Accused allegedly posed as a prospective groom on Jeevansathi.com; accomplice arrested for handling the money.

The Arrest

Vashi police have arrested a 30-year-old home guard posted at Borivali railway station for allegedly cheating two women of Rs 29.68 lakh by posing as a prospective groom on a matrimonial website and promising to marry them. His alleged accomplice, Akash Mohanlal Verma, 26, was also arrested for helping handle the money.

The main accused, Nagesh Arjun Pawar, allegedly created a fake profile on Jeevansathi.com under the name Anvay Pawar. He reportedly claimed to be highly educated, well-employed and living in an upscale residential complex in Versova to gain the women’s trust.

According to Vashi Senior Police Inspector Shashikant Chandekar, Pawar allegedly cheated a woman from Vashi of Rs 16.25 lakh by taking loans in her name and misappropriating the money. He also allegedly cheated a civil engineer from Airoli of Rs 13.43 lakh on the pretext of investments and other expenses. A case was registered at Vashi police station on October 2. Following an investigation by Police Inspector Pradeep Lande and the cyber team, the two accused were traced to a hotel in Mira Road East and arrested on October 7.

Police suspect that Pawar deposited the fraudulently obtained money into Verma’s bank account. Verma allegedly withdrew the cash from ATMs and handed it over to Pawar. Investigators also found that three mobile phones worth Rs 5.10 lakh were allegedly purchased using the proceeds. Police said Pawar was also linked to similar cases registered at RCF police station in Mumbai and Rohini police station in Delhi. Investigations are underway to determine whether other women were targeted using the same method.

Corporation takes action against 456 people and seizes 430 dumpers in crackdown on unauthorised construction waste disposal.

The Cases

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has registered 171 cases and taken legal action against 456 people for illegally dumping construction debris between 2023 and August 30, 2026. The enforcement drive has also led to the seizure of 430 dumpers and several other heavy vehicles.

The campaign, led by CIDCO Chief Vigilance Officer Suresh Mengde, aims to prevent the unauthorised disposal of construction waste on CIDCO-acquired land, including plots reserved for major infrastructure projects such as the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Authorities are also targeting illegal excavation and the theft of natural soil. The number of cases has increased over the years, with 31 cases registered in 2023, 21 in 2024 and 46 in 2025. Another 69 cases were recorded by August 30, 2026.

Ulwe Police Station reported the highest number of cases in 2026, with 18, followed by Vashi with 15, Kharghar with 11, Uran with 10 and Panvel City with nine. Apart from the 430 dumpers, authorities seized seven trucks, one tempo, two JCB machines, two proclaims and one bulldozer. The operation involved CIDCO’s unauthorised construction department, engineering teams, senior officials and security personnel. Mengde said sustained enforcement had dealt a major blow to those involved and that the drive would continue. He urged citizens to report illegal dumping through CIDCO’s official website or the concerned police station.

CIDCO reiterated its commitment to protecting public land, safeguarding the environment and preventing illegal waste disposal amid rapid infrastructure development across Navi Mumbai, Panvel and Uran.

Grand arrival of Goddess Jagdamba marks nine days of devotion, Dandiya and community welfare activities.

The Festival

The 31st annual public Navratri festival organised by Sai Siddhi Mitra Mandal in Sector 21, Turbhe, began with devotion and enthusiasm. The festival is organised under the leadership of Prabhu Chavan, president of Jai Sevalal Seva Bhavi Sanstha. The grand arrival of Goddess Jagdamba, depicted with eight arms, was the highlight of the opening celebrations. Devotees welcomed the Goddess amid drumbeats, fireworks and a festive atmosphere. A lively performance by an artist portraying Lord Narasimha was another major attraction, captivating the gathering.

The mandal has maintained the tradition of celebrating Navratri for 31 years, bringing devotees together through religious and community activities. Speaking about this year’s celebrations, Prabhu Chavan said the nine-day festival would feature Dandiya Raas, a health camp and various religious and social initiatives.

The organisers will also assist residents with essential documentation, including Aadhaar cards, ration cards and PAN cards. Special senior citizen cards will be distributed to eligible elderly residents. Mahaprasad will also be served to devotees during the festival. The initiative aims to combine religious celebrations with community service, ensuring that the festival benefits residents beyond the traditional festivities. With devotional programmes, cultural activities and welfare initiatives planned throughout the nine days, the organisers hope to bring the local community together in a spirit of faith and service.