Crime
Omicron: K’taka awaits report of 5 samples
The Karnataka health department is awaiting the genome sequencing test results of five persons who came in contact with a doctor infected with the Omicron Covid variant.
The results are expected to arrive on Monday.
The state is also seeking the approval of the Centre to conduct genome sequencing tests in four additional labs for quicker results.
The doctor had tested positive for Covid-19 on November 22 and his sample was sent for genome sequencing two days later.
On December 2, the Central government announced that the doctor was infected with the Omicron variant, sending the Karnataka health department into jitters.
The authorities have tracked the doctor’s 13 primary and 205 secondary contacts and tested them.
His wife, daughter, two of his colleagues and another have tested positive for Covid-19 and their swab samples have been sent for genome sequencing.
All of them are being treated at a designated hospital.
The health condition of these persons, including the doctor, is normal and all of them have recovered from symptoms and are doing well.
The state government has brought in strict measures after detection of the country’s first two Omicron cases in Bengaluru.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has already issued a circular following the government’s instructions regarding a mandatory two-dose vaccination for entry into shopping complexes, malls, cinema halls, theatres.
The management of commercial establishments are being given the task of screening customers before entry. BBMP marshals and health officials have been directed to conduct checks without intimation.
The BBMP has also warned of slapping cases under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and other legal provisions, if there were any violations.
On the other hand, the government has decided to go aggressively on vaccination front in the state. As per the latest figures of the Union government’s Co-Win Dashboard till 7 a.m. on Monday, more than 7.33 crore vaccines have been administered.
A minimum of 30 samples are sent everyday for genome sequencing to keep a tab on the spread of the Omicron variant in the state.
Presently, only two labs in the state — National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and NIMHANS — have approval from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) to conduct genome sequencing.
Considering the inflow of international travellers and samples collected from the community, the burden will be more on conducting Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).
The state government has already procured equipment for four labs at Hassan, Belagavi, Mysuru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College in Bengaluru and is awaiting the approval of INSACOG.
The equipment has already been installed and staff is also trained. Apart from this, the state is also seeking the Centre’s nod to recognise test results of private hospital labs where the facility is available.
As per the present rule, the state cannot send samples for WGS to private labs.
Crime
Thane Crime Branch Busts Chain And Mobile Snatching Racket, Solves 16 Cases Across Region

Thane, Feb 14: In a significant crackdown on street crimes, the Thane Crime Branch has successfully apprehended two suspects involved in a series of chain and mobile snatching incidents. The operation has led to the resolution of at least 16 pending cases across several jurisdictions, including Thane, Bhiwandi, and Pune.
Acting on a tip-off and technical surveillance, a special team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amarsingh Jadhav initiated a targeted drive against rising street robberies. The investigation led to the arrest of two key suspects:
Ravindra Dhanaji Bhosle (24): Arrested on February 4, 2026, in the Kalyan-Bhiwandi area. Following his interrogation, police recovered 45 grams of gold jewellery valued at approximately ₹3.20 lakh. Bhosle has been linked to 13 cases of chain snatching spanning Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Karjat Railway, and Pune.
Dinesh Pandurang Chator: Arrested for his involvement in mobile snatching. His apprehension led to the recovery of 21 high-end mobile phones and jewellery, with a total estimated value of ₹8.55 lakh.
The suspects reportedly targeted victims in crowded areas and transit points. DCP Jadhav informed the press that the team utilised a combination of CCTV footage analysis and confidential informant networks to track the duo’s movements.
“This operation is a result of a coordinated effort by our special team. We have successfully recovered stolen property worth over ₹11 lakh and cleared 16 FIRs across multiple police stations,” stated DCP Jadhav.
In a significant breakthrough for regional security, the Thane Crime Branch has successfully resolved 16 cases of chain and mobile snatching. The extensive investigation spanned multiple jurisdictions, including Thane, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Pune, and Karjat.
This coordinated effort led to the recovery of key assets, including 45 grams of gold and 21 mobile phones, with a total estimated recovery value of approximately ₹11.75 lakh. Following this success, the Thane Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
Meanwhile, further investigations are currently underway to determine if the apprehended suspects are part of a larger organised criminal syndicate or are linked to additional unsolved cases across the region.
Crime
Filmy-Style Crackdown In Kalyan: Pune’s ‘Most Wanted’ Nabbed After High Drama In Irani Basti

Kalyan, Feb 14: In a dramatic late-night operation reminiscent of a film sequence, a joint police team arrested a Pune-based ‘most wanted’ accused from the densely populated Irani Basti area of Kalyan, triggering tense scenes and commotion in the locality.
The operation was carried out jointly by Unit 2 of the Pimpri Chinchwad Crime Branch and officers from Khadakpada Police Station following specific intelligence inputs.
Acting on credible information that the accused, identified as Mohammad Qamar Irani, was hiding in his native locality in Kalyan after absconding in connection with a serious offence registered in Pune, the crime branch team rushed to the city and coordinated with local police for a swift operation.
Police sources said a strategic cordon was laid around the house in Irani Basti to prevent any escape. However, as soon as the team approached the premises, chaos erupted.
Family members of the accused allegedly attempted to obstruct the arrest. In particular, women relatives reportedly came forward in an attempt to block the police action, leading to a brief but tense stand-off.
Despite resistance, officers maintained restraint and handled the situation tactfully to avoid escalation. After a short confrontation, the accused was successfully taken into custody without any major untoward incident. He was later brought to Khadakpada Police Station for further legal formalities before being handed over to the Pune team.
Officials said the accused has a long criminal record and had been on the run for several days. His arrest is being viewed as a significant breakthrough for the Pune police, who had intensified efforts to track him down.
The swift coordination between the Pimpri Chinchwad Crime Branch and Khadakpada Police Station has drawn appreciation within the department, as the operation culminated in the capture of a key accused who had managed to evade law enforcement until now. Further investigation is underway.
Crime
Mumbai Crime: Dindoshi Police Arrest History-Sheeter For Cheating SRA Agent Of ₹57 Lakh Using Fake Police Influence Claims

Mumbai: The Dindoshi police on Thursday arrested a notorious history-sheeter for allegedly duping an SRA liaisoning agent of Rs 57 lakh since August 2025. The accused, Munaf Abdul Rehman Lambe alias Baba Khan, 45, has been named in 10 extortion and cheating cases registered across Mumbai, the police said.
A police officer said that Khan allegedly fleeced the complainant, Shailesh Santosh, 51, on the pretext of helping him in a case lodged against the latter at the Bandra police station. The officer said the accused contacted Santosh in August 2025, called him to a hotel in Goregaon East and boasted about his “contacts” in the police.
From then onwards till February 9, 2026, Khan took cash, expensive phones and watches worth over Rs 2.4 lakh, totally amounting to Rs 57 lakh.
It was further alleged that when asked to fulfil his promise, Khan threatened to implicate Santosh in false cases and even issued death threats, which prompted him to approach the police.
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