area, leading to an immediate shutdown of electricity supply as a precautionary measure. Residents reported a sudden power outage in nearby buildings following the incident. Firefighting teams later reached the spot and successfully doused the blaze. Power supply to the affected surrounding buildings was restored after over an hour and a half. There were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties at the time of filing this report. Further details regarding the exact cause of the fire and the extent of damage are awaited. Fire breaks out in residential building in Thane, no injuries reported In another incident, a fire broke out early Friday morning in a residential building in the Brahmand area of Thane (West). No injuries were reported, and the blaze was brought under control within about an hour, civic officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident was reported at around 6.06 am. The fire originated in Room No. 404 on the fourth floor of Building No. B/03, a ground-plus-seven-storey structure located at Brahmand Phase 3, opposite Rainbow School in Azad Nagar. The flat is owned by Nilesh Chandrakant Palekar. Fire brigade teams, along with personnel from the Disaster Management Cell, Kasarvadavli police station and officials from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), rushed to the spot. The fire brigade deployed a rescue vehicle, a fire engine and a high-rise firefighting vehicle, while the Disaster Management Cell provided a pickup vehicle. Officials said household items including three wooden cupboards, a wooden bed with a mattress and electrical wiring inside the room, were completely gutted in the fire. The blaze was fully extinguished by around 7.30 am, and the situation is now under control, the Disaster Management Cell said. Fire breaks out at Chemical company in Navi Mumbai's MIDC Pawane area Meanwhile, a massive fire broke out at a chemical company in the MIDC Pawane area of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, this afternoon. Several fire tenders have been rushed to the spot, and firefighting operations are currently underway. Visuals from the site show raging flames engulfing the company as thick black plumes of smoke billow into the air. No casualties have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
24 January,2026 03:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday distributed more than 61,000 appointment letters to newly recruited government employees during the 18th edition of the Rozgar Mela, held in the national capital and simultaneously organised at over 40 locations across the country, reported news agency ANI. New recruits urged to uphold constitutional values Addressing the programme virtually, the Prime Minister described the appointment letters as an "invitation to nation-building" and urged the newly inducted youth to uphold constitutional values while discharging their duties. He said the beginning of the new year had ushered in fresh opportunities for the beneficiaries, drawing a symbolic parallel with the recent celebration of Basant Panchami. "The commencement of the new year has brought happiness into your lives. With Basant Panchami celebrated just yesterday, a new 'vasant' has begun in your lives as well. Your duty is now connected to the Constitution, and this phase coincides with the celebration of the Republic," PM Modi said, reported ANI. Highlighting the significance of the period, the Prime Minister recalled that January 23 was observed as Parakram Diwas on the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, while January 25 marks National Voters' Day. He noted that the day also commemorates the formal recognition of 'Jana Gana Mana' as the national anthem and 'Vande Mataram' as the national song. Jobs to strengthen defence, healthcare and education "On this auspicious day, over 61,000 young people are receiving appointment letters. In a way, this is a sankalp patra to accelerate India to new heights. Together with your colleagues, you will strengthen India’s defence, healthcare, education, and energy security," he said, reported ANI. The event was attended by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, along with senior officials from the Indian Police Service, the Central Reserve Police Force, and defence services. Rozgar Mela aims to fill vacancies in mission mode Reiterating the government's commitment to employment generation, PM Modi said linking skilled youth with job opportunities has remained a core objective of his administration. He explained that the Rozgar Mela was launched to fill government vacancies in "mission mode" and has, over the years, evolved into a structured institutional mechanism through which lakhs of young people have secured jobs across various departments. "India is one of the youngest nations in the world, and our government is continuously working to expand opportunities for this youth power," the Prime Minister said, adding that trade and mobility agreements with several countries are opening new global avenues for Indian professionals. Infrastructure, startups and Digital India create new jobs Referring to economic growth drivers, PM Modi highlighted that investments in world-class infrastructure have significantly boosted employment in construction-related sectors. He also underlined the rapid expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, noting that around two lakh registered startups currently employ over 21 lakh young people. "Digital India has given rise to a new economy. India is emerging as a global hub in animation, digital media, and the creator economy, creating fresh opportunities for the youth," he said, reported ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
24 January,2026 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe alleged sexual abuse of a four-year-old girl by a school bus driver in Badlapur has sparked sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT), with the party accusing both the school administration and the Maharashtra government of failing in their fundamental duty to protect children, reported news agency IANS. Editorial questions law and order as leaders focus on foreign investment In a strongly worded editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray-led faction launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led MahaYuti government, describing the incident as a disturbing example of deteriorating law and order in the state. The editorial remarked that while senior state leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, are abroad seeking foreign investment, serious crimes against children continue to occur at home, leaving citizens feeling unsafe and unprotected, reported IANS. School accused of attempting to suppress incident According to the editorial, the incident occurred at a private school in Badlapur, where the school bus driver allegedly sexually assaulted the minor. When the traumatised parents brought the matter to the attention of the school principal, the management allegedly attempted to suppress the incident rather than immediately informing the authorities. The editorial claimed that an FIR was registered only after the parents directly approached the police, following which the accused was arrested. Probe reveals violations of school transport safety norms The piece further highlighted serious violations of safety norms by the school authorities. Investigations reportedly revealed that the school bus involved did not possess a valid permit and was operating without a female attendant, both of which are mandatory under government regulations. Following the incident, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) cancelled the bus’s licence and imposed a fine of Rs 24,000, actions that the editorial described as reactive rather than preventive, reported IANS. Saamana recalls similar Badlapur case from two years ago Calling the incident a “grim repetition of history,” Saamana recalled a similar case in Badlapur two years ago, where two schoolgirls were sexually assaulted by a cleaning staff member at another school. In that instance as well, the school management was accused of attempting to cover up the crime, which eventually led to widespread public outrage and a controversial police encounter involving the accused. Editorial links incident to erosion of rule of law The editorial also criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that by politically accommodating individuals linked to such incidents, it sends a dangerous message that sexual offenders need not fear strict legal consequences. It further cited recent observations made by the Bombay High Court in the Gogawale case, describing them as indicative of a broader collapse of the rule of law in Maharashtra, reported IANS. Welfare schemes questioned amid safety concerns Despite repeated assurances from the government, transport police and the RTO about strengthening school transport regulations, the editorial said the latest case exposes those promises as “hollow.” It also took aim at welfare initiatives such as the “Laadki Bahin” and “Laadki Lek” schemes, accusing the state of seeking women’s votes while failing to guarantee their safety, and likening official responses to “locking the stable after the horse has bolted.” (With inputs from IANS)
24 January,2026 03:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major fire erupted at a chemical manufacturing unit located in the MIDC Pawane industrial area of Navi Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon, triggering an emergency response from fire authorities, reported news agency ANI. According to officials, the blaze broke out earlier in the day, following which multiple fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the spot. Firefighting operations are currently in progress as personnel work to bring the flames under control and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby units, reported ANI. Visuals from the scene show intense flames engulfing parts of the facility, with thick columns of black smoke rising high into the sky, raising concerns among residents and workers in the surrounding industrial zone. Authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage and is expected to be determined after a detailed investigation once the situation is fully brought under control, reported ANI. Officials have cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure, while emergency teams continue their operations. Further details are awaited. Fire in Bandra building’s electrical room triggers power outage A fire broke out in the ground-floor electrical room of a residential building on Waterfield Road in Bandra West on Thursday afternoon, triggering power disruptions in several surrounding buildings. According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at around 1:40 pm at Hicons, a residential structure located along the busy Waterfield Road. The fire is believed to have originated in the building’s electrical installation area, leading to an immediate shutdown of electricity supply as a precautionary measure. Residents reported a sudden power outage in nearby buildings following the incident. There were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties at the time of filing this report. Fire tenders were yet to arrive at the spot when the incident was first reported. Further details regarding the cause of the fire and the extent of damage are awaited. Fire breaks out in residential building in Thane, no injuries reported In another incident, a fire broke out early Friday morning in a residential building in the Brahmand area of Thane (West). No injuries were reported, and the blaze was brought under control within about an hour, civic officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident was reported at around 6.06 am. The fire originated in Room No. 404 on the fourth floor of Building No. B/03, a ground-plus-seven-storey structure located at Brahmand Phase 3, opposite Rainbow School in Azad Nagar. The flat is owned by Nilesh Chandrakant Palekar. Fire brigade teams, along with personnel from the Disaster Management Cell, Kasarvadavli police station and officials from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), rushed to the spot. The fire brigade deployed a rescue vehicle, a fire engine and a high-rise firefighting vehicle, while the Disaster Management Cell provided a pickup vehicle. Officials said household items including three wooden cupboards, a wooden bed with a mattress and electrical wiring inside the room, were completely gutted in the fire. The blaze was fully extinguished by around 7.30 am, and the situation is now under control, the Disaster Management Cell said.
24 January,2026 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant breakthrough against organised gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, has foiled a novel attempt to illegally import gold into the country through an international courier channel. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers seized 1.815 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs 2.89 crore from a courier consignment that arrived at the International Courier Terminal (ICT), Mumbai, from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reported news agency ANI. According to officials, the consignment was declared as a household appliance and contained a meat-grinding machine. However, a detailed examination of the parcel raised suspicion, prompting DRI officers to carry out a thorough inspection. Upon dismantling the meat grinder and breaking open its internal gear mechanism, officers recovered 32 cut pieces of gold of varying sizes that had been ingeniously concealed within the gear assembly. The concealment method was designed to evade conventional scanning and detection processes at courier terminals. The total quantity of gold recovered weighed 1,815 grams. Both the seized gold and the meat grinder used for concealment were confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Officials said the innovative concealment technique reflected the increasing sophistication being adopted by gold-smuggling syndicates to bypass enforcement checks, reported ANI. Following the seizure, the DRI launched swift follow-up operations, leading to the apprehension of two individuals linked to the smuggling attempt. One of the arrested persons was responsible for collecting the courier consignment upon clearance, while the other had arranged and provided Know Your Customer (KYC) documents to facilitate the shipment’s release from the courier terminal. Investigators are probing the roles of additional suspects and the possible involvement of an international syndicate behind the operation. DRI officials stated that the case underscores the constantly evolving methods employed by smuggling networks and reiterated the agency’s commitment to detecting new concealment techniques, dismantling transnational smuggling rackets, and safeguarding India’s economic security. Further investigation in the matter is currently underway. DRI cracks down on organised international gold smuggling syndicate Meanwhile, earlier this month, the DRI carried out a major crackdown on a well-organised international gold smuggling syndicate with links spanning Dubai and Bangladesh. Based on specific intelligence, coordinated searches were conducted in Delhi and Agartala, Tripura, resulting in the seizure of over 29 kg of foreign-origin gold and cash worth approximately Rs 2.90 crore. On January 6, 2026, a key member of the syndicate was apprehended at a domestic logistics warehouse while taking delivery of two consignments originating from Agartala. Examination of these consignments led to the recovery of 15 kg of foreign-origin gold bearing international refinery markings, valued at around Rs 20.73 crore. Simultaneous searches at multiple locations yielded an additional 14.2 kg of gold and Rs 2.90 crore in cash, including Indian and Bangladeshi currency. In total, 29.2 kg of gold worth approximately Rs 40 crore and cash of Rs 2.9 crore were seized, and four members of the syndicate were arrested. (With inputs from ANI)
24 January,2026 01:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
