₹33.83 Lakh Cyber Investment Fraud Busted; Four Arrested by Delhi Crime Branch

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New Delhi: In a major breakthrough, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted a well-organized interstate cyber fraud syndicate involved in an online investment scam worth ₹33.83 lakh, operating across Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

The WR-II unit of the Crime Branch arrested four accused involved in the racket and uncovered a complex network of mule accounts and layered financial transactions used to siphon off money from victims.

During the operation, police seized three mobile phones and recovered three SIM cards used in executing the fraud. Investigations revealed that the accused lured victims through fake investment schemes promising high returns. Once victims invested, they were manipulated into making repeated payments under various pretexts.

Officials said the syndicate used messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to target individuals and gain their trust before defrauding them.

The operation was carried out by a team led by Inspector Gautam Malik under the leadership of ACP Rajpal Dabas and under the overall supervision of DCP Harsh Indora.

Delhi Police has urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to fraudulent investment offers circulating on social media platforms.

Rekha Gupta Reviews Metro Phase 4 Works at R.K. Ashram Marg; Focus on Quality, Safety & Timelines

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New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected the ongoing construction works at R.K. Ashram Marg Metro Station under Metro Phase 4 and conducted a detailed review of the project being executed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

In a post on X, the Chief Minister described the Metro as the “lifeline of Delhi,” highlighting that lakhs of passengers depend on it daily. She emphasized that maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and adherence to timelines remains a top priority in all ongoing works.

During the inspection, Gupta held detailed discussions with DMRC officials regarding the progress status, construction quality, and steps being taken to enhance passenger facilities. She directed officials to ensure that the pace of work is maintained with full transparency and that passengers do not face any inconvenience during the construction phase.

The Chief Minister stated that strengthening and modernizing connectivity in line with Delhi’s growing needs is a key priority for the government. She added that the Metro expansion is a crucial step towards building a developed and future-ready Delhi.

Kaushal Raj Sharma Appointed Secretary to Delhi Lieutenant Governor

New Delhi: The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi has issued an official order appointing Kaushal Raj Sharma, a 2006-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, as Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi with immediate effect.

According to the order issued by the Services Department (Services-I Branch), Delhi Secretariat, vide Order No. 153 dated April 17, 2026, Sharma has been transferred from his current position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delhi Jal Board.

Kaushal Raj Sharma Appointed Secretary to Delhi Lieutenant Governor

The notification states that the Lieutenant Governor has approved the transfer and posting of the officer, and the appointment comes into force immediately.

The order was signed by Jitendra Kumar Arora, Deputy Secretary (Services), and copies have been forwarded to key offices including the Chief Minister’s Office, Speaker of Delhi Vidhan Sabha, Chief Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of NCT of Delhi.

Kaushal Raj Sharma has held several administrative positions and brings significant experience to his new role in the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat.

CGST Delhi South Busts ₹8 Crore ITC Fraud, Company Director Arrested

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New Delhi: In a major crackdown on tax evasion, the Anti-Evasion Branch of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Delhi South Commissionerate, has uncovered fraudulent availment and utilisation of Input Tax Credit (ITC) exceeding ₹8 crore and arrested a company director involved in the case.

According to officials, the accused is a director of a company dealing in assorted goods and was found to have fraudulently availed and utilised ineligible ITC in violation of Section 16 of the CGST Act, 2017.

The investigation was initiated based on intelligence developed through data analytics, which indicated that the taxpayer had claimed ITC without any actual supply of goods. The suppliers involved in the transactions were either suspended, cancelled suo-moto, or had their registrations cancelled upon application.

Further probe through backward supply chain analysis revealed that there were no genuine inward supplies at multiple levels (L1, L2, and L3), effectively breaking the credit chain and making the ITC inadmissible under the provisions of the CGST Act. It was also found that the accused had passed on such ineligible ITC to buyers without any underlying supply of goods.

The statement of the company’s director was recorded under Section 70 of the CGST Act on April 16, 2026, during which he admitted to controlling and conducting all business transactions of the company. However, he failed to produce any documentary evidence to support the authenticity of these transactions.

Officials stated that the offences committed fall under cognizable and non-bailable provisions as per Sections 132(1)(b) and 132(1)(c), punishable under Section 132(1)(i) of the CGST Act. The accused was arrested under Section 69(1) of the Act and subsequently produced before the Patiala House Court, which remanded him to judicial custody until April 30, 2026.

Further investigation in the case is currently underway.

ED Attaches Properties Worth ₹10.80 Crore in Forged Bank Guarantee and Money Laundering Case

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New Delhi: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Headquarters Investigation Unit, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth approximately ₹10.80 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an ongoing investigation into a large-scale fraud involving forged bank guarantees.

The case pertains to Teerth Gopicon Limited (TGL) and its promoters, who are accused of fabricating and submitting fake bank guarantees to government agencies in order to fraudulently obtain public funds. The ED initiated its investigation based on multiple FIRs registered by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Bhopal, and Rajasthan Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

According to the investigation, TGL, under the control of its Managing Director Mahesh Kumbhani, in alleged conspiracy with several individuals including Rakesh Jagirdar, Gaurav Dhakad, Rahul Gupta, Mohd. Firoz Khan, and Govind Chandra Hansda, a senior branch manager at Punjab National Bank, fabricated forged bank guarantees purportedly issued by Punjab National Bank and Bank of Baroda. These were submitted to government agencies such as Madhya Pradesh Jal Nigam Maryadit (MPJNM) and Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL).

These forged instruments were used to fraudulently secure advance payments amounting to approximately ₹202.01 crore from public funds. A key element of the conspiracy involved the use of a spoofed email domain, “pnb-india.co”, designed to mimic official Punjab National Bank email addresses. Fraudulent verification emails were sent to deceive government agencies into releasing funds against the fake guarantees.

The ED found that proceeds of crime generated through these fraudulent advances were credited into accounts of TGL and subsequently diverted. Approximately ₹22.12 crore was transferred from TGL’s primary accounts into other accounts held by the company and into personal bank accounts of Mahesh Kumbhani, his wife Chandrikaben Kumbhani, and his son Pallav Kumbhani, without any legitimate commercial explanation. The funds were then layered and intermingled to conceal the trail and invested in immovable properties in Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Ahmedabad (Gujarat), registered in the names of the promoters and their family members.

The provisionally attached properties include nine immovable assets, comprising residential apartments and a commercial property located in Indore and Ahmedabad. The total proceeds of crime identified in the case so far stand at approximately ₹202.01 crore.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has already arrested Mahesh Kumbhani, Mohd. Firoz Khan, Govind Chandra Hansda, Gaurav Dhakad, and Rahul Gupta, and filed a chargesheet before the Special CBI Court in Indore on September 16, 2025.

The ED stated that further investigation is ongoing to trace additional proceeds of crime, identify other persons involved in the laundering process, and locate further assets liable for attachment.

Reiterating its commitment, the agency said it will continue to take stringent action against economic offences, particularly those involving fraud against government agencies and laundering of public funds, which undermine economic integrity and public resources.

May 30 Deadline: Demolition Looms Over Shalimar Village; Residents Protest Eviction Drive

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New Delhi: Tension has escalated in Shalimar Village under the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency after the Delhi High Court directed residents to vacate their homes by May 30, paving the way for a proposed demolition drive linked to road widening works.

According to reports, the administration has begun issuing notices and holding meetings with residents to determine the extent of demolition and facilitate evacuation. Officials have cited the High Court’s directive, which mandates that properties falling within the designated area be vacated before the deadline.

The proposed action is part of a plan to widen a key road stretch from Azadpur Mandi to Max Hospital, for which land is required. Authorities stated that consultations are being held to ensure a smooth and peaceful evacuation process.

However, residents have expressed strong opposition, alleging lack of clarity on compensation and rehabilitation. Many claim they have been living in the area for decades and possess documents supporting ownership or occupation. Concerns have also been raised over the sudden pace of action following years of inaction.

Several families said they have invested their life savings in constructing homes and are now facing uncertainty about relocation. Residents have demanded fair compensation based on current market rates and proper rehabilitation arrangements before any demolition is carried out.

Officials, on the other hand, maintain that the process is being carried out as per legal directives and that efforts are being made to engage with affected families.

With the May 30 deadline approaching, the situation remains tense, as residents continue to seek clarity on compensation and rehabilitation, while authorities prepare for possible demolition action after the stipulated date.

Brigadier Assault Case: All Absconding Accused Arrested, Hyundai Car Recovered, Probe Continues

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New Delhi: In a significant development in the assault case involving a serving Army Brigadier in Delhi, the Delhi Police has confirmed that all remaining absconding accused persons have now been arrested, completing a crucial phase of the investigation.

According to police officials, the arrested individuals have been identified as Surjit Singh (36), Sunil Sharma (53), Ashish (32), all residents of Mehram Nagar in Delhi, and Satender (35), a resident of Bhiwani, Haryana. These arrests follow the earlier apprehension of the main accused and seizure of the Mercedes vehicle linked to the incident.

Police revealed that on the day of the incident, the accused were gathered in Mehram Nagar when they received a call from the main accused Satender regarding a quarrel at Vasant Enclave. Acting on this, the group travelled to the spot in Surjit Singh’s white Hyundai Aura car.

Upon reaching Vasant Enclave, a confrontation ensued, which escalated into an assault on the Army officer. After the incident, the accused returned to their respective homes. However, following registration of the FIR and intensification of the investigation, they fled their residences and went into hiding.

Delhi Police teams tracked down the accused after sustained efforts and arrested them. The Hyundai Aura vehicle used to reach the spot has also been recovered as part of the investigation.

Earlier, police had taken cognisance of lapses in the initial handling of the complaint, leading to departmental action against concerned personnel. The case had triggered strong reactions, with the Indian Army remaining in coordination with civil administration and Delhi Police.

Officials stated that further examination and investigation in the case are ongoing to establish the complete sequence of events and determine the roles of all accused involved.

Read Here: Army Brigadier Assaulted in Delhi: Wife Alleges Police Inaction, FIR Registered; Army Seeks Swift Action

Also Read: Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu Orders Swift Action in Brigadier Assault Case, Assures Security to Family

Also Read: Vasant Vihar Assault Case: Two Accused Held, Mercedes Seized; Action Against Police Lapses

LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu Reviews MCD Works, Pushes for Accountability and Better Service Delivery

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New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu reviewed the status and progress of key initiatives and ongoing works of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in a high-level meeting with Commissioner Sanjiv Khirwar and senior officials.

The review meeting focused on strengthening service delivery across the city, addressing long-pending legacy issues, and improving enforcement mechanisms along with accountability in all zones.

During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to stay closely connected with on-ground realities and remain responsive to public feedback in order to bridge existing gaps in service expectations.

He emphasized that efficient delivery of essential civic services within defined timelines remains a priority, and assured full support to the MCD in addressing operational challenges.

Officials said the aim is to build a cleaner, more responsive city through improved governance, accountability, and citizen-centric service delivery.

Illegal Arms Stockpile Busted in Delhi-NCR; Crime Branch Averts Potential Violent Crimes

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New Delhi: In a major intelligence-led operation, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted an illegal arms stockpiling network in Delhi-NCR, arresting one accused and recovering a significant cache of weapons.

Acting swiftly on specific inputs, the ER-1 team of the Crime Branch apprehended the accused who was involved in storing and supplying illegal firearms, indicating the emergence of a wider criminal network in the region.

During the operation, police recovered two pistols along with magazines, one country-made firearm, 23 live cartridges, and 11 empty shells from the possession of the accused.

Officials stated that the timely crackdown has potentially averted serious violent crimes and exposed a developing arms supply chain. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the network, including suppliers and associates.

The operation was carried out by a team led by Inspector Gurmeet Singh under the leadership of ACP Sunil Srivastava and under the overall supervision of DCP Pankaj Kumar.

Around 400 Students Take Anti-Drug Pledge at Possangipur and Tagore Garden Schools

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New Delhi: In a strong push towards a drug-free society, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Crime Branch conducted anti-drug awareness programmes on April 16, 2026, at Government Boys Secondary School, Possangipur and GBSSS Tagore Garden.

The programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 400 students from three schools, who actively engaged in sessions highlighting the dangers of drug abuse. Students were educated about the serious impact of narcotics on health, families, and society at large.

As part of the awareness drive, posters, paintings, and standees were displayed across the campuses, spreading the message of a Drug-Free India and encouraging students to take a stand against substance abuse.

The programme concluded with students taking an e-pledge on the ANTF website, committing to stay away from drugs and to inspire others to do the same.

Officials said such initiatives aim to empower the younger generation with awareness and responsibility, reinforcing the vision of a safer and healthier society.