Maharashtra
Mumbai’s Torres Jewellers Accused Of ₹13.48 Crore Fraud; Company Alleges Theft By CEO And CA

Mumbai: A major financial scam involving Torres Jewellers has come to light, with the Shivaji Park police registering an FIR against the company’s directors and CEO for allegedly defrauding investors of over ₹13.48 crore. Investors gathered outside the company’s office in Dadar, demanding the return of their principal amounts after promised investment returns ceased.
The Shivaji Park Police have registered an FIR under Sections 318(4), 316(5), and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act, 2023. The accused include Platinum Hern Pvt. Ltd., which operates the Torres Jewellers brand, its directors Sarvesh Ashok Surve and Victoria Kovalenko, CEO Taufik Riaz alias John Carter, General Manager Tania Casatova, and Store In-Charge Valentina Kumar. No arrests have been made yet, according to the police, and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) will take over the investigation.
Timeline of the Fraud
The complainant, Pradeep Kumar Mamraj Vaishya (31), a vegetable vendor residing at Mahatma Phule Nagar, Nariman Point, reported the alleged fraud, which occurred between June 21, 2024, and December 30, 2024.
Platinum Hern Pvt. Ltd. lured investors by promising lucrative returns on investments through the sale of Moissanite stones, offering a weekly return of 6% on invested amounts. Initially, the company delivered returns to gain trust, but all payments, including principal repayments, ceased on December 30, 2024.
At least seven investors, including the complainant, have filed complaints, resulting in the FIR. The accused face charges of breach of trust and misappropriation of funds. Preliminary investigations indicate the company owner is abroad, and authorities are exploring further links, including potential accomplices and the suppliers of fraudulent schemes.
Torres Jewellers’ Counter-Claims
In an unexpected twist, Torres Jewellers released a statement on its official website accusing its CEO, Taufik Riaz, and Chartered Accountant Abhishek Gupta of theft and vandalism. The company claims the duo orchestrated a burglary at one of its jewellery shops.
The website features CCTV footage purportedly showing the two individuals stealing valuables and vandalizing the premises. Accompanying the footage are images of the accused, which the company alleges confirm their involvement in the theft. Torres Jewellers claims this incident is part of a larger conspiracy.
Maharashtra
Major Bust of EcoStar Recycling Company in Thane for Selling Expired Goods

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

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

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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