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Khabari: The Unsung Heroes Of Mumbai Police Intelligence

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The term “Khabari” means informer, an indispensable part of every police force. While technology has transformed policing in today’s digital age, the importance of khabaris remains as strong as ever.

Some may question whether informers still hold the same relevance when advanced surveillance systems, digital forensics, and artificial intelligence are helping the police solve crimes faster. However, despite these technological breakthroughs, the role of human intelligence can never be replaced.

A khabari serves as the police’s eyes and ears on the ground. They provide crucial information about criminal activities, gangs, and suspicious movements, insights that no digital system can fully capture. Their tips often lead to major breakthroughs in investigations, especially in complex or sensitive cases where trust and human connections matter more than data. The khabaris as the backbone of crime control and investigation. From tracking drug networks to preventing gang wars, these informers quietly contribute to maintaining law and order.

There is a common phrase often seen in police press notes, “acting on a tip-off from a secret informer.” These “secret informers” are none other than khabaris. Within the Mumbai Police, there exists an entire world of informers, mysterious yet essential. The general public often forms its image of an informer from Bollywood films — a shady figure calling the police from a dark alley. In reality, the truth is far more complex and grounded.

Many khabaris come from ordinary walks of life, street vendors, rickshaw pullers, small businessmen, or paan stall owners. They share information about suspicious or criminal activity in their areas. They may not receive direct financial benefits, but being known to the police gives them credibility and a sense of security. Sometimes, it ensures that the police do not unnecessarily trouble their businesses. Some people even share information as a form of social service, though they are not considered professional informers.

However, those who provide information from within the criminal world are the true police informers. These individuals may have once been part of gangs, may have fallen out with their former associates, or may be ex-convicts trying to rebuild their lives. Some are even active criminals who maintain links with the police. In prisons, so-called ‘raw prisoners’ also serve as informants, passing on valuable details about criminal networks or planned activities. Sometimes, in certain matters, the informer is connected to politicians, businessmen, and the criminal world as well.

The identity of an informer is always kept strictly confidential for their safety. The police never reveal their names, even in successful operations or encounter reports.

Sudhakar Suradkar, a former IPS officer, stated, “Technology or machines can never replace human intelligence. In the digital era, these tools are only helpful, but ultimately, human intelligence remains the most important. For instance, the atomic tests conducted by India in 1998, during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, were not detected by American intelligence agencies despite their advanced technology. Another key point is that an informer must be a credible individual. Some people accept money and provide information, but the police must identify their vested interests. Human beings can lie, which is why I never trusted petty informers; I always relied on credible ones. In the police force, the importance of informers will always remain, despite the growth of digital innovations.”

The history of informers in the Mumbai Police goes back decades. Smuggling was rampant in the 1960s, and rival operators would secretly tip off the police to catch competitors’ boats. That marked the beginning of the informer system. Over the years, informants have become an integral part of policing. During the 1980s and 1990s, when gang wars gripped Mumbai, khabaris played a crucial role. Their tips helped the police conduct encounters and dismantle underworld networks. Many of these informers risked their lives to assist the police during those violent times.

If informers provide information, what do they get in return? The answer lies in the economics of intelligence. Many informers are professionals; they earn their living by supplying credible information. The bigger and more valuable the information, the greater the reward. Some informers are even said to be on the police’s ‘payroll.’

In addition to monetary rewards, police departments often extend quiet support to informers and their families. If an informer is imprisoned or injured, officers may help their family financially. Such payments are made through a ‘secret fund’, an officially sanctioned fund used specifically to compensate informers for their services.

While technology has made policing faster and more scientific, the khabari continues to bridge the gap between street-level reality and official intelligence. Behind every major breakthrough lies a whisper from an unseen source, a khabari who risks everything to keep the city safe.

Street / Criminal Circle → Khabari → Police Officer → Action / Raid / Arrest

Former gang members
Street vendors / small business owners
Ex-convicts or prison contacts
Active criminals turned informants
Others (auto drivers, bar employees, etc.)

Police maintain a “secret fund” to pay informers.
The amount depends on the value of the information.
Payments are kept confidential to protect identities.

1960s: Start of informer culture during smuggling era
1980s–1990s: Rise of gang wars — informers vital in encounters
2000s: Informers track drug trade and organised crime
2020s: Digital policing + human intelligence = stronger results

Crime

Woman among six militants of different outfits arrested in Manipur

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Imphal: The security Forces in Manipur on Sunday arrested six militants of different banned outfits including a woman cadre and recovered some arms and ammunition from different districts, officials said.

A police official said that the arrested militants belonging to different extremists group — Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) — were arrested from Kakching, Imphal West and Thoubal district.

He said that the hardcore militants were involved in various crimes, including intimidation, forcible collection of subscriptions from people, government employees, contractors and others.

Few Aadhaar cards, incriminating documents, a car and several mobile phones were recovered from the custody of the arrested guerrillas.

The Manipur police official said that the security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe, mixed-populated and vulnerable areas across districts.

According to the official, a total of 115 nakas/checkpoints were installed in different districts of Manipur, both in the hills and the valley region, to prevent untoward and illegal movements of inimical elements and suspected vehicles.

He said that the security forces have provided escorts to a large number of vehicles carrying essential items along Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations, and a security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles.

Manipur Police urged the people not to believe in rumours and be vigilant of false videos. “The veracity of any circulation of unfounded videos, audio clips, etc, may be confirmed from the Central Control Room.

Moreover, there are possibilities of many fake posts being circulated on social media. It is hereby cautioned that uploading and circulation of such fake posts on social media will attract legal action with consequences,” a police statement said. The police authority also appealed to the concerned people to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or the nearest security forces post immediately.

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Crime

Mumbai: Police Crack Sewri Naka Jewellery Theft Case; Security Guard Among 4 Arrested, Mastermind Still Absconding

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Mumbai: The Rafi Ahmed Kidwai (RAK) Marg police have successfully cracked a sensational jewelry theft case that took place at the Busa Industrial Estate, Sewri Naka, Mumbai, on the night of October 21. In a shocking twist, police have arrested the security guard of the jewelry manufacturing unit, along with three others, for orchestrating the crime.

According to the police, the accused have been identified as Rohitkumar Mohendrakumar Sharma, 20, the complainant and security guard at the factory, Manish Rathod, 24, Bhagwan Paraskar alias Mama, 60, and Mangal Kashyap, 20. The alleged mastermind, Irfan Shaikh, is currently absconding, and a manhunt has been launched to trace him.

As per the FIR, the complainant Rohitkumar Sharma, originally from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was employed as a security guard at a jewelry workshop owned by gold trader Pradeep Dinesh Sharma at Busa Industrial Estate. On the evening of October 21, after a Diwali Laxmi Puja at the unit, the owner and his friends left around 8:30 p.m. Sharma’s two fellow workers went downstairs for dinner, leaving him alone on duty.

At around 10:15 p.m., three unidentified men allegedly entered the premises under the pretext of delivering a parcel. They reportedly threatened Sharma, assaulted him with a knife, and forced their way into the office. From a drawer containing the puja items, they stole 400 grams of gold jewelry worth Rs48 lakh before fleeing the scene.

Sharma, who sustained injuries on his leg, claimed he raised an alarm after the assailants fled. Nearby workers rushed him to KEM Hospital for treatment. Based on his statement, police initially registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Arms Act.

However, as the investigation progressed, police found inconsistencies in Sharma’s statement and suspected foul play. Detailed questioning, along with technical and other evidence, revealed that the security guard himself had conspired with others to stage the robbery.

Police subsequently arrested the four accused and recovered crucial evidence linking them to the crime. Efforts are underway to locate the absconding mastermind, Irfan Shaikh. Further investigation is in progress, officials confirmed.

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Crime

Mumbai Fraud Alert: Businessman, Son-In-Law Duped Of ₹5 Cr By ‘Fake’ BMC Contractor

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Mumbai: A 55-year-old businessman from Bhendi Bazaar and his son-in-law were allegedly cheated of Rs 5 crore by a man posing as a civic contractor for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The JJ Marg police have registered a case against the accused, identified as Mohammed Gulam Roshan and launched an investigation into the fraud.

According to the police, the complainant, Anis Nizam Khan, owns a company that supplies JCBs, excavators and even rents out ships. Khan came in contact with Roshan through his son-in-law, as both men were neighbours in Dongri. In 2022, Roshan told Khan that he had bagged a three-year BMC contract to clean seven civic hospitals. However, he claimed that he needed to deposit Rs 5 crore as a ‘bank guarantee’ before the project could begin.

Roshan convinced Khan to lend him the amount, promising to repay the full Rs 5 crore within three years and, in addition, offer a monthly commission of Rs 18 lakh. The lucrative return, totalling Rs 4.32 crore in profits, led Khan to agree to the deal. While Khan invested Rs 1 crore himself, his son-in-law contributed the remaining Rs 4 crore.

To formalise the arrangement, both parties signed an agreement, under which Roshan pledged not to sell, lease or gift his flat on Jerabai Wadia Road until the amount was repaid. As security, Roshan also submitted documents for another flat in Mazgaon, registered in his wife’s name.

However, the situation changed a month later. Roshan allegedly told Khan that he was facing domestic disputes and requested the return of his property papers, promising to sell his two flats and settle the dues. Given the close ties between their families, Khan agreed to return the documents, a decision that ultimately cost him heavily.

In January 2023, Roshan failed to pay the promised Rs 18 lakh monthly commission. Soon after, Khan fell ill and his son-in-law was arrested in an unrelated case in March 2024. By the time the family reconnected in March 2025, they discovered that Roshan had sold both properties and separated from his wife, without returning a single rupee.

Realising they had been duped, Khan filed a police complaint on Friday. The JJ Marg police have booked Roshan under Sections 418, 419 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and criminal breach of trust, according to the report. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused.

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