News for 'organised crime'

Israeli air strikes kill 65 in Gaza, including 14 from one family

Israeli air strikes kill 65 in Gaza, including 14 from one family

Rediff.com13 Sep 2025

They died when an Israeli strike hit their home in the at-Twam neighbourhood of Gaza City.

Maha court acquits gangster Suresh Pujari in builder extortion case

Maha court acquits gangster Suresh Pujari in builder extortion case

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Gangster Suresh Pujari and 11 others have been acquitted in a 2016 builder extortion bid case by a MCOCA court in Thane, India. The court cited the prosecution's failure to present sufficient evidence and carry out a comprehensive investigation. The accused were charged with attempted murder, extortion, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses. The court ruled that the trial against two absconding accused, Ravindra Ghare and Iqlakh Shaikh, would be discontinued due to the acquittal of the other individuals.

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded the death penalty for those involved in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, calling the crime "heinous." Shinde said that no one involved in the case, including Walmik Karad, a close aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, will be spared. Deshmukh was abducted and tortured to death on December 9 after he resisted an extortion attempt targeting an energy company operating a windmill project in the area. Karad was arrested in the extortion case linked to the murder after he surrendered to police in Pune on December 31.

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde resigns amid row over sarpanch murder

Maha minister Dhananjay Munde resigns amid row over sarpanch murder

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The resignation followed a vociferous demand by the opposition for Munde's removal from the cabinet.

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Maha police may invoke MCOCA in Beed sarpanch murder case

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Police are examining the past records of the arrested men in the sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case and a related case of extortion to decide if the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) should be invoked, sources said on Thursday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had requested senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam to appear as a special prosecutor in the murder case. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has sought old case papers and chargesheets against the arrested men. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed, was abducted and brutally killed on December 9, allegedly for opposing an extortion bid by some persons who had demanded money from a windmill company. Beed Police has put up posters seeking information about whereabouts of three wanted accused in the murder case. CM Fadnavis said he spoke to BJP MLA from Beed, Suresh Dhas who demanded that Nikam be appointed as special public prosecutor in the case. Nikam was a special public prosecutor in several high-profile cases, including the 26/11 terror attacks and 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar claimed that "smaller fish" could be killed in fake encounters to save the "big fish" involved in the Deshmukh murder and extortion cases. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative council Ambadas Danve said the trial in the case should be conducted outside Beed district. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde, who has come under fire after the alleged involvement of his aide Karad in the extortion matter came to light, said those who murdered Santosh Deshmukh should be tried in a fast-track court and "hanged till death." The government on Wednesday set up a 10-member SIT to probe the case, headed by Deputy Inspector General -CID Basavraj Teli.

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

CBI repatriation rate doubles, brings back 134 over 5 years

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

The CBI has significantly increased the rate of fugitive repatriation, bringing back 134 individuals in the last five years, doubling the number from the previous decade. This success is attributed to enhanced diplomatic efforts, technological advancements, and improved coordination with Interpol.

Bengal lawmakers have maximum cases of crimes against women

Bengal lawmakers have maximum cases of crimes against women

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

According to the report, there are 16 sitting MPs and MLAs who have declared cases related to rape under Indian Penal Code Section 376, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and can be extend to life imprisonment.

FBI Praises CBI Rs 350 Cr Racket Bust

FBI Praises CBI Rs 350 Cr Racket Bust

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'Big Week For #USIndia Law Enforcement Collaboration'

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

BRICS condemns Pahalgam attack, strikes on Iran

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The BRICS nations condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, and criticized rising tariffs during their summit in Rio de Janeiro. They also addressed global challenges and called for reforms in international institutions.

Separatist mindset dominates DMK's model of politics: Sitharaman

Separatist mindset dominates DMK's model of politics: Sitharaman

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticizes the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, alleging corruption, caste-based crimes, and a rise in drug abuse. She dismisses the DMK's claims about language and Dravidian identity as a distraction from their governance failures.

Pogba 'receiving threats from organised gang'

Pogba 'receiving threats from organised gang'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2022

Mathias Pogba spoke in French, Spanish, English and Italian in the video and promised to make "great revelations" about his younger brother and the 2018 World Cup-winner's agent Rafaela Pimenta.

Got offer to conduct encounter of Walmik Karad: Suspended cop

Got offer to conduct encounter of Walmik Karad: Suspended cop

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A suspended police sub-inspector from Beed, Maharashtra, India, has alleged that he was offered money to carry out an "encounter" of Walmik Karad, an accused in the murder case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The suspended cop, Ranjeet Kasle, claims he mentioned the names of the individuals who made the offer in a local police station diary. However, a senior police official from Beed has dismissed Kasle's claims as baseless and demanded proof. Kasle was suspended earlier while serving as a sub-inspector in the local cyber crime department. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted and killed last December allegedly for attempting to stop extortion targeting an energy company. Karad is among eight individuals arrested in connection with the murder and charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The state Crime Investigation Department (CID) filed a chargesheet in the case last month. Kasle's claims come amidst ongoing investigations into the custodial death of Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde. Kasle has demanded a central government SIT to investigate Shinde's death, believing it will reveal the truth.

'We have Charlie Kirk's shooter in custody': Trump

'We have Charlie Kirk's shooter in custody': Trump

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Trump further told Fox News that he spoke to Kirk's family members who want to keep his nonprofit organisation Turning Point USA going.

Karad told aides to eliminate anyone who comes in their way: Police

Karad told aides to eliminate anyone who comes in their way: Police

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

Walmik Karad, a close aide of Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde, has been charged with ordering the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, who allegedly opposed Karad's extortion bid targeting a wind energy company. According to a chargesheet filed by the state Crime Investigation Department (CID), Karad allegedly asked his associates to "eliminate" anyone who interfered with their extortion attempt. Deshmukh was abducted, tortured, and murdered in December 2024 after he attempted to stop the extortion bid. Karad and several others have been charged with murder, extortion, and organized crime.

Mumbai gets '34 bombs, 400kg of RDX' threat ahead of Ganesh visarjan

Mumbai gets '34 bombs, 400kg of RDX' threat ahead of Ganesh visarjan

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

As the police make security arrangements for Anant Chaturthi, the 10th day of the Ganesh festival, the traffic police control room on Thursday received a threat message on their WhatsApp helpline, the official said.

'Nothing Kills More People Than Air Pollution'

'Nothing Kills More People Than Air Pollution'

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

'It is high time to recognise that this is the greatest issue India is confronting.' 'Even the BJP should be raising concerns because polluted air suffocates everybody's child.'

Stringent MCOCA invoked in Baba Siddique murder case

Stringent MCOCA invoked in Baba Siddique murder case

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

It is important to note that confessions made to the police under MCOCA are admissible as evidence in court. It is also difficult to secure bail under the MCOCA.

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

In May, 40 Rohingyas were blindfolded and flown to the Andaman and Nicobar islands and then thrown into the sea and made to swim to an island in Myanmar. And after the Pahalgam attack, at least 300 Muslims were 'pushed back' to Bangladesh from Assam.

Islamist student group sweeps university elections in Bangladesh

Islamist student group sweeps university elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam's student front, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), has secured a significant victory in the central students union elections at Jahangirnagar University (JU), following a similar win at Dhaka University. This outcome has surprised many, as these universities were not traditionally strongholds for the Islamist group.

Law panel chief for making lynching a separate crime in new criminal law

Law panel chief for making lynching a separate crime in new criminal law

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

The Law Commission on Friday told a parliamentary panel that there was a need to define as to what amounts to "lynching" in the proposed Bharat Nyay Sanhita, sources said.

At 100, He Remembers How He Fought For Freedom

At 100, He Remembers How He Fought For Freedom

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

'Gandhi had given the call 'Do or Die'. And with all the leaders arrested, you had to be your own leader.'

Delhi riots: Ex-AAP councillor Tahir Hussain denied bail

Delhi riots: Ex-AAP councillor Tahir Hussain denied bail

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

While denying bail to former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain in the murder case of IB staffer Ankit Sharma during February 2020 riots, the Delhi high court order has highlighted the 'extremely grave' allegations against him.

Curbs after clash: Maharashtra assembly bans visitors

Curbs after clash: Maharashtra assembly bans visitors

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Ministers will not be allowed to hold official meetings and meet visitors in the legislature complex during the session. They will have to conduct their official briefings and meetings in Mantralaya, the state secretariat, he said.

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

The United States on Saturday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that organisations funded by the US State Department and elements in the American 'deep state' were behind attempts to destabilise India through targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business tycoon Gautam Adani.

Return of Indian deportees from Panama after verification: Govt

Return of Indian deportees from Panama after verification: Govt

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is verifying details of deportation flights to Panama and Costa Rica, which were undertaken as part of a bridge arrangement between the US and the respective governments. The MEA spokesperson said that India is in touch with the local authorities in Panama and Costa Rica to ensure the return of any Indian nationals who may have been deported.

'Land Dispute May Be Behind Khemka's Killing'

'Land Dispute May Be Behind Khemka's Killing'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The killings of Gopal Khemka and his son Gunjan, seven years apart, bear a striking resemblance, reports M I Khan.

Gangster tries to escape from police custody, shot dead

Gangster tries to escape from police custody, shot dead

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Gangster Aman Sahu was killed in an encounter when members of his gang tried to free him from police custody in Jharkhand's Palamu district.

Salman's House Is Now Bulletproof!

Salman's House Is Now Bulletproof!

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

In the wake of the firing incident that occurred outside his Mumbai residence over eight months ago, Salman Khan has opted for a security upgrade.

'Fringe Elements Must Be Brought Under Control'

'Fringe Elements Must Be Brought Under Control'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

'They should be given a strong message that they are not the ones who decide the rule of the land, and they are not the ones who decide what justice is.'

With eye on Beijing, India and Japan boost defence ties

With eye on Beijing, India and Japan boost defence ties

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

India and Japan have unveiled a comprehensive framework to boost their defence cooperation in response to security challenges, particularly concerning China's increasing military presence in the East and South China Seas.

4 convicted for murder of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan

4 convicted for murder of journalist Soumya Vishwanathan

Rediff.com18 Oct 2023

A Delhi court on Wednesday convicted four people for the murder of television journalist Soumya Vishwanathan, who was shot dead 15 years ago while she was returning home from work.

Fadnavis will ask Munde to resign if...: Maha min

Fadnavis will ask Munde to resign if...: Maha min

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will ask NCP minister Dhananjay Munde to step down if any evidence is found linking him to sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh's murder, his cabinet colleague Chandrakant Patil has said. A comprehensive probe is being conducted into the murder of Deshmukh, BJP leader Patil told reporters in Sangli on Sunday. Walmik Karad, an associate of minister Munde, has been arrested in an extortion case linked to the sarpanch's killing. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and killed on December 9 for trying to stop an extortion attempt against an energy firm operating a windmill project there. Munde, the NCP MLA from Parli in Beed district, is under attack from some of the ruling alliance colleagues and the opposition over his links with Karad. The Maharashtra government has already seized properties of the accused in sarpanch Deshmukh murder case. Stringent charges have been invoked and the probe is going on, the BJP leader said. The police machinery is actively investigating the case, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed for a probe into it, Patil said. Additionally, a committee headed by a retired judge has been constituted to oversee the inquiry, the minister said. Steps are being taken, including invocation of the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against Walmik Karad and other accused, Patil pointed out. The process of seizing Karad's assets is also underway, he added.

Wife reveals Beed sarpanch was threatened by...

Wife reveals Beed sarpanch was threatened by...

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was threatened by some unidentified persons days before his murder following a quarrel at a windmill company, his wife claimed on Monday.

When Pakistan Bombed Jail That Sonam Wangchuk Is Housed In

When Pakistan Bombed Jail That Sonam Wangchuk Is Housed In

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Sonam Wangchuk is under tight surveillance within the three-tiered prison, with CCTV cameras monitored around the clock.

7 Blasts, 11 Minutes: When Mumbai's Heart Was Bombed

7 Blasts, 11 Minutes: When Mumbai's Heart Was Bombed

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Nineteen years later, remembering how terror struck Mumbai's lifeline on July 11, 2006.

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League officially banned in B'desh

Sheikh Hasina's Awami League officially banned in B'desh

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The Awami League leaders were charged with committing crimes against humanity over the deaths of hundreds of people during last year's anti-government protests by a student platform. The protests resulted in the ouster of Hasina's 16-year-long regime on August 5.

Narco-terror module busted in Punjab; 4 held, 4kg heroin seized

Narco-terror module busted in Punjab; 4 held, 4kg heroin seized

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

The Punjab Police has busted a narco-terror module and arrested four individuals, including a father-son duo, recovering 4 kilograms of heroin. The accused were in direct contact with Pakistan-based drug smugglers, according to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. The arrests were made in an intelligence-led operation by the Counter Intelligence (CI) unit in Amritsar, following inputs about individuals receiving a drug consignment from the Attari area. The DGP stated that preliminary investigations have revealed the involvement of a foreign-based individual identified as Bhullar, who is believed to be managing the gang.

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

UP: ED probes Chhangur Baba's Rs 106 cr conversion racket

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the assets and finances of Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, the alleged mastermind of an illegal religious-conversion racket in Uttar Pradesh. The ED has written to various authorities and banks to gather information and is expected to seek custodial remand for questioning.

In Beijing, Doval issues veiled warning to Pakistan

In Beijing, Doval issues veiled warning to Pakistan

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday called for shunning double standards in combating terrorism and urged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to hold accountable perpetrators, organisers and financers of cross-border terrorism, seen as reference to Pakistan.

Seniors gang rape student inside Kolkata college, main accused linked to TMC

Seniors gang rape student inside Kolkata college, main accused linked to TMC

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

A first-year student of a law college in south Kolkata was allegedly "gang-raped" inside the institution by an alumnus and two senior students of the institution, a police officer said on Friday.