‘More scams to be unearthed’: Siddaramaiah warns HDK, BSY, Vijayendra, R Ashoka

Mumbai, July 5: In a dramatic turn in Maharashtra politics, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray shared the stage for the first time in 20 years, fuelling intense speculation about a potential political realignment ahead of key civic elections.

Reuniting under the banner of "Marathi language and identity", the Thackeray cousins sent a powerful message from a packed event at Mumbai’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Stadium in Worli on Saturday—held to celebrate the state government's rollback of the controversial three-language policy in primary schools.

While the event was not under any formal political banner, its symbolism was unmistakable. As Uddhav (Shiv Sena-UBT chief) and Raj (MNS president) walked in together, and their sons Aaditya and Amit later embraced on stage, chants of “Thackeray brand is back together” echoed through the crowd.

“We’ve removed the distance between us… We’ve come together to stay together,” said Uddhav, triggering loud applause.

“What Balasaheb couldn’t do, Devendra Fadnavis did—he brought us together,” quipped Raj, mocking the deputy CM. “You may control Vidhan Bhawan, but we have the power on the streets.”

The duo reiterated their stand on Marathi pride, vowing to protect the language and oppose the imposition of Hindi or English-centric policies. Raj didn’t hold back:

“Everyone living here must know Marathi. But don’t go beating people and making videos—let them say they were beaten. You stay silent,” he said, half-jokingly, half-threateningly.

He also slammed the lack of Marathi in judiciary proceedings, demanding systemic change:

“Why is English the only language in courts in Maharashtra? Why not in UP or Bihar?”

Uddhav echoed the aggressive tone:

“Yes, we are goondas... if goondagiri is needed for justice, so be it.”

The event marks a potential political watershed, with the cousins not just sharing a stage but indicating possible joint campaigns—starting with the BMC polls. “We will capture Mumbai and Maharashtra together,” Uddhav declared.

With Balasaheb’s legacy looming large and opposition to the BJP sharpening, the reunion could reshape alliances in Maharashtra’s complex political landscape.

Mangaluru, July 17: In a distressing case that highlights the growing menace of cybercrime, a woman in Mangaluru was duped of ₹61.2 lakh after falling victim to a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam. The incident unfolded over a period of nearly three weeks, leaving the family shocked and the police urging the public to remain vigilant.

"Police Officers"

According to police reports, the woman received a call on June 19 from an unknown person who introduced himself as "Investigation Officer Sandeep" from Colaba Police Station in Mumbai. Speaking fluently in English, the caller claimed that the complainant’s identity had been used in serious crimes including human trafficking and drug smuggling. He also alleged that her Canara Bank account was being used for money laundering.

To intensify the pressure, the caller warned her not to speak about the matter with anyone, especially her husband, or else he could lose his job. Later the same day, she received multiple follow-up calls from other individuals.

On June 20, the woman received a WhatsApp video call from another man claiming to be "Investigation Officer Mohit Kumar." He repeated the earlier accusations and asked her to provide her PAN card and bank account details under the pretext of account verification. She was then instructed to transfer money to a series of bank accounts, with the assurance that the funds would be returned after verification.

Psychological Manipulation 

Out of fear and confusion, and under immense psychological pressure, the woman followed the instructions without informing her family. Between June 21 and July 9, she transferred ₹61.2 lakh in phases through RTGS to various accounts provided by the fraudsters.

When the demands for more money continued even after these large transfers, the woman finally confided in her husband and children. Realizing she had been deceived, the family approached the authorities. A case has been registered at the Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Crime Police Station.

What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?

A "digital arrest" scam involves fraudsters posing as law enforcement or government officials, accusing the victim of being involved in serious crimes and placing them under so-called "digital surveillance." They isolate the victim emotionally, threaten legal consequences, and coerce them into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information.

How to Protect Yourself

Mangaluru police have issued an advisory asking the public to stay alert and informed. Below are essential precautions:

Do:
•    Disconnect immediately if someone claims you're under investigation.
•    Contact the official number of the police or concerned agency to verify any such call.
•    Inform your family or close contacts if you're being threatened or asked to transfer money.
•    Report such incidents to the nearest police station or to the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Don’t:
•    Do not trust unknown callers claiming to be from police or investigation agencies.
•    Never share your PAN, bank details, OTPs, or personal documents over phone or messaging apps.
•    Do not transfer money based on verbal instructions from strangers.

A Serious Warning for All

This case serves as a powerful reminder that cyber fraud is evolving rapidly and no one is immune to its traps. The victim here was systematically manipulated through fear, isolation, and official-sounding threats.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and tracking the bank accounts used in the scam. Meanwhile, citizens are urged to remain cautious, talk openly about suspicious calls, and act fast to avoid becoming victims of similar fraud.

If in doubt, pause, verify, and protect yourself.

Mangaluru, July 12: A routine inspection at the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) turned fatal on Saturday when two field operators lost their lives after inhaling leaked Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) gas. The incident occurred near tank FB7029 A, a dry slop service unit with a floating roof, in the Oil Movement Area (OMS) of the plant.

The deceased have been identified as Deep Chandra Bhartiya (33) from Prayagraj and Bijil Prasad (33) from Kerala. A third operator, Vinayak Myageri from Gadag, who rushed to the tank in an attempt to rescue his colleagues, also fell ill due to gas exposure and is currently undergoing treatment in Mangaluru. His condition is reported to be stable.

According to Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H, the gas leak was minor and has since been contained. He confirmed that a police case will be filed based on the statements from the families of the deceased.

In a statement, MRPL said that both affected workers were found unconscious on top of the tank and were given first aid before being rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared them dead.

High-Level Probe Ordered

In response to the incident, MRPL has constituted a high-level committee of Group General Managers to investigate the exact cause of the gas leak and identify any lapses in safety protocols. The company also stated that all relevant statutory authorities are being informed.

Top Officials Visit Site

Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Santhish Kumar visited the site and held discussions with MRPL Managing Director Mundkur Shyamprasad Kamath. The ADC ordered a thorough inquiry and directed MRPL to provide generous compensation to the families of the victims. He also emphasized the urgent need to reinforce safety standards across the plant.

Mangaluru Tehsildar Prashath Patil and Surathkal Deputy Tehsildar Naveen Kumar were also present during the inspection.

As the investigation unfolds, the tragic deaths of two young field operators raise serious questions about on-ground safety practices and emergency response protocols at one of India’s key petrochemical hubs.