Category: Crime

NAGPUR (2 March 2026) — Following the devastating explosion at SBL Energy Limited in Raulgaon on Sunday that claimed 19 lives, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has formally attributed the tragedy to gross negligence. Beyond the company’s management, the Minister asserted that accountability will be extended to the regulatory bodies responsible for industrial oversight, marking a significant shift in the investigation’s focus toward systemic failure.

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Expanded Accountability: Regulatory Agencies Under Fire

During a high-level review on Monday, Minister Bawankule directed that officials from three key regulatory bodies be held responsible for the lack of safety enforcement:

• PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation): The central agency responsible for licensing and safety audits of explosive units.
• DISH (Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health): The state-level body tasked with inspecting industrial working conditions and machine safety.
• Labour Commissionerate: Accountable for monitoring workforce welfare and safety practice compliance.

Bawankule noted that despite recent safety audits in the district, the Raulgaon blast indicates a failure to verify actual ground-level safety protocols.

MD and Directors Taken into Custody

The Nagpur Rural Police have escalated their legal response, shifting the case from an accidental death report to criminal prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

• Key Arrests: Police have arrested 11 individuals, including the Managing Director (MD) of SBL Energy Limited and nine directors.
• Charges Filed: The accused are being booked under Section 105 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 106 (Death by negligence).
• Safety Lacunae: Superintendent of Police (Nagpur Rural) Harssh Poddar confirmed that a preliminary report by PESO and the Defence Information System for Security (DISS) identified critical “safety lacunae” in the detonator packing section where the blast originated.

Unprecedented Relief Package Approved

In a high-level meeting chaired by Bawankule, the state government and company management finalized one of the highest industrial accident relief packages in recent years.

Recipient	Compensation Amount	Source
Families of Deceased	₹82 Lakh (Total)	₹75 Lakh (Company) + ₹5 Lakh (State) + ₹2 Lakh (PMNRF)
Injured Workers	₹25 Lakh	Exclusively provided by SBL Energy Limited

The company has also committed to bearing the full cost of medical treatment for the 23 injured workers, 13 of whom remain in critical condition. Furthermore, the factory has been sealed until the investigation is complete, though the company has been ordered to continue paying minimum wages to all 1,600 employees during the shutdown period.

Review of 2008 Safety Rules

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who visited the injured at Orange City Hospital, announced that the state would move to strengthen the “outdated” 2008 safety protocols for explosives manufacturing. He emphasized the need for automation in high-risk zones like the “crimping” (packing) section to minimize human proximity to sensitive materials.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Nagpur blast: Probe points to company’s negligence…” (2 March 2026)
• The Hindu: “Nagpur factory blast: Nine directors of explosives company arrested” (2 March 2026)
• Times of India: “Blast Victims’ Families to Receive Rs82 Lakh Compensation After Katol Tragedy” (3 March 2026)
• DD News: “17 killed in Nagpur factory blast; PM Modi announces ex gratia” (1 March 2026)
• The Indian Express: “Women bear the brunt in Nagpur factory blast…” (2 March 2026)

PRATAPGARH (UP) (2 March 2026) — A 52-year-old man was fatally shot in the Patti police station area of Pratapgarh on Monday. Police officials have characterized the killing as a fallout of a long-standing personal rivalry. Following the incident, local authorities launched a swift investigation and have already taken one suspect into custody for questioning.

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Details of the Incident

The victim, identified as Mohammad Salim, a resident of Ramnagar village, was targeted while he was returning home after inspecting his agricultural fields.

• The Attack: According to eyewitness accounts and family statements, assailants intercepted Salim on a secluded path and opened fire. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
• Immediate Response: Local villagers who heard the gunshots rushed to the spot and alerted the authorities. A team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (East) Shailendra Lal arrived shortly after to secure the area and initiate forensic evidence collection.

Investigation and Detention

Preliminary inquiries by the Patti police suggest that Salim had been embroiled in an ongoing dispute with another local family for several years.

1. Suspect Detained: Based on the names provided by the victim’s family, police have detained one individual. While his identity has not been formally released pending further interrogation, officials believe he was directly involved in the planning or execution of the shooting.
2. Motive: “The primary motive appears to be an old enmity. We are investigating if there were any immediate provocations or land-related disputes that triggered this specific attack,” ASP Shailendra Lal told reporters.
3. Security Deployment: To prevent any communal or retaliatory tension in Ramnagar village, additional police personnel have been deployed as a precautionary measure.

Current Status

The body has been sent to the district hospital for a post-mortem examination. Senior officials have assured the family that a formal FIR is being registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and multiple teams have been formed to nab the remaining suspects who are currently absconding.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): “UP: Man shot dead over old rivalry in Pratapgarh, suspect detained” (2 March 2026)
• Amar Ujala: “Pratapgarh Crime News: Mohammad Salim shot dead in Ramnagar village” (3 March 2026)
• Dainik Bhaskar: “Enmity claims life in Pratapgarh; police detain prime suspect” (3 March 2026)
• Uttar Pradesh Police: Official Briefing by ASP (East) Shailendra Lal (2 March 2026)

MUMBAI (2 March 2026) — After a relentless 48-day multi-state manhunt, the Mumbai Police arrested four suspects in the dense forests of Rajasthan for a massive burglary at a Borivali jewellery shop. The operation, which relied on cutting-edge thermal imaging drones to peer through thick forest canopies, led to the recovery of nearly ₹4.65 crore worth of gold and silver.

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The “Inside Job” Heist

The daring burglary took place on the intervening night of January 13–14, 2026, at “My Gold Point” jewellery store in IC Colony, Borivali West.

• Method: Two shop employees, Prabhu Singh and Narayan Singh, allegedly used duplicate keys to gain entry and empty the safe after business hours.
• The Loot: The complainant, Sanket Porwal, reported a loss of gold, silver, and diamond ornaments valued at approximately ₹6,79,85,000.
• The Escape: The duo initially fled on their employer’s motorcycle before using organized transport to reach their native state, Rajasthan.

Manhunt in the Rajasthan Jungles

The investigation, led by the MHB Colony Police Station under the guidance of DCP Sandeep Jadhav, traced the technical trail to the rugged terrain of Rajsamand district.

The pursuit presented significant challenges for the Mumbai special teams:

• Evasive Tactics: The suspects avoided villages and settled deep within the forests, frequently shifting between Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Sardargarh, and Pali.
• Technological Edge: To overcome the “blind spots” created by thick tree cover, police deployed thermal drones. These devices identified the heat signatures of the suspects’ hideouts and campfires, which were invisible to standard surveillance.
• Key Arrests: One prime suspect was captured in a carefully laid trap near a remote temple deep inside the Muwariya forest. Two others were apprehended on March 1 near Kuwariya village following a tip-off.

Recovery and Ongoing Probe

As of Monday, the police have successfully seized a substantial portion of the stolen valuables:

Item	Weight	Estimated Value
Gold Ornaments	~3 Kilograms	₹4.50 Crore
Silver Ornaments	~5 Kilograms	₹15 Lakh
Status	Recovered	₹4.65 Crore Total

The arrested individuals include Prabhu Singh, Narayan Singh, and their accomplices Ganpat Singh and Kishan Singh. A fifth suspect, Mod Singh, and a few others remain at large. Preliminary findings suggest the group may be part of an interstate theft syndicate with prior criminal records.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Four held for Rs 6.79 cr loot at Mumbai jewellery shop; thermal drones used…” (2 March 2026)
• Mid-Day Mumbai: “Borivali jewellery shop burglary: Four arrested after 48-day forest manhunt” (2 March 2026)
• The Times of India: “Rs 7.88cr gold heist in Mumbai’s Borivali, 2 held, minor detained” (6 February 2026 / 2 March 2026)
• Vartha Bharati: “Mumbai Police nab four from Rajasthan after 48-day manhunt” (3 March 2026)

NAGPUR (2 March 2026) — The death toll from the massive explosion at SBL Energy Limited in Katol tehsil rose to 19 on Monday after another worker succumbed to injuries. Maharashtra Minister and Nagpur District Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, following a high-level review meeting, alleged gross “negligence” on the part of the explosives manufacturer and called for the accountability of multiple regulatory agencies.

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Allegations of Regulatory and Corporate Failure

Minister Bawankule stated that a preliminary probe indicates that basic safety protocols were bypassed at the detonator packing unit. He specifically named several oversight bodies, suggesting they failed in their duty to enforce safety standards in the region’s high-risk industrial units.

Agencies identified for potential accountability include:

• PESO: Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.
• DISH: Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health.
• Labour Commissionerate: Responsible for monitoring working conditions and safety compliance.

“There was prima facie negligence by SBL Energy Limited. We must fix the accountability of the agencies whose job it was to ensure that safety practices were being followed,” Bawankule told reporters at the divisional commissionerate.

Police Action and Arrests

The Nagpur Rural Police have transitioned from an Accidental Death Report (ADR) to a formal criminal case.

• Charges: The Kalmeshwar police have registered a case against 21 directors and shareholders of SBL Energy Limited under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
• Arrests: Nine directors of the company have been taken into custody as of Monday morning for questioning.
• Initial Findings: A report by PESO and the Defence Information System for Security (DISS) reportedly confirmed significant “safety lacunae” at the facility.

Casualty and Medical Update

The explosion, which occurred between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM on Sunday, primarily affected the packing section where a large number of women were employed.

• Injured: 23 workers remain hospitalised, with 13 in critical condition at Orange City Hospital and other private facilities.
• Nature of Injuries: Victims have sustained severe thermal burns (ranging from 30% to 80%), splinter wounds, hearing loss, and multiple fractures.
• Identification: Due to the intensity of the blast, many bodies were charred beyond recognition, and DNA samples are being collected from relatives to confirm identities.

Financial Assistance

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has ordered a thorough investigation, announced that the state government will provide ₹5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF for the deceased’s families and ₹50,000 for the injured. SBL Energy Limited has also committed to bearing the full cost of medical treatment and providing further compensation.

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Sources

• The Hindu: “Nagpur factory blast: Nine directors of explosives company arrested” (2 March 2026)
• Outlook India: “Nagpur Factory Blast Death Toll Rises To 19 As Another Worker Dies” (2 March 2026)
• The Times of India: “18 workers dead, 24 injured in blast at explosives unit in Nagpur rural” (2 March 2026)
• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Nagpur blast: Probe points to company’s negligence…” (2 March 2026)
• The Indian Express: “Women bear the brunt in Nagpur factory blast: 18 killed, 24 injured” (2 March 2026)

PANAJI (2 March 2026) — The Passport Bhavan in the Patto area of Goa’s capital, Panaji, received a bomb threat via email in the early hours of Monday morning. Following an extensive multi-agency search operation, the Goa Police declared the threat a hoax. The incident caused brief panic among applicants and staff, but operations resumed later in the day after the building was officially cleared.

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Incident Timeline and Threat Details

The anonymous email was received on the passport office’s official account at approximately 4:00 AM on Monday.

• The Message: The email claimed an explosive device had been planted on the premises and warned of an imminent blast. It specifically instructed authorities to “please evacuate innocent public by 11 am” or face the consequences.
• Alleged Affiliation: According to the Panaji police, the email reportedly mentioned “Tamil LTT groups,” though investigators are currently treating this as a potential distractor used by the hoaxer.

Coordinated Emergency Response

Upon receiving the alert from passport officials, the North Goa district police initiated a coordinated response in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The search operation involved:

• Evacuation: Hundreds of applicants who had arrived for early morning appointments were asked to vacate the building.
• Specialised Units: Teams from the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) arrived on the scene.
• Thorough Inspection: Inspector Paresh Navelkar confirmed that every floor, including parking areas and office cabins, was meticulously checked using sniffer dogs and electronic scanners.

Current Status and Investigation

Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Harish Madkaikar confirmed that no suspicious materials or explosive substances were found. “Nothing suspicious was found, after which the office was declared safe to work,” added Inspector Navelkar.

This incident follows a series of similar hoax bomb threats targeting passport offices across India over the past week, including facilities in Surat, Kolkata, Pune, and Coimbatore. The Cyber Crime Cell of the Goa Police is now working to trace the personal email account used to send the threat. Authorities have noted that the email appears to be part of a larger, coordinated campaign of “digital mischief” intended to disrupt government services.

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Sources

• The Times of India: “Bomb threat email sparks panic at Panaji passport office; search confirms hoax” (2 March 2026)
• Rediff News: “Goa Passport Office Bomb Threat: Authorities Confirm Hoax” (2 March 2026)
• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Passport Bhavan in Goa gets bomb threat email; cops declare it hoax” (2 March 2026)
• Goa Police: Official Briefing by SP Harish Madkaikar (2 March 2026)

PATNA (2 March 2026) — The Patna cyber police have arrested three individuals in two separate cases of online fraud, including a 21-year-old mastermind accused of duping a businessman of ₹2.24 crore. The arrests were made during a series of strategic raids across the state capital on Sunday.

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Case 1: The ₹2.24 Crore “India Bolt Plus” Scam

The primary arrest involved Vikash Kumar Vipul, a resident of the Danapur locality in Patna. According to Cyber Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nitish Chandra Dharia, Vikash allegedly operated a sophisticated racket that lured investors with promises of high returns in the share market.

Details of the fraudulent operation include:

• Modus Operandi: The accused posed as a stock market expert on social media and created a fraudulent mobile application named “India Bolt Plus”.
• Credibility Building: He initially showed small, fabricated profits on a digital dashboard to win the victim’s trust, eventually persuading him to transfer large sums via 30 separate RTGS transactions over a period of 45 days.
• The “False FIR” Tactic: When the victim began demanding his returns and threatened legal action, Vikash reportedly attempted to file a pre-emptive, false FIR at the cyber police station, claiming he himself had been cheated.
• Technical Analysis: Police officers, already alerted by similar complaints, used technical surveillance to link Vikash’s mobile numbers and bank accounts to the crime, leading to his arrest at the police station.

Case 2: ATM and Loan Fraud Gang Busted

In a separate operation in the Musallahpur police station area, the police apprehended two other individuals linked to an active cyber fraud syndicate operating near Rampur Road.

The police recovery from this second raid included:

• 17 ATM Cards and 19 SIM Cards: Used for unauthorised withdrawals and communication.
• 7 Mobile Phones: Containing records of fraudulent loan offers and digital scams.
• Evidence of “Digital Arrests”: Materials suggesting the gang also targeted victims by posing as law enforcement officials.

Legal Status and Evidence

All three suspects have been remanded to judicial custody. Investigators have seized a total of eight mobile phones, dozens of SIM cards, and various bank documents as digital evidence. DSP Dharia stated that further raids are being conducted to nab other members of these organised gangs, who are suspected to have links with interstate syndicates.

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Sources

• The Times of India: “Man arrested for Rs 2-cr fraud; Patna’s cyber police arrest 21-year-old” (2 March 2026)
• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Patna police arrests three for cyber fraud in separate cases” (2 March 2026)
• ABP Bihar: “Fraud in the name of cheap loans! Patna police busts cyber gang” (16 February 2026 / 2 March 2026)
• Bihar Police: Official Media Briefing by DSP (Cyber) Nitish Chandra Dharia (1 March 2026)

AKOLA (2 March 2026) — Rahul Karade, the Akola city chief of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), was allegedly targeted in a violent attack on Sunday night while returning to the city from his native village. Unidentified assailants intercepted Karade’s vehicle in the Umri area, reportedly using swords and iron rods to vandalise the car. While Karade escaped physical injury, he alleged that the attackers intended to kill him.

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Incident Overview and Police Action

The assault took place late Sunday night within the jurisdiction of the Civil Lines police station. Karade immediately contacted Akola Superintendent of Police (SP) Archit Chandak to report the threat before filing a formal complaint.

According to police officials:

• The Attack: Masked individuals allegedly attacked the car in Lokhande Layout, Umri. Witnesses reported that the assailants were heard shouting death threats during the vandalism.
• CCTV Probe: The Civil Lines police have registered a case and are currently reviewing footage from nearby security cameras to identify the individuals involved.
• Investigation: Forensic teams conducted a spot inspection of the vehicle, which sustained significant damage to its windows and bodywork.

Political Condemnation

The incident has triggered a sharp political reaction in the region. Nitin Deshmukh, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA for the Balapur constituency, visited the site and strongly condemned the attack. Deshmukh described the event as a cowardly attempt to silence political voices and demanded that the Akola police expedite the arrests of those responsible.

This incident adds to a series of recent political frictions in Akola, where local functionaries have called for increased security measures for opposition leaders.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary’s car attacked in Maharashtra’s Akola; probe on” (2 March 2026)
• The Times of India: “Masked men vandalise car of Sena (UBT) Akola chief” (2 March 2026)
• Mid-day: “Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader’s car attacked in Akola; police launch probe” (2 March 2026)
• Rediff News: “Shiv Sena UBT Leader’s Car Vandalized in Akola; Police Investigate” (2 March 2026)

NEW DELHI (March 2, 2026) — The Delhi Police have arrested four individuals, including a woman, for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of 48-year-old businessman Anroop Gupta. The victim, who operated a canteen at Chhattisgarh Sadan in Dwarka, was allegedly killed by his friend and associates out of greed for his gold ornaments and cash. The case, which initially surfaced as a missing person report, led investigators to a rented flat in Matiala Extension where the crime was committed on February 18.

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The Conspiracy and Execution

The primary accused, Honey alias Suraj (29), a resident of Hansi in Haryana, had befriended Gupta approximately a year ago. Recognising Gupta’s habit of wearing expensive gold jewellery and knowing he lived away from his family, Suraj hatched a plan to rob him.

The timeline of the crime, as established by the Dwarka police:

• Luring the Victim: On February 18, Suraj invited Gupta to his rented accommodation in Matiala Extension under the guise of a party.
• The Assault: Once Gupta arrived, Suraj and his associates—Bhupender, Balram, and Neeraj—held him hostage and tied him with ropes. When Gupta informed them that his gold was in his car at Chhattisgarh Sadan, the accused retrieved the vehicle.
• The Murder: After securing the gold, the group demanded more money. When Gupta refused, he was beaten and stabbed to death.
• Dismemberment: Suraj allegedly used a machete to chop the body into pieces, which were then packed into three plastic bags.

Efforts to Mislead Investigators

The accused went to great lengths to hide the crime and delay the police investigation:

• Digital Decoy: They kept Gupta’s mobile phone active inside his car and sent messages to his canteen staff to close the facility. They also messaged his family, claiming he was on a vacation in Goa and should not be disturbed.
• Disposal: On the night of February 19, the accused used Gupta’s SUV to transport the body parts to Vrindavan, where they were dumped into the Yamuna River.

How the Case Was Cracked

The matter came to light on February 23 when Gupta’s brother filed a missing person report. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh formed a dedicated team that used technical intelligence to trace the victim’s final movements.

1. CCTV & Toll Data: Investigators found that Gupta’s SUV had travelled on the Yamuna Expressway on the night of the disposal.
2. Bike-Taxi Lead: Scanning footage at Chhattisgarh Sadan revealed Gupta had left his car there and taken a Rapido bike. The rider led police to the flat in Matiala Extension.
3. Building Surveillance: Footage showed Gupta entering the building but never leaving, while four others were seen entering shortly after.

Current Status of the Investigation

On February 28, following coordinated efforts with the Mathura police, the mutilated body parts were recovered from the Yamuna. The arrested individuals include:

• Suraj alias Honey (Main accused)
• Rakhi (Suraj’s 21-year-old live-in partner)
• Balram (28)
• Bhupender (27)

One associate, Neeraj, remains absconding, and police teams are currently conducting raids in Haryana to apprehend him.

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Sources

• Hindustan Times: “Police solve blind murder case, arrest 4 for killing…” (March 2, 2026)
• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Delhi man killed, dismembered body dumped in Yamuna…” (March 2, 2026)
• Delhi Police: Media Briefing by DCP Ankit Singh (March 2, 2026)

THANE (27 February 2026) — In a significant crackdown on local narcotics distribution, the Thane police have arrested two individuals following the seizure of Mephedrone (MD) and codeine-based cough syrups valued at 68 lakh rupees. The operation, carried out on the night of 24 February, led to the discovery of a stash intended for illegal sale across the Mumbai and Thane regions.

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Raid and Seizure Details

The arrests were made following a tip-off received by the local police, which directed them to a dilapidated hut in the Thakurpada area. During the search, officers recovered a substantial quantity of synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical narcotics.

The seized contraband includes:

• Mephedrone (MD): 338.1 grams of the synthetic stimulant.
• Codeine-based Cough Syrup: 57 bottles of the banned substance.
• Estimated Market Value: Approximately 68 lakh rupees.

Identification of the Accused

The two suspects have been identified as:

• Azim Ahmed Naeem Ahmed Khan (29): A resident of the local area.
• Abuzaid Imtiaz Khan (28): Allegedly involved in the procurement and distribution network.

According to the official police statement, the duo had converted the remote hut into a temporary storage facility to avoid detection by regular patrols. They were reportedly in the process of preparing smaller doses for distribution to local peddlers when the raid occurred.

Legal Implications and Ongoing Probe

The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A local court has remanded the duo to police custody until early next week to facilitate a deeper investigation.

Thane police are currently working to trace the supply chain of the Mephedrone, which is often manufactured in illegal laboratories on the outskirts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Investigators are also looking into the source of the codeine-based syrups, which are frequently diverted from pharmaceutical supply chains despite being banned for over-the-counter sale due to their high potential for addiction.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Mephedrone, codeine-based cough syrup worth Rs 68 lakh seized in Thane” (27 February 2026)
• The Times of India: “Thane: Two held with drugs worth ₹68 lakh in Mumbra raid” (27 February 2026)
• Lokmat Times: “Major drug bust in Thakurpada; Thane police arrest two” (27 February 2026)
• Thane City Police: Narcotics Cell Operational Brief (27 February 2026)

THANE (27 February 2026) — The Thane police have registered a criminal case against two men for allegedly defrauding 12 investors of 1.78 crore rupees through a fraudulent share market investment scheme. The accused lured victims with promises of exceptionally high returns over a period of four years. Following a formal complaint by a resident of Bhandup, Mumbai, authorities have invoked stringent provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act.

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Modus Operandi of the Investment Scam

The accused, identified as Sagar Subodh Karivadekar, a resident of Sindhudurg, and Sachin Balkrishna Rane, a resident of Thane, allegedly operated an unverified investment platform. Between 15 October 2021 and 30 December 2025, the duo persuaded individuals to deposit significant sums, claiming the funds would be invested in the equity market to generate lucrative profits.

According to the police official at the Naupada police station:

• The Pitch: Investors were promised fixed, high-percentage monthly returns that far exceeded standard market performance.
• Initial Payouts: To build credibility, the accused reportedly provided small, timely returns to early investors, encouraging them to increase their stakes and refer others.
• The Default: Payments ceased entirely in late 2025. When the investors demanded their principal amounts, the accused allegedly provided evasive responses before becoming untraceable.

Legal Action and Charges

The First Information Report (FIR) was registered after a woman from Bhandup realised that her family’s life savings had been misappropriated. Upon further investigation, the police identified 11 other victims who had been duped in a similar manner, bringing the total documented loss to 1.78 crore rupees.

The accused have been booked under the following legal provisions:

• Section 318(4) of the BNS: Dealing with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
• Section 316(2) of the BNS: Pertaining to criminal breach of trust.
• MPID Act: Special legislation in Maharashtra designed to protect the interests of depositors in financial establishments.

Ongoing Investigation

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Thane police is currently tracking the financial trail to determine if the stolen funds were diverted into real estate or other shell entities. No arrests have been made as of Friday morning, but look-out notices are expected to be issued for Karivadekar and Rane to prevent them from leaving the state.

Authorities have urged other citizens who may have invested in schemes operated by the duo to come forward and record their statements at the Naupada police station.

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Sources

• Press Trust of India (PTI): “Two booked for duping investors of Rs 1.78 crore in bogus share scheme in Thane” (27 February 2026)
• The Times of India: “Thane: 12 people cheated of ₹1.78 cr in fake share market investment” (27 February 2026)
• Mid-Day: “Mumbai woman files FIR against duo for ₹1.78 crore investment fraud” (27 February 2026)