A Pune-based history-sheeter was arrested on Sunday by Mahad MIDC police for allegedly killing his 38-year-old friend by pushing him into the Kal river following a late-night argument.

The accused has been identified as Tushar Tukaram Yenpure, a resident of Dattanagar, Pune. The victim, Tulshiram Chandrakant Gaikwad (38) of Ambe Shivtar, had been reported missing on September 9. His body was recovered downstream on September 12.

According to police, the incident took place on September 9 around 9 pm when Gaikwad, Yenpure, and four others were walking back from a local market after buying groceries. During the walk, Gaikwad reportedly abused Yenpure, which enraged him. In retaliation, Yenpure allegedly pushed Gaikwad off a small bridge into the river.There was no barricade on the bridge. Gaikwad, who could not swim, drowned instantly.

“Gaikwad’s family had filed a missing complaint on September 11 after being unable to trace him. Yenpure, who has several criminal cases against him in Pune and has previously been jailed, had threatened the others with dire consequences if they revealed the incident,” police officer from Mahad said.

However, during questioning, all four friends gave consistent statements confirming Yenpure’s role. A police team later traced and arrested him from Baramati.

Navi Mumbai: A lawyer from Kharghar has been booked by Panvel City Police for allegedly preparing a fake minor certificate bearing the forged seal and signature of an Additional Sessions Judge. The racket, exposed during a land transaction, comes close on the heels of the bogus heirship certificate scam in Panvel Court.

According to police, complainant Ladhavji Patel (57), a builder from Vashi, was negotiating to purchase a plot in Ulwe Sector 17 when one of the co-owners, Giridhar Ramakant Gharat, died leaving behind his wife and two minor children. Patel required a minor certificate from the court to complete the deal.

As the court procedure was delayed, Gharat’s cousin Sagar Gharat offered to get the certificate quickly through his lawyer for Rs 1 lakh. On September 10, he handed Patel a purported court order showing approval of the minor certificate, allegedly signed and sealed by Additional Sessions Judge D.E. Kothalikar.

Patel later verified the document in Panvel Court, only to find it was completely bogus. When questioned before the court, Sagar Gharat admitted that the document had been supplied by Advocate V.K. Sharma of Kharghar.

“We have registered a case of cheating and forgery against Advocate Sharma and begun further investigation,” said a police officer from Panvel City police station.

This case follows the November 2024 bogus heirship certificate scam in Panvel Court, in which forged heirship documents with fake signatures of judges and staff were circulated. In that case, police had registered four offences, arrested three lawyers, a court employee, and an agent, and filed a chargesheet in one matter, while probes in the others continue.

Mumbai: The Crime Branch Unit 6, Chembur, has busted a fake job racket and arrested the alleged mastermind. Police have appealed to citizens to immediately contact them if they have been cheated with fake job appointment letters by the accused in the ongoing case.

According to the police, an FIR has been registered under Sections 318(4), 316(2), 204, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (cheating with impersonation as a police officer) at RCF Police Station.

The complainant, a vegetable vendor residing at Mahul MHADA Colony, Chembur, alleged that the accused duped her by promising a government job for her husband in the Income Tax Department.

The accused have been identified as, Vishal Arun Kamble (35) posed as a fake police officer, Sahil Nitin Gaikwad (20) acted as the mediator, Prakash Dinkar Bhalerao (40) the alleged mastermind who created fake documents and appointment letters.

Police sources said Vishal Kamble introduced himself as a police officer and gained the trust of the complainant. He then assured her that her husband would be given a job in the Income Tax Department. Over time, the complainant paid him a total of ₹8 lakh. Neither was her husband employed, nor was the money returned.

During investigation, it was revealed that accused Prakash Bhalerao was the mastermind, preparing fake documents and appointment letters for circulation. Acting on a tip-off, API Dhutraj and his team (ASI Desai, PC Bodhare, HCD Dhale) conducted technical surveillance on Bhalerao’s phone and, with the help of an informant, apprehended him at Suman Nagar, Chunabhatti.

Police confirmed Bhalerao’s involvement in the scam and placed him under arrest. He has been produced before the court for remand. The Crime Branch has appealed to the public to come forward if they have received fake appointment letters from the accused.