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Maharashtra

Mumbai & Mysuru Police Dismantle Interstate Drug Racket In Karnataka; Mephedrone Worth ₹390 Crore Seized, 8 Arrested

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Mumbai: The Sakinaka police, in a joint operation with the Mysuru police, have dismantled an interstate drug racket and disbanded a factory in Mysore, Karnataka. Mephedrone (MD, a psychotropic substance) worth Rs 390 crore has been seized by a joint team, and eight persons arrested from Mumbai, Gujarat, and Mysuru.

Deputy Commissioner Of Police (Zone 10) Datta Nalawade’s Statement

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 10) Datta Nalawade said the gang was active in Mumbai and its outskirts. Out of the eight accused, three were involved in similar cases for several years. Sixteen cases related to the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act and physical assault were registered against one of the accused.

The police did not reveal the identities of all the accused, as the investigation is in its preliminary stage. They suspect that more people may be involved in the racket. The case was first registered by the Sakinaka police on April 24 and one Sadiq Shaikh, 27, a resident of Bandra West, was arrested in Sakinaka for possessing drugs intended for sale.

At the time, police seized 52gm of MD from him. During interrogation, the involvement of three more accused came to light. Initially, four were arrested from Mumbai, Gujarat, and Mysuru. Later, another four were arrested from the raided factory site in Mysuru. After the first arrest, the police seized an additional 4.53kg of MD worth Rs 8 crore from Kaman village in Vasai from two accused. One of them, Siraj Panjwani, 28, resides in Mira Road. On July 25, another arrest was made; that of Salim Shaikh alias Slim Langda, 45, a resident of Bandra Reclamation, who revealed the factory’s location.

On July 26, a Sakinaka police team led by investigating officer Dayanand Walave conducted a raid at the factory near Belavatha, in the Ring Road area of Mysuru, operating out of a blue cement shed. DCP Nalawade added, “There was a garage and a stall set up in front of the factory, with the actual drug production taking place behind it in an isolated space. We seized various chemicals, ovens, heaters, and other equipment. The contraband weighed 192.53kg, worth Rs 390 crore in the international market.”

He added that the police are probing whether this gang has any links to other drug manufacturing units dismantled in western Maharashtra and Nashik in the past many months. The court has sent four of the accused to judicial custody, while the other four, who were arrested on July 27, have been remanded to police custody for two days. Meanwhile, the Mysuru Commissioner of Police Seema Latkar has suspended the Narasimharaja police station inspector, Lakshmikanth Talawar, for dereliction of duty, under whose jurisdiction the factory is located.

Karnataka home minister Dr G. Parameshwar called it a “disturbing development”, as Mysuru is said to be a quiet place bereft of such activities. He added, “With the factory being unearthed, we are taking strict action against such activities. Even our police are investigating various angles of the incident.”

Maharashtra

Eid Milad-un-Nabi 2026: Festival celebrated with grand festivities in Mumbai; CM Fadnavis and other leaders extended their greetings.

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On the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi on Wednesday, members of the Muslim community in Mumbai offered prayers and sought special blessings at various locations across the city, including the Minara Masjid.

Highlighting the significance of this auspicious day, a local resident said, “This is a day of Allah’s mercy and blessings. May Allah Almighty remove all our troubles on this holy day. May He keep the entire Muslim community under His protection and keep the city of Mumbai safe. May Allah grant us the opportunity to witness this blessed day again and again. Prominent figures and celebrities are expected to visit throughout the day. Food will be distributed among the people, and processions as well as various other programs will be organized.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his best wishes to the people on this occasion. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Greetings on Milad-un-Nabi. I hope this occasion further enhances unity and happiness among us. May the spirit of compassion and service to society continue to guide us.”

Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi also extended his greetings via X. He wished everyone “peace, happiness, prosperity, and good health.”

On the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, various dargahs (shrines) in Mumbai have been adorned with attractive lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere across the city. Images and videos from Mumbai’s Mahim Dargah showed the shrine illuminated with colorful lights, with a large number of pilgrims and devotees arriving to offer prayers and worship.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid, is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. Traditionally, this occasion is observed on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

On this day, the Muslim community across the world reflects upon the life, teachings, and message of Prophet Muhammad. During this time, special emphasis is placed on values ​​such as compassion, humanity, justice, and mutual brotherhood.

A holiday has been declared in schools and colleges across Maharashtra on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. Meanwhile, banks and many offices also remained closed, allowing people to celebrate this holy occasion with religious fervor and reverence.

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Maharashtra

Maharashtra: Palghar school superintendent suspended over child death

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Following the death of Class 1 student at a government-aided school in Masvan, Palghar district of Maharashtra, the administration initiated strict action against officials and suspended the suprintendent.

The student, identified as Shreyansh Shailesh Ambat, died on Monday. Officials visited the school the following day to assess the situation and inspect the arrangements. The ashram school’s superintendent was suspended with immediate effect over alleged negligence, according to the information provided by the local administration.

Palghar Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer and Integrated Tribal Development Project, Dahanu, Project Officer Vishal Khatri, IAS, inspected the school and issued necessary directions to the institution’s office-bearers and staff regarding the safety and well-being of the students.

Officials from the Food and Drug Administration Department also visited the school and seized food ingredients, including spices, turmeric, chilli and cooking oil, used in preparing meals for the students. The seized materials have been sent for examination. A water filter has also been installed at the school, the administration said.

At present, 30 students are currently undergoing treatment at the Masvan Primary Health Centre. The group includes 14 boys and 11 girls. On the advice of doctors, four girls and one boy were shifted to the Rural Hospital in Manor for further treatment.

All the students are reported to be out of danger, according to the information provided by the administration.

Show-cause notices have been issued to the president and secretary of Adisi Seva Mandal, Mumbai, which runs the institution, as well as the primary headmaster and the Class 1 teacher.

A special inquiry committee has also been constituted to conduct a detailed investigation into the student’s death.

Further administrative action against those found responsible will be taken based on the committee’s report, the administration said.

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Crime

DRI seizes narcotic drugs valued at Rs 3.41 crore at Pune Railway station

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Pune, Aug 26: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized suspected narcotic drugs valued at approximately Rs 3.41 crore and arrested a woman passenger at Pune Railway Junction in an intelligence-led operation.

Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the DRI’s Pune Regional Unit, under the Mumbai Zonal Unit, intercepted an Indian woman passenger during the early hours of August 25. The passenger had travelled from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and was passing through Pune.

Following surveillance based on the intelligence input, DRI officers identified and intercepted the passenger at the railway junction. A detailed search of her baggage led to the recovery of 2,532 grams (gross weight) of a white/yellow-coloured crystalline substance suspected to be amphetamine. Officers also recovered 878 grams (gross weight) of tablets in different colours, suspected to contain 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

The total value of the seized substances has been estimated at approximately Rs 3.41 crore.

The suspected narcotic drugs were seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The passenger was subsequently arrested, and further investigation is underway to determine the source of the drugs, their intended destination and other possible links in the trafficking network.

The seizure highlights the DRI’s continued focus on intelligence-based enforcement against the illicit smuggling and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, said officials.

According to officials, the operation also reinforces efforts to curb the illegal supply of drugs and support the Government’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, aimed at protecting public health and combating drug abuse and trafficking across the country.

Further investigation is underway, and more details may emerge.

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