News for 'financial exploitation'

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Cheating Case: Details

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Cheating Case: Details

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Shirdi police have taken custody of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat as part of an investigation into a cheating case involving Rs 5 crore. The case was registered based on a complaint by a farmer, and Kharat will be produced in court. This is the ninth case against Kharat, who is also being investigated for sexual exploitation and money laundering.

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested a special PMLA court in Mumbai to issue a production warrant against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman-cum-astrologer, who is accused of rape and fraud and is currently in police custody in Nashik district, in connection with a money laundering case.

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

How Punjab Police Dismantled A Dubai-Linked Drug Smuggling Ring

How Punjab Police Dismantled A Dubai-Linked Drug Smuggling Ring

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Punjab Police have dismantled a significant cross-border drug smuggling cartel, arresting six individuals, including two juveniles, and seizing over 30 kg of heroin. The operation revealed links to a Dubai-based mastermind who exploited young people to distribute drug consignments across Punjab. Investigations are ongoing to trace financial trails and identify further associates.

Delhi Driver Arrested For Siphoning Funds From Elderly Patient

Delhi Driver Arrested For Siphoning Funds From Elderly Patient

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A 39-year-old driver in Delhi, employed by a family for 15 years, has been arrested for allegedly exploiting an elderly Alzheimer's patient and siphoning off Rs 2.57 lakh through unauthorised UPI transactions.

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accusing him of systematic extortion and money laundering through a network of bank accounts. Kharat allegedly rotated over Rs 47 crore of ill-gotten money through 60 bank accounts, deceiving devotees by claiming divine powers.

Con City Review: Heist Comedy That Keeps Misfiring

Con City Review: Heist Comedy That Keeps Misfiring

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Con City has a fun premise and a handful of clever scams, but its biggest con is convincing you it's smarter than it really is.

Mumbai Man Cheats Widow Of 7 Crore With False Loan Promise

Mumbai Man Cheats Widow Of 7 Crore With False Loan Promise

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A man in Mumbai has been booked for allegedly cheating a woman of 7 crore by making false promises of financial assistance and business loans after her husband's death. The accused, Bharat Singh alias Johnny, allegedly obtained the woman's GST login credentials and carried out fake transactions in her company's name.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Accused Of Cheating CA Of Crores

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Accused Of Cheating CA Of Crores

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Police in Nashik have registered a new case of cheating against astrologer Ashok Kharat, who is already in custody for alleged sexual exploitation and fraud. The latest accusation involves Kharat allegedly cheating his former Chartered Accountant of Rs 8.76 crore.

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Self-Styled Godman Arrested In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already jailed for alleged rape and fraud, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Rs 70-crore money laundering case. The arrest follows court approval and is part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale extortion racket.

NCP Leader Rupali Chakankar Grilled Over Godman Links

NCP Leader Rupali Chakankar Grilled Over Godman Links

Rediff.com10 May 2026

NCP leader Rupali Chakankar appeared before a special investigation team (SIT) for questioning regarding her alleged association with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is under arrest in rape and sexual exploitation cases. Chakankar, who resigned as the state women's panel chief, has pledged full cooperation with the probe.

Delhi Police Bust Cyber Fraud Ring, Arrest Two

Delhi Police Bust Cyber Fraud Ring, Arrest Two

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Delhi Police have dismantled a cyber fraud racket involving malicious mobile applications, arresting two individuals, including the alleged mastermind from Uttar Pradesh. The accused developed and supplied 'FUD' APK files to cyber fraudsters across the country, enabling them to gain remote access to victims' phones and siphon off money.

Woman Kills Ex-Boyfriend's Wife In Maharashtra

Woman Kills Ex-Boyfriend's Wife In Maharashtra

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

A 43-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly murdering her former boyfriend's wife in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. The incident occurred at the victim's home, where the accused stabbed her with a knife. Police are investigating the motive behind the crime.

Smallcap Schemes Lead Mutual Fund Rally

Smallcap Schemes Lead Mutual Fund Rally

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Most actively-managed equity mutual fund schemes outperformed their benchmarks despite volatility across domestic equity markets during the past year.

Self-Proclaimed Godman In Police Custody For Cheating

Self-Proclaimed Godman In Police Custody For Cheating

Rediff.com1 May 2026

A court in Nashik remanded self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat in police custody until May 4 in connection with a case of cheating a Pune-based businessman of over Rs 5 crore.

Why Mid-Tier BFSI Firms In India Face Heightened Cyber Risks

Why Mid-Tier BFSI Firms In India Face Heightened Cyber Risks

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A report indicates that mid-tier banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) entities in India are highly exposed to cyberattacks due to aggressive digitisation coupled with insufficient cybersecurity investments.

Delhi Man Arrested For Defrauding Paralyzed Brother-In-Law

Delhi Man Arrested For Defrauding Paralyzed Brother-In-Law

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a 26-year-old man for allegedly siphoning off Rs 1.48 lakh from his paralysed brother-in-law's bank accounts after gaining the family's trust as his caretaker.

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition by an advocate seeking quick disposal of a maintenance case against his wife, calling it 'vexatious' and imposed a significant fine for concealing facts and misusing his wife's funds.

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Govt to Crack Down on Industrial Users Diverting Cheaper Retail Fuel

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian government has issued a stern warning to industrial users who are reportedly procuring cheaper retail fuel instead of industrial-grade fuel, leading to significant losses for state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) and potential local shortages. This diversion, driven by a substantial price difference between retail and bulk diesel, is adversely impacting OMCs, which are absorbing daily losses of approximately 550 crore to keep retail prices stable.

Fake Spiritual Healers Arrested For Cyber Fraud

Fake Spiritual Healers Arrested For Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Two men were arrested for allegedly running a cyber fraud racket, posing as spiritual healers using fake female profiles and cheating victims through staged rituals and tantric remedies.

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Want To Own Ultra-Exclusive Cars?

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'I own a few cars that I have had specified minutely to my taste, and it does feel nice to know that there are no other vehicles like them anywhere in the world.'

CBI Raids Uncover Trafficking Of Indians To Southeast Asia

CBI Raids Uncover Trafficking Of Indians To Southeast Asia

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The CBI has raided multiple locations across India, arresting one person in Lucknow, as part of an investigation into the trafficking of Indian nationals to Southeast Asian countries for forced cyber fraud operations.

ED Cracks Down On Liquor Smuggling Racket In Arunachal Pradesh

ED Cracks Down On Liquor Smuggling Racket In Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across Arunachal Pradesh, uncovering a large-scale interstate liquor smuggling and money laundering network.

Banks On Alert As AI Model Threatens Data Security

Banks On Alert As AI Model Threatens Data Security

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss risks related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns over Anthropic's Mythos model threatening data security of financial systems.

NCW Addresses Obscene Video Circulation In Amravati

NCW Addresses Obscene Video Circulation In Amravati

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has voiced its concern over the circulation of obscene videos of young girls in Amravati, Maharashtra, and has directed authorities to remove the content from online platforms. The NCW is closely monitoring the case and has asked for regular progress reports.

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Indian Banks Discuss AI Security Risks After Global Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss the risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns about Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

Banks On Alert Over AI Security Risks

Banks On Alert Over AI Security Risks

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with bank heads to discuss risks related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) following global concerns over Anthropic's Mythos model and its potential threat to financial systems' data security.

US shuts India-based call centre defrauding elderly Americans

US shuts India-based call centre defrauding elderly Americans

Rediff.com21 May 2026

US authorities have shut down an India-based call centre operation that allegedly defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans of millions of dollars through tech support scams, following a years-long investigation.

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

'One Operation Sindoor Won't End Terror'

Rediff.com10 May 2026

'India's security challenges are no longer confined to the Line of Control or the Line of Actual Control.'
'They also span cyber networks, economic systems, information warfare, technology ecosystems, maritime routes, and internal social cohesion.'

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Realty Firm's Ties to West Bengal Politicians

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Realty Firm's Ties to West Bengal Politicians

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating a Kolkata-based realty company, Merlin Group, for alleged financial links to West Bengal politicians and officials as part of a money laundering probe, seizing digital devices and documents during raids.

Why Indian Banks Are Boosting IT Security Investments

Why Indian Banks Are Boosting IT Security Investments

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Public sector banks in India are increasing their IT spending to bolster cybersecurity measures in response to concerns about Anthropic's Claude Mythos AI tool and its potential to exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Following the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad calls for a comprehensive probe into the Ashok Kharat case, demanding investigation of all individuals allegedly linked to the self-styled godman arrested for rape.

Telangana: Bank Managers Arrested For Siphoning Off Crores

Telangana: Bank Managers Arrested For Siphoning Off Crores

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Four individuals, including two bank managers, have been arrested in Telangana for allegedly siphoning off Rs 2.65 crore from a state-owned bank branch in Nalgonda district.

Thane family loses Rs 1.66 crore in black magic fraud

Thane family loses Rs 1.66 crore in black magic fraud

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A family in Thane, Maharashtra, was allegedly defrauded of over Rs 1.66 crore by a man who exploited their fear of black magic, promising divine remedies through rituals and pilgrimages.

Enforcement Directorate Searches Merlin Group In Money Laundering Probe

Enforcement Directorate Searches Merlin Group In Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches on the Merlin Group, a Kolkata-based real estate company, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. The searches follow previous raids on the group and its promoters, with the ED investigating alleged financial links between the company and West Bengal government officials.

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Banks Review Cybersecurity Amid AI Threat Concerns

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman convened a high-level meeting with bank heads to assess cybersecurity risks linked to advanced AI models, following concerns over Anthropic's Claude Mythos system and its potential impact on financial data security.

Man Arrested for Duping Over 500 Women in Online Romance Scam

Man Arrested for Duping Over 500 Women in Online Romance Scam

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly defrauding over 500 women across India of more than Rs 2 crore through fake social media and dating app profiles.

Enforcement Directorate Widens Probe Into Merlin Group Money Laundering

Enforcement Directorate Widens Probe Into Merlin Group Money Laundering

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against entities being probed in connection with the money laundering case against Kolkata-based real estate company Merlin Group and others. The action follows previous raids on April 8 and focuses on alleged financial links between the company and West Bengal politicians and officials.

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

The NEET Math That Encourages Cheating

Rediff.com15 May 2026

'22 students are fighting over 35,000 seats. In that situation, when someone tells a desperate parent there is a shortcut, and the shortcut costs Rs 3 to Rs 5 lakh versus Rs 1.5 crore -- the maths is seductive.'