A day after reports claimed that 12 minor children went missing within 36 hours across Mumbai, the Mumbai Police on Monday issued a statement rejecting the claims and warning social media users against spreading rumours related to missing or abducted children.

In a post on X, the Mumbai Police said, “Some social media accounts are spreading false information and rumours regarding missing and abducted children. We completely deny these claims.”

The police added that the process has been initiated to register FIRs and take strict legal action against individuals deliberately circulating false information to create fear among the public.

The clarification came a day after Media reported that 12 minor children, including eight girls, had gone missing within a 36-hour span. The unusually high number had triggered concerns about the possible presence of organised child trafficking networks in the city.

While some cases were linked to family disputes or children running away from home, a human trafficking angle was suspected in others.

According to Mumbai Police records, 145 children went missing between June and December 2025, including 93 girls. Between November 1 and December 6 alone, 82 missing cases were registered, with adolescents accounting for more than half. These included 41 girls and 13 boys under 18. Police said several children were later traced and reunited with their families.

Mumbai: In view of the upcoming observance of Shab-e-Barat, the Western Railway has announced the operation of special suburban EMU services between Churchgate and Virar to facilitate smoother travel for commuters.

The announcement was made through an official post on X (formerly Twitter), informing passengers that two special Suburban EMU services will be operated on the night of Tuesday, February 3 and the early hours of Wednesday, February 4.

According to the post, the special trains will operate on the Churchgate–Virar and Virar–Churchgate routes and will run strictly as per the notified schedule. The services are being introduced to cater to the increased movement expected during the occasion, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours. Commuters have been advised to take note of the special arrangements and plan their journeys accordingly.

Shab-e-Barat, one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims across South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East. The term ‘Shab-e-Barat’ is derived from two Persian words: Shab, which means night, and Barat, meaning salvation or deliverance.

The night holds deep spiritual importance, as it is widely believed that on Shab-e-Barat, Allah determines the fate and destiny of people for the coming year. Devotees mark the occasion through prayers, repentance, and acts of charity, seeking forgiveness for past sins and blessings for the future.

Mosques across the city witness special prayers, while many believers spend the night in worship, reflection and remembrance. It is also customary for families to pray for departed souls, seeking mercy and peace for their loved ones.

Religious scholars describe Shab-e-Barat as a night of divine mercy, compassion and forgiveness, during which sincere prayers are believed to be especially accepted. Acts of kindness and good deeds are encouraged, reinforcing the message of spiritual renewal and accountability.

With the special train services in place, Western Railway aims to ensure that devotees can travel safely and comfortably while observing the sacred night, reaffirming its commitment to facilitating public movement during important religious occasions.

Chaos unfolded in Maharashtra’s Sangli on Sunday when an SUV ploughed into a crowd after ramming several vehicles on Tilak Road near the Ganpati Temple. According to reports, 11 people, including five police personnel, were injured in the incident.

The accused driver has been identified as Praniket Dattatrey Panchal from the Barshi Road area in Latur. The vehicle first hit several vehicles before ploughing into a crowded stretch where people were walking to attend the Krushnamai Festival.

After the incident, the driver was pulled out of the vehicle by an angry mob and assaulted. The crowd also vandalised the SUV.

The accused was later rescued by the police.

According to reports, the driver was under the influence of alcohol when incident occured. The injured were rushed to hospitals for treatment. Police stated that the driver has been booked and further investigation is underway.