Mumbai, June 15: The Mumbai Crime Branch suspects that notorious drug smuggler Salim Dola, considered a close associate of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and who built an extensive range of assets in Turkey and Dubai, is attempting to mislead investigators during interrogation.

Following the completion of questioning by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Dola, who was arrested in Turkey and brought to India, is now being interrogated by various units of the Mumbai Crime Branch in connection with multiple cases.

According to Crime Branch officials, Dola significantly expanded his alleged drug trafficking operations and network in Mumbai after the Covid-19 pandemic. Investigations have further revealed that he had been residing in Turkey under the alias ‘Ayhan Sheikh’ and was allegedly operating an extensive drug network from there.

Investigators have found that Dola amassed assets worth nearly Rs 100 crore in Dubai and Turkey through proceeds generated from drug trafficking activities. Agencies are now examining the extent of his overseas investments, properties, and financial dealings.

During interrogation, Dola reportedly shared important information about a large synthetic drug manufacturing unit operating in Sangli. According to sources, he informed investigators that nearly 20 consignments of MD (Mephedrone) were manufactured at the facility and supplied to different locations across the country.

The Crime Branch is currently verifying the information provided by Dola and investigating the entire supply chain, distribution network, and financial transactions linked to the alleged drug operation.

Officials said Dola also claimed that the money earned through drug trafficking was invested in properties and businesses in India as well as abroad. Investigating agencies are now trying to determine which assets and commercial ventures were allegedly funded using proceeds from the illegal trade.

During questioning, Dola further claimed that the drug network had links to Dawood Ibrahim and his syndicate. However, investigators have clarified that these claims are being treated as part of the ongoing investigation and are being independently verified. Authorities are examining the extent of the alleged involvement of underworld operatives and identifying individuals who may have assisted in running the network.

Several Crime Branch teams have questioned Dola regarding multiple cases, including investigations related to the Satara and Mysuru drug factory operations.

Meanwhile, Crime Branch Unit-3 is separately probing Dola’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping and extortion case of Andheri-based businessman Sajid Electricwala.

During interrogation, Dola also claimed that he had sold some of the properties he had purchased in Dubai. The Crime Branch is verifying these claims and gathering details regarding his alleged foreign assets, bank accounts, and investments.

Dola’s police custody is set to end on Monday, following which he will be produced before a court for further proceedings. Investigating agencies believe that his continued interrogation could lead to significant revelations about international drug trafficking networks, financial transactions, overseas assets, and possible underworld connections linked to the narcotics trade.

New Delhi, June 15: In a major action against cyber-enabled financial crimes, the Cyber Police Station of Delhi Police’s Shahdara District has busted an online investment fraud racket linked to transactions of approximately Rs 1.56 crore and arrested two persons for allegedly operating mule bank accounts used to route and conceal proceeds of cyber fraud.

According to police, the accused were actively facilitating cybercriminals by providing and managing bank accounts used to receive the money obtained by cheating and transferring it further to obscure the financial trail. Several digital devices and incriminating evidence have been recovered during the operation.

The case was registered as e-FIR No. 90/26, dated April 9, under Sections 318(4)/319/340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at PS Cyber, Shahdara, following a complaint by a woman resident of GTB Enclave, Delhi.

The complainant alleged that she was cheated out of Rs 21 lakh through an online investment scam. She stated that in April, she came across a Telegram advertisement promoting stock market investment opportunities with promises of high returns. After joining the group, fraudsters posing as investment experts induced her to invest money in multiple instalments.

However, when she attempted to withdraw her returns, she was denied access and subsequently blocked from all communication channels, after which she realised she had been defrauded.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, a dedicated team comprising Inspector Ashwani Kumar, Head Constables Dhanesh, Anuj, Vikas, and Mahipal was constituted under senior supervision.

Based on technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, police teams conducted raids in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha and Moradabad districts, leading to the arrest of two accused identified as Mohd Sadik, 32, of Moradabad and Javed Ansari, 34, of Amroha.

During interrogation, the accused admitted to knowingly providing and operating bank accounts used in cyber fraud activities. They were in regular contact with associates through WhatsApp, who used these accounts for committing online investment scams and routing illicit funds.

Police said these accounts were being used as mule accounts to layer transactions and hide the money trail. Preliminary investigation has also indicated the involvement of a wider inter-state cyber fraud network.

Two mobile phones used in the offence, WhatsApp chats, and bank account credentials, along with financial records, have been recovered.

Further investigation is underway to trace the remaining accused, map the money trail, and recover the cheated amount.

Mumbai, June 14: The controversy surrounding alleged objectionable remarks made during stand-up comedian Pranit More’s show has further intensified as the Maharashtra Home Department has directed a detailed investigation into the video content available on his social media accounts and other digital platforms.

The investigation has been handed over to the Maharashtra Cyber Police. The cyber team will now examine videos from various shows of the comedian, viral video clips, and other online content as part of the probe.

Meanwhile, Pranit More issued an apology on Saturday amid mounting criticism over the viral “Rs 370 Biryani” clip, saying he deserved the backlash and requested people to give him one more chance.

In a video shared on Instagram, More said: “I wanted to talk to all of you about this, but my Instagram account was suspended. You have seen the crowd-work video circulating on social media, and I have been receiving a lot of hate because of it.”

The comedian admitted that he made a mistake by not intervening when inappropriate remarks were made during the performance.

“I feel I deserve this hate. During the crowd-work session, the man made several derogatory comments. Everyone was laughing, and I, too, got carried away. It was a lapse in judgment. I believe it was my biggest mistake. I could have taken a stand at that moment, but I did not,” he said.

More acknowledged that his reaction gave the remarks a platform and allowed the situation to escalate.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday summoned More and web developer Himanshu Jangra over remarks allegedly made during a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram. The commission stated that the comments appeared to glorify sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.

Significantly, KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College on Saturday sent MBBS student Sejal Pawar on a 15-day forced leave on Saturday following a controversy surrounding a viral social media video in which she allegedly made objectionable remarks during the same stand-up comedy show.