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Maharashtra

ED Raids 14 Locations In Religious Conversion Case Linked To Chhangur Baba; Searches Underway In Mumbai & UP

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Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Lucknow Zonal Unit on Thursday conducted searches at 14 locations, 12 in Uttar Pradesh’s Balrampur district and two in Mumbai, in connection with an alleged religious conversion racket linked to self-styled godman Jamaluddin Shah, also known as Chhangur Baba.

ED Raids Underway In Mahim & Bandra

According to officials, the raids began around 5 am and were carried out at multiple locations in Utraula, Madhupur village, Rehramafi village, and other areas of Balrampur district. The two locations in Mumbai, Bandra and Mahim, are linked to a man identified as Shehzad Sheikh. Sheikh, who was present at the Bandra residence, is also being questioned by ED.

₹2 Cr Transferred From Chhangur Baba’s Aide

During the investigation, officials detected financial transactions amounting to Rs 2 crore in Shehzad Sheikh’s bank account. The funds were allegedly transferred from an account held by Naveen Rohra alias Jamaluddin, a known associate of Chhangur Baba and an accused in the ongoing religious conversion case.

Preliminary findings indicate that the funds were intended for property purchases, with a portion later diverted to multiple other accounts. The ED is currently tracing the money trail to determine the origin of the funds, their purpose, and the network of individuals involved.

Officials suspect that the transactions may be part of a larger conspiracy involving coercive religious conversions and illegal financial operations. Digital devices, property-related documents, and banking records have been seized during the searches for further examination.

During the searches at 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh, the ED recovered a significant volume of land-related documents, unaccounted cash, and crucial digital evidence believed suspected to be linked to the alleged religious conversion network.

The agency is also focusing on Chhangur Baba’s close associates, followers, and ashram managers, examining their bank accounts, property holdings, and financial transactions. Investigators are probing suspected foreign funding routes, with preliminary findings indicating inflows from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal  raising serious concerns about cross-border financing of the alleged conversion operations.

Maharashtra

Major Bust of EcoStar Recycling Company in Thane for Selling Expired Goods

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Thane, Maharashtra – In a significant operation, the Thane Crime Branch has exposed EcoStar Recycling Company for allegedly selling expired food items, grains, cosmetics, and sanitary products instead of properly disposing of them as mandated by Flipkart. The company was found to be illegally reselling these goods to the market, raising serious concerns about consumer safety.

The investigation began when the Crime Branch received credible information regarding the questionable practices of EcoStar Recycling. Authorities discovered that the company was reversing the standard protocol for handling expired products, allowing them to enter the market rather than being properly destroyed.

During the raid, officials seized a substantial quantity of expired items that were intended to be discarded. Investigators are now scrutinizing the extent of the operation and the potential network involved in the fraudulent sales.

The Thane Crime Branch, known for its proactive measures against such illegal activities, has emphasized the importance of consumer health and safety. “We are committed to ensuring that companies comply with regulations regarding expired products. Our team is determined to put an end to these harmful practices,” said an officer involved in the investigation.

As inquiries continue, EcoStar Recycling Company faces serious legal repercussions, and additional investigations are underway to track down distribution channels that may have been complicit in the sale of these products.

Authorities remind consumers to be vigilant when purchasing food and hygiene products, advocating for awareness regarding expiry dates. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal sales and the need for stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect public health.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Honeytrap Row: Minister Yogesh Kadam Rejects Allegations, Calls It ‘Political Mudslinging’

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Mumbai: Amid uproar in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over sensational honeytrap allegations, Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam on Thursday firmly denied any official confirmation regarding the matter.

Reacting to Congress leader Nana Patole’s claims, Kadam said, “There has been no official confirmation so far. No complaint has been filed at any police station. The reports in the media appear completely baseless. This seems like an attempt to defame the government. If anyone has evidence, they should present it, politics should not be played through rumours.

Nana Patole Raises Honeytrap Issue In Assembly

The controversy erupted on Wednesday during Zero Hour when Congress MLA Nana Patole alleged in the Assembly that senior IAS officers and cabinet ministers were being targeted in a honeytrap operation. According to Patole, this may have resulted in the leak of confidential state information.

“There is growing concern that classified information from Maharashtra has been accessed through a systematic honeytrap. Reports suggest involvement of senior officials and ministers. If this has reached anti-national hands, it’s a direct threat to state security,” he said.

Patole demanded that the government issue a clarification in the House by the end of the day, warning that the Opposition would otherwise intensify its agitation. Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar acknowledged the matter and stated that the government should take note.

Outside the House, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule yesterday commented that the Home Department and police authorities may already be examining the claims. However, Yogesh Kadam’s statement today marked the first official government rejection of the charges.

Meanwhile, Opposition leaders alleged that several top officials had been filmed in compromising positions at a luxury hotel in Nashik. They claimed the footage was being used for blackmail and that at least 72 names had surfaced in preliminary findings. However, these claims remain unverified, and no formal complaints have been lodged.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Tragedy: 40-Year-Old Differently-Abled Woman Dies By Suicide After Jumping Off 16th Floor Of Bandra Govt Colony; Husband Being Questioned

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Mumbai: In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a 40-year-old differently-abled woman allegedly died by suicide by jumping from the 16th floor of her apartment in the New Bandra Government Colony today at 3 PM. The deceased, Sheetal Pawar, lived with her husband Satish Pawar, a government employee with the Bombay High Court, in flat number 1605.

According to Kherwadi police, Satish was present inside the flat at the time of the incident. However, no suicide note was recovered from the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Sheetal was physically challenged and unable to walk, which may have contributed to her mental distress.

The police are continuing their probe from all possible angles. Satish Pawar is also being questioned as part of the investigation.

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