Mumbai, Oct 14: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has intensified its operations against the network linked to Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti after the latter was declared a terrorist organisation, with intelligence inputs suggesting that around 16 handlers associated with the network are on its hit list.

The handlers reportedly include Amal Gujjar, Abad Jat, Farooq Khokhar, Jaffar Supari, Shani Tiger, Rana Hunain, Hassan Gujjar, Sohail Ahmed alias Sohail Baloch, Sardar Zorasingh alias Dogar, Yawar Khan, Hammad Menon, Sohail Chaudhary, Sheikh Salman, Sarfaraz Dogar, Abu Musa, Nomi Khan and Munna Zingada.

According to intelligence inputs, the handlers are allegedly attempting to create unrest in India through their network, with several members believed to be active within the country. Young people are reportedly being lured into the network through tasks such as recording videos of specific locations, putting up posters promoting terror activities and sharing information, including the contact details of ministers.

In return, the youths are allegedly offered money, weapons or opportunities to travel abroad. Investigating agencies are closely monitoring these activities, and individuals interacting with members of the network could come under scrutiny. Authorities may also initiate legal action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), depending on the nature of the activities and available evidence.

Shahzad Bhatti and his handlers reportedly face more than 100 cases across Delhi, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Maharashtra and Punjab. Punjab accounts for the highest number, with 25 cases, including 20 registered under the UAPA, according to the information available.

The Maharashtra ATS has appealed to citizens to exercise caution while interacting with unknown or suspicious individuals on social media. It has also advised parents to monitor their children’s online activities and remain alert to sudden changes in their behaviour.

The agency has warned people against offers promising easy money, noting that seemingly harmless tasks assigned by strangers could potentially be linked to larger terror-related activities.

Citizens have also been urged not to believe or circulate rumours that could threaten national unity or disturb law and order. The ATS has asserted that those involved in anti-national activities will face action under the law.

Earlier in September, the Union government declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the UAPA, according to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry.

The ministry said the organisation was involved in the cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics, besides allegedly radicalising youths and petty criminals and drawing them into terrorist activities.

The network had also allegedly disseminated hateful digital content targeting India’s democratic institutions and communal harmony.

The Home Ministry said the designation was part of the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Washim, Oct 14: Four women were arrested for stealing gold jewellery worth Rs 1.5 lakh and cash amounting to Rs 28,000 from a 70-year-old woman travelling on a state transport (ST) bus in Maharashtra’s Washim district, police said on Wednesday.

The police recovered the stolen jewellery and cash and returned them to the elderly woman, identified as Chandrakala Bodkhe.

The incident took place on an ST bus travelling from Mangrulpir to Akola. According to preliminary information, the four accused allegedly targeted the elderly passenger’s bag containing gold jewellery and cash during the journey.

When the bus reached Shelu Bazaar, the four women got off. Other passengers became suspicious, following which Bodkhe checked her bag and discovered that her gold jewellery and a bag containing Rs 28,000 in cash were missing.

The elderly woman raised an alarm and sought help from other passengers.

Upon receiving information about the incident, local police reached the spot and launched an investigation. During the probe, the police learnt that the four women had left the area in an auto-rickshaw.

Acting swiftly, the police pursued the suspects and apprehended all four women. The stolen gold jewellery and cash were recovered from their possession and subsequently handed back to the elderly woman.

The incident highlights the need for vigilance among passengers travelling on crowded public transport, particularly elderly commuters carrying valuables.

In a separate incident, Pune Police had arrested three men from Haryana in connection with nine theft cases reported in the city. The police seized valuables worth approximately Rs 23 lakh following an investigation that involved travelling nearly 4,600 km across several states.

According to the police, the accused had targeted people at crowded locations during Ganeshotsav celebrations and Ganesh immersion processions.

The cases were investigated by Vishrambaug Police, who identified the suspects as residents of Palwal in Haryana. Meanwhile, the Aravalli Police in Gujarat had arrested the three men in connection with another case.

With the assistance of the Gujarat Police, a team from Pune Police took the accused into custody. They were identified as Ajay Samsher Vinodkumar Rupsingh Koli (20), Aman Samsher Anil Kumar Narayansingh Koli (24) and Deepak Samsher Rajubhai Sapsingh (21).

Vasai-Virar, Oct 14: Two women were killed after a massive fire broke out at the multi-storey Imperial Heights building in the Achole area on the Nalasopara-Vasai Link Road in Maharashtra Palghar district, triggering panic among residents and trapping several people on the upper floors.

The fire broke out around 11.30 p.m. on Tuesday night, prompting an emergency response from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s fire department, police and administrative officials. A large-scale rescue operation was launched using fire engines, turntable ladder (TTL) machines and specialised equipment. Around 25 to 30 people were safely evacuated from the building.

The deceased have been identified as Falguni Shah (50) and Ashwini Parkar (50). Preliminary information suggests that they may have died due to smoke inhalation.

Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. said the fire was reported at around 11.30 p.m., following which fire personnel, police officers and administrative officials rushed to the spot and began rescue operations.

According to the Commissioner, around 15 to 20 people were initially rescued with the assistance of firefighters and TTL machines, while several other residents managed to descend safely from the building.

He said nearby banquet halls and hotels had been made available to provide temporary accommodation to families affected by the incident.

The Commissioner added that a detailed investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. The probe will examine the building’s construction permissions, fire safety approvals, the condition of firefighting systems and the possibility of a short circuit in the electrical panel. Appropriate action will be taken if any negligence or safety deficiencies are found, he said.

He further stated that saving lives remained the top priority during the rescue operation. Given the intense heat in the stairwell, firefighters assessed the situation carefully and worked to secure trapped residents before evacuating them in a planned manner.

Rohan More, Chief Fire Officer of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, said local corporator Ashok Shelke informed him about the incident around midnight. By that time, two fire engines from the Achole area had already reached the location.

More said the fire was initially reported on the fourth floor, but its severity became apparent when the fire brigade personnel arrived at the scene. Several residents were trapped on the upper floors, making their safe evacuation the department’s immediate priority.

Eight people were rescued from outside the building with the help of a special TTL machine. Overall, around 25 to 30 people were reported to have been evacuated, including residents rescued from different locations.

According to the Chief Fire Officer, the fire was particularly intense on the 13th and 14th floors. Traces of fire or embers were also found on the third and ninth floors, while the door leading to the refuge floor on the 12th floor was engulfed in flames. Firefighters conducted operations across multiple floors to contain the blaze and rescue residents.

Several fire engines, water tankers, water-browsers, and specialised water towers were deployed to bring the fire under control. Private water tankers were also called in to support the firefighting operation. More said the exact cause of the fire would be established only after the investigation was completed.

Dr Kavita Jagada, in charge of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s Tulinj Hospital, told media that both women had sustained minor burn injuries. Preliminary findings suggested that they had likely died after inhaling smoke into their lungs. Following completion of the panchnama, or inquest proceedings, their bodies were sent to the mortuary in Vasai West. The final cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem reports are received.

Following the incident, Vasai-Virar Mayor Ajeev Patil, Municipal Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., MLA Sneha Dubey Pandit, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Herwade, City Engineer Pradeep Pachange, ACP Sunil Jaibhaye, the senior police inspector of the MBVV Police Station and other police personnel reached the scene to oversee the situation and rescue efforts.