Mumbai: A startling detail has emerged in the investigation of the Rs434 crore drug lab busted in Mysuru, Karnataka—the accused allegedly used a coded method involving shirt photos to facilitate the transport of MD drugs to Mumbai. The Sakinaka police revealed that the operation was divided between two independent groups: one focused on manufacturing the drugs and the other handling distribution. In a calculated move to ensure anonymity and minimise risk, members of each group were kept unaware of their counterparts’ identities.

The contraband was distributed across various locations using a network of street-level dealers. The entire transportation route operated on the ground—no air or rail travel was involved. This ensured lower surveillance risks and easier movement across states.

A police officer stated, “When an individual went to collect the drugs, he did not share his contact number or name. A middleman sent the drug collector’s shirt photo to the manufacturer. The drug collector and manufacturer never exchanged names or contact details. The delivery was made solely based on the shirt photo.”

According to the police, once the MD (Mephedrone) drugs were produced at the Mysuru unit, a courier from there would travel by bus to Bengaluru. Simultaneously, a member of the Mumbai syndicate would also arrive in Bengaluru. To confirm identity, the Mumbai operative would send a photo of his shirt via WhatsApp. The courier, after matching the shirt pattern, would transfer the consignment. The Mumbai gang member would then return to the city with the narcotics—again by road.

The police suspect that this busted lab is part of a much broader international network, possibly linked to organised crime syndicates. As the investigation widens, authorities believe further arrests and connections may emerge in the coming days.

Darbhanga: A shocking incident surfaced from Bihar’s Darbhanga, where a man allegedly shot dead his son-in-law in front of his daughter. The deceased has been identified as Rahul Kumar, a 25-year-old second-year student of BSc (Nursing) at Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital.

The accused, Premshankar Jha, opened fire at Kumar in front of his newlywedded wife, Tannu Priya. Jha was upset due to Priya’s intercaste marriage with Kumar. The victim was rushed to a hospital. However, he could not survive.

Priya is a first-year nursing student. She got married to Kumar four months ago. They reportedly stayed on different floors in the same hostel building. The woman notices that a person wearing a hoodie approached her husband on Tuesday evening.

“He had a gun. It was my father, Premshankar Jha. He shot my husband in the chest, in front of my eyes. My husband fell into my lap,” she said as quoted by the media house. The woman alleged that her whole family was part of the conspiracy to kill her husband.

“We had also gone to court and said that my father and my brothers may harm me or my husband,” Priya added. Kumar’s friends also beat up Jha after he shot at the victim. He was also rushed to a hospital. The video of students beating up the accused also surfaced online.

After receiving the information, a senior official rushed to the spot. Jha was taken into custody. “A love affair was ongoing with the deceased, and a love marriage had taken place in April 2025. After the death incident, the people present there caught and beat Prem Shankar Jha, due to which Prem Shankar Jha is injured and has been sent to PMCH Patna for treatment,” the Darbhanga Police said.

Navi Mumbai: Rabale police recovered gold jewellery worth Rs19.13 lakh and a mobile phone within 12 hours of them going missing, bringing relief to 58-year-old Shakuntala Gaikar, a vegetable vendor from Panvel.

On July 31, Gaikar visited Ghansoli Market for her daily business. After returning home, she realised her bag – with ornaments and phone – was missing. She promptly filed a complaint.

A swift investigation began combing through CCTV footage from Ghansoli to Talavali and within hours, officials traced a suspect and recovered the valuables. The mobile phone proved crucial in tracking the location. Gaikar had been carrying her gold daily out of fear of home theft. “We are checking the suspect’s claim that he found the bag and didn’t steal it,” said a senior police inspector. An FIR was earlier filed against an unknown person, but the case’s direction could change based on further verification.