Mumbai: In a major crackdown on cyber fraud, the Mumbai Police has uncovered a new and dangerous modus operandi in which fraudsters routed stolen money through multiple bank accounts before converting it into cash via petrol pumps. The Sir JJ Marg Police Station has arrested one accused  in connection with the case.

The arrested accused has been identified as Rahul Kumar Shaitanmal Sen (23), a resident of Pali in Rajasthan. According to police, Sen worked as a cash conversion agent and facilitated the transfer of fraud money into fake bank accounts through petrol pumps in exchange for commission.

Police said that apart from Sen, several others  Aftab Imran Sayyed (22), Mohammed Shadab Ashfaq Khan (25), Abdul Qadir Allauddin (40), Amit Subhashchandra Mishra (34), and Sanoj alias Pintu Singh (38) — were detained and later released after being served notices.

Commission-Based Network: Investigations revealed that the racket operated through a well-organized, commission-based network. Different members were assigned specific roles  some arranged fake or rented bank accounts, others handled the layering of funds across multiple accounts, while a few managed cash operations at petrol pumps. Each member was paid a commission, ensuring the smooth functioning of the network.

Petrol Pump Cash-Out: Police said the gang first obtained money through online fraud. The funds were then routed through multiple bank accounts to obscure their origin. Eventually, the money was transferred to petrol pump accounts, where it was converted into cash.

At the petrol pumps, gang members would collect cash from customers and deposit an equivalent amount into bank accounts. While the transactions appeared legitimate on the surface, they were actually used to launder cyber fraud proceeds and convert them into cash.

During interrogation, Sen admitted that he played a key role in converting digital money into cash and forwarding it within the network for commission. Police recovered ₹47,000 in cash, multiple mobile phones, and crucial banking transaction records from his possession. Analysis of his mobile devices revealed contacts with other accused, pointing to a wider network.

Funds Frozen, Wider Links Suspected:  Police have frozen ₹74,000 across various bank accounts as part of the investigation. Officials suspect that the racket may have links to other cities and states.

The fraud came to light through technical analysis of bank transactions and digital evidence. Police are now probing further to identify the mastermind and trace other members involved in the operation.

Mumbai: Senior IAS officer Ashwini Bhide has been appointed as the first woman Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), marking a historic moment in the city’s administrative landscape. She succeeds Bhushan Gagrani, who completes his tenure on March 31, 2026.

A 1995-batch IAS officer, Bhide is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office under Devendra Fadnavis. Known for her firm, results-driven administrative style, she was selected over other senior bureaucrats, including Sanjay Mukherjee and Aseem Gupta, owing to her extensive experience and track record in executing large-scale projects.

Bhide has previously played a key role in shaping Mumbai’s infrastructure growth. As Managing Director of the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, she led several critical metro projects, including complex underground corridors. She is also known as the ‘Metro Woman’ of Mumbai. Her tenure, however, also drew criticism during the Aarey car shed project, which faced opposition from environmentalists over large-scale tree felling.

Her earlier role as Additional Municipal Commissioner in the BMC has provided her with in-depth knowledge of the civic body’s functioning, a factor expected to aid her transition into the top post. She is likely to serve a full term until 2030, overseeing key areas such as infrastructure development, sanitation, traffic management, and overall urban governance in Mumbai.

Her appointment comes at a crucial time when the city is grappling with mounting infrastructure pressure, environmental challenges, and financial constraints within the civic administration. Officials believe her leadership could bring tighter administrative discipline and faster execution of major civic initiatives.

Bhide’s elevation also reflects a broader trend of increasing representation of women in top bureaucratic roles in Maharashtra. Notably, Rashmi Shukla served as the state’s first woman Director General of Police, while Sujata Saunik became the first woman Chief Secretary in 2024.

Ashwini Bhide is set to assume the role of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner later today. Bhushan Gagrani has served as BMC chief for the past two years. Speaking to the Free Press Journal this morning, Gagrani said, “I am in office today, and Ashwini will take charge this afternoon. The official order will be issued in an hour or so.”

Rumours at BMC headquarters suggested that Gagrani might receive a service extension and be posted to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). However, no such order has been issued so far. “But I will be in Mumbai,” the outgoing commissioner added.

As she takes charge of one of India’s key municipal corporations, Bhide’s tenure will be closely watched for its impact on Mumbai’s governance and development trajectory.

Bhiwandi: In a significant breakthrough against the rising menace of vehicle theft, the Crime Branch Unit-II of Bhiwandi Police has busted an organized gang involved in stealing two-wheelers across the city and adjoining rural areas. Acting on a specific Tip-Off police arrested three habitual offenders and recovered as many as 58 stolen motorcycles collectively valued at ₹10.60 lakh leading to the detection of 41 theft cases.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Amarsingh Jadhav the operation was carried out following confidential information received by Police Havaldar Shabir Shaikh. Based on the intelligence input a targeted trap was laid leading to the arrest of the accused.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ganesh alias Ganu Raju More (21) Sahebaali alias Chhotu Sultan Ali Shaikh (19) and Sunil alias Bala Shankar Rathod (20).

During interrogation it was revealed that Ganesh More a garage mechanic by profession, possessed the technical expertise to start motorcycles that lacked proper handle locks, making them easy targets.

The accused would specifically scout for two-wheelers parked without handle locks. After stealing them the vehicles were transported and sold in different districts across Maharashtra for quick financial gain DCP Amarsingh Jadhav stated.

Police officials further revealed that the gang had been active for several years and had confessed to multiple thefts during sustained interrogation. The recovery of 58 motorcycles marks one of the largest seizures in recent times in the region.

Authorities believe that more cases could be linked to this gang, and further investigation is underway to identify additional accomplices and recover more stolen property.

The crackdown has brought relief to residents who had been grappling with a spike in vehicle thefts, while police have reiterated their appeal to citizens to ensure proper locking mechanisms to prevent such crimes.