Raigad: (Kamar Ansari) In a major disciplinary action that has sent shockwaves through the police department, six police personnel from the Local Crime Branch (LCB) in Raigad district have been suspended. The action was ordered by Superintendent of Police Anchal Dalal after serious irregularities and misconduct were detected during the investigation of a suspicious metal transportation case.

According to officials, the incident dates back to April 1, 2026, when a Mahindra Bolero pickup vehicle was found parked under suspicious circumstances in the Varsgaon–Kamani area of Roha taluka. Upon inspection, approximately 200 kilograms of copper and steel scrap, valued at around ₹1 lakh, was discovered in the vehicle. While some of the seized material was reportedly taken into custody by Mangaon Police, it later emerged that the case was registered at Kolad Police Station instead of Mangaon, raising serious procedural concerns.

During the course of the inquiry, SP Anchal Dalal observed that the handling of the case by the concerned officers was questionable and not in accordance with established procedures. Taking serious note of these lapses, she ordered the suspension of six personnel, including Police Sub-Inspector Avinash Patil, Head Constable Sandeep Pahelkar, and constables Babaso Pingale, Moreshwar Omale, Omkar Sondkar, and Lalasao Waghmode.

The suspended personnel have been directed to report twice daily at the Raigad-Alibag control room during the suspension period. They have also been instructed to immediately surrender their official kits and identity cards. Additionally, they are prohibited from engaging in any private employment or business during this time.

A departmental inquiry has been initiated against the accused personnel. Officials stated that their suspension was necessary to ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly and without interference.

This action has raised serious questions about the functioning of the Local Crime Branch in Raigad. Whether the lapses were due to negligence or deliberate misconduct will be determined through the ongoing inquiry. The case has sparked widespread discussion about discipline and transparency within the police force.

Further developments are expected as a high-level investigation may reveal more details. If the personnel are found not guilty, they may be reinstated into service. However, for now, the incident has become a major talking point across Raigad district.

Mumbai: The Mumbai Crime Branch has claimed to have arrested an accused and his accomplice who killed an informant to avenge an encounter with his gangster uncle Kalia. In this case, the police have arrested gangster Sadiq Kalia’s nephew Sadiq Aqib Jawar, 29, and his accomplice Naushad Yusuf Mithani. The police have claimed to have solved the mystery of the murder of 78-year-old Mohammad Iqbal Saliya in Nagpara area on April 20. On April 20, the deceased was attacked and killed by two assailants who barged into his house. In this case, the Mumbai Crime Branch has started an investigation and has claimed to have arrested two accused. The accused number one is the nephew of gangster Sadiq Kalia alias Kalia. Sadiq Kalia was encountered by the Mumbai Police in 1997 and Arif Kalia in 2000. In this case, the police have arrested both the absconding accused from Nagpur’s Taj Bagh. Both the accused were trying to escape from Nagpur. Meanwhile, the police received information and the police have arrested a 29-year-old and his 25-year-old friend and accomplice in this case. Both of them had switched off their mobile phones after committing the murder and had gone into hiding in Nagpur. During the police investigation, the accused has revealed that Saliya was behind the encounter of Sadiq and Arif Kalia. There was a tip-off and on the tip-off, the two had an encounter. The accused was angry and to avenge the murder of his uncle, he killed Salia and his friend assisted him. This operation was carried out by DCP Raj Tilak Roshan under the guidance of Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti and Joint Commissioner of Police Crime Lakshmi Gautam.

Mumbai: BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has demanded action against 64 illegal schools in Govind Shivaji Nagar Begun, Mumbai. During his visit to Govind, Kirit Somaiya has also inspected the illegal school in which students study. The condition of the school is very bad and due to its dilapidation, there is a risk of accidents because the four-storey illegal school houses classes from class 1 to 4. In such a situation, if an accident happens to the school, there is a risk of loss of life. Kirit Somaiya, while addressing the journalists after visiting the schools, said that these illegal schools are on government land and in such a situation, these schools are occupied by the Muslim mafia. This is a kind of land jihad. He said that a complaint has been filed with the Municipal Corporation Education Department against the way this school has been constructed and action will be taken against these illegal schools next week. Today, BMCM East Ward staff and education department officers were also present with Kret Soumya. Kret Soumya instructed the education department officer to find out how this illegal school was granted permission from the education department in this way. The concerned department has assured to take action against it. The building in which this school is operating is in a very dangerous condition. When Kret Soumya was asked if he is running a movement against Muslims, he said that his movement is against the land mafia and people with jihadist mindset. He said that the schools in which children are studying belong to the Muslim land mafia and any major accident can happen in it. In such a situation, who will be responsible for it? He also asked the education department about this, to which the education department officer said that a notice has been sent to the school administration in this regard, but no response has been received, after which an order has been issued for action in this regard by Monday and Saturday. In addition, Kret Soumya asked the BMC staff officers how the school was built here and then demanded action. In view of Kret Soumya’s visit, the police had made strict security arrangements. Tension had spread in the area in the wake of Kret Soumya’s visit. According to the BMC, 164 schools are illegal in the city and these are unsponsored schools. The highest number of illegal schools are in Govind (64) and Kurla (12), including four Marathi medium schools. Kret Soumya demanded action against the school, after which when he was asked what will happen to the future of these children if the school is closed, he said that the education department will transfer these children to other schools.