Mumbai, Sep 2: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at 12 locations across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR and Gujarat under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of its ongoing investigation into the Cyprus-based illegal online betting platform Parimatch.

The searches were carried out at five locations in Maharashtra, two in Rajasthan, one in Gujarat and four locations across Delhi-NCR in connection with the case involving Parimatch and others.

According to the investigation agency, the premises searched included those linked to payment companies allegedly involved in converting betting proceeds into cash through Cash Management System (CMS) agents.

The searches also covered Chartered Accountants (CAs) and Company Secretaries who allegedly facilitated the transfer of proceeds out of the country through illegal remittances and sham Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) transactions.

Payment gateways that allegedly handled the collection and disbursement of funds, including pay-ins and payouts on behalf of Parimatch, were also among the premises covered during Wednesday’s searches.

The latest action comes months after the ED’s Mumbai Zonal Office conducted searches at 17 locations across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Daman and Uttar Pradesh in May this year in connection with the same investigation.

During the raids, the agency seized movable assets worth around Rs 1.56 crore, including cash amounting to nearly Rs 1.2 crore. The ED also froze approximately Rs 3.8 crore lying in various bank accounts. Several incriminating documents and digital devices were recovered during the search operations.

The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Cyber Police Station, Mumbai, against Parimatch.com for allegedly duping users through online betting operations.

According to investigators, the platform lured investors with promises of high returns and is suspected to have generated more than Rs 3,000 crore in a year.

The investigation revealed that Parimatch and its associates allegedly operated through a complex network of mule accounts, payment intermediaries, and financial inclusion channels to collect, layer and transfer user funds.

Investigators also found that the platform advertised through leading quick-commerce applications and circulated promotional material along with grocery deliveries to attract and onboard new users. These advertisements were strategically displayed during app usage and order placements.

The ED said it has so far frozen assets worth Rs 112 crore in the case. Further investigation is underway.

Mumbai, Sep 2: The Bombay High Court on Wednesday ordered a CBI investigation into the death of Disha Salian, former manager of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who died by suicide in June 2020.

The court clarified that no individual should be treated as an accused unless the Investigating Officer finds sufficient material against them during the probe.

The order came while hearing a petition filed by Satish Salian, Disha’s father, alleging lapses by the Mumbai Police in the investigation into his daughter’s death.

Speaking to media after the order, advocate Nilesh Ojha, counsel for Satish Salian, said the court had directed the CBI to record the petitioner’s statement, register an FIR, appoint a senior officer to conduct the investigation, and take custody of all relevant records from Malvani Police Station.

“The court has made it clear that action must be taken against anyone against whom evidence is found. At the same time, no person should be named as an accused without evidence. It has also clarified that if the CBI files a closure report, we will have the right to object and file a protest petition. We have full faith that truth will prevail.” Ojha told media.

Earlier, Ojha had alleged that influential individuals and certain senior police officers were involved in suppressing the case despite legal provisions mandating the registration of an FIR.

Reacting to the order, Disha’s father Satish Salian expressed confidence that the truth would emerge through the investigation.

“It has been a six-year fight. I always had faith that the truth would come out. Action should be taken against whoever is found guilty. Anyone who has done wrong must face the consequences,” he told media.

Disha Salian died on June 8, 2020, after falling from the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai’s Malad area.

Mumbai, Sep 1: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) intensified its crackdown on activities compromising the safety and convenience of railway passengers in the Mumbai Central Division in August, taking action in 2,581 cases involving unauthorised entry, illegal vending, trespassing into women’s and PwD coaches, transportation of alcohol and other passenger safety violations.

During the month-long campaign, the RPF collected approximately Rs 32.26 lakh in fines under various provisions of the amended Railway Act. The action sent a clear message that there would be no leniency towards those violating rules on railway premises.

Under the guidance of Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, Mumbai Central, Santosh Kumar Singh Rathore, teams formed by ASC Surat, ASC Virar and ASC Mumbai Central, led by SIPF In-charge Santosh Soni, along with other staff, conducted a comprehensive enforcement campaign throughout August.

The primary objective of the campaign was to ensure a safe environment for railway passengers and curb activities that compromise security and passenger amenities on railway premises.

The RPF took major action against unauthorised entry onto railway tracks. As many as 985 individuals were apprehended under Section 147, and a fine of Rs 4,92,500 was collected from them. The action was aimed at reducing the risk of accidents and preventing people from entering restricted railway areas.

To ensure the safety of women passengers, the RPF also took action against men and outsiders entering ladies’ coaches without authorisation. A total of 83 individuals were apprehended under Section 162, and fines amounting to Rs 2,07,500 were collected. The enforcement drive was aimed at ensuring a safe and comfortable travel environment for women.

The RPF also took action against people travelling in coaches reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). A total of 474 individuals were apprehended under Section 155 for unauthorised travel, and approximately Rs 9.48 lakh in fines was collected. The action was intended to protect facilities specifically reserved for passengers with disabilities.

The force also acted on complaints involving extortion, misbehaviour and nuisance caused to passengers on trains and railway stations. As many as 211 transgender persons were apprehended under Section 145-B. The action was aimed at providing relief to passengers from activities such as alleged extortion and harassment.

A separate campaign was launched against the illegal transportation of alcohol on railway premises, during which 32 individuals were caught. The RPF said the action was aimed at curbing such activities and strengthening passenger safety.

The RPF also launched a major crackdown on unauthorised hawkers selling goods at railway stations and on trains. As many as 774 unauthorised vendors were apprehended under Section 144, and fines totalling Rs 15,48,000 were collected. The action was aimed at controlling unauthorised commercial activities and improving security on railway premises.

Action was also taken against people parking vehicles in no-parking zones on station premises. Six individuals were fined a total of Rs 3,000 under Section 159. Three individuals were fined Rs 6,000 each under Section 167 for smoking.

The RPF also took action against people pasting posters and stickers on local trains and railway coaches. Ten individuals were apprehended under Section 166 and fined Rs 20,000. The action was aimed at preventing the defacement of railway property.

In another incident, a man was caught dangerously travelling on the footboard of a moving train and was fined Rs 1,000. Such enforcement is intended to prevent accidents and injuries caused by passengers travelling in an unsafe manner.

The RPF also took action against a man for unnecessary alarm chain pulling, which resulted in the train being stopped without a valid reason. In another case, a suspected habitual criminal was caught allegedly stealing a passenger’s luggage, highlighting the force’s continued vigilance regarding the safety of passengers and their belongings.