Pune fort death: Police probes Siya, Chetans visit to Rajasthan

Police said the gang members have been named in cases registered at different police stations and involved cattle theft, transportation and slaughter, besides serious offences against people.Panchmahal police have invoked the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GUJCTOC) Act against six alleged members of the “Badam Gang”. The police cited a record of 18 serious offences, including cattle theft and trafficking, illegal slaughter, offences against persons and property, and attacks on police. The action was taken following a probe by the Local Crime Branch into the alleged organised criminal activities of the group, police said in a statement issued on Thursday.Anas Abdulgani Badam, a resident of Godhra, has been arrested in the GUJCTOC case. Police are seeking custody of five other accused through transfer warrants as they are currently lodged in jail in other cases, according to the police. The five are Nisar Ahmed Abdulgani Badam, Umar Abdulgani Badam, Sajid Ilyas Bhamedi, Imran Shaukat Dorwa alias Masliya, and Owais alias Junaid Mohammed Hanif Durga. Police said the gang members have been named in cases registered at different police stations and involved cattle theft, transportation and slaughter, besides serious offences against people. The six men were individually booked in 29 alleged cases including attempted murder, murder, animal-related offences, theft, threats and rioting. While Sajid Ilyas was booked in a murder case, the record against Owais alias Junaid includes attempted murder and rioting, police said. The GUJCTOC case registered at Godhra B Division police station is the third major such action in Panchmahal involving alleged organised cattle crime in recent years. In June, police invoked the law against six members of the Bhopli Gang, which is allegedly linked to 19 cases involving cow slaughter and illegal beef trade.Story continues below this ad In February 2022, the Hayat Gang became one of the earliest high-profile cattle-rustling syndicates in the district to face GUJCTOC, with police citing 45 cases over more than a decade, including cow slaughter, animal and vehicle theft, rioting and attacks on police.

AIMIM corporator Matin Patel has been arrested from Nashik in the TCS sexual harassment case.(Source: Instagram/mateenpatelofficial) The Nashik Police has arrested All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) corporator Matin Patel after a local court issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against him for not responding to court summonses in connection with the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) sexual harassment case. Matin Patel will later be produced before the court. A senior officer from Nashik Police said that the court had issued two summonses to Matin Patel. A non-bailable warrant was issued against him after he ignored both.“It was while executing the NBW that our officer went to his residence; he [Matin Patel] was found there, following which he was placed under arrest. He will be produced before the court today,” the officer said. On May 22, the Nashik Police filed the 3,500-page chargesheet in the first of nine FIRs registered in connection with the TCS sexual harassment case. The first FIR, registered at Deolali Camp Police Station, was filed under charges of rape, hurt to religious sentiments, as well as under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Allegations against corporator Matin Patel Apart from three TCS employees – Nida Khan, Danish Shaikh and Tausif Attar – the police had named Matin Patel in the chargesheet for allegedly providing refuge to accused Nida Khan despite knowing that a Nashik court had rejected her anticipatory bail. “While the search for accused Nida Ejaz Khan was in progress, it was revealed through confidential information and technical analysis that Matin Majid Patel had provided shelter to the accused to help her evade arrest,” the chargesheet mentioned.Story continues below this ad The chargesheet also mentions former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel when the police was looking for Nida Khan. As per the chargesheet, AIMIM corporator Matin Patel repeatedly referred to Jaleel when he was questioned about her whereabouts. Jaleel, who is not an accused, has denied his involvement in the TCS sexual harassment case.

The survey found that congestion at the railway station's entry and exit points was primarily caused by conflict between CTU buses and other vehicles, unauthorised halting of taxis, indiscriminate pick-up and drop-off by auto-rickshaws, and illegal parking. (Express Archive)Channelisation of the existing CTU bus stop to ensure buses halt in a proper parallel alignment, shifting the existing U-turn used by CTU buses near the Railway Light Point by around 100 metres, and exploring relocation of the bus stop beyond the railway station exit gate are among a series of measures proposed by the Chandigarh Traffic Police to address persistent traffic congestion outside the Chandigarh railway station. The proposals emerged after a joint traffic survey conducted on Monday with officials of the Ambala Division of the Railways and experts from the Chandigarh Road Safety Society (CRSS). The survey found that congestion at the railway station’s entry and exit points was primarily caused by conflict between CTU buses and other vehicles, unauthorised halting of taxis, indiscriminate pick-up and drop-off by auto-rickshaws, and illegal parking. Among the measures proposed, the Traffic Police said, “The existing CTU bus stop will be channelized to enable buses to halt in a proper parallel alignment for the safe and orderly boarding and alighting of passengers.” It further proposed that “The existing U-turn used by CTU buses near the Railway Light Point may be shifted approximately 100 metres ahead to provide adequate turning space, facilitate smoother signal clearance during the amber phase, and reduce congestion.” The Traffic Police has also stated that “The feasibility of shifting the CTU bus stop beyond the Railway Station exit gate may be explored in consultation with the concerned authorities to further minimize traffic conflicts.” To streamline traffic movement at the station entrance, the Traffic Police proposed that “Halting of taxis immediately before the Railway Station entrance gate will be strictly regulated through dedicated deployment of traffic personnel.” It also said designated pick-up and drop-off arrangements for auto-rickshaws would be explored, while strict enforcement would be carried out against unauthorised stopping and parking outside the railway station.Story continues below this ad The joint team also observed that congestion increases significantly in the afternoon during the arrival and departure of multiple Vande Bharat Express trains due to the sudden surge in passenger and vehicular movement. As the Ajmer Vande Bharat Express departs from Platform No. 6 on the Panchkula side of Chandigarh Railway Station, passengers travelling by the train have been advised to approach the station from the Panchkula side, wherever feasible, to help reduce congestion and facilitate smoother traffic movement. The Chandigarh Traffic Police said the proposed measures would be implemented in coordination with the Railway authorities and other stakeholders to minimise congestion and improve commuter convenience and safety around the railway station.

Only 120 paying guests have been registered with the UT Administration. (Representative image) Despite the rapid growth of paying guest (PG) accommodations in Chandigarh, only 120 establishments have been registered with the UT Administration, exposing poor compliance with mandatory norms and raising serious concerns over safety and regulation in a city where thousands of PGs continue to operate. The issue gains significance as the 2020 Sector 32 fire, which claimed three lives in an unauthorised PG, had prompted the administration to launch a citywide registration and inspection drive. While the exercise initially gained momentum, enforcement gradually faded, leaving the majority of PGs outside the regulatory framework.PG accommodations are concentrated in Sectors 15, 20, 21, 22, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 44, 45 and Manimajra, catering largely to students and working professionals. Yet, despite their proliferation, only 120 have completed the registration process. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav said he would seek a report from the concerned officials on why registration numbers remain so low. Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairman of the Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC), blamed weak enforcement. “Thousands of PGs are operating openly across the city. They function right under the administration’s nose, yet there is hardly any effective checking or monitoring. Rules are framed after every tragedy, but enforcement soon loses momentum. It resumes only after another incident,” he said. Bittu said RWAs have repeatedly flagged the mushrooming of unauthorised PGs in residential areas, many allegedly operating without adequate parking, fire safety measures or adherence to building norms.Story continues below this ad “The administration must conduct regular inspections instead of waiting for complaints or another tragedy. Registration should be part of a sustained monitoring mechanism, not merely a formality,” he added. The inquiry into the Sector 32 fire had uncovered serious lapses by not only the PG owners but also officials responsible for monitoring such establishments. The Indian Express had accessed the inquiry report submitted by the then SDM (South), which held Estate Office officials and Beat Police personnel accountable for negligence alongside the PG operators. The report found that the unauthorised PG had been operating for a considerable period without any effective action. Although officials from the Estate Office, Misuse Wing and Beat Police claimed they had no knowledge of the illegal PG or building violations, the Inquiry Officer observed that such negligence “cannot be pardonable as it resulted in loss of three precious lives.”Story continues below this ad It noted that no official had reported the misuse of the residential property despite obvious violations. The inquiry also examined the role of the then SDO (Building), Area JE and officials of the Misuse Wing, all responsible for monitoring building violations. The SDO (Building), Area JE and SIE (Misuse Wing) told the inquiry they had not inspected the property because no complaint had been received. However, the Inquiry Officer found that the house had undergone extensive unauthorised structural alterations, with PVC, fibre and wooden partitions creating cramped cabins to accommodate nearly 28 girls. Such large-scale misuse and overcrowding, the report said, could not have escaped notice had routine inspections been carried out. The Beat Police also came under scrutiny. While the Beat Incharge stated that no complaint or information regarding the PG had been received, the inquiry observed that a large unauthorised PG housing around 28 occupants should have been detected during regular patrolling. The report held that Beat Police failed to report the illegal accommodation or recognise the safety and security risks posed by the overcrowded premises.Story continues below this ad The inquiry fi

According to the FIR, gangster Jaipal Bhullar and his accomplices opened fire at the police party. (File Photo)The Ludhiana court of additional sessions judge Saru Mehta Kaushik has convicted eight accused in the sensational double murder case of two cops from Ludhiana Rural police who were gunned down in Jagraon grain market on May 15, 2021. Of the eight convicts, two have been handed rigorous life imprisonment for murder. Six others, sentenced for three to seven years, have been found guilty of harboring accused, possessing illegal weapons etc.According to the FIR, ASI Bhagwan Singh and ASI Dalwinderjit Singh were shot dead by gangster Jaipal Bhullar alias Ferozepuria and his aides when the police team was conducting a routine check and stopping vehicles at Jagraon grain market. According to the FIR, gangster Jaipal Bhullar and his accomplices opened fire at the police party, after one of the policemen — ASI Bhagwan Singh — identified the men and had tried to nab them. Police had said that a team of three policemen had gone for checking at Grain Market after receiving a tip off that drugs and illicit liquor were allegedly being smuggled in a vehicle. Police had booked gangster Jaipal Bhullar, his close aide Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi Kharar and other aides for the conspiracy and double murder in an FIR registered on May 16, 2021 at Jagraon city police station. According to the eyewitness home guard Rajwinder Singh who was also injured, Bhullar was also on the spot and had opened fire at the police team. Both Bhullar and Jassi Kharar died in an encounter with Kolkata Police on June 9, 2021. The Ludhiana court, in an order dated July 14 (copy of which was made available Wednesday late), has convicted eight accused: Baljinder Singh alias Babbi, Darshan Singh, Bharat Kumar, Gurpreet Singh alias Lucky, Satpal Kaur, Gagandeep Singh alias Nanna, Nanak Chand and Jaspreet Singh. Bajinder Singh and Darshan Singh have been handed rigorous imprisonment for life for the double murder, Bharat Kumar has been sentenced for seven years RI for harboring the accused, while five others have been handed three years RI each for possessing illegal weapons under the Arms Act.Story continues below this ad Court said that it was “not the rarest of the rare case”, while rejecting prosecution’s plea demanding death warrant for the guilty. “Prosecution proved the guilt of accused Baljinder Singh alias Babbi and Darshan Singh who in furtherance of common intention with co accused Jaipal Bhullar and Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi Kharar (both already deceased) committed the murder of ASI Bhagwan Singh and ASI Dalwinderjit Singh on 15.05.2021 by giving gun shot injuries to both of them which caused their death; attempted to commit murder of PHG Rajwinder Singh by firing a gun shot at him; assaulted and used criminal force against police officials and took away revolver of ASI Bhagwan Singh..,” said the court. “Further it has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that accused Bharat Kumar harboured and provided car to accused..,” said the court.

New DelhiJul 24, 2026 07:20 AM IST In the UGC NET case of 2024, for example, a Delhi court in May 2026 criticised the CBI for filing a closure report despite possessing, in the court's assessment, evidence of a leak. The fast track courts, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday, to address the issue of exam paper leaks, have their task cut out. In a system where accountability for exam leaks has been dismal with most cases stuck in legal quicksand. An investigation by The Indian Express, published on June 5, found that of 45 major exam leaks between 2002 and 2025, each involving at least one lakh candidates or applicants, only two led to convictions.The biggest challenge, this newspaper found, is poor quality of investigation and the relatively lenient treatment of paper leaks as ordinary offences with no stringent bail conditions.On multiple occasions, the courts rejected “closure reports” filed by probe agencies mainly citing lack of evidence, or reprimanded them for lapses in investigation. In the 2016 Karnataka PUC Chemistry paper leak, for example, the Bengaluru Sessions Court acquitted 19 accused, including senior officials and the alleged kingpin booked under the stringent Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), in May 2024, citing serious investigative shortcomings. In another case from that year — the UP Public Service Commission examination for the posts of Review Officer and Assistant Review Officer — a Special Judicial Magistrate rejected the closure report filed by the UP Police’s CB-CID in 2018 and ordered a reinvestigation in 2020. There have been instances where cases were closed in haste, too. In the UGC NET case of 2024, for example, a Delhi court in May 2026 criticised the CBI for filing a closure report despite possessing, in the court’s assessment, evidence of a leak.Story continues below this ad According to investigators and officials, paper leaks are often treated under the law as ordinary offences. “Most cases were registered under IPC Sections such as 420 (cheating), 467 and 468 (forgery), and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) — all ordinary offences that carry no stringent bail conditions. Some states have brought in the Enforcement Directorate to invoke the money laundering law… UP has, on occasion, applied the Gangsters Act to attach properties and extend custody,” a senior official associated with a Central investigation told this newspaper. One area where fast-track courts can potentially make a difference is in accelerating the process. For, as The Indian Express investigation found, in several cases, trials proceeded slowly when charges are framed. An illustrative example is the 2006 Railway Group-D case, which has seen 142 hearings between 2012 and 2026 and is still at the “witness stage”. Outside the court, too, there are three key gaps that need to be plugged.

• Rot within: The institutions meant to prevent leaks were sometimes enabling them. For instance, the Rajasthan High Court found that Rajasthan Public Service Commission members themselves were complicit in the 2021 Sub-Inspector exam leak.Story continues below this ad
• Evolving rackets: Leak rackets have transformed rapidly, leaving the investigative and legal apparatus several steps behind. Criminal networks have moved from fax transmissions to Bluetooth devices, remote-access software and compromised printing and logistics firms.
• Weak links in chain: Poor security at the printing and transport stage of exam papers are hard to trace and prosecute. Two examples: The 2023 Bihar Police Constable leak, where a printing firm diverted papers to an unauthorised private warehouse; the 2024 UP Police Constable leak, where the sealed trunks containing exam papers were tampered with while keeping the official seals intact.

Bhopal, JaipurJul 24, 2026 05:20 AM IST Excavation at one of the locations in Gavda Meena village in Karauli district of Rajasthan. (Express Photo) Can a 3,500-kg cannon just disappear? Police of two states are hoping not, as they search for the antique item stolen from the historic Narwar Fort in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, on July 15, digging up, so far, only mounds of earth and no clues. For the past two days, the search of the Rajasthan Police and Madhya Pradesh Police has been concentrated on Gavda Meena village in Karauli district which, at 250 km from the Narwar Fort, is a good six-seven hours drive for anyone hauling a 3.5-tonne cannon.Since the Madhya Pradesh Police arrived Wednesday, JCB machines have been deployed for excavation at several locations in the village, with no luck. A team equipped with specialised metal detectors that can scan underground has been summoned from Bharatpur to help. Giriraj Prasad, the SHO of the Hindaun Sadar Police Station, says the Shivpuri police told them they had received leads that the cannon, dating back 400 years, had been brought to Gavda Meena. The cannon, displayed in the fort’s Open Kacheri complex, is believed to have been removed during the night of July 15-16. (Express photo enhanced using AI)“Police and administrative teams are excavating several locations. More than 50 police personnel are involved in this, with others deployed across the village for security,” says Prasad, adding that every heap where the soil looks freshly disturbed is being investigated. “We are looking at places where fresh soil is visible, or any other suspicious location. On Wednesday, the operation continued until night.” On Thursday, when the search went on from 9 am to 2 pm, at least five to six suspected locations were searched. The race is against time, as authorities hope to find the heritage cannon before it makes its way to the organised antiquities trafficking network.Story continues below this ad Meanwhile, the red-faced Madhya Pradesh authorities are trying to put the dots together on how the heist was pulled off from the Narwar Fort which, to top it, is located on a 3,000-ft-high steep hill. Dated 16th Century and believed to be a rare artillery piece belonging, the cannon was displayed in the ‘Open Kachahari’ complex of the fort. On paper, six guards are deployed for security of the fort – four during the day and two at night. However, the night guards were reportedly missing. During questioning, one of them indicated to investigators that even if he had been around, he could have done little. They lack even basic facilities such as lighting, torches or security equipment, he said. A joint inspection by the Madhya Pradesh State Archaeology Department and police recovered mattresses, quilts, iron pipes, drag marks and tyre impressions from the crime scene and along the difficult rear approach to the fort. Based on that, the investigators believe the thieves wrapped the cannon in mattresses and quilts to protect it from damage and reduce the noise as it was handled, then used a bearing-fitted iron trolley to lower the cannon down the hill, and put it onto a transport vehicle waiting below. There is a bustling town in the lower ranges of the hill, but no one appears to have noticed a cannon. MP’s poor recordStory continues below this ad The Narwar Fort theft is the latest in a long series of heritage crimes in Madhya Pradesh, a state known for its rich collection of medieval temples, forts, sculptures and archaeological monuments. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) records show the state has topped the country in antiquity thefts from protected monuments over several decades now, besides vandalism. While some have been recovered, many continue to remain missing, and are suspected to have been trafficked to domestic and international markets. Most of the thefts have been reported from northern Madhya Pradesh, particularly districts such as Gwalior, Morena and Guna. The artefac

The woman transferred Rs 4,35,200 into multiple bank accounts across 16 online transactions. (AI image) A cyber fraudster posing as a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) operative in Moscow cheated a Pune-based IT engineer out of Rs 4.35 lakh after contacting her via a popular matrimonial website, the police said. According to the 25-year-old woman’s complaint to Chandan Nagar police, she received a request on the site on February 12 from a person identifying himself as Vinit Kumar, who said he liked her profile. He claimed to be an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer posted in Russia.He started calling the woman on WhatsApp, shared his “bio-data and photo,” and spoke to her mother and brother. He added her mother’s mobile number to a WhatsApp group called “news 365 network”. The victim then had a conversation on WhatsApp with a person the fraudster introduced as his mother. As the woman’s family consented to her marriage with “Vinit Kumar,” she regularly spoke to him on the phone and WhatsApp, her police complaint further stated. On March 18, 2026, the fraudster claimed he was suffering from severe chest pain and demanded money, saying he had not received his “payment”. He said his family opposed their marriage, so he was not receiving financial support from home. He also said he had undergone an appendicitis operation. Citing these various reasons, the fraudster kept asking for money. The woman thus transferred Rs 4,35,200 into multiple bank accounts across 16 online transactions between March 19 and May 28, according to her complaint. ‘Suitor’ disappears and ‘his brother’ surfaces The woman later received a message from a person claiming to be Vinit Kumar’s brother, who told her that Kumar had died by suicide. He also assured her that he would return her money.Story continues below this ad After a few days, when she asked for her money, he allegedly started sending abusive messages to the victim and threatened to circulate her obscene images on social media. It was then the woman realised she had been cheated. She called the 1930 helpline and filed a complaint online on June 23. She also filed a complaint with the Pune cyber police station. After verifying her complaint, the police registered the FIR on July 21 against unidentified people for cheating and offences under the Information Technology Act. “We have launched a probe into the mobile phone numbers and bank accounts used by the cybercriminals to cheat the woman,” a police officer said. © The Indian Express Pvt Ltd Chandan Haygunde is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. With over 20 years of experience in journalism, he is one of the region's most authoritative voices on crime, national security, and legal affairs. Professional Profile Specialization: He specialises covering issues related to Crime, Courts, National Security and Human Rights. He has done investigative reporting on incidents of terrorism, left wing extremism, espionage cases, wildlife crimes, narcotics racket, cyber crimes and sensational murder cases in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra. While working on the ‘Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) Fellowship on Tigers, Tiger Habitats and Conservation’ in 2012, he reported extensively on the illegal activities in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. He is at the helm of the widely read weekly series “Pune Crime Files”. He is widely recognized for his deep-dive coverage of the cases related to the Koregaon Bhima violence in Pune and the Elgaar Parishad investigation. Key Beats: His portfolio includes covering crimes mainly under the jurisdiction of Pune City, Pune rural and Pimpri Chinchwad Police, along with the sensitive cases from the state, being investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Background: Before his long tenure at The Indian Express, he worked with other Ma

“There is a monetary dispute involved. We are probing the matter and also looking into why Saha had borrowed and from how many people,” the senior officer added. A film-style “kidnapping” to get back the money loaned to a person ended in the arrest of six persons in Nadia district of West Bengal. According to Bidhannagar Police, 39-year-old Ankan Saha, an IT employee, had borrowed Rs 78 lakh from several persons, but was not returning the money to the lenders, despite repeated reminders. On Tuesday evening, Saha was kidnapped from in front of the RDB building in Sector V in Salt Lake. After wrapping up his work, Saha was trying to start his motorbike parked in front of the RDB building when a white Scorpio SUV stopped right in front of him. A group of young men got out of the vehicle, surrounded him and before he could understand anything, they started beating him up. When he tried to resist, the men forcibly pulled Saha inside the SUV and whisked him away.But an alert mall security staffer, who witnessed the abduction, promptly dialled 100 and informed the police. He also provided the registration number of the SUV. Since the abduction took place during peak office hours, panic spread in the area. A police team reached the spot, cordoned off the area and started examining CCTV footage from the cameras installed at the RDB building and the adjacent roads. The police identified the white Scorpio SUV and tracked down the owner and his mobile number. They began to track the location of the cellphone and within two hours, the police zeroed in on the SUV and rescued Saha from Haringhata in Nadia district. “Saha had borrowed Rs 78 lakh from several lenders but was not repaying the money. With no sight of the money being returned, the group of six men, who had lent him the money, hatched a plan to abduct Saha to get back the money,” said a senior police officer. The six arrested accused are claiming that they were the “victims” of Saha’s cheating and just wanted to get back their money.Story continues below this ad “There is a monetary dispute involved. We are probing the matter and also looking into why Saha had borrowed and from how many people,” the senior officer added. Tanusree Bose is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Kolkata. Her work focuses sharply on the complex administrative, political, and judicial developments across West Bengal, establishing her as an authoritative voice in regional news coverage. Experience Current Role: Reports for the prestigious national daily, The Indian Express, providing her content with a high level of Trustworthiness. Geographical Expertise: Provides focused, in-depth coverage of West Bengal, demonstrating an intimate knowledge of the state's news and political nuances. Core Authority: Her reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial, often sensitive, beats, including: State Politics and Governance: Covering the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), opposition strategies (BJP), and internal political controversies. Judicial and Administrative Affairs: Closely monitoring key developments in the Calcutta High Court, particularly major rulings related to employment, education, and social issues. Education Sector: Extensive reporting on significant controversies, such as teacher recruitment irregularities and administrative actions by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). Social & Electoral Issues: Covering public events, community tensions (e.g., religious/political gatherings), and election-related processes like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. Tanusree Bose's consistent output and focus on high-stakes regional issues for a trusted media outlet underscore her status as a reliable and authoritative source for news from West Bengal. ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram Tags: Kolkata