In a major breakthrough, Navi Mumbai Police, with assistance from Panipat Police, arrested Sukhbir Balbir Singh, alias Sukha, a notorious member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, on Thursday. Sukha is one of the prime suspects in a plot to assassinate Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The police traced him to a hotel in Panipat, where he was apprehended.

Sukha had reportedly conducted reconnaissance of Khan’s Panvel farmhouse as part of the plot. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang had placed a Rs 25 lakh bounty on the actor’s life, according to a charge sheet filed by Navi Mumbai Police.

Investigations revealed that 60 to 70 gang members had been tracking Khan’s movements between August 2023 and April 2024. Sukha is the sixth suspect arrested in the case, joining five others previously caught.

The gang aimed to procure advanced weapons from Pakistan, including AK-47s and M16 rifles. Sukha reportedly negotiated the arms deal with a Pakistan-based dealer via video call. The plot was foiled after a tip-off led to the arrest of key suspects.

Sukha, who also maintained an active social media presence flaunting weapons, is now in police custody, with further arrests expected as the investigation continues.

Maharashtra Launches Cyber Security Project to Combat Digital Crimes

The Launch

In response to the growing threat of cybercrime, the Maharashtra Home Department has unveiled the Maharashtra Cyber Security Project. Launched on October 15, 2024, at Millennium Business Park in Navi Mumbai, the initiative aims to fortify the state’s defenses against cyber fraud and digital criminal activities.

In collaboration with L&T Technology Services and KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services, the project focuses on creating a cutting-edge cybersecurity framework. It features four specialized centers: a Technical Support Centre, Technology Support Analysis Centre, CERT Maharashtra, and a dedicated Training Centre for law enforcement personnel.

Equipped with a command and control center utilizing over 50 forensic technologies, 17 threat intelligence tools, and 13 cybersecurity systems, the project leverages advanced innovations like AI and blockchain. More than 150 cybercrime forensics experts are involved in this effort.

The project ensures statewide coordination among 51 cyber labs and 43 cyber police stations, providing continuous technical support. Its comprehensive infrastructure includes a Cloud-Based Data Centre, a Centre of Excellence, and a Security Operation Centre.

Citizens can report cybercrime incidents via the 24/7 helpline 14407, a mobile app, or an online portal. The streamlined complaint system promises faster investigations and more efficient prosecution of cybercriminals.

A 31-year-old woman from Thane was scammed out of Rs 17 lakh in a drugs-in-parcel fraud, according to local police. On September 6, the complainant received a call from an unknown person claiming that a parcel addressed to her, being sent from Mumbai to Taiwan, had been intercepted. The caller alleged that the parcel contained MD drugs and informed her that a case had been filed against her with the narcotics department.

The woman denied booking any parcel, but the call was transferred to another person who posed as a police officer. The imposter then conducted a video call with her, pretending to record her statement for the investigation.

In order to avoid further scrutiny, the complainant was pressured into depositing Rs 17 lakh into a bank account provided by the scammer. After complying, she informed her family, who helped her realize she had been duped. The victim then approached the police to register a case.

Authorities are investigating the incident and have urged the public to be vigilant against such fraudulent schemes, where scammers use fear tactics to extort money. The case has highlighted the need for awareness regarding online fraud.