News for 'trafficking'

32 yrs on, Tiger Memon's 14 properties to be handed over to Centre

32 yrs on, Tiger Memon's 14 properties to be handed over to Centre

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A special court in Mumbai has ordered the transfer of 14 properties belonging to Tiger Memon, an alleged mastermind of the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, and his family to the central government. The properties, which were in the possession of the Bombay High Court's receiver since 1994, were forfeited under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEM) after proceedings initiated against Memon in 1993 based on a detention order issued by the Maharashtra government. The properties include a flat in Bandra, an office in Mahim, a plot in Santacruz, and several other properties across Mumbai.

US returns 307 antiquities worth $4m stolen, trafficked from India

US returns 307 antiquities worth $4m stolen, trafficked from India

Rediff.com19 Oct 2022

A globe spanning, 15-year investigation has led to the repatriation of 307 antiquities by the United States that were stolen and trafficked from India and valued at nearly four million dollars, the majority seized from disgraced art dealer Subhash Kapoor.

MDMA worth Rs 75 cr seized in biggest drug bust in K'taka, 2 held

MDMA worth Rs 75 cr seized in biggest drug bust in K'taka, 2 held

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Mangaluru Police in Karnataka have seized over 37 kg of MDMA, valued at Rs 75 crore, marking the biggest-ever drug haul in the state. Two South African nationals were arrested in Bengaluru in connection with the case. The operation stemmed from an earlier arrest six months ago, leading authorities to an international drug network with links to traffickers using air routes between Delhi and Bengaluru. The arrested individuals are suspected of supplying drugs to Nigerian peddlers and using forged passports and visas for travel. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded the police operation and highlighted the government's commitment to building a drug-free society.

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Ahmedabad civic authorities launched a massive demolition drive on Tuesday, razing over 2,000 illegally constructed houses and properties in the Chandola Lake area. The operation, which involved around 50 teams equipped with earthmovers and 2,000 police personnel, was carried out days after illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were detained from these settlements. The Gujarat High Court declined to stay the action, observing that the dwellings were situated on the periphery of the water body and therefore subject to demolition under the Land Revenue Code. Authorities also demolished the illegal farmhouse of Lalu Pathan, alleged mastermind behind the encroachments, who is suspected to have helped illegal immigrants obtain rental accommodation and Aadhaar cards.

Donkey agents misuse visa on arrival for trafficking, 11 held

Donkey agents misuse visa on arrival for trafficking, 11 held

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

The countries offering visa-on-arrival service to Indian nationals have been exploited as 'Donkey Routes' by agents for people who endeavour to reach the United States and Canada.

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Another US plane to bring 119 deportees, Punjab CM cries foul

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States will deport 119 Indian nationals who were living in the country illegally. The individuals will arrive in Amritsar, India, on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted the need to combat human trafficking. This deportation follows the arrival of a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants earlier this month. Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump discussed the issue of illegal immigration during their joint press conference, emphasizing the need to dismantle the "ecosystem" of human trafficking. Modi emphasized India's willingness to take back its citizens residing illegally in the US, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration was raised during the discussions, stressing the need to address the root causes of the problem. India seeks cooperation from the US to dismantle the rackets and ecosystems that facilitate illegal immigration, potentially involving collaboration between law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

5 trafficked Uzbek women go missing from Delhi shelter home, DCW summons top cop

5 trafficked Uzbek women go missing from Delhi shelter home, DCW summons top cop

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

The Delhi Commission for Women on Wednesday summoned a senior Delhi police officer after five of the seven Uzbek women, who were allegedly trafficked and sexually exploited in India, went missing from a private shelter home in New Delhi.

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Deported Haryana man recounts 6-month 'dunki' journey via 11 nations to US

Deported Haryana man recounts 6-month 'dunki' journey via 11 nations to US

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A Haryana man who paid Rs 35 lakh to agents to facilitate his journey to the USA via the 'dunki' route was deported back to India after being apprehended in the US. The man, Pankaj Rawat, has filed a complaint with the Gujarat police accusing the agents of human trafficking and cheating.

Drug lord wanted by FBI arrested in Ludhiana

Drug lord wanted by FBI arrested in Ludhiana

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Punjab police have arrested an Indian-origin transnational drug lord, wanted by the FBI in connection with one of the largest narcotics seizures in the US. Shehnaz Singh, also known as Shawn Bhinder, had been operating under the guise of a transportation business in Canada since 2014 and allegedly facilitated the movement of drugs from Colombia to the US and Canada via Mexico. Bhinder was arrested in Ludhiana, Punjab, after he had managed to give a slip to FBI sleuths and clandestinely landed in India. He was wanted by the FBI in connection with a seizure of 391 kg methamphetamine, 109 kg cocaine, four sophisticated weapons, and vehicles from six of his associates on February 26, 2025.

Human trafficking in India

Human trafficking in India

Rediff.com8 Mar 2018

In the year 2016, 8132 human trafficking cases have been reported in India.

Trump imposes 25% tariff on Canada, 10% on China

Trump imposes 25% tariff on Canada, 10% on China

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump has announced a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10 per cent tariff on goods from China, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the smuggling of drugs, including fentanyl.

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Review: Entertaining Crime Saga

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Review: Entertaining Crime Saga

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

An upright police officer fighting wrongdoing is something we have seen umpteen times before, but Khakee: The Bengal Chapter holds our interest, thanks to a layered and complex story with a dozen of well-detailed characters, observes Mayur Sanap.

ED probes agents' network facilitating Indians' illegal US entry via Canada

ED probes agents' network facilitating Indians' illegal US entry via Canada

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a complex network of agents and facilitators in India, Canada, and the US who assist Indians in illegally entering the US through fraudulent admissions to Canadian colleges. Over 8,500 financial transactions are under scrutiny by the ED in a case related to money laundering, stemming from a 2023 Gujarat Police crime branch FIR. The investigation includes international financial companies involved in remittances abroad, with the ED conducting 35 searches in the past year and seizing assets worth Rs 92 lakh. The issue has gained significant attention following the deportation of 104 Indians from the US on Wednesday. The investigation is linked to the tragic death of an Indian family in January 2022, who perished while attempting to cross the Canada-US border illegally. The ED has identified a network of agents and facilitators who manage and facilitate the stay, transportation, visa arrangements, and legal matters of illegal immigrants who gained admission to Canadian colleges through fraudulent means. The investigation has revealed that the fees paid to Canadian colleges were remitted back to individuals' accounts, with around 8,500 transactions identified between September 2021 and August 2024. The ED suspects that approximately 370 individuals have entered the US using this illegal immigration scheme. The agency has recorded statements from parents and guardians of students enrolled in Canadian colleges and continues its investigation.

Why Do They Use Dunki Route To Leave India?

Why Do They Use Dunki Route To Leave India?

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

How have aspirations, ambitions and hopes broken down for these young men from the most advanced parts of India? asks Mihir S Sharma.

Navy Seeks To Build Bonds With African Nations

Navy Seeks To Build Bonds With African Nations

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The maiden Africa India Key Maritime Engagement exercise will be held from April 13 to 18 off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Pakistan's ISI team in Bangladesh, India 'keeps a close watch'

Pakistan's ISI team in Bangladesh, India 'keeps a close watch'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The visit to Dhaka by the Pakistani military officials came after a delegation of Bangladeshi military officials toured Pakistan and held meetings with the three service chiefs.

Hours after Modi's US visit, 2 planes to bring deportees

Hours after Modi's US visit, 2 planes to bring deportees

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

A US plane carrying 119 illegal Indian immigrants is expected to land at Amritsar airport on February 15, the second such batch of Indians deported by the Trump administration as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. The plane is expected to land around 10 pm on Saturday. The 119 deportees include 67 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Another US plane carrying deportees is also expected to land on February 16. This development comes days after a US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants landed at the Amritsar airport last week. Most of the deportees hailing from Punjab said they wanted to migrate to the US for a better life for their families. However, their dreams were shattered when they were caught at the US border and brought back in shackles. The Trump administration has launched a crackdown against illegal immigrants since taking office, leading to the deportation of many people who entered the US through illegal means. Several political leaders in Punjab have questioned the landing of US aircraft in Amritsar, with Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema alleging that the BJP-led Central government wants to defame Punjab. The Punjab government has formed a special investigation team to probe the issue of illegal human trafficking following the deportation of Indian citizens domiciled in Punjab from the US. The SIT has so far registered 10 FIRs against fraudulent immigration consultants based on statements from deportees.

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Asim Munir and his brand of short-sighted army officers give no inkling of paying heed, changing course or learning lessons from the past, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'Cybercrime has surpassed drug trafficking'

'Cybercrime has surpassed drug trafficking'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2022

Financial institutions are 300 times more vulnerable to cyberattacks than any other industry.

India summons Bangladesh envoy amid border row

India summons Bangladesh envoy amid border row

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The summon to the Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner comes a day after the Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma was summoned by the Bangladesh foreign ministry on Sunday.

700 kg drugs seized, 8 'Iranians' held along Gujarat coast

700 kg drugs seized, 8 'Iranians' held along Gujarat coast

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

A joint operation by anti-narcotics agencies led to the seizure of about 700 kg of drugs and the arrest of eight Iranian nationals from Indian territorial waters off the Gujarat coast around Porbandar on Friday.

F-35, Rana extradition: Big takeaways from Modi-Trump meet

F-35, Rana extradition: Big takeaways from Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

During the talks, India and the US decided to take a big leap in broad-basing their strategic ties in several critical areas.

Bengaluru is India's child trafficking capital

Bengaluru is India's child trafficking capital

Rediff.com13 Nov 2019

Children between the ages of 10 and 14 continue to be brought to Garden City from villages in north India after their parents are paid a nominal amount and promised a job, shelter and work in Karnataka.

Singapore executes mentally disabled Indian-origin drug trafficker

Singapore executes mentally disabled Indian-origin drug trafficker

Rediff.com27 Apr 2022

The court dismissed the last-ditch appeal by his mother, saying Dharmalingam has been given "due process in accordance with the law".

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

2nd US flight with 119 deportees to arrive in Punjab today

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the US, followed by another 119 set to arrive in Amritsar on Saturday night, has sparked controversy in India over the treatment of returnees. The US government's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants has led to criticism of the use of handcuffs and shackles for deportees, even those who have committed no crimes beyond immigration violations. The issue has led to heated debates in the Indian Parliament, with opposition leaders demanding an inquiry into the deportation process. The Indian government is engaging with US officials to ensure the humane treatment of deportees, while also facing the challenge of reintegrating returnees into Indian society. The deportations highlight the ongoing tension between border control and human rights, and the complexities of US-India relations.

Trump pauses tariffs as Canada ramps up border security

Trump pauses tariffs as Canada ramps up border security

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that Canada will implement a $1.3 billion border plan aimed at stopping the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

Chhattisgarh man sent to Laos for 'cyber slavery', 3 held

Chhattisgarh man sent to Laos for 'cyber slavery', 3 held

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Police have arrested three persons from Mumbai, including a woman, for allegedly trafficking a man from Chhattisgarh's Durg district for 'cyber slavery' in Laos in southeast Asia and cheating him of Rs 2 lakh, an official said on Wednesday.

Duped by agent, Indian woman returns from Pakistan after 22 years

Duped by agent, Indian woman returns from Pakistan after 22 years

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

An Indian woman who was living in Pakistan for the last 22 years after being fraudulently brought here by a travel agent returned to her homeland via the Wagah Border on Monday, an official said.

Republic Day: CRPF awarded highest number of 21 gallantry medals

Republic Day: CRPF awarded highest number of 21 gallantry medals

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been awarded the highest number of police gallantry medals, 21, including two Shaurya Chakras, on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 95 bravery medals were awarded to personnel from state and central police forces, fire service, home guard, civil defence, and correctional services. The CRPF's medals included 11 for operations in Jammu and Kashmir, seven for anti-Maoist operations, and one for an operation in the northeast. The second-highest number of medals went to Uttar Pradesh (17), followed by Jammu and Kashmir (15), Chhattisgarh (11), and the Border Security Force (5).

Suzhal: The Vortex 2 Review: Gripping

Suzhal: The Vortex 2 Review: Gripping

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Suzhal: The Vortex 2 is a compelling watch with a tightly woven narrative, elevated by powerful performances, notes Divya Nair.

Why Ayesha Jhulka Stepped Away From Films

Why Ayesha Jhulka Stepped Away From Films

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'I've not been doing much work because I was not getting the kind of roles I want to do.'

Illegal Bangladeshi infiltration case: ED raids in Jharkhand, Bengal

Illegal Bangladeshi infiltration case: ED raids in Jharkhand, Bengal

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

A total of 17 places are being covered in the two neighbouring states by the Jharkhand office of the federal probe agency.

'When Boys Are Rejected By A Girl, They Resort To Toxicity'

'When Boys Are Rejected By A Girl, They Resort To Toxicity'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'The male-dominant Indian culture displays a lot of violence, a lot of aggression towards women.'

Punjab CM Mann sacks senior cop over nexus with drug traffickers

Punjab CM Mann sacks senior cop over nexus with drug traffickers

Rediff.com18 Apr 2023

Mann also asked the vigilance bureau to investigate the wealth amassed by the police officer through alleged "drug money".

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Azaad Review: The Horse Is The Star

Azaad Review: The Horse Is The Star

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

When Ajay Devgn and the horse are off the screen, Azaad loses the little spark it has, feels Deepa Gahlot.

HC suspends 2-yr jail term of Daler Mehndi in trafficking case

HC suspends 2-yr jail term of Daler Mehndi in trafficking case

Rediff.com15 Sep 2022

The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday suspended the jail term of Punjabi pop singer Daler Mehndi, who was convicted by a Patiala court in a 2003 human trafficking case.

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

'Strongly told US...': India on treatment of deportees

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern to the US authorities over the treatment of deportees on a flight that landed on February 5, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also registered its concerns regarding the need to accommodate the religious sensitivities and food preferences of the deportees. The US side has confirmed that no women or children were restrained on the deportation flights that landed in India on 15th and 16th February, 2025.

Telegram founder Durov barred from leaving France

Telegram founder Durov barred from leaving France

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, is under formal investigation related to illicit activities on the messaging app.