Mumbai: The Bombay High Court flagged serious lapses in the police probe but refused to grant bail to an accused in a sexual assault case, observing that the investigation was not conducted “in proper manner.”

According to the prosecution, the complainant met the accused through a dating application in 2021, following which they remained in contact and met on multiple occasions.

She has alleged that he subjected her to non-consensual sexual acts during visits to Delhi and Mumbai, recorded intimate moments without her consent, and later circulated those images and videos to her family members and colleagues after she ended the relationship.

On her complaint, Pant Nagar Police Station had registered an FIR under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act.

The defence advocate, Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, argued that the FIR itself reflected a consensual relationship between two adults and that there was no independent material to substantiate allegations of force. It was also contended that the arrest was illegal as the grounds of arrest were not furnished.

Prosecutor Veera Shinde and complainant’s advocate Tanay Mandot, however, relied on WhatsApp chats, witness statements and an email allegedly sent by the accused admitting that he had shared the intimate material with the complainant’s family. They argued that these materials clearly indicated that the relationship was not consensual.

Mandot pointed out that despite the allegations of circulating the complainant’s photos and videos to her family, the police had not seized the mobile phone of the accused.

Justice R M Joshi noted significant shortcomings in the investigation, particularly the delay in seizing crucial evidence such as the complainant’s mobile phone.

“This therefore indicates that the investigation has not been done here in this case in proper manner,” the court observed, directing that its order be forwarded to superior officers for “appropriate consideration”.

Despite these lapses, the court held that the material collected during the investigation prima facie supported the prosecution’s case. It rejected the defence argument that the relationship was consensual, observing that the accused’s conduct, especially the act of circulating private images, pointed to coercion rather than a “love affair.”

“Having regard to the serious nature of offence… this is not a fit case to grant bail,” the court said, dismissing the application.

Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has strongly criticised the United States over its handling of gun violence, following a fresh security scare involving gunfire at a high profile event.

Taking to X, Chaturvedi said that the United States continues to struggle with a deep rooted gun problem. She described the country as a “hellhole” when it comes to tackling the issue, adding that repeated incidents have led to the deaths of school children, innocent civilians and even threats to political leaders.

She further stated that it was time for authorities to address the challenge more seriously, as such episodes continue to surface year after year.

The reaction came after a dramatic incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, where gunshots were reported during the gathering.

US President Donald Trump was rushed to safety by security personnel after multiple loud bangs were heard inside the venue. The President and First Lady Melania Trump were in conversation when the commotion began.

Eyewitnesses said Secret Service agents quickly intervened, instructing attendees to “stay down” as they escorted the President away.

Authorities later confirmed that seven to eight gunshots were fired during the incident. Despite the alarming situation, officials stated that the President, First Lady and all protected individuals were safe.

The swift response by security agencies ensured that the situation was brought under control without any reported injuries.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the ongoing debate around gun control in the United States. While investigations are underway, the episode has amplified concerns globally, with political voices like Chaturvedi highlighting the urgency of reforms.

As discussions intensify, the latest scare underscores how gun related threats continue to challenge even the most secure environments in the country.m

Navi Mumbai, April 25: In a massive anti-narcotics crackdown, Navi Mumbai Police have seized drugs worth Rs 136.03 crore over the past four years, registering 1,993 cases and arresting 2,396 accused under the NDPS Act.

The action, led by Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe under the “Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbai” campaign, also resulted in the deportation of 1,571 foreign nationals, with 911 blacklisted for illegal stay and alleged involvement in drug-related activities.

Police said the crackdown involved a series of coordinated operations, including Operation Garuda, Operation African Kitchen and Operation Prahar, targeting both local peddlers and larger trafficking networks.

In one of the biggest drives in 2024, 75 officers and 300 personnel raided 25 locations simultaneously, detaining 89 suspects and seizing large quantities of cocaine, mephedrone (MD) and tramadol tablets.

Investigations by the Anti-Narcotics Cell, led by Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Nigade, exposed international and inter-state drug syndicates. A major breakthrough came with the busting of a hydroponic ganja racket linked to Thailand, leading to the arrest of key accused Navin and Dhiraj Chinchkar from Malaysia.

The case also led to the dismissal of two Navi Mumbai police constables under service rules and the arrest of 26 individuals, including a Customs officer and two postal employees.

In another operation, police dismantled a Punjab-based heroin trafficking network, seizing drugs worth Rs 5.32 crore. Seven cases were registered, with 56 accused identified. Of these, 44 were arrested from Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Amritsar, Pune and Chennai, and are currently lodged in Taloja Central Jail.

On the local front, stringent action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) was taken against a Rabale-based gang led by Shantabai Karandekar, dismantling a key distribution network. Under Operation Prahar, raids were conducted at 48 locations targeting street-level drug suppliers.

Between January 1, 2023, and April 14, 2026, police deported 1,571 foreign nationals, while notices were issued to 84 individuals for overstaying their visas, as part of efforts to curb illegal activities linked to narcotics.

Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe said, “Making Navi Mumbai completely drug-free is our top priority. We are targeting not just local peddlers but also international and inter-state supply chains. Our zero-tolerance policy will continue, and strict action will be taken against anyone involved in the drug trade.”

Year-wise action under NDPS Act

2023: 290 cases, 353 arrests, drugs worth Rs 21 crore seized

2024: 484 cases, 609 arrests, drugs worth Rs 30 crore seized

2025: 990 cases, 1,156 arrests, drugs worth Rs 67.48 crore seized

Till March 2026: 229 cases, 278 arrests, drugs worth Rs 17.27 crore seized