Mumbai: The Charkop police have registered an FIR against 13 individuals for allegedly cheating. The accused allegedly collected ₹1.54 crore from several people on the pretext of facilitating jobs in Mantralaya, the BMC, the Income Tax Department, and other government offices. The case was registered on April 11.

According to the FIR, the complainant, Sushil Patil, 36, is a resident of Kandivali West and works as a real estate contractor. In 2016, a friend introduced him to Satish Wankhede, and the two gradually developed a cordial relationship. In 2018, Wankhede told Patil that he could facilitate government jobs without any examination, claiming he had strong contacts with government officials. He also claimed to have already secured jobs for several people and showed Patil fake job offer letters.

Patil informed Wankhede that he held a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and was seeking a government job. Wankhede assured him that he could arrange a position in departments such as the Revenue Department, Thane Municipal Corporation, the Maharashtra Assembly, the Nagpur Tehsil office, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and demanded ₹60 lakh for the same.

In 2018, Wankhede took ₹10 lakh from Patil and collected photocopies of his documents. However, in 2020, he told Patil that recruitment in the Revenue Department had been put on hold. When Patil inquired about opportunities in other departments, Wankhede assured him of a job in the Thane Municipal Corporation and arranged a meeting with junior engineer Yatin More in Thane Municipality.

More allegedly assured Patil that he would conduct an interview and provide a job. Wankhede then demanded more money, and Patil paid him an additional ₹20 lakh through cash and online transactions.

Wankhede later asked Patil to introduce him to others seeking government jobs. Patil introduced around 10 of his friends to Wankhede, who allegedly collected large sums of money from them as well under the pretext of securing government employment. He claimed that the money would be distributed among officials in various departments. In total, he allegedly took ₹1.54 crore from all the aspirants.

Wankhede’s associates and the accused, who allegedly promised jobs in different government departments, have been identified as Sharad Rajguru, Balasaheb Kamble, Dr Mangesh Patil, Dhawal Patil, Pramod Solapure, Vinod Mali, Ravindra Kamble, Jitendra Chaudhary, Abhay Patil, Kamalesh Gandhalikar, Dinesh Nikale, and Yatin More. Satish Wankhede is the prime accused in the case.

The police have registered the case under Section 316(2) (cheating) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events, a habitual offender who had escaped from police custody at the Colaba Sessions Court earlier this week has been arrested in Virar. The breakthrough came after a seemingly minor dispute at a local tea stall drew attention to his identity.

The accused, Harrison Anthony Joseph, 47, a resident of the Crawford Market area, had fled from police custody on April 7. He had been brought from Arthur Road Jail to attend a court hearing when he managed to escape within the court premises, raising serious concerns about security lapses.

Joseph is no stranger to law enforcement. Around 20 serious cases are registered against him across multiple police stations in Mumbai, including MRA Marg, Colaba, Wadala, Sewri, and L T Marg. His offences range from possession of weapons to involvement in a deadly assault.

The accused’s run came to an unexpected end in Virar West on Thursday morning. He was reportedly involved in an argument over payment at a tea stall located near a municipal ward office. His behaviour raised suspicion among Beat Marshal Dinesh Sanap and security guard Akshay Desai.

When questioned, Joseph failed to provide satisfactory answers, prompting officials to detain him and take him to Bolinj Police Station. During interrogation by Senior Police Inspector Prakash Kawale and PSI Navnath Kadam, he confessed to escaping from court custody.

Police officials confirmed his identity and extensive criminal record. Deputy Commissioner of Police Suhas Bavche stated that Joseph has a history of housebreaking and theft, along with offences under the POCSO Act. He had also been externed multiple times in the past, in 2007, 2012, 2019, and 2022.

Authorities are now investigating the circumstances that enabled his escape, even as they credit alert personnel for ensuring his swift arrest.

Mumbai: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai on April 12. According to Dr Pratit Samdani, Breach Candy Hospital, the singer died due to multiple-organ failure. The news of her death was also confirmed by her son, Anand Bhosle. News of her death has sent shockwaves across millions of fans, including Maharashtra leaders.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid an emotional tribute to legendary singer, remembering her lifelong dedication to music and calling her one of the greatest singers in the world. Recalling her immense contribution to music, Fadnavis said that on her 90th birthday, Asha Bhosle performed a three-hour concert, reflecting her extraordinary passion and unwavering commitment to the art.

He called her passing an irreparable loss not only to India but to the entire world of music.

While speaking to the media in Nagpur, he said, “This is a very sad time for music lovers in India and across the world. With the passing of Asha Tai Bhosle, India has lost its second great musical star after Lata Didi. From childhood until the age of 92, she devoted her entire life to music, serving it till her last breath. Whether classical, pop, or rock, there was hardly any genre or language in India in which she had not sung. Her contribution of over 12,000 songs in more than 20 languages is unparalleled. Her passing is an irreparable loss not only to India but to the entire world of music.”

He also added, “She served continuously till the age of 92. On her 90th birthday, she gave a three-hour concert. She is one of the best singers in the world.” 

With a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle, the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, was known for her versatility and has sung many memorable melodies, from romantic songs to ghazals to peppy numbers.

Among her most popular songs are ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar’, ‘In Ankhon Ki Masti’, ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’, ‘Piya Tu Ab to Aaja’, ‘Duniya Mein Logon Ko’, and ‘Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main’, among many others.

Bhosle recorded over 12,000 songs in different Indian languages and has been the voice for many leading ladies, from Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Zeenat Aman, to Kajol, Urmila Matondkar and also South actors like Padmini and Vyjayanthimala.