Taking advantage of panic over LPG chaos amid the West Asia crisis, in just a month, cyber fraudsters duped over 100 Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) piped gas consumers and applicants of Rs 2.7 crore by deceiving them into installing malicious APK files.

the victims include people aged between 26 and 83, including domestic help, teachers, lawyers, drivers, businessmen, senior citizens and even government employees.

According to the report, victims received messages warning that their gas connection would be ‘stopped tonight’ due to non-payment or failure to update their previous month’s bill. They were then asked to download an app via a link, which enabled remote access to their phones, allowing scammers to steal the crucial bank details. Not just this, in some cases, individuals who had applied for new gas connections also received fake calls followed by malicious app links.

Meanwhile, in April, a man posing as an MGL employee was caught by residents in Mumbai’s Bhandup while allegedly trying to scam a household. The accused, who failed to produce a valid ID, was handed over to the police.

In another case, a 64-year-old Kurla resident was targeted when fraudsters sent him a fake APK file after warning that his gas connection would be blocked. After he downloaded the file, Rs 2.35 lakh was withdrawn from his bank account.

In March, cybercriminals targeted a 52-year-old housekeeping businessman from Ghatkopar West. The fraudsters sent him a WhatsApp notice claiming his gas bill was not updated and warned that his gas connection would be disconnected. After he clicked on a link shared by them, the accused siphoned off Rs 4.84 lakh from his bank account.

Similarly, an assistant manager from Kurla was looted of Rs 2.75 lakh while another resident from Ghatkopar was cheated of Rs 3.6 lakh after a caller identifying himself as Divesh Sharma from MGL sent an APK file for bill updation.

While a 70-year-old Kalachowki resident received a WhatsApp message claiming that his gas bill was pending, along with an APK file named “MGL-Gas-Bill-Update.” After installing the file, his phone was hacked, and Rs 6.90 lakh was stolen from his account.

MGL urged residents to stay alert, warning that scammers often pose as trusted service providers through fake links, APK downloads, and WhatsApp or SMS messages.

The company advised people to protect themselves by staying informed and verifying details before taking any action. It also clarified that MGL will never ask for OTPs, bank details, or passwords through messages or calls.

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.

Washington, April 26: A lone gunman armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives charged a Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton before being tackled by law enforcement, officials said, revealing new details about the weapons and sequence of events in the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

Washington’s interim Police Chief Jeff Carroll said the suspect was heavily armed when he attempted to breach security. “He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives as he ran through that checkpoint,” Carroll told reporters.

The incident occurred at about 8:36 p.m. in the hotel lobby, where multiple layers of security had been set up for the high-profile event attended by the president and senior officials.

Carroll said law enforcement personnel immediately engaged the suspect. “Members of the United States Secret Service intercepted that individual,” he said, adding that officers “exchanged gunfire with the individual.”

A Secret Service officer was struck during the exchange but survived after the bullet hit his protective vest. “He was transported to a local hospital for treatment… he seems to be in good spirits at this time,” Carroll said.

Officials said the suspect was subdued without being shot. “He was not struck by gunfire… however, he was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated,” Carroll said.

Authorities emphasised that the suspect never reached the ballroom where thousands of guests were gathered. “That checkpoint worked,” US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said, crediting the layered security system for preventing a potentially mass-casualty incident.

Pirro said the suspect’s actions indicated intent to cause significant harm. “It is clear… that this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could where thousands of people were situated,” she said.

She confirmed that the defendant is already facing federal charges. “The defendant is being charged with two counts… using a firearm during a crime of violence and… assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon,” Pirro said, adding that additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.

Officials said the suspect was tackled and restrained by officers at the scene. “They actually… took him to the ground and handcuffed (him),” Carroll said, describing how the arrest unfolded.

Despite the scale of the incident, authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. “There does not appear to be any sort of danger to the public at this time,” Carroll said, noting that investigators believe the suspect acted alone.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “We have no reason to believe at this time that anyone else was involved,” confirming early assessments that the attacker was a lone gunman.

Officials are now working to determine how the suspect gained access to the hotel with multiple weapons. Carroll said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and conducting searches. “We’ll go through video across the hotel to figure out how the gun got in, how it got down here,” he said.

He added that authorities have secured a room at the hotel believed to be linked to the suspect. “We do believe he was a guest here at the hotel… we have secured a room here,” Carroll said.

The FBI has deployed its Joint Terrorism Task Force and evidence response teams to assist in the investigation. Assistant Director Darren Cox said agents were pursuing all leads. “There will be no stone unturned during this investigation,” he said.

Cox also praised the rapid response by law enforcement. “The American public should be proud of the quick response and heroic actions from law enforcement officers tonight,” he said.

Secret Service Director Sean Kern said the incident demonstrated the effectiveness of layered security protocols. “It shows that our multi-layered protection works,” he said, noting that agents were able to stop the suspect before he could reach protected individuals.

Officials said the investigation remains in its early stages, with agencies continuing to analyse forensic evidence, interview witnesses and examine the suspect’s background.

They have not yet determined a motive or whether the president was specifically targeted, saying those questions remain under investigation.

Authorities indicated that further charges could be filed as more information emerges, with the suspect expected to be arraigned in federal court in the coming days.